Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City
| country: | Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam |
| location: | Indochina holidays |
| trip type: | A small group adventure. |
| departures: | Departs most days each month throughout the year |
| price: | From £510 (9 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
read 6 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
The road to Angkor is paved with historic riches and cultural treasures - the perfect route for an insight into the fascinating countries of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. From the bustle of Bangkok and the grandeur of Angkor to the rural charm of Chao Doc and energy of Ho Chi Minh City, be charmed by the people and seduced by the lush landscapes of this beautiful region.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Bangkok. Thailand's cosmopolitan capital pulses with energy. Tap into the buzz at one of the city's many markets and shopping centres or by taking a tuk-tuk through the crowded streets. Otherwise, drop by the Ratchadamnoen Stadium for an electrifying Thai boxing match. |
| Days 2-4: | Siem Reap/Angkor Wat. The road to Cambodia leads to the former kingdom of the Khmers. Experience the extravagant beauty of the Angkor temples from dawn to dusk and learn the symbolism behind the exquisite bas-reliefs from a knowledgeable guide. These beautifully crumbling structures are sure to amaze. |
| Days 5-6: | Phnom Penh. Recall the chilling events of Cambodia's past at S-21, the notorious Khmer concentration camp, and Choeung Ek, the site of the infamous Killing Fields. The Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace reveal a lighter side of history and the Russian Market is a good place to pick up a traditional krama. |
| Day 7: | Chau Doc. Feel the wind whip past while travelling down the mighty Mekong in a speedboat and crossing into Vietnam along the way. Witness the floating houses of Chau Doc, watch fishermen ply their trade and maybe even travel to Sam Mountain to admire a dramatic sunset over the Vietnam and Cambodia border. |
| Days 8-9: | Ho Chi Minh City. It's back to frenetic streets, overflowing markets and boisterous street vendors' calls in lively Ho Chi Minh City. Hunt for bargains in the bustling Ben Thanh Market or discover the French presence that lingers in the form of colonial buildings, great coffee and freshly baked baguettes all over the city. |
travellers' tales
The most memorable occasion was the meal prepared for us by the family in the house on stilts and the chance to try the local delicacy (afterwards), fried tarantula. (more)
small group adventure holiday
This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more) Because of our small group size, we're able to guarantee departures for all of our trips. Once you have booked and paid your deposit, your trip is guaranteed to go!
highly commended
This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.
how this holiday makes a difference
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Traversing three countries and many different communities, it is important for travellers to learn as much as possible in advance about the many cultural differences so that we can travel respecting these differences and minimising any negative impacts. Your group leader and the local guides we use along the way will help to break down barriers in your interactions with local people.
The ruins of Angkor are protected under UNESCO World Heritage listing and as such, part of the money received from entrance tickets contributes to the amazing site’s conservation. Your local guide will also give you plenty of guidance on what is appropriate when visiting the ruins and you will have the chance to interact with many of the local kids. This trip includes lunch at Friends – a restaurant and training school set up for less fortunate kids, helping them to gain some practical skills. Travellers will have the option of visiting the land mine museum in Siem Reap and any donations are gratefully accepted. Also in Siem Reap, there is a local children’s hospital where the local kids put on a show on some nights. All money and blood donations are for the hospital and provide free services for children from the area. At the end of our journey, travellers may donate any unwanted clothing, medicines and bandages, which are distributed to appropriate local charities. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |