Family trip Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand adventure
TOUR OPERATES: Family trip Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand adventure
Day 1: Departure
You fly to Hanoi, where you arrive the next day and your Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand round trip starts.
Day 2: Arrival Hanoi (Vietnam)
You land at the international airport of Hanoi. The tour guide will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel. Depending on the time you arrive, you can start today to explore the city.
Welcome to Hanoi! The lively capital of Vietnam has about 7.5 million inhabitants and almost as many mopeds. The Vietnamese themselves call the mopeds Xe Om, which means 'mop cuddle', because the person on the back of the driver has to hold tight and this looks like an embrace! Hanoi is a city full of lakes and French colonial villas that give the city a European character.
The old town is located north of the Hoan-Kiem lake.You can take a walk through the small streets where all kinds of craftsmen do leather, sell silk and cook pans. You can also visit the market, highly recommended! The merchandise ranges from vegetables, fruits, rice, flowers, herbs and handicrafts to dogs, parrots and snakes.
Day 3: Hanoi
Day off. You can join an optional excursion in the morning, where you will see the 1,000-year-old city by three-wheeled cyclo (a kind of rickshaw). The ride with this traditional form of transport gives you an impression of the street scene of Hanoi. The ride can take you to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the 'one pillar pagoda (a historic Buddhist temple), which stands on one pillar. Or to the oldest district of Hanoi, where the bustling trade center originated. It is not difficult to think of what you can buy at Rice street, Silk street, Cloth street, Paper street and Oil street.
Who was Ho Chi Minh? Ho Chi Minh is nicknamed 'bringer of light' because he was in charge of the struggle for independence and the Vietnam War (1941-1969). After his death, he was embalmed and placed in a glass sarcophagus. His last wish to be cremated and scatter his ashes over the mountains in North, Central and South Vietnam was ignored. Today, the mausoleum is a pilgrimage site and Ho Chi Minh's admirers show their respect to his remains here. In the autumn the mausoleum closes in connection with the re-embalming of the body, which happens in Russia.
You can also opt for an optional trip to a Water Puppet Show. This traditional Vietnamese theater form is, as the name implies, no ordinary puppet theater: the puppets move on the water! The Water Puppet Theater (Municipal Water Puppet Theater) on the bank of Hoan Kiem is a beautiful spectacle . Every evening between 20:00 and 21:00, except on Monday, puppets move across the lake. The dolls portray the toiling farmers on rice fields.
Day 4: Hanoi - Halong Bay
A 4-hour ride (200 km) takes you to Halong Bay , one of Vietnam's most impressive natural treasures that has more than deserved its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. From the emerald water, the Gulf of Tonkin, more than 3000 islands and rock formations rise up. This fairy-tale environment has an equally magical legend ... When a huge dragon made a landing at sea, he took a large piece of land with his tail and let it disappear at the bottom of the ocean. Only the peaks of the highest mountains were still above the water. Halong Bay literally means 'Bay of the Descent Dragon'.
Today you will make a boat trip between the rugged karst rocksby. The captain throws the anchor a few times to visit one of the caves or a refreshing swim in the clear water. You stay overnight on board a junk (traditional boat). In good weather you can sleep under the stars on the roof of the boat. Your lunch and dinner are included in the fare today.
NB: It is possible that due to bad weather conditions an overnight stay on board is not allowed. In that case, we deviate to a hotel on the coast.
Day 5: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Danang
As you continue along the limestone mountains you can see the morning sun rising from the junk, a breathtaking sight. At the port you are driven back to Hanoi by the delta of the Red River . The ride itself is a whole experience. The landscape changes with the kilometers you travel. Beautiful are the green rice fields, which turn into muddy plains where water buffalo stands and farmers grow their tropical crops.
Really traveling TIP:
In the late afternoon you arrive in Hanoi at the central train station. With thenight train you continue your Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand family trip from Hanoi to Danang. The train bears the appropriate name 'Reunification Express', as North and South Vietnam become so connected! You sleep on comfortable reserved berths in the airconditioned second 'softsleeper' class. In an exceptional case you can also switch to the 'hardsleeper' class. The scheduled departure time is 19.00 (time is of course subject to changes).
