Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights

13 Days | Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City

from $7,395pp* twin share

Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights

APT – Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights

Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City: 13 days / 12-night Classic Journey + River Cruise

Ship Mekong Serenity / Visit 12 places, two countries

From $7,395pp* twin share

Save up to $3,000 per couple*

Experience Angkor Archaeological Park, delicious food, Buddhist culture, war history, unspoilt rural villages and bustling cities.

Signature Experiences
– Enjoy VIP seats and engage with the performers of Phare Circus backstage.
– Visit ODA, Opportunities of Development Thru Art, a OneTomorrow partner.
– Witness the sun rising above Cambodia’s magnificent Angkor Wat.
– Treat yourself to a private visit to Theam’s Gallery, dine on a tantalising Khmer dinner and watch a traditional Apsara dance.
– Journey by local tuk tuk around a riverside village.
– Be welcomed into a Buddhist blessing by resident monks at a local monastery.
– Travel by speedboat along the Saigon River to the Cu Chi tunnels.
– Meet a Master Distiller at a gin distillery during a private tour and tasting.
– Dine at the highly awarded Vietnam House in Ho Chi Minh City.

Note: *Prices subject to change. Terms and conditions apply.

An Electronic Visa is required for entry into Vietnam & Cambodia. Please visit CIBT Visas for more information or contact your travel agent for further details.

Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap

FREEDOM OF CHOICE

Tonight, take the opportunity to savour a taste of Cambodia with a choice of local restaurants for dinner.

Welcome to Siem Reap. Be met on arrival and transfer to your luxurious hotel in the heart of the city. Once you’ve settled in, enjoy the day at your leisure. Tonight, choose from a selection of local restaurants for your dining experience.

Stay: Three Nights, Siem Reap, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

Included meals: Dinner

Day 2: Siem Reap

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Be welcomed backstage at Phare Circus to meet some of the performers and witness a mesmerising performance from your VIP seats. Combining captivating acrobatics, theatre and storytelling, this unforgettable spectacle showcases the country’s rich culture and talent.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Visit ODA, Opportunities of Development through Art, a OneTomorrow partner.

Begin your exploration of the World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park with a visit to Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. Built during the heyday of the Empire in the 12th century, this is an extraordinary complex of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Head to the intriguing Bayon Temple, with its carved stone smiling faces of gods, goddesses, and other mythological beings. Visit the Terrace of Elephants, which used to be the base for the king’s grand audience hall and the Terrace of the Leper King, which housed the royal crematory.

Journey to Ta Prohm, known for the thick jungle of fig trees and vines that have enveloped the structure, giving it a lost world feel. Commonly referred to as the ‘Tomb Raider temple’ due to it being used as a location in the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider which starred Angelina Jolie, Ta Prohm is a captivating glimpse into the past and testament to a bygone era. En route to the hotel, enjoy your Signature Experiences.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Siem Reap

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Visit Angkor Archaeological Park to witness a spectacular sunrise at the magnificent Angkor Wat. Observe the iconic temple complex shimmer in the reflective ponds in front of this World Heritage-listed monument, while brilliant shades of orange and pink light up the sky.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Treat yourself to a private visit to Theam’s Gallery and discover this talented Cambodian artist known for his unique sculptures, paintings, and intricate crafts. Indulge in a tantalising five-course Khmer dinner, while enjoying a traditional Apsara dance performance accompanied by live musicians.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE

Perhaps enjoy an exciting tuk tuk ride to the Senteurs d’Angkor workshop, where you can shop for local handmade crafts. Should you wish to get active, take off on a thrilling quad bike adventure, or enjoy a leisurely bicycle tour across the Cambodian countryside. If you want to take things a little easier, a horse and cart ride is ideal, or learn the tasty secrets to Khmer cuisine during a cooking class. For those craving a little retail therapy, a shopping adventure awaits. Or if you desire the ultimate indulgence, surrender to a soothing spa treatment.

Rise early this morning and travel back to Angkor Archaeological Park for a special Signature Experience. Afterwards, join a guided exploration of this well-preserved temple, then return to your hotel for breakfast. This afternoon, set out on your Freedom of Choice activity. Tonight, your Signature Experience awaits. Set amid a stunning garden, this promises to be an enchanting and memorable evening.

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Embark Ship, Koh Pen, Angkor Ban

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Journey by local tuk tuk around a riverside village and gain an insight of village life. Travel along the shaded lanes, past stilted houses and see a varying range of crops growing.

Bid farewell to Siem Reap and journey through remote Cambodian villages to Kampong Cham. Here, embark the Mekong Serenity, your home for the next seven nights. Following lunch on board, discover the island of Koh Pen with its stilted houses and local farming culture during your Signature Experience. You can see a varying range of crops growing depending on the season, including tobacco, betel nuts, watermelons, coconuts and many more tropical fruits. Tonight, as you sail towards Angkor Ban, a welcome dinner showcasing the diverse flavours of the region awaits.

