Legendary of Indochina - 20 Days | Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia

Embark on a 20-day journey of discovery through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia with Legend Travel Group. Explore bustling Ho Chi Minh City and its iconic Cu Chi Tunnels before heading to the tranquil Mekong Delta for a river boat trip. Continue your adventure to the charming ancient town of Hoi An, where you will cycle to the Tra Que Herb Village and enjoy a cooking class. Take a road trip to Hue, where you'll discover the imperial treasures and fly to the vibrant capital city of Hanoi. Next, embark on an overnight cruise in Halong Bay, known for its stunning limestone cliffs and emerald waters. Fly to Luang Prabang in Laos, where you'll visit the Pak Ou Cave and Khouangsi Waterfall. Discover the mysterious Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang before traveling to the capital city of Vientiane for a city tour. Fly to Phnom Penh in Cambodia to explore its fascinating history and culture before traveling to the iconic temples of Angkor in Siem Reap. End your journey in Cambodia with a sense of awe and wonder.

1. Explore the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City and its iconic Cu Chi Tunnels.
2. Cruise through the tranquil Mekong Delta and witness its unique way of life.
3. Discover the charming ancient town of Hoi An and take a cooking class at the Tra Que Herb Village.
4. Marvel at the imperial treasures of Hue and the vibrant capital city of Hanoi.
5. Experience an overnight cruise in Halong Bay, one of the world's most stunning natural wonders.
6. Visit the mystical Pak Ou Cave and the Khouangsi Waterfall in Luang Prabang.
7. Uncover the mysterious Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang and explore the capital city of Vientiane.
8. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history and culture of Phnom Penh before marveling at the iconic temples of Angkor in Siem Reap.

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam! On your first day, you will arrive at the airport at your preferred time as the only scheduled activity for the day is the airport pickup. A friendly driver from Legend Travel Group will be waiting to greet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel. Once you have checked in, you can take the rest of the day to relax and settle in, or explore the city on your own to get a feel for the local culture and attractions.

We understand that traveling to a new country can be stressful, so we have included airport transfers in the itinerary to make your trip hassle-free. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride knowing that your transportation has been taken care of.

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City and get ready for an exciting adventure! With a vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and delicious food, Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect starting point for your Vietnam trip. Take some time to rest and rejuvenate, and get ready for the amazing experiences that await you.

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Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Ramada Encore Saigon Hotel - 4-star or similar

Majestic Saigon Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, embark on a fascinating journey through the highlights of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of neo-Romanesque architecture built by the French in the 19th century. Next, stop at the historic Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel and featuring a beautiful interior of intricate maps, intricate designs, and arched windows. Then, explore the Reunification Palace, the former presidential palace of South Vietnam and a symbol of the country's tumultuous past.

After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon takes you to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a popular destination for both Vietnamese and foreign tourists. The tunnels, which span over 200km, played a critical role during the Vietnam War and were functioning underground cities that included trap doors, living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. You will learn about the construction of the tunnels and spend the next few hours exploring the tunnels and war remnants, gaining insights into the harsh conditions and ingenious methods used to maintain life in the tunnels. You'll even have a chance to sample some of the simple cuisine that local fighters survived on and venture into the tunnels to experience the complex firsthand.

After the tour, return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for a comfortable overnight stay. The distance between Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnel is approximately 75 km, which takes about 1.5 hours to drive.

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Accommodation Options:

Elios Hotel Saigon - 3-star or similar

Ramada Encore Saigon Hotel - 4-star or simila

Majestic Saigon Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your tour guide will pick you up at 8:00 am to start your journey to My Tho, the capital city of Tien Giang Province. This picturesque city is located on the Mekong River, about 75 kilometers southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, and is known for its lush orchards and rice fields that produce grains for the entire country.

During your visit to My Tho, you will have the chance to explore one or two of the islands known for producing traditional handicrafts, such as coconut candy and bee farms. You will also visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the Mekong Delta region. To reach the pagoda, you will take a boat trip along the Mekong River, where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery of the river and the surrounding areas. The Vinh Trang Pagoda is surrounded by beautiful gardens and boasts intricate architecture and stunning sculptures.

After your tour of My Tho is complete, you will return to Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to the airport for your flight to Hoi An (via Da Nang Airport). Upon arrival at the airport in Da Nang our representative will be waiting to pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. You will spend the night in Hoi An.

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Accommodation Options:

Garden Palace Hotel and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Hoi An, a charming and historic trading center that was once known as “Faifo” to the earliest Western traders. It was also an important port for the Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, and other merchant vessels from the Far East.

Your tour will start with a visit to a temple located in the center of Hoi An. The temple has partially gilded statues and reflects the influences of Chinese and Japanese styles. You will also visit a pagoda that is dedicated to sailors and fishermen, and a chapel that has origins dating back to the 1700s.

Next, you will stop at the Sa Huynh Museum, which is located near the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge. The museum contains exhibitions from the earliest period of Hoi An’s history, offering a glimpse into the city's rich and fascinating past.

Later in the afternoon, you will take a boat trip on the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong Village on Cam Kim Island. Here, you will see the skilled woodworkers and shipbuilding families who have been practicing their craft for generations. It's a unique opportunity to experience the traditional way of life in this part of Vietnam.

Finally, you will return to your haven on the world-famous “Cua Dai Beach.” Spend the evening at your leisure, relaxing on the beautiful beach and enjoying the stunning scenery. Overnight in Hoi An.

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Accommodation Options:

Garden Palace Hotel and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

After having breakfast at the hotel, you will meet your guide at 8:00 am in Hoi An and ride bicycles to Tra Que Vegetable Village, which is 3km away from Hoi An Ancient Town. During this scenic ride through peaceful villages, you can admire the beautiful countryside surrounding Hoi An.

Upon arriving at Tra Que Vegetable Village, you will experience the local farmer's life and work at an organic vegetable and herb garden. You will learn how to prepare the soil, grow vegetables, and water them to get fresh vegetables. Additionally, you will enjoy a 15-minute foot massage using herbs to refresh yourself.

Afterward, you will have the chance to participate in a cooking class with a local family. You will receive instructions on how to prepare ingredients and cook Hoi An's special dishes, such as Tam Huu Spring Roll and Banh Xeo Pancake. Following the cooking class, you will enjoy a delicious lunch with the family.

Later in the afternoon, you will have some free time to explore Hoi An Town and purchase some souvenir gifts. Alternatively, you can choose to spend your time relaxing at Cua Dai beach, which is only 4km away from the ancient town.

The trip ends at the hotel around 3:30 pm, and you are free to have dinner on your own. You will stay overnight in Hoi An Town.

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Accommodation Options:

Garden Palace Hotel and Spa - 4-star or similar

Lantana Riverside Hoi An Hotel - 4-star or similar

KOI Resorts and Spa - 5-star or similar

After having breakfast at your hotel, at 9:00 am, a driver from Legend Travel Group will pick you up and take you to Hue City. On the way, you will stop at Cham Museum and Ngu Hanh Son Mountain in Da Nang. You will need to purchase the tickets for these attractions on your own. Then, continue your trip with the driver to Hai Van Pass, where you can take in the stunning views of Son Tra Peninsula from the top. Have a short break at Lang Co Beach before arriving in Hue City in the afternoon. Check in at your hotel and have some free time to explore the imperial city. Overnight in Hue.

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Accommodation Options:

Cherish Hotel Hue - 3-star or similar

White Lotus Hue Hotel - 4-star or similar

Imperial Hue Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, embark on a delightful boat trip along the romantic Perfume River to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, which is the oldest and most revered site in Hue. Admire the stunning views of the river and the lush surroundings, and learn about the rich history and cultural significance of the pagoda from your knowledgeable guide. Next, you will visit the mausoleums of Emperor Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, two of the most iconic and historic landmarks in Hue.

Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor delicious traditional Vietnamese cuisine and immerse yourself in the local dining culture.

In the afternoon, continue your Hue sightseeing tour by exploring the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the grandeur and sophistication of the Nguyen Dynasty. Discover the fascinating history and architecture of the Purple Forbidden City, which was once the exclusive domain of the emperors and their royal family. Next, visit Thuy Xuan incense-making village, where you can witness the traditional process of making incense and learn about its cultural significance in Vietnam. Finally, head to Dong Ba market, the largest and most vibrant market in Hue, where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and local specialties. Transfer to the airport for flight to Hanoi. Pick up upon arrival at the airport and transfer to the hotel for check in. Overnight in Hanoi.

