HIGHLIGHTS: TOUR INCLUDES: +44 (0)

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1 +44 (0) The cultural crossroads between two great eastern civilisations, Indochina s history is one of dynasty and division. Soaked in the blood of imperial wars and colonial conquest, it provides a fascinating backdrop to this cultural journey across one of the most captivating landscapes on earth. From remote jungle temples and vibrant cities, to idyllic coastlines and tribal villages, this is an adventure into the very soul of Southeast Asia. The journey begins in Saigon, the Pearl of the Orient, where you will have an opportunity to throw yourself into the chaos of its bustling markets and discover something of the legacy of the American War, before heading into the fertile Mekong Delta. Crossing into Cambodia, you then head west, taking in Buddhist pagodas and Confucian temples as you make your way towards Kep and Phnom Penh, cities that still bear the marks of the struggles of the 20th century. Heading into Cambodia s rural heartland, you then find yourself amongst the remnants of the country s more grandiose past, as you explore the lost jungle temples of Angkor including the magnificent setting of Angkor Wat, one of the world s most inspiring archaeological sites. HIGHLIGHTS: Explore the lost jungle temples of Koh Ker and Preah Vihear Immerse yourself in the organized chaos of Saigon s buzzing markets Watch the sun rise over the world s largest religious building, Angkor Wat Take a dip in holy water at the majestic waterfall in Kulen National Park Explore the Mekong Delta s floating markets and the laid back Cambodian coast TOUR INCLUDES: 12 nights boutique hotel accommodation, 2 nights local guesthouse 13 breakfasts, 1 Lunch Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide. Private basis Private chauffeur driven vehicle Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin or double room

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3 ITINERARY DAY 1: HO CHI MINH CITY Arrive in Saigon, the commercial capital of Vietnam and 'Pearl of the Orient'. DAY 2: HO CHI MINH CITY This morning you will be met by your guide for a guided tour of the Ho Chi Minh City's historic landmarks and museums. These include the War Remnants Museum that has provoking images of the war and the revolution as well as contemporary political art. The Reunification Palace is an arresting place, almost a modern day Pompeii. It was here that the American War ended, with General Minh and his troops storming the building accepting the South's surrender and almost nothing has been touched from that day on. After a morning around town, you'll be dropped at your hotel for a rest or to explore this grand colonial city at your own pace. (B) DAY 3: HO CHI MINH CITY After a morning at leisure, your guide will meet you at your hotel and you'll head out of the city through Ho Chi Minh's ever expanding suburbs to Cu Chi. Initially built during the Franco - Vietnamese wars, the tunnel network was expanded to include hospitals, bunkers and even kitchens and mess halls. The tunnels at Cu Chi are a testament to the tenacity at which the American war was fought and are the best preserved example of tunnel networks constructed throughout the country. As part of your visit there is an option to visit the military shooting range, where you can experience first-hand the firepower used by both sides in this bloody conflict. After your visit you'll be dropped back at your hotel in time to head out for dinner. (B) DAY 4: HO CHI MINH CITY - CAN THO This morning it's an early start as we leave behind the urban sprawl of Saigon and drive in to Vietnam's 'Rice Basket' the Mekong Delta. Arriving in the small town of Ben Tre you will board a motor boat for a leisurely trip along canals and waterways of the Mekong River. From here you will disembark to visit a local village, before boarding a 'sampan' to navigate the endless narrow waterways that are still the main mode of transport in this fertile region. Lunch will be in the city of My Tho before continuing by road to Can Tho, stopping at small villages and temples along the way. (B,L)

