Vietnam - Cambodia - Thailand Travel Itinerary
Travelers: Mr Thomas Cranstoun & Ms Eleanor Cranstoun
Dates: October 8 - November 6, 2025
Reference: MDRMKF
Summary
Tour Highlights
These exclusive experiences are thoughtfully curated to take you on an inspiring journey beneath the surface of local history, culture and traditions. These once-in-a-lifetime moments are often not available to regular travellers and are specially designed to provide authentic insights into Vietnam and Cambodia's rich heritage.
Day 1-2: Travel to Vietnam
Wednesday, October 8 - Thursday, October 9, 2025
Departure from York
- Train: York β Manchester Airport
- Depart early afternoon to arrive by 18:45 for flight check-in
- Allow time for airport transfer and 2.5 hour minimum check-in requirement
Outbound Flights
- EK020: Manchester β Dubai
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- Depart: 21:15 β Arrive: 07:25+1 (Emirates Economy)
- Check-in: Terminal 1, Manchester (2.5 hrs before departure)
- EK392: Dubai β Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
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- Depart: 09:35 β Arrive: 20:00 (Emirates Economy)
Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City
- VIP Fast Track Service: Seamless arrival experience in Ho Chi Minh City
- Private airport transfer to accommodation
- Accommodation: APT Cruises Hotel (Park Room, Double Occupancy)
- Address: 2 CTNG TRNG LAM SN BN NGHI QUN 1 H CHM MINH
- Breakfast included
Day 3-4: Ho Chi Minh City
Friday, October 10 - Saturday, October 11, 2025
Signature Experiences (Day 3)
- Cu Chi Tunnels Visit: Thrilling speedboat journey along the Saigon River to explore the immense network of tunnels built by Vietnamese resistance fighters
- Private Gin Tasting: Meet a Master Distiller at Lady Trieu Gin Distillery for a guided tour and private tasting of multi-award-winning gin, followed by light lunch with gin & tonic
- Dinner at Vietnam House: Evening meal at this highly acclaimed restaurant, featuring a special cocktail designed exclusively for APT guests
Accommodation
- Accommodation: APT Cruises Hotel (continued)
- Breakfast included daily
Day 5-7: Vietnam Escorted Tour
Saturday, October 11 - Monday, October 13, 2025
- Tour: 13 Day Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights (Days 1-3)
- Double occupancy accommodation
- All meals as per itinerary
- Non-smoking rooms
- Tour concludes in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 8-14: Mekong River Cruise
Monday, October 13 - Monday, October 20, 2025
Here's some detailed text about your Mekong Serenity cruise ship that you can add to your itinerary:
About Your Mekong Serenity Cruise Ship
Ship Overview
The Mekong Serenity is APT's first-ever owned river cruise ship, launched in September 2023. This luxury 5-deck, all-suite vessel accommodates just 88 passengers with a crew of 44, ensuring exceptional service with a 2:1 passenger-to-crew ratio. Built in Vietnam using local teak for floors, doors and walls, the ship reflects its destination's heritage.
Your Cabin: Category D, Lily Deck, Cabin 107
You're staying on Deck 1 (Lily Deck), which houses the main Lemongrass restaurant where all meals are served. All suites are identical in size with private balconies. Note: Cabin walls can be thin (occasional alarm sounds from neighboring cabins), and suitcases don't fit under beds - pack accordingly for limited storage space.
Ship Layout & Facilities
Sun Deck (Top): 300-foot wraparound promenade with jogging track, sun beds, and solar panels. Perfect for sunrise/sunset strolls, though seating is fixed and deck can be underutilized due to heat.
Pool Deck (Lotus Deck): Beautifully landscaped with swimming pool (primarily for cooling off), poolside bistro for lunch, Horizon Bar serving included drinks all day, plus fitness center tucked away near premium cabins.
Orchid Deck: Reception, shop, specialty restaurant Indochine (dine here once during voyage), and Harmony Lounge for pre/post-dinner drinks and evening entertainment with resident pianist.
Lily Deck (Your Deck): Main Lemongrass restaurant and remaining passenger suites.
Lower Deck: Hair salon and spa with two treatment rooms.
What's Included in Your Cruise
- All meals at three restaurants (never feels crowded with 88 passengers)
- Unlimited beverages from select menu (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- All guided excursions (riding in tuk-tuks and rickshaws)
- Two free laundry items per person, per day
- Wi-Fi throughout ship
- All gratuities on board and off
- Port charges and taxes
What's NOT Included
- Spa treatments (beyond what's included)
- Premium drinks and cocktails
- Personal purchases at onboard shop
Fellow Passengers
Expect passengers over 50 (average age), with occasional multi-generational families. Not suitable for under 13s. Primarily Australian and UK travelers, with some US, Indian, Italian, and Belgian guests. Popular with solo travelers who receive special attention from the Tour Director.