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Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lion Boutique Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, you will be picked up by our friendly guide to begin your exploration of Hanoi City. The first stop will be at Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This pagoda is the oldest in Hanoi and was built in the 6th century. Admire the stunning architecture and learn about the history and culture of this important landmark.

Next, visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, where you will have the chance to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Take a leisurely walk around the garden to see the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Then, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, which worships the Goddess of Mercy and is considered the most unique pagoda in the world.

Please note that Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays. If your tour falls on either of these days, an alternative itinerary will be arranged.

Afterwards, head to the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the culture of the 54 ethnic groups living in Vietnam. However, if your tour falls on a Monday, the museum will be closed, and you will visit the Women’s Museum instead.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at our restaurant, where you will have the opportunity to taste some of the best Vietnamese cuisine.

After lunch, continue your tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature, the first university of Vietnam established in the 11th century. This is a great place to learn about the education system of Vietnam in ancient times.

The city tour will conclude with a visit to the Hoa Lo Prison, originally used by the French colonists in Indochina for political prisoners and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period, it was known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton."

After an exciting day of exploring Hanoi City, you will be transferred back to the hotel for check in. Free at leisure and stay overnight in Hanoi.

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Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lion Boutique Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, our private mini-van/bus will pick you up between 8:30 am to 9:00 am to begin your journey to Halong City. During the 3.5-hour drive, you will have the opportunity to view the simple countryside and rice paddy life along the way. Once you arrive at the port, you will board your private boat - an authentic Chinese Junk - and begin your amazing cruise through the stunning Halong Bay, a World Heritage Site. Lunch will be served on board and will consist of a selection of the freshest seafood.

During the cruise, we will visit "the Amazing cave" and then take a swim in the tranquil emerald waters of Halong Bay. We will then cruise further into a quiet area where we will anchor and spend the night. You will enjoy dinner and relax as the sun sets over the bay. Afterward, you are free to swim in the phosphorescent water, retire to your cabin, or even fall asleep under the stars on the top deck, surrounded by the magic of Halong. You will spend the night on the boat, taking in the stunning surroundings of the bay.

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Accommodation Options:

MILA Cruises - 3-star or similar

Pelican Cruises - 4-star or similar

Paradise Sails Cruises - 5-star or similar

Wake up early in the morning to witness a beautiful sunrise and breathe in the fresh ocean air. Enjoy breakfast served on the boat as we leisurely cruise through thousands of stunning and seemingly never-ending islands. This is an amazing opportunity to capture some breathtaking photographs of the scenery. We will also make a stop to visit a floating fishing village and hear legendary stories of the fishermen's daily life.

Lunch will be served on the boat as we cruise back to the Halong City pier. From there, we will return to Hanoi. You will arrive in Hanoi around 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Check in at your hotel and take advantage of some free time to explore the fascinating Old Quarter of Hanoi on your own. Take the opportunity to indulge in some delicious local street food or browse the shops for souvenirs. You will spend the night in Hanoi.

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Accommodation Options:

TK-123 Hanoi - 3-star or similar

Lion Boutique Hanoi Hotel - 4-star or similar

Hotel du Parc Hanoi - 5-star or similar

You will have the morning free to relax before your afternoon flight to Luang Prabang. Upon your arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by a local guide who will assist you throughout your stay. The guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. You will have the rest of the day to settle in and explore the charming town of Luang Prabang at your leisure. Overnight accommodations will be provided in Luang Prabang.

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Accommodation Options:

Villa Chitdara Hotel - 3-star or similar

Le Sen Boutique Hotel - 4-star or similar

Kiridara Hotel - 5-star or similar

After having breakfast at the hotel, you can choose to participate in the daily morning alms giving to saffron-clad monks, a unique tradition preserved only in Laos. Later, we will visit the Phosi Market where you can find a variety of food and souvenirs. In the morning, we will have a short-guided tour of Wat Sene, the city's oldest temple, and the impressive Wat Xieng Thong, where you can see the stunning "tree of life" mosaic made of colored glass.

We will then take an upstream cruise on the Mekong River, offering panoramic views of the serene countryside, and make stops at the Pak Ou Caves, which house thousands of Buddha images, and several villages, including Ban Xanghai, where local rice wine is produced. After seeing Ban Phanom, a village known for its hand weaving, we return to Luang Prabang in the afternoon.

