Angkor & Mekong
Trip Length |
Trip Code |
| 9 days | PATI |
Activities |
|
| Culture (Easy) | |
Minimum Passengers |
|
| 6 people | |
Maximum Passengers |
|
| 15 people | |
Countries Visited |
|
| Cambodia, Vietnam | |
Start City |
End City |
| Siem Reap | Saigon, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam |
This is an Indochina journey with a difference, which combines Cambodia with Vietnam. Starting in Siem Reap, a launching pad for an exploration of the magnificent Angkor Wat complex, we continue to the Cambodian capital - Phnom Penh. Our next country is Vietnam, where we cross the border near Chau Doc and explore the waterways of the bustling Mekong Delta, before completing our epic journey in exciting Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City).
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Siem Reap
Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you are met and transferred to our centrally located hotel. You meet your tour leader and the rest of the group. After a pre-trip briefing, we adjourn for a group dinner in town (cost not included).
Day 2: Siem Reap
Meals included: 1 breakfast
We spend a full day visiting the amazing temples of Angkor on a guided tour. Angkor Thom, the 'Great Royal City', is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. The impressive Bayon temple is the centrepiece of all this. Angkor Wat is the largest and most complete structure. It is the only one of Angkor's temples with its entrance facing to the west (the others face east), the reason being that it was constructed as a funerary temple for King Suryavarman II and a westerly countenance was seen to represent a sunset. Ta Prohm temple is an incredible sight, with large trees embedding themselves in the stone foundations of the structure, giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We can end the day with a sunset view of Angkor Wat from Phnom Bakheng.
Day 3: Siem Reap
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch
Our ticket for the Angkor ruins enables us to spend more time exploring this memorable archaeological area. It is an early morning start as we travel out to Banteay Srei, famous for its detailed and intricate stone carvings. It is not a big temple, but has been sometimes referred to as ‘the jewel in the crown of Angkorian art’. Back at the main temple complex, Preah Khan contains a maze of vaulted corridors and is another complex that has been largely reclaimed by the jungle. We include a visit to the Sala Bai Hotel School where underprivileged local youths learn skills which will enable them to find gainful employment in the hospitality industry. We also enjoy a lunch prepared by students at the school.
Day 4: Phnom Penh
Meals included: 1 breakfast
You have a free morning before leaving Siem Reap. If you wish to stay in town, you can relax outside one of the cafes or visit the market in town, which sells some interesting artefacts and handicrafts. Another option would be to relax by the hotel pool or enjoy a massage by one of the famous blind masseuses of Siem Reap. Flying to Phnom Penh you notice a change of pace, as you arrive in Cambodia’s capital. A relaxing drink at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club is a great way to start your evening.
Day 5: Phnom Penh
Meals included: 1 breakfast
A full city tour introduces you to the sights of Phnom Penh, a city that lies near the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Sap Rivers. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are home to King Sihamoni and are therefore closed to the public; however, we are able to visit the Silver Pagoda that lies in the palace complex, which is the most sacred temple in the country and was previously spared from destruction by the Khmer Rouge. Wat Phnom is the temple, which gave rise to the foundation of the city in the 15th Century. The bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge is a painful, but unavoidable, part of Cambodia's recent history and visits to the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek tell the story of this tragic legacy. (Note: These sites are a major part of sightseeing in Phnom Penh; however, if you do not wish to visit either of them, please inform your tour leader.) An ideal way to spend your last evening in Cambodia is to relax in a cafe by the riverfront.
Day 6: Chau Doc
Meals included: 1 breakfast
The morning we drive south along National Road 2 through the town of Takeo and on to the Cambodian-Vietnamese border point at Tinh Bien. Please note that a Vietnamese visa must be obtained prior to joining this tour as it is impossible to obtain one at the border. At the border crossing, we say goodbye to our Cambodian tour leader and meet our Vietnamese tour leader. We then continue by road around the base of Sam Mountain and on to our final destination, Chau Doc - an active trading town due to its proximity with the border. The market area runs along the riverfront and sells black market goods smuggled in from Cambodia. Being on the water allows us to see the interesting lifestyle of many of the local people. Homes are built over metal netting and their inhabitants are kept busy producing enormous amounts of food to feed the thousands of fish being bred here. This afternoon we enjoy a boat cruise on the Bassac River, a tributary of the Mekong, where we visit a Cham village, a mosque and a floating fish farm, as well as witnessing a demonstration of the local handicraft of silk weaving.
