IMPRESSIVE VIETNAM & CAMBODIA – 12 DAYS

Itinerary: Saigon – Mekong Delta – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap

Tour code: XSEC 0048 - MULTI COUNTRY TOURS

Highlights:

Explore some French colonial structures, pagodas & fascinating bustle market in Ho Chi Minh
Discover the famous underground network of Cu Chi
Savour the gorgeous spirit of Angkor with its ancient mystical structures
Learn about the history and culture of the region in the company of our friendly knowledgeable guides
Visit Royal Palace in Phnom Penh
Stepping back in time at the National Museum, home to the world’s finest collection of Angkorian sculpture

Overview

In the days of modern time, the desire to visit a place for exploring and sightseeing is always necessary. Let’s join a 12-day Indochina holiday package to the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia as well as enjoy the enchanting landscapes as well as discover the splendor architectural works that will lead you back to the past and have a deeper sight into the cultural and daily life of local people. This incredible Indochina trip will leave you unforgettable memory along with meaningful moments which you have never experienced before

Tour summary:

DAY 1: SAIGON ARRIVAL

Private driver

Upon Tan Son Nhat airport in Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon, the local tour driver will warmly welcome you, we transfer to hotel in the center city for check-in and then free for relaxing (Check-in time is 14PM, early check-in is not included in itinerary and subject to availability).
Meals: None
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Saigon

DAY 2: SAIGON CITY TOUR - CU CHI TUNNELS (B,L)

Private driver & guide

Breakfast is served at your hotel.
At 8:00, our driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel and take an excursion to Cu Chi (60km north of Saigon) where you will visit the vast underground network of tunnels built first as a defense against the French, and later expanded during the war. It was from here that the North Vietnamese waged their guerrilla warfare and you will marvel at their ingenuity and resilience. See secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms. The more adventurous may explore the deeper second, and even the third level tunnels. For those preferring to remain above ground, there is ample opportunity to view excavated areas from above. Your guide will advise you of the length and level of difficulty of each tunnel before entering – some are easily accessed by stairs. Return to Saigon in the afternoon. Lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Transfer back to Saigon.
Arrival Saigon, our tour guide will take you through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street, past the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, The hundreds Years Red Cathedral, Old Post Office.
19:00 PM, Dinner is served at a local restaurant. Stay overnight in Saigon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Saigon

DAY 3: SAIGON - MEKONG DELTA (B,L)

Private driver & guide

Breakfast is served at your hotel.
8:00AM: Enjoy the scenic journey along the National Highway bordered by green rice fields.
On arrived at My Tho, visit VinhTrang pagoda, take a leisurely boat ride along the river, view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages along the river bank. Proceed to Tortoise islet, have lunch in the orchard garden.
Then a boat ride to An Khanh – a less touristy attraction in Ben Tre, enjoy cruising on a hand-rowed sampan under the shadow of the water coconut trees along natural canals, then enjoy seasonal fruit& honey tea to the sound of “Southern Vietnamese folk music”, performed by locals.
Visit a family business which epitomizes the idyllic rural lifestyle, taste the delicious coconut candy& observe the pastoral life as you roam through the fruit plantation and village.
Meet the bus and return to HCMC. This trip provides a fascinating insight into daily life in the Mekong Delta and you are guaranteed to take home your own private collection of beautiful memories.
Transfer back to Saigon, You have time to free shopping in Ben Thanh Market or China Town
19:00 PM, Dinner is at the local restaurant. Stay overnight in Saigon.
SUGGESTION TOUR: DINNER ON SAIGON CRUISE
6:45pm: Boarding on the Junk, then All of delicacies and drinks will be served & enjoyed the traditional music which be performed by Vietnamese artists. 7.45pm: Junk departures, starting journey on Saigon River to Thu Thiem Bridge, then back to NhaRong Wharf along the Saigon piers. 9:15pm: We will come back Boat Station, and then Driver transfers you to your Hotel. Finish Trip Indochina Junk Dinner Cruise Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Saigon

DAY 4: SAIGON - FREE & EASY (B)

Breakfast is served at your hotel.
Today, you have time to explore and shopping in this vibrant city. Lunch and dinner are on your own arrangements. Stay overnight in Saigon
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Saigon

DAY 5: SAIGON - FREE & EASY (B)

DAY 6: SAIGON - PHNOM PENH BY PUBLIC BUS (B)

Public bus

Breakfast is served at your hotel.
Our arranged vehicle/bus picks your group up at hotel & transfer to the public/open bus station where we join the big public bus to get to Phnom Penh in Cambodia.
The local guide & private bus of Phnom Penh will pick up you and transfer to the hotel in the city center & check-in. We are relaxed at the hotel in the rest of the day or walking around at the local market to see the real Cambodian life on your own.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Phnom Penh

DAY 7: PHNOM PENH - CITY TOUR (B,L)

Private driver & guide

Breakfast is served at your hotel.
This morning, enjoy the city’s main highlights on an included guided sightseeing tour. Today we start our visit to the Royal Palace Complex consisting of the Royal Residence, the Throne Hall or Vinichhay Temple where a monarch is given a throne and the Chan Chaya Pavillon (where traditional dances took place) which includes Wat Preah Keo or known as the Silver Pagoda, an amazing place with a giant golden Buddha decorated with 9584 diamonds. Then, take 10 minutes walking to see the collection of Khmer art in the National Museum. In the afternoon, explore the Choeng Ek Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Toul Sleng is a place presenting the images of hundreds of torment faces of those tortured in the ancient school. Most of them were moved to Choeung Ek, a mass grave site also a memorial to those killed under the Khmers Rouges rule. Before transferring to the hotel, we visit the Russian market and then enjoy free time to do your own exploring in the evening.

Optional for boat cruise along the Mekong River, 1 or 1.5hrs
Optional for Romantic cruise of 2,5 hours around Phnom Penh in “all inclusive”.
Optional for Pottery workshop: Handmade with Angkor Designs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Phnom Penh

DAY 8: PHNOM PENH - FREE DAY (B)

Breakfast is served at your hotel.
Today you & your group is free at leisure for your own exploration or going shopping around.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Phnom Penh

DAY 9: PHNOM PENH - SIEM REAP BY PRIVATE BUS (B)

Private driver

Breakfast is served at your hotel.
Private Vehicle/bus without tour guide escort picks up at the hotel in Phnom Penh. We continue our journey, taste “Fried Tarantula” and on our way, we will stop at the market town of Skoun, famous for this special delicacy. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, our driver will transfer you directly to the hotel for check in and relax & free on your own in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: at a selected hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 10: SIEM REAP - ANGKOR WAT TOUR (B,L)

Private driver & tour guide
Breakfast is served at your hotel.
Today, enjoy an included visit to the complex of Angkor to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of an old place. First, sightseeing Angkor Thom built by King Jayavarman VII at the end of the 12th century which is surrounded by a massive perimeter wall and a moat with five monumental gates. The most important monuments are named the Bayon, the Baphoun and the Terrace of Elephants. After that, we visit Ta Prohm, a mysterious place with the huge roots of old Banyan trees.
In the afternoon, the first stop is Angkor Wat, the largest monument of the Angkor Group and the best conserved and it is an architectural masterpiece. All the factors are balanced and in harmony which makes it become one of the finest monuments in the world. The day will finish with a sunset scene at Phnom Bakheng temple. Return to the hotel after the tour and free at leisure.
Notice: During the visit of Angkor Wat, Baphuon and Banteay Srey temple – visitors should wear
Shirts or blouse covering shoulders and arms and long skirts or trousers covering legs. (No miniskirt or short trousers).
Children under twelve years old are not allowed to climb up this tower. It will be closed on the Buddhist Sabbath Days, the Buddhist religious days, four days a month in accordance with the Lunar Calendar.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 11: SIEM REAP - CHONG KNEAS - BANTEAY SREI (B,L

Private driver & tour guide
Breakfast is served at your hotel
In the early morning, take in the scenic view of the local life as you travel to the floating village of Chong Khneas, then return to the hotel for breakfast and be free or relax by the pool, or visit the Old Market. In the afternoon, we will drive through the lovely countryside, where the production of the palm sugar is done, and then visit the temple Banteay Srei, the prettiest temple in the area. Later, we will visit the Chao Srei Vibol temple, which is one of the off-the-beaten-track of Angkor temple and that’s well worth a look. The tour is finished in the early afternoon upon returning to the hotel.

