Indochina Explorer Tour
Indochina Explorer Tour
Indochina Explorer Tour
16 Days Starting in 21.027764,105.834160 and ending in 11.544873,104.892167
Visiting: Cambodia, Vietnam
Tour operator:
Tour code:
226
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Age range:
8-95
Special diets catered:
Please advise requiest
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
This tour combines the best bits of these two Asian wonders. Visit Vietnam's capital city Hanoi, The beautiful Halong Bay and China Beach, The tailor town of Hoi An, The bustling Ho Chi Minh city, World Heritage site - Angkor Wat and Choeung Ek museum.
This culturally based tour itinerary features a range of cultural sights and experiences to give you a good overview of Vietnam and Cambodia. We spend time in the Capital city of Hanoi, including a city tour and overnight Junk Boat trip on Halong Bay, before heading to the World Heritage site of Hue and Danang via Hai Van Pass. From here we head to the seaport of Hoi An before flying south to Ho Chi Minh City for a comprehensive city tour before continuing into Cambodia. After arriving in the capital, Phnom Penh, we do a full day city tour of all the major sights before flying to Siem Reap. Upon arrival we visit Angkor National Museum and do an afternoon orientation tour. Day 2 we do a Cycling tour to the main temples of Siem Reap inc Angkor Wat. Following a short flight back to Phnom Pehn we visit the extermination camp of Choeung Ek and take a boat trip on the mighty Mekong.
This is a sample private tour itinerary and we can customise the daily itinerary, duration and accommodation levels and styles as much or as little as you wish.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi And Afternoon City Tour
Accommodation Name: Hanoi hotel
Arrive Hanoi Airport. After customs and immigration formalities you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel accommodation.
This afternoon you will visit the Historical museum, one of the finest museums in the whole countries; the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ngoc Son temple then take 1-hour city tour by pedicab (one person per one pedicab) and shopping in the Old streets of Hanoi.
In the evening you will attend the performance of the famous Vietnamese traditional art of water puppetry at Thang Long Theatre.
Extra day in Hanoi - pre-tour, Single room supplement (VETMIE)
Day 2: Full Day Sightseeing In Hanoi
Accommodation Name: Hanoi hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we see Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Fine Arts Museum, the Temple of Literature, the Quan Thanh Temple and the Sword Lake.
Day 3: Drive To Halong Bay: Junk Boat Cruise
Accommodation Name: Junk boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note: The itinerary may be changed depending on weather without prior notice and the cruise we choose
Day 4: Back To Hanoi For Overnight Train To Hue
Accommodation Name: On board sleeper train
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return to Hanoi for a free afternoon of downtown shopping before we transfer you to the railway station for your train to Hue at 7:00pm.
Day 5: Arrive In Hue And Afternoon Tour
Accommodation Name: Hue hotel
After disembarking the overnight train (approx 8am) we will take a boat trip on the Perfume river, which divides the city and for centuries has been the inspiration for artists and poets alike, to Thien Mu Pagoda and Minh Mang Tomb before a tour of the Citadel, Vietnam's former imperial capital and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
Day 6: Drive To Danang Via Hai Van Pass
Accommodation Name: Danang hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we drive to Danang via Hai Van Pass. This afternoon we will visit the Cham Museum, Marble Mountain and the famous China Beach.
Day 7: Drive To Hoi An And Orientation Tour
Accommodation Name: Hoi An hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we drive to seaport of Hoi An. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, Hoi An was one of South East Asia's major international ports and today it still retains that special old-world feel. Enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarters to see the town's landmarks of Japanese Covered Bridge, ancient Assembly Hall, Phuc Kien Temple and then we will take a river trip and enjoy the scenery along the Thu Bon River & the view of Hoi An's Ancient Town. Visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village and carpentry village of Kim Bong. Hoi An is also famous for its large number of tailor shops, so if you want to have a new wardrobe made up, this is the time to do it. Free afternoon to relax at Cua Dai beach.
Day 8: Back To Danang For Flight To Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation Name: Ho Chi Minh City hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free morning before transfer to Danang airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Meet and greet at Ho Chi Minh City airport and transfer to hotel for check in.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh: Morning City Tour
Accommodation Name: Ho Chi Minh City hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning tour of the Reunification Hall, the War Crimes Exhibition or the History Museum, a lacquer or rattan ware factory, Notre Dame Cathedral, Centre Post Office, China Town and Thien Hau Pagoda (built by the Cantos congregation in the early 19th). Stop at Binh Tay or Ben Thanh Market for shopping.
