Mekong Explorer with Beach and Angkor

10 days visiting

• Cai Be
• Chau Doc
• Phu Quoc Island
• Saigon
• Siem Reap

From $2944 AUD pp (2 pax)

Day 1 Cai Be (Lunch: Meals incl. in itinerary (Vietnam) Dinner: Meals incl. in itinerary (Vietnam) )
On arrival at Mekong Riverside Boutique Resort & Spa, we’ll check in and have lunch. On two wheels we’ll cycle through the village paths passing scenes of riverside life and lush fruit orchards. Overnight at Mekong Riverside Boutique Resort & Spa Today’s Highlights: Bicycle tou – Overnight in Cai Be

Day 2 Local Village (Vietnam) – Cai Be – Chau Doc (Breakfast: Hotel )
After breakfast we’ll take a boat to local cottage industries. We’ll go ashore to sample locally-made, traditional treats including popcorn, coconut candy and honey. Back at the resort, we’ll check out and transfer by boat to the pier. Today’s Highlights: Boat to cottage industries.
By vehicle from Cai Be to Chau Doc
– Overnight in Chau Doc

Day 3 Chau Doc (Breakfast: Hotel )
Cycle in Sam Mountain Valley
Ah, the slow life
it really is the best method of getting around. Using pedal power, we’ll take a leisurely cycle out to the sacred Sam Mountain, which rises sharply from the surrounding rice paddies. We’ll explore some of the many temples and pagodas dotted around this pilgrimage mountain. We’ll then swap our bikes for a boat and drift along the scenic waterways to a floating village. Here, local fishermen will show us how they catch fish. Highlights: Cycle to Sam Mountain, Chua Xu & Thoai Ngoc Hau temples, boat trip.
Excursion to Tra Su forest with a boat trip [Half day]
For those who seek a sighting of storks, egrets and herons we have the perfect place – Tra Su Forest. However it’s not just wading birds. We’ll also see insects, animals, reptiles and fish among the flooded mangrove forests, lotus blooms and cajuput trees. We’ll explore the picturesque waterways by motorboat and rowing boat, and we’ll climb to the top of the bird watching tower. Today’s Highlights: Tra Su Forest by boa – Overnight in Chau Doc

Day 4 Chau Doc – Ha Tien – Phu Quoc Island (Breakfast: Hotel )
By vehicle from Chau Doc to Ha Tien Pier
On board the Speedboat from Ha Tien to Phu Quoc Island
– Overnight in Phu Quoc Island

Day 5 Phu Quoc Island (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Meals incl. in itinerary (Vietnam) )
Excursion by boat for snorkeling and fishing in the north
Revel in rainbow coloured fish and feast on seafood. We’ll take a boat out to snorkel at untouched coral reefs. As we continue along the coastline to Mong Tay islet we’ll tuck into a delicious lunch on board. Back on Phu Quoc we’ll visit the important Cau Temple and a pepper garden. Today’s Highlights: Mong Tay islet, Cau Temple, snorkellin – Overnight in Phu Quoc Island

Day 6 Phu Quoc Island – Saigon (Breakfast: Hotel )
Transfer
Flight from Phu Quoc Island to Saigon
Arrival in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
– Overnight in Saigon

