Beyond the Mekong Tour 11 Days/10 Nights

The head quarter of Cao Dai sect is located in Tay Ninh. This religion was founded in 1923 and now numbers over 2 million members. After breakfast we travel by roads to Tay Ninh to see the ornate temple of Cao Dai and attend the fantastic mid-day service when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes, a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. Afterwards we continue to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, which were an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Vietcong in the American war. O/N in Ho Chi Minh. (B)

Heading out of the town, we travel by road to Vinh Long Province. On arrival, we embark on our boat cruising around the tributaries of the mighty Mekong River which is a great way to observe the local lifestyle close-up. Along the way, we visit the vibrant floating market of Cai Be and many local cottages industries including rice paper makers and bonsai nurseries. A huge lunch followed with many seasonal fruits at an orchard is some enjoyment of the trip. We then weave our way through the intricate network of canals which are the lifeblood of the Mekong Delta before we meet up with our vehicle for a short drive to Can Tho, our today destination. O/N in Can Tho. (B,L)

After breakfast we board an express board for a trip along the Mekong River crossing into Cambodia and continuing on to its capital. Phnom Penh was once considered the loveliest city of Indochina. Despite its recent turbulent history, it still maintains considerable charm. The private quarters of the Royal Palace are now home to the royal family and are therefore very close to the public. At the northern area of the palace grounds is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred shrine in the country. We visit both structures as well as the legendary temple of Wat Phnom which recites the history of Phnompenh's name. O/N in Phnom Penh. (B)

The sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh continues with as visit to the Royal University of Fine Arts where the young Cambodians learn the ancient arts of their ancestors. The most interesting part of this structure is the Dance Academy. Here, many young children practice the graceful movements of the beautiful national dances. We then continue to the National Museum, dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period (9th to 15th Century), but some date from as early as the 4th Century. The Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the notorious ''Killing Fields'' of Choeung Ek are not to be missed. A visit to these sights provides us a deep insight into the painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge. O/N in Phnom Penh. (B)

An early morning transfer to Phnom Penh Pier. We embark on express boat and make our way up the Tonle Sap River and into the lake of the same name. The shallow Tonle Sap is the largest of Southeast Asia's lake. Depending on the season, our boat journey takes us anything from 4 to 6 hours to reach Siem Reap. This town is our base for visiting the world famous temples of the ancient city Angkor, which was the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire from 802 AD to 1350 AD. After checking into hotel, we drive to the archeological area to visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, the largest and most complete structure of Angkor Wat. O/N in Siem Reap. (B)

The jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature. We explore this masterpiece as well as its surrounding temples of Banteay Kdei, Sra Srong, Ta Keo, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevado. The grand circuit including Preah Khan, the Kravan, Neak Pean, Krol Ko, Ta Som, East Mebon, Pre Rup Temple is also visited, this afternoon before we ascend Phnom Bakheng Hill for a view of the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments. O/N in Siem Reap.(B)

Heading out of the town, we drive on a newly paved road to the intricately carved and well preserved temple of Banteay Srei. On the way , we make stover at the Preah Dark village and the River of 1000 Lingas, locally named Kbal Spean. We follow these with a visit the Banteay Samre Temple adorned with impressive reliefs depicting scenes of Vishunu as well as Krishna legends. We also have time today, exploring the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya which flourished in the late 9th and earlier 10th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred to the Rolous group. O/N in Siem Reap. (B)

Tour price:  

Included:

Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D = dinner
Accommodation:  twin sharing room at the below  mentioned hotel or similar one  
English or French speaking guide
Entrance fee to indicated sights
Boat trip in  Mekong Delta, Siem Reap
Express boat Chau Doc - Phnom Penh 

Not Included:

• Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in/ out Indochina, any optional additional tours or activities during free time.