Optional for balloon riding
Optional for Phare: The Cambodian Circus Show in Siem Reap
Optional for a traditional Khmer massage

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Siem Reap

DAY 12: SIEM REAP - DEPARTURE (B)

Private driver

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Free time at own leisure until our guide & driver pick you up to Airport for departure to next destination. End of services.
Meals: Breakfast

Since this can be private or group tour, the price per person varies and depends on many aspects, such as your group size, the hotel ratings and your departure date. If you want to get a custom price quote for this tour, please fill out the online inquiry form and give you as much information as possible about your trip. Your online travel consultants will be at your service and help you make the most of your travel time and dollars

NOTES

NOTES

1.The weather in Southern Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta

All year: 25°C to 30°
Nov – June: 22°C to 34°C, dry and enjoyable especially from December to February.
July – Oct: 25 to 35°C, showers late afternoon, especially in September.

2.The perfect time to visit Cambodia

Cambodia is under influence of the tropical climate. The best time to travel to Siem Reap is from November to March, during the cooler months of the dry season, when temperatures do not rise above 30 ° C. In December and January, it can be a bit chilly, especially in the evening and in the morning. As of March, it will be very hot in Siem Reap up to almost 40 ° C – and especially in May, before the rainy season begins, which lasts until October. The humidity is then extremely high and in rural areas, many roads are no longer passable after the often heavy downpours.

3.Passport & Visa to enter Cambodia

You will need a valid passport and a Cambodian visa to enter Cambodia. Tourist and business visas are valid for one month from the date of entry into Cambodia. Cambodia offers online visa processing.
The Cambodian visa now may also obtain at the airports in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and at all major border crossings. Cambodian immigration officials at airports now collect fingerprints upon entry using an inkless, electronic process. The visa on arrival is valid for a 30-day stay and issued at a cost of US $30 per tourist and US$35 per business traveler.
You must prepare:
+ A passport valid for at least 6 months from the expiry date
+ 02 recent passport-sized (4cm x 6cm) photographs
Some nationalities are required to get a visa in advance at Royal Embassy of Kingdom of Cambodia in their country: Afghanistan, Algeria, Arab Saudi, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Nigeria.
On the other hand, the nationals of the Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia do not need a tourist visa and may stay in Cambodia for 21 and 30 days respectively.

4.Foods should to try in Vietnam:

Food is a big deal in Vietnam, with most people dining out daily if not multiple times in a day. And who can blame them when flavors are so big and Vietnam food prices are so low? Though many start their day with Pho, even more choose other Vietnamese food favorites.

Pho (Phở): Easily the most popular Vietnamese food in the world, Pho lives up to its vaunted reputation when eaten in its homeland.

The two main Vietnamese Pho varieties are chicken (Pho Ga) and beef (Pho Bo).

Banh Mi (Bánh Mì): Unlike Pho which hails from northern Vietnam, the Banh Mi sandwich originates from the southern part of the country, allegedly in Saigon. Though they’re available all over the country, you will find the best Banh Mi sandwiches in Vietnam’s southern and central cities.

Most Banh Mi vendors sell the popular snack from mobile metal food carts, though more established vendors have permanent stores. Regardless of the cart or store, all Banh Mi vendors sell baguettes filled with a range of meats, paté, cucumbers and other savory ingredients.

