Best of Vietnam and Cambodia

Vietnam & Cambodia - 21 Day Adventure
Cultural Tour of both countries with Trekking and Kayaking

An epic adventure encompassing Vietnam and Cambodia, that is certain to be remembered as one of the best holidays ever. From the magic of the Mekong to the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor. From the history and charm of central Vietnam to the elegance of post-colonial Hanoi. This is an unforgettable journey of history and culture.

Discover the excitement and charm of Vietnam as we explore the country by land, sea, river and air. From trekking in the country’s mountainous north and staying with ethnic people in their own homes, to kayaking amid the stunning backdrop of Ha Long Bay. This trip has it all. We visit the country’s cultural heartland in Hue and Hoi An before heading south to the lush flood plains of the Mekong Delta.

HANOI – MAI CHAU – HA LONG – HUE – HOI AN – HO CHI MINH – PHNOM PENH – SIEM REAP

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi Our guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel, for a briefing and welcome dinner. (D)

Day 2: Hanoi City tour including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and a walking tour of Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter. Visit the Temple of Literature and the impressive Museum of Ethnology. In the evening we visit the Water Puppet show. (B)

Day 3: Mai Chau Trek Drive to Mai Chau where our trekking begins. We will stay overnight as the guests of a H'mong family in a traditional long house. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Mai Chau Trek Trek through tropical rainforest, descending into Mai Chau Valley. The trek takes around seven hours before we arrive at the Thai family stilt house, where we stay overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 5: Mai Chau - Hanoi Trek for a couple of hours through Thai villages and dramatic scenery before returning to Hanoi for the night. (B/L)

Day 6: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Drive to Ha Long Bay where we board our private boat. Here we explore many secluded bays and beaches in this World Heritage site. Stay overnight on the boat.(B/L/D)

Day 8: Halong Bay – Hanoi – overnight train to Hue Enjoy a free morning in the bay before returning to Hanoi. In the evening we board the famous Reunification Express for our southbound journey to Hue. (B/L)

Day 9: Hue Arrive in Hue in the morning, followed by a guided tour of the Citadel, the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and a dragon boat cruise down the Perfume River visiting the Royal Tombs en route. (B/L)

Day 10: Hue - Hoi An Tour Hue in the morning then continue south by road to Hoi An. We will stop on via Danang to visit the Cham Museum and the Marble Mountains before arriving in Hoi An. Tour Hoi An’s historic old quarter. (BL)

Day 12: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City Free day to explore Hoi An, before boarding the overnight train to Ho Chi Minh City. (B)

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels Take a tour of the city’s famous sights followed by an excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels in the afternoon.

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta Travel by road to the heart of the Mekong Delta. Take a boat around the tributaries of the Mekong River and stay overnight in a local homestay. (B/L/D)

Day 15: Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon for free time. (BL)

Day 16: Overland trip to Cambodia on Express Bus Travel by express bus to Cambodia's capital city of Phnom Penh. In the afternoon we will have an orientation tour of the city and a visit to Wat Phnom. (B)

Day 17: Full day tour of Phnom Penh A full day of sightseeing in Phnom Penh including a visit to the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Tuol Sleng Museum and Museum of Genocide. (BL)

Day18: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap Travel by boat to Siem Reap. Our tour of Angkor temple will begin after lunch. (B)

Day 19: Angkor Temples This morning we visit Banteay Kdei temple and Banteay Srei temple - the Citadel of Women. In the afternoon we visit the largest and most impressive temple - Angkor Wat. (B)

Day 20: Angkor Temples Visit the fortified Royal City of Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm temple. In the afternoon we drive to Tonle Sap Lake, Asia's largest inland lake. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell dinner with a traditional dance performance. (B)

Dates - 2006: 03-May, 17-May, 31-May, 14-June (sold out), 28-June, 12-Jul, 26-Jul (4 places free), 09-Aug, 23-Aug, 06-Sept, 20-Sept, 04-Oct, 18-Oct, 01-Nov, 15-Nov, 29-Nov, 13-Dec and 27-Dec 2006

When to Go: Being a long country the seasons vary up and down the country, but be prepared for some rain whatever time of year you travel. The better periods for travel, if you are going from end to end, is February to April and November. In the north, it is most likely to rain in July and August and can be cold in the hills from November till February. The south can be very hot in July and August, whilst recent years have seen heavy rain during September and October.

Airfare (from the UK)
As a guide, the international airfare should be in the range GBP450 to GBP600 for economy class to Hanoi.

Visas
UK and US passport holders should have no problems in being granted a visa.

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk As Insurance is always provided by a company based in your home country, we are unable to suggest suitable insurance companies unless you reside in the UK.