Vietnam & Cambodia sample student itinerary

Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (Angkor Temples), HO Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels, Hoi An, Hanoi

Please note: the itinerary below is a sample itinerary and can be modified as required by your group to suit your travel style and budget. Please Contact us for a complete range of itineraries.

11 days SG$/AUD$1540 (excluding international airfares, visas and travel insurance)For convenience we have listed this trip price in Australian dollars but can naturally accept payment in any currency)

Airfares: Tailor Made Vietnam can readily arrange a very competitive airfare for your group to anywhere from Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. We are also happy to provide you with contact details of our flight agents if your school is coming from the Middle East in Europe

This educational tour of Cambodia and Vietnam has been specifically designed for students and is intended to give students a broad overview of these two countries,neighbours for centuries yet cultural very different. Beginning in Cambodia, we visit the country’s intriguing capital city, Phnom Penh then travel north to explore the magnificent Temples of Angkor near Siem Reap. From here we will fly to Vietnam and visit bustling Ho Chi Minh City and historic Hoi An. The trip includes a special excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels,a hot spot during the American War in Vietnam. We also visit the capital city of Hanoi.

As the trip is designed to be of an educational value, a significant component of the itinerary is concerned with the social, historical and cultural understanding of Vietnam & Cambodia,in particular the ancient and turbulent recent history of both countries and the rapid social changes they are currently undergoing. The trip also includes a social justice component which entails visiting an orphanage in Cambodia.

Most importantly, this trip is designed to be highly enjoyable and features several inclusions to provide students with a very memorable and fulfilling introduction to two of the friendliest countries in Asia. 

Day 1 Arrive Cambodia / Phnom Penh Upon arrival at Phnom Penh airport we are greeted by our leader and transferred to our central hotel. We head out for our first meal in Cambodia followed by a tuk tuk tour around town and an early night’s sleep. (D) 

Day 2 Phnom Penh This morning we will set out to visit some of the city’s places of interest including the infamous Toul Sleng Prison and the Killing Fields – both stark reminders of Cambodia's tragic recent history during the Khmer Rouge reign from 1975-1979. After lunch we visit the Russian Market selling a huge range of good and products, including Khmer musical instruments, cheap DVDs and beautiful silks. Later in the day we take time to stroll around the streets watching everyday life pass us by. This evening we dine at Friends Restaurant, a charity restaurant run by local street kids. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Phnom Penh to Siem Reap After breakfast we visit the Silver Pagoda to learn about the Cambodia royal family and French colonial influences. Then we farewell Phnom Penh mid morning and take our 5-hour private bus trip to Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor Temples. On route we will pass remote villages and rural scenery. Upon arrival we will check into our Siem Reap hotel and explore the town centre before dinner. (B, D) 

Day 4 Siem Reap – Mt Kulen This morning we take a full day trip to visit Mt Kulen some 40km southeast of Siem Reap.On route we will visit the outer lying temple of Banteay Srei. Banteay Srei is a pink sandstone temple with some of the most intricate carvings. We continue onward to Mount Kulen (elevation 487 meters) where we will have time for a picnic lunch and an opportunity to mix with the locals before exploring the area. Some of the nearby attractions include a reclining Buddha, 1,000 year old carvings on the bottom of river beds, waterfalls, bathing areas and more than 20 ancient Angkor period temples spread out over the mountain plateau. Mid-afternoon we take the return journey to Siem Reap. There is time to explore Siem Reap’s local market selling an amazing array of goods including temple rubbings, silverware and textiles before dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Siem Reap / Ho Chi Minh City We will head out to explore the world famous Angkor Temple complex, beginning with the most impressive of all the temples - Angkor Wat. Our specialist local guide will explain the rise of the Khmer empire, myths and legends and finally the sacking of the great Khmer city that once commanded much of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. We will also visit the Bayon temple and finally Ta Prohm temple famous for its overgrown trees. We take a short elephant ride through the temple complex. Then we make our way back to the hotel to pack up for our late afternoon flight to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. (B, D)