Day 10: Flight To Phnom Penh And Afternoon City Tour
Accommodation Name: Phnom Penh hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for morning flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival transfer to hotel accommodation. You will then proceed to the Independence Monument which was constructed in 1954 after the Cambodian's took their country back from the French. Then continue to visit the Royal Palace compound build in 1866 by the Predecessors of King Norodom. This palace is one of impressive, colourful, Khmer-style. Close to the Royal Palace is Silver Pagoda (The Emerald Buddha temple), where you will see many Buddha Statues displayed that are decorated and made of diamond, emerald, gold and silver. After that, National Museum, a distinctive red building with beautiful Khmer architecture was built in 1917 and contains more than 5000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper and wood. We pass through the River Front park and continue to the sacred sites of Wat Phnom before walking along the Mekong River bank to see the lovely Phnom Penh city at night.
Day 11: Flight To Siem Reap
Accommodation Name: Siem Reap hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for morning flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival transfer to hotel accommodation. Afterward we visit the Angkor National Museum where you will use state of art multimedia technology to take you back in time to the ancient Khmer civilization. The museum exhibitS artefacts that are set into 8 galleries in the chorological order with the exclusive gallery of 1000 Buddha statues showing how the Buddhist religion is spiritually linked to the ancient Khmer civilization.
We continue to visit the fabulous Ta Prohm, embraced by the roots of enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers, as well as Prasat Kravan - With its unique brick sculptures, Srah Srang - The Royal Baths" was once used for ritual bathing, Banteay Kdei - Surrounded by four concentric walls Thommanon and Chaosay Tevorda temple.
Day 12: Cycling Tour Of Angkor
Accommodation Name: Siem Reap hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we will cycle (approx 45mins) to the cities world heritage area. On the way we will cycle through the jungle and pass local villages & shops.
You will visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), see the South Gate, Bayon Temple - unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, Baphuon temple lying just to the north of Bayon a pyramidal representation of mythical Mont Meru, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace and the Terraceof the Leper King.
The afternoon tour starts with a visit to the famous temple: Angkor Wat. Angkor Wat is a World Heritage Site since 1992, famous for its beauty and splendour. Angkor Wat features the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology. Visit Bakheng Temple and enjoy a romantic sun set view form Bakheng hill.
Day 13: Morning Angkor Tour
Accommodation Name: Siem Reap hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we continue our Siem Reap sightseeing with a visit to Banteay Srei: nearly everyone's favourite site. The special charm of this temple lies in its compact size, remarkable state of preservation, and the excellence of it decorative carving; Banteay Samre: Its rose-colored sandstone walls are decorated with carvings and bas-reliefs, which are among the most accomplished Angkor has to offer; visit Eastern Mebon used to be in the middle the waters of the large Oriental Baray that is presently filled with rice-fields; Neak Poan was supposed to be a symbol of the Universe; Preah Khan built in 1191 according to the tradition on a spot where the king fought a crucial battle against the Cham.
Day 14: Afternoon Flight To Phnom Penh
Accommodation Name: Phnom Penh hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free morning until afternoon transfer to Siem Reap airport for flight to Phnom Penh.
Day 15: Morning Boat Trip & Visit To Choeung Ek
Accommodation Name: Phnom Penh hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, we take a boat along the Mekong River to visit Koh Dach, also known as 'Silk Island'. We can see the weaving techniques first-hand and experience the realities of village life. The silk they weave is sold to buyers from Phnom Penh and beyond, so buying direct from the weavers here is much cheaper. As you walk or take the local cycle around the island you will find many of the wooden stilt houses have removed at least one loom weaving down with family members. Koh Dach is an example of traditional Cambodian village life and is a lovely "oasis" away from the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh. Much of the silk can be spun to see you here will end up on the stands of the Russian market. Once finishing tours around the island you will board the boat. We continue to visit Choeung Ek museum, where between 1975 and 1978 about 17,000 men, women, children and infants were detained and tortured at S-21 prison before being transported to the extermination camp of Choeung Ek. Next we visit Tuol Sleng prison (Genocide Museum) the Khmer Rouge regime's biggest secret also known as S-21 which stands for "Security Office 21" and was Cambodia's premier security institution, specifically designed for the interrogation and extermination of anti Angkor elements. Then, we will go shopping at Toul Tompong Market (called Russian Market), so-named because of the prevalence of items from the Eastern Bloc in past times, the Russian Market today is a treasure trove for tourists.
Day 16: Transfer To Airport For Departure
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free morning in Phnom Penh until transfer to airport for departure.
Extra day in Phnom Penh - post-tour
What's Included
What's Not Included
More Info
This is a sample private tour itinerary and we can customise the daily itinerary, duration and accommodation levels and styles as much or as little as you wish.
Mode of Transport
A/C minibus
Junk boat
Overnight train
Flights
Accommodation
3 to 4-star hotels
Junk boat
Sleeper train
Check out our Q&As
-
Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Visa arrangements for Vietnam are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.
