Mekong Explorer

17 days - from $3185

This Indochina experience takes us from Bangkok to Saigon via Laos and Cambodia, following the mighty Mekong River

This is the Indochina experience that takes us from Bangkok to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) via Laos and Cambodia, immersing us in the region's rich historic and cultural heritage. Vibrant and busting Bangkok is the quintessential Asian city that doesn't sleep - a great place to start our journey. With its laid-back charm, Laos is sure to captivate. The Mekong River remains its lifeblood, but we find the country's heart and soul in the former royal enclave of Luang Prabang. The Plain of Jars stand as a sentinel to a mysterious past, whilst Vientiane must be one of the world's most relaxed capital cities. Cambodia beckons with the glories of the Angkor period that is still evident in the magnificent temples and monuments carved from stone. Phnom Penh is like a 'phoenix rising from the ashes', as it leaves its recent turbulent past behind. The Mekong Delta region of Vietnam and Saigon completes our journey that links two of the great cities of Asia with a journey of discovery.

Highlights

• Phnom Penh's history
• Tuol Sleng Prison Museum
• Angkor Thom's stone-carved human faces
• Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Phnom Penh
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat
• The monks of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Luang Prabang
• The bustling streets and cyclos of Saigon
• Huay Xai - old Yunnanese caravan disembarkation point
• Mekong slow boat cruise

Itinerary:

Day 1: Bangkok2: Bangkok - Chiang Rai3: Huay Xai - Pakbeng4: Luang Prabang5: Luang Prabang6: Phonsavan7: Phonsavan - Vientiane8: Vientiane9: Siem Reap10: Siem Reap11: Siem Reap12: Phnom Penh13: Phnom Penh14: Chau Doc15: Vinh Long16: Saigon17: Saigon
Included:

• The services of Peregrine's expert English-speaking local tour leaders in each country, and local guides at some sites.

• Local flights: Bangkok to Chiang Rai, Phonsavan to Vientiane, Vientiane to Siem Reap (unescorted) and Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Bangkok - the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Temple of the Reclining Buddha; thousands of Buddha images in Tam Ting Cave; Ban Sang Hai village; Luang Prabang - the procession of monks, Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Wisunalat and the National Museum at the former Royal Palace; Kuang Si Waterfalls; Muang Khun; Plain of Jars; Vientiane - Patuxai Monument, Wat Si Saket, Wat Prakeo and That Luang Stupa; and Phnom Penh - the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom, Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.

• Visit to the Angkor complex: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Preah Khan, Banteay Srei and a sunset over Angkor Wat from Phnom Bakheng.

• Lunch at Sala Bai Hotel School prepared by underprivileged local youths learning skills to find employment in the hospitality industry.

• ‘Slow’ boat cruises in Laos: down the Mekong River to Pakbeng village and to Luang Prabang.

• A night in a simple hostel in Pakbeng village - home to tribal Thais, and a night in a basic hotel in Phonsavan - home to the Hmong hill tribe.

• Boat cruise on a tributary of the Mekong in Vietnam to visit a Cham village, a mosque, a floating fish farm and to see a demonstration of silk weaving.

• Overnight villa homestay on an island on the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. Accommodation in a large communal room with beds (all bedding provided including mosquito nets).

• Boat cruise from Vinh Long to Cai Be, with a visit to a floating market.

• Free time to explore Luang Prabang, Siem Reap and Saigon.

• Arrival transfer.

International flights, airport departure taxes, visas, insurance, other meals, any optional tours and activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.