Opulent Cambodia & Vietnam

• Day 1:

  Welcome to Siem Reap – home to Angkor, the treasure of the Kingdom of Cambodia. Our tour guide will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. This afternoon, visit Angkor Wat temple, the largest temple in the world, with a volume of stone equaling that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. It is unlike all the other Khmer temples in that it faces west, and is inspired by 12th Century Hinduism. Its symmetrical towers are stylized on the modern Cambodian flag. Conceived by Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat took an estimated 30 years to build. It is generally believed to have been a funeral temple for the king. It has been occupied continuously by Buddhist monks and is well preserved. Intricate bas-reliefs surround Angkor Wat on four sides. Each tells a story. The most celebrated of these is the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, which is located on the east wing. In it the Naga serpent, is twisted by demons and gods to spurt out the elixir of life. Overnight at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

• Day 2:

  After breakfast at the hotel visit of the monumental magnificence of Angkor Thom - last capital of the Khmers, with it’s the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon temple, Baphoun temple, Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. This 12th century masterpiece lies at the very centre of Angkor Thom and is an archaeological wonder of symmetry and grandeur. The exterior gallery walls have extensive bas-reliefs but the highlight is the “faces”, more than 200 of them, silent but with the famous half-smile playing on their lips. PJ de Beerski wrote of them; “godliness in the majesty and the size, mystery in the expression.” This afternoon, we continue our exploration of Angkor’s impressive temple and city ruins, the temple of Ta Prohm; this is the only temple that was left to the jungle and largely in its natural state since its “re-discovery” of Angkor in the late 1800’s by French explorers. Surrounded by jungle, its labyrinth of stone hallways is overgrown with the roots and limbs of massive banyan trees, which envelop the stone like tentacles. It is one of the largest temples at Angkor, dedicated in 1186. Historians have noted its mystical charm. Continue to Preah Khan "The Sacred Sword", an extensive monastic complex covering over 56 hectares built by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a monastery and teaching complex. It is one of a group of temple complexes situated on a small 'Baray'. Preah Khan is the site of the World Monuments Fund ‘prime’ Asian project a painstaking renovation whilst maintaining its mysterious allures and superb original structure. Visit to Neak Pean, unique because it is a sanctuary located in the centre of an artificial ponds and surrounded by 4 points exactly as the Cardinals lake. Overnight at Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor

• Day 3:

  Today you have an amazing cooking class prepared by Memoire Hotels & Resorts, the Cambodian veteran innate hospitality brand, are connecting every tourist to deeply understand a real Cambodian culture, and helping local community by supporting their own products which is advertising Khmer cuisine by taking a great chance for the guests to learn how to cook Cambodian Gastronomy which is lead by our dedicated chefs. This Afternoon, meet and transfer with guide to Siem Reap International Airport and take flight to Phnom Penh Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Overnight at Raffles Hotel Le Royal

• Day 4:

  After breakfast at hotel you will depart for an architectural tour by Cyclo to visit The National Library of Cambodia was moved from its original seated at Wat Ounalom to this purpose-built colonial building in 1924. Along with many other academic and religious institutions, the library was sacked by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. Today the collection includes some 100,000 titles in Khmer, French and English, although only a small fraction of these are available in the reading room to which foreign visitors have access. A collection of historical palm-leaf manuscripts is in the process of being restored in collaboration with experts from the United States. As well as visit Railway Station, The former Chamber of Commerce, Post Office and the Monument of the Independence. Then, you will meet your tour guide and depart for a “Khmer traditional dancing workshop”, by Cambodia Living Arts. You will get personal insight into the Khmer culture by experience Cambodian Traditional dance, dress up in traditional costumes, and interact with local artists. With our 90 minutes workshop you will learn more in depth of Cambodian dance, transform yourself from audience to dancer and chitchat with artists and have fun. We tailored this workshop so that you won’t forget your experience in Cambodia. This afternoon, transfer to visit of the Royal Palace, The Royal Palace serves as the residence of the King, a venue for court ceremony and as a symbol of the Kingdom. It was first established at its present location when the capital was moved from Oudong to Phnom Penh in 1866 under King Norodom and the French protectorate, though the Palace did not attain its current general form until about 1920. Khmer and European elements as well as distinct architectural echoes of the palace in Bangkok are present in the design of the various buildings. Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo Morokat) located within the Royal Palace compound, the Silver Pagoda is so names because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. The treasures are a solid gold Buddha encrusted with 9, 584 diamonds and weighing 90kilos and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. It is where the King meets with monks for Royal ceremonies are performed and it houses a collection of priceless Buddhist and historical objects including the 'Emerald Buddha.' And, unlike most pagodas, no monks live at the pagoda. The temple building, library and galleries were first constructed between 1892 and 1902. You will be transferred to Phnom Penh Harbor. Upon arrival, you will meet the boat representative from Aqua Mekong Cruise and you would proceed the check-in. Welcome our 3-night passengers over custom sundowners like the Salted Watermelon Crush with Thai basil. Together we celebrate the onward journey towards the heart of this mighty river with a Khmer Apsara performance, an indigenous tradition memorialized on the temple walls at Angkor Wat. Overnight Aboard Aqua Mekong Cruise

