Guide

Generally, we use different staff and vehicles for each country. For this trip, there is a Vietnamese leader to start, followed by a Cambodian leader in Cambodia, then a Thai leader in Thailand.

Others

Sample delicious varied cuisine and master chopstick skills! A night in a village homestay Cruise the waterways of the Mekong Delta by dug-out boat Crawl through the Cu Chi war tunnels Fruit and pepper plantations of rural Cambodia Cycle tour of the Angkor Wat temple complex Bangkok’s glittering Grand Palace and huge reclining Buddha

Transport

We use a private coach/minibuses, which will be quite comfortable, usually with air-conditioning. There are a couple of long driving days on this trip (up to eight hours). Road conditions are often not good, and progress can be slow. Boats are used at various points in the itinerary; these are nearly always private and vary from converted trawlers to small riverboats.

Meals

13 breakfasts, one lunch and two dinners are included. The food on this trip is a real highlight for many. Southeast Asian cuisine is known for its abundance of freshly prepared dishes with strong aromatic flavours. There is a focus on herbs and citrus to ensure each dish packs a punch; chilli does feature highly but is easily avoided if desired. Food is cheap in all three countries and Western food is readily available almost everywhere, with the exception of the night in the Mekong Delta. Breakfasts are usually buffets and there is plenty to choose from: fruit, bread, cereal/yoghurt (sometimes) and cooked breakfasts. For lunch and dinner, allow at least US$12-US$25 per person per day. You can eat out very cheaply, but if you go to the more expensive restaurants most of the time, you will spend more than the suggested amount. Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering is fairly similar in most places within each country. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent, for example wheat- or dairy-free, please be prepared for this and you may need to bring these from home.

Accommodation

We spend 12 nights in family-friendly hotels and one night at an island homestay on the Mekong Delta. Almost all the hotels have swimming pools and we can swim at the beach in Kep. We have aimed to select hotels for their location as well as character. In the rural areas, we use the best available accommodation – these have private bathrooms, reliable electricity and water supplies, good service and some added amenities. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay. Mekong Delta: Island homestay (night 3) Our time in a guesthouse allows us to experience true Delta hospitality, as we are looked after by local people and stay by the Mekong River. The rooms are relatively basic; bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided, while there are shared bathroom facilities with a shower. The real highlight though is the hospitality of our hosts, the lush garden, and the food (homemade southern Vietnamese cuisine). Siem Reap: Angkor Holiday Hotel (nights 9-11) A short drive from the Angkor temple complex, this hotel is ideally placed for our adventures in Siem Reap. When you’re not out exploring, there’s a swimming pool to splash around in plus a restaurant serving Asian, Khmer and Western cuisines. Bangkok: Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel (nights 12-13) Among the boulevards and canals of old Bangkok, the 167-room Royal Princess is right in the action. It has plenty of amenities, including a ground-floor swimming pool and saltwater hot tub, plus plenty of sunbeds. There’s a decent selection of restaurants too, including: the Princess Café, for relaxed dining; The Empress, for Chinese cuisine; and Mikado, for a taste of Japan. Worth knowing There may be instances when you specifically want a single room. Perhaps a grandparent needs one, or parents of a family of three or five want to ensure they get a bit of space! Single supplements are available upon request (see price details below). Please advise us at the time of booking. A single room is available on hotel nights only. While we do our best to ensure families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family trips occur during peak season and we sometimes have little control over where you are put.

Not included:

Flights

International flights are not included.

Others

— Travel Insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations

Optional

There are a number of optional activities, which if you wish, your leader can help arrange for you. Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) trip, Siem Reap: minimum donation of USD 3 but transport extra. Flight of the Gibbon ziplining, Siem Reap: GBP 78/USD 120pp (discounts for under 16’s) Khmer cooking class GBP 15/ USD 24pp Boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake 6- 8pax GBP 9/USD 15pp

Insurance

Insurance is not included. It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive in the heat, hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Still commonly known as Saigon, it is an exciting, absorbing city where scooters pack the streets and temples stand alongside modern developments. Our hotel is in the heart of this incredible city. A welcome group meeting is held later this afternoon with your leader followed by an optional group dinner. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: Visit Cu Chi Tunnels; Free Afternoon; Markets Within Walking Distance Of Hotel (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Visit Cu Chi Tunnels; Free Afternoon; Markets Within Walking Distance Of Hotel (Breakfast)

