Your Holiday Itinerary
Bangkok to Saigon -
Angkor Wat and the Mekong Delta
DAY 1:
Fly from your chosen airport to Amsterdam. Here you will join your connecting overnight flight to Bangkok.
DAY 2:
Morning arrival in Bangkok where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay on a bed and buffet breakfast basis. This afternoon we include a city tour that features the Temples of the Golden Buddha and the Reclining Buddha. This evening, you might like to sample the vibrant nightlife in Bangkok.
DAY 3:
Today, don't miss our optional excursion to the River Kwai, taking you to this infamous bridge and ‘Death Railway’. This excursion also includes a train ride to Namtoke. This evening, we offer an optional Thai Dinner Dance.
DAY 4:
A day at leisure or to join our fabulous tour to the Floating Market & Rose Garden.
This evening, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Saigon. With a booming free-market economy, Saigon is one of the world’s most extraordinary cities. Now officially named as Ho Chi Minh City, but still more affectionately known as Saigon, this fascinating city is one of amazing contrasts. Upon arrival in Saigon we will transfer you to your centrally located hotel for a two night stay. To welcome you to Vietnam we include dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 5:
This morning we will journey to the Cu Chi region, where you can visit the vast underground network of tunnels built first as a defence against the French, and later expanded during the American war. After lunch we include a sightseeing tour of Saigon, taking in highlights such as the former Presidential Palace and the impressive neo-Romanesque cathedral of Notre Dame. There may also be time for shopping at the Central Market.
DAY 6:
Today we will travel out into the surrounding countryside, passing lush rice paddies, before boarding a motorised boat for a unique experience on the mighty Mekong Delta waterways. You will then take an overland trip to Cai Be township where you will see the floating markets, before continuing by boat through the tributaries of the Mekong Delta to Vinh Long, stopping for lunch. This afternoon we will drive to Can Tho, a university town in the heart of the Delta, where you can visit the Muniwangsyaram Pagoda - a typical Khmer Buddhist pagoda. Accommodation is included for one night.
DAY 7:
After breakfast we include a journey by motorised boat along the lower Mekong River to the extraordinary floating market of Cai Rang. After lunch it’s on to Chau Doc, where we will visit Sam Mountain for great views out over the rice paddies to the Cambodian Border. We will stay here in Chau Doc one night.
DAY 8:
A morning visit to Cham village, where you can see the unique sight of floating homes on the river, before continuing on a scenic journey by speed boat into Cambodia, arriving at its capital city, Phnom Penh, for two nights.
DAY 9:
An included tour of Phnom Penh will take you to visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, as well as the National Museum of Khmer Art and Archaeology. After lunch at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club, overlooking the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, we will visit the chilling Tuol Sleng Museum - former detention centre of the Khmer Rouge, and Killing Fields. You can also shop at the Russian Market.
DAY 10:
Today we head overland to Siem Reap for a three night stay, passing Kompong Thom.
DAY 11:
This morning we travel the short distance to the Angkor complex to visit the fortified city of Angkor Thom. Inside you’ll find the stunning 12th century Bayon Temple with its famous ‘face’ carvings from Hindu mythology. This afternoon is sure to be one of the highlights of your tour as we visit the awesome Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world, with its 180ft high central tower and intricate bas-reliefs.
DAY: 12
Early this morning we offer the chance to visit Angkor Wat at sunrise - a truly memorable sight! After breakfast we return again to the Angkor complex to visit more temples including Thommanon, Chao Say and the remarkable Ta Prohm, which has limbs and roots of giant Banyan trees growing through its ancient walls and towers. This afternoon we’ll visit Preah Kahn, the ‘sacred sword’, which is currently being preserved by the World Monument Fund.
DAY 13:
A morning boat ride on the Tonle Sap, passing bamboo fishing villages and the Sunken Forest. You will then have time at a craft market. After lunch we transfer to the airport for the flight to Bangkok and onward flight to Amsterdam.
DAY 14:
Upon arrival in Amsterdam you will join your connecting flight to the UK.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
Rooms at all hotels have en suite facilities, air-conditioning and many other amenities.
Nights 2 - 3: Century Park Hotel, Bangkok
The 3* Regent Resort boasts excellent facilities in an ideal beach setting, including three swimming pools.
Nights 4 - 5: Duxton Hotel, Saigon
Ideally located in the heart of the city, this hotel offers a Health Club with gym, sauna and spa.
Night 6: Victoria Can Tho Hotel, Cantho
This colonial-style hotel is set in picturesque landscaped gardens, overlooking the Hau River. Facilities include an outdoor pool.
Night 7: Victoria Hotel, Chau Doc
Overlooking the Bassaz River, this welcoming hotel boasts an outdoor pool with sun terrace.
Nights 8 - 9: Sunway Hotel, Phnom Penh
Located in one of Phnom Penh’s most exclusive areas, this hotel offers a gym and beauty salon.
Nights 10 - 12: Borei A ngkor Hotel, Siem Reap
Situated in a peaceful location, amongst colourful gardens, this luxurious hotel boasts a large outdoor pool and a well-equipped gym.
Please note that meals may be served at local restaurants or hotels and some lunches may be boxed and eaten en route.