Day 7: Vinh Long
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner
We continue our journey in the Mekong Delta towards Vinh Long, where we stay overnight on an island in a local homestay, situated on the waterways and filled with fruit gardens. The house is basic with all beds set up in a large communal room, but the experience is unique and offers us an insight into the way that the local people live.
Day 8: Saigon
Meals included: 1 breakfast
There is an early start to visit the bustling morning floating markets and then a cruise back to Cai Be, before we embark on the drive to Saigon. Along the way we stop to see the fascinating local industries. Upon arrival, we have an evening to enjoy the exciting nightlife of Vietnam’s largest city.
Day 9: Saigon
Meals included: 1 breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast. A transfer to the airport is not included; however, your tour leader will be on hand to advise you as to the options available.
Your Trip
What's Included
• The services of Peregrine's expert English-speaking local tour leaders in both countries, and local guides at some sites.
• Local flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
• Visit to the Angkor complex: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Banteay Srei and a sunset over Angkor Wat from Phnom Bakheng.
• Sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh (including entrance fees where relevant): the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom, Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
• Overnight villa homestay on an island on the Mekong Delta. Accommodation in a large communal room with beds (all bedding provided including mosquito nets).
• Boat cruise on a tributary of the Mekong to visit a Cham village, a mosque, a floating fish farm and to see a demonstration of silk weaving.
• Boat cruise from Vinh Long to Cai Be, with a visit to a floating market.
• Lunch at Sala Bai Hotel School prepared by underprivileged local youths learning skills to find employment in the hospitality industry.
• Free time to explore Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and Saigon.
• Arrival transfer.
Summary of accommodation, transport & meals
Transport
- Boat
- Plane
- Private vehicle
Accommodation
- 6 nights Comfortable hotel
- 1 night Basic hotel
- 1 night Homestay
Meals
- 8 breakfasts
- 1 lunch
- 1 dinner
Not Included
International flights, airport departure taxes, visas, insurance, other meals, any optional tours and activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.
Responsible Travel
KotoKOTO (Know One, Teach One), is a training centre and restaurant set up to help disadvantaged kids in Hanoi to get off the streets and into a stable living and working environment. Each year an integral part of the training is a field trip in Vietnam.
Every July/August, students participate in an annual field trip.
"The aim is not only to build teamwork but also to ensure the young people at KOTO get the chance to see more of their own incredible country. We want to teach a responsible attitude to the environment and give the trainees an opportunity to learn and grow through the experience. We also want to reward their hard work," explains founder, Jimmy Pham.
Peregrine continues to support KOTO and is currently fundraising through the Peregrine Community Trust to sponsor part of, or the complete, field trip each year, at a cost of between US$5000 and US$7000. In addition, KOTO greets every Peregrine group that comes to Hanoi with their fantastic menu and friendly service.
KOTO continues to grow and develop as many more street kids and disadvantaged youths pass through its doors and go on to successful jobs in the hospitality and tourism industries.
What to know
VaccinationsVaccinations may be required for this trip. Talk to your doctor about the up-to-date information for this region.
Visas and PermitsIt is your responsibility to ensure you have all required visas for your trip. Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing, and vary for different nationalities and you should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travel.
Cambodia
Please note that visa requirements can and do change. It is essential that you confirm requirements with the nearest relevant embassy or check with your travel agent before you travel. At the time of writing, a visa is required by most travellers visiting Cambodia including Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, British and Canadians. All other nationalities should check with the Cambodian Embassy or Consulate in their country for up-to-date visa information.
It is recommended that you obtain your Cambodian visa before you start your travels, but it is possible to obtain a visa on arrival if you are flying into Phnom Penh or Siem Reap or if you are travelling overland from Thailand and Vietnam. Alternatively, some nationalities can obtain a visa for Cambodia (as long as they are arriving at either Phnom Penh or Siem Reap Airports) on-line at: http://evisa.mfaic.gov.kh/
Vietnam
Please note that visa requirements can and do change. It is essential that you confirm requirements with the nearest relevant embassy or check with your travel agent before you travel. At the time of writing, a visa for is required by most travellers visiting and/or transiting Vietnam including Australians, New Zealanders, Americans, British and Canadians. All other nationalities should check with the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in their country for up-to-date visa information. Your visa must be obtained prior to the commencement of your tour, as visas are not normally issued to travellers on arrival in Vietnam. In fact you will are likely to be denied boarding your aircraft bound for Vietnam without a visa.
You are required to have travel insurance before heading off on a Peregrine trip. Insurance can be organised by your Peregrine representative or your travel agent.
