Experience Overview
Beginning in frenetic Ho Chi Minh City, we cross three countries in two weeks, making for a varied and fascinating trip. We encounter the majestic ruins of Angkor, the fertile Mekong Delta, and the sobering recent history of Vietnam and Cambodia. Getting off the beaten track, we journey into rural Cambodia with time to explore the pepper plantations of Kampot and a day trip by boat to a tropical island to relax and swim. A short stay in Bangkok rounds off our trip perfectly as we explore colourful markets with a mouth-watering array at meal times. The delicious cuisine is a treasure of this exotic region.
Profile
— Accommodation: 2 Superior nights (hotel), 10 Classic nights (hotels), 1 Simple night (homestay/guesthouse to experience Mekong Delta hospitality) — Travel by private minibus or bus (subject to group sizes) and boat — Rural locations and city days
At a Glance
— Accommodation: 2 Superior nights (hotel), 10 Classic nights (hotels), 1 Simple night (homestay/guesthouse to experience Mekong Delta hospitality) — Travel by private minibus or bus (subject to group sizes) and boat — Rural locations and city days
Trip For You
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
This holiday is designed to help you see the best parts of Southeast Asia using a mixture of boats in the Mekong Delta and private buses. There is a lot to see, but the trip is paced so it doesn't feel too rushed. On some days, there are a few longer necessary drives between destinations. However, there is plenty of time for sightseeing and the trip has numerous stops where we spend two or more nights.
Group Description
The trip is led by locally qualified Vietnamese, Cambodian and Thai English-speaking leaders.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts, two lunches and one dinner are included.
The food on this trip is a real highlight for many. Southeast Asian cuisine is known for its abundance of freshly prepared dishes with strong aromatic flavours. There is a focus on herbs and citrus, ensuring each dish packs a punch; chilli features highly too, but is easily avoided if desired.
Typically most dishes will come with rice and many are often served in a banana leaf with a variety of dips and herbs served separately. Visiting three countries means a different culinary experience every time you cross the border; ensure you try freshly made pad Thai noodles from the Bangkok street stalls, the fish amok curry in Cambodia for a creamy coconut-based fragrant curry; and the banh xeo (huge sizzling pancakes) in Vietnam.
Western food is readily available almost everywhere, with the exception of the night in the Mekong Delta.
Vegetarian food is widely available; however, the offering will be fairly similar in most places within each country. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.
Transportation
Throughout the tour, we use a private coach/minibus, usually with air conditioning. Most of the driving days are not long, usually no more than four hours, but there are a few days taking between five and nine hours (with stops along the way). Road conditions are fine in Vietnam and Thailand but generally not so good in Cambodia but improving all the time, and progress can be slow there.
Tet Holiday Period (Vietnamese New Year)
During the Tet holiday period, 28 January to 3 February 2025 and 16-21 February 2026, our itinerary is subject to minor change as, despite booking hotels and trains in advance, rooms and seats are difficult to obtain during this busy festive period when people are travelling home to celebrate with their families. It is unlikely that changes will occur, but if required, suitable alternative premium accommodation will be used.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Huong Sen Hotel, 66-70 Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Phone: +84 28 3829 1415
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides free arrival transfers to the start hotel from the airport for all customers.
Catching your return flight
Exodus provides free departure transfers for all customers to Bangkok Airport (BKK) from the end hotel.
Please note, unless specified otherwise, the transfers will be to the start (or pre-tour) hotel and from the end (or post-tour) hotel and will be on the date on which the tour starts/ends; transfers to other hotels in the same city and/or on different dates may attract an extra charge. Transfers should be booked with your sales representative at least two weeks before the tour starts.
Weather Information
The weather will be hot and humid throughout, with daytime temperatures between 28C and 34C (82F and 93F). At times, it may reach 40C (104F). It is only a little cooler at nights. The region is mostly dry between December and April; there's a rainy season from May to November, when rain comes in short, heavy bursts with bright sunshine between.
