Cross ancient empires and lush jungles on a journey from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City. Join us as we take in the splendors of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam on a trip through the heart of the Khmer empire. You’ll bask in the shadows of jungle-clad ruins, barter at floating canal markets, and sip coffee in elegant sidewalk cafés.

Begin with an evening tour of historic central Bangkok where illuminated temples, bustling flower markets and tranquil river scenery mix into a spellbinding combination. Then, a fascinating day tour of Bangkok explores the city’s museums and temples and provides an in-depth look at Thai culture and history.

From Bangkok, a journey through the rice paddies of the Thai countryside will take you to the border of Cambodia. After a night spent in the faded colonial charm of Battambang, you’ll arrive in Siem Reap, home of the astounding ruins of Angkor. Since its discovery in the 19th Century, Angkor has lured travelers with its majestic stone temples and mysterious ruins.

Next, you’ll be onto Phnom Penh, a riverside city of leafy boulevards, delicately towering pagodas and some surprisingly hip hotels, bars and restaurants. Departing from the Cambodian capital, you’ll journey by riverboat into Vietnam’s lush Mekong Delta, where you’ll slip along quiet waterways through bamboo groves and busy floating markets.

Finally, your journey will come to a close in Ho Chi Minh City, a refined but fast-paced city that was once known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient.’ There, you’ll marvel at candy-colored French buildings, shop on palm-lined boulevards, and relax in sidewalk cafes, reveling in the wonders you’ve experienced on your journey.

Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will be welcomed by your Exotissimo guide, and transferred to your accommodation. This evening enjoy a city tour of the illuminated old quarter, dinner along the river and a visit to the late night flower market.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Begin your day with an introduction to Thailand's rich cultural heritage as you visit The National Museum, a treasure house of textiles, Buddhist relics, and royal regalia. Afterwards, step into a Chao Phraya river boat to explore the city's aquatic side as you're taken to the Royal Barge Museum and the astounding Wat Arun, Bangkok's 'Temple of the Dawn'. This afternoon visit the famed Jim Thompson House, once owned by the mysterious American who helped revive the silk industry, and Suan Pakkad Palace, an elegant museum for Thai porcelain, lacquer and paintings.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Leaving the skyscrapers of Bangkok behind, you'll set out through lush forest and gleaming rice paddies as you journey to the town of Ban Pakard, at the Cambodian border. Upon clearing Thai Immigration, you'll be welcomed by your Cambodian guide, who will assist you through immigration and customs formalities. After traveling along rustic tree-lined roads, you'll arrive in Battambang, a plantation town known for the warmth of its residents and the charms of its colonial French buildings.

Overnight in Battambang.

Spend the morning soaking in Battambang's faded colonial charm as you stroll along the Sangker River. Then head to the countryside to visit the notorious Phnom Sampeau, a killing cave used in the Pol Pot era, and on to the mountaintop temple of Wat Banan for glorious views of the countryside. This afternoon a tour of the surrounding villages gives you a chance to experience the rural lifestyle and meet friendly locals.

Overnight in Battambang.

Catch a glimpse of rural Cambodian life as you journey by boat across the Tonle Sap Lake, through riverside villages and local markets on the way to Siem Reap, site of the famous ruins of Angkor. Once the center of the most sophisticated civilization in Southeast Asia, Angkor was rediscovered in 1858 by French explorer and naturalist Henri Mouhot, and the evocative jungle clad ruins have tantalized Western imaginations ever since.  Enjoy the afternoon relaxing in this charming town. 

Overnight in Siem Reap.

A day filled with exploration of Siem Reap's temples, start your day at the ancient city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire.  From here continue to the mysterious and captivating Bayon. Famous for its giant stone faces, this 12^th century temple is decorated in an astounding array of bas-reliefs that depict both the religious cosmology and the everyday life of the Khmer empire.  Conclude your day exploring the mysterious Ta Prohm and Neak Pean, the temple of 'the coiled serpents', before returning to Siem Reap for an afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

This morning take spectacular drive through the countryside to Banteay Srei, a temple famed for its intricately carved decorations. After lunch, you'll pass under the grip of python-like strangler trees on the way into the Preah Khan, an elaborate complex of halls, pavilions, causeways and moats. From there, you will visit Neak Pean, a tiny temple worship where the princesses of the Khmer empire came to worship long ago.  On the way back, you will have the possibility to stop at local communities. After a break to escape the heat, explore Angkor Wat by local tuk tuk. Take your time wandering through the hallways, chambers and towers filled with endless carvings as you explore the history of this monument with your guide.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Setting out toward the country's capital, you'll have the chance to peek into Cambodia's pre-Angkorian history as you visit the ancient ruins of Sambor Prei Kuk. Once the capital of the Chenla Kingdom, it now rests as an engaging site of fallen brick walls lying at the heart of a jungle. After exploring the ruins, you'll continue on to Phnom Penh.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

A city tour by traditional cyclo explores what was once the loveliest city in Indochina.  Cruise the currently wide boulevards, pass dazzling temples and stop to visit stately monuments. Visit the refined Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, then search for delicately woven Khmer silks and charming wood carvings at the popular Central Market.

Overnight in Phnom Penh

Before departing from Phnom Penh, you'll have another chance to admire the skilled artistry of the Khmer empire as you visit the National Museum, a reliquary for the country's finest masterpieces. After lunch at a charity-run restaurant, board the Blue Cruiser boat for a trip down the Mekong and across the border into Vietnam. Upon arrival in Chau Doc, check in to the hotel and then set off for a trip to the top of Sam Mountain to watch the sunset over the temples and rice fields below.

Overnight in Chau Doc. 

In the morning you'll take in a local market at the confluence of three rivers, then travel by boat into the homeland of the Cham, a community who were once the rulers of an extensive coastal empire. There you'll visit their floating houses and catfish farms, and observe them as they weave their beautiful textiles. This afternoon, set off by road for Can Tho, but not before stopping for at the bamboo basket-making hamlet of Long Thanh.

Overnight in Can Tho. 

Climb into a small boat for a journey into some of the Mekong delta's must alluring waterways as we set out to view vibrant floating markets. Slipping past stilt-houses and under flimsy bamboo bridges, you'll return to Can Tho via the canals, which are the arteries of life for the local community. Later, visit the Muniwangsyaram Pagoda, a Khmer Buddhist temple populated by engaging and friendly monks, then spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Overnight in Can Tho.

This morning you depart early from the Mekong Delta, stopping en - route at the small  floating market at Cai Be, before arriving in Ho Chi Minh City. Known as the 'Pearl of the Orient' to the French, and still called Saigon by its residents, you'll find the city a fascinating combination of fast paced economic growth and leisurely tropical lifestyle.

Overnight in Saigon. 

This morning we visit the former Vietcong tunnels 1.5-hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City .  On arrival veteran guide 'Uncle Nam' will meet you for a guided tour of the tunnels. 'Uncle Nam', as he's affectionately known, lived in the tunnels for 12 years during the American War (as it's known in Vietnam). The Cu Chi Tunnels consist of an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters (Viet Cong) during both the French and American wars. Back in Saigon, take a tour of the city's highlights, including the retro '60s Presidential Palace, the red brick Notre Dame Cathedral, and the baroque History Museum, Post Office, and City Hall.

Overnight in Saigon. 

Enjoy your final day in Ho Chi Minh City at your leisure before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight.