Singapore, Siem Reap, Phnom Penh,
3 Night Luxury Mekong Cruise, Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: 31 Aug 2020
Fly with Singapore Airlines, Sydney to Singapore
On arrival at Singapore we will be transferred to our hotel.
Meals: None
Accommodation: Village Hotel Changi
Day 2: 01 Sept 2020
Fly with Silk Air, Singapore to Siem Reap at 1.50pm, Arrive 3.05pm
After a leisurely breakfast and morning we are transferred back to the airport for our flight to Siem Reap. On arrival into Siem Reap we are met at the airport and transferred to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Hotel
Day 3:02 Sept 2020 – Tonle Sap lake
Today we will enjoy a morning cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong Phluk where we will observe the way of life of these lake communities. On returning to Siem Reap we will have the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps check out Pub Street just a short Tuk Tuk ride from our hotel, or just relax in the pool and enjoy a cocktail.
Dinner with Apsara Dance Show
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Hotel
Day 4:03 Sept 2020 – Temples of Angkor
Rising early, this morning we visit the old city of Angkor Thom and pass through the magnificent South Gate flanked by 54 gods and demons. At Angkor Thom’s center is the enigmatic Bayon Tree, a breath-taking temple of innumerable sculptural decorations. Also admire the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm before the rest of the day is dedicated to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent, and best preserved of all of Angkor’s treasures.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Victoria Angkor Hotel
Day 5: 04 Sept 2020 – Siem Reap – Phnom Penh
After breakfast at our hotel then we will walk along the road in front of the King’s residence to see the main shrine where the local people go to worship. Buying jasmine and lotus flowers to worship is very important for Cambodians.
Continue to visit Wat Preah Prom Rath, one of the most splendid pagodas in Siem Reap. The compound of Wat Preah Prom Rath is extraordinarily colourful and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and decorative sculptures. Here, Buddhist monks will offer a private blessing ceremony, wishing health and safe journeys– a memorable experience!
Continue to one of the cities lively open markets, Psar Chars, also called the “Old Market”, where anything and everything is for sale.
Lastly, visit The Artisans D’Angkor. Artisans Angkor was developed from the ambitious belief that it is possible to revive ancient Khmer Arts & Crafts while improving the lives of thousands of people living in rural areas. Not only has Artisans Angkor become a company dedicated to the preservation of traditional Khmer skills in skill-making, stone and wood carving, lacquering and painting, but it is also an organization committed to promote the development of individuals and secure their future by the means of education and welfare. It is one of the best workshops in town with excellent quality sandstone, silver, wood and silk products.
Notes: Vehicle is on standby during the walking tour, so if you are tired, you can just continue by vehicle.
After lunch we are transferred to the airport and fly 1 hour to Phnom Penh, a city of attractive boulevards.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: La Rose Suite
Day 6: 05 Sept 2020 – Phnom Penh
Reflect on the history of the city with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing Fields, that provide chilling reminders of the Khmer Rouge regime, this is an emotional experience for most and will be a lasting memory of the sad events that happened in Cambodia. Later experience how traditional arts are preserved with a Cambodian Living Arts tour before enjoying a cocktail at the iconic FCC (Foreign Correspondents Club)
*Drinks are at your own expense.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: La Rose Suite
Day 7: 06 Sept 2020 – Embark Victoria Mekong
The charming capital of Phnom Penh was once known as the “Pearl of the Orient” for its French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic river walk. We will visit the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda by Cyclo, before continuing onto the National Museum and Wat Phnom.
This afternoon, we board the brand new luxury river ship the Victoria Mekong for our relaxing journey down the mighty Mekong into Vietnam. As the sun sets enjoy sundowner on the sun deck while taking in a performance of Khmer Apsara dancing by a troupe of local dancers with the opportunity to meet them afterward. This evening we will enjoy a gala dinner to officially welcome us on-board our Victoria Mekong Cruise.