Daily Routine
Couple of included guided excursions daily, from local markets and villages to Buddhist monastery blessing ceremonies. Mid-cruise overnight in Phnom Penh offers a choice of excursions (Killing Fields, Royal Palace, or cyclo city tour). Most excursions involve tuk-tuk and rickshaw rides.
Accessibility Considerations
Important: Ship elevator only reaches Decks 0-3; Sun Deck accessible via stairs only. Mobility required for climbing in/out of tuk-tuks and rickshaws during excursions.
Day 4: Embarkation Day (Ho Chi Minh City β My Tho β Cai Be)
Monday, October 13, 2025
Freedom of Choice Morning Activities (Select One):
- City Walking Tour: Discover iconic landmarks and French colonial architecture on a guided walk past Saigon Opera House, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral
- Motorbike Ride: Experience thrilling local-style sightseeing, weaving through streets past Central Post Office and Independence Palace, visiting Chinatown and Thien Hau pagoda
- Cooking Class: Meet your chef, visit the market to discover Vietnamese ingredients, then relax in an outdoor garden villa while learning to create bΓ‘nh mΓ¬ xΓu mαΊ‘i
Cruise Details: Transfer to My Tho for embarkation, set sail towards Cai Be, Vietnamese welcome dinner
Cabin: Category D, Lily Deck, Cabin 107
All meals and activities included throughout 7-night cruise
Day 5: Cai Be β Sa Dec β Tan Chau
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
- Morning: Traditional sampan excursion to visit French gothic Cai Be Church (tallest bell tower in Tien Giang Province) and explore colourful port area with colonial buildings
- Visit rice paper and coconut candy manufacturers
- Afternoon: Cruise to Sa Dec, explore local market and Huynh Thuy Le's former home (inspiration for Marguerite Duras' novel 'The Lover')
- Visit traditional Cao Dai temple
- Evening: Sail towards Tan Chau during dinner
Day 6: Tan Chau β Evergreen Island β Cambodia Border β Phnom Penh
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
- Morning: Small boat excursion through tiny tributaries, rickshaw tour of Tan Chau
- Visit local silk and rattan weaving workshop
- Explore Evergreen Island for authentic rural Mekong life
- Afternoon: Cruise towards Cambodian border, scenic relaxation time
Day 7: Phnom Penh
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Freedom of Choice Activities (Select One):
- Killing Fields and Genocide Museum: Sobering historical visit
- Cyclo Ride: Explore city by traditional Southeast Asian transportation
- National Museum Visit: Discover world's finest Khmer sculptures with private guide
- Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda: Explore King's official residence (completed 1870)
Afternoon at leisure - explore independently or relax on board
Day 8: Phnom Penh β Oudong β Koh Chen β Oknha Tey
Friday, October 17, 2025
- Morning: Journey to Oudong (former royal capital)
- Signature Experience: Buddhist blessing ceremony with resident monks for good luck, health and safe journey
- Visit Koh Chen village copperware workshops
- Afternoon: Cruise to Oknha Tey, explore silk weaving traditions among stilt houses
Day 9: Oknha Tey β Angkor Ban β Wat Hanchey
Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Morning: Walking discovery of historic Angkor Ban village (unscathed during Khmer Rouge regime)
- Explore traditional wooden homes and ancient cultural traditions
- Afternoon: Continue sailing upstream to Wat Hanchey
Day 10: Wat Hanchey β Kampong Cham β Koh Pen
Sunday, October 19, 2025
- Optional morning: Walk to hilltop pagoda of Wat Hanchey for Mekong views and ancient temples (8th century origins)
- Signature Experience: Tuk tuk tour of Koh Pen riverside village, observe crops and stilted houses
- Evening: Farewell dinner on board
Day 11: Kampong Cham β Disembark β Siem Reap
Monday, October 20, 2025
- Morning: Disembark Mekong Serenity at Kampong Cham
- Scenic drive to Siem Reap through countryside and remote villages
- Afternoon: Light lunch at hotel, relaxation time
- Signature Experience: Visit Opportunities of Development through Art (ODA) charity - OneTomorrow partner providing English education to village children
- Evening: VIP Circus Show and backstage visit at Phare Circus
- Accommodation: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort (3 nights)
Day 15-18: Siem Reap & Angkor Temples
Tuesday, October 21 - Friday, October 24, 2025
Day 12: Angkor Wat Sunrise & Temple Complex
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
- Early Morning: Sunrise at Angkor Wat - witness spectacular sunrise at world's largest religious monument, watching temple shimmer in reflective ponds with brilliant orange and pink sky
- Guided Tour: Explore vast temple complex and sprawling grounds after sunrise
- Late Breakfast at hotel
- Afternoon: Continue exploring World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park:
- Angkor Thom: Last capital of Khmer Empire (12th century), extraordinary Hindu and Buddhist monuments
- Bayon Temple: Carved stone smiling faces of gods, goddesses and mythological beings
