Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City Journey 5-Day Tour

Discover the wonders of Cambodia with our 5-day package tour, taking you from the magnificent temples of Angkor in Siem Reap to the vibrant city of Phnom Penh, and ending with a bus journey to the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Immerse yourself in the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of Cambodia, with highlights including the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archeological Park, the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, and the poignant reminders of Phnom Penh's past. Join us on this unforgettable journey and experience the best of Cambodia.
 

1. Discovering the ancient temples of Angkor: Visit the world-famous Angkor Wat complex and other temples, learning about their history and significance with the help of a knowledgeable tour guide.
2. Experiencing local life on Tonle Sap Lake: Take a cruise to see the floating villages and freshwater mangroves surrounding Southeast Asia's largest lake, and witness the daily life of the Khmer people who live there.
3. Exploring Phnom Penh's rich history: Visit the Royal Palace, National Museum, and other important sites to learn about the city's past and present, including its tragic recent history under the Khmer Rouge regime.
4. Sampling delicious Cambodian cuisine: Savor the flavors of local dishes at restaurants and markets throughout the tour, trying everything from spicy curries to refreshing tropical fruits.
5. Crossing the border from Cambodia to Vietnam: Experience the thrill of traveling by bus through the scenic countryside and crossing the border between these two neighboring countries.
6. Relaxing and enjoying free time: With plenty of time for leisure activities and exploration on your own, this tour offers a perfect balance of structure and flexibility, allowing you to enjoy each destination at your own pace.

Today, you will be arriving in Siem Reap, a charming city located in the northwestern region of Cambodia. You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel in Siem Reap for check-in. Once you have settled into your accommodation, you will have the rest of the day free at leisure to explore the city and its surroundings. You may choose to visit the famous Angkor Wat temple complex, take a stroll through the bustling night market, or simply relax and enjoy the local cuisine. 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 enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Angkor Thom, which was a magnificent architectural masterpiece built by King Jayavarman VII. The king built this fortress in the heart of his empire as a response to the occupation of Angkor by the Chams from 1177 to 1181.

Our first stop will be the Bayon Temple, which is located at the exact center of Angkor Thom. This temple is an eccentric expression of the creative genius and inflated ego of Cambodia's most celebrated king. We will also have a photo stop at the Terrace of the Leper King, which is a unique stone terrace located in the Royal Square of Angkor Thom.

Next, we will visit the Terrace of Elephants, which was originally used as a viewing gallery for the king to preside over parades, performances, and traditional sports. At the southern end of the terrace lies the Baphuon, one of the most beautiful temples at Angkor, dating from the reign of Uditayavarman I in the 11th century.

We will also visit the picturesque Ta Prohm temple, which has nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, creating an exotic and haunting scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, which are pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, evoke feelings that you may remember forever.

Our final stop will be the mother of all temples, Angkor Wat. This temple is believed to be the world's largest religious building and is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry. It is a source of pride and strength to all Khmers.

After a long day of exploring, we will return to the hotel for an overnight stay 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

We will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful Tonle Sap Lake with a boat ride. This lake is the largest permanent freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and connects to the Tonle Sap River, eventually joining the Mekong River in Phnom Penh. During the boat ride, we will witness the fascinating lifestyle of local fishermen in a "floating village" with unique features such as floating schools and even a floating police station. This village is like a big community floating on the lake, moving from one location to another depending on the water levels and current.

After the boat ride, we will transfer to the Siem Reap bus station and board a shuttle bus to Phnom Penh. Once we arrive at the Siem Reap bus station, our driver (no guide) will be waiting to take us to the hotel for check-in. We will spend the night in Phnom Penh, ready to explore more of this vibrant city the following day.

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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 a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, you will have some free time to explore Phnom Penh on your own. You can visit any attractions you might have missed earlier or do some last-minute shopping. Later, you will board the bus to Ho Chi Minh City via the Bavet International Border - Moc Bai, Vietnam. The bus journey takes around 6 hours. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon, the trip concludes at the Bus station. We hope that you enjoyed your time in Cambodia and wish you a pleasant continuation of your trip in Vietnam. We look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure with Legend Travel Group.