Steeped in history, discover an assortment of ancient treasures at the awe inspiring Angkor Wat complex and experience breath-taking panoramas in the heart of Halong Bay's azure waters.
Dinner
Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel to relax.
If you are arranging your own international flights, free airport transfers are available and included in the price. Transfers need to be booked with us at least two weeks before the tour starts and you will need to provide your inbound and outbound flight details.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, embark on a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Wat complex; a stunning example of enduring devotion to the gods, this grandiose temple has been in constant use since its construction in 1112. Flanked by a commanding row of 54 stone figures, enter the South Gate of the Angkor Thom and visit the mesmerising gothic towers of Bayon and later the Baphuon, Phimeanakas and the Elephant Terrace. Following lunch, uncover the mystical Ta Prohm temple, partially engulfed by the jungle's burgeoning canopy, before enjoying a farewell dinner and traditional Apsara dance performance.
Optional early morning departure (roughly 04:30am) to see the sunrise at Angkor Wat. After, return to the hotel for breakfast and then head back to explore Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. If you choose not to do the sunrise visit, you will join the rest of the group for the second visit instead.
Breakfast
Take some time to relax, shop and discover the street life in Cambodia's most pleasant tourist town.
Breakfast & Dinner
Begin your day with a morning transfer from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh. Upon Arrival in Phonm Penh immerse yourself in regal grandeur at the Cambodian King's residence; the ornately gilded Khmer roofs of the Royal Palace majestically rub shoulders with the neighbouring lavish Silver Pagoda. Later in the day, boasting one of Cambodia's largest collections of Khmer art dating from the prehistoric era through to the present day, wander through the National Museum's fascinating exhibition of Cambodian history, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Breakfast & Dinner
Following breakfast, a moving tour of the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek explores the reality of Cambodia's troubled past. Although inconceivable to comprehend the harrowing events which once unfolded here, these excursions illustrate imperative pieces of Cambodia's historical puzzle. Pay your respects to the victims of the Pol Pot regime at Choeung Ek's poignant Buddhist memorial before travelling to Chau Doc this evening.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, you are free to relax at the hotel Afternoon, transfer to Can Tho city. Check in hotel and dinner at the local restaurant
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Experience a hive of activity upon Can Tho's crowded canals this morning. The Cai Rang floating market is packed with an enormous array of vibrant fruit and vegetables to feast your eyes upon. Continue on to Ben Tre and stop at a traditional brickwork site to witness how bricks are still made by hand using time-honored techniques. Venture onwards, absorbing tranquil vistas along the enchanting Mekong, and head towards a local fruit garden where you will be able to taste local fruits while listening to some traditional music.
Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, discover the extraordinary underground Cu Chi tunnel network, spanning an astonishing 75 miles; famously housing hospitals, living quarters and weapon factories during the Vietnam war, these restricted passageways were used as the main base of operations by the Viet Cong. This afternoon, enjoy some time at leisure in the centre of cosmopolitan Saigon.
Breakfast
Start the day with a half day tour of Saigon. The tour begins at the War Remnants Museum; presenting a collection of retired artillery and weaponry artefacts, explore the harrowing exhibits which highlight the grim realities of the Vietnam War. Next, head towards the distinctive neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and adjacent Saigon Post Office. Finally, experience a hive of activity amidst the vibrant market stalls of Ben Thanh Market. In the afternoon fly to Hoi An
Breakfast & Dinner
Formerly one of Southeast Asia's chief ports and a UNESCO registered ancient town. Discover a labyrinth of riverside streets strewn with perfectly preserved Japanese merchant houses and Chinese tea warehouses. Explore this easily navigable town at leisure in the morning before joining a city tour in the afternoon, visiting the 17th century Japanese Pagoda Bridge. After the tour sample some of the street food in Hoi An Ancient Town including Cao Lau Noodles, White Rose Cake, Fried Wonton Dumplings, Chicken Rice and Fried Banana Cake.
Breakfast
Today, experience Hoi An's charming character during a day at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning transfer to Hanoi. Begin today's tour at the distinctive Presidential Palace. Wander through pristinely manicured botanical gardens to uncover Ho Chi Minh's modestly sized house on stilts, nestled amongst the tranquillity of this rural oasis. From here, journey to Hanoi's emblematic One Pillar Pagoda and the 10th Century Temple of Literature before embarking on a street food tour, where you can sample Dried Beef Mannequin, Hanoi bread and Kebab Rice Noodles, as well as the delightful flavours of Egg-milk coffee within the vibrant Dong Xuan Market.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Glide across the emerald waters of the UNESCO listed Halong Bay and experience a vision of extraordinary beauty, snaking past a landscape of scattered islands, limestone karsts and enchanting grottoes. Anchoring at the mouth of a secluded cove, disembark for the unique opportunity to swim in the azure waters, before spending a relaxing night in the midst of Halong Bay.
Depending on the weather and which beaches can be accessed, there is an opportunity to climb up the side of Titov Mountain and witness an impressive view over Halong Bay. There are roughly 450 steps to reach the top. This is optional and not a guaranteed activity, but if you do wish to do it, then please pack suitable shoes just in case.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Awake to the serene sounds of lapping water and relish in a fresh morning breeze, as you slowly sail towards port whilst tucking into a delicious breakfast. Transfer back to Hanoi to continue your tour of Hanoi starting at the Hoa Lo Prison known by American POWs as the Hanoi Hilton and then to enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Performance in the evening.
Breakfast
Enjoy a morning at leisure before departing for your flight home or chosen extension.
If you are arranging your own international flights, free airport transfers are available and included in the price. Transfers need to be booked with us at least two weeks before the tour starts and you will need to provide your inbound and outbound flight details.
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The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Cambodia visa requirements
You must have a visa to enter Cambodia as a visitor. Tourist visas are valid for 30 days from the date of entry into Cambodia. Make sure your passport is stamped on arrival and keep the departure form. If you lose your departure form, you’ll need to contact immigration officials before you leave the country to make alternative arrangements.
You must apply for your visa at least 4 days in advance using the link https://www.evisa.gov.kh/ . The cost of this is approximately USD $37 per person. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries.
You must also fill out an e-arrival card. All travellers must complete and submit online within 7 days prior to arrival. Details should be entered on this link https://arrival.gov.kh/ . Upon successful completion, you'll receive a unique QR code that must be presented at immigration upon arrival.
Passports must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry. However, we strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
Vietnam visa requirements
A visa is not required for stays up to 45 days for British Passport holders. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. Passports must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry and a minimum of 2 blank pages. However, we strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights, climb stairs and get on and off coaches and boats. The tour pace of Vietnam and Cambodia Explorer is rated as Intermediate. A good level of fitness is required as you may be on your feet for approximately four hours in a day, though this will be interspersed with regular breaks and will vary from day to day. You will be walking around the sights, getting on and off coaches, boats and climbing steps which may be irregular. You will stay in variety of hotels throughout the tour. Our guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.
The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong, known as VND. You can exchange your currency in Vietnam, however, US Dollars are widely accepted in Vietnam should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in local currency. Money can be exchanged at the airport or branches of government banks. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels and some shops and restaurants.
The currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHM). We recommend that you take some US Dollars (USD) with you and exchange this currency whilst you are travelling. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in local currency.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels.
You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry, any meals not included in the itinerary as well as drinks and any additional snacks. Approximately £200- £300 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour.
Tipping is not compulsory and is at your discretion. However, Should you wish to tip we recommend you tip your guide approx. USD $4 per person per day and your driver approx. USD $2 per person per day. Please note tips on the cruise ships are not included either and would recommend USD $2 per person per day. Additionally, If you want to tip your Bell boy, porter, Boat Crew etc this is up to your discretion. An additional $15 tip is recommended at the Vietnam and Cambodia border.
This is a fully escorted tour meaning that you will be met by a local guide in each of the cities that you visit, ensuring that you always have first-hand knowledge.
Private Tour: If you have booked a private tour then you will be accompanied by a Driver Guide or a Driver and Local Guides. These will be available to you during all scheduled sightseeing. Private Tours can depart on any day of the week depending on flight and train schedules and the opening days of the attractions. They will follow the itinerary as described in the brochure unless you have been advised otherwise and you will still have all of the same meals, sightseeing and local excursions included.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and Vietnam. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs. Due to your flights landing early in the morning on arrival day we have arranged an early check in for you so you can freshen up before your tour commences.
Boats
During this tour you will be boarding various vessels. Cabins come with en suite facilities and air conditioning. However room size can be restrictive, If you would like to take a smaller overnight bag on to the ships this can be arranged by leaving your larger luggage on your tour bus overnight at your own risk. There will also be a trip on a motor boat to cross the Cambodian border. Please note this is a shared boat which is open at the back, it does not have air conditioning and usually holds 1 toilet for passengers. The Border crossing can take up to 2 hours.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information. Vegan, vegetarian options are available, all meal requests need to be sent over to our suppliers before travel.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way, so to ensure your comfort and well-being, two bottles of drinking water will be provided on touring days.
If you are travelling within the below Vietnamese and Cambodian Public Holidays, please note that celebrations can last several days and during these times some businesses will be closed. Coach, air, and train travel may also be affected. Tourist attractions will generally remain open but may be crowded. In Vietnam, key holidays include Tet Holiday (between January and February), International Labour Day (1st May), Reunification Day (30th April), and National Independence Day (2nd September). In Cambodia, major public holidays include Khmer New Year (typically in April), Pchum Ben (usually in September or October), and the Water Festival (held in November). During these times, the atmosphere can be lively with various cultural celebrations taking place across both countries.
During visits to Churches/Temples please note both men and women need to wear long trousers or skirts to cover knees, Tops with sleeve’s should be worn to cover shoulders.
On your arrival in Hanoi you will be met by a representative from our local agent, LV Travel, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/ LV Travel representative will show you to your transfer vehicle.
Please find below the emergency contact details for LV Travel head office, Hanoi.
Contact Telephone number: Anna Hanh Office: 0084 865 016 939, Mr Len Office: 0084 989 200 116, Emergency cases: 0084 888713289
24 hour e-mail: operation@lvtravel.vn or len@lvtravel.vn
