Grand Vietnam, Laos And Cambodia , 21 days

On arrival at Tan San Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh, you are met by our guide and taken to your hotel by private transfer. You may have free time to relax and explore at your own pleasure.  The bustling   Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam, still called Saigon by many locals, was originally a fishing village built up on a vast swampland, but it has developed into Saigon under the French domination. The effervescent development has bought Ho Chi Minh some cosmic changes from a war-torn city to a thriving metropolis. However, the architecture, local culture and  lifestyle of Ho Chi Minh  are still a reconciliation among French, American and Chinese influences. This metropolis rapidly becomes a commercial and cultural center of Vietnam, punctuated with elegant new international hotels and exclusive restaurants, crowded with motorbikes, cars and vociferous cyclo drivers, and excited by numerous shopping areas, sidewalk cafés and noodle stalls. They create a dynamic urban area in very special sense and make for an endless exploration.

Today, we begin our exploration of Ho Chi Minh, taking a walk along  the vibrant and beautiful Nguyen Hue Boulevard. This broad walking promenade is fringed with many  shopping malls, eating spots and French colonial structures. We pay a quick look at the ornate City Hall and the old Opera House before we head towards the striking European style­ landmarks of  Notre Dame Cathedral and  Old Sai Gon Post Office. The tree lined boulevards lead us to the Reunification Palace, a former residence of the southern Vietnam President until a dramatic end on April 1975. The president palace was built on base of the French governor-general mansion and had all for the president life, plus shelter, helipad, and command bunker. We visit this site before  going to the War Remnant Exhibit which contains a wealth of images and real objects reflecting the notorious Vietnam- American War and the first Indochina War involving the French colonialists. They make your visit like taking a step back into the war time. We continue seeing the Jade Emperor Temple  and the crowded Saigon Chinatown, locally named Cho Lon. This bustling area is crammed with various sacred temples and mysterious and narrow market lanes. The major attractions in place are the Binh Tay Market and  the Thien Hau Pagoda. They will give us some interesting views of the local culture and traditions.  We round off our city tour with a walk around the retail  Ben Thanh Market, where vendors display a vast array of goods and handicrafts appealing to every taste!.

The incredible underground network of Cu Chi  was constructed by Vietnamese fighters during their long struggle for independence. These extensive tunnels stretched nearly 200km from the South Vietnamese capital to the Cambodian border and were several stories deep in some places. They included countless trapdoors, living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centers, and kitchens. We head out of the town this morning to Cu Chi Area where we will see an exposition hall and a widened section of Cu Chi Tunnels to get a feel of the underground life and learn a little more about the guerrilla tactics of the Viet Cong. There are also possibilities to fire off rounds from an AK47 or MK16 at the nearby rifle range. We set for Tay Ninh, driving along a crammed road linking Ho Chi Minh City and Cambodia. The rubber plantations go along our journey until Tay Ninh Town, the headquarters of Cao Dai Sect. This religion was founded in 1926 and now numbers over 2 million members throughout Vietnam. We arrive in time to attend the fantastic mid-day service when the followers fill the hall wearing colored robes. These costumes are a symbol of the curious combination of the Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. We also have a look at  the ornate Cao Dai Holy See, of which the vaulted mosque and multicolored temple represent the many great spiritual figures of the Cao Dai religion, including Buddha, Mohammed, and Victor Hugo.

Heading out of the town, we travel by road to My Tho, a gateway to the Mekong Delta. This incredibly fertile region was formed by the mighty Mekong River, which winds its way from Tibet - China through  Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, and finally into Vietnam. On arrival in My Tho, we board a private boat to explore the Mekong Delta. This river trip gives some fantastic views from the red water surface to floating fish farms and lush plantation backdrop. Along the way, we anchor on the Unicorn Island and stroll around with our guide to visit this large island, where village lanes are fringed with fishponds, fruit gardens and rice fields. We make some stops at local houses to taste seasonal fruits, listen to traditional music performed by a villager ensemble, and sample honey tea. The interlaced canals are truly a lifeblood of the Mekong Delta; however, many channels can be accessed only by small boats. We enjoy a short sampan trip rowing under the palm grove to venture into this maze of canals before we continue our motor boat to the coconut kingdom of Ben Tre. This luxuriant region offers various activities from bicycle ride to horse cart carriage and motorbike pulling cart. We take one of them to discover the traditional lifestyles, culture, and history of local people and  visit some industry cottages. They may be brick-kiln ceramics, coconut candy and coconut handicrafts,... We round off our excursion and continue our drive to Can Tho, the largest trade center  in the Mekong Delta.

The floating markets are truly a highlight of the Mekong Delta. They  are usually animated from dawn to midmorning only. Today we get up early to take a private boat downstream on the Mekong River towards the Cai Rang floating market. This bustling trading hub still keeps its traditional trading way; each boat usually  sells one particular item, whether it be pumpkins, pineapples, sugar canes,…To make customers know where to shop, they hang that item from the highest part of the boat. We circumambulate many barges heaped with tropical fruits to explore the amazing scene of trade and take some wonderful photos close up. We leave Can Tho on a morning flight to Da Nang, the largest coastal city in central Vietnam. On arrival , you are met by our guide and driven to visit Da Nang Downtown to visit h the famous Cham Museum, formerly the Ecole Francaise d’Extreme Orient. This beautiful mansion contains many exquisite limestone carvings from the vanquished Kingdom of Champa that has been in central coastal littoral prior to the march of the Vietnamese nation south. The scenic drive passes through various gorgeous beaches to  the sensational Marble Mountain topped with five rocky outcrops. They are said to represent the five natural elements of the universe; fire, water, earth, wood and metal. This mountain has a rich history as it was used by the Cham ethnic minorities for their religious purposes but lately became a heaven for the Vietnamese fighters. The long steep staircase may involve some hardship to see this mountain top. However, you can take an optional cable car ride with small  extra fees. We follow the coastline to Hoi An, a charismatic town outside of Da Nang.

The multiple style architecture, colorful shopping areas, diverse food tastes, beautiful countryside  and pristine beaches make Hoi An one of the most delightful places in Vietnam. This ancient town was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced by a myriad of traders from various cultures between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries. We enjoy a morning walking tour to explore Hoi An Ancient Town where Japanese legacy,  Vietnamese tube houses, ornate temples and Chinese shop houses are still standing to present the unique traditional townscape . We follow  the narrow walking streets dotted with many shop houses to the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge . This structure  was first constructed in 1590s by the Japanese traders  to link them with the Chinese quarters. The ornamentation has remained relatively faithful to the original Japanese design over centuries. We continue onto the Museum of Trade Ceramics, a beautifully restored timber house where displays many relics of the bygone civilization and the origins of this port town. Upon leaving this museum, we head towards the  typical Phung Hung House, a gem with a mixture of Japanese and Chinese architectural elements. This ancient house was built by a Vietnamese family two centuries ago and has been lovingly preserved through seven generations. We follow it with the Chua Ong Pagoda and the  Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. This colorful building is  one of the five well-known halls in Hoi An. You spend the rest of this day at leisure, to relax on Cua Dai Beach, stroll around the vibrant waterfront, make some fine garments at famous tailor shops or go on one of many optional trips.

Upon leaving Hoi An, we set off on our journey to Hue. This peaceful riverside town was once the country feudal capital from 1802 to 1945 under the Nguyen Dynasty, which still resonates with the glories of imperial Vietnam. We hug the coastline before climbing up the challenging Hai Van Pass, an obvious boundary between northern and southern Vietnam. The panoramic view from this pass top is nothing short of spectacular. The scenic drive drops down to Lang Co Village, giving us a chance to stretch our legs and go swimming on one of Vietnam best beaches. We arrive in Hue by late morning or early afternoon and start our exploration of this ancient capital with the massive Hue Citadel. This large complex contains the Imperial City and the Purple Forbidden City. The royal residence was all but partly destroyed during the 1968 Tet Offensive; however, it is still fascinating to walk around and see many pavilions, bridges, libraries, and great halls. They have been restored to explain the legends of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors who have built the fortress and lived within its moated walls for nearly 150 years. We follow it with a walk to the bustling Dong Ba Market, which is crammed with local treasures and also has many eating spots. They make an ideal place for visitors to try their hand at bargaining and sample some local delicacies.

Today, we embark on a traditional boat for a leisurely trip on the Perfume River, catching a taste of the tranquil countryside and an interesting visit to the Thien Mu Pagoda. This iconic religious structure has a nice legend and a prominent architecture stretching from the river banks in seven successive tiers to monastic buildings and octagonal tower, regarded as a symbol of Hue. Upon leaving this sight, we continue our cruise towards the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang. This majestic complex of courtyards, pavilions, and temples, was built in a tranquil setting of gardens and lakes. The river scenery will be left behind as we travel by road through  rolling hills to the Khai Dinh Mausoleum, a synthesis of Vietnamese and European elements. We walk across the mandarin courtyard where are standing various statues of mandarins, horses, and soldiers. They make for a real scene of the ancient royal court. The most notable place is Thien Dinh Palace housing the bronze statues and the King steles. We keep going to the open-air Arena, which was once a  place for sacrificial ceremonies and entertainment events. This circular arena has been abandoned; however, the gruesome battles between elephants and tigers in bygone times are still narrated by local villagers. We take an overnight train to Ninh Binh in northern Vietnam. The train conditions are basic; we travel in soft sleeper class which is compartment for up to four people, a communal environment. This train journey is in keeping with the adventure nature of our trips and allows you to experience a taste of the ‘ real Vietnam’. 

The train journey delivers passengers in Ninh Binh by mid morning. You are met by our guide and driven to your hotel to freshen up. The exploration of Ninh Binh begins with Hoa Lu, which was once the ancient capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and the early Le Dynasties. However, they have left their legacy  in  the form of two small temples, each one nearly a thousand years old. We visit these two remaining structures, dedicated to the Dinh and Le Rulers, and  climb up 200 steps to Ma Yen Peak to admire the stunning landscape of  rugged mountains, lush vegetation and local houses at nearby village. Upon leaving this sight, we start our cycling experience as we ride our local bike through some of the most scenic terrains of Vietnam. The main roads are usually in good conditions, but this peaceful rural area also has many wonderful lanes through villages and beautiful scenes, which are perfect for getting lost.  We travel between places along  the  rural lanes and pass through  the beautiful limestone scenery. There are some stops en route to see local people at work and explore the charming cluster of Bich Dong Pagodas. These religious shrines are hidden in mountainside, involving some walks uphill, but the panoramic views from the upper cave are nothing short of spectacular. We continue our trip with a boat ride through the idyllic Tam Coc, exploring the spectacular scenery of rocky mountains and rice fields in the absence of the mass tourists.

The incredible limestone outcroppings form a spectacular seascape of Halong Bay, making it an incomparable natural wonder in Vietnam. Today we set off on a drive to Bai Chay, a base for our exploration of Halong Bay. This journey takes anything between three and four hours, passing through the beautiful countryside  to the stone formations of Halong Bay. The cruise team will welcome us on board with refreshing drinks and provides some information about the watercraft and the activity program. We check in our private cabin and unpack for a two-day cruise. The exciting excursion begins as our boat  zigzags itself in Halong Bay. Along the way, we feast on a huge lunch (veg. meals also available on request), catching some beautiful views of the bay with a blend of the sky and limestone islets jutting out from the clear and emerald water. These rocky outcrops are usually named by their distinctive shapes and littered with tiny beaches and beautiful caves. You spend this afternoon to simply admire the splendid scenery unfolding beyond your eyes or go for some activities; rowing boat excursion, swimming and kayaking (optional). We can improve our culinary skill while participating in a cooking class in the flavor of the sea. The master chef will show the guests how to make some traditional Vietnamese delicacies. We follow it  with a sumptuous dinner and enjoy some evening entertainment at the dining room. There are also possibilities to try your hand at squid fishing from our boat.

The early light begins washing the night away, unveiling the marvelous beauty of Halong Bay. You can participate in a Taichi exercise on the sundeck and may get a chance to catch some wonderful photos of the sunrise over Halong Bay. The boat trip continues past many imposing  islands, giving us a new exploration of this beautiful bay.  We can spend our time at leisure or step onto a tender to visit Sung Sot, one of the many beautiful caves hidden beneath towering cliffs. The uphill walkway with nearly 100 steps is somewhat arduous; however, the panoramic view from nearby boat pier to rocky islands in the far distance, makes the hardship all worthwhile. We enjoy this splendid landscape before we start the exploration of Sung Sot Cave. This remarkable cave is naturally adorned with countless stalactite and stalagmite formations. They stretch amazingly from floor to ceiling, forming various pillars to support the cave dome. The illuminating spotlights of various colors within the stone formations add more enchantment to this beautiful cave. We come back to our cruise and weave our way through a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars towards Tuan Chau Marina. The wonderful time in Haling Bay is followed by a drive back to Hanoi. Along the way, we make stop at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and see many local villagers making excellent craft objects in traditional ways. 

Today, we spend our time to explore Hanoi, taking a short drive  through diverse streets encompassing a millennium of the city culture and evolution to the Ba Dinh Square. This park setting contains the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (close on Mon. and Fri. and Oct. to Nov) and the Ho Chi Minh Residence. We queue up for a walk past silent sentries, paying a homage to Ho Chi Minh before  continuing  to his residence, a simple stilt house set in a well-tended garden. He has lived and worked in this place until his final days. Nearby this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, of which the origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi City. We visit all of them and head to the Temple of Literature. This well-preserved temple is now dedicated to the scholars of Confucius but was once the first university of Vietnam. The successful candidate records are still found in various stone steles set over giant stone turtles in the temple ground. We keep going to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (close on Mon.) where display in both outdoor and indoor sections, various documents, images and objects focusing on 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. The sightseeing tour takes us past various attractions, including Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, West Lake, Long Bien Bridge, and Opera House. There are no stops planned as it is simply a glimpse of the cityscape. We finish a round of city tour  with a fantastic water puppet show followed by a pleasant walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, one of the major scenic spots in Hanoi.

The impressive  journey continues to Luang Prabang Town via a short flight from Hanoi. On arrival at Luang Prabang  Airport, you are greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel.  You may have little time to stroll around the town center or embark on an afternoon city tour, depending on your arrival time. The ancient town of Luang Prabang is strikingly built on a peninsula formed by the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. The  human life  has been recognized in Luang Prabang for over thousand years; however, it began a prosperous time, once being the royal capital of the Lane Xang Kingdom. Luang Prabang is  exceptional for the  architectural and artistic heritage reflecting an outstanding fusion of Lao traditional urban architecture with colonial structures. The gleaming temples, traditional wooden houses and colonial style buildings of Luang Prabang  are remarkably preserved to make for a unique charm rarely found in all Asia. We start  exploring Luang Prabang Town with the oldest temple of  Wat Visoun. This sacred monument was all  but mainly destroyed by invaders from southern China. However, it is still interesting to have a look at the replica built over the original temple ground. We embark on a walk uphill, following the zigzag path of 318 steps on Phousi Hill topped by a glittering golden stupa.  This rising shrine dominates Luang Prbanag skyline and  lends  a panoramic view from the town old quarter  to the Mekong and Nam Kha Rivers, and undulating mountains in the far distance.

The ancient architecture is a captivating feature of Luang Prabang. We find one of the best samples from  Wat Xieng Thong . This landmark set near  the confluence of  the Mekong and the Nam Khan Rivers, is decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes and doorways, featuring an elaborate tree of life mosaic and  intricately carved walls. We visit this site before going to  the former Royal Palace, a showcase of Lao traditional and French architecture style. This mansion has been changed into the National Museum where display many artifacts and treasures dating from the early king period right through the last sovereign. We walk a short distance to  Wat Mai, a large and nicely decorated temple in Luang Prabang, which is extensively adorned with black and red lacquer decoration and gold leaf. Heading out of the town we travel by roadtowards Pakou Caves, with stopover at Ban Xieng Lek and Ban Xang Khong. These craft villages are  specialized in weaving traditional silk and making Saa Paper from mulberry tree. The scenic drive reaches Ban Pakou, from where we take a short boat trip across the Mekong River to explore the mysterious Pakou Caves. They are  crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, all brought here by devout villagers. We embark on a private local boat and start our cruise downstream  to Luang Prabang Town. This relaxed  boat excursion gives us some fantastic views with a blend of mighty river,  mountain backdrop, and riverine life.

