Thailand – Cambodia – Vietnam

Starts Bangkok, Thailand and ends HCMC (Saigon), Vietnam

The journey takes you from bustling Bangkok into the jungle of Northern Thailand, before crossing into Cambodia to explore the ancient temples of Siem Reap. During this trip you will have the opportunity to participate in a volunteer project in Cambodia, before boating down the Mekong River to end your trip in Saigon.

Day 1 Bangkok
Arrival day so no activities planned. This evening your Guide will meet you for the tour briefing. No meals.

Day 2 Bangkok
Guided tour of the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha in the morning. The afternoon is free to explore the city on your own (B)

Day 3 Battambang
After breakfast we leave Bangkok to the Thai – Cambodian border. We travel the whole day from the cosmopolitan city of Bangkok to the quiet Cambodian town of Battambang. You will meet with your Khmer Leader at the border (B) Approx 8hrs drive.

Day 4 Battambang
Free day in Battambang to wonder around the local market or in the countryside. There is also the option to ride on a bamboo train (B)

Day 5 Siem Reap
Today we take a boat through the Mekong River, to Siem Reap. Optional visit to Angkor complex to watch the sunset from Mount Bakeng (B) Approx 5hrs boat ride.

Day 6 Siem Reap
Rise early morning to watch the sunrise from the famous ANGKOR WAT temple, then spend the whole day sightseeing the Bayon, Ta Prom, and Elephant Leaper King Temples (B)

Day 10 Phnom Penh
Today we drive to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. After a brief walking tour organized by your Guide you are free to explore the old market on your own (B) (Approx 5hrs drive)

Day 11 Phnom Penh
Guided tour of the National Museum and adjacent complex of the Silver Pagoda, Royal Palace, Toul Sleng Museum, Killing Fields and the Russian market. Free afternoon to further explore the capital (B)

Day 12 Mekong Delta (Chau doc)
Today we continue on the boat to Chau Doc-Vietnam. You are expected to arrive in the late afternoon, where you will be met by your Vietnamese leader. You can watch the sunset or wander through the local market in the evening (B). Approx 4 hrs boat ride

Day 13 Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast we embark on a small traditional boat to witness life in the Mekong Delta region, then drive to Ho Chi Minh City, the commercial capital of Vietnam. (B) Approx 2hrs drive.

Day 14 Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy a walking tour of the city where you will see the old post office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Re-unification Palace, War Museum and the vibrant Ben Thanh market. (B).

Note: Minimum donation of 1US$ a day per person is required during the volunteer days

Note: Please note, for volunteer projects involving children, we may request a Federal Police criminal background certificate from your country. This is to protect both the volunteers and the children we seek to assist.

Cambodian Crossing Departure Dates:

17 Jan 09
14 Feb 09
14 Mar 09
18 Apr 09
16 May 09
20 jun 09
18 Jul 09
15 Aug 09
12 Sep 09
17 Oct 09
14 Nov 09
12 Dec 09

Inclusions:
Selected entrance fees during site seeing days as per detailed trip dossier
Maximum group size: 15
Minimum group size: 4
Airport transfer to Hotel on day 1
Service of experienced Local leaders
Transport: Private Van/Coach, Boat.
Accommodation: (all rooms are based on TWIN share)
Locally managed two star hotel/ guest house- 12 Nights
Homestay- 1 Night

Exclusions:
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Visa and visa costs
Insurance (compulsory)
Personal expenditures
Tips and other costs not mentioned in the itinerary.
Police Background check or similar official document from home country
Selected entrance fees during site seeing days as per detailed trip dossier, and optional activities.

Payment.
1.On acceptance – £200 per person Acceptance Payment (non refundable) by cheque payable to “S W & M Miller”
Your Contract for all tour arrangements is directly with ETC, Thailand to whom payment for the tour is made.
2. Eight weeks prior to arrival in India, or on Acceptance – 50% payable in US $, by Credit Card or International Bank Transfer, direct to ETC, Thailand
3. On arrival in Thailand – 50% payable, in US $, by Credit Card or Cash.

Cancellation Charges

35 days prior to arrival a cancellation fee of US$200 per person will be applicable.
30 days notice of cancellation a fee of 25% of the total amount will be applicable.
25 days notice of cancellation a fee of 50% of the total amount will be applicable
Less than 25 days notice incurs the full amount.
Acceptance Payment non refundable

Included in the Cost

• Accommodation on a twin sharing, room and breakfast basis at the hotels specified,
• Full board at Wildlife Park if applicable.
• Any single room subject to supplement shown.
• All transfers, sightseeing and excursions by air-conditioned vehicle.
• Services of an English speaking local guide (or a naturalist in National Parks)
• Entrance fees at monuments and parks where applicable
• Train journeys where applicable
• Porterage at airports, rail stations and hotels (not tips).
• All currently applicable taxes.
• The UK pounds price shown is based on current exchange rates.

Excluded from the Cost

• Expenses of a personal nature such as table drinks, laundry, telephone calls, Internet charges, mineral water, tips, shopping etc.
• Any other meals or services not mentioned in the programme.
• Any international or domestic airfare or any airport taxes.
• Any Government or State taxes subsequently introduced.
• Travel Insurance
• Visa fees