Great Indochina Loop

Visiting: Vietnam

Great Indochina Loop

Ride a longtail down Bangkok's canals, Explore the ancient temples of Chiang Mai, Cruise down the Mekong River, Swim under a waterfall in Luang Prabang, Unwind in Vientiane, Enjoy Hanoi's French charm, Be enchanted by beautiful Halong Bay, Discover imperial elegance in Hue, Channel the spirits of old traders in Hoi An, Tantalise tastebuds in Ho Chi Minh City, Ponder Phnom Penh's volatile past, See the incredible temples of Angkor

Travel to the heart of Indochina on a tour that visits Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. Get set to discover something new and different every day on this ultimate trip through the region. See the hidden treasures of Chiang Mai in Thailand, visit laidback Vang Vieng in Laos, experience enchanting Halong Bay in Vietnam and discover the moving history of Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Get to know the locals, sample sumptuous cuisines, sail over pristine waters and scramble through a wealth of temples on this incredible adventure through Indochina.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

Look out for our Notice board on the second floor with more information on the trip. Ask reception staff to direct you to the board if you can't find it.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Thailand's bustling capital, Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food.

Travel by longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous 'khlongs' (canals) of Bangkok (approx 1 hr). Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital.

Pay a visit to Wat Pho, home to the country's largest reclining Buddha and keeper of the magic behind Thai massage.

Take a comfortable sleeper train to Chiang Mai (approx 14 hrs). Trains are clean, with padded berths, sheets, pillow, blanket and boiling water available. Most trains have a dining carriage and there are snacks available along the way.

Included Activities

Bangkok - Khlong boat (canal) tour

Bangkok - Wat Pho temple

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

 

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Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

Look out for our Notice board on the second floor with more information on the trip. Ask reception staff to direct you to the board if you can't find it.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Thailand's bustling capital, Bangkok is famous for its tuk tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai food.

Travel by longtail boat down the Chao Phraya River to explore the famous 'khlongs' (canals) of Bangkok (approx 1 hr). Life along these canals seems a world away from the chaotic streets of the capital.

Pay a visit to Wat Pho, home to the country's largest reclining Buddha and keeper of the magic behind Thai massage.

Take a comfortable sleeper train to Chiang Mai (approx 14 hrs). Trains are clean, with padded berths, sheets, pillow, blanket and boiling water available. Most trains have a dining carriage and there are snacks available along the way.

Included Activities

Bangkok - Khlong boat (canal) tour

Bangkok - Wat Pho temple

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

 

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Explore the famous temple complex of Doi Suthep. Drive along a scenic, winding mountain road that ends at an impressive 300-step naga-guarded stairway (approx 45 mins). The rewards justify the climb with one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand on display, not to mention fantastic panoramic views of the city and the opportunity to listen to hypnotic evening chanting by resident Buddhist monks.

In the evening you can choose to wander through the enormous, colourful Night Bazaar, and perhaps relax at a fine restaurant along the riverfront. Make sure to sample some delicious traditional northern Thai food - the signature dish is kao soy, yellow wheat noodles in a curry broth, traditionally served with chicken or beef.

Included Activities

Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep temple

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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It's a long journey by bus through rural countryside to the border (approx 7 hrs).

A centuries-old stop for caravans travelling between China and Siam for trade, Huay Xai is a lovely rural border town on the banks of the Mekong River, the lifeline of Indochina. It's still very much a traveller's hub, with passenger ferry landings and speedboats zipping by at all hours.

Why not partake in a lovely meal and a well-earned drink this evening - there's no better way to enjoy the tranquility.

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 nt)

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We board our private boat for a journey along the mighty Mekong. Whilst our boat is basic in nature, the journey is relaxed, a great way to experience the slow pace of village life and the breathtaking scenery along the river.

The river boat is of a basic standard with a toilet, covered roof, and open sides to take in the fresh air. There are seats in the front of the boat and a small open area in the back where you can have a nap on the mat, play cards, read or have lunch. Your leader will help arrange the purchase of food and drinks for the boat journey. It can be quite cold from Nov to Feb so make sure you have some warm gear packed!

We cruise the river until we come to the small town of Pak Beng (approx 6 hrs) where we dock for the night. Our guesthouse here is very basic - a standard accommodation in this small trading port.

Due to Dam construction upstream water levels are not as reliable as in previous years, and when the river is at it's lowest from February to April part of the journey may occasionally need to be made by land.

Included Activities

Mekong River - 2 day boat trip

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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We travel to this atmospheric WHO listed city by boat, via the revered Pak Ou Caves, an important religious site overlooking the river at the junction of the Mekong and Ou Rivers and containing thousands of Buddha images placed there by pilgrims over hundreds of years. We arrive at Luang Prabang in the late afternoon (approx. 8hrs).

