12-Day Cambodia and Vietnam
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Tour Period: 12 Days
tour highlights
- Be amazed by the wonders of ancient Ankgor
- Cycle through Siem Reap to see the countryside and access remote temple ruins
- Visit the ancient Hindu temple Preah Vihear, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh with a variety of city tours
- Taste world-renowned pepper at the Kampot Pepper Farm then relax in the seaside town of Kep
- End the journey relaxing on the tropical paradise of Phu Quoc, one of Vietnam’s most pristine island getaways
tour details
Delve deep into ancient cultures while being seduced by Southeast Asia’s natural wonders. Begin the eye-opening journey by exploring the magnificent Khmer ruins of Angkor, a site that flourished between the 9th-15th centuries, where expert guides will paint a picture of what life was like in ancient Cambodia. From this ideal starting off point for understanding Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, continue on to the thriving capital city Phnom Penh and get a glimpse into a modernising country coming to grips with its recent past. After soaking in the bustling city’s sites, enjoy the slow life of the Cambodian countryside and unparallelled relaxation on the beautiful island of Phu Quoc, where seafood is king and white sand beaches offer quiet refuge.
Arrive at Siem Reap International Airport and transfer to the hotel for a relaxing evening (rooms may not be ready until the afternoon).
Enjoy dinner at your leisure taking the opportunity to explore the town’s colourful night markets and nearby restaurants offering excellent local cuisine.
Enjoy dinner at your leisure taking the opportunity to explore the town’s colourful night markets and nearby restaurants offering excellent local cuisine.
Enjoy a wholesome breakfast at the hotel before setting off for the famous temples of Angkor. Visit the archaeological park’s South Gate, with its huge statues depicting the churning of the Ocean of Milk, along with the ancient capital of Angkor Thom and the iconic Bayon, recognised for its 54 towers decorated with more than 200 large stone faces.After a restorative lunch (not included), it’s time to visit the most iconic of all the temples – Angkor Wat. Spanning 81 hectares, the vast temple complex is thought to be the largest religious building in the world and is comparable in size to Beijing’s Imperial Palace. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolise the mythical Mount Meru’s five peaks, the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat signify the ocean beyond.
Delight in the sunset from this stunning temple before returning to the hotel after a fulfilling day of sightseeing.
Dinner is not included but there are several world-class restaurants within walking distance the hotel.
Accommodation at Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Delight in the sunset from this stunning temple before returning to the hotel after a fulfilling day of sightseeing.
Dinner is not included but there are several world-class restaurants within walking distance the hotel.
Accommodation at Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a full-day biking tour day of Siem Reap’s pastoral countryside including the intricate Banteay Srei Temple. The complete tour will cover just over 50 kilometres so make sure to fuel up in the morning!
Morning: Siem Reap - Banteay Srei - Grand Circuit (riding distance 31 kilometres)
Begin the day with a bicycle ride from Siem Reap to the magnificent Banteay Srei Temple, which is regarded as the jewel in the crown of classical Khmer art. Crafted in the 10th century, the mesmerising red sandstone edifice is covered in meticulous carvings considered the most well preserved in all of Angkor.
After exploring the temple, relax and refuel with a leisurely meal.
Afternoon: Neak Pean - Banteay Kdei - Siem Reap (riding distance 21 kilometres)
Ride on country roads or transfer directly to Preah Khan, an awe-inspiring temple built by King Jayavarman VII. From here, continue to Neak Pean, an artificial island that houses a Buddhist temple, before riding on to Banteay Kdei, which is surrounded by four concentric walls. After the action-packed day, cycle back to Siem Reap on more pastoral countryside trails.
Upon returning to town, have fun exploring the lovely, walkable city on your own and awaken the taste buds at a number of nearby restaurants.
Accommodation at Hotel.
Meals included:
Breakfast at hotel
Lunch
Morning: Siem Reap - Banteay Srei - Grand Circuit (riding distance 31 kilometres)
Begin the day with a bicycle ride from Siem Reap to the magnificent Banteay Srei Temple, which is regarded as the jewel in the crown of classical Khmer art. Crafted in the 10th century, the mesmerising red sandstone edifice is covered in meticulous carvings considered the most well preserved in all of Angkor.
After exploring the temple, relax and refuel with a leisurely meal.
