Bangkok, Angkor & Saigon 10 Days

Upon arrival at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you are welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel in a private air-conditioned vehicle.

The rest of the day is free to rest after your journey or take a first walk in the neighbourhood. Bangkok is a city of contrasts, where gilded temples and street-food stalls sit beside modern shopping centres and the busy Chao Phraya River.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: None

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok

After breakfast, visit the Grand Palace, the ceremonial residence of the Thai royal family. Within the palace grounds, discover Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.

Continue to Wat Pho, famous for its magnificent Reclining Buddha, followed by Wat Traimit, which houses the remarkable solid-gold Buddha.

In the afternoon, board a traditional long-tail boat for a journey along the Chao Phraya River and through the canals of Thonburi. Pass waterside homes and neighbourhood temples, offering a glimpse into local life along Bangkok’s waterways. Afterwards, visit Wat Arun, the iconic Temple of Dawn.

Return to the hotel for some time to relax.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok

Early in the morning, we drive southwest of Bangkok, visit the Maeklong railway market, take photo, and enjoy the local snack in the market before driving to Damnoen Saduak, a rural floating market. Stop for a motor boat trip along the waterway to the picturesque floating market of Damnoen Saduak.

Enjoy your own lunch.

Transfer back to your hotel in Bangkok.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Bangkok

After breakfast, transfer to Bangkok Airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia (about 1 hour). Upon arrival, complete visa formalities, meet your Cambodian guide and transfer to your hotel.

In the late afternoon, drive to Pre Rup temple to watch the sunset over the Cambodian countryside, then return to Siem Reap. In the evening, you may stroll around the Old Market and Pub Street.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Siem Reap

Breakfast at hotel, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.

Afternoon we visit the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples, which has been left largely as it was found, with giant trees growing through its galleries.

Sunset at Angkor Wat.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Siem Reap

Breakfast at the hotel.

Early morning, we drive to Kbal Spean (60 minutes), which translates to “Bridge Head”. From the entrance, it is an easy 3km hike up to the hill passing through a nice forest offering beautiful views over the surrounding plains. On top, you will find a river with many rocks under the surface holding inscriptions and Hindu statues referred to as the Lingas which date back to the 11th century. There is also a waterfall on top that drops significant amounts of water during the wet season but dries up entirely during the height of the dry season (March/April). In the rainy season the route may be slippery and good footwear is advised. Hike down the hill back to the car and drive to have lunch at the local restaurant (on your own), after lunch, we will visit Banteay Srei Temple. This red sandstone temple is one of Angkor’s most significant structures as its walls are decorated with elaborate carvings which have been preserved remarkably well. They provide an excellent into the Angkor civilization and their beliefs. It was built in the 10th century and was dedicated to the Hindu god - Shiva. Drive back to your hotel in Siem Reap to relax. Dinner is on your own.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Siem Reap

Morning after breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh, pick up for lunch and then visit the Victory Monument, and the National Museum, also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures – from throughout the ages. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. End your afternoon with the visit of the Wat Phnom Temple, Phnom Penh's namesake, from where you can enjoy views over the tree-lined avenues of the city during sunset.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Phnom Penh

Morning time to explore one of the city's most vibrant markets, PsarToul Tom Pong, all called the "Russian Market", which sells a wide array of local goods and handicrafts. Then visit the Tuol Sleng Museum with its disturbing account of Pol Pot's reign of terror and the notorious 'Killing Fields' of Choeung Ek. At the noontime, transfer to boat pier for boat trip on Mekong river downstream to Chau Doc. a vibrant town on the edge of the Mekong Delta near the Cambodian border. Arrival in Chau Doc at the end of day. Check in hotel. Time free.

Overnight in Chau Doc.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Chau Doc

This morning, take a boat to the floating houses of Chau Doc, where local families raise fish under their homes, and visit a Cham village known for its traditional weaving.

Then drive to Sam Mountain to visit the Ba Chua Xu Temple, an important pilgrimage site of the Mekong Delta, with views over the rice fields towards the Cambodian border.

After lunch, drive to Saigon (about 6 hours) and check in at your hotel. The evening is free.

Overnight in Saigon.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Saigon

After breakfast, enjoy a short orientation of Saigon with your guide: the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office and the Ben Thanh Market, depending on your flight time. Then transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: None