Sample some of the highlights of Cambodia and Vietnam on this 15 day adventure. Wander around the complex of Angkor Wat on an optional full day tour before heading to Vietnam where you can explore the green world of the Mekong delta. Visit vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and browse the bustling markets of Hoi An. Finally it’s off to Hanoi where you can learn about the diverse culture and soak up the chaotic Old Quarter!
This is a group tour ranging in size from 4 to 17.
This tour uses a mixture of local transport. Travel days can be long and there are some early starts.
Temperatures in Southeast Asia can be very hot and humid depending on the season you travel.
This tour includes an overnight stay in a local home-stay in the Mekong Delta. Facilities are basic but the experience is amazing.
Entrance to Angkor Wat is not included in the trip price and is instead an optional excursion for those who wish to visit.
If using Thailand’s ‘visa on arrival’ or ‘visa exemption’ program please be prepared to have your Tucan Travel confirmation invoice, itinerary and proof of onward flights available for inspection at flight check-in and Thai immigration. A Thai ‘visa on arrival’ may be applied for only when arriving and departing Thailand by air and since this tour exits Thailand overland, some nationalities may need to apply for visas in advance. Please see the ‘visa’ section in the tour notes for more information.
We will try to run your tour as close to the itinerary as conditions will allow. On very rare occasions, local events may affect the way your itinerary operates. We ask for your flexibility and understanding in these situations.
This tour includes a compulsory Local Payment that needs to be paid to the Tour Leader on Day 1 of your tour. For more information on our Local Payments please click here.
This tour uses a variety of hotels and guesthouses. You can find a breakdown of your accommodation in the “About this Tour” section.
Where possible Tucan Travel try and use local accommodation on the majority of tours. The accommodation is picked based on their location to the main sites.
The type of accommodation indicated in the trip notes is a guideline. If for any reason, we need to change the accommodation listed on the itinerary, a similar standard of accommodation will be used instead. You can find the list of hotels or similar used on your itinerary under each day.
Accommodation on this trip is mostly on a twin share basis unless you have upgraded to your own room. If you wish to book a double bed, please advice your Adventure Specialist upon booking.
If you are a solo traveller, a private room is available on most occasions at an extra cost. This must be booked in advance.
Although we endeavour to have hotel rooms ready in time for arrival, sometimes this is not possible especially if we arrive early in the morning. In this instance we will store our luggage and enjoy the destination before checking in later in the day.
This tour uses a mixture of public transport and private minivans. The mode of transport is chosen based on schedule and timings, comfort, group size, location and reliability.
It is your responsibility to carry luggage on and off transport.
There is 1 flight included on this tour so you should pay particular attention to the weight limit of your luggage. Tucan Travel tours have a checked luggage restriction of up to 20kg in total. This tour includes domestic flights which are also subject to the local carrier conditions of booking and have their own luggage restrictions which may be a maximum of 20kg. Any excess luggage fees must be paid by the customer.
The below information provides approximate travel times and modes of transport for your tour. Please note that modes of transport may be subject to change depending on the group size and timings may vary depending on the season and border crossings on the day.
All clothes should be lightweight, durable and easily washable. Please do not bring any military or camouflage-style clothing as it can be dangerous to wear and occasionally illegal. Nights can be cooler depending on the season you are travelling, so it is a good idea to bring at least one pair of warm trousers or jeans plus a thinner sweater which you can layer.
In general, Southeast Asia is not as conservative as other regions, and you do not have to worry about keeping your legs or shoulders covered on a day to day basis. However, when visiting religious sites, you will need to cover up. We recommend having long trousers or a sarong for this. When packing, please consider that any included flights on your tour have a luggage weight restriction of 20kg.
What essential items should I bring to Southeast Asia?
Clothing
Electronics
Toiletries
Other
Documents
Depending on the time spent in each destination, your Tour Leader will be able to advise on laundromats or laundry services in or near our hotels. Hotel services can be pretty costly however your tour leader will be able to recommend cheaper options. If you wash clothes yourself take care not to be too obvious where you hang them as most hotels do not like guests washing and drying their clothes in the hotel rooms.
Please be aware that many countries in Southeast Asia have banned the use of e-cigarettes and it is not possible to bring them into the country with you. Please check regulations before you depart.
On a Tucan Travel tour you will experience a huge variety of amazing food in each location. Meals included are listed on the day to day itinerary and the “about your tour” section. On this trip, most breakfasts are included but lunch and dinner are at your own cost. Your tour leader will suggest restaurants in each location, and arrange evening group meals for those who wish to join. In the majority of Asian cities, there is a huge choice of both local and international restaurants.
