South Vietnam, Phu Quoc Island and Cambodia 14 Days

From AUD A$2,416.26
  • Duration: 14 Days (approx.)
  • Location: Ho Chi Minh
  • Product code: BIT

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City arrival
On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel to check in. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the center of commerce, finance, culture and tourism in Vietnam. This bustling metropolis, in contrast with its northern counterpart, Hanoi, has a more cosmopolitan atmosphere with numerous modern shopping areas and popular sidewalk cafés, in addition to its cultural and historical attractions.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels (Lunch)
Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace, was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeingthe beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office. Followed by the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum the museum has a vast display of the both the Indochina wars. Have lunch at local restaurant. Depart for Cu Chi tunnel, the trip will take approximately one and a half hours bus driving. Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served. Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun. Return to Saigon. End trip Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnel.
Day 3: Mekong Delta River (Lunch)
Your breakfast at the hotel. Then you will depart toCai Be, stopping on the way to take photos in Tan An town overlooking picturesque flat rice fields. On arrival in Cai Be, set off by motor boat to visit the Cai Be floating markets and watch locals trading fruit and many other commodities on board their vessels. Then wander into small villages to visit an orchard and fruit plantation. Keep cruising to Vinh Long through a series of small canals to experience the charms of the Upper Mekong Delta. Visit a small family business to see how coconut candy and crispy rice popcorn are made. Arrive in Binh Hoa Phuoc village, the green pearl of Vinh Long town, where you can immerse yourself in nature. Enjoy a lunch of fresh river food served in the heart of a garden accompanied by traditional southern Vietnamese folk music. Take a delightful walk through a bonsai garden. Meet the driver in Vinh Long. Return to HCMC. Dinner at your expense. Stay overnight at your hotel of choice in Ho Chi Minh city.
Day 4: Flight to Phu Quoc
This morning, take a short flight from bustling Ho Chi Minh to the island of Phu Quoc. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is one of Asia’s least developed beach destinations. The island’s clear waters, undiscovered beaches, forested interior and charming local character make for an ideal holiday escape. On arrival transfer to your hotel by the hotel’s shuttle bus and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight in Phu Quoc
Day 5: Phu Quoc At Leisure
Day at leisure
Overnight in Phu Quoc
Day 6: Phu Quoc - Kep
This morning, a short ride from Phu Quoc takes you to the Mekong Delta town of Rach Gia. From here it’s a pleasant 3-hour drive though rural landscapes to the pretty port town of Ha Tien. Stop here for lunch before continuing to the border crossing to Cambodia at Xa Xia (NOTE: Cambodian visa is not available on arrival). Now you are only about 2 ½ hours away from Kep where you will directly be transferred to your hotel which holds impressive views over the town and the outlying islands in store for you.
The afternoon will be at leisure to relax in the resort or stroll through town, where crumbling former holiday villas are contemporary witnesses to Kep’s glorious times. Cambodia’s prestigious beach resort of the 1960s is now awakening to its former glory. A fascinating mix of a small calm beach, reminders of the past and a beautiful National Park on its door step make Kep and interesting and very relaxing.
Overnight in Kep.
Day 7: Kep - Kirirom National Park
Early this morning, embark on a 30 mins boat trip to Koh Tonsai (Rabbit Island), where you will spend the morning at leisure exploring the island’s beautiful beaches. Enjoy a seafood barbecue lunch on the beach before returning to Kep.
This afternoon, you will have the chance to explore Kampot. This charming riverside town with magnificent surroundings is still dominated by French colonial architecture and the people are very open and friendly. Explore the laid-back town on a walking tour and absorb the pleasant atmosphere.
From there, transfer to Kirirom National Park (3 ½ hours) on the edge of the Cardamom Mountains. Cambodia’s first established National Park is particularly popular due to its many lakes and beautiful waterfalls in the forest. You will stay overnight at the Kirirom Hillside Resort.
Overnight in Kirirom National Park.
Day 8: Kirirom National Park (Lunch)
Today, you will explore the spectacular scenery of Kirirom National Park. The name Kirirom means “Mountain of Joy” and the park is recognized for its unique high elevation pine forest as well as the many endangered animals such as pleated gibbons, sun bears and tigers that live in the park area. You will go on a short trek of 3 km to the beautiful, 40 meters high Chambok Waterfall at the Chambok Community-based Ecotourism Site. A delicious home-cooked lunch will be served in the local community.
This afternoon, your local guide will take you to a bat cave and take you on a traditional ox-cart ride to experience the local way of life. If you need to cool down, you can swim in the refreshing small river that runs through the park.
Overnight in Kirirom.
Day 9: Kirirom National Park - Phnompenh
