Thailand & Mekong Experience
20 nights / 21 days
Fully Guided
THAILAND & MEKONG EXPERIENCE
Go Beyond Tour ¦ 21 Days ¦ Physical Level 1
Saigon – Victoria Mekong River Cruise – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap –
Bangkok – Kanchanaburi – Hua Hin – Chiang Mai
Experience the very best of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand in a three-week Asian adventure. Begin
in Saigon, cruise upriver to Phnom Penh, and travel north to explore the jungle-swathed temples of
Angkor, before heading west into historic Thailand to discover its sandy beaches, revolutionary
vineyards and wild national forests with free-roaming elephants.
• Visit Saigon’s historic Cu Chi Tunnels
• Relax on a 4-night 4* Mekong cruise
• Visit a craft brewery in Phnom Penh
• Uncover the glories of Angkor
• Pay respects at the River Kwai Bridge
• Visit an award-winning Thai vineyard
• Spot wild elephants on a 4x4 forest
safari
• Get culinary tips at a Chiang Mai
cooking class
Thailand & Mekong Experience Inclusions:
All accommodation
Meals as stated (19 breakfasts, 14 lunches & 14 dinners)
Entrance fees, guides and touring as stated
All transportation and transfers
English speaking National Escort (if your group is 10 or more passengers) or Local Guides
Visa fees for UK and EU passport holders
Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants
Comprehensive travel guides
Safe and secure with ABTA, ATOL and IATA
Itinerary – Thailand & Mekong Experience
Day 1-2: Saigon
Fly to Saigon, where you will be met at the airport in the arrivals hall by your Local Guide or National
Escort. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer
45 minutes to your hotel and check into your room, or store any luggage if arriving before check in
time. This evening, you’ll meet your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner and guide briefing. (D)
Destination Information
Saigon
● The exuberant metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, still locally referred to as Saigon, is driving Vietnam
forward into the modern world
● yet it is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. During the 1960s and
early 1970s, it was heavily influenced by the American occupation. It was the seat of the South Vietnam
government, until the events that led to the country's reunification in 1976. Today, the old mixes seamlessly
with the new; you can wander through timeless alleys to incense-infused temples before catching up with
the present in designer malls beneath sleek skyscrapers.
Day 3: Saigon
Enjoy a relaxed introduction to Saigon, including
architectural landmarks such as the French
colonial-style Notre Dame and Central Post Office.
Tonight’s dinner is at NOIR, a true ‘dining in the
dark’ experience. This social enterprise employs
visually impaired locals, who invite you on a
culinary journey with lasting impact. (B, L, D)
Please note: The Notre Dame Cathedral will be under
renovation until 2023. During this time, we are unable
to enter the Cathedral; however, we can view it from
the outside.
Notre Dame Cathedral
● Influenced by French design and built between 1863 and 1880, the red brick
exterior and 60-metre bell towers overlook downtown Saigon.
Central Post Office
● Located next to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office building was
constructed in the late 19th century. It counts Gothic, Renaissance and French influences and was
designed by Auguste Henri Vildieu and Alfred Foulhoux, though it is often erroneously credited as being
the work of Gustave Eiffel.
Day 4: Cu Chi Tunnels
This morning, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about the
Viet Cong’s tactical strategies during the Vietnam War.
Relax with a fresh ‘farm-to-table’ lunch at a Vietnamese
farm before an afternoon at leisure. You may wish to
independently visit the War Remnants Museum, see a
show at the opera house, (B, L)
Destination Information
Cu Chi
● The tunnels of Cu Chi are an immense network of connecting underground tunnels located in the
Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam, and are part of a much larger network of tunnels that
underlie much of the country. The Cu Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during
the Vietnam War, and were the Viet Cong's base of operations for the Tet Offensive in 1968. The tunnels
were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and
supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese
fighters. The tunnel systems were of great importance to the Viet Cong in their resistance to American
forces, and helped to counter the growing American military effort.