Tonight, the ship overnights in Phnom Penh.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Victoria Mekong Cruise
Day 8: 07 Sept 2020 – Phnom Penh – Tan Chau – Vam Nao
As the ship begins cruising towards the Cambodia-Vietnam border, enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the restaurant. After, select from the many on-board activities including a ship’s tour, cocktail competition and cultural lecture. After lunch, the ship sails into Vietnamese waters and anchors near Vam Nao. Tender sampans take us to visit a family business producing traditional clay pots and other clay artefacts. Meet a local War Veteran who will share his war memories. Return to our ship in time for a traditional Vietnamese lion dance. After dinner, enjoy the evening’s entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Victoria Mekong Cruise
Day 9: 08 Sept 2020 – Van Nao – Long Xuyen – Tan Loc Island/ Tan Loc-Can Tho
Wake up for another leisurely breakfast as the ship cruises towards the provincial capital of Long Xuyen in the Mekong Delta. Tender ashore to visit the colourful Long Xuyen Floating Market and the An Giang Museum, with fascinating exhibits on Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer and Cham cultures in the region. Return to the ship and enjoy lunch as we cruise towards Tan Loc Island where a selection of shore excursions awaits.
Options include tea served in a historic century-old house featuring Chinese, French and Vietnamese architectural elements, visiting an orchard for a taste of exotic fruits from the Mekong Delta, and travelling to a local farm where plum wine is made.
Return to the ship and cruise towards Can Tho, the beating heart of the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a final farewell dinner accompanied by a traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music performance known as “Don ca tai tu”. Overnight onboard the ship in Can Tho.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Victoria Mekong Cruise
Day 10: 09 Sept 2020 – Disembark Victoria Mekong – Cai Be – Ho Chi Minh city
After an early snack, we board the Mekong Princess and experience Can Tho’s famed floating market, the largest in the Mekong Delta with dozens of boats laden with fruit and vegetables from the region. Return to the ship where breakfast is served while cruising to Can Tho Port and check out. We travel via coach to Cai Be where lunch is served at the elegant Le Longanier Restaurant set amidst lush fruit trees by the river. Continue to Ho Chi Minh City by coach, arriving in late afternoon.
Tonight you have the option of a foodie night out on the town. This Saigon night tour is part night excursion and part street food all from the back of a vintage Vespa Scooter. The tour includes all you can eat and free flowing drinks, we finish the evening at an exciting music bar where the new generation of Vietnamese unwind.
Tour Cost: $150 per person
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside
Day 11: 10 Sept 2020 – Saigon
Today we travel out of Ho Chi Minh to experience some of the horrors of guerrilla warfare at the astonishing Cu Chi Tunnels, used by the Viet Cong during the war. We will see how small and successful the tunnels were and how the soldiers used them. On return to Ho Chi Minh where we explore the iconic sights, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace and Central Post Office.
This evening, enjoy dinner in the dark at Noir, a restaurant supporting Saigon’s visually impaired
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside
Day 12: 11 Sept 2020 – Depart Saigon
Fly with Singapore Airlines, Depart Ho Chi Minh at 3.55pm, Arrive 6.55pm
connecting with Singapore Airlines Departing Singapore at 11.20pm
This morning breakfast is at leisure. We take a late morning transfer to the airport for those returning home.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: 12 Sept 2020 – Arrive Sydney
Ask about extending your trip to historic Hoi An
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
PRICING
$5,495 per person, twin share – Book and pay a $700 deposit and save $1,000 per couple (Special valid for all new bookings until 14 February 2020).
$6,750 single share (or share with another single and save !!)
INCLUSIONS
- Services of experienced tour leader
- Economy Class airfares from Sydney to Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) to Sydney with Singapore Airlines
- 11 nights superior accommodation and meals as specified in the itinerary
- All transportation, daily tours and entrance fees to scenic attractions (not camera fees) as per the itinerary
- Regional English-speaking guide
- Economy class domestic flight from Siem Reap – Phnom Penh
- Welcome Kits (Pocket map, mineral water and cold towel)
- 1 bottle of water per day
- Single Entry Vietnam visa fees for Australian passport only
- Single Entry Cambodia visa fees for Australian passport only
- 4D/3N cruise on the new ship the Mekong Victoria with a free upgrade to the Upper Deck
EXCLUSIONS
- Personal expenditure such as all drinks (including at meals) laundry service and souvenirs
- Camera and Video entry charges at Monuments/Forts etcTravel Insurance which is compulsory for this trip
- Optional tour including Vespa Saigon Night Tour
- Tipping, a tip kitty will be set up and Susie will get payment for tipping before departure