Welcome to Siem Reap, the gateway to the enigmatic jungle temples of Angkor. Upon arrival, a friendly local guide will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the quaint yet bustling town of Siem Reap, a hidden gem of word-class wining and dining, kind locals, and charming markets.
After breakfast at your hotel, your awe-inspiring tour of Angkor begins. Entering through the grand South Gate, you’ll explore Angkor Thom, the last capital of the once great Khmer Empire, with the 216 enigmatic faces of The Bayon at its centre. Still within the ancient city walls, you’ll marvel at the view from the summit of Baphuon, the enormous temple mountain, affording unspoiled views over the surrounding ruins. You’ll round off the morning poring over the intricate bas-relief of the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King, before having lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you’ll venture deeper into the jungle to the crumbling ruins of Ta Prohm. Here you’ll witness the monstrous jungle vines and sprawling tree roots that seem intent on claiming the ruins as their own. We cap off our day of adventuring with a delicious welcome dinner at a traditional Apsara dance performance at Angkor Village Resort.
After breakfast, you will witness the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat, in all its glory. This incredible twelfth century monument stands testament to the dedication and skill of the ancient Khmer people and is truly a wonder of the world.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll savour the remote peace of Banteay Srei, or the ‘Citadel of Beauty,’ some 20 km away. This less-frequented woodland temple is beautifully preserved and is incomparable with any other in Angkor. En route to your hotel, we stop at a rural Khmer village to give you insight into the everyday lives of the friendly local people. The evening is yours to explore Siem Reap some more.
After breakfast you’ll head for the Tonlé Sap, dominating the map of Cambodia as the largest freshwater lake in southeast asia. While here, you’ll observe life on the lake for the fishermen and their families who make their homes on the stilt-housing in the water. Once back on dry land, you’ll have the chance to stroll through Psar Chas, a bustling old market, where you’ll find your pick of souvenirs to treat loved-ones back at home.After lunch, you’ll be taken to the airport for your short flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s industrious capital at the confluence of the of the mighty Mekong and the Tonlé Sap. The evening is yours to stroll along the idyllic waterfront.
After breakfast, your experience of this city rich in history begins with a stroll around the pristine gardens of the Royal Residence, before taking in the impressive collection of sculpture, relics and prehistoric artefacts in the National Museum of Cambodia. Next you’ll marvel at the soaring spires and golden nagas of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, glinting in the mid-morning sun.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll spend a reflective afternoon touring the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Cambodia’s recent tragic history is well-known, yet you can’t truly appreciate the great strides forward this quaint Kingdom has made without understanding the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge, committed less than 40 years ago. The evening is your own to indulge in all this now rejuvenated city has to offer.
Today you’re free to explore this lively city on your own, soaking in the breathtaking natural scenery and the rich culture. Indulge your senses with the fascinating new sounds, smells, and sights of the capital. When it’s time to leave, your guide will collect you and take you to the airport for your ongoing flight to Ho Chi Minh City.Upon your arrival in Ho Chi Minh, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore on your own.
After breakfast at your hotel, you will start your day with a fascinating tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of tunnels made by the Viet Cong during the war. These mysterious tunnels functioned as underground cities, complete with living quarters, hospitals, schools, meeting rooms, kitchens and supply routes. On the way back to the city, you will join a traditional Vietnamese cooking class, including a charming trip to a local market where you can pick your own ingredients. At the end of the lesson, you may sit down to enjoy your delicious meal!
After lunch, drive back to Ho Chi Minh and enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing, which will include admiring the architecture of the Central Post Office, a taste of a local marketplace at the Binh Tay Market, learning more about the wars of Vietnam and their effects on the country at the War Remnants Museum and finally visiting the impressive French colonial-style City Hall.The evening is yours to explore the city and sample some of the world's favourite food.
Today, you will be picked up from your hotel in the early morning and your guide will transfer you to Ben Tre. You will meet your guide at Ham Luong River where you will board your Mango Cruise. Settle into your cabin and prepare for a breathtaking 2-day journey along the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail as we set sail to Mo Cay. Our first stop will be the Mo Cay local wet market where you will see many food stalls full of local produce and fresh meats, including strange exotic delicacies such as rat and snake. As we continue to cruise through the canals, we will make another stop to see the local coconut pressing where coconut oils and fibers are made.
Upon your return to the ship, you will be given free time to relax and have a cold drink and delicious lunch on deck. We will then head down the Vung Liem Canal to visit the traditional brickworks in the lively town of Vung Liem. Next, you will be given a bicycle tour around town, visiting the fascinating Cao Dai and Khmer temples.We will now set sail to Tra On, where we will stop for the night. You will be given some free time to lounge and freshen up before a cooking demonstration and mouth-watering 5-course dinner on board. The rest of the evening is yours to relax and enjoy the sounds of the surrounding nature.Overnight on board.
Arise early to explore the Tra On floating market as we make our way towards Can Tho. Next, visit the spectacular Cai Rang floating market, where we will transfer to a smaller boat and mingle amongst the thousands of trading vessels. Wander through the local boats and enjoy tasting the various fruits and drinks from the stands.
After our visit to the floating markets, you will return to your cruise and enjoy the dazzling scenery before being dropped off at Ninh Kieu Quay in Can Tho where you will again be greeted by your private guide.In the afternoon, you will be taken back to Ho Chi Minh City where the rest of the day will be yours to explore, shop and wander as you please.
This morning is your last chance to wander around the city and soak up its thriving atmosphere.When the time comes, you will take you to the airport to continue your onward journey to Nha Trang, a gorgeous coastal town known for its powdery white sand beaches. Upon your arrival, your local guide will take you to your hotel to check-in. The rest of the day yours to relax or go and explore Nha Trang’s stunning beaches.
Time for a bit of rest and relaxation. Today is yours to soak up the sunshine, take a dip in the ocean and explore the town.We recommend a trip to the mud baths at Thap Ba Hot Springs or a hike to Ba Ho Waterfall.
Spend your last hours in Nha Trang in the afternoon before you are whisked away on a flight to Hanoi, the ever-so-charming cultural capital of Vietnam. Once you arrive at the airport in Hanoi, your lovely local guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore this delightful town.
After breakfast, you will enjoy a lovely morning touring around Hanoi city. You will begin with a visit to The Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Stilt House, Presidential Palace and Museum. Then, you will discover the One Pillar Pagoda, a temple which rises from the centre of one pillar and is said to be have been built in the shape of a lotus. Finish your day with a stroll around the Fine Arts Museum; showcasing pieces from a range of historical periods.
Following a delicious local lunch, your afternoon will be spent at the fascinating Ethnologic Museum, where you can learn a bit about the many different ethnic minorities in Vietnam. After this, you'll be taken to visit the ancient Hoan Kiem Lake, where you will learn about the interesting mythology that surrounds it. Today’s tour ends with a special tour where you may discover the picturesque Old Quarter by cyclo or rickshaw.Return to your hotel to freshen up and relax. This evening, enjoy a cultural treat! You will be attending a famous Water Puppet Show at the theatre.
This morning is your last chance to wander around the city and soak up the thriving atmosphere.When the time comes, your guide will take you to the airport to continue your onward journey. Vietnam is a unique cultural experience and hopefully you will have a newfound appreciation for this incredible country and it's people.
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