Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam Border Crossing 15 Days

Today, we will take the whole day to explore Bangkok – the city of golden temples.

The first destination is the Grand Palace. This huge architecture complex is over 2 sq. kilometers, including 3 main sites: Royal Palace, Royal Office and pagodas (Wat) built in 1770s. Nowadays, the Grand Palace is no longer home of Thailand Royal, most of national significant events takes place there. 

Wat Phra Kaew is the most out-standing architecture in complex, built in 1785 when King Rama I moved the capital to Bangkok. Wat Pra Kwae is famous not only for its beauty of unique Thailand Buddhism architecture but also for the sacred jade Buddha statue. Thai people believe that the statue will bring back fortune and prosperity for the nation.

Nearby Grand Palace is Wat Pho - the oldest and biggest pagoda in Bangkok with more than 1000 Buddha statues and the huge one sit-back Buddha in gold. This pagoda is also famous for being a birthplace of traditional Thai massage, since there is a traditional medicine school established in 1982, educating the arts of Thai massage.

The Wat Pho wall-surrounded complex was divided into 2 by Soi Chetuphon running along East – West. The Northern complex is the one including the in gold Buddha statue and massage school mentioned above. The Southern complex, Tukgawee, is a monastery and a school

We will board on a boat to pay a visit along the Chao Phraya River, watching the life of local people close by.

On route, we stop at Wat Arun, known as the most beautiful pagoda in Bangkok not only for its location on the Chao Phraya’s riverbank but also for the different architecture from other pagodas. “Arun” means sunrise, but it is most beautiful in the sunset.

The pagoda was decorated with glass pieces and Chinese ceramic, in a complicated style. You can climb up to the top of Wat Arun to see Chao Phraya, Grand Palace and Wat Pho at the opposite side.

After having lunch, we visit the last destination of the day: Wat Traimit. This pagoda is famous for its unique and historic beauty, and also for the huge golden Buddha statue. Thai people believe that the statue represents for prosperity and purity, as well as strength and power. The Golden Statue was defined to be built in Sukhothai period, the 13-15th century – one of the most famous periods of Thai Buddhism architecture.  

Return to the hotel and you are free to explore Bangkok by night.

Early in the morning, after having breakfast, we pay a visit to Meaklong Railway Market - a local market has grown up along the rail tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the sellers quickly clear their stalls, and set them up again when the train has passed.

We continue our way to Damnoen Saduak Floating market. Arrival at the market, you can see the vendors who wear traditional farmer dresses and hats bring local Thai foods, fruits and products to sell on rowing boats.

You should not miss the opportunity to experience sitting and giving them a try on one of these boats on the canal. You are free to explore around the market, take photos/videos or even hire a paddling boat to breathe the once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere here.  

We then take a boat ride out of the floating market and journey along the winding canals to see remote villages, gardens and plantations.
Arrive at a jetty pier where you board on the vehicle and proceed to Ayutthaya.  

Having a breakfast then we will transfer to pay a visit in some sites of Ayutthaya Historical Park, situated in the old city of Ayutthaya. The city was constructed by Ramathibodi I in 1350 and was the capital of Thailand until it was destroyed by Burmese – Myanmar army in 1767. 

Being a ruin with many temples which characterize this handicraft type of architecture built with red bricks, the park was recognized as World’s Heritage Site by UNESCO.

En route, we visit the Royal Summer Palace in Bang Pa-in district.

It is a favorite resort of royal. The first palace had been built in mid-early of the 17th century, then was the ruins and be forgotten when Burman occupied Ayutthaya. It was not until the rule of King Rama IV – did the palace rebuild. King Rama IV was the first Siamese king came to Europe and was sharply impressed by the architecture there. Therefore, the whole architecture of the palace is in the way of 19th century European style.

-     Wat Phu Khao Thong is a massive pagoda towering in the middle of paddy fields and can be seen from afar. Built by King Ramesuan in 1395, the pagoda is unique with the combination of 2 architectural styles: Thai – style and Mon – style. There is a high golden plated chedi on the top, which makes the pagoda outstanding.

-     Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was the most important temple of Ayutthaya and situated within the Ayutthaya Grand Palace grounds. It served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. The highlight of Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is 3 towers standing high together in Ceylonese style, has the same architecture with Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok.

-     Vihara Phra Mongkhon Bophit is the pagoda in which the bronze Buddha statue in the attitude of subduing Mara is situated. This is one of the biggest Buddha statue in Thailand. It was considered to be built during the Ayuttaya period of King Srongta, who transferred the location from the east side to the west and has been the location since then. After that he ordered to build a dome on top.

-  Wat Lokaya Sutha is considered as the sacred place for pilgrims since it’s famous for the reclining Buddha statue, which is the statue of the Blessed Buddha intact compared to other monuments in the entire Ayutthaya ruins. It is also the most important relics in most of those in Wat Lokaya Sutha. Thai people believe that if they paste the golden leaf onto Buddha statues, they will be protected by Buddha.
Return to Bangkok.
 

On the morning, departure by private car (without guide) through the lush Thai countryside with its endless miles of rice paddies and fruit orchards.

