Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City Arrival

Those arriving internationally will need a day to adjust to the time and get used to the climate of the region.  A half day tour is available here if you arrival is the previous day, if not, Day One is at your leisure.  Those arriving today will be met at the airport and transfer with to the hotel.  In the evening, we will have a welcome dinner with your Vietnamese Guide.

Accommodation: Hotel or Guesthouse from our list
Transit: airport transfer
Meal plan:  D

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi Tunnels - Ho Chi Minh City

 

After breakfast, we transfer to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, accommodation, etc. and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American War.  Cu Chi has become legendary and a place of pilgrimage for Vietnamese school children and communist party cadres. We return to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch

 

In the afternoon, we continue on to History Museum to see an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the evolution of Vietnam’s culture. Our next visit is Cho Lon or China Town – a jewel box of interesting Chinese-style temples such as Thien Hau Pagoda (the Protector of Mothers and Newborns) and then Binh Tay Market – China Town’s main market with Chinese-style architecture. By the end of day, we pay a visit to a lacquer water workshop.

 

In the evening, you take the Reunification Express Train to Da Nang

Accommodation: 4 berth cabin, soft sleeper
Transit: 4 hours by car
Walking time: 2 - 3 hours
Walking difficulty: Easy, tunnels are slightly challenging
Meal plan:  B/L

Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City – Da Nang – Hoi An

You arrive in Da Nang by noon. Along the way, we enjoy costal scenery and pass alongside many towns.  Upon your arrival in Da Nang, you have lunch and then drive to Hoi An. We check into hotel and stroll around the town visiting the Japanese Covered Bridge which was constructed in 1590 by the Japanese community. We continue to the Museum of Trading Ceramics where a collection of white and blue ceramics of the Dai Viet period and a great ceramic mosaic are worthwhile.  Our next destinations are a sampling of beautiful architecture styles including Tan Ky House - a private home that features Japanese and Chinese influence, the Assembly Hall of the Cantonese Chinese Congregation - the temples and pagodas of molded on Chinese style. We end our day by walking along Silk Street of Hoi An. You may have your silk clothing made in just a few hours!

Accommodation: Hotel selection from our list
Transit: 3 - 4 hours by car/bus
Mean plan: B, L, D

Day 4: Hoi An – My Son – Da Nang – Hue

Following breakfast, we depart for My Son, a World Heritage site, 40 km southwest of Hoi An. Located in a verdant valley; My Son was a capital and religious center of Cham people. My Son is considered to be in the same league as some of Southeast Asia's greatest archaeological sites, including Angkor in Cambodia, Bagan in Myanmar and Ayutthaya in Thailand.  The towers and sanctuaries were built from the 7 to 13 centuries and have survived war and time itself with care from Vietnam.  Vietnam’s dedication to My Son is to honor the distinct heritage of the Cham People.

 

In the afternoon, we depart for Hue, another World Heritage Site, via Da Nang.  In Da Nang, we’ll stop to visit the Marble Mountains. The mountains consist of five sizeable formations which are said to present a natural element Water, Wood, Fire, Metal or Gold and Earth. Our next stop in Da Nang is the Museum of Cham Sculpture where you can see the finest collection of Cham sculpture in the world.  Stops at the Hai Van Pass - an incredibly mountainous stretch with spectacular view and Lang Co Beach - a crystal clear turquoise lagoon beaches is certainly included. The picturesque view of sea and mountain is truly amazing!

In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner on a Perfume River boat cruise.  The boat cruise and Hue folk’s songs performance mark the end of the day.
 
Accommodation: Your choice of hotel from our list
Transit: 3 - 4 hours car, boat cruise
Walking time: 1 - 2 hours
Meal plan: B/L/D

Day 5: Hue – Royal Tombs – Imperial Citadel – Night Train to Hanoi

In the morning, we take another cruise on the Perfume River to visit the extravagant mausoleums that were constructed along this water’s edge. We first visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc who had the longest reign and lived a life of ultimate imperial luxury and then the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, the most majestic of the royal tombs.  Our river journey includes a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, an icon of Vietnam and has become an unofficial symbol of Hue. During 1960s and 1980s, it became a flashpoint of anti-government demonstration.

Afternoon, we continue to the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled the country between 1802 and 1945 and the Ruins of the Purple Forbidden City which was constructed for personal use of the emperor and was entirely destroyed during Tet Offensive 1969. We then take a walk through Dong Ba Market, Hue’s hectic market where anything and everything can be bought.