Walk through the train and take a look at the 'hardseat' section where the travelers hang the hammocks in the evening between the benches, or roll out their mats on the floor. Meals are also served in the train (meals are not included, breakfast is not included). On the menu there is rice, vegetables and meat in the evening and noodle soup or steamed bun in the morning. Also on the train stations where you stop along the way is also enough food and drinks for sale. The trains in Vietnam are running at a slow pace. When it is light, you can enjoy the landscape. At some stations the train is stationary for a longer period of time because there is a need to wait for an oncoming train, because there is still a single track almost everywhere in Vietnam.
Day 6: Danang - Hoi An / Workshop making lanterns
The planned arrival time (subject to change of course) is 10.30 am. After arrival you will be picked up and taken to the hotel in Hoi An . Hoi An (formerly known as Faifo) is a town with traditional houses . It is experienced by many travelers as one of the most attractive and fun places in Vietnam.
Really on a trip TIP
You can now discover Hoi An on your bike as an option.An English speaking guide can tell you about the history of the city as you wander through the old streets. You cycle to the house of a professional who specializes in making lanterns. He will tell you everything about the history of lantern making, techniques, shapes and colors.After he has explained the steps in making a lantern, you can try it yourself and make your own souvenir! In the old center of Hoi An you can see many decorated houses , usually cheerful yellow with beautiful, dark shutters and red lanterns.
Day 7: Hoi An / Excursion Tra Nhieu
Day off. Visit the photogenic market of Hoi An , with baskets full of exotic fish, shrimps, vegetables or fruit. Numerous old, often wooden houses and historic buildings bear witness to the past. Some of the old Chinese housesare open to visitors. The interior of these houses still looks the same as centuries ago. A number of ancient Chinese temples are still in use. The 'old city' of Hoi An has been placed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.
You can eat delicious in Hoi An. Try Cao Lau , a delicious local dish of noodles, crispy vegetables, herbs, croutons and peanuts.
You can participate in an optional excursion today, where you will be picked up after breakfast and taken to the Thu Bon River. Here you step on a traditional fishing boat and sail across this river to Tra Nhieu. Here you will learn everything about the crafts of the village such as farming, fishing, keeping cattle and making traditional mattresses. Some local fishermen will show you their traditional fishing techniques (like casts) and later you will enjoy lunch together with them on a river bank. Then you drive along rural paths along small villages, which are still visited by few tourists. The boat will take you back to Hoi An.
Day 8: Hoi An - Danang - Nha Trang
In the morning the driver picks you up and brings you back to Danang, from where you fly to the seaside resort of Nha Trang . The scheduled departure time is 10.20 hours, arrival time 11.45 hours (these times are only an indication and subject to change). You arrive at your hotel in Nha Trang.
After this flight you can relax on the 8 km long, fine sandy beach of Nha Trang. Nha Trang is Vietnam's largest resort(and water sports city) with many hotels, swimming pools and good restaurants. It is located at a natural harbor where you can snorkel and dive next to swimming.
Day 9: Nha Trang / Excursion Vinpearl Amusement Park
Day off. Relaxing on the beach is of course a good option. A long walk, pampered by the surf ...
Today you can make an optional excursion to a fun amusement park during your tour. After breakfast you will be transferred to the Cau Da Pier, where you will take the cable car over the Nha Trang Bay to the Vinpearlland Amusement Park . In this family amusement park you can enjoy the attractions together all day long. You will find among other things roller coasters, a carousel, 4D films, bumper cars and a Children's Paradise Park. There is also a Waterpark open, so do not forget to bring your swimming equipment!
Day 10: Nha Trang / Excursion Mun Island - Ho Chi Minh City
Today an excursion to Mun Island is on the program (this trip is included in this Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand family trip). It will be a day of swimming, snorkeling or working on your tan aboard the boat. If you choose to admire the colorful fish and the coral from close by, the snorkel equipment is ready. There are also opportunities for jet skiing.
Once back on the boat you can enjoy a delicious fresh fish meal of shrimp, crab, squid, beef with noodles / rice or a vegetarian lunch (lunch is included in the price, drink are not included).
You overnight in the night trainthat will take you to Ho Chi Minh City. You will once again sleep in comfortably reserved berths in the airconditioned second 'softsleeper' class. In an exceptional case you can also switch to the 'hardsleeper' class.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi - Ho Chi Minh City
When the sleeper train arrives in Ho Chi Minh City in the early morning (scheduled arrival time is 4.30 am, subject to change), you will get an ' early check in ' at the hotel.
Today you make an excursion to Cu Chi, 75 km northwest of the city. (The excursion and entrance fee are included). The tunnels of Cu Chi were used by the Viet Cong in the war to resist the Americans. Already in the Franco-Vietnamese war, a start was made with the construction of these tunnels, hand-carved by the Viet Minh (!). The final complex consisted of a total of approximately 240 kilometers of tunnels. The tunnels are divided over different floors, including underground hospitals, kitchens and other facilities. Through the tunnels the surrounding villages were connected and the movements of the American troops could be monitored. During the years of fighting that the Viet Cong fought against the American and South Vietnamese army, the opponent never succeeded in discovering or conquering the entire tunnel system. It is still possible to descend into the tunnels and experience a little bit how people lived, suffered and fought here.
After the excursion, the driver will take you back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Here you can organize your day according to your own wishes.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City / Mekong Delta excursion
Day off. Cholon, 'big market', is the district where most of the Chinese live and where countless Chinese temples and houses can be admired. In Cholon is also the largest covered market in the city, where the most diverse items are for sale.
Lovers can opt for an optional excursion to the Mekong Delta, which takes a full day. Here you drive to the town of Cai Be, where you board the boat for a cruise on the Mekong to Vinh Long. Soon you will experience that the delta is the 'rice barn' of Vietnam. It is a varied wetland area with rice fields, coconut and banana plantations. During the boat trip you see daily life on the river and a floating market, you taste tropical fruits in a local orchard and look at small family businesses. For example, rice paper, popcorn or coconut candy is produced in the region. Lunch is served in a nice garden.
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap (Cambodia)
A transfer will take you to the airport of Ho Chi Minh City, from where you continue this Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand family trip to Siem Reap(Cambodia). You will be picked up again in Cambodia by a guide and driver who will take you to your hotel. The scheduled flight times are departure at 11.35 am / arrival 12.35 pm. These times are subject to change.
After arrival you are free to spend your day. Siem Reap is the base for the exploration of one of the largest and most beautiful temple complexes in Southeast Asia, that of Angkor. Siem Reap has a nice covered market where you can eat delicious Cambodian food in the food stalls. Try 'amok', a creamy fish curry served in a coconut.
Please note: For a visit to the temple complex of Angkor Wat you buy a strictly personal admission ticket at the entrance. A 1-day access pass costs 37 US $, for 3 days you pay 62 US $ (price changes subject to change).
Day 14: Siem Reap / Angkor
Two days off you have to view the dozens of monuments of Angkor . Some of the beautiful temples have been restored, others are partly overgrown by the jungle. Certainly in these temples with their many engravings there is a mystical atmosphere.
Today your tour guide organizes an optional excursion to Angkor Watand the Ta Phrom temple. Angkor Wat is one of the world's largest religious buildings and the most famous temple of the Angkor Archaeological Park covering an area of more than 400 km². All temples date from the Khmer empire, the 9th to the 15th century. Angkor Wat itself was built in the first half of the 12th century by order of King Suryavaeman ll. He chose fertile soil and towns around the temple. Gigantic forest giants in the Ta Prohm temple encircle the boulders, temple walls and roofs, and meters thick thick tree roots meander through the ruins.
One of the theories about the decline of Angkor is due to overpopulation and lack of food. Others think that the constant looting by Ayutthaya (Thailand) ousted Angkors residents. Anyway, after huge numbers of people had done work on Angkor, no one left it after the departure of the population. Until the French naturalist and explorer Henri Mouhot rediscovered Angkor in the mid-19th century. Angkor has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1992 and is a real ' must ' for a group trip to Cambodia.
Really on a journey TIP
In the afternoon you can pay an optional visit to the silkworm breeding ofLes Artisans d 'Angkor. It is a network of Cambodian artisans, sponsored by the Cambodian government and 'REPLIC', a European institution. The aim of the organization is to educate young people to craftsmen and women in the field of wood carving, stone processing, lacquer work and silk weaving.
Day 15: Siem Reap / Angkor
Day off. Angkor Thom, also in the Angkor temple complex, was founded by Jayavarman VII after his seizure in 1177. The walled city has four imposing entrance gates and an elephant terrace from where the royal family was entertained by performances and parades. Furthermore, there is also the Bayon temple in Angkor Thom , which is dedicated to Buddha. The temple is decorated with more than 200 images of smiling faces and has more than 50 towers.
After discovering this part of the temple complex you can spend the rest of your day in Siem Reap. Time for souvenir hunting?
