Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam tour 17 days

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner, G=Guide

Day 1: Bangkok arrival (G)

On arrival at Suvanphumi Airport, you’ll be driven to your hotel. Rest of the day, you’ll be free to stroll around the city as you wish. You’ll spend the night in Bangkok.

Day 2: Bangkok City Tour (B, L, G)

After breakfast, you’ll begin your tour of Bangkok with a long tail boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to see many lively inner canals which provide some fantastic views of the local life. Along the way you will stop over at Wat Arun, the temple of dawn, before continuing to the Grand Palace which dedicated to the Thai Royal Family’s ceremonies. Nearby is the magnificent Wat Phra Kaew, which is famous for the Emerald Buddha Image. After seeing this complex, you will drive through the many vibrant streets of China Town to some of the most significant temples in Bangkok. The landmark of Wat Traimit is well known as the Golden Buddha Temple while Wat Po houses a gigantic Reclining Buddha. You will spend the night in Bangkok.

Day 3: Bangkok/Ayuthaya/Pipai/Korat (B, L, D, G)

Depart from Bangkok to Ayuthaya, which is beautifully located on an island at the confluence of three rivers. Visit Wat Chaiwathanaram occupying a magnificent position on the West bank of the Chao Phraya River. Drive through the historical part of this former capital of Siam and then continue to Pimai. En route short stop the local fruit market at Klang Dong. Continue to the charming little town of Pimai northeast of Korat, known for the magnificent Khmer sanctuary of Prasat Hin. Visit the museum and Historical Park. Return to Korat with a short stop at one of the biggest Banyan Trees in Thailand. Dinner and overnight at SIMA THANI HOTEL.

Day 4: Korat/Dan Kwian/Phanom Rung/Aranyaprathet (B, L, D, G)

After breakfast, visit the pottery village of Dan Kwian. The region of Korat is famous for its beautifully crafted pottery. Continue to Phanom Rung, which is the finest Khmer Temple in Thailand and gives more than only a good idea of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Similar in layout to Phimai, both monuments are believed to have been the prototype for the famous Angkor Wat. Close by there is Muang Tam, another impressive Khmer temple predating Phanom Rung by about 120 years. After lunch, continue to the border town of Aranyaprathet with stops at ancient Khmer ruins along the Thai-Cambodian border. Dinner and overnight at ARAN MERMAID HOTEL.

Day 5: Aranyaprathet/Siem Reap (Cambodia)(B, L, D, G)

This morning we cross the border to Cambodia and travel via Sisophon to Siem Reap with lunch at a local restaurant en route. Arrive in Siem Reap late afternoon and check in at your hotel. If time permits, visit “Les Artisans d’Angkor – Chantiers Ecoles” and watch the sunset at Angkor Wat. Dinner at your hotel and overnight.

Day 6: Siem Reap (B, L, D, G)

The sightseeing tour of Angkor area we spend a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and 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 colums, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 7: Siem Reap (B, L, D, G)

Breakfast at hotel.The jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man’s creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We explore this masterpiece as well as some of the surrounding temples including Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon and Chau Say Tevado. The grand circuit with Preah Khan, Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon and Pre Rup Temples, is also visited this afternoon before we walk up to Phnom Bakheng Hill for a view of the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments. Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 8: Siem Reap (B, L, D, G)

Breakfast at hotel, Heading out of town we make our way by traveling on a newly paved road to the intricately carved and well preserved temple of Banteay Srei. Along the way we make stopover at the Preah Dark village and we follow these with a visit the Banteay Samre Temple adorned with impressive relief’s depicting scenes of Vishunu as well as Krishna legends. And shopping at CTM souvenir shop and old market. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 9: Siem Reap/Phnom Penh (B, L, D, G)

Breakfast at hotel and take a short flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival at Phnom Penh City, you’ll visit to Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Toul Sleng museum (S-21) and Russian Market. Overnight in Phnom Penh

Day 10: Phnom Penh/Chau Doc (B, G)

There is a free time for your own exploration of the city and strolling around the shopping areas. Later on, you’ll be picked up at your hotel in Phnom Penh and transfer to the boat pier for boarding the boat to Chau Doc. Arrive at Chau Doc around 3.30pm. Pick up and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Chau Doc.

Day 11: Chau Doc/Long Xuyen/Can Tho (B, L, G)

Breakfast at your hotel. Take a motor boat trip to see the floating fish farm and the floating village. Visit the local Cham minority village in their traditional weaving village. Depart for Long Xuyen, visit the Bird Sanctuary in Thot Not and the incense stick making village. Check in on arrival. Free to explore the city on your own in the afternoon. You can also visit a village, meet the local people, have dinner with them and enjoy their music Overnight at your hotel in Can Tho.

Day 12: Can Tho/Ho Chi Minh city (B, L, G)

After breakfast, take a leisurely boat trip to the Cai Rang floating market, which are the liveliest in the region. You will probably have tried Vietnamese vermicelli soup so now go and see how it is made. Then wander around the village and meet the local people. Learn how to cross a “Monkey Bridge” which is built from a single bamboo. Return to Can Tho for lunch at a local restaurant. Depart for Ho Chi Minh City with stopovers at Vinh Long and My Tho town.

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi (B, G)

You’ll take the domestic flight to Hanoi. On arrival, pick up to the hotel. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.

Day 14: Hanoi (B, L, G)

An all day city tour, possibly including the Temple of Literature, (the first university in Viet Nam dating back to the 11th C), the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Ethnology Museum and the centre of Hanoi, including the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son temple and the bustling Old Quarter with a complex of architecture – traditional tube houses, religious buildings and the colonial houses. In the evening, you’ll have tickets for a performance of Cheo (an traditional music typical for the northern Vietnam). Overnight in Hanoi

Day 15: Hanoi/Ha Long (B, L, D, G)

A morning drive to Ha Long Bay, (one of the most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Areas – the world’s largest marine “karst” landscape). Travel by traditional-style boat to some of the less well-known grottoes and caves. Includes swimming, fishing, hill (not mountain) climbing for Bay overviews, exploring sea level caves in a small sampan, etc. All meals will be provided on board and your accommodation will be on the boat in a twin room with en suite toilet and shower.

Day 16: Ha Long/Hanoi (B, G)

Morning cruising Ha Long Bay, followed by lunch and then return to Hanoi for an overnight stay.

Day 17: Hanoi departure (B, G)

Escorted departure from Noi Bai airport.