 

In the evening, you take the night train to Hanoi

Accommodation: 4 berth cabin, soft sleeper
Transit: 4 hours by car
Walking time: 2 - 3 hours
Walking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan:  B/L

Day 6: Hanoi Arrival

You arrive in Hanoi by noon. On the way, we enjoy beautiful country side landscape, villages and rice paddies passing by.  The train journey takes you through some of the least visited and poorest areas of the country.  On your arrival in Hanoi, you check into your hotel and enjoy lunch. The rest of the afternoon is fee at your leisure. You can stroll about the old quarter or just simply relax at your hotel.

Accommodation: Your choice of hotel from our list
Transit: transfer Hanoi Main Station to hotel
Walking time: at your leisure
Meal plan: B/L/D

Day 7: Ha Noi City Tour

 

Today we spend a full day exploring the capital city and our first visit is to the Ho Chi Minh Complex.  We first visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum - the number one place of pilgrimage of Vietnam to pay respect to Uncle Ho. We continue to the Residential Palace - a beautifully restored colonial building constructed as the residence of the Governor General Indochina and now used for official receptions that is not open to public yet.  We then spend time at Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts where he lived on and off from 1958 to 1969.  The house is built in the style of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities, sitting in a well-tended garden next to carp-filled pond.  We then continue to One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi’s most famous pagoda is designed to resemble a lotus blossom, symbol of purity, rising out of a sea of sorrow.  Our last visit before lunch is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. It is an excellent example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture.

 

We break for lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, we continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. The museum features a fascinating collection of art and everyday objects gathered from Vietnam and its diverse tribal people. This wonderful museum is quite away from central Hanoi, but it shouldn’t be missed. On the way back to town, we’ll visit Tran Quoc Pagoda which is one of the oldest temple of Vietnam and Quan Thanh Temple, one of the four important temples, each located at North, South, East and West of Hanoi and dedicated to the Gods who are the guardians of the old capital Thang Long.  

 

At the end of the day, an optional cyclo ride around the old quarter streets from Hang Dau to Hang Gai.

Accommodation: Your choice of hotel from our List
Transit: short journeys around Hanoi by car
Walking time: 2 - 3 hours
Walking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B/L

Day 8: Ha Noi - Ha Long Bay

 

We depart Hanoi very early in the morning, transfer to hotel to refresh and have breakfast. We then leave for Ha Long through the Red River Delta with its scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday life in the villages. Upon arrival, you will get aboard a Traditional Style Junk and enjoying a well-prepared lunch of local fresh seafood while the junk cruises among thousand of odd shaped limestone islands. You will have opportunity to visit Surprise Grotto and have a swim at the Titop beach or follow the steps all the way up to the top for a view over the Bay below. You will then have dinner on board while watching sunset.  Should you feel like taking another swim, there will plenty of time. (Additional Option: Kayaking).

 

Accommodation: Your choice of Junk from our list
Transit: 3 hours by car
Meal plan: B/L/D

 

Day 9: Ha Long – Hanoi – Lao Cai

While enjoy breakfast in the fresh morning air and serenity of the bay and the junk will continue its way among thousands of islets. You cruise past several beautiful views of Teapot Island, Chopstick Island, Horse Saddle and Charles De Gaulle Island.  You may wish for a swim before your lunch is served. The Junk will disembark Halong wharf at noon, where your bus is waiting to transfer you back to Hanoi. You will arrive in Hanoi about 16.00.

In Hanoi, you have time for shopping and enjoy dinner before taking the night train to Lao Cai.

 
Accommodation: 4 berth cabin, soft sleeper
Transit: 3 hours by car
Meal plan: B/L

Day 10: Lao Cai – Sapa – Muong Hoa Valley trek

You arrive in Lao Cai in the early morning and we drive up into the mountains to Sapa.  You will have an hour drive along mountainside past rice paddy terraces and enjoy sunrise.  On your arrival in Sapa, we’ll have breakfast and if the check into the hotel (upon availability). The rest of the morning is at your leisure.  You can stroll about town or visit the market or simply relax at a viewpoint and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery.