Stay: Seven Nights, Mekong River, Mekong Serenity

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Angkor Ban, Oknha Tey, Phnom Penh

Take a walking discovery tour of Angkor Ban, one of the few villages in Cambodia that was not destroyed under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Here, people still live in their traditional wooden abodes and keep ancient cultural traditions alive. Later, your ship glides along the lush banks of the Mekong to Oknha Tey, renowned for its silk weaving traditions. Stroll among the stilt houses and gain an insight into the traditional silk weaving process. Watch as the village women create beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms. In the afternoon continue to sail along the Mekong and enjoy some time at leisure. Have a dip in the pool or relax on the Sun Deck.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Phnom Penh

FREEDOM OF CHOICE

Experience some of Cambodia’s sobering history with a moving excursion to the infamous Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Otherwise, discover Phnom Penh on a cyclo ride to uncover some well-known sights. History buffs can admire the exhibits at the National Museum, or perhaps explore the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Or you may wish to set off on a journey to sample some locally brewed beers at two of the city’s craft breweries.

Today presents a wealth of included sightseeing choices. After lunch back on board, you may wish to explore Phnom Penh independently or simply relax.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

In Oudong, be treated to a Buddhist Blessing by monks at a local monastery.

Disembark in Phnom Penh and discover Oudong, a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians. While here, enjoy a Signature Experience. On the way back to your ship, take a leisurely stroll through the village of Koh Chen and visit some home workshops that make copperware. The afternoon is yours to explore Phnom Penh as you wish.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Phnom Penh, Border Crossing, Tan Chau

Enjoy the day cruising towards the Vietnamese border. While border formalities are carried out, enjoy the onboard activities, which could include a lively presentation from your local guides, a fruit-carving demonstration, or even a cooking workshop where you will learn the art of creating Vietnamese spring rolls.

Alternatively, relax your body with a rejuvenating treatment from the Spa and Wellness Centre. Cross into Vietnam and cruise to the riverside town of Tan Chau, the first stop after the border.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Tan Chau, Evergreen Island, Sa Dec

Transfer to a small boat for a journey along the tiny tributaries that snake around the riverside town of Tan Chau. Cruise past a floating fish farm, then step ashore for a rickshaw tour of Tan Chau. On board your rickshaw, you’ll glide past small shops, and meet locals who are always eager to say hello. Stop to pay a visit to a local silk and rattan weaving workshop. Later, step back in time during a visit to Evergreen Island, where you’ll experience authentic rural Mekong life. The remainder of today is left free for you to relax and take a moment to watch local life gently glide by as you cruise towards Sa Dec.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Sa Dec, Cai Be, My Tho

Journey towards Sa Dec by small tender boat where French writer Marguerite Duras met her Vietnamese-Chinese lover, Huynh Thuy Le. Tour his former home and learn the story behind Marguerite Duras’ best-selling novel, The Lover. Later, pay a visit to a traditional Cao Dai temple. Watch visitors and pilgrims come and go and appreciate the beauty of the building. Return to the ship and sit down to a delicious lunch while you cruise towards Cai Be. Board your tender boat and step ashore to visit the French Gothic cathedral and the colourful port area filled with crumbling colonial buildings and flowering gardens. Afterwards, you’ll visit a rice paper manufacturer and learn about how this Vietnamese staple is made. Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner on board as you cruise towards your final stop My Tho.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: My Tho, Disembark Ship, Ho Chi Minh City

FREEDOM OF CHOICE

Today you can choose to enjoy a leisurely walking discovery of Ho Chi Minh City, or you might like to jump on the back of a motorbike for an exciting city ride. Alternatively, you may like to try out your culinary skills with a fun cooking class or embark on a shopping spree.

Disembark in My Tho and continue to Ho Chi Minh City, once the bustling French colonial city known as Saigon. A range of Freedom of Choice options await today before sitting down to dinner.

Stay: Two Nights, Ho Chi Minh City, Park Hyatt Saigon

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Journey by speedboat to the Cu Chi Tunnels which were built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the war.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Meet a Master Distiller at Lady Trieu Gin Distillery and enjoy a private tasting.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Savour dinner at the highly acclaimed restaurant Vietnam House, and enjoy a special cocktail designed specifically for APT.

Leave the city behind and relish in your Signature Experiences today. Tonight, your dinner is another Signature Experience.

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy breakfast before you will be transferred to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.

Included meals: Breakfast

Vietnam & Cambodia 2024-2026 VEM13

Inclusions

Experiences in 12 destinations
Freedom of Choice inclusions in three locations
Locally inspired dining – a total of 31 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
Seven-night cruise aboard APT’s new luxury river ship, the Mekong Serenity
Witness the sun rising above Cambodia’s Angkor Wat
Be welcomed by monks into a traditional Buddhist Blessing
Enjoy VIP seats and meet the performers of Phare Circus backstage
Dine on a specially selected multicourse fusion meal at the highly awarded Vietnam House in Ho Chi Minh City

Terms & Conditions

Our professional services are available for the purchase of any type of travel, however the following charges apply:

1. Administration Planning Service

Should a detailed itinerary/quote be requested a non-refundable planning fee will be charged per itinerary, as per the Schedule of Fees, prior to each itinerary being prepared.

2. Itinerary/Reservation Cancellation

The itinerary/reservation deposit is payable at the time the reservation is requested and is in addition to any deposit fees charged by the tour operator/airline or other travel supplier. The itinerary/reservation deposit is non-refundable BUT if you proceed with the booking, the amount of the itinerary/reservation deposit will be credited against the final amount payable. If you do not proceed with or subsequently cancel the booking, the itinerary/reservation deposit is non-refundable and is in addition to cancellation fees imposed by travel principals and Southside World Travel.

3. Amendments

Any changes made to a confirmed, deposited or finalised booking prior to departure will attract an amendment fee as per the Schedule of Fees, plus any communications costs incurred in securing further confirmations.

4. Visa, Re-entry Permits etc.

A fee, as detailed in the Schedule of Fees, inclusive of registration postage and/or courier fees is payable in addition to any Government and/or Consular fees.

5. Extraordinary Costs

In the unlikely event we are unable to meet your requirements through our normal booking process or you request a late booking which requires urgent attention, we will let you know. If you wish us to continue with the booking any additional costs as notified to you, such as telephone and other communication expenses, courier charges, any associated bank costs for urgent remittance of funds, etc. will be payable by the client.

6. Insurance

We may ask you to sign a declaration if you do not accept our recommendation that you affect travel insurance. Travel insurance provides cover when the premium is paid and the policy issued, and so should be taken out as soon as any deposit or payment is made.

In the event that you elect to take out insurance with another provider (not supplied by us), the following fees will apply when providing documentation for any claim:

Administration fee for Insurance

Domestic: from $75.00 per person

Asia Pacific: from $110.00 per person

International from $150.00 per person*

7. GST Provision

If a goods and services tax (GST) or similar tax is or becomes payable in respect of any supply made to you under this agreement, then in addition to the fee payable, you must pay the amount of GST payable in respect of that fee. The GST is payable at the same time and in the same manner as the fee or at such later time as Southside World Travel may request.

SCHEDULE OF FEES (including GST)

Please note: Any fees that apply to your booking will be documented in your quote and confirmation letter.

Itinerary Planning Fee / Reservation Deposit

from $150.00

*Itinerary/reservation deposit taken off final balance

Should a detailed itinerary/quote be requested with flight times and availability, combined with a tour or accommodation component, a non-refundable planning fee will be charged prior to each itinerary/reservation being prepared.

Itinerary / Reservation Cancellation Fee

from $150.00

* In addition to fees charged by operators

* Cancellation Fee once travel is paid in full – from 10% of total value of trip (see your travel insurance policy)

Airfare Ticketing Fees

Domestic: from $75.00 per person

Asia Pacific: from $110.00 per person

International: from $150.00 per person*

*Dependent on destination and routing

Amendment Fees

Domestic: from $75.00 per person

Asia Pacific: from $110.00 per person

International: from $150.00 per person*

*Per amendment after payment of deposits and in addition to fees charged by operator

Frequent Flyer Bookings

Domestic: from $75.00 per person

Asia Pacific: from $110.00 per person

International: from $150.00 per person*

*Only applies where Southside World Travel processes Frequent Flyer Bookings on behalf of clients

Payment

Our preferred method of payment is by direct deposit or credit card. We use TravelPay to process all credit and debit card transactions.

Payment by credit card/debit cards to suppliers MAY incur a surcharge between 1.0% and 3.0% (ask your consultant for details). Credit card payments made to Southside World Travel (via Travelpay) will incur a surcharge as follows:

– Mastercard/Debit Card – 1.4%
– Visa Card/Debit Card – 1.6%
– Amex Card – 2.2%

*Credit Card/Debit Cards refunds require 5 x business working days to process.

*Personal cheques take 5 x business working days to clear.

Responsibility Clause

All coupons, vouchers, receipts and tickets are issued subject to the terms and conditions specified by the suppliers. By accepting the coupon, vouchers, tickets and utilizing our services, you agree that, apart from certain rights you have under the Trade Practices Act, neither Southside World Travel nor any subsidiary company or representative, shall be liable for any loss, injury or damage to you or your belongings or otherwise arising in any way of our services to you.

Your travel consultant will advise you on passport and visa requirements, but it is your responsibility to ensure you comply with these regulations before travelling.