Astounding Southeast Asia trip to seven destinations with classic sleeper train & Halong Bay cruise

The adventure of a lifetime to seven destinations across Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, with highlights including a sleeper train to Sapa, a luxury junk-ship cruise at the secret end of Halong Bay and a five-star island escape

Days 1-3: Hanoi

Vietnam boasts miles of coastline and some of the most phenomenal scenery on the planet. It’s a country that can put your head in a spin, perhaps most of all in the capital city. Discover the history-steeped Old Quarter and the grandeur of Hanoi's monumental Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, pausing for banh mi and rich local coffee.

Distance from Noi Bai International airport: 25km

Days 3-5: Lan Ha Bay

Set sail through both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, a less-crowded version of its beautiful neighbour, spending three days and two nights aboard a luxurious Amour Cruises ship. While on board, explore Lan Ha Bay’s stunning limestone islands, mysterious caves and sparkling waters with activities like kayaking and swimming, visit unique Viet Hai fishing village and peaceful Ba Ham Lake. On board, try your hand at fishing and watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration.

Distance from Hanoi: 120km (round trip)

Days 5-6: Hanoi

Return to Vietnam’s capital for one night.

Days 6-7 : Victoria Express Train

You’ll travel to Sapa next - and by no ordinary means. Aboard the Victoria Express Train, journey overnight into the cooler climes of this mountainous region. From the comfort of your kitted-out cabin you can enjoy views of the passing green landscapes as the sun rises.

Distance to Sapa: 300km

Days 7-9: Sapa

The emerald-green jewel of north-west Vietnam, Sapa is a wonderland of mist-shrouded valleys, undulating hills and staggered rice terraces. It’s paradise for hikers, with highlights including the Silver Waterfall, Ham Rong Mountain and the Moung Hoa Valley.

Distance from Lao Cai station: 35km

Days 9-11: Luang Prabang

Relatively new to tourism, this mountainous, uncrowded country is shaped by the mighty Mekong River that flows from China through to Vietnam. In this UNESCO-protected city, experience the morning bustle of Phousi Market, visit the local villages of Lao ethnic minority groups, or take a trip to the staggering Khuang Si Waterfalls.

Distance from Luang Prabang International: 5km

Days 11-14: Siem Reap

Hop over to Cambodia's north, where the star attraction is breathtaking Angkor Wat. Spread over 162 hectares, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of hundreds of temples including surreal Ta Prohm and Angkor Thom. Once you're templed out, delve deeper into the area’s storied past with a visit to Angkor National Museum or people-watch on Pub Street.

Distance from Siem Reap International: 12km

Days 14-17: Koh Russey

From Siem Reap, you'll travel off the beaten path to Alila Villas Koh Russey - a five-star modern marvel on a tiny island off the Cambodian coast. Here on its 1.2-kilometre stretch of private beach, you can relax in complete seclusion or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. Though the sleek spaces may be a delight to the eye, this eco-conscious hideaway offers more than a lesson in minimalism. With an infinity pool, incredible spa and local hospitality at its heart, it’s a world-class hideout that made The Times' 'best new hotels for 2019' list.

Distance from Sihanoukville International airport: 5km and 10 minutes by speedboat

Days 17-18: Ho Chi Minh City

Lastly, you’ll travel to ever-evolving Ho Chi Minh City, home to the 19th-century Central Post Office and Saigon’s own Notre-Dame Cathedral. Venture out to the Cu Chi tunnels and delve into the country’s wartime history, or simply wile away time experiencing local through the amazing food, from steaming bowls of pho to potently strong coffee.

Distance from Tan Son Nhat International airport: 10km