In the afternoon, you take a short drive toward Muong Hoa valley. You then take a pleasant walk through Lao Chai village of Hmong minority and then continue on to Tavan village of Giay minority. The villages locate in the valley at the base of Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The valley is surrounded by mountain with picturesque rice fields.  You will learn about the culture and daily life of the villagers.  Your car will pick you up at Ta Van and transfer you back to Sapa. Stops for pictures are on request.

Accommodation: Your choice of hotel from our list
Transit: 2 hours by car
Walking time: 2  hours
Walking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B/L

Day 11: Sapa – Pa So - Dien Bien Phu

Departing Sapa and our ascent up to the highest road pass in Vietnam, Tram Ton Pass/Heaven Gate.  We stop at the pass for pictures.  The beauty of the mountains will force us to take more stops for photos and depending on the time of year, there will be a fine layer of fog at the pass. We start descending the mountain and continue to Paso to have lunch in a local restaurant.  This drive is the most picturesque in all of Vietnam!

After lunch, we drive to Muong Lay (Old name Lai Chau) and have a vantage point of the valley soon to be flooded by the Son La Dam Project that will provide green energy to Vietnam. We then continue on to Dien Bien Phu. On arrival in Dien Bien Phu, we check into hotel and take a walk to the centre market for stretching the legs.

Accommodation: Your choice of hotel from our list
Transit: 5 – 6 hours
Walking time: light
Meal plan: B/L

Day 12: Dien Bien Phu - Dien Bien Phu Relic – Muong Khua/ Laos

In the morning, we visit the site of the battle. Our first stop at Dien Bien Phu Museum is very informative. We then continue to the bunker headquarters of the French commander Colonel de Castries. On the other side of the bunkers is A1 Hill, where bitter fighting took place. If time permits, you can visit Dien Bien Phu Cemetery that commemorates Vietnamese soldiers

Following lunch, we drive to the Lao - Vietnamese border through some of the most remote areas of the two countries.  In the rainy season, there will be several river crossings along the bumpy ride after crossing the border!  Our Lao guide from will pick you up at border and transfer you to Muong Khua.  On your arrival, you check into your hotel and take a walk to the central market for a look.

Accommodation: Your choice of hotel from our list
Transit: 3 - 5 hours by car
Walking time: 2 hour
Walking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B/L

Day 13: Boat trip Muong Khua – Muong Ngoi

After breakfast we embark to start our journey down the Nam Ou River past picturesque scenery. Nam Ou is the longest inland river in Laos and cruising along it, we enjoy what is widely thought of as the most beautiful river journeys through a stunning mountain setting.  Our lunch is simple local food and the cruise takes about 4 hours.  We arrive in Muong Ngoi by mid afternoon. After checking into your hotel, you take a walk to Tham Pa Thok, a limestone cave where villagers lived during the Second Indochina War as well as to a nearby waterfall.
 
Accommodation: Hotel or Guesthouse from our list
Transit: 4 hours by boat
Meal plan: B, L

Day 14: Boat trip Muong Ngoi – Pak Ou Cave – Luang Prabang

It is worth an early wake up to watch a beautiful sunrise over limestone mountains and wander around the Ngoi village.  After breakfast we embark to continue our journey down the Nam Ou River.  At the confluence of Nam Ou and the Mekong River, we stop to visit Pak Ou Cave (1000 Buddha Cave). Only a short distance away from the aves, lies the village of Ban Xang Hai where we spend sometime to learn about lau lao (Lao whisky) and lau hai (Lao wine).  From here, the boat cruises down the Mekong Rive. We arrive in Luang Prabang by late afternoon

In the evening, you should not miss the night market where ethnic minority people gather to sell and buy. You may find an exotic souvenir for your trip.

Accommodation: Hotel or Guesthouse from our list
Transit: 6 hours by boat
Trekking time: 2 hours
Trekking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B, L

Day 15: Luang Prabang temples and Villages

We sleep in today. After a late breakfast, you stroll around and have lunch in one of many fine restaurants in town.
Following lunch, we’ll visit old Royal Palace which was built in 1904 during the early French colonial era as a residence for King Sisavang Vong and his family. The building features a blend of Lao motifs and French beaux-arts styles. We continue to Wat Visoun which was built by Visounnarat in 1513. It is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang. We finish the city tour at Wat Xieng Thong which was built by King Setthathirat in 1560. It is Luang Prabang’s most magnificent temple. We then drive east to Thai Lu village of Ban Phanom, which is well known for cotton and silk hand – weaving. We finish our half day tour at Ban Xang Khong, Sa paper making village and back to town.