In the evening, we continue our excursion towards Khouangsi Waterfall, visiting ethnic minority villages on the way to see how they live. Once at the waterfall, you can swim in the turquoise pools or walk along forest paths. We return to Luang Prabang by late afternoon and visit Ban Xangkong, a village famous for silk hand weaving and making traditional Saa Paper. Finally, we will sit and relax at Wat Phabath to watch the sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang.

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Accommodation Options:

Villa Chitdara Hotel - 3-star or similar

Le Sen Boutique Hotel - 4-star or similar

Kiridara Hotel - 5-star or similar

After breakfast, we will visit The National Museum at the former Royal Palace, which showcases a beautiful collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture throughout the ages. Following that, we will depart from this charming town and drive to Xieng Khouang, an area that was once devastated by American bombings. These back roads provide an authentic Laos experience, where we will encounter mostly rural dwellers who are just as curious about us as we are about them. Although the drive is long, we will make a few stops for photo opportunities. In the afternoon, we will have time to explore the old capital in Muang Khoun Province and nearby villages. Overnight in Xieng Khouang.

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Accommodation: Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel (local best)

Following breakfast at the hotel, we transfer out to visit the Plain of Jars, an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are littered throughout the plateau. We then board a short flight to the charming and fascinating Lao capital of Vientiane. On arrival we check into our hotel. After a short rest, we will visit the Morning Market and the weaving village of Ban Nong Bouathong. Overnight in Vientiane.

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Accommodation Options:

Orchild Laos Hotel - 3-star or similar

Salana Boutique Hotel - 4-star or similar

Crown Plaza - 5-star or similar

Today we begin to see the major sights of the capital, including Wat Sisaket, which contains more than 8000 Buddha statues, Wat Ho Phra Keo the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue and That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos. We also see the Patuxai (Lao Arc de Triomphe), which was built in commemoration of those who died during past wars and today it is the city’s main landmark. In the afternoon we transfer out to see Buddha Park, a scattered and enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures near the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images here. Observing the spectacular sunset view over the Mekong River is a perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane.

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Accommodation Options:

Orchild Laos Hotel - 3-star or similar

Salana Boutique Hotel - 4-star or similar

Crown Plaza - 5-star or similar

Today, you will depart from Vientiane in the morning and fly to Phnom Penh. You will arrive safely at the Cambodian international airport at 1:00 pm and be warmly welcomed to Phnom Penh. This city retains its traditional Khmer and colonial styles, with French villas and large tree-lined sidewalks. After a short rest, you will visit the impressive Khmer-style royal palace complex, which was built in 1866 by the predecessors of King Norodom. The next site to see is the Silver Pagoda, also known as the Emerald Buddha Temple, which contains numerous Buddha statues decorated with gold, diamond, gemstones, and silver. Another must-see stop is the Independence Monument and the National Museum, a beautiful Khmer architectural building containing over 5000 art antiques made of bronze, wood, gold, silver, copper, sandstone, and other materials. You'll pass through the river-front park where four rivers meet at a junction, including the mystical Mekong, and walk up to the sacred hill Phnom Daun Penh, which is also the name of a pagoda and the current capital city.

Enjoy your evening and overnight stay in Phnom Penh. The distance from the airport to the central part of Phnom Penh is about 10 km, and the transfer time is approximately 35 minutes.

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Accommodation Options:

Okay Boutique Hotel - 3-star or similar

Anik Palace Hotel - 4-star or similar

Palace Gate Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, the tour will begin with a visit to the Royal Palace compound, which was built in 1866 by the predecessors of King Norodom. The palace boasts an impressive and colorful Khmer-style architecture and is the most prominent feature in Phnom Penh. Adjacent to the Royal Palace is the Silver Pagoda, also known as the Emerald Buddha temple, which displays numerous Buddha statues decorated with diamonds, emeralds, gold and silver.

Next, you will proceed to the National Museum, a distinctive red building with beautiful Khmer architecture that has been standing since 1917. It contains over 5,000 art objects made of sandstone, bronze, silver, copper, wood and other materials. The tour continues with a visit to the Independence Monument, which was constructed in 1954 to commemorate Cambodia's independence from French colonial rule.

At noon, you will visit Phsar Thmey, also known as the Central Market. This large market, constructed in 1937, features a dome-shaped building with four branching arms leading to vast hallways filled with countless stalls selling a wide range of products, including gold and silver, antique coins, money exchange, books, flowers, fabrics, shoes, souvenirs, seafood, and more.

Next, you will head to Wat Phnom, also known as the Mountain Pagoda, a Buddhist temple located on a hill that symbolizes the name of Phnom Penh. According to legend, the first pagoda on this site was erected in 1372 to house four Buddha statues discovered by Lady Penh in the waters of the Mekong River. Wat Phnom is a popular place for locals to come and play, pray for good luck, and admire the stunning sunset.

In the late afternoon, you will enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong River to view the Royal Palace from the water as it bursts into four branches. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

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Accommodation Options:

Okay Boutique Hotel - 3-star or similar

Anik Palace Hotel - 4-star or similar

Palace Gate Hotel - 5-star or similar

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be taken to the airport to catch your flight to Siem Reap. Upon your arrival at noon, your tour guide and driver will warmly welcome you at the airport and transfer you to Siem Reap City for a visit to the Angkor Complex. Your tour will start with a visit to Angkor Thom, a fortified city covering an area of 10 square km. Enclosed by a wall and wide moats, the city features many of Angkor's most famous attractions. You will enter through the impressive South Gate, crossing over a causeway lined with statues of demons and gods, each carrying a giant naga. Next, you will visit the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper Kings, former spaces for public ceremonies adorned with dramatic bas-reliefs. You will then see the ruined Baphuon, the Royal Enclosure, and Phimeanakas before continuing to the mysterious Bayon Temple. This temple is one of the most popular and compelling in Angkor, featuring galleries of beautifully preserved bas-reliefs, and narrow stairs that lead to the central sanctuary, where you will find giant stone faces smiling enigmatically from every angle. After this, you will visit a temple to watch the sunset over the Cambodian countryside from the upper terraces of an ancient Angkorian temple. You will then return to your hotel for check-in and spend the night in Siem Reap.

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Accommodation Options:

La Niche D’angkor Hotel - 3-star or similar

Royal Angkor Resort - 4-star or similar

Angkor Village Hotel - 5-star or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our tour of the Angkor temples. Our first stop will be Angkor Wat, which is the crowning jewel of Khmer architecture and the national symbol of Cambodia. It is the largest, best-preserved, and most religiously significant of the Angkor temples, impressing visitors with its sheer scale and beautifully proportioned layout. As you approach the temple, you will cross a vast moat and continue along a broad causeway lined with naga balustrades. Upon entering the main building, you will ascend through a series of galleries and courtyards before reaching the central sanctuary, which offers beautiful views back over the causeway and across the surrounding countryside. Along the way, you can admire the intricate stone carvings that adorn nearly every surface, with some 1,700 Apsaras or celestial dancers sculpted into the walls. The outer gallery walls feature the longest continuous bas-relief in the world, narrating stories from Hindu mythology, including the famous Churning of the Ocean of Milk. Angkor Wat is stunning at any time of the day, but sunrise and sunset are especially beautiful times to watch the play of light on the stones.

Next, we will visit Ta Prohm, one of the most popular attractions of Angkor. Much of the jungle has not been cleared, giving the temple a mystical atmosphere, and it looks very much as most of the Angkor monuments would have appeared when European explorers first stumbled across them.

We will then continue our temple tour to Banteay Srei Temple. Seemingly miniature in comparison to the other Angkor temples, Banteay Srei is considered the jewel of classical Khmer art. Built in pink sandstone, its walls are covered in exquisitely preserved carvings of unusual delicacy. Because of its small size, fairy-like atmosphere, and extraordinary examples of Khmer sculpture, this temple is often a favorite with visitors.

Afterward, we will visit Takeo, Thommanon, Chau Say Tevoda, and Ta Prohm, one of the area's most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been left relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the way most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them.

After the temple tour, we will transfer back to the hotel for check-in. Overnight in Siem Reap.

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Accommodation Options:

La Niche D’angkor Hotel - 3-star or similar

Royal Angkor Resort - 4-star or similar

Angkor Village Hotel - 5-star or similar

After breakfast at the hotel, today is the day to bid farewell. You are free to spend your remaining time at leisure until it's time for your transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Your driver will take you to the airport at any time and you are advised to arrive at least 3 hours prior to your flight departure.

Thank you for choosing Legend Travel Group for your trip. We hope to see you again on your next adventure! Airport transfer includes.

End of services.