Through the Mekong Delta to Ancient Angkor

Meet upon arrival on Ho Chi Minh City's Airport and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight Vieng Dong Hotel, HCM City

Today you will explore Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Your city tour includes visits to Cholon (Cholon means Big Market), Chinese quarter. Visit the Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas, and stroll through the immense Binh Tay Market. After lunch visit the Reunification Palace, the residence of the presidents of South Vietnam before 1975. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, as well as the Museum of Ho Chi Minh.
Overnight Vieng Dong Hotel, HCM City

This morning you will be picked up by your private guide and driver. Along the way we will stop at a small rice paper factory. Drive to Tay Ninh where you will visit the main church of Cao Daism. This religion, which is unique to Vietnam, is a universal faith with the principle that all religions have one same divine origin. You will arrive in Tay Ninh in time to witness the noon mass which is a colorful spectacle. After the mass has finished you will have lunch at the Anh Thanh Thao restaurant.
After lunch we will visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. During the Vietnam war the Vietcong dug out an extensive tunnelcomplex that served as a sanctuary in the fight against American forces. Part of the complex has been left in its original state. You can crawl through these tunnels, a harrowing experience indeed. Transfer back to your accommodations in Ho Chi Minh City, where you arrive late in the afternoon.
Dinner on own
Overnight Vieng Dong Hotel, HCM City

Today we will start our exploration of the Mekong Delta, a major rice producing area. This must be one of the most fascinating riverine deltas in the world. The Mekong splits into nine major arteries. A vast network of rivers and waterways with thousands of ships of all sizes plowing the waters give the Mekong Delta a very special atmosphere. We will make a boattrip to the Cai Be floating Market, visit villages and meet the people of the Mekong Delta.
Continue to An Binh Island where you will have lunch. Visit a fruit plantation before driving to Vinh Long from where you will continue you journey to Cantho, the economic and political centre of the Mekong Delta.
Golf Can Tho Hotel - Can Tho

This morning departure at 06:30 and bring you to the boat station for a boat trip to the floating markets of Cai Rang and Phong Dien. The car will pick you up at Phong Dien. You will continue to Long Xuyen. Lunch at Long Xuyen. Drive to Chau Doc. In the afternoon you will visit Sam Mountain, a holy mountain which really stands out in the flat rice paddies. You can walk to the summit of Sam Mountain. You will visit some of the many shrines and temples on the slopes of the mountain, amongst others the Ba Chua Xu and the Tay An Pagoda.
Chau Pho Hotel - Chau Doc

Board the Blue Cruiser boat to Phnom Penh, departure at 08.30 am. It will depart from the Victoria Pier, behind the hotel.
You will cross the Cambodian-Vietnamese border along the way.
** For most nationalities, a Cambodian visa is available upon arrival for around $25 and you will need one passport picture **
Continue to Phnom Penh.Meet upon arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight Phnom Penh Hotel - Phnom Penh

Morning visit of the Royal Palace, built in 1866 under King Norodom. Adjacent is the Silver Pagoda, which is named as the floor is covered with 5000 silver tiles. Later on visit the National Museum, with an important collection of Angkorian artifacts.
Lunch at Friends Restaurant, which provided underpriviledged street children with the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the hospitality business. All profits are reinvested into the Training Centre activities.
Afternoon visit Choeng Ek, the location of the infamous Killing Fields. Continue to Tuol Sleng prison, the notorious Khmer prison where thousands of Cambodians perished in the darkest hours of Cambodian history.
Overnight Phnom Penh Hotel - Phnom Penh

This morning you will be picked up by your driver and guide for the journey to Battambang, a drive of about 6 hours (291 kms), not including stops along the way.

Along the way you will stop at Udong, which was the capital of Cambodia from the early 17th century until 1866 when the capital was moved to Phnom Penh. Several temples, statures and other structures cover three hills. From Udong the view over the countryside is impressive.
Continue to Battambang. Along the way you will stop at several villages where silverware is being manufactured.
After arrival in Battambang you will have some time to explore this charming city on your own.
Overnight La Villa - Battambang

Today explore the surroundings of Battambang, a pleasant city with its tree-lined streets, colonial feel and laid-back atmosphere. Several interesting temples and ruins can be found in the area around Battambang. Wat Ek Phnom, located about eight kilometres from Battambang, is the largest and was probably the most extravagant of the temples.
We will visit Wat Banan, a ruin atop Phnom Banan (Banan Hill), offering spectacular views of the surrounding plains. We will also visit Phnom Sampeau, the site of the "Killing Caves". There is a Khmer Rouge memorial as well as an interesting temple on top of this hill.
You will also have the opportunity to make a ride on the bamboo train, quite an unforgettable experience.
Late afternoon return to your accommodations in Battambang.
Overnight La Villa - Battambang

An interesting drive will bring you from Battambang in Siem Reap. As the road remains unsealed at places, we take it easy and make plenty of stops to rest and take photos. Upon arrival, relax fresh up from the day's drive in the hotel pool.
Overnight Casa Angkor - Siem Reap

This morning drive to the walled city of Angkor Thom. Visit, amongst others, the Bayon, the Gate of Angkor Thom, Baphuon, the Terrace of the Leper King and the Terrace of the Elephants. Return to the hotel in the late morning for a break for lunch and a swim. In the afternoon return to Angkor. You will have the whole afternoon for a visit to the main temple, Angkor Wat. Sunset at Phnom Bakeng.
Return to the hotel.
Overnight Casa Angkor - Siem Reap

Early departure from the hotel. Drive to Banteay Srei, a small but exquisite temple, approximately 45 kms from Siem Reap. Picnic lunch at the waterwheel. Continue to Angkor. Visit Ta Phrom, the gem of Angkor. This temple has been largely taken over by the jungle. The sight of temple ruins overgrown with the roots of huge fig trees is unforgettable. Visit Preah Khan where the World Monument Fund has a project.
On the way back to Siem Reap stop at the Krouasah Thmei school that houses an excellent exhibition about the Tonle Sap Lake.
Overnight Casa Angkor - Siem Reap

The last day is free. Visit the market for some last shopping.
Check-out is at noon. You will be transferred to Siem Reap Airport, where the tour ends.