10 DAYS, ANGKOR WAT TO SAIGON OVERLAND

Itinerary

ITINERARY IN DETAILS:

DAY 01: SIEMREAP ARRIVAL
Greet upon your arrival at Siem Reap International Airport and transfer to the hotel.

DAY 02: ANGKOR TEMPLE TOUR (B,L)
In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond.
Visit the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century), Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Sunset at Angkor Wat. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 03: ANGKOR  TEMPLE TOUR(B,L)
Morning, transfer to Banteay Srei temple (10th c), regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Continue to 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. Lunch at hotel. In the afternoon, you continue your temple visits to Preah Khan. Built by the King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Prea Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation. Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake), Ta Som and Banteay Samre, built in the third quarter of the 12th century. It consists of a central temple with four wings preceded by a hall and accompanied by two libraries, the southern example remarkably well preserved. Two concentric walls enclose the ensemble. Overnight at the hotel.

DAY 04: By bus SIEMREAP to SAIGON(B)

This morning we embark on a bus journey from Siemreap to Saigon.
Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

DAY 05: SAIGON CITY TOUR & CUCHI TUNNELS (B,L)
In the morning you will take a tour to the famous Cu Chi tunnels.  This network of over 200 kms of tunnels became legendary during the 1960's. The Cu Chi tunnels played a vital part in the American war in that they allowed the Viet Cong to control a large rural area only 30-40 kms from Saigon.  At its height, the tunnel system stretched from Saigon to the Cambodian border.  The network, parts of which were several storeys deep, included innumerable trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens.  Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and feel of what underground life in the American War was like. This afternoon we will do the city tour of Saigon will include Presidential palace, War Crime museum, and China town.
Overnight HCMCity.

DAY 06: SAIGON MEKONG DELTA DAY TRIP(B,L)
The Mekong Delta is the southernmost region of Vietnam. It is often referred to as the rice bowl of Vietnam as it produces three harvests per year. The fertile Mekong Delta is also famous for its tropical fruits and flowers. The Delta area marks the end of a 4,500km journey made by the Mekong River after having traveled through six countries. Traditional transportation in the Delta is by boat along a vast network of canals and channels. Boating along these canals and visiting the floating markets always proves to be a fascinating and rewarding experience for all visitors. We drive to Vinh Long, boat through the lush green vegetation of the canals to an orchard, where we are treated to a delicious lunch complete with tropical fruits. Return to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.

DAY 07: SAIGON BY TRAIN TO PHANTHIET BEACH(B)
This morning, take our train to PhanThiet.
The train sets out at the Saigon station at 7.30am. The journey takes around four hours, passes through the bustling city of Bien Hoa before cutting through dense rubber plantations. Closer to Phan Thiet the terrain changes to arid semi-desert with cactus plants and strange looking dragon fruit trees
Upon arrival, transfer to your resort in Muine. The next days is free to relax by the pool or on the sandy beach. Overnight in Muine.

DAY 08: PHANTHIET BEACH(B)
At leisure to enjoy the prime beach of Muine.
Overnight in Muine.

DAY 09: PHANTHIET BEACH(B)
A full day at leisure in the resort or on the beach.
For the more active, golf is available nearby.
Overnight inMuine.

DAY 10: DEPARTURE(B)
At leisure
Transfer back to HCM city. The trip concludes.