Essential Vietnam Cambodia Tour: Treasures of Southeast Asia

Morning
After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh Province.

On arrival, set out to explore the sacred temple and learn more about the fascinating Cao Dai religion, which borrows elements from Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, and Taoism. You will then take part in the midday mass, admiring the monks in their colorful robes and listening to the mesmerizing chants.

Afternoon
After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant you will be transferred to Cu Chi, a small community located northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, known for its network of deep tunnels that provided shelter and an effective source of infiltration for the Vietcong during the later years of the Vietnam War.

Upon arrival, you will watch a short introductory video from the period before exploring the tunnels, the most famous battlegrounds in the world. The hidden network of Viet Cong tunnels is believed to stretch to “hundreds of miles,”  in total length, housed living quarters, storage rooms, makeshift hospitals, and kitchens…etc. Although originally very narrow, some parts have been widened for the tourists and you have the opportunity to explore parts of the system.

Please note that these tunnels will be hot and can get claustrophobic, so there is an option if you’d like to view from above ground. 

Try some of the main food of the Viet Cong soldiers with a cassava tasting served with tangy tea. After experiencing the Cu Chi Tunnels, return to Ho Chi Minh City, where the remainder of the day will be spent at your leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Your private guide and driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer to Mekong Delta. Upon arrival in My Tho, kick off your journey by visiting the Vinh Trang Pagoda. Following this, embark on a leisurely boat ride along the river, relishing the picturesque views of stilt houses, fruit plantations, and fishing villages lining the riverbanks. At noon, indulge in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

Continue your adventure with a captivating cruise on a hand-rowed sampan, gliding beneath the soothing shadows of water coconut trees, towards the less-touristy Ben Tre. Traverse the natural canals, savor seasonal fruits, enjoy a honey tea session, and be serenaded by local folk music performances. Explore the serene rural lifestyle with a visit to a family business, wandering through fruit plantations and village landscapes.

As your exploration concludes, return to Ho Chi Minh City with an anticipated arrival between 5:00 and 6:00.

Dinner will be served at a local Indian restaurant.

Breakfast at the hotel. You are free at your own leisure until your private guide and driver pick you up to the Ho Chi Minh International Airport for departure flight to Siem Reap.

Sua s’dei! Welcome to Siem Reap, Cambodia

Upon your arrival in Siem Reap Angkor International Airport, welcome by our local guide and driver, then transfer you to hotel (the room checks in is subject to availability).

Head out to visit the excellent Angkor National Museum. The visit serves as an excellent primer to the gems of Angkor before visiting the temples. The museum provides a potentially large collection of relics, texts and audiovisual presentations relating to the Angkorian era. With even a basic knowledge of the history and symbolism of the architecture, you will have a much richer and engaging experience visiting the temples.

Welcome dinner at India restaurant.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Morning

After breakfast at hotel, proceed to visit Angkor Thom – the great city of the Ancient Khmer Empire. The visit includes the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon and the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that a visitor may remember forever.

Lunch at India restaurant.

Afternoon

Continue to seeing the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat. We stroll around this massive monument, exploring the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. Sunset at Phnom Bakheng or Pre Rup paints the temple in an orange hue.

Dinner at India restaurant.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Morning

Located 40km north of Angkor Wat, the Phnom Kulen mountain range provides Siem Reap with water and dominates the skyline of the flat plains surrounding it. Although the highest peak of the mountain range lies at only 487m, Phnom Kulen has much to offer visitors. The Cambodian people regard the site as the birthplace of the ancient Khmer Empire. King Jayavarman II claimed independence from Java there in 802 A.D.

Travel in the morning by car through the countryside to Phnom Kulen and started the rather steep climb up by car. On top of the mountain, you will visit a modern-style pagoda that offers stunning views over the Angkor area. Visit the eight-meter-tall statue of a reclining Buddha and wash your hands at the Linga statue to purify your mind and body.

Continue to visit the River of One Thousand Lingas and the magnificent waterfall close to it. Take a refreshing swim in the stream and pool of the waterfall and enjoy a picnic lunch served in a natural setting.

Afternoon

Journey to Beng Mealea Temple, reminiscent in size to Angkor Wat but hidden in the jungle. With minimal restoration, it offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by early explorers.

Return to Siem Reap, leaving the rest of the day for your leisurely exploration.

Dinner at an Indian restaurant.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Departure Flight: Guest’s tickets

Savor your morning at the hotel. Later, your private guide & driver will accompany you to the airport for your flight home or you will connect to your outbound flight. Wishing you a pleasant journey home.