Embark on the journey of a lifetime through the verdant landscapes of Southeast Asia, witnessing rich cultures, incredible architecture and fascinating historical sites along the way.
This extraordinary tour begins in the bustling, kaleidoscopic Thai capital of Bangkok. Look forward to visiting the colourful floating markets at Damnoen Saduak, the Royal Island and the Wat Phra Kaew temple with its sacred Emerald Buddha.
You'll have the opportunity to visit the River Kwai before venturing into Cambodia to explore the ancient Khmer citadel of Angkor Thom and the tranquil expanse of Angkor Wat.
The Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh, is a real treasure-chest on the banks of the Mekong, filled with ornate palaces and illuminating museums. Learn about the turbulent history of the Pol Pot years and the reign of the Khmer Rouge at the Tuol Sleng Museum and see the exquisite Royal Palace.
A scenic boat ride through the Mekong Delta leads you to Ho Chi Minh City - formerly known as Saigon. On a comprehensive guided tour you'll visit the Xa Loi Pagoda with its bronze Buddha and the grand General Post Office, with its beautiful mixture of neo-classical European architecture and Asian adornments, providing a fitting finale to this immersive Southeast Asian adventure.
Throughout the tour you'll be staying at a variety of excellent hotels, from the boutique Aviary Hotel in Siem Reap, with its rooftop pool and tropical-themed café, to the New World Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City which has its own botanical garden where you can relax in between your adventures.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability and based on 22 January 2025 departure date. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit £300pp. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Price includes savings, discount is capacity controlled. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Newmarket Holidays ABTA V7812. ATOL protected 2325. ABTOT 5509.
You'll set off on your South East Asian adventure today, with an overnight flight to Bangkok.
You'll arrive in Bangkok this morning, where you'll meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel.
Spend your afternoon relaxing and enjoying the hotel's facilities, or head out to begin exploring the city.
Today brings the opportunity to really immerse yourself in Thai culture, on a full-day sightseeing tour.
Your first stop will be the colourful floating markets at Damnoen Saduak. Watch as the locals buy fresh produce from the traders on the boats and maybe even pick up a treat for yourself. There are souvenir boats, pad thai boats, ice cream boats and so much more.
You'll then head back into Bangkok for a guided tour of this culture-packed city. See the Royal Island, where the Grand Palace adjoins the Wat Phra Kaew temple with its Emerald Buddha, as well as the less formal Wat Pho temple, home to the gigantic Reclining Buddha.
There'll be free time today for you to relax in Bangkok, perhaps making the most of your hotel facilities or exploring the city independently.
You'll also have the chance to join today's optional River Kwai and Death Railway excursion. Travel by train, through a fascinating landscape of rice fields and sugar-cane plantations and into the Thai jungle, to Nam Tok Sai Yok Noi.
Enjoy lunch, and visit Kanchanaburi's beautifully-tended war cemeteries as well as the various museums connected with this area's tragic WWII history, the construction of the Death Railway and the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai.
Your day begins with an early start as you set off on a journey through a stunning rural landscape barely changed in centuries, to the border at Psar Phrum, where you'll cross the border into Cambodia.
Here, you'll begin the second part of your adventure, with the short journey to the elegant French colonial city of Battambang.
Today you'll visit the fascinating Wat Ek Phnom, a pre-Angkor Period temple located on the banks of the Sandker River.
Later, you'll pay a visit to the Cambodia Peace Gallery where you'll learn about Cambodia's journey from war to peace and reconciliation.
After exploring the gallery, you'll continue onwards to the colourful market town of Siem Reap, home to the archaeological Angkor National Museum and your gateway to the incredible temple complex of Angkor Thom.
You'll begin today with a drive to the Kok Sangke community, where you'll visit the home of a local family who'll make you several traditional Khmer desserts.
You'll then learn about the village's sustainable farming techniques, visit a community centre which teaches local farmers about eco-friendly farming methods, see some nearby farms, and have lunch before travelling to Wat Luang Proleung and the village of Kampong Khleang.
Your first visit today is to see the four vast stone heads and countless carved faces of the Bayon, which stands in the heart of the 'lost city' of Angkor Thom.
Angkor Thom was the largest citadel of the Khmer Empire that ruled half of Southeast Asia for nearly 600 years, and its ruined boulevards and gateways cover a vast area to the north of Siem Reap.
But even more impressive still is Angkor Wat, the world's largest religious building, with its five great towers and 1000-metre-long carved bas-relief. It's a dazzling and unforgettable sight.
You're sure to return to your hotel awed and amazed by everything you've seen today at one of Southeast Asia's most awe-inspiring religious sites.
Today's visit is to the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, a treasure-chest on the banks of the Mekong River.
While here, you can see its spectacular Royal Palace and its Silver Pagoda of priceless Buddhist artefacts. This is the official residence of King Sihamoni and is a striking structure built at the meeting point of the Tonle Sap River and the Mekong River.
Spend a thought-provoking morning at the Tuol Sleng Museum, which chronicles the turbulent Pol Pot years and the reign of the Khmer Rouge.
Afterwards, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Wat Phnom Temple before you board the fast boat along the Mekong River and feel the wind on your face as you sail into Vietnam on a scenic boat ride.
Today begins with a visit to the holy mountain of Nui Sam. Studded with pagodas and temples, the mountain offers visitors stunning views over the Mekong Delta.
You'll stay overnight in the university town of Can Tho, with its colourful floating markets, busy working harbour and sacred Khmer pagoda, Muniwangsyaram.
Today you'll enjoy another journey through the Mekong landscapes of rice paddies, flat-bottomed boats, fruit trees and bougainvillaea, dotted with floating markets.
Take a fascinating boat ride to the floating markets of Cai Rang and Cai Be, before arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, this evening, where you'll be staying for two nights.
Today's excursion is to see the remarkable Cu Chi tunnel complex, which provides a poignant reminder of the country's recent history.
This 200km underground labyrinth was used by the Viet Cong as a base, and now serves as a national memorial for those who lost their lives in the conflict.
Back in Ho Chi Minh City a guided tour will reveal its fascinating mix of French colonial history and modern Vietnamese life. Highlights include the grand General Post Office, the Reunification Hall on the site of the former President's Palace, the Xa Loi Pagoda with its bronze Buddha, and the War Remnants Museum.
Your day ends with a celebratory farewell dinner. This is the perfect opportunity to look back on your holiday and relive the many highlights with your fellow travellers.
Spend your final day relaxing by the pool at your hotel or exploring more of Ho Chi Minh City independently.
In the afternoon, you'll transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK, concluding your once-in-a-lifetime tour of Southeast Asia.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability and based on 22 January 2025 departure date. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit £300pp. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Price includes savings, discount is capacity controlled. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Newmarket Holidays ABTA V7812. ATOL protected 2325. ABTOT 5509.