Mekong and Temples – 12 Days

This morning, we travel by boat to the renowned Cu Chi tunnels. This impressive network, stretching almost 250km, once provided refuge for over 16,000 communist guerrillas during the war. We’ll explore the tunnels and gain a deeper understanding of the resilience of these soldiers. We return to Saigon late in the afternoon, leaving the rest of the day for you to enjoy at your leisure.

This morning, head south to the core of the Mekong Delta. Along the way, you'll see farmers working their fields and drying their harvests by the roadside. Immerse yourself in the lively river culture of Southeast Asia’s ‘rice bowl’ as we explore the region's elaborate canals and waterways. After checking into our hotel in Can Tho, enjoy a stroll around the town.

This morning, embark on a boat trip to the captivating floating market at Cai Rang. Witness local farmers engaging in their time-honored trade on the water, a tradition that has endured for centuries. In the afternoon, venture further into the Mekong Delta for a rare glimpse into the region's daily life that few tourists see. We conclude the day with a visit to Sam Mountain, where you can enjoy stunning sunset views over the rice fields stretching towards the Cambodian border.

This morning, board your boat and cross the border from Vietnam into Cambodia, a journey of approximately 4 hours. Phnom Penh, emerging from years of turmoil, is a city embracing renewal. The cityscape reflects its French colonial heritage, while the newly developed riverfront highlights its future prospects. This afternoon, we start with a brief orientation, visiting landmarks like Wat Phnom and Psar Thmei Market. We also explore the National Museum, offering a preview of the remarkable art that awaits us at the Angkor temples.

Today, we explore the Royal Palace and the stunning Silver Pagoda, known for its remarkable silver flooring. In the afternoon, we visit the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the ‘Killing Fields’ at Choeung Ek. If time allows, you can also explore one of Phnom Penh's vibrant markets. In the evening, relax with a refreshing drink at a riverside café while watching the sunset.

Today, travel along Route 6 to Skuon town to try a local specialty: sautéed spiders. We'll take a break in Kampong Thom and visit the impressive ancient stone bridge in Kampong Kdei, built by the Khmers 1,000 years ago. After a scenic drive through picturesque countryside on a newly constructed road, we will arrive in Siem Reap.

This morning is free for you to explore the charming craft shops and eateries in old Siem Reap. Later, we head to the nearby Angkor Thom city. The temples of Angkor, spanning 600 years of Khmer civilization (802-1432), stand as one of Asia’s most remarkable legacies. We start our visit at the southern Gate of Angkor Thom, adorned with 54 stone figures on each side—gods on the left and demons on the right. From there, we proceed to the impressive fortified city of Angkor Thom, including a tour of ‘The Bayon’ and its exquisitely detailed central towers. As the day draws to a close, we visit Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious structure, renowned for its grandeur and the 30 years it took to build in the 12th century. Enjoy the sunset at Angkor Wat before heading back to your hotel.

We start the day with an early visit to Angkor Wat for sunrise and breakfast, allowing you to fully admire the grandeur of this magnificent temple in the soft morning light. Following this, we explore Ta Prohm temple, which remains enveloped in jungle as it was discovered by French explorers in the 1850s. This untouched state makes it one of the most memorable temples in Angkor. After returning to your hotel for lunch and some rest, we head to the stunning Tonle Sap Lake. Enjoy a short cruise through floating villages, where you'll see schools, restaurants, and hospitals set up on the water.

Today, we explore three remarkable temples beyond the main Angkor complex. We begin with the beautifully detailed Banteay Srei, also known as the 'Citadel of the Women'. Renowned for its exquisite carvings, many consider Banteay Srei to be the crowning jewel of Angkor. Next, we visit the Boeng Mealea complex, built in the 11th century by King Suryavarman II. This temple, a precursor to the famed Angkor Wat, remained isolated during Cambodia's civil war and is now accessible but seldom frequented by tourists. It is the largest temple outside the primary Angkor area and remains impressively well-preserved in certain parts. In the late afternoon, we explore the charming Banteay Samre temple before returning to Siem Reap to celebrate the conclusion of a remarkable journey.

This morning, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your next flight.