Arrival at Aranyaprathet you clear Thailand Immigration and Customs, then make a short walk to the Cambodia side of the border at Poipet. Cambodian guide waiting for you.

And continue by road to Battambang, check in hotel and time free easy. Overnight in Battambang.

Spend your day exploring the countryside around Battambang opt on a bicycle visiting Cambodian families who produce traditional products (such as rice paper, dried bananas, bamboo sticky rice, and rice wine), made in the same way they have been for generations. You will learn first-hand about everyday life in rural communities which make up over 70% of Cambodia’s population.

Lunch is in town (own arrangement).

Afternoon, visit the well preserved 11th century Angkorian temple of Prasat Phnom Banan. To get to the top of hill, a good effort required as you will go through the 358-step climb.

Late afternoon, Take the best element of Battamang, enjoy bamboo train ride viewing the real countryside landscape and observe the daily activities of local people.

This morning, scroll around the old town of Battambang to see some of the finest colonial building, explore the local market to taste some unusual food and fruit before heading to Siem Reap with your private guide and car.

Arrive Siem Reap, check-in at your hotel and the remaining of the day is free at your own leisure.

7am, drive to the rural outskirt 35km from Angkor area to visit the smallest, but magnificent, Banteay Srei built in the 10th Century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and the pink sandstone structure bears a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes.

Drive on to Chau Srei Vibol which is a small charming temple on top of a hill which hardly sees any visitors - very few non-locals have heard of it, and it is set just far enough away from the main tourist routes.

Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant (Own account)
Continue to the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya which flourished in the late 9th and earlier 10th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred to the Rolous group we visit the main one called Bakhong temple.

Beat the crowd early morning by 7am, visit the picturesque Ta Prohm. The magnificent roots of a tree, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever. 

And continue to visit the intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat - one of the world’s most impressive ruins.  The temple still owns fine Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art. Lunch is own account.

Afternoon, explore the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom. City & Bayon. Its 54-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but further scrutiny reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic and silent gaze through half-closed eyes, staring out from a primitive and remote time. 

Further, visit to the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Lepper King Terrace and Royal Place area.

After breakfast, transfer to Tonle Sap Lake. On arrival the lake, here we will board a quaint local boat which will take us to the amazing floating village for your unique kayaking experience. 

On arrival, you will be amazed as you kayak gently through this floating village where you will be welcomed by warming smiles from the humble Cambodian people who live on this fantastic lake or you can cruise on the boat in the village and kayak gently to the Tonle Sap Lake with great scenery and seeing rare birds.

Our professionally trained guide will be able to explain the local customs on how the local people live, work, and trade before transferring back by boat where our air conditioned vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Siem Reap town.

Back to Siem Reap for the flight to Phnom Penh. Arrival at the Phnom Penh Airport, our driver (without guide) will pick up and transfer to your hotel in city center.

Check in hotel and relax.

Morning is free at your own leisure until noon time, our driver will meet you at hotel lobby and transfer to boat pier for boat trip on Mekong river downstream to Chau Doc.

Arrival in Chau Doc at the end of day.  Check in hotel. Time free.  Overnight in Chau Doc.

After breakfast at hotel, you will visit Sam Mountain, Lady Xu Temple, Thoai Ngoc Hau Temple, floating fish farm and boat trip to Champa Village.
 
After lunch, depart for Can Tho. On the way, stop at Bang Lang Stork Sanctuary in Thot Not, where you can observe thousands of storks returning to their nests in the late afternoon and witness the vibrant life of the local people along the waterways.
 
Arrive in Can Tho in the evening and check in at the hotel.
Overnight in Can Tho.

Morning after breakfast transfer to little town of Cai Be. Where our boat trip start pass through floating market, viewing the people of Mekong Delta are doing business on the water.

Tourist will be on board at the tourist boat station in Cai Be and welcomed with cold towels, fresh coconut.

Boating and enjoying the fresh air on the Mekong river, the tourists visit the Cai Be floating market, the original style of commerce on the Mekong river

Visiting the local poprice, coconut candy workshop and knowing the ways bee-breeding tasting honey tea by breezy river.

Boating to visit the local fruit gardens and a way of horticulture and listening to the traditional music, is the best chance for relaxation. Taking about 20 minutes for rowing sampan with discovery feelings.

Crossing the Mekong river to An Binh island to see the daily life along the river.

Visiting the brick & pottery factory where the tourist know how to make the brick and the pottery from the local clay and styles with the traditional technique.
 
End the tour in Vinh Long. Afternoon transfer to Saigon, check in the hotel and the rest of day is on your own. Overnight in Saigon.

Morning we departure for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese soldiers in the American war. Nowadays, the tunnels have become a popular tourist attraction of Vietnam.

Return to HCM for lunch. Afternoon we will visit some major sights of the city. We pass the now-demolished wartime American Embassy before we visit the Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until end of April 1975, and some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office. 

After seeing the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip on to the bustling Ben Thanh Market where anything and everything is for sale! Overnight at the hotel in Saigon

Morning free until time to transfer to airport for flight back home. End of our service.