We depart early to beat the traffic as we head to the Cu Chi tunnels, located two hours outside the city. Used by the Viet Cong, the network covers three levels and approximately 150mi (240km) of tunnels. Exploring Cu Chi gives us an indication of the tenacity of the Vietnamese people and the conditions that both Vietnamese and American troops had to endure. Originally the tunnels were very narrow but some have been widened to allow visitors to explore the system. We can crawl through them and are introduced to life below ground as we visit makeshift kitchens, bedrooms and even an underground hospital. People with claustrophobia may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine. The afternoon is free for exploration and there are several interesting things to see and do – the Saigon River, Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral are all within easy walking distance. There is also time to visit the War Remnants Museum with an interesting (if a little gruesome) photographic record of the Vietnam/American War. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: Transfer To The Mekong Delta; Pass Through Orchards To Our Island Homestay (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Transfer To The Mekong Delta; Pass Through Orchards To Our Island Homestay (Breakfast,Dinner)

This morning, we leave the busy city for the rice bowl of Vietnam: the Mekong Delta. We’ll be struck by the fertility of the land; fruit, vegetables, rice, fish farms, duck farms, there is cottage industry everywhere, all fuelled by the amazing network of waterways. We visit the interesting Cai Be floating market to see local industry in action. Recently, Cai Be is becoming less crowded and smaller as fruit trading is mostly now done by trucks. However, this is still a great opportunity to see a local market and traditional trade conducted on a smaller scale. A short boat ride then takes us from Vinh Long to our island homestay. The evening is tranquil as we have dinner at the homestay and enjoy Delta hospitality. We spend the night sleeping at a modest guesthouse built in the style of a local house. Bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided. We have the chance to try local dishes cooked by our hosts for the night. Accommodation: Mekong Guest House Homestay (or similar)
Day 4 Day 4: Journey To Chau Doc In The Foothills Of Sam Mountain (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Journey To Chau Doc In The Foothills Of Sam Mountain (Breakfast)

After breakfast at the homestay, we transfer by boat back to Vinh Long then to Cai Rang floating market, one of the biggest in the Delta; the colour and fragrance of the market is sure to be remembered! We then continue to Chau Doc; close to Cambodia, it is an important trading town due to its border position and has a spot in the foothills of the picturesque Sam Mountain. An optional trip to the mountain provides wonderful views of the Mekong Delta and Cambodia. Accommodation: Chau Pho Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 Day 5: Cross Border Into Cambodia; Transfer To The Sleepy Riverside Town Of Kampot (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Cross Border Into Cambodia; Transfer To The Sleepy Riverside Town Of Kampot (Breakfast)

After breakfast, we leave Chau Doc for the Xa Xia/Ha Tien border, where we see a change of pace as we cross into rural Cambodia. We then travel to the picturesque riverside town of Kampot (approximate transfer time excluding immigration process is 3hr to 3hr 30min). Along the way, we stop at La Plantation pepper farm in the Kampot province. Upon arrival in Kampot, we check into our centrally located hotel, our base for the next two nights. Afterwards, the group takes an orientation walk along the Kampot River and there is the option to enjoy a sunset river cruise before an optional group dinner. Accommodation: Twin Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6: Visit Kep Mountain, Boat Trip To Tropical Koh Tonsai Island Or Relax On Kep Beach (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Visit Kep Mountain, Boat Trip To Tropical Koh Tonsai Island Or Relax On Kep Beach (Breakfast)

This morning, we drive (approximately 25 minutes) to the resort town of Kep and first stop for a short visit to Kep Mountain in the national park for wonderful coastal views. The town still bears the scars of civil war with the ghost-like remains of old villas. After, the group jumps on a boat for the short trip to Koh Tonsai (Rabbit Island). Palm tree fringed with a small beach, this island is the perfect place to swim in warm water or relax on the sand for the day. Alternatively, you may wish to spend the day relaxing on Kep beach instead and enjoying your pick of the day’s catch from one of the seafront seafood shacks. Your tour leader can advise locally about both options. Accommodation: Twin Hotel (or similar)
Day 7 Day 7: Head To Phnom Penh; Cyclo (Rickshaw) Tour Of The Capital City; Dinner At Local Restaurant (Breakfast,Dinner)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Head To Phnom Penh; Cyclo (Rickshaw) Tour Of The Capital City; Dinner At Local Restaurant (Breakfast,Dinner)

