DAY 1: ARRIVE SIEM REAP

Arrive Siem Reap by afternoon flight, Siem Reap – Treasures of the Kingdom of Cambodia, special welcome all warmly to everybody, a moment of courtesy meeting then self-introduce with our Cambodian tour guide in the meeting point’s Siem Reap airport.

Welcome dinner with Apsara Dance show at local restaurant.

For those travelers thirsting for cultural highlights of Cambodia, No visit to Cambodia is complete without attending at least one traditional Khmer dance performance, often referred to as ‘Apsara Dance’ after one of the most popular Classical dance pieces. Traditional Khmer dance better described as ‘dance-drama’ in that the dances are not merely dance but also meant to convey a story or message.

Included: Private ac car, English guide, Dinner & Hotel.

DAY 2: SUNRISE & TA PROHM & BANTEAY SREI

Rise early to beat the crowds at the photogenic of Ta Prohm “Tomb Raider” fame. Ta Prohm has been abandoned to the elements, a reminder that while empires rise and fall, the riotous power of nature marches on, oblivious to the dramas of human history. Left as it was ‘discovered’ by French explorer Henri Mouhout in 1860, the tentacle-like tree roots here are slowly strangling the surviving stones, man first conquering nature to create, nature later conquering man to destroy. We visit Ta Prohm early to avoid the masses of crowds and provide a unique visit in this incredible temple.

We head further out through rural countryside to the small but beautiful temple of Banteay Srei. This temple is largely built of pink sandstone, a harder rock that can be more elaborately carved and better survives the rigors of time. This is an opportunity to capture some good photographs of the clear and detailed carvings. Banteay Samre: Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer.

For the later afternoon we head back into main Angkor Park and journey to Tasom. Tasom offers some beautiful photo spots, especially the rear entrance where tree roots adorn the gateway. We finish by experiencing sunset over the rice fields from the royal crematorium of Pre Rup, a classic view of the Cambodian countryside.

Included: Private ac car, English guide, Entrance fee & Hotel.

DAY 3: BIKE TOUR TO ANGKOR THOM & ANGKOR WAT

We start on our bike and cycle to world heritage areas on the roads less travelled. Ride among the jungle passing local village and local shop. It’s a very special and acting day as you will explore some of Angkor’s most beautiful temples. You will visit the West Gate of Angkor Thom – undiscovered by mass tourist.

• The ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century)

• See the South Gate, Bayon Temple – unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara
• Baphuon temple lying just to the north of Bayon a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru
• We step to see our old palace as Phimeankas temple in huge complex that was used for our king in the past time.
• Then Elephant terrace is platform for king and officer viewed show and people meeting.
• Preah Palilay was is older than Angkor Thom was nearby, deeply in forest and on path back You see monk sprinkle water to people.

We will visit KILT “KILT is the only project in Siem Reap that seeks to afford disabled Khmers who are in most instances landmine victims opportunities to become independent by their own efforts by making jewellery, growing organic vegetables, hand milling rice, playing music, and other activities”

We continue to the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology.

Enjoy foot massage 1 hour & walking at busy pub street where you can find many bars for cool drink or shopping at Angkor Night Market.

Included: Bike, English guide, Entrance fee, 1hour massage & Hotel.

DAY 4: FLOODED FOREST & FLOATING VILLAGE

After breakfast depart Siem Reap for the Tonlé Sap, driving down the eastern side of the lake. Arrive at Kampong Klaing, a remarkable village built entirely on stilts, where there is time to explore the various houses, school and shops before boarding your private boat. Cruise along a short tributary, passing fishermen and children playing in the shallow waters before arriving at a typical floating village where you may either disembark or cruise amongst the waterways.

At the head of the tributary you will continue out on to the ‘Great Lake’ and continue traveling north to Kampong Phluk; a ‘flooded forest’. Accessible only during high water, you’ll pass through the tree tops whilst seated in your boat. Nearby is a fishing village where you will can also learn more about the traditional methods used for generations. Returning to the mainland, meet your driver and return to Siem Reap. Arriving mid-afternoon, the remainder of your day at leisure. If time permits you may wish to continue your tour of the Angkor Temples.

Stay overnight in Siem Reap.

Included: Private ac car, English guide, Entrance fee, Boat trip, Lunch & Hotel.

DAY 5: SIEM REAP-PHNOM PENH

Today you travel by road from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. On route you will witness the everyday lives of Cambodians as you pass through interesting provincial towns, bucolic villages, and delightful scenery. This is no ‘freeway dash’ as you will often slow down to let cows and water buffalo wander across the road, pass horse drawn carriages, and school kids walking and cycling to/from school. On route you may wish to stop off in Kompong Kdei, to look at Spean Pratos – an ancient Angkorian bridge.

Closer to Phnom Penh you may choose to stop at Skoun, also known as ‘Spider vile’ due to the deep fried tarantula that is the local delicacy, are you adventurous enough to try one? Upon arrival in Phnom Penh you will check-in to your hotel after which you are free at leisure for the rest of the evening.

Included: Private ac car, English guide & Hotel.

DAY 6: PHNOM PENH'S PAST & PRESENT

Visit to the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom, is the most conspicuous feature and also one of impressive colorful Khmer-style Palaces. Nearside the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), display plenty of Buddha Statues that were decorated and made by diamond, emerald, gold and silver. Travelers will proceed to visit Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after Cambodian took their country back from French colony, continuing visit to National Museum, the distinctive red building with a beautiful Khmer architecture was build since 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and others.

