Others

Complimentary Arrival Transfer Phnom Penh - Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) Phnom Penh - The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda Siem Reap - Leader-led orientation walk Siem Reap - Lunch at Sala Bai Siem Reap - Angkor Temples Guided Tour Siem Reap - Temple Blessing Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace Hoi An - Garden-to-Table with A Local Chef Hoi An - Old Town walking tour Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house Hanoi - Lunch at KOTO Hanoi - Temple of Literature Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda Hanoi - Old Quarter Walking Tour Halong Bay - Overnight Boat Cruise

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. Hotel (11 nights), Overnight boat (1 night)

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Meals

12 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

Transport

VIETNAM FLIGHTS: Please provide your exact name (including middle name) as per passport 45 days prior to your trip’s departure date for flight tickets to be issued. Internal flights will be on the following safety audited airlines: Pacific Airlines, Vietjet or Vietnam Airlines. UNACCOMPANIED FLIGHTS: During peak travel times your group may be required to travel on different flights at different times of the day, and you may be unaccompanied on the internal flight. In this case you will be assisted by additional tour escorts on departure and arrival. Boat , Private minibus , Plane

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Day 1 Day 1: Phnom Penh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Phnom Penh

Sua s’dei! Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm tonight. If you arrive early, perhaps stroll the streets of Phnom Penh, taking in the interesting French colonial architecture. Dinner tonight will be at a riverside local restaurant and may include dishes like beef lok lak or fish amok. Enjoy getting to know your fellow travellers over delicious Cambodian specialties.
Day 2 Day 2: Phnom Penh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Phnom Penh

Today a full city tour introduces you to the sights of Phnom Penh, a city that lies near the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are home to King Sihamoni and are closed to the public. You will, however, be able to visit the Silver Pagoda that lies in the palace complex, which is the most sacred temple in the country. Phnom Penh remains a living relic of the country’s past struggles and successes. Your included visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21) and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek tell the story of the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge. Tuol Sleng is a former school that served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre, and it’s estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here. The Killing Fields of Choeung Ek are home to a stupa made up of some 8,000 human skulls, marking the site of the infamous location. This was the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng, and standing in this peaceful setting, it’s almost unthinkable to imagine that to date nearly 9000 corpses have been exhumed from the area. The visits are major parts of the experience here, but if you don’t wish to visit them, please let your leader know. There is an optional visit to Wat Phnom, the temple that gave rise to the foundation of the city in the 15th century. After today’s activities, you may wish to spend this evening relaxing in a cafe by the riverfront.
Day 3 Day 3: Siem Reap
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Siem Reap

Begin the scenic drive to Siem Reap (approximately 7 hours, including stops). Along the way, swing by a local village restaurant for a tasty lunch. 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 4 Day 4: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

Spend a full day visiting the amazing temples of Angkor on a guided exploration. Angkor Wat is the largest and most complete structure, and the only one of Angkor’s temples that has its entrance facing west – the others face east. Of all the temples visited today, Bayon is the centrepiece, with over 200 smiling carved faces and more than 50 gothic towers. Visit an ancient monastery where you’ll meet a Buddhist monk and take part in a ritual that has survived for thousands of years. Sit on the floor as the monk chants and sprinkles holy water over you before tying a sacred thread around your wrist, ensuring protection and good luck for the rest of your journey. For lunch you’ll visit the Sala Bai Hotel School where disadvantaged local youth learn skills that enable them to find gainful employment in the hospitality industry. Afterward, you will head to Ta Prohm, a temple where nature has taken over, as large trees have become embedded in the stone foundations of the structure. End the day with a sunset view of the temples – an extraordinary way to see the sun go down.
Day 5 Day 5: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

Embrace a very early start today if you wish to experience a sunrise visit to the Angkor complex (this is optional). Today you’ll visit the temple of Banteay Srei – you’ll see it’s not a huge temple, but thanks to its intricate stone carvings it is sometimes referred to as ‘the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art’. Later this afternoon, get an insight into the daily life of Cambodians on a village tour. See the rice fields and family allotment that surround the traditional stilt houses. Be welcomed into a local home as you join together for sunset drinks. This evening, enjoy a final farewell dinner with your fellow travellers and one last night of delicious Cambodian cuisine at a specially chosen restaurant.
Day 6 Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City

