Classic Mekong
Resort: | Classic Mekong |
Operator: | Wendy Wu Tours |
Destination: | Asia |
Price From: | £4590.00 |
Overview17 Day Classic Mekong Tour ItineraryDAYS 1-2 FLY TO SIEM REAP
Fly overnight to Siem Reap. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
DAY 3 TEMPLES OF ANGKOR
Rising early, journey to the old city of Angkor Thom and pass through the magnificent South Gate flanked by 54 gods and demons. At Angkor Thom’s centre is the enigmatic Bayon, a breathtaking temple of innumerable sculptural decorations. Also admire the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm before the rest of the day is dedicated to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent, and best preserved of all of Angkor’s treasures.
DAY 4 TONLE SAP LAKE
High Water Season (Aug to Feb) Enjoy a morning cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong Phluk and observing the way of life of these lake communities. Low Water Season (Mar to Jul) Visit Chong Kneas floating village.
DAY 5 FLY TO PHNOM PENH
Fly to Phnom Penh and explore by cyclo, with stops at the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. Visit Wat Phnom before experiencing how traditional arts are preserved with a Cambodia Living Arts tour.
DAY 6 EMBARK THE VICTORIA MEKONG
Reflect on the history of the city with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing Fields, locations that provide chilling reminders of the Khmer Rouge regime. Afterwards, you will say goodbye to your National Escort and be picked up by a local guide from the Victoria Mekong. Board the Victoria Mekong for a welcome briefing and cast off into the waters of the Delta. Dine on delicious local cuisine at the welcome dinner and enjoy a traditional music show as you cruise downstream.
DAY 7 VAM NAO
Cross over into Vietnam, taking in the passing scenery. There will be onboard activities available such as cocktail making. On arrival at Vam Nao, take a sampan ashore to visit traditional cottage industries.
DAY 8 TAN LOC
Continue downstream, visiting a floating market and local museum. After lunch, arrive at Tan Loc island. Here, choose to explore a historic house and gardens for tea and fruit, or a plum wine farm for a tasting. Sail on to Can Tho for a farewell dinner, accompanied by a traditional music performance.
DAY 9 DISEMBARK THE VICTORIA MEKONG
Visit a local floating market before bidding farewell to the Victoria Mekong, boarding the ship’s shuttle bus from Can Tho to Saigon and stopping en route in Cai Be for a delicious local lunch. In Saigon, you will be met by your Vietnamese National Escort. This evening, enjoy dinner in the dark at Noir, a restaurant supporting Saigon’s visually impaired.
DAY 10 DISCOVER SAIGON
Get to grips with the horrors of guerrilla warfare at the astonishing Cu Chi Tunnels, used by the Viet Cong during the war. Return to Saigon to explore the iconic sights, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace and Central Post Office.
DAY 11 JOURNEY TO HOI AN
Fly to Danang, and continue by road to Hoi An. Enjoy a walking tour of this charming town a wonderfully laidback and wilfully traditional place, whose streets are a delight to wander. Visit Quan Cong Temple, the elaborate Japanese Bridge and the bustling market. Stop en route to visit Reaching Out, a social enterprise craft workshop, and watch the artisans at work.
DAY 12 TRA QUE VILLAGE
Head out into the countryside to Tra Que, a small farming community that supplies many hotels and restaurants in the area with vegetables and herbs. Here you can enjoy the lush green countryside and stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work. Later spend the afternoon at leisure back in Hoi An.
DAY 13 FLY TO HANOI
After breakfast, fly to Hanoi to explore the Old Quarter by cyclo. Also stop by the Temple of Literature, and make sure to try a traditional egg coffee on the way!
DAY 14 EXPLORE HANOI
Discover the rest of Hanoi’s sights today, with the Ho Chi Minh quarter and Mausoleum, Humble House on Stilts, One Pillar Pagoda and more. In the evening, attend The Quintessence of Tonkin, a beautiful open-air performance on a lake.
DAY 15 HALONG BAY
Stay overnight on a traditionally designed boat on Halong Bay, cruising amongst the karst peaks on the tranquil green waters. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vision of awe-inspiring beauty, it isn’t hard to see why it is one of Vietnam’s most popular destinations. A fresh seafood meal is included during your voyage.
DAYS 16-17 FLY HANOI TO UK
Return to Hanoi for some time at leisure. The next day, board your flight to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
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