Bun Cha (Bún Chả): Always a local favorite, Bun Cha hit the international radar when President Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain rolled up their sleeves to dip rice vermicelli noodles (bún) into little bowls filled with a grilled combination of ground and whole pork drenched in Nuoc Cham (Nước Chấm), a sweet yet savory sauce made with ingredients like fish sauce, sugar and vinegar. They both loved the experience and who can blame them – eating Bun Cha is fun.
Egg coffee (Cà phê trứng): Yet another Hanoi invention, Egg Coffee is more of a dessert (think Creme Brulee) than a beverage. Made with egg yolks, sugar and condensed milk, Egg Coffee is the best drink you will eat in Vietnam.
Bun Bo Hue (Bún bò Huế): Ironically, Bun Bo Hue translates to Beef Noodle Soup from Hue even though Bun Bo broths are often made with some pork. Other ingredients like lemongrass, shrimp paste, and lime juice ramp up the flavor. Adventurous eaters can also add cubed pig’s blood for even more flavor. Although Bun Bo Hue is easily available throughout Vietnam, the best place to slurp the spicy Vietnamese soup is in Hue where it was invented.
Mi Quang (Mì Quảng): Mi Quang is wildly popular in Vietnam’s central hub of Da Nang. In Da Nang, the local favorite is cheap and available everywhere. For those unfamiliar, Mi Quang is a rice noodle dish featuring thick wide rice noodles served with a choice of proteins like pork, chicken, shrimp, quail eggs, mussels and eel served in a soupy, beefy broth. Mi Quang typically comes with a big pile of greens on the side along with a range of condiments like chilis and fish sauce. You’ll want to start eating your bowl of Mi Quang with chopsticks. Once the noodles are gone, you can switch to a spoon so that you get every drop of the tasty broth at the bottom of the bowl.
Banh Xeo (Bánh Xèo): What’s better than regular pancakes? In Vietnam, the answer is Banh Xeo or sizzling pancakes.Inspired by French crepes and invented in Central Vietnam, Banh Xeo are yellow pancakes filled with a mix of ingredients including pork, shrimp and vegetables. Far from fine dining, diners often sit on little chairs in casual settings where they wrap Banh Xeo in rice paper and dip them in a special pork liver and peanut sauce before crunching into the crispy treats.

Banh Cuon (Bánh Cuốn): Invented in Northern Vietnam but available throughout the country, Banh Cuon is a cheap, fun breakfast option for those days you’re not in the mood for soup. These steamed rice rolls come filled with a savory pork and mushroom filling as well as a bowl of sweet dipping sauce. Don’t look for a fancy Vietnamese restaurant to eat Banh Cuon. Instead, look for a crowded Banh Cuon stand where the staff, usually women, make the rice flour rolls to order by pouring the rice flour pancake mixture on special round griddles. Banh Cuon is really cheap, making it a great “off the map” meal choice

5.Foods should to try in Siem Reap

Cambodia is not only famous for the Buddist temples and Angkok complex, but also well-known for its appetizing and original cuisine. “Natural Sweetness” is the essence of Cambodian food, with vegetables and fruits being utilized largely, thanks to its rich resource all-year-round in a tropical country.
Prahok: Prahok is a crushed, salted and fermented fish paste that is used in Cambodian cuisine as a seasoning. Fish are exposed to the sun for a day, flavored with salt, pepper, garlic and cold rice and kept in a jar for several months. After it becomes pasty and grayish, it can be enjoyed. Prahok is among the symbols of Cambodian cuisine.
Green Mango Salad: Takes little time to prepare, yet the results can be great. Such a dish is top ideal for any meal and any time during the day. The salad plate features various vegetables and fruits such as green mango (of course), tomato, cucumber, bell peppers and other ingredients like peanut butter, green onion, fresh basil/mint, fish sauce, etc.
Kralan Bamboo sticky rice: Kralan is a snack that is made from Cambodia sticky rice cooked with coconut milk and soybean in a bamboo tube. The bamboo tree must be the bamboos that grow in village because it has long tubes, contains a lot of water and has white flesh inside the tube. Bamboo tubes are burned in coal fire, all the faces of the tubes must face the fire to be well-cooked.
Jaggery sweet soup: Jaggery sweet soup’s main ingredients are coconut milk and palm fruits. Jaggery sweet soup is a sweet thick soup with potato cubes and green beans and best served in cool or with some ice. Its typical colors range from golden brown to dark brown. This dessert can be savored to balance all the hot and spicy food you may have tried in Siem Reap and boost your energy.

6.Important notes:

Our rate is quoted in US dollars per adults based on twin/double room and applied for private tour for private own group.
Availability: Please note that if a certain hotel is not available at the time of booking, then we will gladly make alternative suggestions in the same category. We will advise you accordingly with the surcharge if any. As a result, we would highly appreciate it if you could advise us to block rooms soonest possible to guarantee the rooms and rates in a period of high and peak season.
All the above points of interest are open for a visit based on current updates. In case of closure for construction or any other reason, we will replace with a similar point of interest.
The itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather, road condition, flight, type of class and operating conditions.

ACCOMMODATION

LIST OF OUR HOTELS:
The hotels offered by Xuan Son Travel classified from 02 to 05 stars at international standard, comfortable with all the required services.

