Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand

Welcome to Vietnam 😊

Today is arrival day so your day is free to settle in, until 18:00 when we’ll meet up for a pre-trip info meeting and for everyone to meet each other. Afterwards we can head out for a bite to eat to get the tour off to a great start.

Today we will visit the famous, or infamous Cu Chi Tunnels.

This network of tunnels was home to around 10,000 people who lived underground for several years during the war. It has living rooms, kitchens, hospitals, weapon factories, storage facilities and command centres. At its largest the tunnel system stretched over 250 kilometers from Saigon to the Cambodian border and was three levels deep. Today the remaining tunnels have been preserved, giving visitors a unique experience and a feel of what underground life during the Vietnam/American war must have been like.

Today is a full day trip and overnight stay to the Mekong Delta.

The Delta is a central part of life in southern Vietnam, with agriculture, trading and markets all everyday practices. The unique ecosystems and communities here make it unlike anywhere else in the world. We will enjoy a cruise along the river, stopping off at markets to enjoy the local produce and soak up the atmosphere. After our day exploring the Delta we make our way to our home for the night by the river here a local family will cook dinner and tell us their stories of life in Vietnam both past and present.

Wake up to the sounds of the river coming to life and enjoy a basic home cooked breakfast before we make our way back along the Mekong, stopping at a few more places to meet the local people and learn about their life on the river.

We then make our way back to Ho Chi Minh City for our final night here in this amazing country.

Today is our final day in Vietnam so take the day at our own pace, either relaxing, exploring, or seeking out those last minute souvenirs.

During free days, your tour leaders are always around to assist or advise in any way at all and we’re always around the hotel ready and happy to help.

Of course, we also need to eat so most nights we’ll be inviting everyone out to eat with us. No obligation to join, but we feel it’s nice to have the choice.

We bid a fond farewell to Vietnam today and take a short flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s bustling capital city with a very turbulent past.

Sitting on the juncture of the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap river, Phnom Penh has been the national capital since the French colonized Cambodia during the 19th century. The city has grown from a small fishing village to what is now the industrial, commercial, cultural and historical center of Cambodia.

Phnom Penh is a welcoming and friendly city, abundant with culture, arts and music, far removed from the darker chapters in the country’s history. At night, after a short tuk-tuk city tour, our group will head down to the riverside to experience the international and local cuisine scene and a slow cold Cambodian beer.

Today we visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school which was transformed into one of the Khmer Rouge’s most feared prison and torture camps during the Pol Pot regime. The building is now a haunting tribute to the thousands who died here and at the other 150 similar camps throughout the country in the late 1970’s.

Those who were detained at the camp were later taken and executed at the Choeung Ek extermination Centre, more commonly known as “The Killing Fields”, a site we also visit to learn more of and try to understand this wonderful country’s turbulent past.

Whilst the aforementioned visits are included in the tour, they are also entirely optional should anybody prefer not to visit, in which case you will be free to further explore other activities and landmarks in the city.

Today we travel to Siem Reap.

Today we explore Angkor Wat, the most famous temple in Cambodia. There are over one thousand temples here which attract over one million visitors annually. The temples range from small ruins to the famous Angkor Wat, and the site is said to be the world’s largest single religious monument.

Angkor Wat, a UNESCO world heritage site, pays homage to the Hindu god Vishnu and has a dazzling array of beautiful ornate carvings. The many ceremonial structures and temples here were built between the 9th and 13th centuries by the Khmer Empire that spanned a period of approximately 600 years. These temples are some of the most famous in the world and take up an area of approximately 160 square kilometres.

One option is to wake early to enjoy the sunrise with the wonderful photo opportunities, capturing the sunrise reflection of Angkor Wat in the surrounding lakes and ponds or the less busy but no less spectacular views from atop Angkor Hill, looking down into the Angkor complex through the early morning haze.

Tonight, we check out the Phare Acrobat Circus in Siem Reap. It’s an exciting mix of acrobatics, juggling, and aerial performances, all done by incredibly talented artists. What’s great is that this circus doesn’t use any animals, so there are no acts involving animals or any cruelty.

The performers tell fascinating stories about Cambodian culture and everyday life through their amazing stunts and routines. The energy and enthusiasm they bring to the stage make the show really fun and engaging.

This evening at the Phare Circus is a fantastic way to experience Cambodia’s vibrant arts scene and a highlight of our trip to Siem Reap.

Today we bid a fond farewell to Cambodia and return to Thailand, this time venturing South to explore the Islands of South Thailand.

Our flight takes us through Bangkok and south towards Phuket, Thailand’s largest Island. Phuket is a great base to explore Koh Phi Phi, James Bond Island, and Maya Bay made famous as ‘The Beach’, as well as offering its own charms including fantastic beaches, great nightlife, and an array of international cuisine.

After arriving in Phuket, we’ll have time to unpack and freshen up before heading out for a brief orientation and dinner.

While we’ve come down to Phuket to relax and make the most of Thailand’s chilled-out Island vibe, no trip to a world-renowned island would be complete without at least one day spent at sea. So let’s enjoy a full day trip to Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay.

Our voyage starts with a visit to the iconic Maya Bay, made famous by the movie “The Beach,” and Khai Island to enjoy the stunning scenery and crystal-clear waters of this tropical paradise. Snorkeling gear is provided so that we can all enjoy Maya Bay’s calm, shallow waters and experience the wide variety of fish and corals.

The natural vertical limestone cliffs offer an incredible backdrop to the white sandy beaches and pristine blue waters.

On the way back, we’ll take in the sunset from the boat. A fitting end to a memorable day.

This evening we discover the authentic vegan food scene of Phuket Old Town, a UNESCO-recognized culinary hub. This area brings together a mix of Southern Thai, Chinese, Muslim, and unique Peranakan influences. We’ll visit local restaurants and street vendors, experiencing the rich history against the backdrop of illuminated heritage buildings. The tour ends at the night market, where we have the chance to find some locally hand-crafted souvenirs.

Enjoy a leisurely day to explore Phuket at your own pace or simply relax by the pool or at the beach. For anyone less inclined to chill, we’ll be arranging optional join-in activities including island tours and food discoveries.

During free days, your tour leaders are always around to assist or advise in any way at all and we’re always around the hotel ready and happy to help.

Of course, we also need to eat so most nights we’ll be inviting everyone out to eat with us. No obligation to join but we feel it’s nice to have the choice.

Sadly, your Thailand and Cambodia Adventure comes to an end today. If you’re heading home, check out at the appointed time. If you need any assistance or help booking a return to Bangkok, let your tour leaders know.

Safe travels, and we hope to see you on another amazing adventure!