Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam Classic 16 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

In the morning, we will depart to visit Ayutthaya Historical Park. First you will visit Wat Phu Khao Thong, or the “Monastery of the Golden Mount'', which is located just outside Ayutthaya. Then you will proceed to the ancient palace and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. You will also visit Viharn Phra Mongkol Bopit, one of the largest bronze Buddha in Thailand. Have lunch by your own account. Afterwards you will visit Wat Lokaya Sutha. This temple enshrines a large reclining Buddha image.

Our last visit will be the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, built during the Ayutthaya era. The palace showcases an eclectic collection of buildings that blend European, Khmer, Thai and Chinese architectural styles. It’s the favourite summer palace of the King.

Check in at your hotel in Ayutthaya. In the evening, you may take a short boat ride around the island city to see the temples lit up after dark (optional).

Overnight in Ayutthaya.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Ayutthaya

After breakfast, leave Ayutthaya and drive west to Kanchanaburi (about 3 hours). Visit the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery and the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, which tell the story of the Death Railway built during the Second World War.

In the afternoon, walk across the Bridge over the River Kwai and take a short ride on the historic railway along the cliffs of Wang Pho (subject to the train schedule). Check in at your riverside hotel.

Overnight in Kanchanaburi.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Kanchanaburi

Early morning departure to Erawan National Park (NO CAVE VISIT) considered as the most beautiful waterfall of Thailand. This is such an impressive series of seven tiers, each with a shape and character on its own.

Originating from the Monglai Stream, water flows down from the hill at height of 2000m and flows into the Khwae Yai River. The waterfall is named after the legendary three-headed white elephant living in the Himavarna forest. You’ll get to enjoy a relaxing swim in the natural pools.

In the afternoon, drive back to Bangkok (about 2 hours 30 minutes) and check in at your hotel. The evening is free.

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 you visit the local market overlooking the confluence of three rivers, and later take a boat to Chau Giang District where a tiny mosque serves the local Cham community. The Cham minority once dominated coastal Vietnam from the 2nd to the 9th centuries. The Chams also practice silk weaving and you may have the opportunity to see them at work. You’ll visit a beautiful Khmer temple, and later visit the floating houses that double as catfish farms, now a huge industry for the country. Return to land for the drive to Can Tho. En route, visit the bamboo basket-making hamlet of Long Thanh before continuing on to Can Tho. Transfer to your hotel on arrival.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Can Tho

Morning after breakfast transfer to little town of Cai Be. Where our boat trip start pass through floating market, viewing the people of Mekong Delta are doing business on the water, gliding through the lush green vegetation of the canals, reach to an orchard for a delicious local lunch with completely tropical fruits. After lunch we keep on cruising along river to see peaceful tranquil life of villagers, admire marvelous natural setting of Mekong Delta region. The boat will arrive at Vinh Long town, walking around to explore local market of Vinh Long. Afternoon transfer to Saigon, on the way stop at Bonsai Garden to a little rest.

Overnight in Saigon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: At the hotel in Saigon

Morning we departure for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese soldiers in the American war. Nowadays, the tunnels have become a popular tourist attraction of Vietnam.

Return to HCM for lunch. Afternoon we will visit some major sights of the city. We pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy before we visit the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office. After seeing the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip on to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale!

Overnight in Saigon.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Saigon

After breakfast, transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, transfer to Hoi An (about 45 minutes) and check in at your hotel.

In the late afternoon, take a first walk in the old town as the lanterns are lit, and enjoy dinner at one of the riverside restaurants (at your own expense).

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hoi An

Start your tour today with the 4th century Cham religious sanctuary of My Son, which is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, located in a beautiful green valley surrounded by impressive mountains. While a small site, the ruins at My Son are the largest and most intact remaining in Vietnam. It is also the home to the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which records the development of the culture and history of the Cham people through their elaborate sculptures and carvings

In the afternoon, start walking to the Hoi An Old Town.

You will see remarkably well-preserved old houses that have withstood 200 years of weather and war. Learn about the prosperous merchants who used to live in these homes, trading with buyers from all around the world.

Make a stop at the Japanese Covered Bridge. The bridge spans a small waterway and was constructed more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance.

Go to the Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues and elaborate rooftops. Get an introduction to ancestor worship while visiting the family altar and watching local devotees making offerings.

Additionally, visit some of Hoi An’s well-known handicraft shops and artwork galleries. Discover smaller laneways and local neighborhoods, gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: At the hotel in Hoi An

After breakfast, enjoy free time in Hoi An until your transfer to Da Nang International Airport (about 45 minutes) for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: None