Family Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand Journey

Over View

This action-packed grand tour across Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand journeys through fast moving cities, dense jungles and tranquil tropical beaches. Explore the floating markets of the Mekong Delta, discover impressive temples of ancient Angkor and relax on golden sand beaches on the Gulf of Thailand.

Ho Chi Minh City – Learn about the resourcefulness of the Viet Cong at the Cu Chi Tunnels, visit an underground weapons bunker and explore old Saigon’s bustling back alleys

Mekong Delta – Navigate the delta by bike and boat. Stay in a traditional homestay and take part in a Vietnamese cooking lesson.

Bangkok – Explore the glittering Grand Palace complex and the beautiful temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Po) (Optional)

Itinerary

Day 1 Join trip in Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Sometimes referred to as Saigon, we start our adventure in Vietnam’s largest and arguably most exciting city in Vietnam. Saigon is an eclectic mix of the traditional and the new, where pagodas and markets compete alongside the trappings of Vietnam’s newly discovered entrepreneurial spirit.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Ho Chi Minh at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you’ll need to arrive into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (airport code SGN), which is between 45 minutes and 1 hour from the airport. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to head out to explore the reunification palace, a short 15 minute walk from our hotel. There is a wide choice of restaurants within a short walking distance from our centrally located hotel.

Day 2 Morning visit to Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore Old Saigon, and discover ‘Secret Weapons Bunker’

After breakfast head out to visit the infamous Cu Chi tunnels. First constructed by the Vietnamese during their colonial war with the French, the tunnels were later greatly expanded and went on to achieve notoriety during the Vietnam War, when they served as an underground com-mand base for 10,000 Viet Cong troops. Exploring Cu Chi gives some idea as to the conditions that the Vietnamese and their American adversaries had to endure but, be warned, the tunnels are narrow and can be quite claustrophobic. Please note that we will share the transport to and from Cu Chi with other tourists.

This afternoon we will experience a different side of Ho Chi Minh City, away from the major sights where we take a walk through Old Saigon’s back alleys. We make our way to District 3 by cyclo (cycle carriages with a seat at the front) and turn off the main thoroughfare and into the maze of narrow streets of this bustling district. Our walk takes us past ramshackle shopfronts, through local markets selling anything from colourful fruit to bootleg DVDs, and past houses, churches and schools, all squeezed into the small buildings that line the narrow alleys. It’s a fascinating inter-connected community here that is a stones-throw from the city centre, yet feels a far cry from the modern buildings and throngs of tourists. We stop at a local stall for a traditional Vietnamese coffee (brewed coffee served sweet with condensed milk) where we can also sample ‘Banh Mi’ – a Vietnamese take on the humble French baguette – freshly baked and packed with a combo of traditional and more exotic, aromatic ingredients.

The walk ends the so-called ‘secret weapons’ bunker’. A small unassuming ‘tube house’ nestled in a quiet neighbourhood hides a trap door in the floor, concealing a basement stocked full of rifles, grenades and ammunition. The bunker played a key role in the TET Offensive of 1968, it was the base from which the Viet Cong’s “Team 5” launched their assault, and its location was only revealed after the end of the war. We have some time to explore the house and bunker, filled with decommissioned weapons and photographs, news clippings and memorabilia from the wartime.

Day 3 Drive to the Mekong Delta and cycle ride. Drive to Can Tho via the floating markets

Leaving the city, drive south to the Mekong Delta and catch a boat to the start point of our cycle ride. We cycle for around 10-12 km along the flat Cai Thai village path with constant views of the delta as we wind our way around its many tributaries. The route is often shaded which is a helpful to combat the humidity (the boat can pick up cyclists at various stopping points if required). Along the way, we visit Mrs Nani’s home who will show us how to make rice paper in the traditional way and Mr and Mrs Chin’s home who will provide refreshments that include her famous ‘Banh Tieu’ (traditional doughnut).

Returning to the boat where we have a delicious lunch on-board and sail close along the delta, spending time exploring the small floating markets and soaking up the atmosphere of this unique trading point, a vast network of rivers and islands that crisscross agricultural villages, paddy fields and mangrove swamps before we continue our journey to Can Tho.

Day 4 Morning boat cruise to Cai Rang floating market and Ba Lang canal then drive to Chau Doc

One of the most colourful attractions of the Mekong is its floating markets and this morning we visit the biggest in the Delta, at Cai Rang. We spend some time paddling through the market, be prepared to get plenty of friendly attentions from the local traders. Along the way there is normally the opportunity to board a local boat and meet the traders and perhaps buy a pineapple on board. We then visit the Binh Thuy Ancient House, a beautiful old property which dates back to the end of the 19th century – the house is filled with a wonderful collection of antiques and memorabilia. After our visit we drive to Chau Doc.

Day 5 Morning speed boat to Phnom Penh

Driving to the jetty in Chau Doc this morning, board an early morning speed boat to Phnom Penh, a four and a half hour river journey that takes us up the Hau Giang River into neighbouring Cambodia.

Located on the Mekong River, Phnom Penh has been the capital since 1440s. It is now a lively city with many French colonial buildings, busy markets, art galleries, temples and museums.Tonight we head out to dinner at a local resturant in Phnom Penh (included).

Day 6 Market bartering and cooking lesson with local school visit in Phnom Penh

Our first morning in Cambodia includes a visit to the local market to barter and buy fresh ingredients which will be used for the group to prepare a traditional Khmer meal at the La Rose restaurant, one of the finest Khmer cuisine restaurant’s in the region. We then meet local children at a school giving the opportunity to learn some Khmer language as well as teach English to these children. We may also be able to arrange some activity between both sets of kids such as a game of football or taking on the locals at a traditional Cambodian board game.

