Mekong Delta & Cambodia
Saigon (Ex 1) Vietnam - Thu 19th March 2015

The best way to see the Mekong Delta is by boat and after our private bus trip from Saigon to Cai Be, we join ours. As we cruise the canals, rivers and backwaters of the Delta, we’ll discover how the local people lead their lives and go about their daily

business. We’ll cruise past a congested flotilla of boats selling all manner of fruit and vegetables at Cai Be’s floating market. We’ll visit some family-run industries, which include a rice paper, popcorn, popped rice & coconut candy factory. Continuing our journey on the river, we arrive at a simple local restaurant situated on an island in the middle of the Mekong River for lunch, which includes the Mekong Delta’s famous “Elephant Ear Fish”, as well as a number of other Mekong specialties. The boat trip finishes in Vinh Long where we meet the bus again and continue driving to Chau Doc, arriving in the late afternoon. We say goodbye to our local Vietnamese Guide here and your Adventurous Women ® ™ Tour Manager, will accompany you on your journey to Phnom Penh.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: 17th March Chau Doc - Phnom Penh

After early breakfast,

we’re transferred to the pier where we take the speedboat to Phnom Penh.

Upon arrival Phnom Penh boat pier, a local Cambodian guide will meet us and transfer us to our hotel. After freshening up, we take a tour of this colorful, chaotic, optimistic and always fascinating city, where there are a wealth of riverside eateries, bustling markets and historical sites, both tragic and inspiring to discover. The bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge is a painful, but unavoidable part of Cambodia’s recent history and visits to the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum, along with the Killing Fields tell the story of this legacy. (Note: These sites are a major part of sightseeing in Phnom Penh, however … if you do not wish to visit either of them, please inform your tour leader, as there are alternatives)

Day 4: 18th March Phnom Penh – Siem Reap

We leave Phnom Penh this morning heading north by private vehicle and make our way to Siem Reap. We roughly travel around the Tônlé Sap River which flows into the shallow Tônlé Sap Lake, the largest of South-East Asia’s lakes. After a couple of hours north of Phnom Penh, we will make a stop at the town of Skuon, where the local delicacy is fried spiders! We then continue our way to Siem Reap.

Having checked into your hotel, the remainder of the day is free at your own leisure for personal exploration.

Siem Reap is the former capital of the great Khmer Empire and now a town full of ambling lanes full of stalls proffering local food and interesting handicrafts which will have you mentally trying to find more room in your suitcase. Around the town itself, there are many dining options available, from international restaurants to hidden Cambodian culinary gems. Pub Street (and the surrounding alleys) in the evening offer a wide variety of restaurants and bars to choose from… The Night Market for some great souvenir shopping or perhaps a “Dr Fish” massage.
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: 19th March - Siem Reap/Angkor Wat

We start early and head out to the awe inspiring Angkor Wat to view the sunrise. Erected in the 12th century, Angkor Wat stands as a powerful symbol of Cambodia, and built in the high classical style of Khmer architecture will perhaps form the centerpiece of your memories, long after you have returned home. The sun rises from behind the 5 towers of the temple and even though it's a busy time, we can always find our own little quiet corner to escape the crowds and appreciate the moment. We bring a packed breakfast and stay at Angkor, while the majority of visitors return to their hotels for breakfast. We then take a detailed tour of one of the largest religious monuments anywhere in the world.

Leaving Angkor Wat behind. we drive towards the main temple complex where we stop at Ta Prohm. Ta Prohm is one of the highlights, giant trees spread their roots across the temples giving the impression that nature is very much in control. It is definitely one of the most atmospheric temples in the country! Our exploration of Angkor continues in the afternoon as we visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom, built by the most prolific of all temple builders King Jayaverman VII. Saving the best for last, we visit the Bayon, Angkor’s most moving temple. We time our visit when most other visitors have departed to encourage a truly magical experience! We end our afternoon with the sunset view before we return to our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: 20th March Siem Reap – Departure

The morning is left free for personal exploration or relaxation, until your transfer to the airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Cost Per Person based on a minimum of 4 travellers in Twin Share Accommodation:

Adventure Club Financial Member - AU$810.00

General Public - AU$910.00

Inclusions:

• Accommodation as mentioned in the program, based on Twin Room with breakfast.

• Meals as indicated in itinerary

• Adventurous Women ® ™ Tour Manager & English speaking local tour leaders in Vietnam & Cambodia

• Tours, transfers and all services as mentioned in the itinerary. Departure Transfer based on preferred same group departure flight only.

• Services of a driver and Private air-conditioned vehicles during all tours and transfers.

• Speedboat Chau Doc – Phnom Penh

• Entrance fees for all sites visited

Not Included:

• International flights from Australia to Vietnam and return from Cambodia
  Any other meals not mentioned above.

• Personal expenses are such as laundry, telephone, drinks, camera and video fees, etc....

• Tips for guide, and other services

• Personal insurance

• Cambodia visa

NO PRINCESS POLICY - This tour by it's very nature is not designed for the 5 Star Traveller. It is for the girl who has an 'adventurous spirit' and is looking for a unique and rewarding 'experience' (Once in a Lifetime)! You should be able to adopt a "Go With The Flow" attitude, after-all we are in a foreign country and things don't always go to plan...this will help you chill out and therefore get the best out of your holiday. You will also need to be mobile without assistance - some of the sights require you to be on your feet, navigating steps and uneven surfaces at times. We also have a couple of walks as part of this tour - these walks can be achieved by anyone with a general level of fitness, but again mobility is the key, as with all of our tours.