In Cambodia, the weather is hot and humid year round. The dry season is late October to May and the monsoon season is normally between June and September; there is an obvious transitional time between those settled periods. The dry season has hot days and generally clear skies, though you can expect the odd shower. The monsoon season has short, sharp bursts of rain and is generally overcast all day, though this does not detract from the enjoyment of the place; you just need to take an umbrella!
In Thailand, the weather patterns are very similar to Cambodia. Expect year-round temperatures of 23C-35C (73F-95F). The rainy season will normally run from June to September when you should expect short, sharp showers but the sun will normally break through.
Spending Money
You will need about US$300-US$375 for all other meals, which will allow you to eat well. Apart from the food, you should allow money for the Cambodia visa and money to cover soft drinks (more if you like a beer/alcohol) and souvenirs.
Optional excursions
Siem Reap
— Boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake: US$10 – price dependent on numbers
Tipping
Tipping has become customary in the countries visited with the increase in tourism. The local staff will probably expect some gratuity and we suggest you allow for this. This is entirely at your own discretion; however, we suggest you allow a few dollars for tips for the local guides and staff.
The leader will suggest to the group that they donate a sum of US$35 per person towards a kitty. This money is used for tipping local guides, hotel porters, drivers etc. It ensures the hassle is taken out of various activities for you. If you do not wish to contribute to a central tipping pool, you are, of course, free to do so.
If you feel your leader has performed well over the course of your trip, you may want to show your appreciation of their services. The sum you choose to give is entirely personal, but as a guide, US$3-US$6 per person per day would be a reasonable starting point.
The 'tipping kitty' explained above is entirely separate from any contribution to the tour leader. Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus.
Highlights
- — Experience three distinctly different countries in two weeks — Overnight in the Mekong Delta at a homestay — Visit the moving Killing Fields of Cambodia — Explore the Angkor complex — Visit the Kampot pepper plantations — Visit the Royal Palace complex and Wat Po of Bangkok — Crawl through the Cu Chi war tunnels
Trip Details
Product Code: 4157
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: be used.
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: AOX
Starts: Ho Chi Minh City, Angkor Wat
Finishes: Ho Chi Minh City, Angkor Wat
Duration: 14 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Unknown
Includes
- — All breakfasts, two lunches and one dinner — All accommodation — All transport and listed activities — Tour leader throughout — Free arrival and departure transfers for everyone
Accommodation
Hotels and a Mekong Delta homestayWe stay in hotels for 12 nights and spend one night in a homestay in the Mekong Delta. Most of the hotels are three-star (local classification). The normal accommodations used on this trip are on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a couple of the notable places we stay. Mekong Delta: Island homestay (night 3) Our time in a guesthouse allows us to experience true Delta hospitality, as we are looked after by local people and stay by the Mekong River. The rooms are relatively basic; bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided, while there are shared bathroom facilities with a shower. The real highlight though is the hospitality of our hosts, the lush garden, and the food (homemade southern Vietnamese cuisine). Kampot: Boutique Kampot Hotel (nights 5-6) In the downtown area, less than a 10-minute walk from the Kampot Night Market, this boutique hotel is well located for our adventures. There’s a ground-floor cafe, a continental breakfast served each morning, and you can head to the rooftop terrace for stretching views to the distant peaks. Bangkok: Rembrandt Bangkok Hotel (nights 12-13) The grand Rembrandt Bangkok has 405 hotel rooms with contemporary décor. The amenities are plentiful, with a pool on the fourth floor, a rooftop restaurant serving Indian cuisine and a Mexican eatery with authentic dishes and signature cocktails. Also make sure to stop by 1826 for one of their innovative cocktails – it’s been named one of the best rooftop bars in Asia. Worth knowing The accommodation listed on the day-to-day itinerary are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.Single supplements are available (on request) except the one night at the homestay in the Mekong Delta. Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.At the Mekong Delta guesthouse, you share one to three people to a room depending on group size.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 3385 (CAD 242 /day)
Itinerary
The day is free to recover from the flight. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is an exciting, absorbing city where bicycles battle with lorries and temples stand alongside modern developments. Devastated by the Vietnam War, HCMC is now a bustling free-market city, where anything goes. The Ben Thanh Market is highly recommended. There will be a welcome briefing with your leader this evening followed by an optional group dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
This morning, we leave the city behind and head west to the Cu Chi tunnels. Used by the Viet Cong during the war, this network covers three levels and approximately 150mi (240km) of tunnels. Traditionally, these were very narrow but some areas have been widened to allow tourists to explore the system. People with claustrophobia may prefer to stay outside in the sunshine. In the afternoon, we return to Ho Chi Minh City for a tour, which includes visits to the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum where there is an interesting record of the Vietnam/American War. Please note, some of the images are graphic. Accommodation: Huong Sen Hotel (or similar)
Drive to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta, visiting a temple used by devotees of Cao Dai, an indigenous religion that fuses all the major religions of the east and west. En route, we pass magnificent countryside and stop at small cottage industries. The Mekong is locally known as the rice bowl of Vietnam and produces much of the country's fruit, sugar cane and coconuts. In the afternoon, take a relaxing sampan cruise and arrive at our accommodation. The evening is tranquil as we have dinner on an island and enjoy Delta hospitality. We spend the night sleeping at a simple homestay guesthouse built in the style of a local house. Bedding, a mosquito net and a small towel are provided. Accommodation: Mekong homestay guesthouse
This morning, we take a short walk around the surrounding village to learn about the daily lives of the people. We board our boats once again and cross the main channel to Vinh Long where we rejoin our vehicle for a drive further into the Mekong Delta to the small border town of Chau Doc. After checking into the hotel, we enjoy a sunset visit to the top of the holy Sam Mountain, which has views stretching into Cambodia. The evening is free to wander around this town on the banks of the Mekong River. Accommodation: Chau Pho Hotel (or similar)
After driving approximately one hour to the Tinh Bien/Phnom Den land border, we bid Vietnam farewell and cross into Cambodia. Our drive then takes us via the La Plantation Pepper farm, to enjoy lunch and an introduction to the Kampot Pepper farm. After, we transfer to Kampot town, which sits on a picturesque river. Upon arrival, we check into our centrally located hotel, our base for the next two nights, before boarding a local boat for a sunset cruise on the Kampot River. This waterway runs through the centre of town and can flow in both directions as it is closely connected to the sea. Accommodation: Boutique Kampot Hotel (or similar)
Today, we jump on a local boat for the short trip to Koh Tonsai (Rabbit Island). Palm tree-fringed with a small beach, this is the perfect place to swim in warm water or relax and soak up the tropical surroundings. Accommodation: Boutique Kampot Hotel (or similar)
There may be the chance to rise early and do an optional walking tour with your leader to visit the Kampot fish market before returning to the hotel for breakfast. After breakfast, we depart Kampot and transfer to Phnom Penh, where we spend the next two nights. During our time in the Cambodian capital, take the chance to wander among the traditional buildings, or shop at either the impressive Central Market or the sprawling Russian Market, a souvenir hunter's paradise. Accommodation: Ohana Hotel (or similar)
We visit the beautiful Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda inside the palace complex, so named for the solid-silver tiles that make up the floor. Similar in style and scale to the Grand Palace in Bangkok, the Royal Palace has significantly fewer visitors and there is plenty of time to wander among the traditional buildings. We also visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S21), which graphically displays the horrors of the four years when Pol Pot ordered the murder of between 2m and 3m Cambodians. Tuol Sleng was originally a school but was used as a torture and interrogation centre between 1975 and 1979. It is a sobering but enlightening place to visit. We complete our day with a late afternoon visit to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek. A football field-sized area surrounded by farmland, the Killing Fields contain mass graves for perhaps 20,000 Cambodians, many of whom were tortured before being killed. Phnom Penh is a city in transition and, despite its horrific recent history, is now starting to find its feet. Some of its former French colonial buildings have been restored and there is a small but lively restaurant and bar scene developing along the riverfront. Accommodation: Ohana Hotel (or similar)
Today, we have a long drive to Siem Reap (approximately eight hours). En route, we stop at the town of Skuon, famous for its local delicacy – fried spiders. We also stop at Sambor Prei Kuk, the most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments in Cambodia and some of the oldest structures in the country. We'll also pause for a traditional Khmer lunch at a community restaurant before continuing our journey to Siem Reap. Accommodation: Angkor Holiday Hotel (or similar)
We spend a full day exploring the temple complex at Angkor, which French explorer Henri Mouchot described as 'grander than anything of Greece or Rome'. This Unesco World Heritage site stands alongside Chichen Itza and Machu Picchu as one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the world. A truly magical experience and a photographer's paradise. One evening, we will watch the sun set over this magnificent scene. We visit the incredible Angkor Wat and the many temples inside the royal city of Angkor Thom, including the magnificent Bayon, which comprises 54 intricately carved towers in one temple. The Bayon certainly left an impression on a traveller in 1925 who stated 'we stand before it stunned. It is like nothing else in the land.' We also see less-visited outlying temples. Particularly impressive are Banteay Kdei and Ta Prohm, the latter still covered in jungle as it was first found. Accommodation: Angkor Holiday Hotel (or similar)
This morning, we continue our exploration of the Angkor complex with a visit to the small but charming temple of Banteay Srei (22mi/35km from Siem Reap town). Our route takes us past paddy fields and through pretty villages. Banteay Srei was built in the 10th century and contains some of the finest examples of Khmer sculpture. Although much smaller than the later temples, all of the buildings are covered in exquisite carvings. The afternoon is free for you to independently explore the temples, wander around Siem Reap town or visit a floating fishing village and enjoy a boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake (optional). Accommodation: Angkor Holiday Hotel (or similar)
We have an early start and bid farewell to Cambodia, embarking on a longer journey from Siem Reap to Bangkok. The journey to the border can take up to three hours. After the border crossing (which usually takes up to an hour), we meet our Thai tour leader and have our first taste of Thai food at a local restaurant before continuing onto the capital of Bangkok. Famous for tuk tuks, khlong boats and incredible street food, Bangkok is an assault on the senses and provides a real contrast to sleepy Cambodia. Accommodation: Rembrandt Bangkok Hotel (or similar)
We board a long-tail boat for a tour of the canals. Please note, there may be a possibility of larger groups being accommodated in a bigger boat. Bangkok was once known as the Venice of the East because of its intricate canal network. We get a glimpse of daily life as we pass local people selling wares by the river. We also visit the home of the Thai royal family at the Royal Palace complex followed by Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, one of the most venerated images in Thailand. Another highlight is Wat Po, the largest temple in Bangkok, housing a 151ft (46m) long, 49ft (15m) high gold-plated reclining Buddha. Please note, when visiting the Royal Palace, clothes covering your shoulders and knees are a requirement for entry. Accommodation: Rembrandt Bangkok Hotel (or similar)
The tour ends this morning in Bangkok after breakfast. Catch your free transfer to the airport to begin your journey home.
Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
In Business Since 1974
Reviews
Julie Oldale - Traveled, January 2024
Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangkok The contrasts between the three countries was fascinating. They have so much interwoven history- and all three Exodus guides were excellent in explaining it all. Excellent food, excellent itinerary with so much fitted in- both the beautiful and positive and the challenging history of the area.. We had the hiccup at the crossing into Cambodia from Vietnam as dates of handover got crossed. But both the Vietnam and Cambodian guides worked hard to fix it and to keep our journey as per the plan- we didn’t miss any sights Most Inspirational Moment Being in some of the temples around Siem Reap - especially Bayon, Ta Proehm and the pink temple.. Bangkok was also a fascinating cultural mix - ancient and modern, high rise and old hippy backpacker areas. The sunbathing monitor lizards on the city canal boat tour were a great surprise. Also Kampot in Cambodia was an excellent place with a great vibe. Thoughts on Group Leader We had 3 leaders - one for each country - Ha, Peah and Tony. They were all excellent and all gave us great insight in to the countries we were visiting. They also added extra insight and experiences into the trips. The Cambodian team had some quick work to do to rearrange trips after the hiccup at the border and that was done well. We as a group were looked after very well during that day. Advice for Potential Travellers The trip notes were relied on by many on the tour when working out currency options - however they seemed not fully up to date - for example US dollars were not widely accepted in Vietnam. A lot of time was also spent looking for cash machines that actually took british cards. I advise you to check with the retailers in the UK where you get your currency what the latest position is. Suggestions Also on the trips getting into and out of boats n the mekong delta was a challenge. The jetty we walked down to get back on the larger boat after the homestay was steep, 3 metres above the thick mekong mud, had no hand rail or steps, and was covered in slippery wet silt. But the day on the delta was worth it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/29/2024
Linda Dodd - Traveled, December 2023
Indochina Highlights in 2 weeks! What a great way to see and experience so much in just 2 weeks. This trip is great for anyone wanting to see the highlights that South Vietnam, Cambodia, and Bangkok have to offer. The local guides, Trang (Vietnam), Channa (Cambodia), and Nai (Thailand) all ensured we had smooth transfers, shared their local customs enthusiastically, and made sure we were having the best experience we could have. They varied itinerary timings to get the best out of locations, and we did so much!! From the opulence of palaces and temples, to historical sites, local homestay, and a variety of boat trips, big and small, this trip kept on giving. Be prepared for a lot of travelling, predominantly on buses, but Exodus do well breaking up the journeys with interesting stop-offs. Of course the food is amazing, with local recommendations and even street food and treats picked out by our Guides which I’d highly recommend trying. From the busy to the odd chill-out beach day on Rabbit Island, every day brought new adventures with a group of like-minded travellers. Would highly recommend. Most Inspirational Moment There are two days where you can witness harrowing aspects, which we were warned about in advance, giving individuals the right to choose whether they wanted to be subjected to some confronting sites, but such moments were respectfully presented and form an important part of history that should never be forgotten. We were always given a place to come back to and sit if things felt too much. I would recommend attending and simply returning to the meeting point early if you feel the need to. On the flip side, there are so many glorious highlights. I really enjoyed the various boat trips, especially the sanpan and the small boat tour around the mangroves of the floating village. Angkor Wat is impressive but I found I liked some of the more smaller but equally elaborate ruins that we were able to wander through such as Ta Prohm, and watching the sunset from high on a temple felt so tranquil. Thoughts on Group Leader We had three group leaders, Trang (Vietnam), Channa (Cambodia), and Nai (Thailand) and each added great value to the trip in their own way. We felt very informed, safe and cared for under their watch. Trang ensured we stayed safe as we navigated the frenetic streets of Ho Chi Min City and shared her country's cultures so vividly and passionately. Channa had a great sense of humour from day one and kept the energy levels going over some long journeys. She was so thoughtful when it cane to maximising our experience, bringing local snacks and delicacies to try on the bus. Again a wealth of knowledge and a real passion for her country. Her explanations of some of the carved freezes in the old temples added to the interest. Nai was constantly busy behind the scenes adjusting all our transfer and return flight details, as well as sharing info about the palace and Thai culture. His was a more difficult job with two separate minivans to keep across and only one of him. All three did an amazing job and helped make the trip so special. Advice for Potential Travellers The trip notes are comprehensive, so do read them. In addition: Pack a lightweight beach towel for Rabbit Island if you don't want to run the gauntlet of covertly 'borrowing' a hotel towel that you then don't want to damage or get too dirty. Ensure you pack enough long trousers / maxi-skirts and sleeves / non-see-through scarves to the elbow for the temples and palaces. It's hot and humid so thin material is best, or simply invest in some elephant pants whilst there! Some places are ok with coverings to just the knee and shoulder, whilst others require to the ankle and elbow. (Angkor Wat and Bankok Royal Palace to name two.) If you intend to do laundry get it in early on the first day of a 2 night hotel otherwise you run the risk of nit getting it back in time. Prices roughly around $1 to $2 per kilo but check in advance. Be prepared to have some items (socks and pants) get mixed with your fellow travellers on return! You won't be able to get Cambodian currency in advance, or take it out with you, but that's ok as you can pay in dollars pretty much everywhere and often get Reil in return as change. Having a small amount of Reil is handy, especially for toilet contributions, but don't let it build up too much during the trip. Have some Thai Bait handy for the border transfer. Thai does not accept dollars as payment in our experience but it's easy to find places to exchange them. If you don't have any Bait with you, our guide stopped at a place just before the border to exchange dollars and it was a good rate. Also Thailand is much more expensive than Vietnam and Cambodia, especially in the airport on the way home so be prepared for that! Cards were easily accepted. Take toilet paper with you wherever you go! It sometimes isn't provided at venues so grab some extra sheets where you can, and don't flush any of it down the loo, use the bins provided. Suggestions In addition to the amazing itinerary, we were also able to experience a night at the local Cambodian performers circus, have a Thai massage, see the dragon boat practices and try out a number of beautiful sky-top bars in various locations. Would highly recommend Celeste Revolving Sky Bar in Phnom Peng; more pricey but an amazing location. You'll need a tuktuk there and back, and would recommend having your own Google maps on standby for the return tuktuk journey, as we did need to help our drivers out with the directions! Pub Street in Siem Reap is also worth a visit and is near the night markets. One last thing, if you're afraid of spiders like me, you can stay on the bus at the fried spider stop.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Les Shires - Traveled, December 2023
Thai Indochina Explorer The whole trip was fantastic. The group mix was good although I appreciate this is one thing Exodus have no control over. The pace of the trip was good. The only negative point was in my view was the hotel in Siem Reap which was nowhere near the standard of the others. It was in part dirty and rather dated. Most Inspirational Moment There were so many high points very difficult but probably Aktor Watt. Thoughts on Group Leader This is where you really won. Trang in Vietnam and Channa were both fantastic and both went out of their way to ensure we were happy etc. I understand this was Trang's first trip for Exodus. Her knowledge and humour was so good. Please use her again!! Channa was likewise so good with knowledge and humour which kept us all happy. It was obvious that the visit to S 21 was very emotional for her and I felt for her. I felt that we left friends. Nhe our Group leader in Thailand was also good but we were not with him as long. Advice for Potential Travellers Just do it!! Suggestions Cannot wait for my next trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/28/2023
Ashley Foley - Traveled, November 2018
Wonderful trip I really had the best time on this trip. The tour guides were amazing. So knowledgable and professional. Everything was perfectly organised and we squeezed a lot into a very short space of time. Most Inspirational Moment Angkor Wat was wonderful. Our guide was from the area and spoke very passionately about the temples and about growing up in Cambodia. Thoughts on Group Leader All three were amazing. Catered to our every need and made sure we had an amazing time. Advice for Potential Travellers Be careful of the water in Cambodia! Suggestions The accommodation in Sihanoukville was disappointing. It wasn’t the one included on our itinerary and was of a much lower standard than the other hotels on the trip. It was far from the beach and the centre of town and was in the middle of a building site. However, I do now understand that the original hotel cancelled the groups booking and the team was unable to find another suitable place. It certainly didn’t spoil my trip but it would have been better if expectations were managed before we arrived at the hotel. The Exodus team and the group leader were very understanding and accommodating and did everything they could to resolve the situation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/21/2018
Richard Crookes - Traveled, February 2018
Thai Indochina Explorer Sites very good, but the journey between them very drawn out. Most Inspirational Moment Angkor Wat Thoughts on Group Leader Vietnamese and Thai leaders very good, the Cambodian leader did not reach the level Advice for Potential Travellers
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/27/2018
Jan Oliver - Traveled, January 2018
A wonderful trip A wonderful trip full of busy days that take in the history and culture of 3 beautiful countries. The food was delicious, the accommodation was all superb, the Exodus guides were fantastic. Plenty to see and do for the adventurer that likes something slightly different Most Inspirational Moment Inspirational moments would have to include the visits to see the history of conflicts in Vietnam and Cambodia, harrowing but a reminder to preserve world peace, the temple complex at Anghor Wat, the Royal Palaces in Bangkok, the homestay on the Mekong Delta Thoughts on Group Leader The best tour leader was Is, our lovely Thai guide, she was amazing Advice for Potential Travellers Absorb everything you see, taste and hear, it is a sensory trip that will have your thoughts racing Suggestions This is my 3rd Exodus trip, once again, they have exceeded my customer expectations on every level
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/19/2018