Our base tonight is Cambodia’s historic capital, Phnom Penh, which sits at the confluence of the Sap, Mekong and Bassac Rivers. A rich testament to the country’s ancient and colonial past, the city is filled with reminders of its diverse cultural heritage such as the grandeur of the Royal Palace and the National Museum to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, gruesome reminders of life under the brutal Khmer Rouge.

Day 7 Travel to Siem Reap. Afternoon orientation tour

Travelling by private bus, we head north to the jungle temples of Siem Reap.

Siem Reap is the modern gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor, and while undoubtedly people flock here for the temples, the town itself is well worth exploring. Just a small village when the French’re-discovered’ Angkor in the 19th century, Siem Reap has now ballooned in size to cater for every type of tourist and their budget. An evening stroll along its grid-like streets uncovers a lively foodie scene with restaurants and street stalls to cater for every palate, as well as a host of spas offering a traditional Khmer massage. The night market is a great place to haggle for a bargain, and then of course there is ‘Pub Street’ – a pedestrianised melee of neon lights, street performers, bars, restaurants and people. Not for everybody, but for most it’s worth a visit for a chance to soak up Siem Reap’s vibrant atmosphere.

Day 8 Full day visits to Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat

Following in the footsteps of Lara Croft, we visit the Angkor Wat temples at Siem Reap today which span a period of some 600 years, from the 9th to the 15th centuries. Travelling by local tuk tuk, we visit two of the most famous temple sites today, those of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. The fortified city of Angkor Thom was originally built at the end of the 12th Century and was a formidable sight in its day; surrounded by eight metres walls, towering gates and a crocodile filled moat. Our second visit is to the beautiful setting of Angkor Wat, without doubt the most renowned and impressive of Siem Reap’s jungle temples.

Please note that from the 1st January 2020 the third tier of the Bayon Temple – the striking centrepiece of the ancient city of Angkor Thom – will be closed until 2022 for extensive restoration. As a result, it will only be possible to view the large stone faces from a distance and it will not be possible to get up close. However, the two lower tiers will remain open and accessible, so it will be possible to view the impressive bas-reliefs and intricate stone carvings around the temple.

Day 9 Free in Siem Reap with opportunity to visit the Ta Phrom, made famous in the Tomb Raider film

Today has been left free for you to enjoy Siem Reap at your own pace. A great way to explore is by bicycle or rickshaw, travelling around the sites with the freedom to come and go as you please. You can visit the atmospheric ruins at Ta Phrom, made famous in the Tomb Raider film, or take a boat trip along the Roulous River to the floating villages and forests on Tonle Sap (the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia). Another possibility is a visit to the fascinating Landmine Museum, just to the south of Banteay Srei Temple.

Day 10 Morning flight to Bangkok. Afternoon free to explore the Thai capital

Bidding farewell to Siem Reap and Cambodia, we head to the airport after an early breakfast for a short flight to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

There are a number of optional excursions available for the afternoon, enabling you to choose how you discover this fascinating city. One stand-out highlight of Bangkok is the Grand Palace, the city’s gleaming and glittering centrepiece. Constructed in 1782, it was the home of Thai royalty for over 150 years, as well as housing the Royal Court and administrative seat of government. Its intricate carved statues, art work and gold-gilded architecture is some of the best in the country, and the complex also houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, one of the most sacred temples in the country. Next door to the palace is Wat Pho, otherwise known as the ‘Temple of Reclining Buddha’. The iconic temple houses a huge 46 metre long golden Buddha and is symbolic of Buddhism in Thailand. Another popular option is to explore Bangkok’s ‘Klongs’ – a narrow network of waterways navigated by long-tail boats and water taxis, offering a different way of seeing the capital.

In the evening why not head to Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown to experience the city’s traders, street-side restaurants, temples and market stalls. Alternatively there is the option to take a longer culinary tour by tuk tuk. See the budgeting and packing section for more details.

Day 11 Free in Bangkok to visit the Grand Palace or cruise along the city’s Klongs. Afternoon transfer to Hua Hin beach resort

We have a morning to enjoy the Thai capital. There are a number of options available which your local leader will be able to explain to you. One popular activity is to head to the Sor Vorapin Gym – the famous Muay Thai training camp, to watch Thai Boxing experts in action.

After lunch, travel south west along the coast to our beach resort in the Hua Hin area. The journey takes around three hours and is well worth it to enjoy the beaches, national parks, ocean and relaxation that this area provides.

Day 12 Free day on the coast for snorkelling or to relax on the beach

The beach resort is situated midway between Hua Hin and Cha am, with clear waters off the Gulf of Thailand. The resort offers individual bungalows and direct beach access. Rooms are air conditioned and have private balconies with views of either the swimming pool or gardens.

The hotel offers a wide range of facililties including a large outdoor freeform swimming pool, in door and beachfront restaurant with international and local menus, wireless internet access and bike hire. Its 12 miles to Hua Hin which has a lively night market and 4 miles to Cha am.

Day 13 Free day to relax on the beach or explore the area

Another day to enjoy the land and water based fun with a charming local village close by, several natural attractions such as the Khao Sam Roi Yot’s dramatic backdrop of endless limestone peaks which covers an area of nearly 100 sqkm along the coast or just simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Day 14 Trip ends in Hua Hin

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Hua Hin.

There are no activities planned today. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International airport (airport code BKK), which is 175km, 3 hours from the hotel. The earliest your flight can depart is 11.30am

We will run two fixed time transfers on the departure day. The first will leave the hotel at 6am, arriving at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International airport around 9am, suitable for flights departing after 11.30am. The second transfer will leave the hotel at 3pm arriving at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International airport around 6pm, suitable for flights departing after 8pm.