Head out to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. The lovely pool at the base of the falls is perfect for a refreshing afternoon dip.

Enjoy a guided tour around the Traditional Art & Ethnology centre - a non-profit museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of its traditional arts and lifestyles

In your free time consider a climb to the top of Mt Phousi - providing a fantastic view over the town and its surrounds. The Dara Market sells everything and is a great spot to browse. If you'd like to experience more local culture, consider taking a long boat across the river to a traditional Laotian village.

Included Activities

Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls

Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave

Luang Prabang - Traditional Arts and Ethnology Museum

Accommodation

Guesthouse (3 nts)

 

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We travel to this atmospheric WHO listed city by boat, via the revered Pak Ou Caves, an important religious site overlooking the river at the junction of the Mekong and Ou Rivers and containing thousands of Buddha images placed there by pilgrims over hundreds of years. We arrive at Luang Prabang in the late afternoon (approx. 8hrs).

Head out to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. The lovely pool at the base of the falls is perfect for a refreshing afternoon dip.

Enjoy a guided tour around the Traditional Art & Ethnology centre - a non-profit museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of its traditional arts and lifestyles

In your free time consider a climb to the top of Mt Phousi - providing a fantastic view over the town and its surrounds. The Dara Market sells everything and is a great spot to browse. If you'd like to experience more local culture, consider taking a long boat across the river to a traditional Laotian village.

Included Activities

Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls

Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave

Luang Prabang - Traditional Arts and Ethnology Museum

Accommodation

Guesthouse (3 nts)

 

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We travel to this atmospheric WHO listed city by boat, via the revered Pak Ou Caves, an important religious site overlooking the river at the junction of the Mekong and Ou Rivers and containing thousands of Buddha images placed there by pilgrims over hundreds of years. We arrive at Luang Prabang in the late afternoon (approx. 8hrs).

Head out to the beautiful Kuang Si Falls, where pale turquoise waters cascade over limestone formations. The lovely pool at the base of the falls is perfect for a refreshing afternoon dip.

Enjoy a guided tour around the Traditional Art & Ethnology centre - a non-profit museum dedicated to the collection, preservation, and interpretation of its traditional arts and lifestyles

In your free time consider a climb to the top of Mt Phousi - providing a fantastic view over the town and its surrounds. The Dara Market sells everything and is a great spot to browse. If you'd like to experience more local culture, consider taking a long boat across the river to a traditional Laotian village.

Included Activities

Luang Prabang - Kuang Si Waterfalls

Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Cave

Luang Prabang - Traditional Arts and Ethnology Museum

Accommodation

Guesthouse (3 nts)

 

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The drive from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng  takes approx 6-7 hrs.

There is plenty to do in and around Vang Vieng. The area is renowned for its many caves, many of which are easily accessible from the town, perhaps the most famous is the cave of Tham Chang, a beautiful cavern fed by a natural spring making it a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. Hire bicycles to explore further afield, or a tour of an Organic Mulberry Farm is also an option.

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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The drive from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng  takes approx 6-7 hrs.

There is plenty to do in and around Vang Vieng. The area is renowned for its many caves, many of which are easily accessible from the town, perhaps the most famous is the cave of Tham Chang, a beautiful cavern fed by a natural spring making it a perfect spot for a refreshing swim. Hire bicycles to explore further afield, or a tour of an Organic Mulberry Farm is also an option.

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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It is a short public bus journey to Vientiane (approx 4 hrs).

Hardly touched by the modernisation that has completely changed the face of other cities in South-East Asia, Vientiane still has a wealth of cultural delights to discover - on foot, or for the less energetic, by jumbo (tuk tuk).

Follow dusty tracks along the river to find villages full of friendly children, dogs and chickens. Vientiane's vibrant, colourful morning market (which incidentally is open all day!) is full of local treasures. A great way to round off the day is to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Mekong.

Visit COPE, an organisation dedicated to assistance those who have been injured by the multitude of unexploded ordinance across the country.

Enjoy a meal of modern Lao food at the Makphet restaurant (meaning chili in Lao) - an organisation assisting disadvantaged children to return to school, society and train to gain employment in the hospitality industry.

Included Activities

Vientiane - COPE visit

Vientiane - Makphet restaurant meal

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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Our flight to Hanoi takes approx 1 hour.

As Vietnam develops to compete with other South-East Asian countries, the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi reflects the contrasts of modern office buildings, old Buddhist temples and the tangle of ancient streets in its still surface.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

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We travel by private minibus (approx 4 hrs) to reach the bay.

