Cambodia & Vietnam holiday
| country: | Cambodia, Vietnam |
| location: | Indochina holidays |
| trip type: | A small group adventure. |
| departures: | Departs most days throughout the year |
| price: | From £870 (18 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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the amazing things you'll be doing
Join us as we journey into the heart and soul of Indochina. Starting off in Vietnam, visit the cave shrines of Halong Bay, step back into the world of the country's last emperors in Hue, soak up the old-world charm of Hoi An and stand in awe of the endless energy of Ho Chi Minh City. In Cambodia, discover the country's fascinating history and culture in Phnom Penh's heaving streets and in the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor. Combining the best of both countries, this trip will open your eyes to the delights of Indochina and leave you mystified by these magic locations.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Hanoi. Soak up the sights and scents of the Old Quarter or soak up the tranquility of the lakes over a rich Vietnamese coffee. |
| Days 2-3: | Halong Bay. Have a buffet breakfast at KOTO, a restaurant that employs and trains local street children, equipping them with the skills to work in the industry. For the next two nights, experience the splendour of Halong Bay from aboard a traditional sailing junk. Cruise through the dramatic karst scenery and share delicious meals overlooking the moody bay. |
| Days 4-5: | Hue. Float down the beautiful Perfume River aboard a traditional dragonboat, passing pagodas and royal tombs. Discover Hue's regal past in the impressive Imperial Citadel or in its gourmet delicacies at Dong Ba Market. |
| Days 6-7: | Hoi An. Once a prosperous river port, this captivating town is now a World Heritage-listed site. Stroll the ancient alleyways and shop for artwork, wood carvings or have a whole new wardrobe tailor-made. |
| Days 8-10: | Ho Chi Minh City. Explore the chaotic streets of Ho Chi Minh City on a cyclo tour. Later, cruise up the Mekong Delta for a chance to experience the languid pace of Vietnamese village life. |
| Days 11-12: | Phnom Penh. Discover Cambodia's dark past in the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and in the notorious Killing Fields, a site marked by a memorial made of some 8,000 human skulls. In free time, discover the delights of the Russian Market or enjoy a cocktail in Sisowath Quay. |
| Days 13-15: | Siem Reap/Angkor Wat. The heart and soul of the ancient Khmer Empire, the temples of Angkor still evoke strong feelings of absolute awe. Bring a camera - the outlooks are truly remarkable. Explore the floating village on Tonle Sap; complete with restaurants, schools and karaoke bars, the whole lot moves with the lake's water level. |
| Day 16: | Battambang. Uncover the architectural legacies of French colonialism, learn the intricacies of Khmer cuisine or amble along the scenic riverbanks soaking up the relaxed atmosphere. |
| Days 17-18: | Bangkok. Across the border in Thailand there's time to have a massage, eat a spicy pad kee mao and a enjoy a cold beer before saying goodbye. |
travellers' tales
So many highlights it is difficult to choose! - the boat trip round Halong bay, the motor bike ride through the countryside at Hue, the motor cart and the boat rides across the Mekong delta. (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 visits to Friends in Phnom Penh and KOTO in Hanoi – restaurants with training schools 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. |