Discovery Southern Vietnam & Cambodia 13 days

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City!

Our driver will pick you up and transfer to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for check-in.

The rest of the day is your leisure time. You can stroll around and admire the city by night on your own, or simply rest in the comfortable suite in the hotel.

We’ll stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: No
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

After breakfast at your hotel, today we will get out and be surprised by the vibrancy of this industrious metropolis by the must-see sites Ho Chi Minh City Tour, including:

• Notre Dame Cathedral: Start your day by visiting the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of French colonial architecture. Admire its twin bell towers and beautiful facade.
• Central Post Office: Right across from the Notre Dame Cathedral, you’ll find the Central Post Office. Step inside this historic building designed by Gustave Eiffel and marvel at its grand interior. Don’t forget to send a postcard or two!
• War Remnants Museum: Gain insight into Vietnam’s tumultuous past by visiting the War Remnants Museum. The museum displays photographs, artifacts, and exhibitions that document the Vietnam War and its impact on the country.

After lunch, we’ll continue with:

• Independence Palace: Explore the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, which played a significant role in Vietnam’s history. Take a guided tour to learn about its architecture and the events that unfolded here during the war.
• Ben Thanh Market: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market, one of the oldest and most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City. Browse through a wide variety of goods, including local handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and delicious street food.

Immerse yourself in the chaos of traffic and commercial activities of this fascinating city’s life and lights that never seem to stop.

After a full day of exploring the city, you have the evening free to stroll around and experience the vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

After breakfast at your hotel, travel to Tay Ninh to visit the Cao Dai Temple and witness a colorful yet solemn midday service. Cao Dai is a fascinating religion that blends Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Christianity.

After lunch, continue to Cu Chi to explore the elaborate network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong and guerrilla fighters during the Vietnam War. Gain fascinating insight into the history and tactics of Vietnamese soldiers as you navigate through this complex tunnel system.

Return to Ho Chi Minh City for dinner (at your leisure).

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Wake to the gentle sounds of the Mekong River and prepare for another exciting day.

After breakfast, board a sampan (small boat) to visit Cai Rang floating market, a vibrant wholesale market where traders gather on boats to sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and regional products.

On even-numbered dates, explore the small waterways around Cai Be by sampan or on foot, marveling at the abundance of exotic fruits, vegetables, and handcrafted local goods. Chat and bargain with merchants from your boat, and visit local candy and cake factories or cruise past green landscapes, homes, fruit orchards, and shipbuilding yards.

Disembark around 11:00–11:30 AM and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Board your traditional wooden cruise vessel around noon. After a refreshing welcome drink and a tour of the boat and your cabin, enjoy lunch as you begin cruising. Relax and take in the stunning scenery and daily life along the Mekong River.

In the afternoon, disembark for a guided walk through a local village and surrounding fruit orchards or rice fields. Meet friendly locals and sample fresh regional fruits and produce. Return to the boat and enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on deck as the sun sets over the magnificent Mekong Delta.

As evening falls, savor a delicious dinner featuring regional specialties prepared by the onboard chefs.
The boat will anchor for the night on the peaceful waters of the Mekong Delta.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Wake to the gentle sounds of the Mekong River and prepare for another exciting day.

At 6:30 AM, the boat sets off for a sunrise cruise. Watch locals drying exotic fruits and building boats in wooden shipyards while enjoying an early breakfast.

After breakfast, board a sampan (small boat) to visit Cai Rang floating market, a vibrant wholesale market where traders gather on boats to sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and regional products.

On even-numbered dates, explore the small waterways around Cai Be by sampan or on foot, marveling at the abundance of exotic fruits, vegetables, and handcrafted local goods. Chat and bargain with merchants from your boat, and visit local candy and cake factories or cruise past green landscapes, homes, fruit orchards, and shipbuilding yards.

Disembark around 11:00 – 11:30 AM and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Relax in your shuttle as you travel overland to Chau Doc, where you’ll check into your hotel.

This evening is free to explore Chau Doc, a charming riverside town known for its rich cultural heritage, lively markets, and beautiful river views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

After breakfast, transfer to the pier and board a speedboat for an exciting ride to Phnom Penh – your gateway to Cambodia and the legendary temples of Angkor Wat.

Upon arrival in Cambodia’s capital, our driver will greet you at the pier and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

In the afternoon, begin your Phnom Penh city tour at the Royal Palace, opened in 1870 under King Norodom. The complex includes the Royal Residence, Throne Hall, Silver Pagoda, and other historic buildings.

Next, visit the Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo Morokat), one of the city’s most popular attractions. Named for the more than 5,000 silver tiles covering its floor, the pagoda houses priceless Buddhist and historical treasures.

After your tour, enjoy free time to explore Phnom Penh. Don’t miss the chance to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife, with its array of excellent restaurants and bars.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

After a hearty breakfast, depart for Battambang via overland transfer (290 km, approximately 4-5 hours).