Board our private boat and cruise among the dramatic limestone peaks. There's an opportunity to swim in the famed South China Sea, as well as to explore caves filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Spend a peaceful night on board, beneath a velvet night sky alive with stars. Our overnight accommodation on Halong Bay is on a sailing junk with twin bed cabins that have air-conditioning and private facilities. There's also a dining room and bar where we enjoy a sumptuous lunch and dinner.

Included Activities

Halong Bay - Overnight boat cruise

Accommodation

Overnight boat (1 nt)

 

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We return by private minibus to Hanoi and take in a performance of the famous Hanoi water puppets.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, which includes the One Pillar Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

In the evening we board the famed Reunification Express for the overnight train journey to Hue.

Included Activities

Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Museum

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

 

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We return by private minibus to Hanoi and take in a performance of the famous Hanoi water puppets.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, which includes the One Pillar Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

In the evening we board the famed Reunification Express for the overnight train journey to Hue.

Included Activities

Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Museum

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

 

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Visit the Imperial Citadel, including the Forbidden Purple City. The latter was almost totally destroyed during the American War's Tet Offensive, but the foliage-covered ruins are still atmospheric and the gaping holes left by bombs give an idea of the destruction wreaked upon the country during the war.

Enjoy a dragon boat cruise on the Perfume River. The trip includes a visit to Thien Mu Pagoda, considered by many to be the unofficial symbol of Hue. It's an active Buddhist monastery with its origins dating back to 1601. One of the most poignant displays is a car belonging to a former monk who, in 1963, drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the treatment of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese regime. We also visit one of the royal tombs, that of Emperor Tu Duc, with its central lake set amid a grove of frangipani and pine trees, or what many believe to be the most majestic of all the royal tombs, Minh Mang.

Included Activities

Hue - Imperial citadel

Hue - Perfume River boat ride

Hue - Royal tomb

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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Our journey to Hoi An is by private minibus through rural landscapes, the fishing village of Lang Co and the dramatic Hai Van Pass (approx 4 hrs).

Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An is being beautifully restored and preserved. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of South-East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago and it retains the feel of centuries past, making it the sort of place that grows on you the more you explore it.

It's also a shopping mecca - with much to browse and buy. Choose from original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, lanterns and more. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring - with a great variety of fabrics and tailors to choose from. Bring your favourite piece of clothing or even just a picture, and you'll be able to have it copied.

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

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Our journey to Hoi An is by private minibus through rural landscapes, the fishing village of Lang Co and the dramatic Hai Van Pass (approx 4 hrs).

Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An is being beautifully restored and preserved. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of South-East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago and it retains the feel of centuries past, making it the sort of place that grows on you the more you explore it.

It's also a shopping mecca - with much to browse and buy. Choose from original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, lanterns and more. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring - with a great variety of fabrics and tailors to choose from. Bring your favourite piece of clothing or even just a picture, and you'll be able to have it copied.

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

!item

Our journey to Hoi An is by private minibus through rural landscapes, the fishing village of Lang Co and the dramatic Hai Van Pass (approx 4 hrs).

Recently declared a World Heritage site, Hoi An is being beautifully restored and preserved. Known as Faifo to early Western traders, it was one of South-East Asia's major international ports during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. Today, parts of Hoi An look exactly as they did more than a century ago and it retains the feel of centuries past, making it the sort of place that grows on you the more you explore it.

It's also a shopping mecca - with much to browse and buy. Choose from original paintings, handcrafted woodwork, ceramics, embroidery, lanterns and more. Hoi An has also become famous for its tailoring - with a great variety of fabrics and tailors to choose from. Bring your favourite piece of clothing or even just a picture, and you'll be able to have it copied.

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

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We take a short flight from Danang to reach Ho Chi Minh City (approx 75 mins).

Ho Chi Minh City is characterised by a vast array of sights and sounds; a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West. The huge number of people rushing about their daily lives in Vietnam's largest city gives it a dynamic atmosphere and the French influence is evident in the excellent baguettes and coffee on offer. Much of the city's life takes place on the busy streets lined with shops, stalls and vendors with their wares spread out on the footpath, selling everything from soup to sophisticated electronics.

Optional Activities

Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City - VND90000.00

Mekong Delta - Day trip - USD26.57

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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We take a short flight from Danang to reach Ho Chi Minh City (approx 75 mins).