Homestay/local homestay: we have developed fair tourism, through contacts with the local population, the possibility of sleeping with locals and sharing their daily lives. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer you are well assured and with the best possible conditions
Standard Category: 2 stars. The rooms are decent, clean, equipped with bathroom, satellite TV and air conditioning.
Superior Category 3 stars. The rooms are generally spacious and the services and facilities are more numerous.
Deluxe category: 4 stars. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, with a wide choice of quality services have swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi

Luxury Category: 5 stars. Hotels with excellent comfort and a wide range of excellent services. Swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi…)

CITIES /AREAS	HOME STAY	HOTEL-STANDARD	HOTELS-SUPERIOR	HOTEL-DELUXE	HOTELS- LUXURY
SAIGON	….	….	Chez Mimosa Petite / Queen Ann hotel / Bloom hotel or similar	Cicilia hotel/ SilverlandCharner/ Grand Silverland / Eden Star hotel or similar	The Mys Dong Khoi hotel/ Hotel des Arts/ Majestic / Caravel Hotel or similar
PHNOM PENH	Capital Hotel	Khmer Village Guest House/Brigade Manager Hotel	Cardamon/King Grand Boutique/Town View III/River Home/Asia Tune/The Frangipani Living Arts Hotel	Ohana/Juliana/Harmony Phnom Penh/Kravan/ The Frangipani Royal Palace/Villa Langka/Iroha Garden Hotel & Resort	Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel/Palace Gate Hotel & Resort/Rose Suites/ Raffles Hotel Le Royal
SIEM REAP	Anou Home Guesthouse/Chamraoen’s Home/Sihariddh Angkor Villa	Ta Som Guest House/Mother Home Boutique Hotel	Central Boutique Angkor Hotel/Laniche D’Angkor Boutique/Angkor Holiday Hotel/City River/Treasure Oasis/Cheathata Angkor/Silk Angkor/The Frangipani Villa Hotel & Spa	Saem Siem Reap Hotel/Sokha Roh/Mother Home Boutique/Treasure Oasis Angkor	Hotel Somadevi Angkor Boutique & Resort/Royal Angkor Resort/Angko Micracle/Sokah Angkor/Angkor Palace Resort/Sak Mut Hotel & Spa…

SERVICES & PRICE

SERVICES & PRICE

TRAVEL PRICE: IMPRESSIVE VIETNAM & CAMBODIA 12 DAYS
From…. To… usd /per
Excluding international flights

Inclusion

Experienced English speaking guides in Saigon/Ho Chi Minh, Cambodia
Centrally- located accommodations with daily breakfasts as indicated in above list/table
All Meals as indicated in itinerary with set menu & local food
Reasonable mineral water per person in each day during the tour
Transfer by Private high-quality coach/ bus of 45- seats in each country
Transfer by joining Public Bus/open bus for 1 way from Saigon to Phnom Penh
Private boat trip in Mekong Delta & Cambodia as per program
Entrance fees visit all sites as indicated in the itinerary

Exclusion

All Airfares and taxes of international flight to Vietnam /out of & Bangkok
Other domestic & external flights not mentioned
Foods and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Visas to Vietnam & to Cambodia
Entrance fees and permits during free time
Personal travel insurance (Compulsory)
Personal expenses such as Bar, Telephone, and Laundry bills
Tips and gratuities for tour guides & drivers
Others which are not mentioned in the inclusion
Surcharge for Public Holidays, New Year holidays and Compulsory dinners (if any)
Early check in or late check out.

Customize this tour

This tour is designed with balanced activities and pace. If you want to customize it, you may always change its itinerary and accommodations according to your needs.

PARTICIPANTS AND DATE OF TRAVEL

Your group includes: *

Adult(s)

Child(ren)

The date of your trip: *

Expected duration (in days):

Arrival date:

Any special request? Please enter here, this help us make our offer best meet your need.

2. Your personal information and contact details

Gender

Nationality

Full name

Telephone number

E-mail

Confirm email

My name is Nicky, English & French speaking advisor at Xuan Son Travel. I have been the specialist in tailor-made trips to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for 18years. I love the charm of the small streets of Hanoi as well as the charm of the countryside, with magical landscapes, warm and smiling inhabitants in all regions of Vietnam. As a Travel Consultant, I put it at your disposal and will assure you that your wishes and desires are perfectly suited to your trip to Asia.