7 nights / 8 days - September & October 2023
Brief Itinerary:
DAY 1: SIEM REAP ARRIVAL (D)
DAY 2: SIEM REAP – ANGKOR WAT (B,D)
DAY 3: SIEM REAP – FLOATING VILLAGE (B,D)
DAY 4: SIEM REAP – HO CHI MINH CITY (B,D)
DAY 5: HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG RIVER DELTA (B,D)
DAY 6: HO CHI MINH CITY – CU CHI TUNNEL (B,D)
DAY 7: HO CHI MINH CITY – DEPARTURE (B)
Detailed Itinerary
CAMBODIA
DAY 1: SIEM REAP ARRIVAL (D)
Upon arrival you will be welcomed by our tour guide in Siem Reap. Transfer to city center for hotel check in (check-in time is 14:00, if the room is available you may check in early otherwise leave your luggage at hotel and begin exploring. Life begins early here). Visit Wat Thmei (Killing Fields). This boasts a unique glass-walled stupa containing the bones of victims of the Khmer Rouge. Some of the bones were recovered from a nearby well while others are remains of soldiers who died on a battlefield nearby. Come back to visit the "Les Artisans d'Angkor – Chantiers Ecole" -the Finest Authentic Khmer Arts and Crafts. After a short rest we will have a welcome dinner with Apsara, a traditional Khmer dance - which is not merely a dance but tells a story. Overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 2: SIEM REAP – ANGKOR WAT (B,D)
After breakfast, explore the South Gate of Angkor Thom known as Big Angkor. This is 3 km long, double walled that moated the royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire. The famous Bayon Temple was an architectural muddle, in part because it was constructed in a somewhat piecemeal fashion over a century. Terrace of the Elephants is an impressive, two and a half meter tall, 300 meter long terrace wall adorned with carved elephants that spans the heart of Angkor Thom in front of Baphuon - huge temple mountain in the heart of Angkor Thom, Royal Palace Area and Phimeanakas - impressive rite and sandstone pyramid. Terrace of the Leper King is at the north end of the Terrace of the Elephants, a double terrace wall with deeply carved demons and other mythological beings. Lastly you will visit Ta Prohm temple which is a combination of human ingenuity and natural beauty. Giant trees have grown here for centuries.
In the afternoon you will visit the Angkor Wat temple. The founder of the temple was Suryavarman II who ruled Cambodia from 1113 to 1152 and built the five towers in the 12th century dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu. The plan of the pyramidal conception of the temple combined with spaces, alleys, and ditches is an ancient masterpiece of architectural design and construction. Then visit Pre Rup temple for a romantic sunset view. Have dinner and enjoy the bars and pubs at Angkor night market. Overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 3: SIEM REAP – FLOATING VILLAGE (B,D)
After breakfast visit the Floating Villages - located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. Take a ride in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap - the "Great Lake" of Cambodia and the largest in Asia. Here you’ll see plenty of examples of the Khmer way of life. Then visit Wat Bo founded in the 18th century; a highly respected pagoda containing very unique wall paintings of the Reamker (Ramayana) that are said to be late 19th century.
In the afternoon visit West Baray Big Pond. A “baray” is a water reservoir built by the ancient Khmer people. We continue to one of the city’s lively open markets - Psar Chars, also known as the “Old Market”, where anything and everything is for sale. Dinner and overnight in Siem Reap.
DAY 4: SIEM REAP – HO CHI MINH CITY (B,D)
Breakfast at hotel, free leisure time until its time transfer to the airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
VIETNAM
Upon arrival in Tan Son Nhat Airport, we will transfer to city center for check-in (early, if room is available).
In the afternoon, we will visit Independence Palace, also known at the Reunification palace that 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 seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Central Post Office, followed by the remarkable sites of the city such as Opera House, City Hall, and Ben Thanh Market.
Have dinner at an Indian Restaurant and overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 5: HO CHI MINH CITY – MEKONG RIVER DELTA (B,D)
After breakfast at hotel, 08:30am our tour guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel and drive to My Tho city. We begin our boat trip on the Tien River, where you will experience the light breeze and the natural beauty of four beautiful islands called Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix and Tortoise along the riverside. Cruise through the small canal by sampan (small boat), and treat yourself to the beauty of the countryside. Take a short cycling tour around the village. Visit the coconut candy workshop, and enjoy seasonal delicious fruits & honey tea. Get a chance to listen to Southern Vietnamese folk music performed by local people.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City. Have dinner at INDIAN restaurant and overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 6: HO CHI MINH CITY – CU CHI TUNNEL (B,D)
Post breakfast at hotel, 08:00am we transfer to Cu Chi Tunnel. It will take approximately one and a half-hours via bus. Before exploring the tunnels, you will watch an introductory video about how the tunnels were made and how Vietnamese people survived in the harsh conditions of wartime. Spend your time exploring the remaining areas and tunnel system which include special living areas with kitchens and bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers that helped whoever lived inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. There are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze-like tunnels for security during the war. Afterwards, special tea and cassava (guerrillas’ food during the war) will be served. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for relaxation or shopping.
Dinner at an INDIAN restaurant. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 7: HO CHI MINH CITY – DEPARTURE (B)
Breakfast at hotel, check out is 12 pm.
Our driver will pick you up and transfer to the airport for your flight back to home.
HOTELS FOR TOUR (or similar):
In Siem Reap:
Somadevi Angkor Hotel 4* (Superior room) -
https://www.somadeviangkor.com/
In Ho Chi Minh City:
Palace Saigon Hotel 4* (Deluxe City View) -
Inclusions
Hotel accommodation based on Twin/ Double shared rooms
A/C transfer with experienced drivers
English speaking local tourguides
Meals without drinks as indicated: B = Breakfast ; L = Lunch ; D = Dinner
All sightseeing fees as program
Boat trips in Siem Reap and Mekong Delta
02 bottles of 0,5l on each day tour
Exclusions
E-Visa in Vietnam: USD35/1 person, visa stamping fee already included
International air ticket to / from Vietnam and domestic flights
Early check-in and late check-out
Other meals not mentioned in programs
Drinks, personal expenses and others…
VAT (Valued Added Tax) 10%
Gratuities/ tips for tour guides & driver: USD 3/ 1pax/ 1 days (COMPULSORY)
Tour Cost (in USD)
September
2 pax: 815 per pax | 4 pax: 735 per pax | 6 per pax: 660 | 8 per pax: 585
October
2 pax: 852 per pax | 4 pax: 772 per pax | 6 per pax: 692 | 8 per pax: 612
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made before 30 days of travel will qualify for a full refund after deducting bank/credit card charges if applicable. Thereafter, refund shall be made as follows:
• 50% of the total amount charged if cancelled between 30 days to 1 week prior to the trip
• 100% cancellation charge in if cancelled less than 1 week of travel/postponement of the trip/no show
For bookings and other details contact:
Laidback Outdoor
Whatsapp: +91 8375090772
Email: nakblaidback@gmail.com
Instagram: @laidbackoutdoor
Facebook: @LaidbackIndia