From South of Vietnam to Cambodia

Trip Highlights

• Stunning sunset views from the iconic Angkor temple complex
• Insightful exploration of the Cu Chi tunnels, highlighting Vietnam's turbulent history
• Visit a diverse array of culturally and architecturally significant Cambodian temples

Trip Summary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City

Upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh's Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Meals are at your own expense. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

 Ho Chi Minh City by night

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City > Cu Chi Tunnels

Begin your day with a visit to the Notre Dame Cathedral, followed by a stop at the historic Central Post Office. Continue exploring the Reunification Palace and the thought-provoking War Remnants Museum. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, embark on a half-day tour to the 200 km-long legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, which suffered immense devastation during the war. Learn about the construction of these tunnels through a short introductory video, before exploring them first-hand for approximately one hour. Afterwards, you can sample tea and cassava, the food of the guerrillas during the conflict. Dinner is at your discretion. Overnight stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City > My Tho > Ben Tre > Can Tho

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and depart Ho Chi Minh City to enjoy a scenic journey along National Highway 1. Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho, then take a leisurely boat ride on the river, where you can view stilt houses, fruit plantations, and fishing villages. Continue to Tortoise Island for lunch in an orchard garden. Row a traditional sampan to An Khanh, a quieter spot in Ben Tre, where you can taste seasonal fruits, honey tea, and enjoy traditional Southern Vietnamese folk songs. Visit a local family's business to sample delicious coconut candy and observe the pastoral life of the villagers. Continue on to Can Tho for your overnight stay. Dinner is on your own.

 Ninh Kieu Night Market in Can Tho

Day 4: Can Tho > Chau Doc > Tra Su Sanctuary

Enjoy a morning boat trip through the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River, including a visit to the Cai Rang Floating Market, recognized as the liveliest market in the region. Learn how traditional Vietnamese vermicelli soup is made, then explore the surrounding village and meet the friendly locals. Experience crossing a "Monkey Bridge" made from a single bamboo stem. After visiting an orchard garden, stop for lunch before proceeding to Chau Doc to explore Tra Su Sanctuary, famous for its stunning canals teeming with storks and tropical birds. Visit Sam Mountain and, time permitting, the Cave Pagoda. Return to your downtown hotel for the night. Dinner is on your own.

Cai Rang Floating Market

Day 5: Chau Doc > Express Boat Trip to Phnom Penh

In the morning, after breakfast, take an express boat trip to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, you will be greeted at the boat station for your transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Meals are at your own expense. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Phnom Penh - Cambodia

Day 6: Phnom Penh > Siem Reap

Explore the capital city of Cambodia. Visit Wat Phnom, an iconic hilltop pagoda constructed by a wealthy Khmer woman for housing sacred relics. Then, enjoy the National Museum, dedicated solely to Khmer art. Continue to the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, where you can view impressive treasures donated by the Cambodian King, including a solid gold Buddha and a 17th-century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. Lunch is at your own expense. In the afternoon, transfer back to Phnom Penh for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, our representative will be ready to take you to your hotel. Enjoy free time for the rest of the day, with dinner at your discretion. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

Wat Phnom Pagoda

Day 7: Angkor Thom & Angkor Wat Temples

Your morning begins with a visit to Angkor Thom, including the South Gate and Bayon Temple, known for its 216 smiling Avalokitesvara faces. Continue to Baphuon Temple, which symbolizes mythical Mount Meru, and explore the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Next, visit Phimean Akas Temple, known as the Celestial Palace. In the afternoon, discover the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of the Angkor temples, and conclude with sunset views from the natural stone Phnom Bakheng. Return to your hotel in Siem Reap. Dinner is at your discretion. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

Angkor Wat Temple

Day 8: Banteay Srey & Roluos Temples

After breakfast, enjoy a 16-mile drive to visit Banteay Srei, known as the jewel of Khmer art, which was part of the ancient capitals Yasodharapura and Angkor Thom. Admire the intricate carvings on the temple's red sandstone walls and ornate pediments depicting Khmer myths and legends. Explore a local village and, if time permits, learn how sugar is produced from sugar palms. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the Preah Ko temple, the first built in the ancient city of Hariharalaya, and then see Bakong, the official state temple of King Indravarman I, admiring fragments of original bas-reliefs. Finally, visit Lolei Temple, famed for its intricately carved lintels and false doors. Dinner is at your own expense. Overnight stay in Siem Reap.

Bakong Temple

Day 9: Tonle Sap Lake > Siem Reap Departure

After breakfast, you'll be picked up at your hotel and driven to the fishing village of Chhong Kneas to board a private boat. Explore the floating village and discover the centuries-old lifestyle of the lake's residents. Enjoy a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake to appreciate the area’s natural splendor. Return to the port and drive back to Siem Reap. You will have free time until your transfer to the airport for your flight back home. Trip concludes.

Floating Village on Tonle Sap Lake