Follow the Mekong

Take a colourful journey of a lifetime through South East Asia's verdant lands, experiencing unforgettable must-see highlights. This extraordinary tour begins amid the excitement, noise and kaleidoscopic wonder of the Thai capital, Bangkok. After the chance to see the River Kwai, you'll journey into Cambodia, to explore the Khmer citadel of Angkor Thom, discover the vast serenity of Angkor Wat, and the palaces and museums of the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh. A scenic boat journey through the Mekong Delta brings you to Ho Chi Minh City – formerly and famously Saigon – a fitting finale to this wonderful tour of South East Asia.

Highlights

Bangkok's Buddhas, palaces and monuments
A visit to the floating markets at Damnoen Saduak and Cai Rang
A visit to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon)
Journey along the Mekong River by fast passenger boat
A scenic journey to the Cambodian border and French colonial Battambang
Cruise across Tonlé Sap – South East Asia’s ‘Great Lake’
Two full days at Siem Reap, including a visit to the temples at Angkor Wat
A city tour of the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh
A chance to see the infamous Cu Chi tunnel complex, a former Viet Cong hideaway

Inclusions

12 nights' bed and breakfast accommodation at a series of four-star hotels in Bangkok (3 nights), Battambang (1), Siem Reap (3), Phnom Penh (1), Chaudoc (1), Cantho (1) and Ho Chi Minh City (2), plus two nights on the aircraft
Eight lunches and seven dinners
Return flights on to Bangkok (returning from Ho Chi Minh City)
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach and boat travel and transfers
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Day 1

Begin your holiday with an overnight flight to Bangkok.

Day 2

Arrive in Bangkok, meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel. Spend your afternoon relaxing and enjoying the hotel's facilities, or head out to begin exploring the city.

Day 3

Immerse yourself in Thai culture, today, on a full-day sightseeing tour. Your first stop will be the colourful floating markets at Damnoen Saduak. Watch as the locals buy fresh produce from the traders on the boats, then head back into Bangkok for a guided tour. See the Royal Island, where the Grand Palace adjoins the Wat Phra Kaew temple with its Emerald Buddha, as well as the less formal Wat Pho temple, home to the gigantic Reclining Buddha.

Day 4

Relax in Bangkok, or perhaps join today's optional River Kwai and the Death Railway excursion. Travel by train, through a fascinating landscape of rice fields and sugar-cane plantations and into the Thai jungle, to Nam Tok Sai Yok Noi. Enjoy lunch, and visit Kanchanaburi's beautifully-tended war cemeteries as well as the various museums connected with this area's tragic WWII history, the construction of the Death Railway and the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai.

Day 5

An early start sees you journey, through a stunning rural landscape barely changed in centuries, to the border at Psar Phrum, where you'll cross into Cambodia. Formalities completed, you'll begin the second part of your adventure with the short journey to the elegant French colonial city of Battambang.

Day 6

Today you'll travel to Wat Ek Phnom, a pre-Angkor Period temple situated on the banks of the Sandker River. Later, you'll visit the Cambodia Peace Gallery where you'll learn about Cambodia’s journey from war towards peace reconciliation. Continue to the colourful market town of Siem Reap, home to the archaeological Angkor National Museum and your gateway to the incredible temple complex of Angkor Thom.

Day 7

Today, you’ll be driven to the Kok Sangke community to visit the home of a local family who’ll make you several traditional Khmer desserts. You’ll then learn about the village’s sustainable farming techniques, visit a community centre, which teaches local farmers about eco-friendly farming methods, see some nearby farms, and have lunch before travelling to Wat Luang Proleung and the village of Kampong Khleang.

Day 8

Discover the four vast stone heads and countless carved faces of the Bayon, which stands in the heart of the 'lost city' of Angkor Thom, today. Angkor Thom was the greatest citadel of the Khmer Empire that ruled half of South East Asia for nearly 600 years, and its ruined boulevards and gateways cover a vast area to the north of Siem Reap. And yet it is not the highlight of this landscape littered with great ruins. That title goes to Angkor Wat. The world's largest religious building, with its five great towers and 1000-metre-long carved bas-relief, is dazzling and unforgettable. Expect to return to your hotel awed and amazed by everything you've seen.

Day 9

Travel to the Cambodian capital. Phnom Penh, a French colonial treasure-chest on the banks of the Mekong River. It's a city of dusty, faded glory, except in its stupendous Royal Palace and its Silver Pagoda of priceless Buddhist artefacts.

Day 10

Spend a thought-provoking morning at the Tuol Sleng Museum, which chronicles the Pol Pot years and the reign of the Khmer Rouge. Afterwards, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Wat Phnom Temple before you board the fast boat along the Mekong River to feel the wind on your face on a thrilling boat ride into Vietnam.

Day 11

Your day begins with a visit to the holy mountain of Nui Sam. Studded with pagodas and temples, the mountain offers visitors stunning views over the Mekong Delta, which awaits you today. You'll stay overnight in the university town of Can Tho, with its colourful floating markets, busy working harbour and sacred Khmer pagoda, Muniwangsyaram.

Day 12

Enjoy another journey through the Mekong landscape of rice paddies, flat-bottomed boats, fruit trees and bougainvillea, peopled by farmers in conical hats and dotted with floating markets. Take a fascinating boat ride to the floating markets of Cai Rang and Cai Be, before arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, this evening, for a two-night stay.

Day 13

The remarkable Cu Chi tunnel complex provides a poignant reminder of the country's recent history. This 200 km underground labyrinth was used by the Viet Cong as a base, and now serves as a national memorial for those who lost their lives in the conflict. Back in Ho Chi Minh City a guided tour will reveal its fascinating mix of French colonial history and modern Vietnamese life. Highlights include the grand General Post Office, the Reunification Hall on the site of the former President's Palace, the Xa Loi Pagoda with its bronze Buddha, and (time permitting) the War Remnants Museum. Your day ends with a celebratory farewell dinner: the perfect opportunity to look back on your holiday and relive the many highlights.

Day 14

Spend your final day relaxing poolside or exploring Ho Chi Minh City a little further, before you transfer to the airport, in the afternoon, for your flight back to the UK.

Day 15

You'll touch down in the UK, today, after an overnight flight and an unforgettable tour of South East Asia.

Further Information

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.

Tonle Sap

Should the water in Tonle Sap Lake be too low, the journey by boat on Day Seven will be replaced with coach transportation.

Passports and visas

British citizens require machine-readable passports when travelling overseas. A visa is required for entry to Cambodia which can be obtained upon arrival. Your passport must contain two blank pages and be valid for six months beyond the exit date from Cambodia. The current charge for British Citizens is £35. British Citizens do not require a visa to visit Thailand or Vietnam (if staying for less than 15 days). Other nationalities should always check with the relevant authorities.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

On your flight

All flights travel overnight and land at your destination the next day. On-board meals will usually be dinner and breakfast. All drinks are complimentary.

Luggage allowance

You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.

Travel vaccinations

Requirements and advice can vary over time, and from person to person, so please contact your GP about eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or any other preventive measures.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Road Conditions

In developing countries road networks are continually being improved and expanded, which can mean that, from time to time, roadworks and rough road surfaces can extend journey times. Some journeys are made on winding mountain roads and passes, which may also make for slow travelling - although the scenery is usually worth it! Many roads do not have separate pavements or safety barriers, and great care should be taken when crossing or walking alongside roads.