This morning, if we didn’t do it yesterday, we journey to the countryside surrounding Kep to see rural Cambodia. In the afternoon, we travel from our seaside home to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, which sits on the confluence of the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Tonle Bassac rivers. To get our bearings, we take a sunset cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) trip. We finish with dinner at a local restaurant along the banks of the river offering traditional Khmer cuisine. Accommodation: Cardamom Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 Day 8: Visit Royal Palace Complex In Phnom Penh; Free Time With Options Including The National Museum And The Killing Fields (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Visit Royal Palace Complex In Phnom Penh; Free Time With Options Including The National Museum And The Killing Fields (Breakfast)

This morning, we visit the Royal Palace grounds, where we see the Silver Pagoda, one of the most holy temples in Cambodia and home to an impressive collection of gold, diamonds and other precious stones along with many traditional musical instruments. The rest of the day is free for your family to explore. Some family-friendly activities include a visit to the local markets or public gardens, about which your leader can provide details. Close by is the National Museum, which is set in a traditional Khmer building and displays a range of ancient artefacts, plus more modern pieces, and where kids can feed the fish! Adults in the group may also want to confront Cambodia’s recent tragic past with a visit to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a school that served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. It will not be suitable for the younger family members. Your group leader can make recommendations and assist with bookings. Accommodation: Cardamom Hotel (or similar)
Day 9 Day 9: Transfer To Siem Reap; Pause To Sample Local Delicacies; View Angkor Temples At Sunset (Breakfast,Lunch)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Transfer To Siem Reap; Pause To Sample Local Delicacies; View Angkor Temples At Sunset (Breakfast,Lunch)

Travel by private air-conditioned bus (approximately seven hours) to Siem Reap. The trip is a great opportunity to see the real Cambodia, as we make several stops at points of interest along the way. We also see the cottage industry at Santuk Silk Farm, which is a valuable source of employment in a poor rural community (Santuk is closed on some important Khmer holidays). We also stop at Sambor Prei Kuk, the most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments in Cambodia with some of the oldest structures in the country. After, we have a traditional Khmer lunch at a community restaurant before continuing our journey to the small town of Siem Reap, gateway to the Unesco-listed Angkor complex. We get a sneak preview of the site with sunset at the temples. Accommodation: Angkor Holiday Hotel (or similar)
Day 10 Day 10: Cycle Ride Around Angkor Temples; Easy Flat Trails With Option Of Opting Out And Taking Moto-Rickshaw (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Cycle Ride Around Angkor Temples; Easy Flat Trails With Option Of Opting Out And Taking Moto-Rickshaw (Breakfast)

We leave early this morning and take a fun bike ride around the Angkorian ruins. It is an easy ride on flat trails and roads but for non-cyclists there is the option to jump onto a local remork – motor-rickshaw. The ride today is approximately 18.5mi (30km). On the bicycle, we can avoid some of the crowds and get a unique perspective on this amazing site. We take the backroads along the river through villages and into the Angkor park before cycling along the wall of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. With a moat on one side and thick jungle on the other, we rarely see another visitor. We might also like to stop along the way to see the monkeys that gather on the temple ruins. We finish our day with a visit to Angkor Wat, one of the most architecturally and photographically impressive sites in the temple complex. Tonight, we visit Phare, The Cambodian Circus, the country’s spectacular answer to Cirque Du Soleil. The performers typically come from vulnerable households and have gained international recognition through their practice. Expect modern Khmer tales that mix theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts and contortion. Accommodation: Angkor Holiday Hotel (or similar)
Day 11 Day 11: Free Day In Siem Reap; Choose To Visit Floating Village Of Tonle Sap, A Conservation Centre Or Zip-Line Over The Jungle Canopy (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Free Day In Siem Reap; Choose To Visit Floating Village Of Tonle Sap, A Conservation Centre Or Zip-Line Over The Jungle Canopy (Breakfast)

