Guide

Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader’s ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour.

Others

All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.

Accommodation

3 nights standard bungalow, 9 nights standard hotel, 1 nights premium hotel 2 nights Liberty Parkview (or similar) Fortuneland Hotel (or similar) Chau Pho Hotel (or similar) 2 nights Ohana Phnom Penh Palace Hotel (or similar) 3 nights Treasure Oasis Hotel (or similar) Royal Princess Larn Luang (or similar) 3 nights Chomview Hotel Hua Hin (or similar) We start our adventure in Ho Chi Minh City where we stay in a centrally located hotel with the Ben Thanh market close by. Rooms have air conditioning, hairdryer, Wi Fi, safe and TV along with a facilities that include four restaurants, fitness and health centre with massage and spa treatment. The hotel in Can Tho is a four star hotel located next to the Hau River. There are four restaurants offering Asian, European and local specialities plus a swimming pool and fitness centre with massage treatments. All rooms are equipped with TVs, minibar, safe and Wi-Fi. The accommodation in Phnom Penh is located in the downtown area of the city, close to the tourist attractions such as the National Museum, the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom and the Independence Monument. Rooms are well deigned and have air-conditioning, TV, mini bar, private bathhower and Wi-Fi access. Moving onto Siem Reap, the small and friendly hotel embodies Cambodia’s tranquil pace of life with a casual lounge and restaurant terrace. The location is close to the main tourist spots and is a 10 minute drive to the Angkor Wat complexes. Free Wi Fi, air-conditioning, mini-bar, TV, hair dryer, safe and bathroom are all provided in the rooms along with a poolside bar, restaurant and pool. The hotels in Siem Reap, Can Tho, Bangkok and Koh Chang all have pools plus you can swim when staying on the island, when we are next to the beaches. Triple Rooms : This trip allows the option for triple rooms to be included within the booking on all nights of this trip. If you would like this option, please ask our Sales team for further information.

Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 13 Breakfasts 2 Lunches 1 Dinners

Transport

Bicycle, Boat, Minibus, Public Bus, Taxi

Not included:

Flights

International flights not included in the tour cost

Others

Any visa costs, spending money and tips are not included in the trip price. You can also book extra nights’ accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip and the cost of this accommodation along with any transfers would be quoted separately.

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Optional

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract. Vietnam: Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - War Remnants Museum US$2 per person Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City - Reunification Palace US$2 per person Cambodia: Day 9: Siem Reap - One day Angkor Wat temples pass US$37 per person, under 12’s are free Day 9: Siem Reap -Tonle Sap boat trip US$14 per person Day 9: Siem Reap - Bicycle/rickshaw hire approximately US$15-20 per day Day 9: Siem Reap - Land Mines Museum US$5 per person Thailand: Bangkok - Long tailed klong boat trip including Royal Barge museum and Wat Arun US$18.00; Day 11: Bangkok - Grand Palace (entrance fee only) THB 500 per person Day 11: Bangkok - Wat Po (entrance fee only) THB 100 per person Day 11: Bangkok - Floating Market with a private tour by paddle boat: $46 (based upon 3-5 people) The prices stated are based on a minimum number of participants (usually 5-6). Please be aware that the optional excursions can run with fewer people but the price may be higher. Likewise, a slightly reduced price may be applicable where the participation greater. The prices listed are generally only entrance fees and do not include the price of transport to and from the excursion, Your Explore Leader will quote this when you are on tour, as the price for transport will depend on the number of participants. Optional excursions offered in Vietnam are generally run via our local partners. Other operators have been known to offer similar excursions at a cheaper price. Should you want to use these companies please be aware that a lower price may mean that not all costs are included (in particular entrance fees) or services will not operate at the same safety and quality standards.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Join Trip In Ho Chi Minh City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 an 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 Day 2: Morning Visit To Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore Old Saigon, And Discover ’Secret Weapons Bunker’
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 Day 3: Drive To The Mekong Delta And Cycle Ride. Drive To Can Tho Via The Floating Markets
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 Day 4: Morning Boat Cruise To Cai Rang Floating Market And Ba Lang Canal Then Drive To Chau Doc
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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. Moving on, our next stop is the Binh Thuy ancient house, a beautiful old property combining classical architecture with influences from the French, Chinese and local Vietnamese artisans . The construction dates back to the end of the 19th century and the house is filled with a wonderful collection of antiques and memorabilia, it feels like stepping back in time. After our visit we drive to Chau Doc, the border town between Vietnam and Cambodia. We take boat cruise out to the Chau Giang fish farm, where fish are raised in cages beneath floating houses. There is time to further explore the Cham village before heading back to our hotel for the night.
Day 5 Day 5: Morning Speed Boat To Phnom Penh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 Day 6: Market Bartering And Cooking Lesson With Local School Visit In Phnom Penh
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 Day 7: Travel To Siem Reap. Afternoon Orientation Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 Day 8: Full Day Visits To Angkor Thom And Angkor Wat
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.
Day 9 Day 9: Free In Siem Reap With Opportunity To Visit The Ta Phrom, Made Famous In The Tomb Raider Film
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 Day 10: Morning Flight To Bangkok. Afternoon Free To Explore The Thai Capital
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 Day 11: Free In Bangkok To Visit The Grand Palace Or Cruise Along The City’S Klongs. Afternoon Transfer To Hua Hin Beach Resort
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 Day 12: Free Day On The Coast To Relax In The Tropical Surroundings
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Free Day On The Coast To Relax In The Tropical Surroundings

Our base for the next 3 nights is large hotel well-suited for families, complete with three swimming pools, water slides and a pool bar, as well as two restaurants and a fitness centre. The air-conditioned rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the hotel is right on the beach, overlooking the warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Just a 15 minute drive away from the lively night markets of Hua Hin, the beach resort is situated in the quieter area of Khao Tao Beach and is just a short walk away from a fishing village. Please note that in December and January this area can sometimes experience periodic high tides, and in this case access to the beach will be restricted.
Day 13 Day 13: A Further Free Day To Relax On The Beach Or Explore The Area
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: A Further Free Day To Relax On The Beach Or Explore The Area

Another day to enjoy the land and water based fun with 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 Day 14: Trip Ends In Hua Hin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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 an 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.

+11

14 days tour

Family Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand Journey

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Family Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand Journey

Day 1: Join Trip In Ho Chi Minh City

Day 2: Morning Visit To Cu Chi Tunnels. Explore Old Saigon, And Discover ’Secret Weapons Bunker’

Day 3: Drive To The Mekong Delta And Cycle Ride. Drive To Can Tho Via The Floating Markets

Day 4: Morning Boat Cruise To Cai Rang Floating Market And Ba Lang Canal Then Drive To Chau Doc

Day 5: Morning Speed Boat To Phnom Penh

Day 6: Market Bartering And Cooking Lesson With Local School Visit In Phnom Penh

Day 7: Travel To Siem Reap. Afternoon Orientation Tour

Day 8: Full Day Visits To Angkor Thom And Angkor Wat

Day 9: Free In Siem Reap With Opportunity To Visit The Ta Phrom, Made Famous In The Tomb Raider Film

Day 10: Morning Flight To Bangkok. Afternoon Free To Explore The Thai Capital

Day 11: Free In Bangkok To Visit The Grand Palace Or Cruise Along The City’S Klongs. Afternoon Transfer To Hua Hin Beach Resort

Day 12: Free Day On The Coast To Relax In The Tropical Surroundings

Day 13: A Further Free Day To Relax On The Beach Or Explore The Area

Day 14: Trip Ends In Hua Hin

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