Afternoon: Neak Pean - Banteay Kdei - Siem Reap (riding distance 21 kilometres)
Ride on country roads or transfer directly to Preah Khan, an awe-inspiring temple built by King Jayavarman VII. From here, continue to Neak Pean, an artificial island that houses a Buddhist temple, before riding on to Banteay Kdei, which is surrounded by four concentric walls. After the action-packed day, cycle back to Siem Reap on more pastoral countryside trails.
Upon returning to town, have fun exploring the lovely, walkable city on your own and awaken the taste buds at a number of nearby restaurants.
Accommodation at Hotel.
Meals included:
Breakfast at hotel
Lunch
After breakfast at the hotel breakfast, traverse 60 kilometres through the tranquil Khmer countryside before arriving at the remote Beng Mealea Temple, which was built in the 11th century. Explore the long abandoned temple that has through the years been beautifully enveloped by the surrounding lush jungle.
After lunch on your own, drive one-hour to Koh Ker, a site with long abandoned but nonetheless breathtaking temples situated in the forests northeast of Siem Reap. Also known as Chok Gargyar, Koh Ker once served as the capital during Jayavarman IV’s reign from 928-42 before it was moved back to Angkor in 944. While visitors can glimpse the 30 major structures that are still intact, many of its impressive giant sculptures can now be viewed in Phnom Penh’s National Museum. Don’t miss the Mayan-esque Prasat Thom, a seven-storey step pyramid with commanding views of the surrounding forest, or the five towers of Prasat Ling, each of which encloses a giant linga, or fertility symbol, the biggest found in Cambodia.
The day’s final destination is 1.5 hours away in Sro Em (100 kilometres), where the afternoon can be spent visiting the local museum or enjoying a dip in the hotel’s pool.
Enjoy dinner in the hotel or a meal at a nearby restaurant.
Accommodation at Hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
After lunch on your own, drive one-hour to Koh Ker, a site with long abandoned but nonetheless breathtaking temples situated in the forests northeast of Siem Reap. Also known as Chok Gargyar, Koh Ker once served as the capital during Jayavarman IV’s reign from 928-42 before it was moved back to Angkor in 944. While visitors can glimpse the 30 major structures that are still intact, many of its impressive giant sculptures can now be viewed in Phnom Penh’s National Museum. Don’t miss the Mayan-esque Prasat Thom, a seven-storey step pyramid with commanding views of the surrounding forest, or the five towers of Prasat Ling, each of which encloses a giant linga, or fertility symbol, the biggest found in Cambodia.
The day’s final destination is 1.5 hours away in Sro Em (100 kilometres), where the afternoon can be spent visiting the local museum or enjoying a dip in the hotel’s pool.
Enjoy dinner in the hotel or a meal at a nearby restaurant.
Accommodation at Hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
After breakfast, begin another action-packed day by visiting the ancient Hindu temple Preah Vihear, which lies 25 kilometres from the hotel. Once at the foot of the Dângrêk Mountains, a pickup truck will take passengers to the stunning temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers awe-inspiring views atop a 525-metre cliff. Built by seven consecutive monarchs and dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, the temple was once an important place of pilgrimage.
Lunch is not included but there will be ample opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal.
After lunch, sit back and watch Cambodia’s countryside pass by on a 3-hour drive that concludes in Kompong Thom, a picturesque town on the banks of the Stung Saen River.
After checking into the hotel, discover local cuisine at area restaurants or at the accommodation.
Accommodation at Hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch is not included but there will be ample opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal.
After lunch, sit back and watch Cambodia’s countryside pass by on a 3-hour drive that concludes in Kompong Thom, a picturesque town on the banks of the Stung Saen River.
After checking into the hotel, discover local cuisine at area restaurants or at the accommodation.
Accommodation at Hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
A nourishing breakfast at the hotel will provide ample energy for the day ahead.
In the morning, drive to Sambor Prei Kuk, an impressive archaeological site located 35 kilometres northeast of Kompong Thom. On the way, stop off at several traditional villages and visit the ancient capital of Chenla, which boasts 100 temples dating from the Pre-Angkorian period.
Take some time for a leisurely countryside lunch.
After lunch, drive from Kompong Thom south to the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, with its stunning colonial architecture and laid back vibe.
