From the serene waters of Ha Long Bay to the cultural heartland of Siem Reap, aquatic paradise and vast expanses of storied temples balance in harmony with the energetic pace of Vietnam and Cambodia’s cosmopolitan centres.

The horizon shifts in the space of days — limestone pillars first rising out of emerald seas, then the spires of mythical Khmer temples soaring above a vast blanket of ever-growing jungle. Contrasts unfold as natural sanctuaries offer serene pauses between visits to Vietnam’s historic capital, Hanoi, and Cambodia’s second-largest city, Siem Reap. In Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays, karst-strewn waters immortalised in legend see two nights aboard the luxurious Lyra Grandeur flow in rhythm with the tides. Cambodia then beckons, where three nights in Siem Reap reveal a dynamic city pulsing with atmosphere, artistry and the magnetic pull of Angkor Wat.

Waters Steeped in Nature's Splendour

A few hours east of Hanoi, where dynasties once shaped Vietnam’s destiny, lie Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays — World Heritage-listed wonderlands steeped in nature’s towering splendour. Limestone karsts rise like sentinels from jade-green waters, their sheer cliffs softened by drifting mist. At dusk, the sky melts into hues of copper and mauve as sundowner drinks are savoured on deck: the scent of sea salt in the air, the hush of water lapping gently against the hull, and the silhouettes of islets fading into twilight. As night falls, starlit dinners beckon — the bays' limestone guardians perennially standing watch.

Aboard the brand-new Lyra Grandeur, each suite’s private balcony and ocean-view bathtub frame the ever-present beauty outside, while interiors blend contemporary Vietnamese design with lavish traditional motifs. Indulgence is absolute — the Oasis Deck’s infinity pool, jacuzzi and Nordic-style sauna pair with first-class amenities inside to match the luxuries of the finest five-star hotels. Guests enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the opulent piano lounge before descending to the Harmony of the Sea Restaurant, and the onboard spa, theatre and poker club offer myriad ways to unwind. Morning greets with Tai Chi on the sunlit deck, the flowing movements harmonising with the bay’s shifting moods — tranquil yet elemental, timeless yet ever-changing.

Days unfold with discovery. Cruise past the striking islets of Lan Ha Bay while a vivid spread of Vietnamese dishes is served for lunch, cycle through the lush jungles of Cat Ba Island to Viet Hai village, and explore one of the community’s traditional ancient houses before learning the art of rice wine-making. Glide into the otherworldly Dark and Bright Caves aboard traditional bamboo rowing boats, swim in the serene waters of Frog Lagoon, and sunbathe on the pristine sands of Ba Trai Dao Beach. Or simply relax on board—the choice is always yours.

Echoes of the Khmer Empire

If Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays are nature’s canvas, Siem Reap is civilisation’s. The gateway to Angkor Archaeological Park, this spirited city fuses centuries of Khmer artistry with the pulse of contemporary Cambodia. At dawn, Angkor Wat rises through the mist, its reflection mirrored in still pools as the first saffron light brushes across intricately carved stone. The air is cool and scented with incense, and anticipation builds towards one of the world’s most unforgettable sunrises. Beyond the park’s namesake temple, countless monumental structures stand in splendour—from Angkor Thom and the Bayon to Ta Prohm and the Terrace of the Elephants. The temple complex was established in the 12th century, and, though remarkably intact today, the encroaching jungle has woven itself through the stonework, creating surreal scenes of nature’s reclamation.

Back in Siem Reap, the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort provides an opulent retreat of French-inspired elegance, its gardens adorned with frangipani and lotus ponds. Evenings carry the allure of discovery: at Theam’s Gallery, an intimate dinner of fragrant Khmer cuisine unfolds beside the shimmering silks and poised gestures of an Apsara performance. By day, encounters deepen understanding — a visit to Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA), where children share their creativity through performance and painting, is as uplifting as it is inspiring.

Immersive experiences reveal Siem Reap’s many dimensions: ride quad bikes past emerald rice fields, restore balance with a Khmer massage infused with lemongrass oils, learn culinary secrets in a hands-on cooking class, or discover artisanal crafts at Senteurs d’Angkor. Each adds a deeper thread to Cambodia’s cultural tapestry.

The Journey Beyond

Together, Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, paired with Siem Reap, offer a study in contrasts — one of nature, one of legacy — yet each stirs the soul in equal measure. From here, the journey flows onwards along Southeast Asia’s longest river, where a seven-night cruise unveils still more wonders through Cambodia’s authentic rural outposts en route to Ho Chi Minh City.