"The 4 Major Cities"
15 Days package price from just £1,500 per person.
Day 1 - UK Departure
Depart the UK with international flight to Siem Reap.
Day 2 - Siem Reap Arrival
Welcome at Siem Reap airport upon arrival and transfer to hotel. This afternoon we visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Giant faces of Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, Elephant Terrace and Terrace of Leper King. We then climb up Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, and bask in the spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat when the sun is going down. (B)
Day 3 - Siem Reap
Today we visit a selection of temples, including the Victory Gate, Thommanom, Ta Keo, Chau Say Thevoda and the enchanting Ta Prohm Temple, which remains in its original state. After lunch we continue to the most famous of all the temples on the Angkor plain, Angkor Wat. This temple complex is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece. (B)
Day 4 - Siem Reap
This morning we visit the red sandstone Temple of Banteay Srei, being widely praised as the "jewel of Khmer art". After we continue to a Temple named after the Samre people. The Les Artisans d’Angkor will follow before we return to our hotel for noon break. In the afternoon we visit Pour Krom, walking through this lovely local village to experience local life. Hop on an ox-cart and ride to Chong Knies village for a boat trip on Tonle Sap Great Lake. Watch the sunset at the Great Lake then drive back to hotel. We have a chance this evening to delve into the nightlife of Siem Reap, from the backpacker area to the night market. (B)
Day 5 - Siem Reap to Battambang
Early morning transfer to the boat pier and board a fast boat to Battambang. After hotel check-in and refreshments we drive to Phnom Banon on top of a hill. Crane our necks before its five sandstone towers and enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding plains. We then proceed to Phnom Sampeau Mountain to see another temple. (B).
Day 6 - Battambang to Phnom Penh
We journey to the Odam Bang village about 3km from the town and enjoy a ride the train called Bamboo train through the rice fields to Osroy Lov and a visit to the Angkorian temple of Wat Ek Phnom. We then travel overland to Phnom Penh capital (around 290km), the capital city of Cambodia for overnight. (B)
Day 7 - Phnom Penh
We have a morning visit to the Genocide Toul Sleng Museum, the famous Cheoung Ek Killing Fields, and the Russian Market. Continue to and admire the opulence of the Royal Palace with its dazzling Silver Pagoda, the National Museum, Wat Phnom and Sisowath Quay. (B)
Day 8 - Phnom Penh to Saigon
Free at leisure till departure flight about noontime to Saigon. Meeting and greeting at Saigon airport then a short drive to the city centre. Afternoon overview tour of the most dynamic city in Vietnam to take in the important landmarks: The Central Post Office, The former Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saigon waterfront, and finally the colonial Dong Khoi area. (B)
Day 9 - Saigon
We start the day with a drive out off the city to Cu Chi amazing tunnel system, built by Communist guerrillas during the Vietnam War. We then head for Tay Ninh to witness the noon services of adherents to Caodai Sect, a most unusual religion in the world in a beautiful edifice called Holy See Temple. A tasty lunch of "Pho" noodle soup in restaurant "Pho 24" follows then an exciting walk in the famous Chinatown to visit the lively markets and the elaborated Lady Hau Pagoda. (B)
Day 10 - Saigon / Mekong Delta
Today we enjoy a day trip to My Tho to sample life on the Mekong River. My Tho is a prosperous town of 170,000 inhabitants, famous for its extensive orchards and immense rice fields. We’ll ride a local boat on the criss-crossing waters of the area to the orchards on Phoenix Island, where local handicrafts and sweets from coconut are being produced. Enjoy fresh seasonal fruits and traditional live music and songs performance and relax under the restaurant’s garden canopy. Take a horse cart ride to a farm to taste some homemade honey-tea and proceed by boat through the small canals and side arms of the river to observe the daily life along the river banks. Visit a Snake farm then return to Saigon for overnight. (B/L)
Day 11 - Saigon to Hanoi
We fly to Hanoi in the morning. Greetings at the airport and transfer to hotel for check-in and tour-briefing. In the afternoon an orientation tour of Hanoi, and a chance to acclimate yourself. Enjoy a walking tour of Hanoi’s famous "Old Quarter", noted for its 36 guild streets. Visit an old house that’s typical of dwellings in the Old Town in Ma May street and then walk through Hang Be market to the famed water puppet theatre for an evening show. Water Puppetry is a traditional art form created by village farmers around the Red River Delta region - unique, but recognised internationally. (B/D)
Day 12 - Hanoi
This morning we tour Hanoi's charming French colonial boulevards, visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, the house on stilts and the museum, to know his amazing life. Continue to the ancient Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national educational establishment. We’ll then visit the Museum of Arts or Hoa Lo, the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” in the Vietnam War. The afternoon is totally for the museum of Ethnology, museum of History. (B)
NOTE: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum closes from September to November for annual maintenance. Emperor Tours will organize the visit outside.
Day 13 - Hanoi / Halong Bay
Today we journey east to Vietnam's greatest natural wonder, Halong Bay. We board our luxurious boat, spend a full day and night cruising the bay's 3000 magnificent limestone islets. You can challenge yourself with kayaking to a stunning lagoon of Halong Bay. (B/L/D)
Day 14 - Halong / Hanoi
This morning we continue cruising Halong Bay. Bid farewell to the bay after brunch and return to Hanoi with a stop at Bat Trang pottery village, old-aged and widely known. (Brunch)
Day 15 - Hanoi Departure
Free until transfer to the airport for departure flight. (B)
15 Days Package Price from just £1,500 per person (single supplement £490)
Price includes:
- 4* Hotel accommodation in city centre;
- Meals: daily breakfast at hotel and others as mentioned in itinerary (exc. Drinks);
- Sightseeing excursions with English speaking guides;
- All road transportation in private air-con car or minibus;
- Entrance fees;
- Domestic flights;
- Boat trip as mentioned in sights;
- Ox-cart and horse-cart rides;
- Government tax and service charge;
- International departure tax;
- Luggage handling and drinking water.
Price excludes:
- International flights (flight prices vary depending on time of year and airline - Emperor Tours will discuss and book the best option for you at time of booking);
- Vietnamese Visa fee;
- Cambodian Visa fee;
- Personal expense such as laundry or drinks during meals etc.;
- Optional visits;
- Travel insurance (can be arranged, please ask for details);
- Tips to guides and drivers.