- Terrace of Elephants: Former base of king's grand audience hall
- Terrace of the Leper King: Former royal crematory
- Ta Prohm: 'Tomb Raider Temple' enveloped by jungle fig trees and vines (location from 2001 Angelina Jolie film)
Freedom of Choice Dinner (Select One):
- Sokkhak River Restaurant: French-Khmer fusion in garden setting overlooking river
- Mouhot's Dream: Beside tranquil Sala Lake at Sofitel, honoring French explorer Henri Mouhot
- Malis: Exquisite traditional Cambodian cuisine in garden overlooking Siem Reap River
- Butterfly Pea: Intimate traditional Khmer house with tropical garden, authentic cuisine with Thai-Chinese influences
- Fellini: Authentic Italian cuisine in beautifully designed space
- Spoons: Creative Cambodian cuisine at training restaurant for underprivileged young adults
Day 13: Siem Reap Cultural Immersion
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Freedom of Choice Activities (Select One):
- Tuk Tuk to Senteurs d'Angkor: Visit handicraft centre, observe artisans creating contemporary designs with Khmer techniques
- Quad Bike Adventure: Exhilarating countryside experience along off-road tracks past rice fields, forgotten temples and communities
- Horse and Cart Ride: Authentic journey through rural Cambodia's beautiful countryside
- Khmer Cooking Class: Market visit with chef, prepare dishes at Lum Orng farm-to-table restaurant
- Siem Reap Shopping: Explore arts and crafts at Angkor Handicraft Association Fair-Trade Village
- Khmer Massage: Traditional 60-minute oil-free massage with acupressure and stretching
Evening Signature Experience:
- Gallery Visit with Khmer Dinner: Private visit to Theam's Gallery (sculptures, paintings, crafts), five-course Khmer dinner with traditional Apsara dance performance and live musicians
Day 14: Final Temple Exploration
Thursday, October 23, 2025
- Morning temple visits and final exploration
- Accommodation: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
Day 19-21: Private Angkor Discovery
Friday, October 24 - Sunday, October 26, 2025
Accommodation
- Hotel: APT Cruises (Superior Room, Double Occupancy)
- Breakfast included daily
Private 3-Day Angkor Temple Experience
Discover the unique structures and stone carvings scattered throughout this vast temple complex with your private guide.
Daily Temple Explorations:
- Intricate Bayon Temple: Explore countless carved faces adorning this atmospheric temple
- Ta Prohm: Experience the mystical atmosphere of this jungle-enveloped temple
- Spectacular Angkor Wat: Marvel at the world's largest religious monument and its detailed stone craftsmanship
- Lesser-known temples: Discover hidden gems away from the main tourist routes
- Duration: 10 hours daily
- Pickup: 07:30 from hotel
Evening Cultural Experience:
- Street Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk: Get off the tourist trail and enjoy a scrumptious evening exploring Cambodia's gastronomical delights
- Experience the friendly, hospitable people of Cambodia
- Sample authentic local cuisine in traditional street food settings
- Navigate local neighborhoods by traditional tuk-tuk transportation
Day 22-24: Bangkok, Thailand
Sunday, October 26 - Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Travel Day
- Flight PG906: Siem Reap β Bangkok
- Depart: 13:20 β Arrive: 14:45 (Bangkok Airways Economy)
- Private airport transfer to hotel
Bangkok Experience
With a rich cultural history and thriving modern economy, this diverse city sees old and new collide with spectacular effect. Bangkok offers an intoxicating mix of high culture, world-class shopping, vibrant nightlife and a choice of fabulous restaurants.
Activities & Experiences:
- Day & Night Contrast: Experience Bangkok's transformation from bustling daytime city to vibrant nightlife destination
- Sleek Rooftop Bars: Choose from numerous venues with panoramic city views
- Exploration Options: Navigate by foot, longtail boat, or traditional tuk-tuk
Must-See Landmarks:
- Grand Palace: Visit Bangkok's glittering royal complex
- Wat Pho: Explore this ancient and sacred temple
- Waterway Cruises: Navigate the city's extensive network of canals
- Floating Markets: Experience traditional Thai commerce on the water
- Street Food: Sample Thailand's world-renowned street cuisine
Optional Day Trip:
- Kanchanaburi Excursion: Visit the infamous Bridge on the River Kwai and explore beautiful surrounding landscapes
Accommodation
- Hotel: Chatrium Riverside Bangkok
- Address: 28 Charoen Krung Road, Wat Phraya Krai, Bangkok
- Room: Grand Deluxe River View (Full Breakfast)
- Swimming pool available
- Non-smoking room
Day 25-31: Phuket Beach Resort
Wednesday, October 29 - Wednesday, November 5, 2025
Travel Day
- Flight PG273: Bangkok β Phuket
- Depart: 12:40 β Arrive: 14:15 (Bangkok Airways Economy)
- Private airport transfer to resort
Phuket Island Experience
Reached by a connecting flight via Bangkok, the island of Phuket offers something for everyone with stunning scenery, exotic beaches, a lively nightlife and vibrant night markets.