Responsible Travel
Our Responsible Travel ethos is at the heart of everything we do, from getting the basics right like respecting local cultures and the environment, to initiating projects that make positive contributions to communities, to our staff’s fundraising efforts and offsetting our carbon emissions.
Please visit our Responsible Travel (http://www.peregrineadventures.com/rt) page for more information.
Our Pre Departure Information packs (provided upon booking a trip) provide tips on how you can show respect for the local customs and culture in the country you are travelling in.
The information listed above is a brief description of some things you may need to consider when booking a trip. Once a tour is booked you will be provided with a Pre Departure Information pack which will contain detailed information.
Further Reading
CambodiaA History of Cambodia-David Chandler
Brother Number One (A Political Biography of Pol Pot)-David Chandler
Sihanouk (Prince of Light, Prince of Darkness-Milton Osbourne
A Dragon Apparent-Norman Lewis
Angkor (An Introduction to the Temples)-Dawn Rooney
Angkor: An Introduction-George Coedes
River of Time-Jon Swain
Angkor Heart of Asian Empire-Sharon AuRick
Cambodia-Lonely Planet
There are a number of books which make interesting reading and provide insight in the history, politics and culture of the country. Suggestions are:
The Quiet American- Graham Greene
The Sacred Willow-Duong Van Mai Elliot
Paradise of the Blind-Duong Thu Huong
Vietnam: Yesterday & Today -Ellen Hammer
One Crowded Hour- Tim Bowden
Catfish and Mandala-Andrew X Pham
Hitchhiking Vietnam-Karin Muller
Vietnam- Lonely Planet
A Bright Shining Lie-Neil Sheehan
(on the Vietnam-American War)
Important Information
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) has been designated as the finishing point for this tour. Only limited time has been allocated in this particular itinerary for sightseeing in this fascinating city. Therefore, if you have not previously visited Saigon, we strongly recommend that you extend your holiday by staying on after the tour ends, in order to enjoy further exploration on your own.
Local Tour Leaders
By employing and training local guides to lead our group holidays, there is a two-fold benefit. Firstly, we provide employment opportunities for the local community. Just as importantly is the benefit to you, the traveller. Your tour leader’s friendship, humour, passion and intimate knowledge of the region will be key factors in making your holiday a success. Peregrine will use different tour leaders to run the various sectors of this particular trip. We will have a local leader for Cambodia and Vietnam respectively. You will be unescorted on the flight from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
Tour guide licence regulations in Cambodia do not allow Siem Reap (Angkor) based guides to lead tours in Phnom Penh (and vice versa). Therefore, in Siem Reap you will be escorted by an experienced tour leader who has a detailed knowledge of the ancient temples at Angkor. On your final day in Siem Reap your leader will escort you to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh, where you will be met by a licensed Phnom Penh based tour leader who will be with you until leave Cambodia.
Tipping
Tipping has become an accepted part of tourism in South East Asia. Your tour leader will be able to advise you in this area; however, as a guideline we would recommend tipping 10% of the total bill in restaurants and a small tip to hotel bellboys for carrying your bags.
At you pre-tour briefing your tour leader will discuss with you the idea of running a tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and then the tour leader pays the tips and keeps a record of all monies spent (except restaurant tips). The record can be checked at any time and any money remaining at the end of the tour is returned to group members. This is often the easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing what is an appropriate amount to tip.
It is customary to tip your tour leader, at the end of the trip, if you are happy with the service. A minimum tip of US$2 per day, from each member of the group, is the usual amount expected.
Infrastructure and Tet Holiday Period
Please note that you are travelling in developing countries whose infrastructure may differ from what you expect in your homeland. Expect poor road conditions and be prepared for some inconveniences due to such things as restaurants or tourist sites being closed and our regular transport services not always being available, especially so during holiday periods such as Tet (Vietnamese New Year).
During Tet (Vietnamese New Year), most businesses will be closed as Vietnamese people usually spend this period returning to their homes and celebrating with their families. This will involve a major burden on all forms of transport, and despite booking in advance, tickets for planes and trains especially are extremely difficult to obtain. Even if bookings are obtained, transport services during this period will be overcrowded and heavy delays are to be expected, so you will need to make sure that you pack your sense of humour. In order to facilitate your travels during the Tet period, we may need to substitute your train/plane journey with a private bus trip, if required.
On this trip you may link up with passengers booked on other Peregrine tours.
About this Information
The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!
Last Updated
3 November 2011