Escorted Tours 2023-24 1st Edition

astonishing 75 miles; famously housing hospitals, living quarters and weapon factories during the Vietnam war, these restricted passageways were used as the main base of operations by the Viet Cong. This afternoon, enjoy some time at leisure in the centre of cosmopolitan Saigon. Day 10: Saigon to Can Tho B/L/D Travel south to the picturesque province of Ben Tre. Take a boat trip along the Hoa River, pausing en route to experience the unique regional trades of local residents, incorporating visits to a coconut sweets workshop, thriving bee garden and candy mill. Following a short walk towards a local farmer house, journey along village paths and through verdant vegetable plains on a tuk-tuk, before continuing to Can Tho. Day 11: Can Tho to Chau Doc B/L/D Experience a hive of activity upon Can Tho’s crowded canals this morning, on a scenic journey towards Mekong Delta. The Cai Rang floating market is packed with an enormous array of vibrant fruit and vegetables to feast your eyes upon. Venture onwards, absorbing tranquil vistas along the enchanting Mekong, and head towards a local village for the chance to visit a rice husking mill and rice noodle shop, observing the process of producing these staple ingredients, before transferring to Chau Doc. Day 12: Chau Doc to Phnom Penh B/L/D Following a speedboat journey into historic Phnom Penh, immerse yourself in regal grandeur at the Cambodian King’s residence; the Royal Palace. Later in the day, boasting one of Cambodia’s largest collections of Khmer art, wander through the National Museum’s fascinating exhibition of Cambodian history, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening. Day 13: Phnom Penh to Siem Reap B Following breakfast, a moving tour of the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek explores the reality of Cambodia’s troubled past. Pay your respects to the victims of the Pol Pot regime at Choeung Ek’s poignant Buddhist memorial before travelling to Siem Reap this evening. Day 14: Siem Reap B Take some time to relax, shop and discover Siem Reap’s pleasant street life. Day 15: Siem Reap B/L/D Today, embark on a tour of the Angkor Wat complex; a stunning example of enduring devotion to the gods, this grandiose temple has been in constant use since its construction in 1112. Flanked by a commanding row of 54 stone figures, enter the South Gate of the Angkor Thom and visit the mesmerising Gothic towers of Bayon and later the Baphuon, Phimeanakas and the Elephant Terrace. Following lunch, uncover the mystical Ta Prohm temple, partially engulfed by the jungle’s burgeoning canopy, before enjoying a farewell dinner and traditional Apsara dance performance. Day 16: Siem Reap to the UK B Transfer for your overnight return flight, via Hanoi or continue to your chosen extension. Bayon Temple National Museum of Cambodia Hoi An Meal plan: 14 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 7 lunches and 9 dinners Accommodation: Hanoi, 4 H Muong Thanh Centre Hotel Ha Long Bay, Victory Cruise Hoi An, 4 H Le Pavilon Luxury Resort Saigon, 4 H Muong Thanh Grand Can Tho, 4 H Ninh Kieu 2 Hotel Chau Doc, 4 H Victoria Chau Doc Hotel Phnom Penh, 5 H Sokha Phnompenh Siem Reap, 4 H Tara Angkor Hotel Flights: London Heathrow to Vietnam with Vietnam Airlines Tour pace: Intermediate Departures up to 12 Oct 23 will be one day longer due to flight schedules. Extend your tour Siem Reap stay, 3 nights, 4 H B&B from £199 Private Tour Upgrade Upgrade to a private tour to include your own guide and transport, plus your choice of departure date from £649 Departures & from prices 8 Jun 23 £2,199 28 Mar 24 £2,699 22 Jun 23 £2,299 11 Apr 24 £2,799 6 Jul 23 £2,499 25 Apr 24 £2,499 20 Jul 23 £3,099 9 May 24 £2,499 3 Aug 23 £3,099 23 May 24 £2,399 31 Aug 23 £2,599 6 Jun 24 £2,199 14 Sep 23 £2,599 20 Jun 24 £2,199 28 Sep 23 £2,699 4 Jul 24 £2,499 12 Oct 23 £2,699 18 Jul 24 £2,499 26 Oct 23 £2,599 1 Aug 24 £2,999 9 Nov 23 £2,599 29 Aug 24 £2,899 23 Nov 23 £2,599 12 Sep 24 £2,599 4 Jan 24 £2,699 26 Sep 24 £2,599 18 Jan 24 £2,699 10 Oct 24 £2,599 15 Feb 24 £2,699 24 Oct 24 £2,599 29 Feb 24 £2,699 7 Nov 24 £2,599 14 Mar 24 £2,699 21 Nov 24 £2,699 • Tipping paid locally $155 pp per tour • A single supplement starts from just £569 61 East Asia Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk