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Travel from Vietnam's Saigon to Thailand's Bangkok
The day is free to recover from the flight. Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly known as Saigon, is an exciting and absorbing city where bicycles battle with lorries and temples stand defiantly alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, Saigon is now a bustling free market city where anything goes. The Ben Thanh Market and Notre Dame Cathedral are highly recommended. There will be a welcome briefing with your leader this evening followed by an optional group dinner at a local restaurant. *Huong Sen Hotel or similar*
This morning we leave the city behind us and head west to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Used by the Viet Cong during the war, the network covers 3 levels and approximately 240 kms of tunnels. Traditionally these were very narrow but some areas have been widened to allow tourists to explore the system. Claustrophobes may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine! In the afternoon we return to Saigon for a tour which include visits to the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum where there is an interesting record of the Vietnam/American War. Please be advised some of the images are of a graphic nature. *Huong Sen Hotel or similar*
We drive to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta via a Cao Dai temple used by devotees of this strange indigenous religion that fuses all the great religions of the east and west. En route we pass magnificent countryside and stop at some small cottage industries. The Mekong is locally known as the rice bowl of Vietnam and produces much of Vietnam's fruit, sugar cane and coconuts. Cai Be floating market is becoming less crowded and smaller as fruit trading is mostly now done by trucks due to the bridge being built. However, this is still a great opportunity to see a local market and the trade being conducted traditionally on a smaller scale. We take a relaxing sampan cruise in the afternoon and arrive at our accommodation. The evening is tranquil as we have dinner on an island and enjoy some 'Delta' hospitality. We spend the night sleeping at a simple homestay guesthouse built in the style of a local house. Bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided. *Mekong Homestay Guesthouse*
This morning we take a short walk around the surrounding village to uncover the daily lives of the people. We board our boats once again and cross the main channel to Vinh Long where we re-join our vehicle for the drive further into the Mekong Delta to the small border town of Chau Doc. After checking into the hotel we will enjoy a sunset visit to the top of the holy Sam Mountain with views stretching across into Cambodia. The evening is free to wander around this town, situated on the banks of the Mekong River. *Chau Pho Hotel or similar*
After driving approximately 1 hour to the Tinh Bien/Phnom Den land border we will bid farewell to Vietnam and cross into Cambodia. Our drive then takes us via the La Plantation Pepper farm, to enjoy an included lunch and an introduction to the famous Kampot Pepper farm. Afterwards, we transfer to Kampot town, which sits on a picturesque river. Upon arrival we check into our centrally located hotel, our base for the next two nights, before boarding a local boat for a sunset cruise on the Kampot River. The river runs through the centre of the town and can flow in both directions as it is closely connected to the sea. *Boutique Kampot Hotel or similar*
Today we jump on a local boat for the short trip to Koh Tonsai (Rabbit Island). Palm tree fringed with a small beach this is the perfect place to enjoy swimming in the warm water or relax and just soak up the exotic tropical surroundings. *Boutique Kampot Hotel or similar*
There may be the chance to rise early and do an optional walking tour with your leader to visit the Kampot fish market before returning to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we depart Kampot and transfer to Phnom Penh, where we will spend the next 2 nights. During our time in the Cambodian capital, take the chance to wander among the traditional buildings, or shop at either the impressive Central Market or the sprawling Russian Market, a souvenir hunter's paradise. *Ohana Hotel or similar*
We will visit the beautiful Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda inside the Palace complex, so named for the solid silver tiles that make up the floor. Thankfully the complex escaped the worst excess of the Khmer Rouge. Similar in style and scale to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, the Royal Palace has significantly fewer visitors and there is plenty of time to wander amongst the traditional buildings. We will also visit Tuol Sleng museum or S21 (Museum of Genocide), which graphically displays the horrors of the 4 years when Pol Pot systematically ordered the murder of between 2 and 3 million Cambodians. Tuol Sleng was originally a school but was used as a torture and interrogation centre between 1975 and 1979. It is a sobering, but enlightening place to visit. We complete our day with a moving late afternoon visit to the 'killing fields' of Choeung Ek. A football-field-sized area surrounded by farmland, the killing fields contain mass graves for perhaps 20,000 Cambodians, many of whom were tortured before being killed. Phnom Penh is a city in transition and, despite its horrific recent history, it is now starting to find its feet. Some of its former French colonial buildings have been restored and there is a small but lively restaurant and bar scene developing along the riverfront. *Ohana Hotel or similar*
Today we have a long drive to Siem Reap (approximately 8 hours). En route we stop at the town of Skuon, famous for its local delicacy - fried spiders. We will also stop off at Sambor Prei Kuk, Cambodia's most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments and some of the oldest structures in the country. We'll also pause for a traditional Khmer lunch at a community restaurant before continuing our journey to Siem Reap. *Angkor Holiday Hotel or similar*
A full day spent exploring the complex. We will visit the incredible Angkor Wat, the many temples inside the Royal City of Angkor Thom, including the magnificent Bayon, which comprises of 54 intricately carved towers in one single temple. The Bayon certainly left an impression on an early traveller in 1925 who stated 'we stand before it stunned. It is like nothing else in the land.' We will also see other less-visited outlying temples. Particularly impressive are Banteay Kdei and Ta Prohm, which is still covered in jungle as it was first found. Re-discovered in the 1870s and famously described as being 'grander than anything of Greece or Rome' by the French explorer Henri Mouchot, this world heritage site stands alongside Chichen Itza and Machu Picchu as one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites. A truly magical experience and a photographer's paradise. One evening we will make our way to watch the sunset over this magnificent scene. *Angkor Holiday Hotel or similar*
This morning we will continue our exploration of the Angkor complex with a visit to the small but charming Temple of Banteay Srei, which is noted for the intricacy of its carvings, 35km from Siem Reap town. Our route takes us past paddy fields, and through pretty villages. Banteay Srei was built in the 10th century and contains some of the finest examples of Khmer sculpture. Although much smaller than the later temples, here all of the buildings are covered in exquisite carvings. The afternoon is free for you to continue with further independent exploration of the temples or to wander around Siem Reap town or visit a floating fishing village and enjoy a boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake (optional). *Angkor Holiday Hotel or similar*
Today we have an early morning start and bid farewell to Cambodia, and embark on a longer journey from Siem Reap to Bangkok. The journey from Siem Reap to the border can take up to 3 hours. After the border crossing (usually takes up to an hour), we meet our Thai tour leader and have our first taste of Thai food at a local restaurant before continuing onto the capital of Bangkok. Famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and incredible street food, Bangkok is an assault on the senses and provides a real contrast to sleepy Cambodia. *Rembrandt Bangkok Hotel or similar*
Today we board a long tail boat for a tour of the local canals. Please be advised there may be a possibility of larger groups being accommodated in a bigger boat. Bangkok was once known as the Venice of the East because of its intricate canal network. We get a glimpse of daily life as we pass locals selling their wares by the river. We also visit what to this day remains the home of the Thai Royal family at the Royal Palace complex followed by Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, one of Thailand's most venerated images. Another highlight is Wat Po, the largest temple in Bangkok, housing a 46m long, 15m high gold-plated reclining Buddha. Please note, when visiting the Royal Palace, clothes covering your shoulders and knees are a requirement for entry. *Rembrandt Bangkok Hotel or similar*
* 14 days Land Only/16 day Flight Inclusive Itinerary valid from October
2021 onwards
* 12 nights comfortable hotels and 1 night homestay guesthouse to experience
Mekong Delta hospitality
* Travel by private minibus or bus (subject to group sizes) and boat
* Rural locations and city days
All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner are included.
The food on this trip is a real highlight for many. Southeast Asian cuisine
is known for its abundance of freshly prepared dishes with strong aromatic
flavours. There is a focus on herbs and citrus to ensure each dish packs a
punch; chilli does feature highly too but is easily avoided if desired.
Typically most dishes will come with rice and many are often served in a
banana leaf with a variety of dips and herbs served separately. The three
countries visited ensure a different culinary experience every time you cross
the border; ensure you try the freshly made Pad Thai noodles from the street
stalls of Bangkok, the fish amok curry in Cambodia for a creamy coconut-based
fragrant curry and the Banh Xeo (huge sizzling pancakes) found in Vietnam
cannot be missed!
Western food is readily available almost everywhere, with the exception of
the night in the Mekong Delta.
Vegetarian food is widely available, however the offering will be fairly
similar in most places within each country. Please advise at time of booking
if you have any dietary requirements.
* 14 days Land Only/16 day Flight Inclusive Itinerary valid from October
2021 onwards
* 12 nights comfortable hotels and 1 night homestay guesthouse to experience
Mekong Delta hospitality
* Travel by private minibus or bus (subject to group sizes) and boat
* Rural locations and city days
*This trip is rated Activity Level 2- Leisurely/Moderate*
This holiday is designed so that you can see the best parts of South East
Asia using a mixture of private buses and boats in the Mekong Delta. There is
a lot to see in the time you are there, but it is paced so that it doesn't
feel too rushed. On some days, there are a few longer necessary drives
between destinations. However, there is plenty of time for sightseeing and
the trip has numerous stops where we spend 2 or more nights.
Hotels & Guesthouses
You will stay 12 nights in comfortable hotels, all with en-suite facilities
and 1 night spent in a local homestay guesthouse.
Most of the hotels used on this trip are of a 3 star standard by local
classification. At the homestay guesthouse in the Mekong Delta you will be
sharing 1-3 people to a room depending on group size.
Please be advised that the accommodation listed in each location on the day
to day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some
departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and
quality.
Single supplements are available (on request) except the one night at
homestay guesthouse in the Mekong Delta. Please advise the sales team at the
time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.
The trip is led by locally qualified Vietnamese, Cambodian and Thai
English-speaking leaders.
All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner are included.
The food on this trip is a real highlight for many. Southeast Asian cuisine
is known for its abundance of freshly prepared dishes with strong aromatic
flavours. There is a focus on herbs and citrus to ensure each dish packs a
punch; chilli does feature highly too but is easily avoided if desired.
Typically most dishes will come with rice and many are often served in a
banana leaf with a variety of dips and herbs served separately. The three
countries visited ensure a different culinary experience every time you cross
the border; ensure you try the freshly made Pad Thai noodles from the street
stalls of Bangkok, the fish amok curry in Cambodia for a creamy coconut-based
fragrant curry and the Banh Xeo (huge sizzling pancakes) found in Vietnam
cannot be missed!
Western food is readily available almost everywhere, with the exception of
the night in the Mekong Delta.
Vegetarian food is widely available, however the offering will be fairly
similar in most places within each country. Please advise at time of booking
if you have any dietary requirements.
Throughout the tour we use a private coach/mini-bus, usually with
air-conditioning. Most of the driving days are not long, usually no more
than four hours, but there are a few days taking between five to nine hours
(with stops along way). Road conditions are fine in Vietnam and Thailand but
generally not so good in Cambodia but improving all the time, and progress
can be slow there.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 16 Days*
The group flight from London is an overnight flight departing the day before
Day 1 of the itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Qatar Airlines (depending on
availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend
you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm
up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and
cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.
***Travelling land only: 14 days starting in Saigon and ending in Bangkok*
Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Saigon in the afternoon of
Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided
in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before
departure.
Free transfers are only applicable if booked in advance directly through
Exodus before a trip commences.
The weather will be hot and humid throughout with temperatures during the day
between about 28ºC and 34ºC but at times is may reach 40ºC. It is only a
little cooler at nights. The region is mostly dry between December to April
and then a rainy season from May to November when it tends to come in short
heavy bursts with bright sunshine in between.
In Cambodia the weather will be hot and humid all year round. The dry season
is late October to May and the monsoon is normally between June and
September; though there is an obvious transitional time between those settled
periods. The dry season is as it sounds, with hot days and generally clear
skies, though you can expect the odd shower. The monsoon is characterised by
short, sharp bursts of rain and is generally overcast all day, though this
does not detract from the enjoyment of the place; you just need to take an
umbrella!
In Thailand the weather patterns are very similar to Cambodia and you should
expect year round temperatures from 23-35ºC. The rainy season will normally
run from June to September when you should expect short sharp showers but the
sun will normally break through.
* As it is generally hot and humid, light cotton clothing is recommended for
most of the trip. Light casual cotton clothing is recommended which can
easily be bought in Bangkok and elsewhere. Please remember that you will
be expected to cover your legs (to the ankle) and arms (to the elbow)
during visits to some temples and palaces.
* Sandals are useful as they are cooler and are easier to take off when
visiting temples.
* A first aid kit is carried on each trip, but you should bring your own
first aid kit with diarrhoea treatment, painkillers, rehydration sachets,
plasters and a blister treatment kit.
* Insect repellent is also highly recommended. Repellent containing DEET is
thought to be highly effective.
* A sun hat and sun screen are recommended, and a swim suit will be well
used
* Refillable water bottle (1-2 litre capacity)
* Light waterproof or an umbrella are useful
* Swimming costume
* Torch
There will be plenty of opportunities to get laundry done locally at a very
affordable price so fine to pack light.
As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject
to change, we suggest you check the airline's website for the latest
information prior to your departure.
You will need about GBP 225‐275/USD 290-360 for all other meals, which will
allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money for the
Cambodia visa and money to cover soft drinks (more if you like a
beer/alcohol) and souvenirs.
*Optional Excursions*
*Siem Reap*
Boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake GBP 7/USD10 ‐ price dependent on numbers
This is entirely at your own discretion however; we suggest that you allow a
few pounds/dollars for tips for the local guides and staff. In the countries
visited, with the increase in tourism, tipping has become customary. The
local staff will probably expect some gratuity and we suggest you allow for
this. The leader will suggest to the group that they donate a sum of GBP
27/USD 35 per person towards a kitty on arrival. This money is then used for
tipping of local guides, hotel porters, drivers etc. It is basically to
ensure that the hassle is taken out of various activities for you. If you do
not wish to contribute to a central pool for tips you are of course free to
do so.
If you feel that your leader has performed well over the course of your trip,
you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose
to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, GBP 2-4 /USD 3-6 per person per
day would be a reasonable starting point.
The 'tipping kitty' explained above is entirely separate from any
contribution to the tour leader. Our local staff are paid well and fairly for
their work with Exodus.
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
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