Rosslyn Gray - Traveled, April 2017
Fascinating trip A fast paced trip with a wide range of experiences and locations Most Inspirational Moment Cambodia was the highlight of the tour. Our guide there was excellent and even invited us to the blessing of her new home and to meet her family. Thoughts on Group Leader We had one for each country we visited. They were all very friendly, knowledgeable and interesting. Channa in Cambodia was particularly good, she was so proud of her country and so pleased we'd come to visit. Nothing was too much bother for her. Noung in Vietnam was great fun and Rapd in Thailand was good though she kept us moving quickly and those unable to keep up missed out on the information being given Advice for Potential Travellers Take plenty of mosquito repellent and your own toilet paper, outside loos Don't always have it. Suggestions It was a fascinating trip, but with early starts and the heat it was quite exhausting. There was also a lot of time spent travelling on the bus. All in all though I wouldn't have missed it for anything.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/28/2017
Simon Winter - Traveled, September 2016
Thai Indochina Explorer This trip is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the history, cuisine and the way of life in the capital cities of Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Penh and Bangkok. The itinerary also allows you to see how people live, work and socialise in rural areas which is what makes this trip so fascinating. During my 14 day visit I was able to learn more about the Vietnam war, the way of life in the Mekong Delta, the actions of the Khmer Rouge (the toughest part of the trip in my opinion) and the history of Angkor Wat & Angkor Thom. The itinerary also allowed our group some relaxing downtime which involved sunbathing, snorkelling and fishing off Bamboo Island (near to the resort of Sihanoukville, Cambodia). This trip does involve 2 fairly long trips by bus to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap although we were given a number of comfort breaks which included a stop at Skuon and a chance to hold a live tarantula and sample a fried spider!! Most Inspirational Moment The most inspirational moments of my trip were: 1) The Homestay in the Mekong Delta and getting the opportunity to assist in preparing a meal (I live on microwave meals so this was a challenge) and being entertained by the local community....listening to a number of folk songs which told stories about their way of life. 2) The Killing Fields / S21 Prison was a very moving experience and I was extremely emotional when I saw the many graves and heard about the events that unfolded at the site. It is hard to take in but I believe it is important to learn about the atrocities that happened in the Killing Fields and the conditions that the prisoners were subjected to at the S21 prison facility. Before leaving the prison, you can speak to one of the survivors in the grounds and here their story. 3) Angkor Wat was amazing (despite the humid conditions) and provided some great photo opportunities. Thoughts on Group Leader All 3 group leaders on our tour were very good and provided a real insight into the heritage and culture of their respective countries. A big thank you to Tham (Vietnam), Borey (Cambodia) & Gigi (Thailand) for all their hard work and efforts in making this such a memorable trip. Advice for Potential Travellers Make sure that you apply mosquito repellent on a daily basis, particularly at Angkor Wat as they had a good go at my legs and ankles!! Also make sure that you barter / negotiate when buying goods in the shops and markets as one individual in our group learnt the hard way when buying a pair of sunglasses! I would also recommend that you drink plenty of water during the daytime and bring glucose tablets with you to prevent dehydration. When packing before your trip don't take too much clothing as you will be living out of a suitcase and constantly switching between hotels. Most of the hotels provide a laundry service but I would speak to your group leader as they may be able to get a cheaper deal and allow your clothing to be washed & ironed using an express service. Lastly....enjoy it and try the local delicacies such as the Elephant fish, crocodile curry and fried spiders. Suggestions My only negative comment is in relation to the Royal Princess Hotel that we stayed in (Bangkok). Upon our arrival which was at around 1030hrs, we were informed that our rooms would not be ready until 1400hrs and that our suitcases and hand luggage would be transported to a secure storage room. When returning to the hotel at 1800hrs (having departed earlier to complete a tour of the city) we discovered that all our cases and hand luggage were still in the hotel lobby!! On a positive note, it was great to tour around the 3 countries with a great group of people from all walks of life who made the experience even more enjoyable (will miss the banter, meals out).
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2016
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