Ho Chi Minh City is characterised by a vast array of sights and sounds; a fascinating blend of old and new, East and West. The huge number of people rushing about their daily lives in Vietnam's largest city gives it a dynamic atmosphere and the French influence is evident in the excellent baguettes and coffee on offer. Much of the city's life takes place on the busy streets lined with shops, stalls and vendors with their wares spread out on the footpath, selling everything from soup to sophisticated electronics.

Optional Activities

Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City - VND90000.00

Mekong Delta - Day trip - USD26.57

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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Our journey to Phnom Penh is by public bus (approx 6-7 hrs).

Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-inspired architecture.

Take in the sites by cyclo! Tours generally take in the following: central market, US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong river front, independence monument, finishing at the Royal Palace.

Confront Cambodia's tragic past on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. It's estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here.

Head out to the Choeung Ek Memorial, where a stupa made up of some 8,000 human skulls marks the site of the infamous Killing Fields. This was the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng and standing in this peaceful setting it's almost unthinkable to imagine that to date nearly 9000 corpses have been exhumed from the area.

Learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history with a visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.

Stroll along the famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many cafes while observing the busy river traffic.

Included Activities

Phnom Penh - Cyclo tour

Phnom Penh - Guided tour Choeung Ek (Killing fields)

Phnom Penh - Guided tour of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Optional Activities

Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh - USD7.00

Phnom Penh - Russian Market, Phnom Penh - Free

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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Our journey to Phnom Penh is by public bus (approx 6-7 hrs).

Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, is set on a major junction of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers and boasts some fine examples of French-inspired architecture.

Take in the sites by cyclo! Tours generally take in the following: central market, US Embassy, Wat Phnom, Mekong river front, independence monument, finishing at the Royal Palace.

Confront Cambodia's tragic past on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school which served as a Khmer Rouge torture centre. It's estimated that more than 20,000 people were held and tortured here.

Head out to the Choeung Ek Memorial, where a stupa made up of some 8,000 human skulls marks the site of the infamous Killing Fields. This was the execution ground for the torture victims of Tuol Sleng and standing in this peaceful setting it's almost unthinkable to imagine that to date nearly 9000 corpses have been exhumed from the area.

Learn about a brighter period in Cambodian history with a visit to the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.

Stroll along the famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many cafes while observing the busy river traffic.

Included Activities

Phnom Penh - Cyclo tour

Phnom Penh - Guided tour Choeung Ek (Killing fields)

Phnom Penh - Guided tour of Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Optional Activities

Phnom Penh - Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda, Phnom Penh - USD7.00

Phnom Penh - Russian Market, Phnom Penh - Free

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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We travel by public bus to our homestay located outside the township of Kampong Thom (approx 3hrs).

Facilities are very basic at our homestay, but this is an opportunity to experience the everyday life of rural Cambodians.

Accommodation

Homestay (1 nt)

 

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Our journey to Siem Reap takes approx 3 hrs by bus.

Temple-hop with our local guide to make the most of our visit to the world-famous Angkor complex. These temples were built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer empire was the pre-eminent influence in South-East Asia. The temples were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing and there are spectacular photographic opportunities at any time of day - watching a sunrise or sunset is a must. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 sq km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap so we'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat, the Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm.

Included Activities

Angkor Wat - 3 day pass

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

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Our journey to Siem Reap takes approx 3 hrs by bus.

Temple-hop with our local guide to make the most of our visit to the world-famous Angkor complex. These temples were built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer empire was the pre-eminent influence in South-East Asia. The temples were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing and there are spectacular photographic opportunities at any time of day - watching a sunrise or sunset is a must. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 sq km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap so we'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat, the Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm.

Included Activities

Angkor Wat - 3 day pass

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

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Our journey to Siem Reap takes approx 3 hrs by bus.

Temple-hop with our local guide to make the most of our visit to the world-famous Angkor complex. These temples were built between the 9th and 13th centuries when the Khmer empire was the pre-eminent influence in South-East Asia. The temples were believed to represent the cosmic world and were set in perfect balance, symmetry and composition. The intricately carved bas-reliefs and architectural designs are mind-blowing and there are spectacular photographic opportunities at any time of day - watching a sunrise or sunset is a must. The ruins are scattered over an area of some 160 sq km, but the main cluster of temples is close to Siem Reap so we'll have plenty of time to fully appreciate the great archaeological sites of Angkor Wat, the Bayon and the jungle-covered Ta Prohm.

Included Activities

Angkor Wat - 3 day pass

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

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It's a long drive to get from Siem Reap to Bangkok (approx 8-9 hrs including border crossing and lunch).

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

!item

It's a long drive to get from Siem Reap to Bangkok (approx 8-9 hrs including border crossing and lunch).

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

 

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@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner