Itinerary

Daily, in depth tour itinerary.

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Depart UK for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

[/toggle] [toggle title=”Day 2, Ho Chi Minh City”] Ho Chi Minh City

Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

Sightseeing in Saigon (Half Day)
A vibrant metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity and motion. Everywhere you look, you see the convergence of traditional and modern life. Begin the trip into modern history with a tour of the Reunification Palace. Formerly the Independence Palace of the South Vietnamese president, this 60s style building was famously stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975 signifying the fall of South Vietnam. It has been preserved in its original state, and the original tanks remain on display near the entrance gates.

Afterwards, drive to the historic centre to visit the Emperor of Jade Pagoda, one of Saigon’s most interesting pagodas. Proceed to pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Pass by the classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside). Finally, end up at the central Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts, appealing to every taste.

Overnight (Option A): Ho Chi Minh City at Hotel Caravelle (Bed & Breakfast)
Overnight (Option B): Ho Chi Minh City at Liberty Central Saigon (Bed & Breakfast)

[/toggle] [toggle title=”Day 3, Ho Chi Minh City”] Ho Chi Minh City

Sightseeing Saigon (Full day)
A vibrant metropolis, Saigon teems with energy, activity and motion. Around every corner there is a noticeable convergence of traditional and modern life. Discover this dynamic city beginning with a tour of the historic centre, strolling along Dong Khoi Street, formerly known as the Rue Catinat, the main shopping thoroughfare and heart of old colonial Saigon. Pass by classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall (Hotel De Ville), the old Opera House (both may only be viewed from the outside), and pay a quick visit to the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

Continue to the History Museum, and see it’s excellent collection of artefacts illustrating the evolution of the cultures of Vietnam, from the Bronze Age Dong Son civilization, the Óc Eo civilization, to the Chams, Khmers and Vietnamese. See the Le Van Duyet General Tomb, a beautiful traditional structure provides a backdrop for the rich history of the general who built the Gia Dinh Citadel, a fortress which existed before the city of Saigon. Then take a short walk to visit Ba Chieu Market.

In the afternoon, head out to Cholon (Chinatown). Explore the highlights of this fascinating area, beginning with a walk from the Chinese Medicine Street with highlights like aquarium fish, and giant parade dragons heads. Finally end the tour at Thien Hau Pagoda, build by the Cantonese congregation and dedicated to the heavenly goddess.

Overnight (Option A): Ho Chi Minh City at Hotel Caravelle (Bed & Breakfast)
Overnight (Option B): Ho Chi Minh City at Liberty Central Saigon (Bed & Breakfast)

[/toggle] [toggle title=”Day 4, Ho Chi Minh City – Phu Quoc”] Ho Chi Minh City – Phu Quoc

In the morning you’ll depart for the short flight to Phu Quoc.
On arrival you will be met be a representative from your hotel for your brief transfer.

the remainder of the day is at leisure to enjoy Phu Quoc

Overnight (Option A): Phu Quoc at La Veranda Resort (Bed & Breakfast)
Overnight (Option B): Phu Quoc at the Long Beach Resort (Bed & Breakfast)

[/toggle] [toggle title=”Day 5, Phu Quoc”] Phu Quoc

Day at leisure.

Overnight (Option A): Phu Quoc at La Veranda Resort (Bed & Breakfast)
Overnight (Option B): Phu Quoc at the Long Beach Resort (Bed & Breakfast)

[/toggle] [toggle title=”Day 6, Phu Quoc”] Phu Quoc

Day at leisure.

Overnight (Option A): Phu Quoc at La Veranda Resort (Bed & Breakfast)
Overnight (Option B): Phu Quoc at the Long Beach Resort (Bed & Breakfast)

[/toggle] [toggle title=”Day 7, Phu Quoc – Phnom Phen”] Phu Quoc – Phnom Phen

In the morning you will be transferred to Phu Quoc for the flight to Saigon and connecting flight to Phnom Penh.

On arrival in Phnom Penh you will be meet by your guide for for the transfer to your hotel.

Overnight (Option A): Phnom Penh at Villa Langka (Bed & Breakfast)
Overnight (Option B): Phnom Penh at the Double Leaf Boutique Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)

[/toggle] [toggle title=”Day 8, Phnom Penh”] Phnom Penh

Sightseeing in Phnom Penh
Explore Phnom Penh, a chaotic, energetic and always fascinating city. Graceful tree-lined boulevards and riverfront promenades are reminders of bygone eras; today they teem with life and activity, as motorcycles weave in and out of traffic, vendors hawk their wares, and pedestrians go about their business. Start your tour at Wat Phnom, the birthplace of the capital; according to legend the city began here when a woman named Penh found four Buddha statues and built the temple to house them.

Afterwards, see the splendour of Cambodia’s royal heritage by visiting the Royal Palace, still the official residence of King Norodom Sihamoni, the adjacent Silver Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of the Emerald Buddha, and the elegant National Museum, which contains a comprehensive collection of Khmer art.

In the afternoon, learn about a chapter from Cambodia’s more recent, tragic past at the Tuol Sleng Museum (Museum of Genocide). Formerly the Tuol Svay Prey High School, in 1975, this became the interrogation and torture facility for the Khmer Rouge regime – at that time known as Security Prison 21, or simply S-21. Kept largely unchanged, this prison now showcases photographs and exhibits about the thousands of victims that passed through these doors – only seven of whom came out alive.

Finally, explore the modern-day city, visiting one of Phnom Penh’s two great markets, the Central Market, located in a distinctive domed Art Deco building or the sprawling Russian Market, a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from Cds and Dvds to silks, crafts, jewellery and more.

Overnight (Option A): Phnom Penh at Villa Langka (Bed & Breakfast)
Overnight (Option B): Phnom Penh at the Double Leaf Boutique Hotel (Bed & Breakfast)

[/toggle] [toggle title=”Day 9, Phnom Penh – Siem Reap”] Phnom Penh – Siem Reap

After breakfast transfer to Phnom Penh Airport for the short flight to Siem Reap and transfer to your hotel.

Sightseeing in Angkor
The fortified city of Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats; the city includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down from every angle.

Watch the sun set over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple.

Overnight (Option A): Siem Reap at the Shinta Mani Resort (Bed & Breakfast)
Overnight (Option B): Siem Reap at the Navutu Dreams Resort & Spa (Bed & Breakfast)

[/toggle] [toggle title=”Day 10, Siem Reap”] Siem Reap

Sightseeing in Angkor
The crown jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades.

Upon entering the main building, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyards before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted into the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones.

Ta Prohm is one of the most popular attractions of Angkor as much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them.

Seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples, Banteay Srei is considered to be the jewel of classical Khmer art. Built in pink sandstone, the walls are covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy. Because of its small size, fantasy-like atmosphere and extraordinary examples of Khmer sculpture, this temple is often a favourite with visitors.

Overnight (Option A): Siem Reap at the Shinta Mani Resort (Bed & Breakfast)
Overnight (Option B): Siem Reap at the Navutu Dreams Resort & Spa (Bed & Breakfast)

[/toggle] [toggle title=”Day 11, Siem Reap & Departure”] Siem Reap & Departure

At leisure until late transfer to Siem Reap Airport for flight to London.
(Please note that usual check out is 12pm. if you would like to arrange for a late check out then please ask your consultant).

[/toggle] [toggle title=”Day 12, Departure & UK Arrival”] Departure & UK Arrival

UK arrival.

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