ITINERARY
Day 1: Siem Reap Arrival – Angkor National Museum – Sunset Boat RideWelcome to Siem Reap, the provincial capital and gateway to the ancient Angkor Temples. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, BanteaySrei and the legendary Angkor Wat. Your guide from Travel Cambodia will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel for check-in.
We will visit the Angkor National Museum before boarding the sunset boat cruise on TonleOum South Gate for Angkor Thom. Here you can relax and enjoy a drink. This evening, you will enjoy a welcome dinner with Khmer Traditional Music – Apsara Dance performances at local restaurant.
Meals: DinnerAccommodation: Hotel in Siem ReapDay 2: Sunrise at Angkor Wat – Angkor Thom – Ta ProhmWake up early to be transferred for picking up the most beautiful, haunting and spiritual moment to visit magnificent Angkor Wat at dawn. This special activity is designed also to help you see “the Temple reflex on the water” when it’s much cooler and less crowded. Angkor Wat, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was constructed by Suryavarman II who reigned Cambodia from 1113 to 1152 and built the five towers in the 12th century and dedicated them to the Hindu God Vishnu. The plan of the pyramidal conception of the temple combined with spaces, alleys and ditches is an ancient masterpiece of architectural design and construction.
For your most convenience, a table with hot tea or coffee and breakfast box arranged by
Travel Cambodia will be served right on site of Angkor Wat.
This is our way to avoid the crowd when they go back to their hotel for breakfast.
Our journey continues with visiting South Gate of Angkor Thom, with its majestic doors and artifacts. From here, ride on an elephant to monumental temple of Bayon which is the heart of Angkor Thom. Later, visit the Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King and Takeo "Jewel of Crystal", which is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and was erected at the end of the 10th century. Leaving Angkor Thom by the North Gate, you travel to Preah Khan (Sacred Sword), one of Angkor’s largest temples, constructed in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII. You should not miss Ta Prohm Temple, which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty with its giant trees that have grown there for centuries. You may have your lunch at local restaurant near Srah Srong on your own account but we suggest the reservation.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 3: Rolous Group – Village Lunch – Beng Mealea TemplesToday we visit some of the oldest temples in the Angkor complex. Drive out of town to the ancient capital of King Indravarman I (877-889), now referred to as the Rolous Group and known as the birthplace of classical Khmer art and architecture. Stop for lunch then continue on to visit the incredible jungle-covered temple, Beng Mealea. This distant temple is a gem in the midst of the jungle; half strangled with vines and decorated by lichen, Beng Mealea visiting this site is a true adventure experience. On the way back to Siem Reap, visit a shadow puppet workshop and enjoy a traditional performance put on by the “Little Angels” orphanage and school. Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon.
After all the exploring we have a treat for you, a complimentary 60 minute foot massage! Enjoy some relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast, LunchAccommodation: Hotel in Siem ReapDay 4: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake - Drive to Phnom PenhThis morning we visit Cambodia’s largest fresh-water lake, Tonle Sap Lake. Embark on a traditional wooden boat for a tour along the lake to visit the local floating village. Our driver will take you on the 5 hour journey along the Mekong River to Phnom Penh; Cambodia’s vibrant capital city. . The journey offers an excellent opportunity to observe rural Cambodian life up-close. Stop along the way and visit a market, where every assortment of street food is available, including the Khmer favorite: fried spiders! Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some leisure time.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in Phnom PenhDay 5: Phnom Penh City TourPhnom Penh was founded in the 14th century and has long been a vital trading hub at the confluence of three rivers: the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac. Start the day learning about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent history on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Choeung Ek “Killing Fields”. Our cultural tour continues as we visit the National Museum - an excellent introduction into ancient Khmer art and civilization and the Royal Palace, home to the royal family and the opulent silver pagoda.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh
Day 6: Phnom Penh – Chau Doc by speedboatAfter breakfast, head to Vietnam via speed boat along Mekong River. Visa formalities take about 45 minutes at the border. Continue by river to Chau Doc. Meet your guide and check in to your hotel.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in Chau DocDay 7: Chau Doc - Fishing Farm - Cham Village - Can ThoAfter breakfast, we will start a boat trip cruising to visit the floating fish-farm and Cham Village, a Muslim ethnic minority in Vietnam. On the way, visit a crocodile farm and see a stork sanctuary on our way to Can Tho.
Meals: Breakfast.Accommodation: Hotel in Can ThoDay 8: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh CityWake early and leave the hotel to visit the famous Cai Rang floating market by motor boat. Continue the boat ride to visit the Mekong Delta’s famous orchards and sample fresh, exotic fruit. Then venture deeper into the countryside, passing traditional houses made of wood and palm leaves as you observe the activities of the local people. Return to Can Tho for lunch then drive back to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving in the late afternoon.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh CityDay 9: Ho Chi Minh City Tour – Cu Chi TunnelsVenture to the outskirts of Saigon to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Cu Chi Tunnels are an underground labyrinth of passageways, used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War (or “American War” as it’s referred to here) as protection against American air raids. Those inclined are invited to crawl through sections of the tunnels to better understand what life was like for the Vietnamese soldiers during wartime. Drive back to downtown for lunch.
In the afternoon, continue with a visit to the War Remnants Museum and former Presidential Palace. We conclude the day exploring the city’s French colonial architecture, stopping at the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City DepartureHave breakfast at the hotel then enjoy a free morning before driving to the airport to catch your flight home.
Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: N/A Note: Please be aware that flight times, hotels and all other logistics, services and days of travel are subject to availability.If the listed hotel is fully booked, alternate accommodation will be offered. All hotels are rated according to local standards.All itineraries are flexible and can easily be altered to suit your needs and interests.
Please contact one of our travel consultants for more information.