Location Options:
- Bustling Areas: Karon and Patong for easy access to shops, bars and local restaurants
- Secluded Retreats: Peaceful white sand beaches amongst tropical vegetation overlooking the Andaman Sea
Activities & Experiences:
- Resort Relaxation: Spend days unwinding within the comfort of your luxury resort
- Boat Trips: Discover the staggering beauty of Phang Nga Bay with spectacular limestone cliffs and rock formations
- Beach Activities: Enjoy exotic beaches and stunning coastal scenery
- Evening Entertainment: Experience lively nightlife and explore vibrant night markets
- Local Dining: Sample authentic Thai cuisine at local restaurants
Accommodation
- Resort: Sala Phuket Mai Khao
- Address: 333 Moo 3 Maikhao, Thalang, Phuket
- Room: Garden Pool Villa (Including Breakfast)
- Private pool access
- Tropical setting amongst lush vegetation
- Special Offer: 30% discount for booking 120+ days in advance
Day 32: Return Journey
Wednesday, November 5 - Thursday, November 6, 2025
Bangkok Stopover
- Flight PG278: Phuket β Bangkok
- Depart: 19:50 β Arrive: 21:25 (Bangkok Airways Economy)
- Accommodation: Hyatt Regency Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
- Room: One King Bed Room (Full Breakfast)
Return Flights
- EK375: Bangkok β Dubai
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- Depart: 09:30 β Arrive: 13:15 (Emirates Economy)
- EK019: Dubai β Manchester
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- Depart: 14:30 β Arrive: 18:35 (Emirates Economy)
Return to York
- Train: Manchester Airport β York
- Depart evening after flight arrival and customs clearance
- Journey home to complete your incredible 30-day adventure
Important Notes
- Travel Insurance: No travel insurance included with Trailfinders
- Check-in: Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure
- Documents: Ensure passports are valid for 6+ months
- All private transfers included as specified
- All accommodation includes breakfast unless noted
- Non-smoking rooms requested throughout
Embassy Emergency Numbers:
Vietnam: +84 24 3936 0500 | Emergency: +84 904 039 454 Cambodia: +855 23 427 124 | Emergency: +855 12 306 255 Thailand: +66 2 305 8333 | Emergency: +66 81 809 7491
Key Hotel Emergency Contacts:
Oct 13-20: Mekong Serenity Cruise | APT Emergency +61 3 8648 8888
Oct 20-23: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra | +855 63 964 600
Oct 26-29: Chatrium Riverside Bangkok | +66 2 307 8888
Oct 29-Nov 5: Sala Phuket Mai Khao | +66 76 338 888
π±TIPPING GUIDE
Vietnam: Hotels $1-2/day, Tours $5-10/day, Street food: None
Cambodia: Hotels $1-2/day, Guide $10-15/day, Tuk-tuk: Round up
Thailand: Hotels 20-50ΰΈΏ/day, Restaurants 10%, Massage 50-100ΰΈΏ
CULTURAL REMINDERS
Remove shoes at temples
Cover shoulders/knees for temples
Never point feet at Buddha/people
Don't touch heads (sacred)
Give/receive with two hands
Ask permission for photos
π₯ Medical Emergency Contacts
Ho Chi Minh City: Franco-Vietnamese Hospital +84 28 3911 3333
Siem Reap: Royal Angkor International +855 63 761 888
Bangkok: Bumrungrad International +66 2 066 8888
Phuket: Bangkok Hospital Phuket +66 76 254 425
πΈ Photography Quick Guide SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES:
Ho Chi Minh (Oct 9-13): 5:50 AM / 5:45 PM
Siem Reap (Oct 20-26): 5:45 AM / 5:50 PM
Bangkok (Oct 26-29): 5:55 AM / 5:55 PM
Phuket (Oct 29-Nov 5): 6:00 AM / 6:00 PM
MUST-CAPTURE SHOTS:
Angkor Wat sunrise reflection
Bayon temple face carvings
Mekong floating market
Bangkok Grand Palace
Phuket sunset beach scene
Local street food preparation
PHOTOGRAPHY ETIQUETTE:
No flash in temples
Ask permission for portraits
Respect "no photo" signs
Be sensitive in rural villages
Contact Information
Travel Consultant: Poppy Allan, Trailfinders
Booking Reference: MDRMKF