Roam Cambodia & Vietnam

Day 1: Bangkok

Today is arrival day so there are no activities planned. You are free to relax, explore the city & adjust to the frenetic pace and humid heat of Bangkok.

Day 2-3: Siem Reap/Angkor Wat (2B)

After breakfast on day 2, we leave Bangkok and make way on the long journey to Siem Reap, Cambodia. It will take us approximately 4 hours to travel from Bangkok to the border. It is possible to get your Cambodian visa at the border - ask your CEO for details. Once at the border, we will disembark with our luggage and cross the border by foot. This process can take up to an hour or more so please pack your patience. After the border formalities are complete, we meet our Cambodian bus and continue on to Siem Reap. The scenery is spectacular and the contrast between Thailand and Cambodia is immediate.

Day 4-5: Phnom Penh (2B)

On day 4, we journey by local bus to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. After a brief walking orientation tour from your CEO, you are free to explore Phnom Penh. Sights you might choose to visit this afternoon include the National Museum and adjacent complex of the Silver Pagoda and Royal Palace. After 1975, when Pol Pot and his henchmen took power, Cambodia was thrown into an abyss of unspeakable violence and mass-murder. Millions of Cambodians perished during this time. Witness to this genocide are the Killing fields of Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng prison. A Tuk Tuk can be hired locally to take you there, or your CEO can organise a bus and private guide for the group. You may also wish to explore town or go shopping at the famous Russian Market.

Day 6-7: Sihanoukville

We travel by public bus to Cambodia's southern coast and the beaches of Sihanoukville. Time to relax on the white sand while perhaps enjoying a massage and eating fresh seafood, or why not join a boat trip for a day of snorkelling and lunch on an uninhabited island.

Day 8: Mekong Delta

This morning we make our way to the Cambodia/Vietnam border. After driving for approximately 2 hours, we'll stop for a break in Kampot, an attractive riverside Cambodian town, well-known for the quality of its local pepper. It's approximately another 2 hours to reach the Vietnamese the border. The border crossing requires you to walk approx 150 meters on a flat road with your bags into Vietnam where our private bus will be waiting for us.

Day 9-10: Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast on day 9, we head to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) a journey which will take most of the day. This evening, why not head to one of the rooftop bars such as the Rex Hotel, one of the classic colonial Saigon institutions, where there is often live music.

Day 11-12: Nha Trang

We arrive in Nha Trang in the morning with plenty of time for you to explore the local shops and markets, relax on the beach soaking up the sun or visit nearby historical sites. Optional activities in Nha Trang include a boat trip to nearby islands for snorkeling, or perhaps a fun filled all day beach party. On the evening of day 12 we take the second of our overnight trains in Vietnam to Danang.

Day 13-14 Hoi An (B)

From Danang, it is only short drive to the picturesque port town of Hoi An. Once known as Faifo, it was an important trading town with strong south Chinese influence and connections. Take a self guided walking tour of this living museum whose main sights includes the Museum of History and Culture, the Tan Ky house, the Japanese bridge, the Fujian Assembly Hall and lunch at a riverside restaurant to sample some of the delicious local delicacies and fusion food at the restaurants for which Hoi An is becoming famous. This is a great place to sign up for a cooking class. You might consider heading off on an optional bicycle tour to visit the beautiful countryside surrounding Hoi An. Hoi An is a shopping mecca. Tailors can produce virtually any item of clothing you may wish for overnight at extremely reasonable prices, and silk lanterns, lacquer ware and many other crafts abound. It is also the centre of modern art in Vietnam. For sun worshipers, Cua Dai Beach is 4kms from town- a great flat bike ride away. Add in lots of fun bars into the mix and this really is a town that has it all and trust us, you'll have trouble tearing yourself away! Our hotel is located approximately ten minutes walk from Hoi An downtown. All hotel rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. The hotel also has swimming pool. Approx Travel Time: Danang to Hoi An, 45 minutes by private mini van.

Day 15-16 Hue (B)

We continue our journey north to the city of Hue. A snack and toilet break will be taken approximately 1 hour into our ride at the Hai Van Pass where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. When in Hue, options include visiting the former Royal Citadel, modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing,and once the home to the Nguyen Emperors. Don't miss a visit to the seven tiered Tien Mu Pagoda and try to fit in a visit to at least one of the tombs of the former rulers of Vietnam, located here in the quiet countryside, all of which are like self contained mini palaces. A true highlight of Hue is the surrounding countryside and cycling is a great way to get out and experience this while checking out the sights. On the late evening of Day 16 we will travel by sleeper train from Hue to Hanoi. Our hotel is centrally located in town and is very convenient to explore the city. All hotel rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning. The hotel has internet, with a computer available for passengers at the lobby. Approx travel time: Day 15, Hoi An to Hue, 4 hours on a private bus. Day 16, Overnight sleeper train Hue to Hanoi, approximately 14 hours.

Day 17 Halong Bay/ Bai Chay Harbour (1L)

We arrive in the early morning to bustling Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. After meeting our local guide we transfer to a private bus and make our way to the beautiful and famous Halong Bay. Thousands of islands rise dramatically from the waters of the Bay and, to further their beauty, intricate cave systems naturally exist throughout these limestone karst formations. Aboard a sailing junk we'll enjoy a seafood lunch and a visit to one of the islands and caves before transferring to the mainland for our overnight stay. Our hotel is located on the Bay Chai beach front with great views of Halong Bay. Our hotel has internet in the lobby with one public computer being available for travelers. All hotel rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning. Approx travel time: Ha Noi to Halong Bay, approx 4 hours.

Days 18-19 Hanoi (B)

After breakfast, we'll transfer back to Hanoi. Upon arrival some of your options include visits to the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu) or Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Museum. The Mausoleum houses the remains of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of the unified Vietnam (closed October-November). Don't miss taking a walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter – a maze of streets, each one traditionally devoted to a different product or industry. Follow this up with a walk around nearby Hoan Kiem lake and see if you can spot one of the famous 100 year old turtles which may still live within its murky waters. In the evening you have an option to attend a performance at the famous Water Puppets and sample some of Hanoi's amazing eating venues. Ask your CEO to tell you about the local Northern delicacies. Our hotel in Hanoi is located in the Old Quarter some 20 minutes walk to Hoan Kiem Lake, the centre of Hanoi. Make sure you grab the map and hotel card before you leave the hotel. All hotel rooms are double or twin share with air conditioning and en suite bathroom. Computer, wifi and internet cable are available. Approx Travel Time: Ha Long Bay to Ha Noi, approximately 4 hours.

Day 20 Hanoi (B)

You can depart at any time today. Please note that the hotel check out time is 12pm midday. We look forward to receiving your evaluation regarding this tour itinerary and your CEO's performance. We value your input into what we could improve to make this trip even better and of course love hearing about what we are already doing well! You will be sent a post tour email on your return with details on how to go on line and fill in this simple form. Thank you so much in advance. Some of your group will most likely continue traveling through Laos with G Adventures. If you are interested in ongoing travel in Laos have a look at the following trip on our website: Roam Laos and Thailand http://www.gadventures.com/trips/roam-laos-and-thailand/AVRL/2012/