Accommodation: Hotel or Guesthouse from our list
Transit: 1 - 2 hours by mini bus or car
Trekking time: 2 - 3 hours
Trekking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B, L

Day 16: Luang Prabang – Vang Vieng

Departing from Luang Prabang, we follow the highway 13 to Vang Vieng. The road offers some of the most dynamic viewpoints of Laos and along the way, you can stop to visit local villages and take pictures. As we descend, we stop at Kasi for lunch and we will arrive in Vang Vieng mid afternoon.

Vang Vieng is a small town nestled beside the Nam Song River amid stunningly beautiful limestone karts terrain.  Vang Vieng is known as a ‘chill out’ town and for good reason; the setting lends itself to relaxing along the river, possibly going for a swim if you feel like.

Accommodation: Hotel or Guesthouse from our list
Transit: 7 hour by mini bus or car
Trekking time: limited
Trekking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B, L

Day 17: Vang Vieng  Exploration – Vientiane

After breakfast, we’ll visit the nearby Tham Chang (Freezing Cave), the biggest cave in of Vang Vieng with very nice setting of the surrounding. We then drive north of Vang Vieng to visit the Tham Xang (Elephant Cave), an important Buddhist temple and owes its name to a remarkable limestone formation. The nearby Tham Hoi (Snail Cave) winds its way deep into the mountain. One hour of exploration through numerous corridors ends at a crystal clear spring. Here, swimming in the stream - in a cave lit up by candles - is possible all the year round. Another cool pool of spring water lies at the mouth of Tham Nam (Water Cave), also a good place for a swim. We return to Vang Vieng for lunch.
 
After lunch, we continue our way to Vientiane. On the way to Vientiane via the road No 10, we’ll visit a traditional salt abstraction site at Ban Keun and continue to Dong Ma Khai Market where local people gather to sale wild animals and large selection of insects. We arrive to Vientiane in the late afternoon, check into the hotel and find a place on the Mekong for a drink while enjoying sunset.

Accommodation: Hotel or Guesthouse from our list
Transit: 4 hours by mini bus or car/
Trekking time: 2 hour
Trekking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B, L

Day 18: Vientiane City Tour and Buddha Park

In the morning time, we take a sightseeing tour of Vientiane and our first visit is Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple to have been survived from the Siamese war of 1828.  We then continue to Ho Prakeo that contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and all artifacts found in around Vientiane.  Before lunch time, we go to That Luang Stupa, Laos’s most important monument built to cover the original small stupa containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha and  then Patouxay (Arch de Triumph), built quite recently in commemoration of those who died during the wars in the past and it is today a landmark of Vientiane. We make a lunch stop at a riverside restaurant.

In the afternoon, we continue the sigthseeing tour to Carol Cassidy House, a Gallery of Lao Textiles.  The house contains active weaving and the natural dye process from A – Z.   We then transfer to Buddha Park on the Mekong River slightly out of town.  The park has Buddha statues in various shapes and sizes; one of them is the largest reclining Buddha in Laos. We return to Vientiane in the afternoon.

Accommodation: Hotel or Guesthouse from our list
Transit: 2 hours by mini bus or car
Trekking time: 4 hours
Trekking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B, L

Day 19: Vientiane – Na Hin – Kong Klor Cave

We depart early to day for Na Hin. On our arrival, we have lunch at a local restaurant and continue take a boat cruise in Konglor Cave, one of the natural wonders of Laos.  This will be an unforgettable boat trip on an underground river through the 7km long Konglor Cave. After exploring the cave, we return to Na Hin for the night. Ban Na Hin sits in lush valley surrounded by tall karst peaks. The town is small and not much to do.  Most people retire early here, this is a sleepy little town in Laos.

Accommodation: Hotel or Guesthouse from our list
Transit: 4 - 5 hour by mini bus or car, boat cruise
Activity difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B, L

Day 20: Na Hin – Seno - Pakse

After breakfast, we depart for Pakse. The drive is flat and comfortable along the highway 13. We stop halfway at Seno for a simple lunch. Seno is a small crossroads town becoming bigger all the time as it is a mid point for transit between Thailand and Vietnam on highway 13 in Laos.  We then continue on to Pakse. Our arrival in Pakse is late afternoon. We check into the hotel and refresh.
 