If you have a specific dietary requirement it is important you advise us at the booking stage. We also recommend re-iterating this information to your tour leader on day 1. While we endeavour to assist as much as possible, it is ultimately your responsibility to research and arrange meals that suit your dietary preferences.
Breakfast varies from extensive buffets to simple local spreads. For early departures, you may be provided with a breakfast box with a few simple pieces to keep you going. Breakfasts on this tour vary greatly. Depending on the location, you can find anything from a well put together western buffet to a continental breakfast or a smaller offering of local food.
Finding vegetarian or vegan food in Southeast Asia is possible, especially in the bigger towns and cities. As long as you do some research it is quite easy to find vegan restaurants in larger cities. Southeast Asian cuisine uses an abundance of noodles, rice and fresh vegetables, so you won’t be stuck for something to eat. However please note that many dishes use shrimp paste or fish sauce, so unless you are with someone who can translate your exact requirements it’s best to try and find vegan advertised restaurants.
Southeast Asia is known for possibly having the best street food scene in the world. Eating at local markets is a great way to experience authentic food and at a fraction of the cost of restaurants. Your tour leader will be able to offer advice on markets and street food in each destination.
Overall Southeast Asia has a fantastic food scene and it should not be missed!
This tour uses a total of three different currencies. It is worth bearing in mind that many of the below countries will accept US dollars but they will give you change in their local currency.
Below are the currencies used on this tour:
The majority of our tours are divided into two separate payments. The tour price is paid directly to your travel consultant when you book and before you depart for your tour and the second amount is the Local Payment, which is paid locally when you join the tour.
The Local Payment ensures your Tour Leader has a supply of cash to run some of the tour if access to banking facilities is limited or nonexistent. This helps to save operational and administrative costs, which in turn helps to keep the cost of our tours competitive so we can pass the savings on to you. The Local Payment also helps us get cash directly into local businesses to provide communities with an immediate economic benefit.
The Local Payment is a portion of the total tour cost and must be paid directly to your Tour Leader in the currency as indicated on your tour vouchers. The Local Payment is not optional and failure to pay this money in cash may result in you being excluded from starting the tour. It must be paid in high denomination notes only (100s, 50s, 20s). The notes must be crisp with no tears or markings and should be no older than 2013.
The majority of shops, restaurants, hotels and other establishments in Southeast Asia will accept credit and debit cards. American Express is not as widely accepted, so do not rely on this as your primary card.
We know how easy it is to lose track of your spending on holiday! That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly read your trip notes so that you understand what is and what isn’t included on each day. Most lunches and dinners are at your own cost, which gives you the flexibility to spend as little or as much as you like. Remember to budget for things like laundry, tipping, souvenirs and optional activities. In general, Southeast Asia is a cheap destination.
Take note of how long you will be spending in each country and don’t take out or exchange too much money. Unless you’re a big spender, you won’t need thousands just for two days in a country! We recommend checking your international withdrawal and exchange fees with your bank, as sometimes it is cheaper to withdraw money in your location rather than exchanging it beforehand.
Tipping is not a big part of Southeast Asian culture however it is becoming more common in tourist areas. While it is not compulsory, if you have enjoyed the service it is appropriate and highly appreciated. You should add 10% to your bill in restaurants (make sure service isn’t already included), round up taxi fares and tip local excursion guides.
Your budget should include additional meals, transport within cities, optional excursions, shopping and an emergency fund.
Travel can be unpredictable. While we endeavour to plan for every situation there are some instances where it is out of our control, such as severe weather, strikes, civil unrest or natural disasters. If these result in unavoidable itinerary changes, you should have access to enough funds for you to return home unexpectedly.
If you require urgent assistance before meeting your tour please call (+66) 633 21 0066.
Southeast Asia is generally very safe, even more so in a group. There are a few precautions which you should always take.
The safety of our travellers is a number one priority when operating our tours. As a British registered company the lead is taken from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Advice Service (FCO). Tucan Travel reserves the right to cancel, amend or continue the operation of a tour based on, but not solely restricted to, the advice of the FCO.
Travel insurance is compulsory on all Tucan Travel tours. Your tour leader will request your travel insurance details at the pre departure meeting which are immediately submitted to the office. Failure to produce these details will mean you cannot join the tour.
A medical kit is handy for minor wounds and ailments. In areas with limited or dubious medical facilities, an emergency medical kit containing sterile syringes is also advisable. By law our staff are not allowed to administer first aid or give drugs to travellers, so please be prepared with your own supplies. If you are taking medication, please ensure you bring an adequate supply and a letter from your doctor to avoid potential issues at border crossings.
It is important to consult your doctor or travel clinic in good time before your tour departs to determine what vaccinations you require. If you are coming from a yellow-fever infected country then you must have had a yellow-fever vaccine and carry the certificate with you. It is also recommended to be up to date with typhoid, hepatitis A and B, TDap, Cholera, Diphtheria and influenza. Malaria risks vary according to location and season, so it is a good idea to seek the advice of your GP before travelling. It is also a good idea to be vaccinated against rabies if you will be coming into contact with animals.
All clients wishing to participate in horse riding or similar activities, whether included or optional, acknowledge that the availability of protective headgear can vary or be non-existent. Therefore Tucan Travel cannot guarantee that headgear will be provided or will be to the same standard as those available in the UK or your home country. Any client intending to partake in these activities should bring their own protective headgear and other protective equipment with them.
Our tours are perfectly designed for those aged between 18 and 65 years old. They are fast-paced and sometimes tiring, while packed with adventure, new experiences and feel-good moments. With customers from around the world, of different ages, backgrounds and nationalities, some groups can be more boisterous than others. As a result, we ask that anyone wanting to travel under the age of 18 or over 65 carefully consider whether a group tour is right for them. We may ask that you fill in our tour suitability form found here to guarantee your enjoyment of the trip. Please read through our Tour Suitability page or contact a member of our Reservations Team if in doubt. Please note that we do not accept children under the age of 16 on our group tours. If you are travelling with children please contact our tailor-made team for a bespoke holiday.
The about this tour section will advise you on the physical rating of your chosen tour. This is scored from 1 to 5.
You can find out further information on our availability and departures of tours by clicking here.
Welcome to Bangkok and the start of your South East Asia adventure. This loud, vibrant and tantalizing city is the heart of Thailand and is seen as the gateway to South East Asia for most travellers.
Today you are free to arrive at your leisure and enjoy the numerous activities in the city.
One of the biggest highlights of the city and a must see is the opulent Grand Palace, which was built in 1782 and was home of the Thai King for over 150 years. The palace complex has several impressive buildings such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Just walking around this vast area will give you an idea of the spectacular Thai architecture and vibrant colours. Another must see is the temple of Wat Pho, which houses the impressive reclining Buddha. The position of the Buddha represents entry into Nirvana and the end of reincarnations and is an important symbol for Thai people.
Tonight you will have a pre departure meeting to meet your tour leader and the rest of your group. Please check reception for details and timings.
Entrance to the Grand Palace – THB 500 • Thai Massage per hour from – THB 250 • Thai cookery course – from THB 1200 • Bangkok canal tour – from THB 750 • Wat Arun – Entry THB 100 • Golden Mountain – THB 50 • Chatuchak Weekend Market (Saturday and Sunday only) – Free
1 night(s) in hotels 
Today we travel overland into Cambodia and the small but vibrant and historically important city of Siem Reap. Not only is Siem Reap the gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat (of Lara Croft movie fame!), but it's also a modern travellers Nirvana, with culinary delights ranging from tasty and downright unusual street food to mouth-watering high-end restaurants.
This evening the group will head out to the famous Pub street with the tour leader to sample a local beer or to catch a local apsara dance show.
Approximate Travel Times: 8 hours on a tourist bus (including a 1 hour stop at the border for immigration. This stop may be shorter or longer depending on the day)
Group outing to Pub Street
Tonle Sap Lake entrance including boat ride – from US$7 (depending on group size) • Landmine Museum entrance – US$5 (return tuktuk will cost 15 to 20 USD)
1 night(s) in a guesthouse at Lub D Hotel or similar
Today you are free to explore Angkor Wat, the most famous temple in Cambodia. There are over one thousand temples here which attract over one million visitors annually. The temples range from small ruins to the famous Angkor Wat, and the site is said to be the world's largest single religious monument.
Angkor Wat, a UNESCO world heritage site, pays homage to the Hindu god Vishnu and has a dazzling array of beautiful ornate carvings. The many ceremonial structures and temples here were built between the 9th and 13th centuries by the Khmer Empire that spanned a period of approximately 600 years. These temples are some of the most famous in the world and take up an area of approximately 160 square kilometres.
You can either make your own way by tuk tuk to the close-by Archaeological Park, or your tour leader can arrange a group tour with an experienced and knowledgeable guide. A good option is to wake early to enjoy the sunrise with the wonderful photo opportunities, Capture the sunrise reflection of Angkor Wat in the surrounding lakes and ponds or the less busy but no less spectacular views from atop Angkor Hill, looking down into the Angkor complex through the early morning haze.
Please Note Entrance to Angkor Wat is not included on the tour.
Entrance to Angkor Wat
1 night(s) in a guesthouse at Lub D Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Phnom Penh is Cambodia's bustling capital city with a turbulent past. Sitting on the juncture of the Mekong River and the Tonle Sap river, Phnom Penh has been the national capital since the French colonised Cambodia during the 19th century. The city has grown from a small fishing village to what is now the industrial, commercial, cultural and historical centre of Cambodia.
During our time in Phnom Penh we visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school which was transformed into one of the Khmer Rouge’s most feared prison and torture camps during the Pol Pot regime. The building is now a haunting tribute to the thousands who died here and at the other 150 similar camps throughout the country in the late 1970’s. Those who were detained at the camp were later taken and executed at the Choueng Ek extermination Centre, more commonly known as ‘The Killing Fields', a site we also visit to learn more of and try to understand this wonderful country’s turbulent past.
Whilst the aforementioned visits are included in the tour they are also entirely optional should anybody prefer not to visit and Phnom Penh has a lot more to offer including the Russian Market and National Museum. Or you could also take a stroll along the river's famous Sisowath Quay and enjoy a coffee or cocktail at one of the many cafes while observing the bustling river traffic. Our Tour Leaders particularly recommend the Foreign Correspondents Club or F.C.C. as it’s better known. You may wish to take a tuk-tuk ride around Phnom Penh (a tuk-tuk is a motorbike-taxi with an enclosed passenger cabin that can fit around 4 people).
Guided tour of the Killing Fields and S21 Genocide Museum
Royal Palace – US$10 • National Museum – US$10 • The Silver Pagoda – US$3 • Wat Phnom – US$2
1 night(s) in hotels at Pacific Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Today is a free day to continue exploring the bustling capital of Phnom Penh. Make sure to check out some of the top highlights, including the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda temple.
Royal Palace – US$10 • National Museum – US$10 • The Silver Pagoda – US$3 • Wat Phnom – US$2
1 night(s) in hotels at Pacific Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Today we travel South along the Mighty Mekong River by boat with our final destination being Vietnam and the border town of Chau Doc , the gateway to the Mekong Delta.
In Chau Doc you can enjoy your first authentic Vietnamese meal and a stroll along the Mekong River before retiring for the night and a brief, yet welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of South East Asian city life.
Scenic boat cruise along the Mekong River
1 night(s) in hotels at Hung Cuong Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Continuing our journey today through the Mekong Delta, we head into the incredible city of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, Vietnam's largest city and former capital of South Vietnam.
Still known as Saigon to many locals, Ho Chi Minh is a large city and with much to do. We head into our hotel in the Old Quarter to be located right in the middle of the action.
1 night(s) in hotels at La Felix Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
The bustling city of Ho Chi Minh is the former capital of South Vietnam and formerly known as Saigon until the end of the Vietnam War (around 1975) and the infamous ‘Fall of Saigon” when the city was renamed after North Vietnam’s illustrious and revered leader Ho Chi Minh. Originally a small fishing village, it is now the most important economic centre in Vietnam and is the largest city in the country.
We start our exploration of this captivating city with a local walking tour where we will visit Ben Thanh Market, Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral & Post Office, Independence Palace and the War Remnants Museum.
Local walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City including entrance to the War Remnants Museum
The Reunification Palace – VND 40,000 • Cu Chi Tunnels - VND 235,000
1 night(s) in hotels at La Felix Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
In Hoi An we have free time to explore the handicrafts, ceramics and fabrics that are sold at an abundance of markets. Hoi An is renowned for tailoring; pack your favourite item of clothing and get it copied here! We also enjoy a bike ride to Hoi an Beach passing lush paddy fields along the way. Once you're there you can marvel at coastal views with a local beer in hand
Bicycle ride to Hoi An Beach
Old Town Sightseeing ticket (entry to 5 sites) – VND 120,000 • My Son Cham ruins – VND 150,000 entrance, plus transport with guide from US$8 • Cookery class – from VND 250,000 • Tu Bon River boat trip – US$10 - Bicycle rental US$2 (Daily)
1 night(s) in hotels at Hai Yen Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Our second day in Hoi An offers the opportunity to explore further into the old town. Maybe get that final fitting if you ordered some tailor made clothes or take a Vietnamese cookery class. Or you could just spend the day enjoying some of the wonderful experiences Hoi An offers, including the Japanese Bridge, My Son ancient ruins, Central Market or one of the many museums and temples.
Old Town Sightseeing ticket (entry to 5 sites) – VND 120,000 • My Son Cham ruins – VND 150,000 entrance, plus transport with guide from US$8 • Cookery class – from VND 250,000 • Tu Bon River boat trip – US$10 - Bicycle rental US$2 (Daily)
1 night(s) in hotels at Hai Yen Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
This morning we get picked up and driven to Da Nang's Marble Mountains which are made out of limestone and marble. Following this we drive towards Vietnam's ancient Capital City, Hue. On route we will also stop to enjoy the spectacular views from the Hai Van Pass, the longest and highest mountain pass road in Vietnam. Upon reaching the Imperial City, we will tour the forbidden citadel which was only for the emperors and those closest to them, with severe punishments if you were caught trespassing. Time permitting, you can also take a trip down the Perfume River to visit the tombs of Vietnam's ancient Emperors.
Visit to Marble Mountain, Visit to the Hai Van Pass, Walking tour of the Imperial City and Citadel
Thien Mu Pagoda – free • Amphitheatre and elephant temple – free • Military Museum – VND55,000 + US$3 • Ho Chi Minh Museum – VND 40,000 • Bicycle hire – from VND 30,000 • Perfume River boat cruise – US$2 (depending on numbers)
1 night(s) in hotels at The Times Hotel or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
A short flight takes us to colourful Hanoi.
Hanoi offers a beguiling combination of tranquillity and chaos, from the elegance of its crumbling colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards, to the boisterous cacophony of street vendors and motorcycles. Much can be absorbed of daily life by wandering the streets of the old quarter, tasting local market food, and people-watching. For the culture buffs there are museums, temples and tombs which offer insight into a city rich in history and character.
Enjoy fresh Vietnamese beer at Beer Hoi Corner in the evening with your group
1 night(s) in hotels at Hanoi House or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Our morning begins with a visit to the historical center of Hanoi to walk around the relaxing scenery of Hoan Kiem Lake where you can watch the early morning aerobics and enjoy a local speciality of 'egg coffee'. Legend has it that a magical sword was sent to Emperor Ly Thai which was used to drive the Chinese from Vietnam. The sword was later taken from the Emperor by a golden turtle who dissapeared into the depths of the lake with it, and that's where it gets its name from 'Lake of the restored sword'.
After our morning at the lake, you have the opportunity to travel out to and visit the world famous Halong Bay on either an optional day or overnight excursion. The bay includes hundreds of islands with towering limestone karsts draped in verdant foliage and is a classified UNESCO World Heritage site.
Morning walk along Hoan Kiem Lake and stop for a speciality egg coffee
Halong Bay – Full day tour, or a 2 day overnight tour on an authentic Junk Boat
1 night(s) in hotels at Hanoi House or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
This morning we board a comfortable tourist bus and travel for around four hours to reach Singapore.
After check in, we enjoy a walking tour to Clarke Quay, Merlion Park, Marina Bay and the Raffles Hotel. Marina Bay is somewhat of an icon of Singapore - boasting the cities best hotels, skyscrapers and attractions.
Like any major city, the shopping is excellent here, whether it be high end designer shopping along the world famous Orchard Road, seeking those authentic spices in Little India or checking out the bargains in Chinatown, the history and multi-cultural infrastructure of Singapore means you can eat and shop till you drop.
Singapore restaurants are not the cheapest you will come across in South East Asia but if you also hit some of the market food stalls or the hawker centres you are sure to delight in an amazing selection of fresh, scrumptious food. In fact, Singapore was the first place to have its street food stalls listed in the Michelin restaurant guide!
Other must-sees in Singapore include the ArtScience Museum, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Gardens by the Bay and the impressive Kampong Glam.
Downtown and river walk to Clarke Quay, Merlion Park, Marina Bay and Raffles Hotel
Marina Bay – Free (light show every evening at 8pm) • Bumboat Ride – S$25 • Singapore Flyer – S$33 • Gardens of the Bay – Entry free but conservatories price vary • Marina Bay Observation Deck – S$23 • Singapore Botanic Gardens – Free • Little India, Chinatown and Kampong Glam Walking Tours – Free •
1 night(s) in hotels at Ibis Budget Singapore Selegie or similar
1 Breakfast(s)
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
1 Breakfast(s)
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| Min - Max (Persons) | Adult Price |
|---|---|
| 3 - 30 | $9.00 |
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