You will be transferred back to the airport, where you will say goodbye to Cambodia and fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. You will be unescorted on this flight. Upon arrival you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you’re welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers and your Vietnamese tour leader. This meeting is generally followed by an optional group meal out at one of Ho Chi Minh City’s many fantastic eating spots.
Day 7 Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City

This morning you’ll tour the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. This former Viet Cong stronghold provides an insight into the resourcefulness and tenacity of the Vietnamese people, as well as underground life during the Vietnam War. Travel back to Ho Chi Minh City to grab some lunch if you wish, before a visit to the Reunification Palace. Formerly known as the Presidential Palace, it was the site of South Vietnam’s surrender at the end of the war. Afterwards, you can opt to visit the War Remnants Museum where you’ll see old military equipment including an F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter, or you may like to head back to your hotel to make plans for your evening.
Day 8 Day 8: Hoi An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Hoi An

Say goodbye to Ho Chi Minh City and fly to Danang where you’ll travel in a private vehicle to Hoi An, a captivating city where traditional and modern sit side by side. Late this afternoon, you’re in for a culinary treat. Join your leader and head to Tra Que where you will tour a local chef’s garden, selecting fresh herbs and vegetables that will form part of your exclusive group dinner. Relax in the peaceful surroundings while your private chef prepares a delicious spread that celebrates his garden’s seasonal best.
Day 9 Day 9: Hoi An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Hoi An

Your leader will take you on a walk around Hoi An’s Old Town today. The city was a major trading port from the 17th century onwards, and has various architectural influences from Europe, China and Vietnam. Today the city is being restored and looks exactly like it did over a century ago. The tour will take you to a historic house, the Japanese Covered Bridge, a Chinese assembly hall and a museum. The rest of the day is free for you to do some optional activities or soak up the ambience of the city. You may like to wander past street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more or get an outfit made by one of Hoi An’s talented tailors who can make beautiful items to order within a few hours.
Day 10 Day 10: Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Hanoi

This morning, transfer to the airport and fly to Vietnam’s charming capital of Hanoi. You’ll be taken on a guided half-day tour of Hanoi, visiting major sites such as the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and the former residence of Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh. Stop for lunch at the KOTO cafe, an uplifting project that provides vocational training for disadvantaged young people. This afternoon is yours to explore your way, so ask your leader for their advice and tailor your time to perfection. Food, history, culture – whatever you’re most interested in, your leader will be able to help. You may like to take a stroll around the city’s parks and lakes, or hire a bike and cycle around town for the best view of the city.
Day 11 Day 11: Halong Bay
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Halong Bay

Travel by private vehicle to famous Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders. Once you arrive at the bay, take a long, slow cruise through the area, exploring the beautiful green waters and amazing Surprise Cave. Want to get in the water? You may also have the opportunity to go swimming from Ti Top Island beach. Watch the sunset over the limestone karsts and spend the night on the boat which has comfortable twin-share cabins with air-conditioning and private facilities. There’s also a dining room and bar where you’ll enjoy all of your meals, including fresh seafood for lunch and dinner.
Day 12 Day 12: Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Hanoi

You may like to get up early and watch the sunrise before you spend a leisurely morning sailing across Halong Bay and back to the port. Sit back and relax on the drive to Hanoi and get ready to shop until you drop at Dong Xuan market or explore the city. Why not relax at a cafe for an egg coffee or stop for a bia hoi (freshly brewed draught beer) at one of the microbars that dot this amazing city? Tonight, you may like to join your group for an optional dinner to celebrate the end of your trip.
Day 13 Day 13: Hanoi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Hanoi

After breakfast, you are free to leave at any time, as there are no activities planned today. If you would like to spend some more time in Hanoi, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

+10

13 days tour

Cambodia & Vietnam Discovery (12 Destinations)

This tour includes:

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Itinerary of your trip Cambodia & Vietnam Discovery (12 Destinations)

Day 1: Phnom Penh

Day 2: Phnom Penh

Day 3: Siem Reap

Day 4: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

Day 5: Siem Reap / Angkor Wat

Day 6: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City

Day 8: Hoi An

Day 9: Hoi An

Day 10: Hanoi

Day 11: Halong Bay

Day 12: Hanoi

Day 13: Hanoi

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