Day 5: Board the Victoria Mekong
Travel from Saigon to Can Tho, the beating heart
of the Mekong Delta, where you will board the
Victoria Mekong, your home for the next four
nights. Sip a sundown cocktail and hear a
traditional music performance as the ship casts off
towards Long Xuyen. (B, L, D)
Destination Information
Mekong Delta
● Although primarily rural, the Mekong Delta is a densely populated area where life progresses
around its fertile banks. The Mekong is the 13th longest, and the 10th largest river by volume alone and
people live, trade, travel and even go to school on the riverbanks. The rice which is cultivated in the many
farming lands is said to be enough to supply the entire country with a little extra.
Victoria Mekong
● Launched in December 2019, the Victoria Mekong is a contemporary 4-star river
vessel cruising between the Mekong Delta and Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh. It offers 33
spacious, deluxe cabins and two luxurious VIP suites, while facilities on board include a cocktail
pool, three bars, a restaurant and a spa with massage service. To put you right in the heart of local
life, there are shore excursions with plenty of opportunities to interact with local people and their
culture.
Day 6: Long Xuyen & Tiger Island
Tender ashore to visit Long Xuyen floating market and the
An Giang Traditions Museum with its exhibitions on local
cultures. During lunch, the ship sails upstream to Tiger
Island. Head ashore to explore by rickshaw, visiting local
crafters such as incense makers and a wood carver. Tonight,
the ship cruises on to Tan Chau. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Mekong Silk Village
Head ashore by sampan to visit the local silk
village where you will witness the many steps
involved in silk production, from traditional
looms to the use of natural dyes made from tree
bark, leaves and fruit. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Into Cambodia
Today the ship will cruise to Phnom Penh, crossing the border en route. Spend the day in the infinity
pool or taking part in the onboard activities. On arrival in Phnom Penh, enjoy a lively apsara dance
performance to welcome you into Cambodia. (B, L, D)
Destination Information
Phnom Penh
● The capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia is built around four river arms formed by a sharp
curve in the Mekong River near the junctions of the Bassac and the Tonle Sap tributaries. This charming city
has an atmospheric blend of old Khmer and French colonial architecture, but reminders of the brutal 1970s
regime of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge have left their mark.
Day 9: Introduction to Phnom Penh
Disembark the Victoria Mekong this morning and discover
Phnom Penh by cyclo, taking in the Royal Palace, Silver
Pagoda and Wat Phnom. Your afternoon is at leisure. (B, L, D)
Destination Information
The Royal Palace
● Built in 1866 by the French colonialists, these ornate buildings are now the official
residence of the reigning Cambodian royal family and King Sihamoni. View the Throne Hall and Silver Pagoda.
Silver Pagoda
● This concrete and marble structure includes a floor with over 5,000 silver tiles, each weighing
1kg. Famous artefacts include a 90kg solid gold Buddha made in 1907 and an Emerald Buddha said to be
made of French Baccarat crystal.
Wat Phnom
● Home to a hilltop temple that carries the city’s namesake. Locals come here to pray for good
luck and success.
Day 10: Phnom Penh & the Khmer Rouge
This morning’s excursion to the Cheung Ek Killing Fields
outside the city gives a sombre insight into Cambodia’s
turmoil under the regime of Pol Pot and the Khmer
Rouge. This afternoon, fly to Siem Reap. (B, L, D)
Please note: You will reach Siem Reap on Day 10, and be
provided with a one-day pass for the Angkor complex on
Day 11. If you are planning to use your free afternoon on
Day 12 to return to Angkor, speak to your guide in Siem
Reap on Day 10. They can advise you of the cost to upgrade your pass validity from 1 day to multi-day
(approx. $25). If you do not wish to return to the Angkor Archaeological complex on Day 12, there is
no need to upgrade your pass.
Destination Information
Cheung Ek Killing Fields – Visiting the Killing Fields is a deeply moving experience. You will see a short
documentary summarising the Khmer Rouge regime and the violence experienced by the victims before
walking through the fields independently. You may wish to stop at the memorial stupa to pay your respects.
Please keep to the walkways and be respectful of the memorial. For many Khmer people, the brutality of
the 1970s is a living memory; for younger generations, it is a deeply personal piece of Cambodian history
that affected their parents and grandparents.
Day 11: Siem Reap & the Temples of Angkor
The Angkor Archaeological Park is home to over 1,000
temples dating back to the Khmer Empire. Best
preserved of all the temples is Angkor Wat, while the
jungle-swathed ruins of Ta Prohm evoke a sense of
mystery and true adventure. This evening, enjoy a
leisurely boat ride on the moat of Angkor Thom as the
sun sets. Dinner is at leisure.
(B, L)
Destination Information
Angkor Thom – (lit. ‘Great City’) This was the last capital of the Khmer empire, established by
Buddhist King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century. This walled city, covering an area of 9 square
km, is flanked by a row of 54 stone figures on each side, which leads visitors through an imposing
stone entrance gate to the various temples inside.
The Bayon – A rich, late 12th century state temple at the centre of Angkor Thom. Its beautifullycrafted central towers are decorated with four opposing faces representing Jayavarman. Bayon’s
stone galleries display extraordinary bas-reliefs incorporating over 11,000 figures.
Ta Prohm – One of Angkor Thom’s most atmospheric ruins, swallowed by the roots of the jungle,
it was made famous by the film Tomb Raider. It was originally dedicated to Sri Jayarajacudamani,
the mother of the king who established Angkor Thom.
Angkor Wat – This 12th century temple complex is the largest religious monument in the world.
Angkor Wat showcases the Khmer civilisation at its grandest, and was originally designed to
represent Mt Meru, the Hindu equivalent of Mt Olympus. With its fascinating decorative
flourishes, it is the best-preserved temple within the complex.
Day 12: APOPO Hero Rats Project
This morning, visit APOPO Hero Rats Project. This humanitarian centre trains rats to scent-detect
unexploded wartime landmines in more rural areas of Cambodia so they can be safely deactivated by
expert teams, saving untold lives. Stop by a local artisan project before enjoying an afternoon at leisure.
You may wish to return to Angkor Wat independently, visit the Angkor National Museum, or simply
relax in the hotel. (B)
Destination Information
APOPO Hero Rats Project Visitor Centre – During the turmoil of the twentieth century, landmines were used
extensively in Cambodia. Most have been removed, but some rural areas remain uncleared, leading to tragic
accidents even today. APOPO is training rats to save lives by sniffing out these mines. You will learn about
the APOPO mine clearance programme from the guides, watch a video of their work, and see a Hero Rat
demonstration. APOPO has been working on this scheme since the mid-1990s and to date, no rat has ever
been harmed by the project; like sniffer dogs, their role is detection only. You can read more about the
organisation’s work at: https://www.apopo.org/en
Day 13: Bangkok
Take a one-hour flight from Siem Reap to Bangkok. Check in at
your hotel to refresh yourself before a street food tour. (B, L,
D)
Day 14: Bangkok at Leisure
Today is at leisure to relax or explore Bangkok
independently. Optional private excursions, e.g. to
Ayutthaya or the Thonburi canals, are available. (B)
Day 15: Kanchanaburi & The Bridge on the River Kwai
Travel to Kanchanaburi, made famous by ‘The
Bridge on the River Kwai’. Here, learn about the
experience of Southeast Asian and Allied POWs,
who were forced to work on the railway during
the Japanese occupation of WWII. Pay respects
to the victims at the Allied War Cemetery and
museum, and walk through Hellfire Pass before
a short train journey through the Kwai Noi
Valley. Your hotel tonight is in
Kanchanaburi. (B, L, D)
Destination Information
Hellfire Pass
● Constructed for the Burma Railway during the WWI Japanese occupation of Thailand, this
brutal project was carried out by Allied POWs and South Asian forced labourers. Of the 330,000 people who
worked on the line, it is estimated that 16,000 Allied soldiers and 90,000 South Asian civilians died as a result.
This remote part of the railway was particularly hard to build due to the scale of rock-cutting required. Its
name derived from the eerie glow produced by the torches at night.
Please note the 3km walk will be on uneven ground, involves some steep steps and it is likely to be humid;
bring mosquito repellent. If you do not wish to take part, you will still be able to see the pass from around 15
minutes’ walk from the museum and you may remain in the museum area independently.
Day 16: Hua Hin & Monsoon Valley Vineyard
Depart Kanchanaburi and travel south to the beach
resort of Hua Hin, stopping en route to visit a toddy
palm plantation. Arrive at Hua Hin and take a break
to refresh yourself with an independent lunch. Later
this afternoon, head to Monsoon Valley Vineyard
for a surprising insight into Thai viticulture. These
award-winning New Latitude varietals have
revolutionised winemaking, succeeding in a truly
unexpected climate. Enjoy a tour and tasting before
dinner at the vineyard’s restaurant. (B, D)
Destination Information
Monsoon Valley Vineyard
● Monsoon Valley (formerly Hua Hin Hills Vineyard) was founded by
Chalerm Yoovidhya, a wine-loving entrepreneur who challenged the notion that grapes could not
be grown outside traditional latitudes or the four-season cycle. His award-winning wines are now
served in restaurants across the world. The key grapes grown here are Shiraz (Syrah), Colombard,
Chenin Blanc, Dornfelder and Chianti. You will enjoy a short tour and tasting before sitting down
to an early dinner overlooking the vineyard.
Please note that the vineyard previously offered elephant rides, but has put a stop to this practice as of 2020.
As part of our commitment to responsible travel, no Wendy Wu tour will ever include an elephant ride.
Day 17: Hua Hin & Kui Buri
Enjoy a morning at leisure in Hua Hin, perhaps visiting the beach, before heading out to Kui Buri
National Park, where you’ll join a park ranger on a
4x4 wildlife safari through the forest.
This is one of the few places in Thailand where
elephants still roam freely in the wild. Kui Buri
elephants are completely wild and sightings cannot
be guaranteed, but afternoon safaris here have
excellent sighting rates. You may also spot gaurs ,
golden jackals, langurs or wild boar, and if you are lucky, gibbons, Malayan tapirs or even the rare leopard. (B)
Destination Information
Kui Buri National Park: Considered one of the best wild elephant and gaur sighting spots in
Thailand, Kui Buri was established as a national park in 1999. It covers 969 square kilometres, set
against the scenic backdrop of the Tenasserim Hills. These sprawling evergreen forests are home
to one of the biggest wild gaur and elephant populations in Thailand, and a diverse number of
other species of birds, deer and apes. A ranger will drive you out in search of elephants and gaur,
and keep an eye out for carnivores such as golden jackals, bears, and the elusive leopard.
Day 18: Chiang Mai
Depart Hua Hin and return to Bangkok for your short flight to the peaceful, laidback city of Chiang
Mai in Thailand’s cooler northern highlands. (B, L, D)
Day 19: Doi Suthep
Explore Chiang Mai’s highlights by rickshaw before
driving out to Doi Suthep’s magnificent hilltop temple
with its panoramic views. Return to Chiang Mai for
lunch at a social enterprise restaurant offering lifechanging vocational training to reformed women from
Chiang Mai’s Correctional Institution. Enjoy some free
time before tonight’s cooking class, in which you will
learn to prepare a traditional Thai dinner. (B, L, D)
Destination Information
Chiang Mai – Located among tall mountains, Chiang Mai is the largest and most culturally
significant city in northern Thailand. The city was founded in 1296 and was the capital of the Lanna
Kingdom, which was eventually occupied by the Burmese. For the next 200 years Chiang Mai was
virtually abandoned until it was again taken over by Siam in the 18th century.
Doi Suthep
●
● One of Thailands most sacred temples, tucked away in the mountains at 1,056
metres above sea level, and offering panoramic view of Chiang Mai. Catch the cable car to visit the
exquisite golden pagoda at the top.
Day 20: Chang Chill
Spend the morning at Chang Chill, a pioneering new
ethical elephant sanctuary. This is a respite and care
centre for elephants rescued chiefly from the tourist
and illegal logging industries. One of the world’s few
truly elephant-friendly experiences, Chang Chill invites
you to walk into the forest and observe elephants
grazing and socialising.
Meet the elephant keepers before continuing to the rest
station for traditional Thai refreshments. From the
elephant station, visitors can observe the elephants
playing and bathing in the mud pit. Continue to the riverside to learn more about elephant
enrichment, and help fill feeding tubes with corn, sugar cane and bananas. From the observation
deck, watch the herd eat through the treats as you enjoy your own lunch. Later, return to Chiang
Mai for a farewell dinner accompanied by a traditional Thai performance. (B, L, D)
Day 21: Departure
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Any time
between check out and your hotel transfer is at leisure. (B)
Dates
05/02/23 & 24/09/23 & 19/11/23 & 14/01/24 & 22/09/24 & 17/11/24
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