Highlights of Southern Vietnam and Cambodia

This is a beautiful and diverse journey from southern Vietnam into Cambodia. From the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, you will be taken into the colourful floating markets and tranquil scenery of the Mekong Delta and from there on to Cambodia, where the spectacular temples of Angkor await.

1. Days 1-3: Saigon

   Your holiday begins in Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon), the bustling 24/7 metropolis in the south of Vietnam. An electric place made up of old colonial buildings jostling for space with glassy skyscrapers, this city offers something for everyone. Our experienced guide will escort you through the chaos to uncover the city’s most famous landmarks, from the Notre Dame cathedral to the Central Post Office designed by French architect Gustav Eiffel. You will also have the opportunity to visit the fascinating War Remnants Museums, containing fragments of history from the Vietnam - American War. In your own time you may want to take a walk down Nguyen Hue Walking Street, famed for its shopping opportunities, or visit one of the famous rooftop bars.

   Accommodation: Park Hyatt Saigon (2 nights)

2. Days 3-4: Mekong Delta

   From Ho Chi Minh, you will be driven approximately 3 hours into the Mekong Delta, to Can Tho where you will stop for one night at Can Tho, the busy port town famed for its floating markets. Explore the market by boat, before embarking on a city tour, taking in the Can Tho museum and learning about life at the very end of the worlds 12th longest river.

   Accommodation: Azerai Can Tho (1 night)

3. Days 4-5: Mekong Delta

   From Can Tho you will head further south, to Chau Doc close to the Cambodian border. Truly off the beaten track and populated by a mixture of Chinese, Cham and Khmer communities. With your guide will be able to cruise along the river visiting floating fish farms and local houses, before finishing at a Cham village to visit their mosque.

   Accommodation: Victoria Chau Doc Hotel (1 night)

4. Days 5-7: Phnom Penh

   From Chau Doc your journey takes you north along the river, travelling 5 hours by boat across the border to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. From here you will be able to explore this up-and-coming city, formerly called ‘the pearl of Asia’ but ravaged by the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Here you will be taken on a half day city tour, visiting the Killing Fields to learn about the terrible genocide of the late 1970s, a must-do experience to fully appreciate Cambodian history in its entirety. You will also be able to explore the country’s proud heritage and rich culture with a visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.

   Accommodation: Raffles Le Royal (2 nights)

5. Days 7-9: Siem Reap & Angkor Wat

   Finally, you fly up to Siem Reap to finish your trip with a once in a life time experience, touring the world-famous temple complex of Angkor, including the iconic Angkor Wat. Your private guide will accompany you to the lesser known temples deep within the forest, almost entirely consumed by tree roots and foliage but still retaining an awe-inspiring sense of ancient mysticism. Away from the crowds you can take your time to fully appreciate the history and skill of this lost civilisation, before visiting the rest of the complex later, after the crowds have dispersed. Rise early for an opportunity to see the sun rising over Angkor Wat and your expert guide will ensure you get a good spot at this popular time of day. We also recommend a boat trip out onto Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest lake. Depending on seasonal water levels you will either be able to take a boat right into the centre of the lake for a delicious meal prepared on board, or in the dry season you will venture in a speedboat around the margins of the lake and enjoy a quiet meal alongside the water as you keep an eye out for local birds and wildlife.

   Accommodation: Sala Lodges (2 nights)

• A Morning like a Local Saigonese

  Spend the morning exploring the local side of Saigon, winding your way through the alleys, stopping off to sample local snacks, chatting with traders and visiting colourful markets. This is a great introduction to Vietnam's most lively city.

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• Angkor Wat at Sunrise

  Experience the majesty of Angkor Wat with a short sunrise tour, the best time to visit this ancient monument and one of Southeast Asia's most important archaeological sites.

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• Phnom Penh and The Killing Fields

  Experience the highlights of Phnom Penh before heading out to the green fields of Cheung Ek, known as The Killing Fields, to learn about the background and cruelty of the Khmer Rouge regime. This is a fascinating half-day tour.

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• Retracing The Past; Saigon's Wartime History

  This half day tour will take you to some of the key sites connected to Saigon's wartime history, including the Reunification Palace, the former residence of 1960s US Ambassador Mr. Henry C. Lodge Jr, and the rooftop of the famous Rex Hotel.

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• Saigon Food Tour by Vespa

  Saigon is one of the most exhilarating cities in Southeast Asia and this immersive tour, on the back of a Vespa, is one of the best ways to enjoy the city and its food.

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• Temples of the Forest

  This fantastic tour is geared around avoiding the crowds, getting you to Ta Prohm, Ta Nei and Ta Keo at the quietest time of day. Ensconced in jungle, these temples are ideal for adventurous families and couples wanting an Indiana Jones experience!

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• Tonle Sap on Ella (private boat)

  Experience the Tonle Sap in style! Our wonderful wooden boat, Ella, has been designed from scratch to experience the wildlife and absorb the unique floating villages on the margins of the lake.

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• Tour of Saigon

  Our city tour allows you to marvel at Saigon's historical landmarks including the Notre Dame Cathedral. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustav Eiffel.

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• Travel like a local

  Travel along the Chau Doc River in a small motorboat providing the chance to observe the local way of life on the river's edge alongside a visit to a Muslim Cham village.

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Saigon, Can Tho, Chau Doc, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap