VIETNAM and Cambodia are two of Asia's most enchanting destinations - and if you're ready to trade your backpack for a little more luxury, here's the tour for you.
Asia holiday specialist Wendy Wu Tours has designed a specially tailored 14-day (12-night) tour to Vietnam and Cambodia with some exclusive options including a bird's eye view over Cambodia's Angor Wat in a hot air balloon.
Embark on an immersive journey taking in the must-see sights of both countries, as well as a four-night cruise on board its new deluxe river cruise ship the Victoria Mekong.
Travelling upstream from Can Tho in Vietnam, passing from lush green landscapes to Cambodia's enchanting capital Phnom Penh, you will enjoy shore excursions designed to give you a genuine insight into the life of the people who call the Mekong River home.
Departing Australia in November, you will arrive in Saigon where you spend time exploring this vibrant city before an evening watching an A O performance showcasing the beauty and cultural richness of Vietnamese life through music, dance and acrobatics.
A visit to Ho Chi Minh City isn't complete without exploring the famed Cu Chi Tunnels, used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. You'll travel there in VIP style aboard a modern speedboat, arriving hours before large tour groups.
Boarding the Victoria Mekong in Can Tho you'll enjoy a four-night cruise along the mighty Mekong. With 33 cabins and two VIP suites, the vessel provides the quintessential "small ship" experience with each of the deluxe cabins equipped with an ensuite bathroom, 100cm TV, private balcony and all modern comforts.
Relax in the pool, enjoy a massage at the Green Lotus Spa or sit back and enjoy refreshments as you take in the breathtaking scenery while you cruise along the Mekong.
Enjoy a visit to Long Xuyen's floating market by sampan and learn about the multi cultures of the Mekong Delta at the An Giang Museum.
The visit to Tiger Island will immerse you in a truly authentic cultural experience - you'll meet local people still practicing traditional handicrafts: net weavers, wood carvers, incense makers. Watch the age-old traditional silk fabrication process in the only remaining Silk Village in Tan Chau, using plants and tree bark to dye the fabric.
Disembarking in Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh, the tour takes on a sombre tone for visits to the TuolSleng Genocide Museum and to The Killing Fields. It is estimated more than a million people were killed and buried by the Khmer Rouge regime which ruled the country during the late 1970s.
Take a short flight to Siem Reap before heading to Angkor Wat. This UNESCO World Heritage Site took 35 years to build with the help of 1000 elephants and 30,000 labourers.
While in Siem Reap, you'll visit Preah Dak village to plant a tree as part of a reforestation program. There's also the chance to learn how to cook Cambodian food in a traditional wooden house surrounded by sugar palm trees.
The Victoria Mekong Highlights tour departs Australia on November 1 and is priced at $6780 per person twin share (single supp $1990). The price includes return economy flights with Singapore Airlines (ex Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide), domestic flight in Cambodia, all meals, accommodation, visas, national escort, tipping and porterage.
For more details, call Wendy Wu Tours on 1300-160-872 or click HERE
People who book by February 28 can add two of three optional extras at no extra charge:
Option 1 - Khmer cocktail class
Take part in a Khmer evening cocktail class at an ancient wooden house in the old quarter of the town.
Option 2 - Attend PHARE circus in Siem Reap
This Cambodian circus has long been famous for its performances. This NGO teaches street kids to become circus artists. Enjoy their interpretations of modern life and issues in Cambodian society.
Option 3 - Enjoy a balloon ride of Angkor Wat at sunset
Rise up on a tethered hot air balloon for breathtaking bird's eye view of Angkor Wat.