Accommodation: Hotel or Guesthouse from our list
Transit: 7 hour by mini bus or car
Meal plan: B, L

Day 21: Pakse - Wat Phou - Ou Moung - Kiet Ngong Elephant Riding - King Fisher Lodge

In the morning, we’ll visit Wat Phou, occupying a dramatic mountainside site over looking the Mekong valley. The wat is divided into lower and upper parts and is joined by a steep stairway .After visiting Wat Phou, we stop for lunch at the boat restaurant.

We’ll head south via Ou Moung where all rocks to build Wat Phou had to go by. We arrive at Kingfisher Resort. After check in, there is time for a short rest. We’ll enjoy elephant riding from Ban Kiet Ngong up to the archeological site of Phou Asa which overlooks the Pha Pho wetland, rich with bird life.

Accommodation: Hotel or Guesthouse from our list
Transit: 2 hour by mini bus or car
Activity time: 2 hours waking/ 2 hours elephant ride
Activity difficulty: Easy and Fun!
Meal plan: B, L

Day 22: King Fisher Lodge - Don Det - Don Khone - Don Khong

After breakfast at the lodge, we travel to Ban Nakasang. From here, we’ll take a short boat ride to Don Det. We then drive by truck thru Don Det and cross the railway bridge (the only line the French ever laid in Laos) to Don Khone, and continue to the dramatic Somphamit Waterfall, a well worth visiting place. We’ll enjoy lunch at Don Khone before driving to Done Khong for the night.

4000 Island (Si Phan Don) is another of Laos’ natural wonders.  Here the Mekong suddenly fans out, forming an intricate, beautiful network of channels separated rocks, sandbars and islands pushing the width of the Mekong over 14 kilometers wide. 

Accommodation: Hotel or Guesthouse from our list
Transit: 3 hour by mini bus or car
Activity time: 2 hours waking/boat journeys
Activity difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B, L

Day 23: 4000 Islands – Stung Treng/ Cambodia – Kratie – Boat to see dolphin

We leave the 4000 Islands and head south spending some time visiting Khone Phapheng Waterfall.  You then enter Cambodia at the Veun Kham Border and continue on to Stoeng Treng for lunch.

We have lunch at Mekong Blue, an NGO set up to help vulnerable people, especially women in northeastern Cambodia.  We continue on to Kratie and before arriving we take a Mekong River boat trip to view the endangered Irrawaddy fresh water dolphins.  We continue to Kratie and after checking in to the hotel, you can take a short tour of the local market.

Accommodation: Hotel or Guesthouse from our list
Transit: 5 hours by car, 30 – 45 minute boat trip
Trekking time: limited
Road difficulty: Moderate, challenging in rainy season
Meal plan: B, L

Day 24:  Kratie – Phnom Penh

After breakfast, you take a short visit to Cambodian Rural Development Team to see some of demonstration activities and lean about what is being done to support dolphin conservation efforts. Today is our last drive of the trip and we’ll take a road less traveled.  We depart out of Kratie and keep to the Mekong River.  Along the way we will pass through villages lost in time.  Most of the villages have a mixture of Khmer and a heavy Islamic population.  The scent of incense from the local Wat drifts past the Mosque, a truly unique and magical area of Cambodia.  We’ll stop along the way for a local lunch and continue on to Phnom Penh.  We should arrive in Phnom Penh by sunset and a farewell dinner at a Khmer style restaurant ends our journey.

Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse from our list
Transit: 6 - 7 hours by car
Trekking time: limited
Meal plan: B, L, D

Day 25:  Phnom Penh City Tour

In the morning your guide will meet you at your hotel and we head to the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum where your guide will explain the history of the Khmer Rouge and walk you through the different museum displays. After watching the movie they show every day, we drive out to the Killing Fields, where a memorial stupa and shallow pits remind visitors of the thousands killed under the Pol Pot Regime. We enjoy lunch at Friends, a restaurant benefiting at-risk street children.

In the afternoon, we take a short ride to the National Museum where pre-Angkorean pieces, as well as special pieces from the temples are housed. We walk over to Silver Pagoda, located within Royal Palace compound. It is so named because of the floor made up of over 5000 silver tiles. We then visit the Royal Palace to see the amazing royal collection and the beautiful architecture, just north of the Royal Palace. It was built by King Norodom and still is home to the royalty.

Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse from our list
Transit: 4 – 5 hours by car
Walking time: 2 hours
Walking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B, L

Day 26: Phnom Penh – Kompong Chhnang – Battambang

We leave Phnom Penh early and head towards Battambang. The roads are relatively good and the countryside is a mix of small villages and rice fields.  On the way, we’ll stop at a silversmith village, see the pottery workshops in Kompong Chhnang and visit a fish market.
Our lunch is at local restaurant along the way and upon our arrival in Battambang,
we check into the hotel.  We then take a walk through the town to discover its beautiful colonial architecture.

Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse from our list
Transit: 4 - 5 hours
Walking time: at your discretion
Walking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B, L

Day 27: Wat Kor Cultural and Agricultural Village - Wat Ek Phnom - Crocodile Farm

 

In the morning, we come to visit Wat Kor Cultural and Agricultural Village. The village is known for its ancient wooden houses. The owners and families will be happy to to take you around telling history of their home and sharing their life stories. You will travel from village to village by ox cart and sample the variety of unusual fruits available. We return to town for lunch.

 

After lunch head to Wat Ek Phnom, an 11th Century temple ruin set along the Stung Sangker River, surrounded by lush green fields in an agrarian community. Some say was the example for Angkor Wat. Along the way, we’ll visit a fascinating crocodile farm, which sees few tourists and is totally authentic.

Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse from our list
Transit: 2.5 hours car
Walking time: at your discretion
Walking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B, L

Day 28: Boat trip Battambang – Tole Sap Lake - Siem Reap

Following breakfast at hotel, we travel by boat to Siem Reap along the Sangkar River enjoying unspoiled landscapes and traditional daily-life scenes.  Along the ride, we stop at Cheur Khmao Pagoda, “Black Wood Pagoda” and Bak Prier floating village.  We then cross the Biosphere Reserve and the floating villages of Prek Tuol.  Our picnic lunch is served on board.  We continue by boat across the Tonle Sap Lake to Chhoeung Kneas floating village.  On arrival at Siem Reap port, we transfer to the town for check in

Note - Best period of the year to do this tour is from August to February. In the remaining months the water level of the river will be too low, which will extend the navigation time or even make the tour impossible.

Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse from our list
Transit: Boat
Walking time: at your discretion
Walking difficulty: Easy
Meal plan: B, L

Day 29: Sunrise at Angkor Wat – Angkor Thom - Angkor Wat - Sunser at Angkor Wat

Before breakfast we drive to Angkor Wat to witness sunrise over the plain of Angkor.  We’ll return to the hotel for breakfast and then begin exploring the temples of Angkor.  We start with South Gate of Angkor Thom and then enter.  We then proceed with a full tour of this complex seeing Bayon, Angkor Thom, Phimeanakas, Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. 

Lunch at a nearby restaurant and in the afternoon we’ll continue on to Ta Prohm and then spend the rest of the afternoon at Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, renowned for its beauty and splendor. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology. Angkor Wat was a temple dedicated to the Hindu God - Vishnu. It was constructed over a period of 30 years by King Suryavarman II, who reigned between 1131 and 1151.  Depending on your choice, we can view sunset from Angkor Wat or Bakheng.

Accommodation: Hotel or guesthouse from our list
Transit: 2.5 hours by car
Walking time: at your discretion
Walking difficulty: Easy, temple areas are uneven surfaces and some steep stairs
Meal plan: B, L

Day 30: “Grand Circuit” - Rolous Group – Siem Reap Departure

Today we continue our tour of the temples of Angkor Wat and continue what is called the “Grand Circuit”.  Our first stop is Preah Kahn followed by Neak Pean, Ta Som and Pre Rub or Prasat Kravan.  Lunch today is back in Siem Reap and following our break, we drive a little east of town for a visit to the Rolous Group of ruins, Bakong, Preah Ko and Lolei.  We return to town and take evening flight to Bangkok.

Transit: 3 hours by car, 1 hour flight
Walking time: 2 - 4 hours
Walking difficulty: Easy, temple areas are uneven surfaces and some steep stairs
Meal plan: B/L

Our trip includes

• English speaking guide
• Accommodation as indicated
• Meals as indicated
• Transfer and pickup airport
• Transportation by car or minivan, train and boat
• Tour as indicated
• Entrance fee

Our trip excludes

• Domestic and international flights
• Visa & visa arrangement
• Meals not indicated
• Drinking water, soft drink and alcohol
• Tips & personal expenses

Prices contact info@remoteasia.com