• Day 5:

  Say ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ while we cross the border and sail towards Tan Chau, a vibrant border town where we take the local rickshaw called xe loi for a trip around town or pedal 18 kilometers on the peaceful island of Long Khanh. In the afternoon, we visit a typical Mekong Delta village called My An Hung where we will walk through verdant plantations. We will be invited to a local's home to taste local fruits while hearing traditional folk songs performed by villagers, followed by a unique Unicorn dance. Biking option is also available for those who wish to explore on wheels. Overnight Aboard Aqua Mekong Cruise

• Day 6:

  Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or opt to visit Sa Dec where we will peruse the vibrant market and see the famous house of Marguerite Duras' legendary lover, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le. We continue downstream for Cai Be, zigzagging in our sampan past lone fishermen on their long tail boats. Later, our skiffs moor at a wooden pier. Here in Cai Be, walk or bike ride among high-roofed open courtyard houses, some dating back more than 100 years, and currently inhabited by gracious locals who will invite us to glimpse their property. Overnight Aboard Aqua Mekong Cruise

• Day 7:

  Disembarkation. En route to Ho Chi Minh, we stop at Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the largest Mahayana Buddhist temple in the region. You will notice the mixed architectural style and see three large buddha statues plus an impressive collection of bonsai trees. Meet at the drop-off point and you will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel for check- in and the rest of day is at leisure. Overnight at Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

• Day 8:

  Cu Chi Tunnels tour Meet our tour guide at your hotel’s lobby and drive to Cu Chi Tunnels- synonymous with the Vietnam War and a testament to the determined spirit of the Vietnamese, the underground network of passages at Cu Chi is a fascinating day trip out of the city. Work on the tunnels began during the war against the French in the 1940s and over the next 25 years as the conflict with America escalated, they were improved and expanded to create an underground city of meeting areas, storerooms, living quarters and much more. The tunnels allowed the Viet Cong to control a vital area of South Vietnam and at their height, extended for more than 200KM in length and stretched from what was then Saigon to the Cambodian border. Preserved as a memorial park, two sections of this remarkable network are open to the public. Visiting the area at Ben Dinh, there is the option to go below the surface and visit sections of the tunnels first hand. The more adventurous may go deeper and your guide will be on hand to give guidance on the degree of expected difficulty. There is plenty of interest above ground as well and it is recommended to bring good footwear, sunscreen and a hat. Please note you may get a little dusty if you decide to go underground. Sai Gon highlights city tour This afternoon, visit the Reunification Palace, formerly named the Presidential Palace, this important city landmark was assured its place in history on 30th April 1975, when the first North Vietnamese tanks rumbled past, signalling the Fall of Saigon and ultimately the end of the Vietnam War. Now a museum complete with period meeting areas, war rooms and a basement communication centre, after your visit, walk the short distance to Notre Dame Cathedral. At the centre of HCMC’s government district, this romantic church dates back to the late 19th century and is a popular backdrop for wedding photographs. Across the street from the cathedral is the city’s striking French colonial-era post office, whilst Hotel de Ville de Saigon, officially Ho Chi Minh City Hall, is another of the city’s more prominent buildings. The Museum of Vietnamese History is housed in yet another fine example of Sino-French architecture. Dating back to the 1920s, it contains an excellent series of exhibits dating from the Bronze Age to the Nguyen dynasty, the last ruling family of Vietnam. As an alternative to the Museum of Vietnamese History, visit the elegant Fine Arts Museum with its impressive collection of ancient and modern art and sculptures, or the War Remnants Museum, which is primarily dedicated to the Vietnam War but also includes exhibits dating back to the French colonialist period and the first Indochina War. The final stop today is the unforgettable Jade Emperor Pagoda. With the pungent smell of incense hanging heavy in the air and an interior packed full of ornate carvings and fierce-looking statues, this Taoist temple is one of the most atmospheric places of worship in the city. Transfer back to your hotel after your visit or alternatively be dropped off at Ben Thanh market for personal exploration and a spot of souvenir hunting. The rest of day at leisure or you may want to take an optional tour. Overnight at Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

