The Road Less Travelled

Sample itinerary

8-Days / 7 Nights A$880

Ho Chi Minh City, Chau Doc, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Temples of Angkor

This 8-day / 7-night trip through southern Vietnam and into Cambodia includes traveling through several seldom visited areas of the Mekong Delta, the southeast reaches of Cambodia and visits to Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and the magnificent Temples of Angkor.

This tour is essentially an overland exploratory trip that crosses the recently open river border between Vietnam and Cambodia in the Mekong Delta region. The itinerary includes very comfortable accommodation, many fine meals as well as a host of optional side trips and excursions.

Your group leader

Your group leader is probably the person who most influences the success of your holiday. Thus Tailor Made Vietnam chooses to employ professionals who have lead groups of people throughout all areas of Vietnam for several years. They speak fluent Vietnamese/Khmer so you can communicate with the people you meet. All have been chosen because of their ability to deal sensitively with your needs and demands of foreigners in this wonderful and at times, most foreign of countries.

Tour Guides

In addition to your Tailor Made Vietnam Tour Leader the Cambodian section of your trip will also include one of our very professional, handpicked local's specialist guides. This local guide is there to provide specialist knowledge and commentary as we explore the Angkor Temple Complex.

Cambodia Today

A visit to Cambodia is a challenging experience - Exploring the beauty of what was once the most prominent empire of Southeast Asia, while trying to come to terms with the country's tragic recent history is confronting for even the most seasoned traveler. For now the number of travelers to Cambodia is still relatively small. It is also one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia in which to travel although to date, receives only a relatively small numbers of foreign visitors.

Itinerary

This itinerary is correct at the time of printing. From time to time there may be slight changes due to uncontrollable circumstances. Your group leader will advise you of any changes at the initial group meeting.

Day 1 Arrive Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam Upon touch down in Ho Chi Minh City you will be met at the airport by your group leader who will escort you to your centrally located hotel. After a short group meeting to discuss the itinerary we will enjoy an afternoon walking city tour before dinning at one of the city's finest restaurants. After dinner there is the option to tour the city on cyclos and/or motorbikes (pillion passenger) to experience the energy and dynamism of this most varied of cities. Then we will retire to one on the city’s many rooftop cafes for drinks and dinner. (L, D)

Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City This morning we will journey by cyclo (or motorbike – pillion passenger) to see more of this fascinating city. On our trip we will travel deep into China Town, visit the War Remnants Museum and explore a huge local market. Following this your group leader will take you to the main shopping districts and let you free to roam amongst the best and cheapest textiles, handicrafts, linen and antiques to be found anywhere in southeast Asia. We will also have time to visit one of the city’s most prominent art galleries where you will be aquatinted with the intricacies of Vietnamese art by expert local curators (optional). In the evening we will dine at one of the cities outer local restaurants to try some fine local southern fare. After dinner there is more time for shopping or independent exploring. (B)

Day 3 Can Tho/Chau Doc An early morning departure by bus will take us through the heart of the Mekong Delta region to the famous southern city of Cantho. On route we will visit remote villages and farming communities. Arriving in Cantho around lunchtime we will have a short time to wonder through the towns wonderful market followed by lunch before a 4-hour boat journey to the border city of Chau Doc. On arrival in Chau Doc we will check-in to our beautiful colonial style hotel situated on the river only 11 kilometres from the Cambodian border. In the evening we will take a bus ride to the Peak of Sam Mountain to enjoy the spectacular sunset across the Cambodian border. Dinner tonight will be a feast of fine Mekong Delta specialties. After dinner we will enjoy a twilight tour of the town in the comfort of unique ‘delta’ style cyclos. (B, L).

Day 4 Phnom Penh-Cambodia This morning our real adventure begins as we take our chartered express boat journey across the newly opened Vietnam-Cambodia river border crossing on route to Phnom Penh. Our trip provides glimpses of remote Cambodian scenery only recently opened for access to foreigner travelers before arriving in Phnom Penh in the early afternoon. On arrival we will be transferred to our central Phnom Penh hotel. We will have a short time this afternoon to visit a few of the city’s attraction including the Russian Market which features some of the best CD’s, pirated software, handicrafts and silverware to be found anywhere in the Indochina region. Time permitting we will also visit the National Museum. There will also be time for some independent exploration or a swim at the hotel pool. In the evening we will wonder along the city’s esplanade and enjoy a drink on the banks of the Tonle Sap River before enjoying our first taste of Khmer cuisine at a nearby local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 5 Phnom Penh to Siem Reap This morning we will visit Phnom Penh's famous sights including the Silver Pagoda and the Royal Palace. In the afternoon we will visit the infamous Toul Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields – both stark reminders of Cambodia's tragic recent history. After a delicious local lunch we will return to our hotel to prepare for our late afternoon 1-hour flight to the town of Siem Reap – Gateway to the magnificent Temples of Angkor. On arrival we will be transferred to one of the towns finest hotels, and relax before enjoying another fine dinning experience at a fine local restaurant before experiencing nightlife Khmer style. (B,D)

Day 6 Siem Reap – Angkor Temples Today we will explore this amazing complex guided by one of our carefully selected local experts. This morning we will visit the largest and most inspiring of all the sites – Angkor Wat. Our local guide will tell stories of the glory of the Angkor period, Khmer myths and legends and the sacking of the Angkor city. After a tasty local lunch we venture further into the complex to visit the Bayon Temple, Terrance of the Leper King and the Elephant Terrace. In the temples in the area including Preah Khan, Angkor Thom and the fascinating Ta Prohm jungle temple. In the evening we will travel back to the hotel to relax and perhaps enjoy a swim at the hotel pool before enjoying fine Khmer food at our hotel restaurant (B)

Day 7 Siem Reap There is the option this morning of an early morning departure out to the temple complex to experience a sunrise over Angkor Wat. We then travel back to the hotel to enjoy breakfast before another full day of exploring many of the other temples. We will venture out to visit one of the most beautiful temples of them all - the out lying Banteay Serei Temple - for years off limits to travelers because of unrest in the Siem Reap Province now long since past. In the afternoon we will enjoy lunch near the temple complex before returning to our hotel to relax before our final dinner at a high-end restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8 Departure Day Today is departure day. Your tour leader will take care of all your onward travel arrangements, and escort you to Siem Reap Airport. Your group leader will escort you back to Phnom Penh, take care of all you transfers, flight confirmations then wave you farewell. (B)

Summary

Grading: Easy. Anyone in good health should be able to take part. There is no real physical difficulty.
Accommodation: Accommodation is on a twin share basis. If you are travelling alone you will be teamed up with someone of the same sex. If you are the odd numbered person on the tour you get your own room at no extra cost. A single supplement is also available if you choose not to share. Premium 4 & 5 star hotels: Vietnam: Grand Hotel (Ho Chi Minh City), Victoria Hotel (Chau Doc). Cambodia: Sunway Hotel (Phnom Penh), Borei Angkor (Siem Reap).
Transport: Private bus, charter boat, cyclo/ motorbike (optional).
Included meals: Daily breakfast, 2 lunches, 4 dinners.
Group size: Based on a minimum of 10 travellers

Inclusions

Expert Angkor Wat guide
Tailor Made Vietnam Group Leader
Premium accommodation and transport
1 Internal flight (Phnom Penh to Siem Reap)
Internal flight taxes & transfers (PP-SR)
Vietnam departure tax (at river crossing)
All sightseeing and entrance fees for museums, attractions and sites as described in the dossier
Water on all boats and buses & water at all included meals

Exclusions

Travel insurance
Cambodian Departure Tax (US$25)