4 DAY 5: CAN THO - HA TIEN - KEP This morning, rise to the sounds of the Delta awakening before heading back on the river to experience the largest floating market on the Mekong, Cai Rang. From here, you'll be back on the road for the journey to Ha Tien and the Cambodian Border. As you make your way west, the Vietnamese shop signs and Confusianist temples gradually give way to Khmer script and Buddhist pagodas. This area of Vietnam, still referred to by Cambodians as 'Kampuchea Krom' (Lower Cambodia), is a political sticking point between these two ancient cultures; the current borders were demarcated only after the end of the Vietnamese occupation of Cambodia in the early 1990's. On arrival in Ha Tien, you'll complete immigration formalities before the 20 KM journey to the crumbling colonial seaside resort of Kep. (B) DAY 6: KEP Once a swinging seaside resort for French Colonial Officials and Cambodian dignitaries, Kep was abandoned to the ravages of the American occupation and ensuing civil war until the late 1990's. Although once luxurious villas and resorts remain lost to the jungle, Kep's future looks bright, with boutique hotels and seafood restaurants sprouting up along the coast. Your time by the sea will be at your leisure with options to visit nearby islands and their white sand beaches, or hire a tuk tuk to experience Cambodian village life and visit the pepper plantations that made the spice so famous in Paris' bistros in the early 20th century. (B) DAY 7: KEP - PHNOM PENH Leaving sleepy Kep behind you'll drive through emerald green paddy fields and towering sugar palms to Phnom Penh, arriving in the capital in time for lunch. This afternoon, you'll visit the harrowing Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and the 'Skull Pagoda' at the infamous Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where the more than 17,000 Cambodians executed by the Khmer Rouge are memorialized. An afternoon of sober reflection, the experience is by no means pleasant, however offers an authentic insight into the country's recent history and is a poignant reminder of the brutality of war. Upon your return to Phnom Penh, dinner can be arranged at 'Friends' restaurant, an acclaimed local NGO training street kids for careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry.(b) DAY 8: PHNOM PENH This morning, after a leisurely breakfast you will be met by your guide for a tour of rapidly modernizing Phnom Penh, including visits to the Victory Monument, the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda Complex, with its five thousand silver tiles, tall ornate towers and delightfully caved woodwork. Continue to the National Museum, which houses some fascinating sculptures in its four courtyards alongside its outstanding displays of Khmer crafts and finally on to the Central Market where you will have a chance to try some tasty fruits, or haggle with the jewellery and antiques dealers whilst immersing yourself in local Phnom Penh life. You'll finish your tour with a cyclo ride through the city's crumbling French quarter. (B)

5 DAY 9: PHNOM PENH - KOMPONG THOM Today you will make your way west from the capital and in to the Cambodian Heartland, stopping for lunch in the Mekong city of Kompong Cham. One an important trade and transportation hub, Kompong Cham is a laid back, sleepy town with an understated charm. After lunch and a guided walk through town, it's on to Kompong Thom Kompong Thom where you will have your first glimpse of ancient Cambodia, exploring the impressive pre-angkorian capital of Isanapura, the first temple city of Indochina, known today as Sambor Prei Kuk. (B) DAY 10: KOMPONG THOM - BANG MELA - KOH KER - TBENG MEAN CHEY This morning you'll head in to Cambodia's wild north in search of the 'suburbs' of ancient Angkor. Making your way through remote villages, you'll visit the overgrown ruins of Koh Ker, a rival capital to Angkor Thom built in the 10th century with more than 30 major temples, as well as the jungle temple of Beng Mealea and the intriguing Prasat Thom, a seven-storey step pyramid, more Mayan than Khmer, with commanding views over the surrounding forest. From here you'll head to the small town of Tbeng Meanchey where you will spend the night. (B) DAY 11: TBENG MEAN CHEY - PREAH VIHEAR - ANLONG VENG Today continue north in to the Dangrek Mountains and on to the famed Preah Vihear. Perched precariously on a the edge of a cliff in easily the most dramatic setting of any of the temples of Angkor, Preah Vihear offers commanding views over the surrounding jungle landscape. After lunch, you'll head to Anlong Veng, the Khmer Rouge's last stronghold in the 30 year civil war. With your guide you'll visit the house of former military strongman Ta Mok and the grave sight of Brother Number One, Pol Pot amongst other local landmarks.(b) DAY 12: ANLONG VENG - PHNOM KULEN - SIEM REAP This morning make your way south through the jungle and on to Phnom Kulen, a jungle clad mountain considered the birthplace of the Kingdom of Angkor and a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians. You'll have the chance to see the 'thousand lingas' riverbed carvings as well as make an offering to the Buddha at a modern working pagoda. Lunch today will be a picnic in the 'hammock bars' by the banks of the Siem Reap River, before an optional swim in the holy water of the majestic Kulen Waterfall. You will leave Kulen this afternoon for the short journey to Siem Reap, gateway to the Lost City of Angkor.

6 DAY 13: SIEM REAP After breakfast make your first visit to Angkor Archaeological Park with a guided tour of the Angkor Grand Circuit, visiting the romantically overgrown Ta Prohm, where huge Kapok trees grow from the terraces, as well as the lesser known temples of Preah Khan, Preah Neah Pean and Ta Som. You will head back to your hotel for lunch with the afternoon free to explore the town, relax by the pool or perhaps visit the floating town of Kompong Pluk. (B) DAY 14: SIEM REAP Very early this morning, you will visit one of the world's most awe-inspiring religious sites - Angkor Wat. Its five famous towers are perfectly reflected in the moat that surrounds it and it is one of Angkor's most evocative sights. Explore the temple during the morning, examining the many references to Vishnu, in honour of whom the temple was probably built. This afternoon's highlights include the fortified city of Angkor Thom and the temple of King Jayavarman VII, reputedly Angkor's greatest king. At its centre is the Bayon, with its incredible maze of corridors and over 200 huge faces that smile enigmatically at the observer. At the end of the day watch the stunning sunset over this fabled city. (B) DAY 15: SIEM REAP Transfer to the airport to begin your journey home. (B)

7 ACCOMMODATION CAN THO (MEKONG DELTA) VICTORIA CAN THO RESORT In the heart of the Mekong Delta, the four star Victoria Can Tho Resort is a splendid colonial style hotel set in magnificent gardens on the banks of the Hau River. The comfortable bedrooms are luxuriously decorated and the restaurant serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine of the highest standard. Impressive leisure facilities include tennis courts, a pool and a health spa. This is the ideal location from which to explore the Mekong Delta. HO CHI MINH CITY MAJESTIC HOTEL Opened in 1925, the charming Majestic Hotel is a four star hotel that enjoys one of the city's finest locations in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, overlooking the Saigon River. Within walking distance of the beautiful Opera House, Reunification Palace or Notre Dame Cathedral, this fine four star hotel embodies old world charm, impeccable elegance and the classic French tradition of original colonial architecture. The 175 rooms and suites offer both splendour and comfort and are fully equipped with modern facilities. With various eateries on offer the Majestic has a particular reputation for gourmet dining. Leisure facilities include swimming pool, fitness centre and spa. The hotel has recently has a full renovation but remains true to its heritage roots and has plenty of local character. KEP VERANDA NATURAL RESORT Veranda Resort is a 3 star retreat hidden below Kep National Park with panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand, Vietnam Island and Bokor Mountain. This little hideaway invites you to relax and discover the untouched beauty of the surroundings. The rooms are all light and airy and individually decorated. They range from the mountain and garden view rooms ideal for couples, to pool villas perfect for those looking for extra privacy of for families or groups of friends travelling together. A place with real personality, Veranda is finished in natural woods and stone for a real back to nature feel. Rooms are simple but smart and the new pool is the ideal spot to unwind. The restaurant and bar have stunning views and there is a tempting on-site patisserie. Whilst you are not on the beach here, you are just a short walk from the coast and it's great for enjoying nature at it's very best, by foot, by bicycle or by boat. KOMPONG THOM

8 SAMBOR VILLAGE The Sambor Village is a very pleasant boutique hotel in Kompong Thom and offers its guests a relaxing and comfortable way to discover Cambodian village life. Hidden in a fragrant garden surrounding a shady pool, the Sambor Village is ideally located on the quiet river bank of the Stung Seng river, just outside the centre of Kompong Thom and 40 minutes' drive from the Angkorian site of Sambor Preh Kuk. The hotel's 19 rooms mix Cambodian traditions and European comfort and meals can be taken on a wooden terrace overlooking the pool and the Stung Seng river. PHNOM PENH THE PLANTATION The newest boutique offering in Phnom Penh's booming hotel scene is located behind the Royal Palace in the historical center of Phnom Penh. the newly opened Plantation Resort and Spa offers all of the services you'd expect of a quality resort right in the centre of the city. The reception building dates back to the thirties and was most probably built by the French. SIEM REAP - ANGKOR HANUMAN ALAYA BOUTIQUE RESIDENCE The Hanuman Alaya Boutique Residence brings accommodation with a personal touch, and perfectly exemplifies the concept of 'boutique guesthouse'. While there are only 13 rooms, these are thoughtfully finished in wood and elegantly decorated in traditional Khmer style. Tropical gardens and a full array of leisure facilities (such as soothing spa and swimming pool) make this an idyllic retreat from which to explore the Angkor Temples. Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0) info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com