Day 6 Ho Chi Minh / Cu Chi Tunnels This morning we take a half-day trip out to Cu Chi District to visit the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, once home to the communist guerrillas in their struggle against the French and Americans. Nestled amongst huge bomb craters we will have the opportunity to climb down into the tunnels to gain an understanding of the harsh conditions the inhabitants of the tunnels had to endure. Mid afternoon we return to Ho Chi Minh City. This is one of Asia’s most dynamic cities; the powerhouse of the south and a place of fascinating contrasts - something we will appreciate this afternoon as we tour the city. We embark on a short walking tour to Notre Dame Cathedral and the City Post Office. (B, L)

Day 7 & 8 Ho Chi Minh City / Hoi An We take time to visit the War Remnants Museum and learn about the Vietnam War from a local perspective then continue to the airport for a 1 hour flight to Danang in central Vietnam. Upon arrival in Danang we take a short drive to the former silk route trading town of Hoi An, on route stopping at China Beach. Hoi An is a true highlight of our journey featuring some of the country’s most beautiful architecture, delicious food and friendly inhabitants. The town is also an ideal place for those wanting to get clothes made by some of the town’s fine tailors who can copy or design any item of clothing imaginable very quickly and cheaply. There will also be the opportunity to swim in the South China Sea only a short bike ride from town and enjoy a hands on cooking lesson hosted by a talented local chef. Hoi An provides a great place for independent exploration and a chance to meet the locals in this most peaceful of settings. (2B, 1L, 1D

Day 9 Hoi An – Hanoi We spend the first part of the day exploring Hoi An, perhaps taking a walking tour of the Old Town or exploring the bustling morning market. Mid afternoon we return to Danang for a 1 hour flight to Hanoi. We check into our Hanoi hotel then head out to explore the streets around Hoan Kiem District followed by dinner. (B, D)

Day 10 Hanoi This morning we explore some of Hanoi’s many attractions including a visit to the Temple of Literature – Vietnams first University founded in 1070. Later in the day we explore Hoan Kiem District, St Josephs Cathedral and the beautiful French colonial Opera House. For lunch today we will dine at ‘Koto’ restaurant, a non-profit organization run by local street kids. We also enjoy a performance of Hanoi’s Water Puppet troupe this evening. (B, D)

Day 11 Depart Hanoi Today is departure day. Your tour leader will escort you to the airport after breakfast, assist you to check in then wave you farewell as you home bound flight. (B)

SUMMARY

Grading: Easy. Anyone with reasonable fitness should be able to take part. There are no real physical difficulties. You will be expected to carry your own luggage throughout the trip but only for short distances.

Accommodation: Student accommodation is on a twin or triple-share basis. Teacher/staff accommodation is on a single room basis (maximum of 3 single rooms). All hotels hold a 3 star equivalent rating

Hotels used: Hotel Castle (Phnom Penh), Somadevi Hotel (Siem Reap), Bong Sen 2 Hotel (Ho Chi Minh City), Hoi An Hotel (Hoi An), Golden Key Hotel (Hanoi)

Transport: Bus, boat, plane, cyclo/ bicycle, train

Group size: Minimum group size 20 students (please contact us regarding complimentary travel for 2 teachers with student groups of 20 +)

• All accommodation and transport on route (including international {Cambodia to Vietnam} & domestic flights)
• Vietnam & Cambodian domestic airport transfers
• Tailor Made Vietnam Group Leader throughout
• Local English speaking guides where required
• All sightseeing & entrance fees for museums, attractions and sights as described in the itinerary
• 9 breakfasts,4 lunches, 8 dinners

• 1 breakfasts,6 lunches & 2 dinners
• Cambodian & Vietnam Visas
• Cambodian departure tax US$25
• Travel insurance

Back to top