Southern Vietnam and Siem Reap Retreat

A two-hour drive northwest of Ho Chi Minh City lie the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of labyrinthine, connecting underground tunnels that were of major strategic import for the Viet Cong during both the Vietnam War and their earlier fight against Vietnam’s French colonialists. Established in 1948 to protect Viet Cong guerillas from French air and ground sweeps, this innovative tunnel system also served as living quarters, communication and supply routes and housed hospitals plus food and weapon caches. Touring these underground compounds, you will gain a detailed understanding and appreciation of the tunnels as well as an insight into the hardships and fierce resilience of the Viet Cong against their adversaries.

With over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes, Ho Chi Minh City is truly a city that never sleeps. Despite its modernity, the city maintains a strong link to Vietnam’s past and a city tour will allow you to discover some of its most notable historic landmarks. These include the elaborate, Romanesque-style Notre Dame Cathedral, whose construction was completed by the French colonialists in 1880. You’ll also visit the Central Post Office, built in 1891, which is another stunning example of the city’s French colonial architecture. The head to the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon government during the Vietnam-America War. You’ll then go to the War Remnants Museum, which gives a vivid perspective of the war with America through the eyes of the Vietnamese. Afterwards, you’ll experience Ho Chi Minh City’s famed street coffee culture as your guide provides a brief language lesson as well as insights into the daily life of the city’s residents.

Accommodation:
Deluxe Category: Hotel des Arts Saigon - MGallery (or alternative hotel of equal standard).
Superior Category: Liberty Central Saigon CityPoint Hotel (or alternative hotel of equal standard).

On the second day of your Mekong Delta cruise, you will enjoy a morning visit to a brick workshop to observe how bricks are made by hand using traditional, centuries-old methods. Afterwards, you’ll take a scenic bicycle trip to explore the lush countryside around the Delta, passing through quaint villages, emerald-green rice fields and pretty vegetable gardens.

Stopping at the town of Vung Liem, you will visit the local Cao Dai Temple; Cao Dai is a Vietnamese religion which combines elements of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Returning to your boat, you’ll continue cruising along the meandering Mang Thit River towards Tra On, stopping en route to explore the village of Cai Nhum by either foot or bicycle. Here you can mingle with some of the warm and inviting locals and hear stories from their lives before re-boarding your sampan boat to spend the rest of the afternoon gently drifting along the Mekong Delta towards Can Tho, the largest settlement in the Delta.


Accommodation:
Mango Cruise

Relax, unwind and enjoy Phu Quoc's platinum sands and shimmering blue waters. A natural wonderland rich in protected forests, you can trek into the island's interior for the opportunity to encounter rare species such as silvered langur, fruit bats and macaques. The turquoise waters which encircle Phu Quoc are scattered with vibrant coral reefs that teem with marine life, thus providing excellent opportunities for snorkelling.

The island is also known as a producer of some of the world's finest peppers, and you can visit some of the local farms to gain an insight into the intricacies of the pepper-farming process. Should you seek a less active approach to your time on Phu Quoc, you can simply lounge in the tropical sunshine or make use of your resort's tranquil spa.


Accommodation:
Deluxe Category: JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa (or alternative hotel of equal standard).
Superior Category: La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc (or alternative hotel of equal standard).

After an early wake-up, you’ll head to Angkor Wat’s west gate in time for sunrise, a truly unforgettable spectacle. This vast complex of Khmer temples lies encircled by a moat and is regarded as the largest religious structure in the world - that it is one of the world’s most enchanting heritage sites is without question. Located within the ancient ruins of Angkor, once the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire, Angkor Wat was constructed in 1150, its intricate Hindu-Buddhist architecture a wonder to behold.

After Angkor Wat, you will enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant (at own expense) before heading to Banteay Kdei, a crumbling Buddhist temple known as the “Citadel of Monks”. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, this fortified monastery stands like the ruins of a lost city amid the steaming jungle of Cambodia. You will then continue to Ta Prohm, yet another enchanting Buddhist temple that was built 1186. Engulfed by overgrown fig trees whose serpentine roots wrap themselves around tumbledown stone walls, it is one of Angkor’s most iconic sights. You’ll then visit the twin temples of Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon before returning to your hotel to relax during the mid-afternoon. After some downtime, you will be driven to Angkor Thom, the ancient walled city which served as capital of the Khmer Empire. Its population at its zenith is estimated to have been around one million inhabitants, making it larger than any European city at the time. During your time here, you’ll explore the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King before visiting the Bayon Temple and Prasat Chrung Temple, which can be reached via boat.


Accommodation:
Deluxe Category: Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang (or alternative hotel of equal standard).
Superior Category: FCC Angkor by Avani (or alternative hotel of equal standard).

At a prearranged time, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Siem Reap’s airport to begin your onward journey.

Should you wish to extend your stay or add another exciting destination to this tour, please call one of our Asia travel experts.