This afternoon, we will learn about the dark side of Cambodia – Its more recent turbulent and harrowing history. Initially you visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21), ironically a former school, located in a quiet Phnom Penh suburb, this was the infamous Khmer Rouge prison / torture centre. Once you have gained an initial insight of the brutality of the Khmer Rouge regime you will be driven 15km from Phnom Penh to visit the ‘Killing Fields’. This is where Toul Sleng prisoners were forcibly marched and then executed; it is now a memorial site located in a beautiful tranquil setting.

We enjoy our cyclo ride along the riverside. This laidback tour gives us a different perspective of the streets and sights of the city. Starting at Wat Phnom, eponymous symbol of Phnom Penh we head past the National Library and Hotel Le Royal and pass the French designed train station before winding our way down to Psar Thmei, and the elegant riverfront.

Stay overnight in Phnom Penh.

Included: Private ac car, English guide, Cyclo ride, Lunch, Entrance fee & Hotel.

DAY 7: PHNOM PENH-CHAU DOC

Your day is at leisure until your early afternoon transfer to the Mekong River banks to board your boat for the four hours journey to Chau Doc in Vietnam.

Weave your way through some stunning delta scenery before arriving at the Vietnamese border and continuing on to Chau Doc. Upon arrival in Chau Doc transfer directly to your hotel where there is time to relax and watch river life on the Mekong River. Chau Doc is laid back place and the beautiful Victoria Hotel, on the river bank, is the ideal location to soak up the lazy delta atmosphere. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Stay overnight in Chau Doc.

Crossing into Vietnam at Kaam Samnor (Cambodia) / Ving Xuong (Vietnam).

Included: Private ac car, Boat ticket & Hotel.

DAY 8: CHAU DOC-MEKONG DELTA TOURS SAIGON

We leave hotel early in the morning crossing Mekong Delta to Cai Be. From here the group will see the Mekong Delta (“Nine Dragon River Delta). This is special experience of Mekong Delta. We will visit the Candy factory, orchard garden, listen to traditional music of south Vietnam and have lunch in the ancient house.

After lunch we move on crossing the island in the middle of Mekong River by oars boats and get to know more about the life of local people along this magic river. Later in the afternoon, drive to Saigon

Stay overnight in Saigon.

Included: Private ac car, English guide, Boat trip, Lunch, Entrance fee & Hotel.

DAY 9: SAIGON-HANOI

Breakfast at hotel. The sightseeing tour acquaints us with the city’s some major sights. We pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy before we visit the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office. After seeing the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip on to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale. We then drive this afternoon, to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network of approximately 200 kilometers constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. Back to the city and take flight to Hanoi, upon arrival, you will be picked up to visit Hanoi.

Stay overnight in Hanoi.

Included: Private ac car, English guide, Entrance fee & Hotel.

DAY 10: HANOI-HALONG BAY

After breakfast, you will be picked up by our driver for a share bus to depart for Halong Bay. Going through the scenic countryside, we get to Ha Long Bay. The world heritage site Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Upon arrival at Ha Long, you will be welcomed by our local guide on board. Heading out of the town we embark on a Chinese junk style for an exploration of the legendary Halong Bay.

This exciting hours cruise will provide us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands and islets rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. Sea food lunch will be served while cruising through the bay.

The limestone karsts formations are littered with beaches. You then explore the Surprising Sung Sot cave which still reserves much of the amazing original stalactites and stalagmites.

Later the afternoon, we drop the anchor for swim and enjoy the dinner on board.

Included: Join tour, Lunch & Dinner, Entrance fee & Junk.

DAY 11: HALONG BAY-HANOI

Wake up in the morning to the calming sound of the waves crashing on the nearby islands. You enjoy a morning coffee and watch the world going by in the bay. Sitting on the upper deck and enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the crystal-clear water of the bay. The quiet is almost eerie; we can hear birds singing, cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze.

Our Junk starts cruising back while the brunch will be served.

Check out and arrive at harbor by 12:00 noon, transferred to back to Hanoi

The rest of the day you are free at leisure.

Stay overnight in Hanoi.

Included: Private ac car, English guide, Entrance fee & Hotel.

DAY 12: HANOI

The co-existance of graceful Parisian atmosphere and exotic Asian chic, Hanoi impresses every Vietnam tour maker with its history and culture. Today, your private Vietnam tour guide will take you to the major sites of Hanoi: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his House on Stilt, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple, making it a memorable day for your Vietnam tours! Have lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, get a deeper reading into Hanoi with the visit to Van Mieu Temple. Take a walking around the Old Quarter streets which were named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Stop at Hoan Kiem Lake to learn about legend of the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, followed by the Water Puppet show – a uniquely Northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history.

Included: Private ac car, English guide, Entrance fee & Hotel.

DAY 13: HANOI DEPARTURE

Transfer to Noibai airport for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.

Note: Check out times at 12:00

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• Accommodation with daily breakfast
• Meal: as mention in program (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch and D: Dinner)
• Airport transfers & Transport by air con. vehicles as per program
• Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified
• Local English speaking guide as per program
• Bike & 1 foot massage & Cyclo ride
• Boat ticket: Phnom Penh – Chau Doc
• All boat trip as mentioned in program
• Cold water and towel during tours

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES:

• Visa fee to Cambodia
• International air ticket in-out Cambodia & Vietnam
• Flight ticket: Saigon – Hanoi
• Other meals, drink, personal expenses, tip
• Other services not mentioned in “ INCLUDES “