Check into the hotel and discover the city’s many lively bars and flavourful world-class restaurants.
Accommodation at Hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
In the morning, drive to Sambor Prei Kuk, an impressive archaeological site located 35 kilometres northeast of Kompong Thom. On the way, stop off at several traditional villages and visit the ancient capital of Chenla, which boasts 100 temples dating from the Pre-Angkorian period.
Take some time for a leisurely countryside lunch.
After lunch, drive from Kompong Thom south to the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, with its stunning colonial architecture and laid back vibe.
Check into the hotel and discover the city’s many lively bars and flavourful world-class restaurants.
Accommodation at Hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Start the morning with breakfast at the hotel then head out to enjoy the city.
Beautiful Phnom Penh, with its wide boulevards and impressive architecture, offers myriad must-see sites. Begin the day’s city tour with a stop off at Independence Monument and then continue to the National Museum or Musee des Beaux-Arts. The world-renowned museum, which contains a large collection of Khmer art, was built in 1917 and designed in the Khmer style by renowned French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier.
From there, head to the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. Additional treasures found within include a solid gold-encrusted Buddha weighing 90 kilogrammes, and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha.
For lunch, there are several area restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines nearby.
After some downtime, learn more about the country’s rich history at the notorious Tuol Sleng Museum (S 21 prison). In 1975, Pol Pot’s security forces took over Tuol Svay Prey High School and turned it into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21). It soon became the largest centre of detention and torture in the country. More than 17,000 people held at S-21 were taken to their death at the Choeung Ek extermination camp. Bear witness to the atrocities in the museum’s vast collection of photographs documenting the men, women and children who suffered the brutalities.
Before dinner, enjoy some leisure time at the bustling Russian Market (Psah Tuol Thom Pong).
With the majestic city as a backdrop, spend the evening relaxing on Golden Cruise Phnom Penh and indulging in a lavish meal.
Accommodation at Hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Beautiful Phnom Penh, with its wide boulevards and impressive architecture, offers myriad must-see sites. Begin the day’s city tour with a stop off at Independence Monument and then continue to the National Museum or Musee des Beaux-Arts. The world-renowned museum, which contains a large collection of Khmer art, was built in 1917 and designed in the Khmer style by renowned French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier.
From there, head to the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. Additional treasures found within include a solid gold-encrusted Buddha weighing 90 kilogrammes, and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha.
For lunch, there are several area restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines nearby.
After some downtime, learn more about the country’s rich history at the notorious Tuol Sleng Museum (S 21 prison). In 1975, Pol Pot’s security forces took over Tuol Svay Prey High School and turned it into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21). It soon became the largest centre of detention and torture in the country. More than 17,000 people held at S-21 were taken to their death at the Choeung Ek extermination camp. Bear witness to the atrocities in the museum’s vast collection of photographs documenting the men, women and children who suffered the brutalities.
Before dinner, enjoy some leisure time at the bustling Russian Market (Psah Tuol Thom Pong).
With the majestic city as a backdrop, spend the evening relaxing on Golden Cruise Phnom Penh and indulging in a lavish meal.
Accommodation at Hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Start the day right with breakfast at the hotel then leave for Kep, a laid back province that offers several culinary delights, including world-renowned pepper which will be sampled at the Kampot Pepper Farm. From there, continue to the lovely seaside town of Kep, formerly known as Kep-sur-Mer. Situated in a beautiful coastal area, Cambodia’s French-influenced elite once considered Kep their favourite holiday destination. Arrive at the accommodation for check-in.
For lunch, discover a range of excellent seafood dishes at area restaurants.
Learn more about the area’s history during the afternoon’s Kep Discovery Tour. From the turn of the century through the 1960s, Kep was Cambodia’s premier beach town, drawing visitors who sought breezy shores and Le Corbusier-inspired villas. Today, Kep inspires the more adventurous traveler seeking a more rustic, relaxed tropical atmosphere. A visit to several abandoned colonial villas, including the former residence of King Father Norodom Sihanouk who ruled from 1955-1960, will offer a glimpse into Kep’s earlier glory. After the day’s tour, travel winding coastal roads dotted with famous crab shacks, visit a hillside temple, and stop off at the iconic siren of the sea statue overlooking Kep Beach.