After breakfast, transfer to Phnom Penh (transfer 3h). Phnom Penh was once considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its recent turbulent history it still retains a colonial charm as much of its original architecture remains. Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and the Tonlé Sap. Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glorious days and add to the charm of the city where Asian traditions meet Western customs in a fascinating way.
Overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 10: Phnompenh Capital Explore
Today you will be greeted by our guide who will take you on a tour to the most remarkable sights of Phnom Penh, a very fun way to explore this lively city. First, head to the National Museum which houses the world's foremost collection of ancient Khmer archaeological, religious, and artistic artifacts from the 4th to the 13th centuries. Over 5,000 pieces are on display, constituting the repository of the Kingdom's cultural wealth. In addition, the roof space is home to a large bat colony!
Continue to the Royal Palace. This palace dates back to 1866 and was the last palace built during the French colonial period. The same complex houses the Silver Pagoda, named for the over 5000 heavy silver tiles that cover its floors. Its original name is Wat Prakeo, meaning Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In this temple you will view a collection of Buddhas in gold, silver, crystal, and bronze.
Day 11: Siemreap (Lunch)
After a breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred to Siem Reap (2 ½ hours), the gateway to the majestic temples of Angkor and a charming little city. Check into your hotel and settle in and refresh.
This afternoon, depart by Tuk Tuk on a very special sightseeing tour of the famous Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolizing the Mount Meru, home of the gods. The divine residence of Vishnu, the King himself was to res ide here after his death. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign. Moreover, Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labor. Today, Angkor Wat is figured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolizes the soul of the Khmer people. Highlight the day with watching the sun set over Angkor Wat.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 12: Phnompenh overland to Siemreap -  Apsara Dinner
Begin the scenic drive to Siem Reap by shared limousine bú (approximately 6 hours, including stops). Arrive in the small but expanding town of Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor and the most popular destination for travellers in all of Cambodia, perhaps even in South East Asia. You'll probably notice a change of pace here, so take a walk and enjoy the atmosphere. A visit to the old market is a must, even if you're not looking for souvenirs, wandering through the stalls and surrounding shops the silks, cottons, sarongs, silver and statues are a riot of colour and a feast for the eyes – and there will be one for your stomach too if you try some of the cheap, delicious street food! There's also a long tradition of shadow puppetry in the region, and if you're lucky you might catch a show at one of the local restaurants in the evening, perhaps while you're eating the specialty cuisine of Cambodia – amok, the name given to curry steam-cooked in banana leaves.
Day 13: Ta Prohm & tour of Preah Khan, Banteay Srei
Dawn at Ta Prohm & tour of Preah Khan: Rise early to travel to Ta Phrom. Built in 1186, Ta Phrom was dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII. Its atmospheric dark gray sandstone towers and courtyards exude an aura of reverence and mystery. Unlike most of the other inner temples of Angkor, Ta Prohm has been left to the elements and looks very much as it must have when "discovered" by Henri Mouhot in the 1860s. Navigating through its narrow passages, immense kapok trees and jungle-covered ruins is an unparalleled experience and one of the highlights of Angkor.
Next, you’ll visit Preah Khan with its labyrinth of grey, decaying stone courtyards that are slowly being reclaimed by the jungle.
cambodia siem reap Banteay Srei. Large kapok trees extend limbs and roots throughout the carved stonework, while raucous red-breasted parakeets screech and monkeys keep watch over the surreal setting. Return back to your resort and relax.
Afternoon tour of Banteay Srei: Later this afternoon, journey north to visit Banteay Srei. This petite pink temple is the jewel in the crown of Angkor-era sculpture. The elaborate carvings here are the finest found in Cambodia and the name translates as ‘Fortress of the Women', thanks to the intricate detail here, considered too fine for the hands of a man. Originally believed to date from the latter part of the Angkor period, inscriptions at the site suggest it was built by a Brahman in 967. However, some architectural historians have suggested that the inscriptions may date from an earlier structure on this site and the temple is in fact later, marking a high-water mark in Khmer sculpture. Stop at a local village to visit families who are producing palm sugar.
End of day, walk up Phnom Bakheng for a sunset view of Angkor Wat and the surrounding areas. This view provides a wonderful overview of the entire area.
Day 14: Siemreap Depart
This morning will be at leisure until your transfer to the airport for onward flight

INCLUSION

  • Air-conditioned vehicles with experienced driver
  • English speaking licensed guide
  • All admission fees as mentioned in the program
  • VAT 7% and all Government taxes (no service charge)
  • Accomodation based on twin/double/Triple sharing room

EXCLUSIONS

  • Lunch meal
  • Food and drinks
  • Travel insurances
  • Gratuities
  • Sinlge Suplement