Day 7 Saigon – Siem Reap (Breakfast: Hotel )
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Flight from Saigon to Siem Reap
Arrival in Siem Reap
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle
Sightseeing in Angkor
Visit Angkor Wat
The crown jewel of Khmer architecture, Angkor Wat is the national symbol and the highlight of any visit to Cambodia. The largest, best preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, Angkor impresses visitors both by its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout, as well as the delicate artistry of its carvings. To approach the temple, first cross the vast moat, continuing along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. Upon entering the main structure, ascend through a series of galleries and courtyard before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. On the way, stop to enjoy the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface of the temple, with some 1,700 Apsaras, or celestial dancers, sculpted from the walls. Along the outer gallery walls run the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which narrates stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones.
Sunset Cocktail Cruise aboard Angkor Gondola boat standard boat (None Alcohol)
Watch the sunset while enjoying fruity and canapes on a traditional Khmer gondola, the means of water-borne transport for the ancient Khmer navigators – Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 8 Siem Reap (Breakfast: Hotel / Dinner: Local Restaurant (Cambodia) )
Sightseeing in Angkor
Roluos Group by e-bike (Clients who wish to book and participate in this activity will be requested to sign an ICS release form either prior to arrival or on the ground before commencing the tour)
Enjoy the freedom of a regular bicycle, but without the effort, on this fun tour of ancient temples. So start up the eco-friendly e-bike and let’s set off into the stunning Angkor countryside. We’ll find rural villages, an ancient reservoir and a small 9th century temple nestled among trees. As this is off the usual tourist trail we may well have the entire temple to ourselves. We’ll be transported back to the times of the early Khmer civilisation with a visit to the three temples that make up the Roluos Group. These are some of the earliest great temples and feature beautiful carvings and inscriptions. Today’s Highlights: Bakong Temple, Preah Ko Temple, Lolei Temple, Prei Monti.
Visit Angkor Thom
The fortified city of Angkor Thom covers an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats; the city includes many of Angkor’s most popular sights. Enter by the monumental South Gate over a causeway lined on either side by statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies, both adorned with dramatic bas reliefs. Visit the ruined Baphuon, Royal Enclosure and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. In this temple, one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, explore the galleries of beautifully preserved bas reliefs and ascend narrow stairs to reach the central sanctuary, where giant stone faces smiling enigmatically down from every angle.
Water blessing performed by the monk from Tep Pranom pagoda at one of the ancient temples Angkor Thom
Water Blessings are a traditional Cambodian practise that date back to ancient times. There are two main forms of the water blessing which you can participate in. The first is a blessing accompanied by a light sprinkling of water. The second is a longer ritual where you will be covered in water blessed by the monks. For this ritual you can change into a sarong so your clothing remains dry. At the end of the blessing your wrist is adorned with special red ties that signify the blessing performed. Blessings can be performed for individuals but are also a special way for newlyweds to celebrate their union. The water blessing is said to bring peace, good luck and happiness. Receive a blessing of your own during this 1-hour water blessing experience at the Tep Pranom pagoda.
Transfer to/from restaurant by Remok (Tuk Tuk)
Enjoy the circus performance SEAT-B (for Adult)
After having performed in many countries around the world, the young and talented artistes from the famous Phare Ponleu Selpak in Battambang have now brought their exciting and energetic circus show to Siem Reap. Watch this unique show which combines traditional and modern theatre, music, dance, acrobatics, juggling and contortion. The beautifully choreographed and energetically performed show tells a story about Cambodian contemporary life in an ever changing society – Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 9 Siem Reap (Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Meals incl. in itinerary (Cambodia) )
Khmer for a day
Grab the reins and go! In a rural village we’ll take a ride on an ox cart and can even learn how to drive it ourselves. We will really delve into Cambodian life by joining in the activities in the village. A local family will demonstrate how to prepare a delicious Khmer lunch and we can walk around the village to see the community school ran by an NGO. But this is no ordinary school. The enterprising locals have come up with an incredible way to make bricks from old plastic bottles! Over 100,000 bottles have gone into building the community school. Today’s Highlights: Kompheim village.
Made in Cambodia market by Tuk Tuk
Support the Made in Cambodia Market and discover unique locally made souvenirs, live music and delicious street food. Travel by tuk-tuk to the Made in Cambodia Market where a colourful array of arts, crafts and food is on offer. This is your chance to purchase fine quality artisan products and luxury goods produced by a new generation of talented Cambodians. Social enterprises and NGOs as well as internationally recognised artists and designers display a variety of unique items including jewellery, clothes, textiles, handicrafts and artworks. Here you can pick up unusual souvenirs and presents knowing that your purchases are benefiting the local people either through direct income or skills development. When you’ve had enough of retail therapy stop to enjoy the friendly atmosphere, watch the live entertainment and street performers or take part in an artist’s workshop. Grab an ice cold beer or smoothie and sample some of the delicious local snacks and delicacies that are on sale.
Visit the Angkor Night Market & the Pub Street by Remork (Tuk Tuk)
Take a tuk tuk to the Angkor Night Market, the first night market to open in Cambodia. The market consists of small huts built from natural materials in Khmer style. Walk among the 240 stalls selling traditional Cambodian-made handicrafts such as clothing, silk, paintings, photographs, jewellery, and wood and stone carvings – Overnight in Siem Reap

Day 10 Siem Reap (Breakfast: Hotel )
Transfer by air conditioned vehicle