Vietnam Trip - Days 10-12

Day 10: Saigon – My Tho/Mekong Delta

After breakfast, depart your hotel for the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival in My Tho, board our private sampan for a river cruise on the upper part of the Mekong River to interact with local people and see the agriculture river life. We end the trip by taking an optional small sampan ride or sit on a boat (with roof to avoid the heat from the sun) through the winding and tiny canals (subject to the water level) offering a close-up view of daily river life. Lunch is at Ngoc Gia Trang restaurant. After lunch, back to Saigon for the night.

Overnight at Caravelle hotel/ Deluxe room (B, L)

Day 11: Saigon – Siem Reap via VN827 @11:40/12:40 (coach class)

Breakfast at our hotel and then free at leisure until transfer to the airport this morning for our flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, meet with your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in at the beautiful Raffles Hotel. Break for light lunch at the hotel or rest. This afternoon we will start exploring the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat – one of the world’s most impressive ruins. Your tour will be accompanied by a member from APSARA Authority, Department of Monument and Archaeology and Khmer Culture. You will be given the opportunity to understand in depth and interaction with this scholar, about archaeology and Khmer culture, history and civilization. The temple still owns hundreds of fine carvings of Apsaraas and the scenes from Hindu mythology. The Khmer civilization constructed the temple between the 9th and 13th centuries. Strolling around the massive hallways, you will find many small shrines still in use by the local people at the ancient site. End the day at Phnom Bakheng, the first major temple to be constructed in the Angkor area. The Bakheng’s hilltop location makes it the most popular sunset, offering a panoramic view of Angkor Wat and West Baray. Overnight at our hotel and enjoy dinner consisting of delicious Cambodian delicacies.

Overnight at Raffle Grand D'Angkor hotel/ State room (B, D)

Day 12: Siem Reap

This morning we leave early to have a full tour of the incredible Angkor Temples complex. Morning, start your exploration with a visit to the walled city of Angkor Thom. Enjoy an interesting round trip elephant ride from the gate to the main temple complex. This royal city incorporated into four square miles and located in the city's geographic centre. Its 50-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. Incorporated into the wall surrounding the city is a number of earlier buildings. Back to hotel for lunch break (lunch is under guest's own account). Afternoon, enjoy a drive to the rural outskirt 35km from Angkor area to visit the smallest, but magnificent, Banteay Srei built in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art remaining. The pink sandstone structure bears a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women for the details are too fine for the hands of a man. Return to town with a stop with shopping opportunities at Artisans D’Angkor studios carving and silk. Transfer back to your hotel for evening at leisure.

Overnight at Raffle Grand D'Angkor hotel/ State room (B)

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