Along the way, stop at craft villages in Kompong Chhnang and visit a bustling fish market, where you can witness daily life and experience the lively local market culture.

Upon arrival in Battambang, check into your hotel.

Take a leisurely stroll through town to admire Battambang’s beautiful French colonial architecture. Soak in the charm of these well-preserved buildings and the city’s historic atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Start your day with a satisfying breakfast at your hotel in Battambang

After that, we’ll start to drive along the picturesque Sangker River to Wat Slaket Pagoda, the residence of the former provincial Buddhist patriarch

Continue to visit Wat Ek Phnom, a historical temple complex known for its ancient ruins. Discover the intricate carvings and learn about the fascinating history of the site.

Next, visit a local market where Prahoc, a traditional Cambodian fish paste, is made. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and witness the process of creating this staple ingredient.

Visit the Provincial Museum (closed on Saturdays / Sundays) to gain insights into the region’s history and cultural heritage. Afterward, visit the bustling local market, where you can browse through various goods and soak up the lively ambiance.

Drive to Phnom Banon, with its five sandstone towers on top of a hill, and enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding plains until sunset.

Conclude your day with a thrilling experience by taking a short ride on the famous bamboo train, a unique form of transportation in Battambang. Enjoy the scenic ride and the charming countryside.

Return to your hotel in Battambang and spend a relaxing evening, taking in the comfort and amenities provided.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

This morning will be a transfer overland to Siem Reap by private car and tour guide after having breakfast in the hotel.

Arrive at Siem Reap Port and transfer to Siem Reap Town at noon. This is a captivating city in Cambodia renowned for its proximity to the magnificent temples of Angkor, offering a blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.

In the afternoon, we will take a tuk-tuk ride to visit Les Artisans d’Angkor – Chantiers Ecoles, a renowned vocational training center and workshop where traditional Khmer arts and crafts are preserved and showcased.

After that is your free time in Siem Reap Town till late at night. Let’s get off the beaten path with local experiences in Siem Reap:

• Explore local night markets like Angkor Night Market or Siem Reap Art Center Night Market.
• Discover Alley West, a vibrant alley with local bars, live music, and a laid-back atmosphere.
• Indulge in authentic Khmer cuisine at street food stalls, local restaurants, or night markets.
• Experience a traditional Apsara dance performance at smaller, lesser-known venues.
• Capture the beauty of Siem Reap by night with a night photography tour or on your own.

Overnight at a hotel in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Early morning, we will visit the sunrise at the Angkor Area – the idea is to view the reflection of the amazing Angkor temple in the morning sun. Experience the mesmerizing sight of the Angkor temple reflecting in the morning sun, creating a magical atmosphere.

Then, return to the hotel for breakfast to recharge your energy before our fascinating full-day visit:

First is the sightseeing tour of Angkor to explore the wondrous ancient ruins with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone

Then continue with the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King: where you can admire the ancient architectural features and intricate details. Continue to the Terrace of the Leper King, adorned with unique carvings.

The largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards, and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple.

After a day of exploration, return to your hotel in Siem Reap and enjoy a relaxing evening, taking in the comfort and amenities provided.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

After breakfast at the hotel, we head out of town to make our way to the intricately carved and well-preserved temple of Banteay Srei. This temple is known for its exquisite stone carvings and intricate details. This temple is known for its pink sandstone and delicate artwork.

Along the way, we make a stopover at the Preah Dark village, where you can observe the local way of life and interact with the friendly villagers, gaining insights into their daily routines and traditions.

Follow these with a visit to the Banteay Samre Temple, adorned with impressive reliefs depicting scenes of Vishnu as well as Krishna legends.

Afternoon, continue to visit the jungle-covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers that embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure, giving the impression of man’s creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature, and we also explore the surrounding temples if time permits.

Come back to your hotel in Siem Reap for leisure time and overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Today, we’ll visit the Roluos Group. The monuments of Roluos, which served as the capital of Indravarman I (reigned 877-89):

• Preah Ko was erected by Indravarman I in the late 9th century, dedicated by the King to his ancestors in 880.
• Bakong is the largest and most interesting of the Roluos group temples, with its active Buddhist monastery just to the north of the east entrance.
• Lolei was built on an islet in the center of a large reservoir (now rice fields) by Yasovarman I, the founder of the first city at Angkor.

Afternoon, we continue to visit the Beng Mealea temple. This lesser-known temple, dating back to the 11th century, is waiting to be rediscovered by adventurous travelers. Covered largely by vegetation, it has a sprawling jungle setting and exhibits a distinct Angkor Wat style. Beng Mealea may have served as a prototype for Angkor Wat.

After visiting Beng Mealea, proceed to Siem Reap. Arrive in the city and transfer to your hotel.

Dinner is up to your preference

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Breakfast at your hotel. Free at own leisure until the time met and transfer to the airport for the flight departure.

This is also the end of services. Safe travel home!

Meals: Breakfast
Tour guide: English-speaking guide