Today is a free day for exploration and your group leader can make suggestions and organise transport. If you didn’t manage to fit it in yesterday, you might like to visit the jungle temple of Ta Prohm (Angkor pass required). Another option is to journey into the countryside. Around one hour out of town is the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB), housed at the base of Kbal Spien Mountain. It has a collection of animals saved from trafficking, including gibbons, monkeys, anteaters, snakes, greater and lesser adjutant (Cambodia’s version of Big Bird), eagles, prehistoric water monitors and turtles. You pass through rural villages on the way where you can sample palm sugar candy as it is made. On the way back to town, you might like to visit the exquisite Banteay Srey (Citadel of the Women) (Angkor pass required). The small temple displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art carved into the pinkish coloured sandstone. For those who would like a more active day, there is the option of ziplining in the nearby canopy of Angkor Park. Flying through the jungle after climbing up from one of the canopy platforms is a real adrenaline rush! There is also the choice of visiting the floating village on nearby Tonle Sap Lake. Accommodation: Angkor Holiday Hotel (or similar)
Day 12 Day 12: Drive To Bangkok; Journey Broken With Stops At Stone Carving Village And A Garden Restaurant For Lunch (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Drive To Bangkok; Journey Broken With Stops At Stone Carving Village And A Garden Restaurant For Lunch (Breakfast)

It’s a long drive from Siem Reap to Bangkok (approximately 10 hours including stops for a border crossing and lunch); however, we break up the journey many times at local points of interest. We stop at a stone carving village where many of the inhabitants carve religious and decorative statues of all sizes from sandstone and marble. Ganesh, the elephant-headed god of beginnings and wisdom, plus Buddhist and Angkorian-style statues line the road in this town. After the border crossing, we take a break and have our first taste of Thai food at a local restaurant before continuing onto Bangkok, the capital. Famous for tuk tuks, khlong boats and incredible street food, Bangkok is an assault on the senses and provides a real contrast to sleepy Cambodia. Accommodation: Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel (or similar)
Day 13 Day 13: Morning Tour Of Bangkok Including Wat Pho (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Morning Tour Of Bangkok Including Wat Pho (Breakfast)

This morning, a short walk from our hotel takes us to the Chao Phraya River, where we meet a longtail boat to journey along the khlongs (canals) of old Bangkok. Please be advised there may be a possibility of larger groups being accommodated in a bigger boat. Afterwards, we pay a visit to Wat Pho, home to the largest reclining Buddha in the country and keeper of the magic behind Thai massages. In the afternoon, we have free time to explore. Why not pay a visit to the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander to the bustling Khao San Road, pick up last-minute souvenirs, enjoy delicious street food or explore colourful Chinatown? Accommodation: Royal Princess Larn Luang Hotel (or similar)
Day 14 Day 14: End Bangkok (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: End Bangkok (Breakfast)

The tour ends in Bangkok this morning and we bid our farewells. If you’d like a little more time to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

+11

14 days tour

Southeast Asia Family Adventure

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Southeast Asia Family Adventure

Day 1: Start Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2: Visit Cu Chi Tunnels; Free Afternoon; Markets Within Walking Distance Of Hotel (Breakfast)

Day 3: Transfer To The Mekong Delta; Pass Through Orchards To Our Island Homestay (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 4: Journey To Chau Doc In The Foothills Of Sam Mountain (Breakfast)

Day 5: Cross Border Into Cambodia; Transfer To The Sleepy Riverside Town Of Kampot (Breakfast)

Day 6: Visit Kep Mountain, Boat Trip To Tropical Koh Tonsai Island Or Relax On Kep Beach (Breakfast)

Day 7: Head To Phnom Penh; Cyclo (Rickshaw) Tour Of The Capital City; Dinner At Local Restaurant (Breakfast,Dinner)

Day 8: Visit Royal Palace Complex In Phnom Penh; Free Time With Options Including The National Museum And The Killing Fields (Breakfast)

Day 9: Transfer To Siem Reap; Pause To Sample Local Delicacies; View Angkor Temples At Sunset (Breakfast,Lunch)

Day 10: Cycle Ride Around Angkor Temples; Easy Flat Trails With Option Of Opting Out And Taking Moto-Rickshaw (Breakfast)

Day 11: Free Day In Siem Reap; Choose To Visit Floating Village Of Tonle Sap, A Conservation Centre Or Zip-Line Over The Jungle Canopy (Breakfast)

Day 12: Drive To Bangkok; Journey Broken With Stops At Stone Carving Village And A Garden Restaurant For Lunch (Breakfast)

Day 13: Morning Tour Of Bangkok Including Wat Pho (Breakfast)

Day 14: End Bangkok (Breakfast)

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