INDOCHINA MEMORY – Travel with Style and Class

(10 days – 9 nights)

Place to be visited: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh – Chau Doc – Can Tho – Saigon

Description

This trip is designed to discover the very best traditional Mekong and Angkor Temples in comfort and style. It is an exclusive journey into the colonial past that visits the finest heritage sites in what was once southern Indochina. The upscale hotels have been chosen for their charm, harmony and beauty. Each hotel reflects the true character of its region. This unique journey to Cambodia and Vietnam is a memorable once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Highlights

• Watch the sun set over the temples of Angkor, one of the greatest wonders of the world
• Enjoy the traditional dancing of the renowned graceful Apsara dancers
• Visit art showrooms and see the works of artisans at the National Silk Weaving Center
• Tour the marvelous Royal Palace and see the Golden Buddha
• Cruise on a boat excursion to floating villages – the real waterworld
• Treat yourself to a refreshing and relaxing time at oriental spas
• Enjoy the charm of exclusive hotels that reflect the true character of this region

Program

Day 1: Siem Reap

Arrival at Siem Reap international airport. Pick up and transfer to the exclusive Victoria Siem Reap Resort & Spa, where you’ll enjoy the comfort, elegance and superb refinement of the French Art de Vivre. Home to some of the world’s most fabulous temples, Siem Reap is an attraction unto itself; this quiet village has a French colonial heart, and has been transformed into an attractive town with a large array of restaurants, bars and clubs, catering to all budgets and tastes. Sitting on the banks of the Siem Reap River, and northwest of the vast Tonle Sap Lake, French colonial shophouses here blend with modern hotels and other structures dedicated to serving the growing tourist market. A short drive away lie the ruins of Angkor, a temple complex that will astound and amaze visitors who visit this world wonder. Here, amid galleries, friezes, statuary, and imposing gates that greeted visitors to Angkor over 1,000 years ago, amazing sights will astound guests at every turn. The Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa is the perfect oasis to relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing, with lush grounds and fantastic cuisine served in its elegant restaurants. Overnight at Victoria Siem Reap Resort & Spa.

Day 2: Siem Reap

Today’s visits will include Angkor Thom and Bayon. Visit the Elephant Terrace & the Terrace of the Leper King, supposedly named after the founder of Angkor Thom, who, according to legend, died of leprosy. In the afternoon visit Ta Prohm, a Angkor’s jungle temple. Much of the jungle has not been cleared and it looks very much as it would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across the temple. Then visit Angkor Wat representing the spiritual and mystical grandeur of the Khmer civilization. Built by Suryavarman II (1113-1150), this place is probably the largest religious monument ever built on earth and is regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In the evening, join a luxurious Khmer dinner and see the graceful and renowned ancient traditional Apsara dancers at the Apsara Theatre. Overnight at Victoria Siem Reap Resort & Spa.


Day 3: Siem Reap

In the morning, depart to the temple of Banteay Srei. Banteay Srei was built in the year 967 AD, during the reign of King Rajendravarman. Built of pink sandstone instead of the gray stone that dominates at the other temples of Angkor, Banteay Srei is the most intricately carved of all temples at Angkor. Experts believe that the temple was built as a tribute to the art of wood-carving, since many of the motifs are identical to wood motifs found in the architecture and decor of the period. On return, visit Banteay Samre (Suryavarman II, 1113-1150), Eastern Mebon, Pre Rup and Prasat Kravan (10th century). In the afternoon visit other temples of Jayavarman VII (1181-1220) – Preah Khan, Neak Poan and Ta Som. Overnight at Victoria Siem Reap Resort & Spa.

Day 4: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh

Today you depart by plane from Siem Reap to arrive at Pochenthong airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. The city was once called the jewel of Southeast Asia. Pick up and transfer to the Raffles Hotel Le Royal. It is the premier hotel in Phnom Penh, a hotel with those rare attributes of history and style. It was first established in 1929. The grand historic hotel fulfils all the requirements of a modern world-class hotel with its facilities and amenities, but imparts an old-world charm through its style and decor, which is elegant yet comfortable, classic yet casual. It is located in the heart of Phnom Penh.
Phnom Penh sits at the confluence of three rivers, the Mekong, the Tonle Bassac, and the Tonle Sap. During the French colonial period, this confluence was known as the ‘Quatre Bras’ or ‘Four Arms,’ which provided a long promenade where boat races, festivals and other celebrations took place. In 1975, Phnom Penh was emptied of most of its inhabitants, who were forced to work in the countryside. However, in less than two decades, the city is back, with a young population ready to enjoy themselves at countless restaurants and bars. The city is now enjoying a renaissance, with nightlife, shopping, and entertainment options growing each day. Today, you’ll visit the National Museum, the Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace, and the Wat Phnom pagoda. Overnight in Phnom Penh at Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

Day 5: Phnom Penh - Kampong Chhnang - Oudong

In the morning, embark for an excursion to Kampong Chhnang province (1.5 hours drive). Visit one of the pottery villages. On the way back to Phnom Penh we’ll visit the old capital Oudong and the nearby village of Kampong Luong with more than 100 silversmith families. Overnight in Phnom Penh at Raffles Hotel Le Royal.


  

Day 6: Phnom Penh - Chau Doc

Enjoy a buffet breakfast or some reading before boarding the Victoria Express boat on the Mekong River and traveling downstream to one of the most colorful towns in the Mekong Delta. Chau Doc is situated in Vietnam right after Cambodia’s border on the banks of the Bassac River. The town is home to Chinese, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Cham inhabitants, with fish farming as one of the largest industries. In the afternoon, we visit a bonsai garden and head up Sam Mountain for a great sunset and a birds-eye view over the paddy fields towards Cambodia. Overnight is taken at the Victoria Chau Doc Hotel situated right in the heart of the town, within walking distance of the main market and street life unique to the Mekong Delta.

Day 7: Chau Doc - Can Tho

This morning you’ll be taken along the vast network of canals and tributaries to see how people go about their daily lives. Gliding on the busy waterways we have the opportunity to interact with the local people at the floating markets, eat tropical fruits in lush orchards, explore the art of Bonsai, have tea on a typical boathouse and taste a delightful local cuisine. In the afternoon, we’ll drive from Chau Doc to Can Tho through the amazing Mekong Delta with occasional stops during the journey. Overnight at the prestigious Victoria Can Tho Resort, the first luxury resort built in the Mekong Delta. The property is a convenient stopover on journeys between Vietnam and Cambodia, and has been designed in a relaxed, colonial style that harkens back to Vietnam’s past.

 

Day 8: Can Tho

After a buffet breakfast, enjoy a cruise to the Cai Rang morning floating market. Here each boat usually sells one particular item, whether it is pumpkins, pineapples, sugar cane etc. To ensure that the customer knows where to shop, vendors hang that item from the highest part of the boat. The afternoon is free at leisure in the most comfortable property in the Mekong Delta. Overnight at Victoria Can Tho Resort.

Day 9: Can Tho - Vinh Long - Sai Gon

After breakfast we drive through the Mekong Delta to the town of Vinh Long for a cruise and a visit to the local markets and orchard gardens. From here we will get back to Vinh Long where we will board our vehicle for the drive to Saigon, the heart of the economic south. Transfer to the Majestic Hotel which opened in 1925 as the city’s finest abode. The Majestic has gone through several reincarnations over the years, changes that reflect the tumultuous history of Vietnam. Today it is a hotel of tradition, hospitality and elegance.

Day 10: Sai Gon

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest and busiest city in Vietnam. Much of the daily life takes place on the streets, which are lined with shops, stalls and vendors who spread their wares out on the footpath.
In the morning join our half-day city tour and discover what Saigon has to offer to visitors. We begin by the War Remnants Museum; it has a wealth of images from the wars. The Reunification Palace was the residence of the president of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975. We continue near the Palace to some of the best examples of French colonial architecture with Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office built by Gustave Eiffel. For all of its French colonial history, Ho Chi Minh City is by far Vietnam's most modern city. It has numerous shopping malls, cinemas, discotheques and a bewildering number of bars. In the afternoon, don't miss the bustling Ben Thanh Market - a fantastic place for bargains of every kind! In the evening, transfer to Tan San Nhat airport for departure.