Day 16: Siem Reap - Koh Samed
You travel from Siem Reap to Southeast Thailand, to the town of Ban Pe . From here you take the ferry (estimated sailing time is 45 minutes) to Koh Samed, one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. You stay in a nice hotel, where you can recover from all impressions of the past weeks.
Day 17: Koh Samed
Day off. The island of Koh Samed is 6 by 3 km and has numerous small bays with fine sandy beaches and a blue sea. Koh Samed is part of the Koh Samed National Park , which consists of three islands including the intermediate sea. It is 131 km² and was founded in 1981. At Koh Samed you have time for swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling (best from late October to May) and sunbathing. Moreover, you can make beautiful walks along the coast and in the jungle-covered interior . Lovers of 'seafood' can indulge in the abundance of fresh fish and shrimps.
Day 18: Koh Samed
Free day in Koh Samed
Day 19: Koh Samed - Bangkok
Today you continue your trip to Thailand to the metropolis of Bangkok . In most restaurants they serve delicious Thai food, but on the street itself you can also eat a meat skewer or corn on the cob. Khao San Road is known and loved by backpackers , because the articles on the ' night market ' are cheap and overnight in the hotels in the neighborhood are also good to pay. The street turns into a party of neon signs and lights in the evening.
The Grand Palace ; the royal palace of King Bhumipol is a ' highlight ' of Bangkok and definitely worth it!
Day 20: Departure Bangkok
Enjoy your last uen in Thailand. You leave back home again, where you arrive the next day. Here you can look back on a tour to never forget!
NB. If your return flight is a 'dagvlucht' where you leave Bangkok on the same day that you will arrive at home, you will spend the last night in Bangkok. Your return flight then leaves on day 21 in the morning / early afternoon.
Day 21: Arrival
Arrival. Unfortunately, your Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand group travel ends here.
NB: The mentioned travel duration per day is of course approximate.
Day 1: Departure
You fly to Hanoi, where you arrive the next day and your Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand round trip starts.
Day 2: Arrival Hanoi (Vietnam)
You land at the international airport of Hanoi. The tour guide will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel. Depending on the time you arrive, you can start today to explore the city.
Welcome to Hanoi! The lively capital of Vietnam has about 7.5 million inhabitants and almost as many mopeds. The Vietnamese themselves call the mopeds Xe Om, which means 'mop cuddle', because the person on the back of the driver has to hold tight and this looks like an embrace! Hanoi is a city full of lakes and French colonial villas that give the city a European character.
The old town is located north of the Hoan-Kiem lake.You can take a walk through the small streets where all kinds of craftsmen do leather, sell silk and cook pans. You can also visit the market, highly recommended! The merchandise ranges from vegetables, fruits, rice, flowers, herbs and handicrafts to dogs, parrots and snakes.
Day 3: Hanoi
Day off. You can join an optional excursion in the morning, where you will see the 1,000-year-old city by three-wheeled cyclo (a kind of rickshaw). The ride with this traditional form of transport gives you an impression of the street scene of Hanoi. The ride can take you to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the 'one pillar pagoda (a historic Buddhist temple), which stands on one pillar. Or to the oldest district of Hanoi, where the bustling trade center originated. It is not difficult to think of what you can buy at Rice street, Silk street, Cloth street, Paper street and Oil street.
Who was Ho Chi Minh? Ho Chi Minh is nicknamed 'bringer of light' because he was in charge of the struggle for independence and the Vietnam War (1941-1969). After his death, he was embalmed and placed in a glass sarcophagus. His last wish to be cremated and scatter his ashes over the mountains in North, Central and South Vietnam was ignored. Today, the mausoleum is a pilgrimage site and Ho Chi Minh's admirers show their respect to his remains here. In the autumn the mausoleum closes in connection with the re-embalming of the body, which happens in Russia.
You can also opt for an optional trip to a Water Puppet Show. This traditional Vietnamese theater form is, as the name implies, no ordinary puppet theater: the puppets move on the water! The Water Puppet Theater (Municipal Water Puppet Theater) on the bank of Hoan Kiem is a beautiful spectacle . Every evening between 20:00 and 21:00, except on Monday, puppets move across the lake. The dolls portray the toiling farmers on rice fields.
Day 4: Hanoi - Halong Bay
A 4-hour ride (200 km) takes you to Halong Bay , one of Vietnam's most impressive natural treasures that has more than deserved its place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. From the emerald water, the Gulf of Tonkin, more than 3000 islands and rock formations rise up. This fairy-tale environment has an equally magical legend ... When a huge dragon made a landing at sea, he took a large piece of land with his tail and let it disappear at the bottom of the ocean. Only the peaks of the highest mountains were still above the water. Halong Bay literally means 'Bay of the Descent Dragon'.
Today you will make a boat trip between the rugged karst rocksby. The captain throws the anchor a few times to visit one of the caves or a refreshing swim in the clear water. You stay overnight on board a junk (traditional boat). In good weather you can sleep under the stars on the roof of the boat. Your lunch and dinner are included in the fare today.
NB: It is possible that due to bad weather conditions an overnight stay on board is not allowed. In that case, we deviate to a hotel on the coast.
Day 5: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Danang
As you continue along the limestone mountains you can see the morning sun rising from the junk, a breathtaking sight. At the port you are driven back to Hanoi by the delta of the Red River . The ride itself is a whole experience. The landscape changes with the kilometers you travel. Beautiful are the green rice fields, which turn into muddy plains where water buffalo stands and farmers grow their tropical crops.
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Really traveling TIP: |
Day 6: Danang - Hoi An / Workshop making lanterns
The planned arrival time (subject to change of course) is 10.30 am. After arrival you will be picked up and taken to the hotel in Hoi An . Hoi An (formerly known as Faifo) is a town with traditional houses . It is experienced by many travelers as one of the most attractive and fun places in Vietnam.
|
Really on a trip TIP |
Day 7: Hoi An / Excursion Tra Nhieu
Day off. Visit the photogenic market of Hoi An , with baskets full of exotic fish, shrimps, vegetables or fruit. Numerous old, often wooden houses and historic buildings bear witness to the past. Some of the old Chinese housesare open to visitors. The interior of these houses still looks the same as centuries ago. A number of ancient Chinese temples are still in use. The 'old city' of Hoi An has been placed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.
You can eat delicious in Hoi An. Try Cao Lau , a delicious local dish of noodles, crispy vegetables, herbs, croutons and peanuts.
You can participate in an optional excursion today, where you will be picked up after breakfast and taken to the Thu Bon River. Here you step on a traditional fishing boat and sail across this river to Tra Nhieu. Here you will learn everything about the crafts of the village such as farming, fishing, keeping cattle and making traditional mattresses. Some local fishermen will show you their traditional fishing techniques (like casts) and later you will enjoy lunch together with them on a river bank. Then you drive along rural paths along small villages, which are still visited by few tourists. The boat will take you back to Hoi An.
Day 8: Hoi An - Danang - Nha Trang
In the morning the driver picks you up and brings you back to Danang, from where you fly to the seaside resort of Nha Trang . The scheduled departure time is 10.20 hours, arrival time 11.45 hours (these times are only an indication and subject to change). You arrive at your hotel in Nha Trang.
After this flight you can relax on the 8 km long, fine sandy beach of Nha Trang. Nha Trang is Vietnam's largest resort(and water sports city) with many hotels, swimming pools and good restaurants. It is located at a natural harbor where you can snorkel and dive next to swimming.
Day 9: Nha Trang / Excursion Vinpearl Amusement Park
Day off. Relaxing on the beach is of course a good option. A long walk, pampered by the surf ...
Today you can make an optional excursion to a fun amusement park during your tour. After breakfast you will be transferred to the Cau Da Pier, where you will take the cable car over the Nha Trang Bay to the Vinpearlland Amusement Park . In this family amusement park you can enjoy the attractions together all day long. You will find among other things roller coasters, a carousel, 4D films, bumper cars and a Children's Paradise Park. There is also a Waterpark open, so do not forget to bring your swimming equipment!
Day 10: Nha Trang / Excursion Mun Island - Ho Chi Minh City
Today an excursion to Mun Island is on the program (this trip is included in this Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand family trip). It will be a day of swimming, snorkeling or working on your tan aboard the boat. If you choose to admire the colorful fish and the coral from close by, the snorkel equipment is ready. There are also opportunities for jet skiing.
Once back on the boat you can enjoy a delicious fresh fish meal of shrimp, crab, squid, beef with noodles / rice or a vegetarian lunch (lunch is included in the price, drink are not included).
You overnight in the night trainthat will take you to Ho Chi Minh City. You will once again sleep in comfortably reserved berths in the airconditioned second 'softsleeper' class. In an exceptional case you can also switch to the 'hardsleeper' class.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi - Ho Chi Minh City
When the sleeper train arrives in Ho Chi Minh City in the early morning (scheduled arrival time is 4.30 am, subject to change), you will get an ' early check in ' at the hotel.
Today you make an excursion to Cu Chi, 75 km northwest of the city. (The excursion and entrance fee are included). The tunnels of Cu Chi were used by the Viet Cong in the war to resist the Americans. Already in the Franco-Vietnamese war, a start was made with the construction of these tunnels, hand-carved by the Viet Minh (!). The final complex consisted of a total of approximately 240 kilometers of tunnels. The tunnels are divided over different floors, including underground hospitals, kitchens and other facilities. Through the tunnels the surrounding villages were connected and the movements of the American troops could be monitored. During the years of fighting that the Viet Cong fought against the American and South Vietnamese army, the opponent never succeeded in discovering or conquering the entire tunnel system. It is still possible to descend into the tunnels and experience a little bit how people lived, suffered and fought here.
After the excursion, the driver will take you back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Here you can organize your day according to your own wishes.
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City / Mekong Delta excursion
Day off. Cholon, 'big market', is the district where most of the Chinese live and where countless Chinese temples and houses can be admired. In Cholon is also the largest covered market in the city, where the most diverse items are for sale.
Lovers can opt for an optional excursion to the Mekong Delta, which takes a full day. Here you drive to the town of Cai Be, where you board the boat for a cruise on the Mekong to Vinh Long. Soon you will experience that the delta is the 'rice barn' of Vietnam. It is a varied wetland area with rice fields, coconut and banana plantations. During the boat trip you see daily life on the river and a floating market, you taste tropical fruits in a local orchard and look at small family businesses. For example, rice paper, popcorn or coconut candy is produced in the region. Lunch is served in a nice garden.
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap (Cambodia)
A transfer will take you to the airport of Ho Chi Minh City, from where you continue this Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand family trip to Siem Reap(Cambodia). You will be picked up again in Cambodia by a guide and driver who will take you to your hotel. The scheduled flight times are departure at 11.35 am / arrival 12.35 pm. These times are subject to change.
After arrival you are free to spend your day. Siem Reap is the base for the exploration of one of the largest and most beautiful temple complexes in Southeast Asia, that of Angkor. Siem Reap has a nice covered market where you can eat delicious Cambodian food in the food stalls. Try 'amok', a creamy fish curry served in a coconut.
Please note: For a visit to the temple complex of Angkor Wat you buy a strictly personal admission ticket at the entrance. A 1-day access pass costs 37 US $, for 3 days you pay 62 US $ (price changes subject to change).
Day 14: Siem Reap / Angkor
Two days off you have to view the dozens of monuments of Angkor . Some of the beautiful temples have been restored, others are partly overgrown by the jungle. Certainly in these temples with their many engravings there is a mystical atmosphere.
Today your tour guide organizes an optional excursion to Angkor Watand the Ta Phrom temple. Angkor Wat is one of the world's largest religious buildings and the most famous temple of the Angkor Archaeological Park covering an area of more than 400 km². All temples date from the Khmer empire, the 9th to the 15th century. Angkor Wat itself was built in the first half of the 12th century by order of King Suryavaeman ll. He chose fertile soil and towns around the temple. Gigantic forest giants in the Ta Prohm temple encircle the boulders, temple walls and roofs, and meters thick thick tree roots meander through the ruins.
One of the theories about the decline of Angkor is due to overpopulation and lack of food. Others think that the constant looting by Ayutthaya (Thailand) ousted Angkors residents. Anyway, after huge numbers of people had done work on Angkor, no one left it after the departure of the population. Until the French naturalist and explorer Henri Mouhot rediscovered Angkor in the mid-19th century. Angkor has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1992 and is a real ' must ' for a group trip to Cambodia.
Really on a journey TIP
In the afternoon you can pay an optional visit to the silkworm breeding ofLes Artisans d 'Angkor. It is a network of Cambodian artisans, sponsored by the Cambodian government and 'REPLIC', a European institution. The aim of the organization is to educate young people to craftsmen and women in the field of wood carving, stone processing, lacquer work and silk weaving.
Day 15: Siem Reap / Angkor
Day off. Angkor Thom, also in the Angkor temple complex, was founded by Jayavarman VII after his seizure in 1177. The walled city has four imposing entrance gates and an elephant terrace from where the royal family was entertained by performances and parades. Furthermore, there is also the Bayon temple in Angkor Thom , which is dedicated to Buddha. The temple is decorated with more than 200 images of smiling faces and has more than 50 towers.
After discovering this part of the temple complex you can spend the rest of your day in Siem Reap. Time for souvenir hunting?
Day 16: Siem Reap - Koh Samed
You travel from Siem Reap to Southeast Thailand, to the town of Ban Pe . From here you take the ferry (estimated sailing time is 45 minutes) to Koh Samed, one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. You stay in a nice hotel, where you can recover from all impressions of the past weeks.
Day 17: Koh Samed
Day off. The island of Koh Samed is 6 by 3 km and has numerous small bays with fine sandy beaches and a blue sea. Koh Samed is part of the Koh Samed National Park , which consists of three islands including the intermediate sea. It is 131 km² and was founded in 1981. At Koh Samed you have time for swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling (best from late October to May) and sunbathing. Moreover, you can make beautiful walks along the coast and in the jungle-covered interior . Lovers of 'seafood' can indulge in the abundance of fresh fish and shrimps.
Day 18: Koh Samed
Free day in Koh Samed
Day 19: Koh Samed - Bangkok
Today you continue your trip to Thailand to the metropolis of Bangkok . In most restaurants they serve delicious Thai food, but on the street itself you can also eat a meat skewer or corn on the cob. Khao San Road is known and loved by backpackers , because the articles on the ' night market ' are cheap and overnight in the hotels in the neighborhood are also good to pay. The street turns into a party of neon signs and lights in the evening.
The Grand Palace ; the royal palace of King Bhumipol is a ' highlight ' of Bangkok and definitely worth it!
Day 20: Departure Bangkok
Enjoy your last uen in Thailand. You leave back home again, where you arrive the next day. Here you can look back on a tour to never forget!
NB. If your return flight is a 'dagvlucht' where you leave Bangkok on the same day that you will arrive at home, you will spend the last night in Bangkok. Your return flight then leaves on day 21 in the morning / early afternoon.
Day 21: Arrival
Arrival. Unfortunately, your Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand group travel ends here.
NB: The mentioned travel duration per day is of course approximate.
If you have Dutch or Belgian nationality, you will need a visa for Vietnam and Cambodia for this trip. For Thailand you do not have to arrange a visa for this trip before departure .
On the website of our partner Visumloket you will find all information about the necessary travel documents (such as passport), visa, the visa procedure to be followed and the location of the embassy. Begin 4 to 6 weeks before departure of your trip with the application.
For the Vietnam visa: if you have the required visa arranged through us, we will charge, in addition to the visa costs, € 30, - agency fee per person per visa. You do not have to go to the relevant embassy (s) twice yourself.
For the Cambodia visa: if you have the required visa arranged through us, we will charge, in addition to the visa fee, € 40, - mediation costs per person per visa for Dutch travelers. We charge € 30, - mediation costs to Belgian travelers. You do not have to go to the relevant embassy (s) twice yourself.
The visa for Cambodia can also be purchased locally on arrival at Siem Reap airport. Make sure you have enough dollars and passport photos with you. Please note that arranging the visa on site can take a lot of time when it is busy. We therefore recommend to arrange the visa before departure.
It is also possible to book only the land arrangement of this tour. You then arrange the international flights yourself and the transfer on arrival and departure. With the other participants you then make the journey according to program. This gives you the freedom to compose your own trip and choose the flight that suits your travel plans.
On the booking form you can also indicate whether we have to arrange an additional night on arrival for an additional fee. The transfer on arrival can also be arranged by Koning Aap on an individual basis.
We need a minimum number of participants for all our trips. Keep this in mind before you book your own tickets.
In all cases, it is your responsibility to be present at the starting point of the journey on time. In addition, we are not responsible for sporadic changes in the departure dates of our group trips. For some periods the price of the land arrangement may deviate from the rest of the year, for example festival trips. When the price of the land arrangement is adjusted, this is mentioned under the 'latest news'.
Transport
During this three-week trip a private bus is used. Because you have your own transport throughout the journey, you can - in mutual consultation - stop at any time and at any place to take photos or try a local snack (if time permits). The bus is not available on 'free days'.
You travel with the night train from Hanoi to Danang. The train bears the appropriate name 'Reunification Express', as North and South Vietnam become so connected! Also the route from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City is covered by a comfortable night train. You sleep on comfortable reserved berths in the airconditioned second 'soft-sleeper' class.
Of course there are plenty of opportunities to get acquainted with other means of transportation such as the boat (Halong Bay, Mun Island and Koh Samed), two regional flights (Danang - Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap), the cyclo (bicycle taxi) and the bike (almost everywhere for rent).
If you choose the land arrangement then the trip starts in Hanoi (on day 2 of the trip) and ends the trip in Bangkok (day 20).
Accommodation
During our travels to Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand you will spend the night mainly in hotels with double and triple rooms (often a double room with an extra bed) with shower and toilet. In the selection of our hotels, we particularly paid attention to location, hygiene and atmosphere. The hotels or guesthouses are generally located in the center of the place where you are staying.
In the beautiful Halong Bay you stay overnight on board the junk, with which we explore the area. In good weather you can put the mattresses on the roof and sleep under the stars. It is possible that due to bad weather conditions an overnight stay on board is not allowed. In that case, we deviate to a hotel on the coast.
Triple rooms are available in the planned hotels. An extra bed or mattress is often placed in the double room. On the boat in Halong Bay the same is true for families with children up to 10 years old. This is unfortunately not possible for children from 11 years (local regulations); an extra single room will then be used.
Most of the planned hotels have a swimming pool; nice to wash off the tropical heat from you! This applies to accommodations in Hoi An, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, Koh Samed and Bangkok. In exceptional cases it may happen that other hotels without a pool have to be used. If this occurs, we will try to find a suitable alternative. Of course there are many more swimming opportunities, sea and beach are often close by (Halong Bay, Hoi An and Koh Samed).
Wifi is pleasant for many travelers (via 'social media') to keep contact with the home front. The planned hotels have wifi, sometimes for a fee, sometimes only in the lobby of the hotel. Keep in mind that the quality and speed of the internet connection are certainly not optimal everywhere. No Wi-Fi is available on the boat in Halong Bay.
Most hotels use a check out time of 12 noon. In order to make your stay more comfortable, we arrange a few 'day rooms' for the group in Hanoi (day 5) and Bangkok (day 20), as you will only travel at the end of the afternoon / in the evening. You have the opportunity to refresh yourself. The use of the shared day rooms (an average of 4 people per room) is until 6 pm.
After arrival with the night train (scheduled arrival time is 4.30 am) in Ho Chi Minh city you will receive an ' early check in ', as the official check-in time is only after noon. It is a shared day room (on average 4 people or 1 family per room). So you can take a rest before you start the trip to Cu Chi.
Two parents with one child, one parent with two children or three children from one family are divided into a triple room. Triple rooms are available in the planned hotels. Sometimes it is a double room with an extra bed or mattress. Please note that the room may be less spacious.
All our group tours are carried out on the spot by Dutch-speaking (or in the case of our trips in Southern Africa African-speaking) travel guides. King Monkey makes high demands on the tour guide; after all, a journey stands or falls. Important criteria in selecting our travel guides are: (obviously) extensive travel experience, experience in dealing with groups and - preferably - active knowledge of a local language. Special training courses prepare the tour guides for what the participants expect from them. Our employees learn what the King Monkey travel formula stands for. They are not only instructed from our office, but also follow a multi-day course where they are presented with many (sometimes difficult) practical cases. A great opportunity to exchange essential experience. At some destinations local Dutch speaking tour guides are deployed by our local agents. These tour guides are also trained on site by the agency. We evaluate the functioning of our travel guides after each trip on the basis of evaluation forms completed by participants. In this way we always have an overview of how our people operate in the field!
The primary task of our travel guidance is to ensure good logistics of the journey (transport and accommodation). The tour guide also monitors the progress of the program and the attention given to each component. The tour guide organizes a range of optional excursions on the spot. In addition, he or she naturally functions as a central source of information. Our employees can tell a lot about the country and local customs.
Of course, a tour guide does not have everything in hand. Sometimes there is force majeure: the road has been blocked by flooding or landslides, the government has confiscated the train tickets or the hotel has already given away the rooms. In this type of setbacks, the tour guide will look for an alternative. Despite all the preparations and efforts of the tour guide, it may happen that the trip does not go entirely according to your expectations. The tour guide would like to hear from you, so that a solution can be found on the spot.
Your tour guide expects a tip at the end, if she / he has done the job well. King Monkey pays the tour guides a wage that is on par with that of most adventurous travel organizations. Our guideline for the tip is € 1, - to € 2, - per traveler per day.
Finally, you can always contact the tour guide if there are problems. Realize: a travel companion is not a walking encyclopedia. It is always wise to bring a good travel handbook.