British citizens (plus Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Russian, Sweden, Norway, Finland, , France, Germany, Italy, Spain) are currently subject to a visa exemption scheme, so no visa is required for stays in Vietnam of up to 15 days. Other nationalities and those staying longer in Vietnam will need to obtain a visa in advance. As this isn't always convenient we offer the option of obtaining a visa on arrival approval letter which means that you can then purchase you visa on arrival in Vietnam. However if you try to board the flight without this letter or a visa you'll be refused board. Visa approval letter fees are normally USD 10 p/p for single entry, or USD 15 p/p for multiple entry visas. The visa stamp fee on arrival at the immigration desk is then USD 25 p/p for single entry, or USD 50 p/p for multiple entry. These fees are given as a guide and may vary over time and subject to nationality. Please contact us if you have any queries.
Visa arrangements for Cambodia are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.
Many nationalities (including British, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand amoungst many others) can obtain a 30-day tourist visa on arrival in Phnom Penh or Siem Reap Airport (and some land borders). At the time of publishing the visa fee is $30.00. You'll need to make sure you have a passport sizes photograph for the visa. If you are arriving via Phnom Penh or Siem Reap Airports then you can obtain an e-visa prior to arrival at - www.evisa.gov.kh/ (these are not accepted at land borders).
As visa regulations often change we recommend that you check this information with your nearest consulate. Obtaining the correct visa is the responsibliity of the traveller. -
What currencies are required for this tour?
The Vietnamese currency is the 'Dong' (VND). Most people prefer to be paid in Dong rather than US dollars. It can sometimes be difficult to change large notes at smaller villages so try to keep a stash of smaller notes with you.
You can also change all major currencies with any private moneychangers, at the local markets, shops or hotels, or at a bank. Banks usually open from 8.00am to 3.00pm, except Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Although all major currencies are usually accepted, the US$ is by far the most widely accepted and preferred currency, with large notes ($50 and $100 bills) getting a better exchange rate. Travellers' cheques in major currencies are accepted at all banks, though a commission will be charged.
At banks throughout Vietnam you can draw cash, in both dong and dollars on all major credit cards. Approx. 3% commission will be charged for this service. Many souvenir shops, restaurants and hotels will accept payment with credit cards. There is, however, a 3-4% surcharge.
There are ATMs in Major cities like Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Hué, which accept major credit cards. We recommend that you consider bringing both credit cards, some cash in a hard currency (e.g. GB Pounds, Euros, US Dollars), and some travellers' cheques.
The Cambodia currency is the 'Riel' (KHR). US$ are widely accepted in the country and more or less work as a second currency. Because of its location so close to Thailand, you will find that Thai baht is also accepted in most places. Bear in mind that if paying in US$ or Thai baht, your change will be given back in riels.
It's also possible to change Thai baht or US$ with local private moneychangers, at some shops and markets or as usual, any banks that you may come across. These banks will also change most other currencies such as Sterling, Euros etc. The banks tend to open from 7.30am to 2.30pm.
If you have travellers cheques in major currencies then the banks will accept these although it is likely that a commission will be charged.
In Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, banks and even some travel agents will allow you to draw cash against most major credit cards but you can expect a surcharge of around 3-4%. These days, more and more shops, restaurants and hotels in the major tourist destinations will accept payment with credit cards. Until recently, Cambodia had no ATM's whatsoever but this is changing fast and it's now possible to withdraw money from ATM's located in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Most credit cards and some debit cards are accepted but its best not to rely on this as a way of accessing your funds while in the country. -
Are vaccinations required for this tour?
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:
Thailand: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Vietnam: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from an infected area.
Cambodia: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Laos: Additional vaccinations: Diptheria, Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from an infected area.
The above information can change at short notice. For up to date health information & vaccination requirements we recommend that you contact your medical practitioner or a travel clinic.
Malaria: Vaccinations are not available against Malaria, which is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that can be very serious and sometimes fatal. You should avoid mosquito bites by covering up bare skin with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers and applying insect repellents to exposed skin. When necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquitoes are most active during and after sunset. You should consult with your GP/medical practitioner/travel clinic about the most appropriate malaria prophylactic medication to take for the regions you are visiting.
Yellow Fever: This disease is spread by infected mosquitoes that bite during the day. A Yellow Fever Certificate of vacinnation may be required as a condition of entry depending on which country you are arriving from, or that you have travelled or transitted through recently (including connecting flights with stopovers of over 12 hours). You can view this US CDC information about where the virus is present and follow the links to further information detailing which countries need you to have a Yellow Fever vaccination as part of their entry requirements. Please ensure you have this certificate with you and to hand if necessary.
Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma and any prescription medicine you may be taking. We also need to know about any food allergies or physical disabilities that you may have. -
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
-
When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
-
Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Monday - Tuesday
Sep 23, 2024 - Oct 08, 2024Tuesday - Wednesday
Sep 24, 2024 - Oct 09, 2024Wednesday - Thursday
Sep 25, 2024 - Oct 10, 2024Thursday - Friday
Sep 26, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024Friday - Saturday
Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024Saturday - Sunday
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024Sunday - Monday
Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024Monday - Tuesday
Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 15, 2024Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.