Splendour of Cambodia and Vietnam - 8 Days

Welcome to Siem Reap, the provincial capital and gateway to the ancient Angkor temples. Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srei and the legendary Angkor Wat. Upon arrival, our driver and a tour guide will welcome you at the airport and take you to the hotel to check in.

Afterward, meet your guide at the hotel lobby for the short tour briefing followed by the orientation tour by tuk tuk – the typical means of local transportation. It will be a perfect introduction of Siem Reap when you are driven along the main bustling streets, water channel, passing by beautiful pagodas. Disembark at the Psar Chass – a kind of typical oriental bazaars, where you’ll walk around and learn the local art of how to bargain when purchasing items. Proceed further to the most exiting Pub Street for welcome drink before heading back to your home away from home.

Meals: None.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

Wake up early to be transferred by tuk tuk 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 Cambodia Travel will be served nearby Angkor Wat.

Our journey continues with visiting South Gate of Angkor Thom, with its majestic doors and artifacts. Then visit 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.

In the evening, enjoy Khmer traditional dinner with Apsara Dance Show at one of the finest restaurants in town.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then set out for a tranquil countryside drive to Kbal Spean which was the refuge of 11th – 13th century religious hermits and over the centuries they carved linga stands, animals and sacral friezes into the surrounding rocks and riverbeds. Today, a well-marked path leads up the forested hillside to the central area that contains most of the carvings. The walk takes about 45 minutes.

After lunch drive to Banteay Srei, regarded as the women’s citadel and home to Angkor’s finest stone carvings. Banteay Srei temple is located about 37km north of Siem Reap and is the most remote of the temples in the Angkor World Heritage Site. It was designed by Yajnavaraha, a court official of King Rajendravarman [944-968AD] and the principal Brahmanist instructor of King Jayavarman V. 

Later of the day, transfer to Tonle Sap. This is the largest permanent fresh-water lake in South Asia and flows into Tonle Sap River, joining the Mekong in Phnom Penh. We will see a “floating village” – boats have been converted to look like houses and the “village” move from place to place following water levels. You will watch the sunset from the foot of Phnom Krohm Mountain on the way back to your hotel in town.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap.

After having breakfast at hotel, you will be free at your leisure until the transfer to Siem Reap International Airport for your flight to Danang – the rising coastal city of Vietnam. On arrival, our guide and driver will pick you up and take you to your beach-front resort. Check-in and enjoy your time at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Danang.

Immerse yourself in the tranquility and charm of this sleepy riverside town. From the 16th to 18th centuries Hoian was a thriving international port frequented by Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab traders, who came to trade in the high quality silk still produced in the region. Today, Hoian is a relaxing resort popular with tourists for its eclectic architecture, skilled tailors and numerous cafes. Take a half-day walking tour through the narrow winding streets of the ancient town centre, visiting Chua Ong Pagoda, the Chinese Assembly Hall, the 200-year old Tan Ky ancestral house and the famous Japanese Bridge.

After lunch, take a short boat trip to a nearby island and visit a handicraft village specializing in ceramics. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy a free evening at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Danang.

Enjoy your tasty breakfast at hotel and transfer to Danang airport for your domestic flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) – Vietnam’s modern metropolis. Upon arrival, our local Saigon guide and driver will meet you at the airport for greetings and transfer through Saigon’s bustling streets en route to the city center.

Your afternoon tour explores the Saigon’s diverse attractions. Start with a visit to the former Presidential Palace, stopping at the Notre Dame Cathedral and the City’s Post Office to learn more about the city’s French colonial architecture. Then, continue to the War Remnants Museum before browsing through the amazing array of goods at Ben Thanh Market.

Drive to the hotel to check in and spend the rest of time at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.

Today spend a day away from the busy Saigon and drive to Ben Tre Province. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, an ancient southern architectural gem in Tien Giang en route. On arrival at Hung Vuong Pier, board on your private boat for a glimpse at the delta scenery while enjoying coconut juice. Experience the unique lifestyle of the Mekong Delta as you visit fruit orchards, coconut groves, brick workshops, and home-made products such as coconut candies, rice cakes, handicrafts etc. After a short walk to visit a local family to learn how they make sedge mat and enjoy tea, tropical fruits, take “Xe Loi”, a kind of motorized rickshaw or you can hop onto your bicycle and peddle through picturesque villages (about 20 minutes). Stop at a riverside restaurant for a delicious and filling lunch. Then board a sampan for a relaxing trip along narrow canals. The boat will be waiting for you at the pier nearby to bring you back to Ben Tre where you will catch your car to return to Saigon afterward.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon.

Enjoy your breakfast at hotel then free until the transfer to Saigon International Airport for your departure flight home.

Goodbye & Safe Travels!

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: None.