Saigon to Siem Reap - 9 days
Saigon to Siem Reap - 9 days
Saigon to Siem Reap - 9 days
9 Days Starting in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and ending in Siem Reap, Cambodia
Visiting: Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Angkor Thom, Tonle Sap Lake
Tour operator:
Tour code:
935/SSR
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
18-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 9-day journey from Saigon to Siem Reap, exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Vietnam and Cambodia. Begin in the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll delve into history at the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Cruise the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta and savor local flavors on Dong Hoa Hiep Island. In Phnom Penh, witness the grandeur of the Royal Palace and the poignant history of the Khmer Rouge. Fly to Siem Reap to marvel at the iconic Angkor Wat and the enigmatic faces of Angkor Thom. Experience the vibrant Phare Cambodian Circus and sail on the serene Tonle Sap Lake, visiting its unique floating villages. With guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable experiences, this small group tour offers an enriching cultural adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation Name: hotel
Friday. Hello Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon). Upon arrival you'll be met and transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to get acquainted with the city. Opt to explore on foot, shop at Ben Thanh Market or visit the grand Independence Palace, with its secret bunker and military command centre beneath!
Day 2: The Mekong Delta
Location: Can Tho
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Can Tho. This morning we travel to Cai Be and board a sampan for a cruise around the lush waterways of the Mekong Delta. We stop to visit local cottage industries and enjoy lunch at a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island. After a day exploring the Mekong we spend the night at a hotel in the city Can Tho.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City
Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City. Early this morning we visit the lively Cai Rang floating market to watch the traders selling their wares before driving back to Ho Chi Minh City. On a walking tour of the city we’ll see the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Old Post Office before visiting the sobering War Remnants Museum. Evening at leisure.
Day 4: Cu Chi Tunnels, Phmon Penh
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh. This morning we visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels used by the Viet-Cong in their struggle to keep control of the region during the 1960’s. As we walk the bush trails you’ll see trapdoors, booby traps, living areas, weapon factories and kitchens. We can also safely crawl sections of the tunnels, that have been widened for the tourists and fire weapons of the era (including the M16‘s and AK47) on the firing range.
After crossing the Cambodian border we drive to the capital of Phnom Penh. Once deemed the ‘Pearl of Asia’, Phnom Penh offers a bustling mix of Asia’s past and present, a city quickly taking its place amongst the trendy capitals of the region.
Day 5: Phnom Penh
Location: Phnom Penh
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we’ll enjoy a full day sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh starting at the National Museum of Fine Arts, a graceful terracotta building of traditional design housing the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture. We continue with the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, famed for its lavish decorations – the floors are paved with silver tiles and statues of Buddha are encrusted with thousands of diamonds.
We later come face to face with the horrors of the Pol Pot regime as we visit Toul Sleng (Security Prison - S21), a school that was gruesomely transformed into a torture chamber under the Khmer Rouge, and visit the Killing Fields where over 10,000 people were executed.
Day 6: Siem Reap & Angkor Wat
Location: Siem Reap
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Phnom Penh – Siem Reap. Hotel check out and transfer to the airport for your included flight to Siem Reap. After we've had time to freshen up we visit The Angkor National Museum which has a fascinating collection of Angkorian artefacts with collections from Khmer Empire's Angkor period circa 9th to 14th-century.
This afternoon we see the mother of all temples – Angkor Wat. This breathtaking monument of man’s devotion to his gods is believed to be the largest religious building in the world and contains thousands of wall carvings and extensive bas-reliefs. There are plenty of wonderful photo opportunities at this iconic site. This evening is free for you to wander into town and perhaps sample Siem Reap's lively nightlife. There are plenty of great bars and restaurants in the compact city centre.
Day 7: Angkor Thom & Ngo Circus Project
Location: Angkor Thom
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Early this morning opt to see Angkor Wat bathed in the spectacular golden light of sunrise. Later we head out to Banteay Srei temple, considered by many to be the art gallery of Angkor with some of the finest stone carvings in the world. Cut from stone of a pinkish hue, the Hindu temple is dedicated to Shiva and contains lavishly decorated libraries and stunning reliefs of divinities. Enroute to Banteay Srei stops will be made at an exotic butterfly sanctuary and the a village of Preak Dak where we support a community tree planting initiative.
Our temple tour continues with a visit to the ancient city of Angkor Thom. This monumental fortified city is encircled by a 100m wide moat and is famed for the huge statue heads that glare down from every angle. In Angkor Thom we will see the fabulous Bayon Temple, Baphuon, the royal enclosure, and the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King. Last but not least is atmospheric Tra Prohm Temple where vast muscular tree roots envelop the crumbling towers and walls whilst the trees’ foliage dapples the temple in shade.
This evening we attend the wonderful Phare Cambodian Circus. The Phare NGO circus project trains street kids to become talented circus artists and the popular show blends circus skills with interpretations of modern life and issues in Cambodian society.
Day 8: Tonle Sap Lake
Location: Tonle Sap Lake
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning we drive to Kampong Phluk, a cluster of three villages of stilt houses built within the floodplain of Tonle Sap Lake. We'll see houses built on soaring stilts which hover over the Tonle Sap Lake whilst nearby, the petrified trees of a flooded forest are revealed whenever the water level drops. After a boat trip on the lake we return to Siem Reap where the afternoon is free for you to spend at leisure. Perhaps pick up some last minute souvenirs at the central market or head down to lively Pub Street.
Day 9: Siem Reap
Location: Siem Reap
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Saturday. Today marks the end of our memorable journey. Spend the morning at leisure before hotel check out and included departure transfer to the airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 star -
Guided sightseeing
Guided sightseeing in Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and the Temples of Angkor is included.
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Sampan boat trips
Sampan boat trips in the Mekong Delta are included.
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Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake
A boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake is included.
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Tour guides
The tour is escorted by English speaking Vietnamese and Cambodian tour guides.
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Economy class flight
An economy class flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap is included.
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Airport transfers
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 9 are included.
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Private transportation
All relevant transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles are included.
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Tour style
This tour is fully guided and escorted by a single expert local tour guide throughout your trip.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Tour guide tip
Tip for your tour guide is not included.
It is recommended to allow USD$3-6 per day, per traveller. -
Entrance fees
Entrance fees of USD$120-130 per person, paid in USD or VND, are not included.
Age Policy
18 or 15 accompanied by an adult
Mode of Transport
Travel in private air-conditioned vehicles with all relevant transfers included, and enjoy a scenic economy class flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap.
Accommodation
Enjoy 8 nights in 4-star and special class hotels, providing comfort and quality throughout your journey from Saigon to Siem Reap.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 8 nights in 4-star and special class hotels.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, breakfast is provided daily, along with 2 lunches and 1 dinner.
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Is there a guide provided throughout the tour?
Yes, the tour is fully guided and escorted by English-speaking Vietnamese and Cambodian tour guides.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
All relevant transfers and transportation are provided in private air-conditioned vehicles, and there is an economy class flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap included.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, international flights, visas, tips for the tour guide, and entrance fees of USD$120-130 per person are not included.
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What activities are included in the Mekong Delta visit?
The visit includes a sampan boat trip through the waterways, a stop at local cottage industries, and a lunch at a traditional wooden home on Dong Hoa Hiep Island.
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What can I expect to see at the Cu Chi Tunnels?
You will see trapdoors, booby traps, living areas, weapon factories, and kitchens. There is also an opportunity to crawl through sections of the tunnels and visit a firing range.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Angkor Wat?
Angkor Wat is known for being the largest religious building in the world, with thousands of wall carvings and extensive bas-reliefs, offering plenty of photo opportunities.
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What is unique about the Phare Cambodian Circus?
The Phare Cambodian Circus is a project that trains street kids to become circus artists, blending circus skills with interpretations of modern life and issues in Cambodian society.
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What will I see at Tonle Sap Lake?
You will visit the floating villages of Kampong Phluk, see stilt houses, and take a boat trip on Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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