• Day 9:

  Full day Mekong Delta - Cai Be Town The Mekong Delta is a rich fertile region of farmland interlaced with countless waterways crisscrossed by low-lying rice paddies. Today you will explore one of the country’s most enchanting landscapes travelling by car to the Delta town of Cai Be before boarding the Mekong Queen, a traditional bamboo-covered wooden boat. One of the Delta’s most ubiquitous sights is its floating markets and your first stop today will be the colourful Cai Be market, one of the best-known and oldest in Vietnam, which began trading during the 19th century Nguyen Dynasty. Here you can witness the brisk activity as vendors barter with shoppers and goods are transferred from one boat to another. These waterborne shops each specialise in a few kinds of fruit or vegetable and you will see samples of their goods hanging from tall wooden poles allowing customers to easily identify what is for sale. Development of the road network means there is less waterborne trading than in previous years. Visit a small family business to see how crispy rice popcorn, coconut candy and rice paper are made, perhaps sampling some of these popular snacks with a cup of green tea. Return to the Mekong Queen and navigate the Delta’s tributaries to Dong Hoa Hiep Island, a journey of around 50 minutes, during which time you will discover beautiful riverine landscapes and observe typical life in the Mekong Delta. Explore the island on foot, walking through local villages and fruit gardens, visiting a family whose livelihood depends on processing longan fruit. Visit an ancient Mandarin house dating from the 19th century where several generations of the same family live together. Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch before spending a little more time with this friendly and hardworking community with plenty of opportunity for photographs and interaction. Returning back to the Mekong Queen either on foot or by small rowing boat, journey through the Dong Hoa Hiep canal back to the pier in Cai Be. Time permitting, visit the home of Mr Ba Duc and his family, the 6th generation of the family to live in this traditional house first built in the 19th century. At approximately 2:30 pm you will return back to Ho Chi Minh by car and the rest of day at leisure. Overnight at Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon

• Day 10:

  After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and driver for a drive to the Tan Son Nhat Airport for your departure flight.

May 01 – September 30, 2019

Per Person Sharing:     $5,099

October 01 – 31, 2019

Per Person Sharing:     $6,599

 

SERVICES INCLUDED

• Accommodation at selected hotel with daily breakfast included
• All transportation by air conditioned private vehicle for all included sightseeing
• Services of local English speaking guides (Except day free at leisure without transportation and guide as mentioned)
• Meals as mentioned in program (Drink is not included)
• All entrance fees to sites and 2-3 days Angkor Pass in Siem Reap
• Cooking class at Chreav Village, followed by a lunch.
• Water & cool towels on vehicle during tour
• 04days/ 03 nights Aqua Mekong Cruise Phnom Penh – Saigon
• Private boat trip to visit Mekong Delta
• Vietnam Government tax and services charge

 

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

• Visa for Cambodia (Visa issued on arrival for most nationalities, USD30/pax (tourist visa), please bring 1 passport photo).
• Any surcharge/extra fees for visit of the Angkor Historical site imposed by the Apsara Authorities in Siem Reap which are subject to change without prior notice
• Meals are not mentioned
• International flights to/from Cambodia
• Optional Tour
• Camera/video entrance fees if applicable
• Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, tips for the guide, etc)
• Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above