Indochina Discoverer

18 days - from $1595

This exhilarating trip highlights the diverse cultures of three South East Asian countries, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand and it’s packed with heaps of adventure as we travel overland by train, road and boat. We begin in North Vietnam and discover the charms of graceful Hanoi before taking the train down to a city that’s steeped in history and culture, Vietnam’s former imperial capital, Hue. A short drive through some remarkable rural and coastal scenery brings us to Hoi An. We spend some time in this wonderfully preserved ancient port town, a favourite of every traveller to Vietnam.

Further south at the beach resort-city of Nha Trang we’ll cruise the offshore islands and relax in the sun before once again catching the overnight sleeper train down to the steamy southern city of Saigon. We drive overland into Cambodia and after spending a day exploring its capital Phnom Penh, continue by bus around South East Asia’s largest freshwater lake to Siem Reap. From here we’ll explore what is regarded as one of the world’s greatest archaeological monuments, the magnificent Angkor temple complexes.

Our adventure is by no means over yet as we journey to the former French colonial outpost of Battambang. From Battambang we drive to the Cambodian/Thai border town of Poipet over rough and undeveloped roads, in local mini-vans. The roads improve and we continue on to exciting Bangkok and journey’s end in the comfort of an air-conditioned coach.

Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat
• Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Phnom Penh
• Angkor Thom's stone-carved human faces
• Phnom Penh's history
• Tuol Sleng Prison Museum
• Pak Klong Talat Flower Market,Bangkok
• Cu Chi Tunnels - the underground network of the Viet Minh and Viet Cong
• Nha Trang cruise - the islands of the South China Sea
• Vietnam's northern capital Hanoi
• Perfume River cruise to the Thien Mu Pagoda and royal mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc
• The bustling streets and cyclos of Saigon
• The tailors and market traders of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hoi An

Itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi2: Hanoi3: Hue4-6: Hoi An - Nha Trang7-8: Nha Trang - Island Cruise9: Saigon10: Saigon-Cu Chi Tunnels11: Phnom Penh12: Phnom Penh13: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap14: Siem Reap (Angkor)15: Siem Reap16: Siem Reap to Bangkok17-18: Bangkok

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• Gecko’s expert English-speaking local tour guides throughout the tour, and local site guides at some sites.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Hanoi; Hue's Thien Mu Pagoda; Hai Van Pass; Hoi An; Saigon; Cu Chi Tunnels; Angkor temple complex; and Bangkok.

• Three journeys (including two overnight) on board the Reunification Express train.

• Bike ride around Hue and Dragon Boat cruise up the Perfume River.

• Day cruise on the South China Sea in Nha Trang, with a freshly-caught seafood lunch included (non-seafood options available).

• Cyclo tour of Phnom Penh including the Royal Palace and Tuol Sleng Prison. Visit to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and the Russian Market.

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.