| Starts | Siem Reap, Cambodia |
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| Ends | Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam |
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| Region | Asia |
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| Tour Operator | Gadventures |
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| Overview PDF | Download PDF |
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Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Siem Reap & Finishing: Siem Reap
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Day 2 - Starting: Siem Reap & Finishing: Chnok Tru
Start early today with a 4:30am departure for Angkor Wat to watch the sunrise. Return to the hotel for breakfast before exploring more of the temples. Enjoy lunch at New Hope, a G Adventures-supported project. Embark around 2:30pm. Once on board, enjoy a welcome beverage and get to know the crew during an informational meeting.
Instructions
When water levels are too low (possible from mid December to mid August) it may not be possible to embark at the port in Siem Reap. Alternatively, the group will transfer from Siem Reap to Koh Chen by bus and embark at Koh Chen at approximately 6:30pm.
Day 3 - Starting: Chnok Tru & Finishing: Kampong Chhnang
After the day's excursions, enjoy dinner on board and relax as the riverboat drops anchor for the night.
Instructions
When water levels are too low (possible from mid December to mid August) it may not be possible to visit the floating village at Chnok Tru. Alternatively, the group will visit a floating village at Kampong Chhnang and anchor near Koh Chen.
Day 4 - Starting: Kampong Chhnang & Finishing: Phnom Penh
Arrive early at Kampong Tralach and visit the local vihara (Buddhist monastery) and Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. Opt to cycle, or ride in a tuk tuk or buffalo cart, through the village and past rice paddies to reach the monastery. Return to the vessel and continue on to Koh Chen, an island in the river. Visit silver and copper workshops and meet a Khmer Rouge survivor eager to tell his story. Continue to the capital city of Phnom Penh. Take a cyclo tour past sights like Wat Phnom and the Grand Palace. Opt to finish up at the FCC for a happy hour cocktail overlooking the river or for dinner in town.
Day 5 - Starting: Phnom Penh & Finishing: Phnom Penh
Spend the day exploring all this city has to offer. Start with guided visits to the S21 Museum and the Killing Fields. Enjoy free time to explore the National Museum, Grand Palace or Russian Market. In the evening, return to the boat for an Apsara show before departure.
Day 6 - Starting: Phnom Penh & Finishing: Sadek
Cross the border into Vietnam. Opt to cycle, or stay on board, to Chau Doc from the checkpoint. Visit the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary and soak in the sunset from the top of Sam Mountain.
Instructions
During border crossing all passengers must stay on board as formalities are done on the riverboat. The boat will usually stay at the border for 2-3 hrs whilst all formalities are completed. Depending on time spent at the border, the itinerary for the afternoon may vary. Although this process is usually quite simple, delays can occur.
Day 7 - Starting: Sadek & Finishing: Mỹ Tho
Visit the Kien An Cung Pagoda in Sa Dec and take the time to stroll through the market along the river. View the old colonial houses by the delta. Continue on to Vinh Long. Learn about rice popping and opt to cycle small paths through the communities here. Continue to Cai Be by local boats and meet up with the vessel. Drop anchor tonight near Thoi Son Island.
Day 8 - Starting: Mỹ Tho & Finishing: Ho Chi Minh City
Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda in the morning, catching a glimpse of My Tho town on the way. Cruise to Thoi Son Island by local boats for some local industry visits. Enjoy learning more about coconut product manufacturing and honey farming, with samples of honey and local fruit. Meet traditional musicians here. Opt for a local lunch on the island. Continue on to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) via the Cho Gao canal. Opt to cycle there instead. Enjoy a farewell cocktail on board before the Captain's dinner.
Day 9 - Starting: Mỹ Tho & Finishing: Ho Chi Minh City
Continue the final leg of the journey to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive around 11am and disembark. Later, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Day 10 - Starting: Ho Chi Minh City & Finishing: Ho Chi Minh City
Depart at any time.
View Dates
More Information
What’s Included
Arrival transfer. 7 nts aboard the Toum Tiou II Riverboat. G Adventures-supported New Hope visit with lunch. Sunrise tour of Angkor Wat. Chnok Tru floating village visit. Kampong Chhnang visit. Vihara and pagoda visit (Kampong Tralach). Koh Chen island visit include cottage industries. Cyclo tour (Phnom Penh). Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) guided tour. Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 Prison) guided tour. Apsara show. Tra Su Bird Sanctuary visit. Sam Mountain sunset visit. Kien An Cung Pagoda visit (Sa Dec). Vinh Long excursion. Vinh Trang Pagoda visit. Thoi Son Island cottage industries tour. Options to cycle to excursions along the way. Farewell cocktail and Captain’s Dinner. Cu Chi Tunnels guided visit (Ho Chi Minh City). All transport to/from included activities and between destinations.
Highlights
Explore Angkor Wat and the Cu Chi Tunnels, visit ancient temples and small villages, enjoy the atmosphere of a floating market, learn about life along this famous river
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Important Notes
While it is our intention to follow the itinerary as advertised, some modifications to the itinerary are occasionally needed to reach Siem Reap while water levels are very low (March – August). The Toum Tiou II was built with a steel hull and sleek low draft, so occasions like this are rare.
If changes need to be made, they may involve docking the boat just before Siem Reap and using overland transportation to reach the final destination.
Group Size Notes
Max 28
Transport
Toum Tiou II Riverboat, private vehicles, walking
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Accommodation
Aboard the Toum Tiou II Riverboat (7 nts), comfort hotels (2 nts).
My Own Room
Please note that if you have booked the “My Own Room” option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops
About Accommodation
Cabins on board the Toum Tiou II all have exterior view windows and private bathrooms.
125 ft. (38m) Riverboat.
Built: 2008
Flag: Cambodian
Draft: 1.8m
Engine power: 450 HP
Speed: 11 Knots
Capacity: 28 Passengers
Cabins: 14 – 6 upper, 8 lower.
Boat Layout: Large screen television in lounge showing movies nightly. Library with classic literature, Wifi in public areas, outdoor dining and lounge areas with comfortable seating.
Joining Hotel
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
Joining Instructions
An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or when you arrive up to three days prior to the tour, provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G Adventures in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.
Please look for the G Adventures representative, who will be holding a G Adventures sign at the arrival halls. Please check carefully once you exit the baggage hall as there seem to be hundreds of people waiting outside in the arrival area. Please check that your driver knows your name, the hotel you are going to, and your booking number. If in doubt ask them to ring their manager to confirm your transfer. If you are unable to locate our G Adventures representative, please wait up to 30 minutes, call our local staff on our emergency number, or take a taxi to the joining point hotel.
To arrive at the joining point in Siem Reap take a public taxi or tuktuk. As you leave the airport there are is a booth for arranging your taxi. The price is US$10
Arrival Complications
We don’t expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
What to Take
Most airlines allow up to two checked bags and one carry-on per person. To avoid any problems upon check-in and with possible excess baggage charges, please consult the airline for specific restrictions.
Dress on board the Toum Tiou II is informal. Plan to bring comfortable, casual clothing for all activities. When packing, we suggest that you do not weigh yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire that can be worn in layers.
Checklist
Passport (with photocopies)
• Travel insurance (with photocopies)
• Airline tickets (with photocopies)
• Cash in USD
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Any G Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information or trip details
• Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
• Camera, memory cards, batteries and chargers
• Reading/writing material
• Cover for backpack (suggested)
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Binoculars
• Rain poncho
• T-shirts
• Walking boots/sturdy shoes
• Sunblock
• Toiletries (biodegradable)
• Watch/alarm clock
• Water bottle (water available for refills)
• First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking.)
-Antibacterial wipes/gel
-Ear plugs
-Plastic bags
Laundry
On-board laundry service is offered for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Visas
Please note that visas for Vietnam and Cambodia are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. For the most up to date information please check your Governments Foreign Ministry website or with you travel agent as rules do change. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travellers there will probably be an Embassy or Consulate in the country that you live in.
CAMBODIA – Visas can be obtained in advance from your local Embassy. You can also obtain your visa at the Cambodian border for approx. $30 USD very easily. You will will need two passport sized photos.
*Please have extra USD on hand in case the customs officials charge more at the border crossing.
VIETNAM – If you require a visa for Vietnam, they need to be arranged ahead of time (BEFORE your trip) as the processing time varies and they are not available upon arrival. Please note that an E-visa can not be processed if entering Vietnam at a land border, as we do on this trip.
Some nationalities don’t require a Visa for Vietnam for shorter stays – please contact your Foreign Ministry for up to date entry/exit requirements.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an ’emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected – though not compulsory – and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $1.5-$3.5 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.
Optional Activities
Approximate costs (per person) for popular optional activities taken in free time are:
Cyclo tour (Ho Chi Minh City)- USD4
War Crimes museum (Ho Chi Minh City)- USD1
The Reunification Palace (Ho Chi Minh City) – USD2
Saigon Water Park (Ho Chi Minh City) – USD4
All prices are per person (unless stated otherwise), and are subject to change as services are provided by third party operators.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Planeterra-The G Adventures Foundation
Planeterra is G Adventures’ non-profit foundation created to make a positive difference in the communities where G Adventures takes travellers. Planeterra supports sustainable social and environmental solutions in destinations travellers love to visit.
As travellers, it’s natural to want to give back to the places we’ve come to love. But to truly impact poverty, we work to build self-sufficiency, not dependency.
Planeterra partners with grassroots organizations with firsthand knowledge of local culture and true community needs. This ensures that solutions come from the people we support. Then G Adventures brings travellers to visit, fuelling sustainable local income in these communities. This model is helping many rural and marginalized communities on their way to self-sufficiency because they are harnessing the power of the tourism industry as a force for good. G Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration costs, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit planeterra.org.
MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT
Fifty percent of our planet lives on less than $2/day. For the price of a coffee, you can make every day of your trip count by giving back to the communities you visit through Planeterra.
To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking).
Local Dress
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Newsletter
Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G Adventures, subscribe at www.gadventures.com/newsletters/
Stay current on how our company invests in our global community through our foundation – Planeterra. Sign up for Planeterra’s monthly news to learn more about how to give back and support the people and places we love to visit.
Travel Forum – The Watering Hole
Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you’re interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gadventures.com.
Max Pax
28
Group Leader
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Meal Budget
Allow USD75-100 for meals not included. Drinks and tips on board not included.
Meals Included
9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners
Day 5 Optional Activities
- Royal Palace -
- Russian Market -
- National Museum Visit -
- Silver Pagoda Visit -
- Wat Phnom Visit -
Day 5 Optional Activities
- Royal Palace -
- Russian Market -
- National Museum Visit -
- Silver Pagoda Visit -
- Wat Phnom Visit -
