This trip created for those who have limited time. This tour gives you opportunity to explore Siem Reap with its temple such as: Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and have experience about the local vehicle: tuk tuk. And then take a boat to visit Tonle Sap lake and see the life of people who lives base on this lake. It's will be an unforgettable memory.
Highlights of this tour
Day 1: Siem Reap arrival
Day 2: siem Reap - Angkor Thom - Banteay Srey
Day 3: Siem Reap - Grand Circuit
Day 4: Siem Reap - Battambang
Day 5: Battambang - Siem Reap
Day 6: Siem Reap - Departure
Our destination today is Angkor Wat, the world largest Hindu temple and the symbol of Cambodia. The Angkor Wat is located in Siem Reap province, so we will take a short visit to this province. Siem Reap is known as an attractive tourist hub in Cambodia with many wonderful temples, pagodas and bustling market. Here, you can take some photos of solemn buildings or buy anything you want in the market. Next, we will move to Angkor Wat in a local tuk tuk. Angkor Wat was erected in the early 12th century in the King Suryavarman regime and has become the symbol of religious, political, art of Cambodia. The structure of Angkor Wat is based on the Angkorian style with its lotus-shaped appearance. The entrance of the Angkor is a long stone way with two lakes along with. The wall surrounding is a perfect masterpiece, it describe many activities including fighting, ceremonies… of the Khmer people in the past. The main part of the Angkor Wat consists of five lotus-shaped towers which is emblazoned in the Cambodian flag with valuable meanings like integrity, justice and heritage. Like many others temples in the Cambodia and in Asia, the features that make Angkor Wat special is the delicate bas-relief and stone carving.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Accommodation at:
Today Angkor Thom will be our leading point. Angkor Thom is also lying in Siem Reap and located nearby Angkor Wat but it’s larger. The meaning of the name “Angkor Thom” (“The Great City”) also shows the visitors how majestic of this place. This 12th century complex has five gateways those are represented for four directions and the Victory Gate. You can access the Angkor Thom from any gates but usually the West Gate is the common choice. Inside the ancient city, you can see many solemn temples and walls like Bayon, Terrace of the Elephants, and Terrace of the Leper King… The Bayon stands at the center of the Angkor Thom and it is the last states temples built in the Angkor Thom. The special features of Bayon that make it one of the must-see temples in the Angkor Thom is its giant faces. Say goodbye to the giant smiling faces in Bayon, we will move to the north-east to visit the temples of Banteay Srey. The Banteay Srey temple, also known as “Citadel of the Women”, was built in the 10th century and has been dedicated to the Shiva. The structure of the Banteay Srey is divided into three parts; The First, The Second and The Third Enclosure. Like many other temples of the Angkor Thom, the Banteay Srey temple is also famous for its stone carving which mostly represents the god of the threefold world – the god Siva. Then, we will visit the Landmine Museum in the rest of the tour today. The first thing you see may make you scared, the red caution sign of the museum with skull and crossbones on it, but don’t be worry because all the bombs in the museum was decommissioned. The Landmine museum was founded by Aki Ra, a Khmer Rouge child soldier, in 1997. This museum is a special collection of landmines, bombs and other explosive remnants that Aki Ra has cleared throughout the country. This is a great chance for anyone who wants to get much information about weapons and explosives.
Have a good night in Siem Reap.
Accommodation at:
Accommodation at:
Our today will be water-filled. After breakfast, we will take a boat, across Tonle Sap Lake and lead to Battambang. About the Tonle Sap Lake, there is not much information about this lake because its famousness and importance are undoubtable. This largest freshwater lake is the main fish and sediment supplier in Cambodia, an indispensable factor of the national agriculture and fishery. Arrive in Battambang, we will open the afternoon tour by visiting Ek Phnom, an 11th century temple. This is the must-visit place in Battambang. Like many other Angkor style temples, Ek Phnom boasts many bas-reliefs and stone carving which annually attract many tourist. There are many things you can do here like discover some typical villages besides learning the making process of rice paper, grolan(sticky rice stuffed in bamboo)and many others. At night, we will have a special gift for you, a visit at Phare Ponleu Selpak. Here, you will enjoy many performances made by disadvantage children and even can offer a private one. This place was built to help the disadvantage children escape from poverty and give them chance to get knowledge without begging and trafficking.
Overnight in Battambang.
Accommodation at:
After breakfast, we will have a special experience by reaching the Bamboo Train station. With the simple design, one bamboo platform on four-wheel is activated by a small engine; the visitors will have a different feeling than sitting in the trams or giant wheel. Along the way, you can see many rice fields and enjoy the beauty of surrounding scenes. Goodbye the locals and the special Bamboo vehicle, we will head to Meahto Phum Ko’mah (Homeland in English), a charity NGO. This organization was born to help orphans and wandering children that may be harmed. Its aim is to make sure that those children have the advantages like normal children such as education, family, entertainment… You can meet many children here with their own situation; some lost parents, some were abandoned or some are affected by HIV/AIDS. You will have a real experience of the dark side of Cambodia! Lunch will be prepared at the center’s Fresh Eats Café. This afternoon, you will be transferred back overland to Siem Reap (Duration 3 hours). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Accommodation at:
Breakfast at your hotel. Enjoy the day at leisure for some relaxation at, some more sightseeing or for some personal shopping on Siem Reap's colorful markets. For example, visit Artisans d'Angkor, established in 1992 in order to support Cambodian arts and crafts, and to help young people find work in their local villages by continuing the practice of traditional arts. Discover how wood and stone carvings, lacquering, gilding, and silk paintings are created. Transfer to the airport for your individual departure flight. Indochinavalue thanks you so much for traveling with us. We hope you had a beautiful Cambodia holiday. All the best, goodbye and see you again!
END OF SERVICE
Accommodation at:
• Accommodation with breakfast based Double/Twin room shared.
• Private transportation with a/c for whole program.
• All admission fees for the indicated.
• Meals as mentioned in the program (B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=Dinner).
• Englishspeaking guide.
• Drinking water during tours.
• Personal expenses, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, mini-bar in hotel, etc.
• Other tours & meals not mentioned.
• Early check-in and late check-out at the hotel.
• International air tickets.
• Airport’s departure tax.
• Visas arrangement.
• Insurances.
Tour guide
Tour guides who wor with usk are well-paid, experienced with a university background, eager to exchange our cultures and lifestyles ... with travelers, and have a great passion for their country and understand the personal touch. In some parts such as Sapa, we may use local tour guides who come from the ethnic hilltribes like H'Mong or Red Dao as they know about their land much better than anyone else and this is also the way that Indochinavalue helps the local people a better life.
Tour guide is one of the most inportant factors to a successful holiday. Indochinavalue understands that a good tour guide needs not only good knowledge on history, culture, good English, French... but also needs to have general requirements and follow our guidelines as below:
1 - Licensed at least for 4 years with work experience.
2 - Guiding does require more than just hanging out in the sun. Guides must be friendly and good with people, organized enough to keep groups or people on schedule, quick on their feet and ready for the inevitable snafus that arises.
3 - Must be an honest broker of their services and able to take criticism.
4 - Should be qualified at some level in health, health care or first aid.
5 - Able to relate to people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.
6 - Clear speech and good hearing.
7 - Must not be a alcoholic or No-alcohol during working time or anytime when on tour.
8 - Tour guide is a nurse to take care of visitors, a boss to keep the right itinerary, a teacher to give information, an ambassador to introduce our country, an entertainer because Indochinavalue's clients want to be entertained in extend, a friend...
9 - Must be on time every time. Being late or delay is unacceptable.
10 - Check flight tickets, train tickets, meals, weather... to make sure things are in order and inform local office if any changes that might effect the tour.
11 - Solve problems with care when there is dissatisfy. Argument should be averted by courtesy.
Transport
Kind of vehicle (offered on tour) depends on the size of your group size or your requirements.To ensure your comfort, all cars feature air conditioning and enough room inside. Drivers are local, with years of experience, taking you to your destination quickly and safely.
1 - Our drivers are professional and reliable with at least 5 years of experience, driving safely.
2 - Our drivers are not allowed to hear cell-phone or smoke, chat, drink when driving.
3 - Our drivers must be friendly, helpful with good behavior and attitude.
4 - Our drivers are not allowed to take you to shops unless you ask for.
2 Stars from: US$35 -> US$40
The 2 star hotels are good for budget travelers and sometimes, we have no choice but stay in a guesthouse, mini hotel, 2 star hotel in the remote and mountainous areas. Basically, 2 star hotels will offer good size and clean guest rooms with AC, TV, hot water, shower and private bathrooms
3 Stars from: US$40 -> US$80
The 3 star hotels are good for many travelers because they offer basic needs for a comfortable stay, good size and clean guest rooms with Free access high speed Internet, Welcome baskets and drinking water, Telephone with international dialing, Electronic safe box in room, Hairdryer, Coffee and Tea, Wake-up service, AC, TV, hot water, shower and private bathrooms. On-site restaurants with breakfast included and lunch or dinner at your own pick up. A small fitness center, spa and swimming pool can be expected.
4 Stars from: US$80 -> US$130
Offering a wide range of comfortable boutique hotels are available with shopping, dining andentertainment facilities nearby. Featuring quality service, fully furnished rooms, restaurants, fitness center with spa (and swimming pool in most cases), the hotels are expected to offer an above-average accommodation experience.
5 Stars from: US$130 -> US$200 –> US$ 300
Offering an extensive range of facilities for an excellent experience. Multiple restaurants on siteand a wide range of choice for buffet breakfast, good size of swimming pool, fitness center and concierge service round out the experience.
The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.
Note: If you have any special dietary needs, just let your travel consultant know when booking.
Breakfast:
Breakfast is included at all hotels and is buffet breakfast with Asian and Western food.
Lunch:
Lunches (if included) are usually set menu at handpicked local restaurant with comfortable dining environment where you can rest assure to taste the local flavor. All restaurants are carefully selected and highly recommended.
Dinner:
Dinners are only included if you stay overnight in a homestay with a local family, on cruise inHalong Bay, Mekong Delta or at some special occasions such as welcome dinner, farewell dinner or on requested. So dinners are at your own choice and arrangement, but our tour guides will always give you good suggestions based on your preferences.
If allergic to some food
We suggest you to list any food or ingredients that you are allergic to and let our travel consultant know. Then your travel consultant will mark them in the guide’s itinerary, so that our guides in different cities can make some preparations and arrangements in advance.
Do our guide and driver join the meal with us?
The tour guides and driver will be at the same restaurants with you, but they will only join themeal when you invite. Sometimes the drivers are shy to join as they usually eat fast and could not understand English talk around the table, so the guide will be with you more often.
Street food tour:
Street foods in Vietnam are very delicious and should you want to taste the specialities of each Vietnam holiday destination, we can arrange a street food tour for you. Please contact us at info@indochinavalue.com for a detailed tour itinerary and quotation.
How to request a tour package?
To request for a free tour itinerary and quotation, you can just fill out the tour inquiry form at www.indochinavalue.com or send us an email at info@indochinavalue.com then give us as much information as possible. One of our experienced travel consultants will get back to you shortly. All changes will be made (free of charge) until the your tour package meets your needs and personal interests.
How to book a tour package?
As soon as you agree on our proposal, please send us your full name, international flightinformation (if you have) and your special requirements. We will make reservations and arrange everything then confirm back to you when all done.
Payment
- Deposit is a "must". We request 30% of the tour cost. You can pay by wire transfer, creditcards, western union, onepay (online)
- Balance can be made before your arrival or on arrival in cash or by credit cards.
Changes
Changes are possible at the last minutes. However, if changes caused extra costs, you willhave to pay for. (For examples, hotels, flights, cruises...)
Cancellation
In case of cancellation, we will not apply any charge if we are not charged by the third partiessuch as hotels, cruises, flights, trains...We will recalculate the costs and resend you the money as soon as possible.
Tipping
Thanks you Tipping is not mandatory but it is expected in
Tipping is not mandatory but it is expected in many circumstances for service. You can tip your driver/tour guide more or less or nothing. All depends on the services you receive.
Suggested tips:
- US$10 – US$ 15 per day for tour guide
- US$7 – US$ 10 per day for driver
- US$1 – US$ 3 per meal for waiter or waitress
- US$2 – US$ 5 for short boat trips/ cyclo/ tuktuk (1 – 2) hours
Note: Please check with your travel consultant before coming and your tour guide if you are to tip someone on tour.
What you get when booking a private tour with Indochinavalue?
1. Private guide, driver and vehicle are for your exclusive use; no matter you are individually,or in a family or friends group. The tour is run exclusively for you without strangers.
2. Every itinerary can be customized to meet your specific interests/ wishes, that is, you can choose your favored hotels, sightseeing spots, the tour length, means of transportation, budget, etc. All are free of charge.
3. Start the tour on any date you want.
4. Escort you from start to finish. All private transfers during the tour are offered, including airport/ train station transfer, hotel-attractions round trip transfer.
5. The sightseeing during the tour could be based on your own timetable and pace. Flexible to change at your short notice.
6. Considerate care and assistance, such as the old, the disabled or families with small kids and children.
7. You can save time and money when traveling with us or your wants meet you budget.
How do I get a visa?
Vietnam Visa On Arrival is available for help. It is legitimated and supported by the VietnameseImmigration Department. We recommend that you choose visa upon arrival, as picking up visa at the Vietnam int'l airport/ border is quite simple, easy, no additional charges and no fail.
Please provide the following information for us to apply for your visa:
1) Full name on passport
2) Passport number
3) Date of birth
4) Nationality
5) Date of arrival
6) Date of issue
7) Date of expire
8) Please make sure that your passport is still valid for 6 months.
Can I use credit cards in Vietnam?
Major credit cards such as Master Card, Visa, Diner's Card, American Express and JCB can beused to purchase goods in large shopping malls and stores in the big and medium cities, to pay for hotel rooms and for meals in some of the fancier restaurants, and to buy plane tickets with them.
Note:
- You can use US dollar, Euro in all big cities or at major tourist sites, airports.
- If you are to travel to those small cities or even remote rural areas, only cash in Dong can be used.
Do I need to bring my medical record with me?
Yes, we suggest you take your medical record with you in case that you need it in the event ofan emergency, and please also take with you your doctor's name, address and phone number, emergency contact name and phone number, and your insurance company's name, address and phone number.
Note: You can buy medicines everywhere in Vietnam so do not need to bring medicines from home.
When I finish my tour in Vietnam, if I still have some local money, what can I do?
Upon leaving Vietnam, if you still have some local money, you can change them back to foreign currency with your passport and the exchange memos given by the banks or money exchange counters. So please keep those exchange memos well whenever you change money.
What should we bring along on our trip to Vietnam?
It is best to travel light in Vietnam. Onemedium sized bag and a day pack will provide more than enough room to carry everything you'll need, and enough space for the things you'll buy in Vietnam.
There are lots of consumer goods in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, so do not worry about running out of something. If you do forget something you can easily find it here. Before you leave home complete the following checklist:
- Lightweight and quick dry clothing is most appropriate for the summer months, and warmer clothing for the winter months. As well, sun hat, swim suit, ultra lightweight rain jacket.
- Travel Documents: Passport, Visa, Travel Insurance, Air Tickets (you should scan them and email them to yourself in case you loose them).
- Health requirements, medications, and travel insurance arranged.
- Flashlight, alarm clock, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, small personal first aid kit, personal toiletries.
- Money: US dollars or travelers cheques and/ or credit card(s).
- Raincoat or umbrella, good hiking shoes are needed for all Footprint trekking trips.
- Camera with charger, extra batteries, and memory cards.
Are there any restrictions on the type of luggage that we bring? Domestic airlines have their weight restrictions. On most domestic and low-cost airlines You may only have one suitcase or backpack, with a maximum weight of 20kg, and one piece of hand luggage, with a maximum weight of (5 – 7)kg. An extra charge for overweight is applied.
There is no actual limit on our trips, but we would suggest you travel light with one suitcase or backpack and one small daypack or small bag which you can access during the day and carry items like your camera, drinking water, toilet paper, hat, sunscreen, etc.
It is essential that you have a lock for each piece of luggage. Without one, railway and airline staff and some hotels may refuse to handle it.
What is the best type of clothing we should bring?
Here is a short checklist of best type of clothing you should bring:
- Shorts and comfortable pants;
- Shirts, t-shirts and maybe some long sleeves shirts (for regions with mosquitos like the Mekong delta);
- Swim suits (for the beaches and Halong Bay);
- Good sandles as well as good shoes if trekking.
Nevertheless, it will really depend on where you travel to, when you plan on travelling, and what you plan on doing. Please note that the weather can be very cold during the winter in the Northern Vietnam (Nov to Mar) and quite cool in the central highlands (Dalat). You will need to bring a good jacket along for this time of the year, the avarage temperature is about 15 oC, but can get as cold as 3 oC.
Tip: Do not worry if you do not pack enough clothes or forget something because you can buy in Vietnam.
Shopping in Vietnam
Shopping in VietnamMany tourists can’t help but throw themselves
head-first into shopping while in Vietnam. Why? Probably the variety of quality goods and the tempting prices have a lot to do with it. Many low-budget travelers considered Vietnam a heavenly place because in many shopping situations they can bargain the prices down to as much as a third of the original cost.
The list of Vietnamese bargains is seemingly endless and features bespoke tailoring and the national dress, the 'ao dai' from high-quality silk and many other types of material and textiles while many shoppers cannot get enough of the local handicraft, art and jewelry.
How to bargain?
Bargain is not common in some countries, but in Vietnam it really is. In Vietnam, bargaining isalways worthwhile. Yet, it is not always due to the fact that the local have a great deal of time and very little money. Bargaining is part of Vietnamese culture as through bargaining people communicate with others, create and build up their relationship, not to mention a form of entertainment.
Rule - 1: It's like the monster ride at the amusement park. If you're not having fun, get off.
Rule - 2: Don't bargain with the first person who approaches you (i.e., when looking for a taxi at the airport.) In general the further you go from the center of action, the cheaper the price.
Rule - 3: Don't be afraid to use walking away as a bargaining tool. You can always come back.
Rule - 4: Don't let pride get in the way of coming back (or Rule #3 is useless).
Rule - 5: If you really want something and the price isn't coming down, give in gracefully. (It's that pride thing again.)
Rule - 6: Don't always assume you're getting ripped off just because you're in a third-world country. Sometimes the price they're asking is the real one.
Rule - 7: Bargaining is a time/ money tradeoff. If you're in a hurry, be prepared to pay for it.
Rule - 8: Ask (Vietnamese) fellow shoppers the price of an item before you begin bargaining.
Rule - 9: Always carry small bills. Otherwise all that work is likely to be for nothing.
Rule - 10: Always bargain in native currency. Conventional wisdom says anyone who has dollars can afford to spend them.
Rule - 11: If possible, keep going back to the same person until you've gotten to know him/ her. Most third world countries have a name for this kind of relationship. The deal is that you offer your business on a regular basis and the seller responds by saving you their best tomatoes
Rule - 12: No matter what your parents told you, when you're bargaining it's perfectly okay to lie
This tour is sample tour and can always be customized to meet your personal needs and budget.
This is private tour with a flexible schedule. There is no other traveler on the tour. You will have a private English speaking tour guide and a private air-conditioned vehicle in each destination.
Planning the tour:
Prompt response in 0.5-10 hours
Supported by private travel consultant
Unlimited changes, no charge
Our guarantee:
Fair Price with added value
Use of excellent local guides
Use of well-selected Hotels
Use of comfortable vehicles
Worry-free & one-stop Service
Focus on customer care
Methods of payment:
Deposit 30% in advance after the tour is confirmed
Balance paid on arrival
Online and secure payment by ban transfer or credit cards
