Vietnam Overland Tour to Cambodia on Mighty Mekong River

Welcome to HCM city which is formerly named as Saigon and nowadays becomes the Vietnam’s financial hub. The city is not only known as the most important economic center in Vietnam, but also has some very imposing colonial architecture which belies in fascinating past. On arrival, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the hotel for check- in and tour briefing. If time permits, take an orientation walking tour around and a chance to acclimatize ourselves. Free evening.

Overnight in Saigon. 

Begin your exploration of this frenetic city with a visit to the Reunification Palace, former residence of the Indochina Governor General and later President of the Republic of Southern Vietnam until April 30, 1975, the former US Embassy where the last rescuing helicopter left. The site photo shows the fall of Saigon. We then make a quick stop at the nearby Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the Notre Dame Cathedral, inspired by its counterpart in Paris to admire the imposing colonial architecture.

Continue to a place where the famous Buddhist Thich Quang Duc self- immolated in June11, 1963.  After his funeral, where his remains were finally reduced to ashes, Quang Duc’s heart, which had not burned, was retrieved, enshrined, and treated as a sacred relic. His self- immolation begins people’s up-rising movement largely, which lead to the fall of President Diem regime.

Next, we will visit the War Remnants Museum before strolling through the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a great place to buy local handicrafts, branded goods, Vietnamese art and other souvenirs.

O/N in Saigon. 

This morning we head out for Tay Ninh to witness the noon services of adherents to Caodai Sect in a beautiful edifice called Holy Temple. Next, we pay a visit to Cu Chi, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. Known as the “Iron Triangle” during the war of the 60’s, the story of Cu Chi is one of struggle, determination against all odds, and eventual victory.

Now the tunnels are a major site of interest for tourists and historians, and those interested in Vietnam’s military history. It is advisable to wear clothes which you won’t mind getting dirty if you intend to be adventurous and go underground yourself! At the end of the day we return to Saigon for resting.

O/N in Saigon.

Rise up early today and after having breakfast, travel 105 km south to Cai Be, the gateway to Mekong delta. On arrival, embark on a boat to cruise along the Mekong River visiting the floating markets, where you can admire displays of fruits and vegetables. Explore islands, stopping at the family factories where you can see how the delicious coconut candies, popcorns, poprice and so on are prepared. Enjoy your lunch with the special local fish “elephant ear” in a bonsai garden or in an old house.

After lunch, continue your trip by a small sampan ride through the shady canals to Vinh Long. You will cross over the parkway many small boats carrying fruits, vegetables, fish. Parkway in orchards, tasting tropical fruits. In the late afternoon, transfer by road to Can Tho, the center of the Mekong Delta. Can Tho is also named as the Capital of the West, located at the edge of Hau Giang, arm the southern Mekong.

This evening is free for your independent exploration. It’s advisable that after dinner you should stroll on the Ninh Kieu docks, bordering the river to catch the spirit of this city.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Morning boat trip to the floating markets of Cai Rang, then continuation to the discovery of small channels through the islands covered with lush flora. Cycle the parkways and paths through orchards (optional), tasting tropical fruits.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll leave Can Tho for Chau Doc via Thot Not, 45km to the north of Can Tho. Watch from a viewing tower above the tree tops as thousands of egrets, herons and cormorants arrive to roost in the branches. Visit the bamboo basket-making hamlet of Long Thanh before continuing to Chau Doc. 

Overnight in Chau Doc

After breakfast take a boat to visit the unique farms where fish are bred in wooden cages suspended under floating houses on the river. Continue by boat to visit a village of stilt houses belonging to the Cham minority, where colorful traditional textiles are woven on old wooden looms. Take a boat to the Cambodian border and after formalities with the border authorities, cruise along the Mekong River to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant and bustling capital city. Despite its recent turbulent history, Phnom Penh’s wide tree-lined boulevards and faded colonial mansions hold an undeniable charm.

Upon your arrival in Phnom Penh dock, meet with your tour guide and driver to transfer to hotel for check in. Lunch is excluded.

After having a short break, pay a visit to the Royal Palace which was built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles.

Overnight at hotel in Phom Penh.

Today, after breakfast at the hotel we’ll start the day learning about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent history on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Choeung Ek “Killing Fields”. Get the better inside of Cambodian life, we will stop at Russia market, where you can find anything from motorcycle parts to valuable gems. In the afternoon, continue your visit at the National Museum, an excellent introduction into ancient Khmer art and civilization.

Overnight in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll catch the domestic flight to Siem Reap, gateways to the ruins of Angkor Temples. On arrival in Siem Reap airport at noon, meet with your tour guide and driver for the transfer to hotel for check in. Lunch is excluded

After your rest, transfer to visit Ta Prohm, one of the area’s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Travel to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its majestic doors and artifacts.

Next, visit the monumental temple of Bayon, the heart of Angkor Thom and known for the hundreds of smiling faces that grace its towers. Move to the Terrace of the Elephants, a platform where King Jayavarman once surveyed his army. Close by is the Terrace of Leper Kings, which includes a statue depicting Yana, the Hindu god of death.

Tonight we’ll honored our guests the special dinner with Khmer Traditional Dance Show at local restaurant .

Overnight in Siem Reap. 

This morning, we’ll visit the magnificent Angkor Wat. As the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat where the Hindu God Vishnu is dedicated was constructed by Suryavarman II who reigned Cambodia from 1113 to 1152. The plan of the pyramidal conception of the temple combined with spaces, alleys and ditches is an ancient masterpiece of architectural design and construction.

In the afternoon, we’ll interact with the fishmen while visiting the floating village of Chong Khneas which is located 10 kilometers south of Siem Reap. The visit is an add as we’ll take an excursion in a traditional wooden boat on the Tonle Sap Lake, the “Great Lake” of Cambodia, one of the largest in Asia.

On the way back to Siem Reap, stop at the city old market where you’ll learn how to bargain and perhaps you may find a luck when purchasing the local items.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, free until transfer to the airport for your departure flight home.