An an early bird, you can see the sunrise ceremony of “Arm Giving” when many saffron-clad monks walk along the streets to collect offerings from the faithful residents and visitors. This old age tradition remains very unique in Laos, being the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession. Heading out of the town we take a drive southwards to Ban Long Lao Village, home of the Hmong hill tribe people. They are very poor but have interesting culture and colorful traditions. We start blazing the local tracks with our guide team and walk through the rice fields and maize plantations to the lush jungle. Along the way we make stop as we please, to explore various species of fauna and flora. The plant life is rampant, with trees growing over trees, plus countless butterflies dancing through the thick, humid air, which is as still as a painting. The local track go across the dense forest to the source of the  stunning Kuang Si Waterfall. We catch a panoramic view before we descend  the steep paths to the ground floor.  The spectacular waterfall of Kiang Si tumbles from 60 m high over multi-tiered limestone formations into the clear pools where you can enjoy relaxing and swimming in marvelous setting of waterfall and lush forest.  Nearby the waterfall is a famous bear sanctuary that has rescued over 23 bears from illegal trade. They are now allowed to roam and enjoy life outside a cage, giving us an interesting view close up of their life in nature: climbing up and down tree, playing with each other, and drinking water.

The journey continues with a flight to Vientiane, capital city of Laos. On arrival, you are greeted by our guide and transferred to your hotel. This fascinating city stretching long the mighty Mekong River conjures up  exotic images, with the curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, and French influences. The initial history of Vientiane dates back the sixteenth century, but it left its legacy in form of few pagodas which are still standing in place after many struggles for the independence. The recent economic reform of Laos has made this small city undergoing some vast changes with growing ambition. However, the historic old quarter of Vientiane still houses many French colonial villas, boutique hotels, vibrant shop malls, open air restaurants and tree lined boulevards. We start seeing some major sights of Vientiane with Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in Vientiane, which features remarkable frescoes and cloister wall where are laying almost 7,000 Buddha statues in all sizes. They have been made from wood, stone and bronze, and brought here  hundred years ago. Nearby is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. This sacred jade statue is currently displayed at  Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok. We keep driving  along the Lane Xang Avenue past  Patouxai, a version of own Arc de Triomphe, on our way to That Luang Stupa, the current national symbol of Laos. This most venerable Buddhist monument with the golden stupa  was  built in Laos style but influenced by Buddhist beliefs.

The relaxing atmosphere will be left behind as we  depart for Phnom Penh on an afternoon flight.   On arrival at Phnom Penh Airport you are greeted by our guide and taken to your hotel by private transfer. The bustling capital city of Phnom Penh has long remained little more than a large village. However, it became the permanent capital of Cambodia since 1866 and had developed into a sizeable, largely French designed city. The crossroads of cultures, peoples and worlds have made Phnom Penh on the edge of everything. We can find the Cambodian elements together with the Chinese and French influences in the gleaming temples, sidewalk coffee, vibrant markets, and colonial structures and tree lined boulevards amidst the monumental Angkorian architecture. The cityscape undergoes rapid changes from the ashes to take its place among the hip capitals of the region, with an alluring cafe culture, bustling bars, world-class food scene and international chains of hotel. We start our tour of Phnom Penh with the stunning Royal Palace, which is now home to the royal family, therefore  it is very close to the public. We walk across the beautiful royal gardens to see the Throne Hall where the king coronation  and the royal receptions are often  held.  The magnificent Silver Pagoda set at the northern palace ground would not to be missed. This country most sacred pagoda  is named  after some 5000 silver tiles covering the floor,  each weighing 1kg. We round off our day with a walk along the Tonle River. The riverfront seems the best place crammed with bars and nightlife venues.

The contemporary and ancient history makes for a highlight of Phnom Penh. We find it while seeing the National Museum of Cambodia, a graceful terracotta structure inspired by temple architecture. This exquisite masterpiece with an inviting courtyard garden concentrates various incredible sandstone sculptures and intricate bronze objects from the  Angkor periods. The following stop is  Wat Phnom which dominates the skyline of Phnom Penh and  has an interesting legend about this city name. We come face to face with the horrific crimes of the Khmer Rouge as we visit the Tuol Sleng Museum, a former high school turned into a centre for interrogation, torture, and death by the Khmer Rouge. Heading out of town we follow the same route of Tuol Sleng  prisoners  to the notorious ‘Killing Fields’ of Choeung Ek that is  an extermination camp for political prisoners. The painful bloody rule of the Khmer Rouge still can be seen at the memorial stupa.  We round off our sightseeing tour  with a walk in the Central Market, a showcase of the local product richness. This flagship trade center of Phnom Penh was built in shape of a dome with four arms branching out into vast hallways crammed with  countless stalls of goods. We leave Phnom Penh for  Siem Reap and travel on a tourist bus past the scenic countryside. On arrival at Siem Reap Terminal, you are met by our guide and driven to your hotel.  

The sunlight reflects a golden glow over the entire Angkor Complex. We start this day with Angkor Thom, an epic collection of striking structures, which is encompassed in quadrangle area. The best preserved South Gate comes in view with a causeway fringed with 54 demons and 54 gods pulling a giant snake. This scene is focusing on a famous Hindu story in bygone time. We walk through two ranges of status on a cosmic scale to the gate tower with colossal human faces carved in stone. The walkway will bring us an interesting  look close up at the Royal Enclosure where remains some  mysterious ruins, including the Royal Palace, Phimeanakas Temple, and  Royal Terraces. These structures built from perishable materials have long vanished. The climax of our visit is Bayon Temple  built in the centre of Angkor Thom. This enigmatic complex contains  54 towers, each topped off with the four faces of  Compassion Buddha. Upon leaving Angkor Thom Area we take a short drive to  the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat. The iconic monument  of the entire complex was built in the 12th century and reflects a perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry, bringing the pride and strength to all Khmers. The distinctive five towers of this temple are now emblazoned on the Cambodian flag. We stroll around this massive monument, unraveling the mysteries of the bas-reliefs from Hindu mythology to the glories of the Khmer empire. The footsteps lead through the upper levels of the inner sanctuary to the sacred heart of Angkor Wat, a blend of spirituality and symmetry. We round out day tour with a walk up the Pre Rup Temple to enjoy the spectacular sunset over these sandstone monuments.

Heading out of the town, we drive beyond the towering Angkor Complex  to Banteay Srey Temple. This intricately carved temple despite the lack in size is still a jewel in the crown of Angkor-era sculpture. The architecture style features a mixture of the archaic concept and the innovative materials since Banteay Srey Temple  was largely built from sandstone in pinkish hue, with brick and laterite used for the enclosure walls and some structural elements. We stroll around this beautiful landmark and admire the marvelous sculpture at every step. Upon leaving this sight we keep driving to see  Banteay Samre, which is adorned with striking relief depicting the scenes of Vishunu and  Krishna. Today we also explore in some depth the Angkor Complex with Prasat Kravan famous for the unique interior brick sculptures and Srah Srang which was once used for the royal baths and the ritual bathing. The following stop is Banteay Kdei Temple, a monastic complex of  enclosure walls, concentric galleries and towers. We venture into the jungle where is standing  Ta Prohm Temple, relatively untouched for centuries by its secluded location. There are enormous fig trees and creepers which embrace themselves in temple stone foundation, giving it a distinctive feature. The sightseeing also includes Neak Pean, which is originally designed for the medical purposes with four connected pools representing water, earth, fire and  wind. We continue onto  Preah Khan , a good counterpoint to Ta Prohm Temple.  The large ruin of Preah Khan was all but partly destroyed by the climate impact. However, it is till interesting to walk around, exploring the legends, towered enclosures and  shoulder hugging corridors.

The temple exploration is not only activity in Siem Reap Town. We spend this morning on a boat trip out, to discover Tonle Sap Lake, one of the largest natural fresh water bodies in  Southeast Asia. The traditional boat navigates along a small river towards this large lake, giving us a chance to see friendly children on small boat, many vendors making a shift floating market, and fishermen pulling in day catch. Along the way we anchor to visit a floating village where are everything from schools, shop houses to police station. The village life goes on as it would anywhere else in Cambodia. This enjoyable stop gives a good insight into the lifestyle of local people who call this grand lake their home and mostly rely on the lake for their livelihood. They may move from a place to place following the water level and current of Tonle Sap Lake. You may have free time to do your last minute shopping opportunities and own exploration of  the town or simply look back upon your trip images. The holiday  comes to an end with a transfer to Siem Reap Airport for your departure.