In the late afternoon, get in on the action at the lively Crab Market. Afterward, the not-to-be-missed dinner at the regal Sail Club of Knai Bang Chatt will surely energise your taste buds and provide the perfect end to the day. Be sure to try the dish everyone raves about: Kep Crab with Kombot Pepper.
Accommodation at Hotel.
Meals included:
Breakfast at hotel
Dinner at local restaurant
For lunch, discover a range of excellent seafood dishes at area restaurants.
Learn more about the area’s history during the afternoon’s Kep Discovery Tour. From the turn of the century through the 1960s, Kep was Cambodia’s premier beach town, drawing visitors who sought breezy shores and Le Corbusier-inspired villas. Today, Kep inspires the more adventurous traveler seeking a more rustic, relaxed tropical atmosphere. A visit to several abandoned colonial villas, including the former residence of King Father Norodom Sihanouk who ruled from 1955-1960, will offer a glimpse into Kep’s earlier glory. After the day’s tour, travel winding coastal roads dotted with famous crab shacks, visit a hillside temple, and stop off at the iconic siren of the sea statue overlooking Kep Beach.
In the late afternoon, get in on the action at the lively Crab Market. Afterward, the not-to-be-missed dinner at the regal Sail Club of Knai Bang Chatt will surely energise your taste buds and provide the perfect end to the day. Be sure to try the dish everyone raves about: Kep Crab with Kombot Pepper.
Accommodation at Hotel.
Meals included:
Breakfast at hotel
Dinner at local restaurant
After breakfast, enjoy a day of leisure exploring the area, take advantage of the hotel’s excellent facilities or join one of two optional tours on offer.
Optional Tour 1 - Hop on a boat and head to Rabbit Island (Koh Tunsay) for a relaxing half-day trip. The remote, pristine island offers the ultimate escape.
Optional Tour 2 - Drive to the sleepy riverside town of Kampot and discover its unique blend of well-preserved French colonial architecture, traditional Khmer architecture and Chinese-style shop houses. The tour will include a visit to Kampot’s iconic ‘Old Bridge’ as well as a stop at a local market where the adventurous foodie can taste durian, a fruit indigenous to Southeast Asia famous for unique aroma and creamy texture. Afterwards, head back to the hotel for a leisurely evening.
Stroll the quiet streets and find that perfect seafood dinner at one of Kep’s many delicious restaurants.
Accommodation at Hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel
Optional Tour 1 - Hop on a boat and head to Rabbit Island (Koh Tunsay) for a relaxing half-day trip. The remote, pristine island offers the ultimate escape.
Optional Tour 2 - Drive to the sleepy riverside town of Kampot and discover its unique blend of well-preserved French colonial architecture, traditional Khmer architecture and Chinese-style shop houses. The tour will include a visit to Kampot’s iconic ‘Old Bridge’ as well as a stop at a local market where the adventurous foodie can taste durian, a fruit indigenous to Southeast Asia famous for unique aroma and creamy texture. Afterwards, head back to the hotel for a leisurely evening.
Stroll the quiet streets and find that perfect seafood dinner at one of Kep’s many delicious restaurants.
Accommodation at Hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel
After breakfast at the hotel, the exciting journey to Vietnam begins with a drive to Prek Chac/Xa Xia, Cambodia’s international border crossing with Vietnam. Once arriving at the border at approximately 12:00, a local guide will help with the transfer to Ha Tien jetty where a high speed boat will transport passengers to lush Phu Quoc Island.
Upon arrival on the island, transportation will be waiting to transfer guests to the hotel for check-in. Once there, enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the increasingly popular hot-spot destination that is Phu Quoc.
Accommodation at hotel in Phu Quoc
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Upon arrival on the island, transportation will be waiting to transfer guests to the hotel for check-in. Once there, enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the increasingly popular hot-spot destination that is Phu Quoc.
Accommodation at hotel in Phu Quoc
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Start the day in paradise with a scrumptious breakfast before exploring all the island has to offer.
Phu Quoc Island, known for its splendid beaches, lush jungle interior and excellent seafood, offers the perfect getaway for both beach lovers looking to recharge or adventurers seeking a more local experience. Spend the day doing whatever the heart desires. There are several interesting optional excursions in which to participate – including cycling, kayaking, snorkelling and night squid fishing – each available for an additional surcharge.
Accommodation at hotel in Phu Quoc
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Phu Quoc Island, known for its splendid beaches, lush jungle interior and excellent seafood, offers the perfect getaway for both beach lovers looking to recharge or adventurers seeking a more local experience. Spend the day doing whatever the heart desires. There are several interesting optional excursions in which to participate – including cycling, kayaking, snorkelling and night squid fishing – each available for an additional surcharge.
Accommodation at hotel in Phu Quoc
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Enjoy breakfast and a laid back morning at the hotel before heading to Phu Quoc airport for the domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh City Airport’s domestic terminal, make your way to the international terminal to connect to flights for your onward destination.
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
includes
- All sightseeing tour and transfer services with private air conditioned van/coach as detailed in our itinerary
- Accommodation in shared twin room with air-condition (AC) and private bathroom
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- All entrance fees for the places as mentioned in the programme
- Transfers and tours with English-speaking locally-stationed guides (guides in other languages are on request and may be subject to supplements) in private air-conditioned vehicles
- Service charges, room tax and baggage handling
- Bottled water and cold towels available on the vehicles
excludes
- Domestic airfare (quoted separately, if requested)
- International airfare to / from Cambodia (quoted separately, if requested)
- Optional tours
- Surcharges for other language guides
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal expenditure, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, camera fees, communications, postage, gratuities etc.
- Meals and services other than mentioned in the programme
- Drinks with meals
- Compulsory gala dinners during festive seasons and peak season surcharges which will be advised at the time of booking
- Visa fees
- Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the programme
notes
- Toul Sleng Genocide Museum: Open everyday from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Visitors are not admitted after 4.45 pm.
- National Museum (Phnom Penh): Open everyday from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Visitors are not admitted after 4.45 pm.
- Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: Open everyday from 8.00 am to 11.00 am (closed to new visitors at 10.45 am) and from 2.00 pm to 5.00 pm (closed to new visitors at 4.45 pm), except when His Royal Highness King Preah Borom Moneath Norodom Sihamoni conducts religious ceremonies at the Silver Pagoda or Royal rituals at the Royal Palace, then one of the two or both compounds will be closed. During the Water Festival, open only in the mornings on the first two days and closed for a full day on the third day.
- For sightseeing tours you should wear cool, comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Sunscreen lotion and a hat are strongly recommended. Although many tourists do wear shorts and sleeveless shirts, please do respect the culture and traditions of Cambodia. Pagodas and the temples are sacred, religious places where knees and shoulders have to be covered. This is also the case for the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh. Visitors who do not abide to these rules of conduct may not be allowed access. Shoes (as well as hats) have to be removed before entering pagodas.
- Jewelry is generally not up to international standards for design and workmanship and buyers should use caution when purchasing gold and gems. Many gems are fake and we recommend not to follow anybody’s recommendations.
- Certain parts of the tours on offer are provided by independent third parties, such as airlines, hotels, transport operators and other local suppliers. Diethelm Travel Cambodia is therefore not responsible for any loss, injury or damage caused thereby to the tourists, including those occurring outside of the normal touring programmes. Additional expenses incurred due to delay, accident, natural disaster, political actions and unrest shall be borne by the tourists.
- We advise that due to frequent flight changes, delays and cancellations by the domestic airlines we cannot fully guarantee that the proposed itinerary can be carried out as planned. Based on our experience, changes of departure times and/ or cancellations can occur at very short notice even after confirmation of a flight has been received. In case of schedule changes or flight cancellations we always try everything possible to arrange an alternate programme within the framework of the original quoted costs. However, we reserve the right to charge any cost exceeding the original budget to the tour operator/ travel agent or to the participant of a tour after consultation with the agent.
- Programmes, prices, services and conditions are based on those valid at the time of proposal submission and are subject to change thereafter without advance notice until all services have been paid in full.
- We strongly advise to leave valuable items (money, passport, credit cards, jewelleries, sensitive documents, laptop computer, etc.) in the hotel safe. During excursions and roundtrips, personal belongings, especially money and valuables should NEVER be left on vehicles, even during short breaks, and carried around at all times. Diethelm Travel Cambodia is not responsible for any loss or theft.
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