Ancient Kingdoms Explorer - 16 Days

Trip Code

AKE16D

Departure Date

Daily

Duration

16 days

Views

382

Maximum Seats

8

What's Included?

Accommodation
All Transport
All Meals
All Entrance fees
Tour guide
Airline tickets on tour

Summary

Bangkok, Khorat, Surin, Mekong River, Si Phan Don, Khong Island, Kratie, Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Wat Phou

At the height of the kingdom’s power, the Khmers ruled from Myanmar (Burma) to Vietnam, from China to Thailand, and their legacy and influence is apparent across the region today, a thousand years later. Get far off the beaten path to discover rarely -visited vestiges of the empire on this journey from the modern metropolis of Bangkok through laid-back Laos and into Cambodia before culminating at the Khmer Kingdom’s crowning glory – Angkor Wat. You won’t be disappointed!

Tour Overview

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrive Bangkok

Upon arrival in Bangkok you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight meet your tour leader (or local guide) for welcome drinks and a tour briefing. One night BEL-AIRE PRINCESS
Day 2

Day 2 – Bangkok to Khorat

Depart the bustling modern-day Thai capital for Ayuthaya, the ancient capital from 1350 – 1770. Visit Ban Than Prasat, an archaeological dig site, and Phi Mai Khmer temple. One night ROYAL PRINCESS HOTEL
Day 3

Day 3 – Khorat to Surin

Discover a pottery village just south of Khorat and get to know the villagers in this beautiful, remote part of Thailand. Visit the temples of Phnom Rung and Muang Tam, which are important historical sites along the ‘Royal Road’ to Angkor Wat, before proceeding to Surin. One night THONG TARIN
Day 4

Day 4 – Surin to Khong Jiam

From Surin you will visit the Suai minority people who earn their livelihoods with the help of local elephants. You may have the chance to take an early morning trek atop the playful pachyderms. Two nights TOHSANG KHONG JIAM RESORT
Day 5

Day 5 – Around Khong Jiam

After breakfast drive to Pha Taem National Park to take in cliffside pre-historic paintings and enjoy wonderful views of the Mekong and Laos.
Day 6

Day 6 – Khong Jiam to Pakse

Today you will explore monumental Preah Vihear temple, a Khmer structure which has not undergone restoration; enjoy a real ‘Indiana Jones’ moment as we discover this amazing complex. After your exploration, continue on to Laos, Kingdom of a Thousand Elephants. One night PAKSE HOTEL
Day 7

Day 7 – Pakse to Khong Island

Departing Pakse after breakfast, travel to ancient Wat Phou, these ancient ruins pre-date Angkor Wat and were said to have once been the nexus of the Khmer Kingdom. Mid-afternoon you will arrive at delightful Khong Island, which is the largest island in this wide stretch of the Mekong known as the 4,000 Islands or Si Phan Don. Two nights VILLA MUANG KHONG
Day 8

Day 8 – Khong Island

Cruise by slow boat along this stretch of the Mekong; take in the peaceful river life before docking at Khone Island. Look for the rare and elusive Irrawaddy Dolphin and see the mighty Khonephapheng Falls then return to Khong Island.
Day 9

Day 9 – Khong Island to Kratie

Travel the short distance southwards to the Cambodian border, gateway to the current Khmer kingdom. Travel aside the Mekong to picturesque Kratie town, home to some fine Information in this dossier was correct at the time of its preparation. Travel Indochina reserves the right to make itinerary changes as operational or other circumstances require. VERSION 1.0 examples of old French architecture. Two nights SANTEPHEAP HOTEL
Day 10

Day 10 – Kratie

Today is spent leisurely exploring the Cambodian countryside, a nearby 100-pillar pagoda and quaint Kratie town. Spend the evening riverside, sampling a Cambodian fruit shake
Day 11

Day 11 – Kratie to Phnom Penh

Visit a colonial era rubber plantation en route to Phnom Penh. You will also be able to explore eclectic Wat Nokor, and make a brief tour of Kampong Cham, Cambodia’s third biggest city. At the end of the day arrive in Phnom Penh; a historic and relaxed riverside city, this is also one of Asia’s few low-rise capitals. Two nights JULIANA HOTEL
Day 12

Day 12 – Phnom Penh

Today we will take in the capital’s highlights; from the sparkling Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, Russian market and the inspiring National Museum. In the afternoon visit the sombre Tuol Sleng and Killing Fields testament to Cambodia’s chilling past.
Day 13

Day 13 – Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

Travel on Route 6 today to the town of Skuon for a sampling of sautéed spiders – a local delicacy. Break the road trip at Kampong Thom town and at a monumental ancient stone bridge in Kampong Kdei, built by the Khmers over a thousand years ago. Three nights DAY INN ANGKOR RESORT
Day 14

Day 14 – Siem Reap

Rise early and travel by tuk-tuk to witness sunrise at the famous Angkor Wat. Experience the splendour of Angkor at sunrise from a tethered hot-air balloon above the complex visiting the famous temple sites of Bayon and Angkor Thom. In the afternoon travel to Tonle Sap, the life blood of this amazing country, for a boat trip to the floating villages.
Day 15

Day 15 – Siem Reap

Discover two of the most atmospheric temples in the greater Angkor complex; Ta Phrom enshrouded by jungle and the beautiful Banteay Srei with its delicate pink sandstone carvings.
Day 16

Day 16 – Depart Siem Reap

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Trip Map

PRICES & INCLUDES

OptionPrivate TourSmall GroupHotel
 Standard2170 USD1968 USD3 & 4star
Deluxe/Superior2362 USD2161 USD4 & 5star

* From prices subject to availability and subject to change. Prices may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Amounts payable to third parties not included. We include all flights as detailed within the trip summary for each tour. From the moment you land in the starting city to the moment you are transferred to the airport in the end city, all transport arrangements are taken care of by us. Agents may charge service fees and/or fees for credit card payments which vary. Please check all prices, availability and other information with your travel consultant before booking. If you book with Tourism Union Indochina an additional 3% fee applies to credit card or charge card payments .

INCLUDES:

.15 nights accommodation including one night in more
basic accommodation (with air-conditioning)
.Breakfast and lunch daily
.All transfers and road transport in modern, airconditioned vehicles
.All sightseeing as specified (entrance fees are included)
.Expert local guides throughout
.Tour arrival and departure transfers

EXCLUDES:
  • Hotel EARLY check in & LATE check out
  • Peak season surcharge & compulsory dinner at the hotel (if any)
  • International flights with taxes
  • Visa or Passport Fees
  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips, laundry and gratuities
  • Meals not marked on itinerary, and water during meals

Children Policy

  • The rate for children applicable for one child sharing a twin or double cabin with two adults
  • For infant (<04 years old): FOC except domestic ticket cost
  • 04 – 11 years old without bed: 50% adult rate
  • 04 – 11 years old with extra bed: 75% adult rate
  • 04 – 11 years old in twin share: 90% adult rate

Responsible Travel

Tourism Union Indochina practices a thorough, realistic Responsible Travel Policy, full details of which can be found in our website – Click here.

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Tour NamePrice Per AdultPrice Per ChildAvailable SeatsDeparture DateTripcodeDuration
Ancient Kingdoms Explorer - 16 Days$ 2,170$ 08Anytime16 daysAKE16D

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Thank you for your interest in Tourism Union Indochina. My name is Marissa Brown and I'm your online consultant. I've travelled extensively through all our destinations, including three years as a Tourism Union Indochina tour leader, and still visit whenever I can. Indochina has so much to offer travellers - diverse cultures, complex histories, spectacular landscapes - and of course the food! If you have any queries, would like to order a brochure or book a tour, I'm more than happy to assist. Just contact me via Email, Skype and send it through - I'll be in touch shortly.
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36 Reviews
  • {}
    Tony

    Just wanted you to know that Troy and I had the best trip ever to Cambodia and Vietnam! Everything was perfect. Sadly, we had to cut our Halong Bay Cruise short one day because a typhoon was coming but they immediately took us back to Hanoi and upgraded us to a fabulous suite. At least we got one night on board, it was sad to leave but we managed to do most of our activities that first day on the boat…bike riding, kayaking in and out of caves, tai chi on deck, cooking class and several fabulous meals. Once again, thank you. Would highly recommend Tourism Union Indochina to anybody!!!!

  • {}
    Dr. Leong Ying, US

    “…definitely the most professional tour vacation I’d experienced. From the booking onwards, you folks have top ratings all-round. Your Tour Leader (Phil Jordan) deserves high praises for his expert handling….and both local guides (Sarem in Phnom Penh and Phath in Siem Reap) were also top-notch. I’ll be spreading your company’s virtue around, and from now on you folks will be the first tour company I’ll look to for organizing any future outings out east.

    On behalf of Martin and myself, our eternal thanks for making the Cambodian vacation so relaxing and enjoyable by looking after us so well.”

  • {}
    Angela Marinucci, Australia

    “I would like to compliment Tourism Union Indochina on their superior customer service. It seems to me that many travel companies think their work ends at drawing up itineraries and arranging hotels. However, I found that your company really values the customer experience and this was shown by the phone calls we received in each city, checking whether we had found the experience to our expectation. I think this alone is ingenious, as any problems can be addressed immediately and not potentially left to mar the whole holiday. In all, a wonderful experience in a superb country.”

  • {}
    Michel, US

    “Just a quick note to let you know that our trip to Vietnam was a “flawless adventure” one that we will never forget. I know we hit the jackpot with Tourism Union Indochina for many reasons, but one of the biggest was the size of the group. If I ever go on another tour, it will be with a 15 person maximum! Emmie and all local guides were outstanding and the other travellers on our tour were all nice people and easy to get along with. We loved every minute, all the sites, food, history, people, etc. Truly a successful trip! “

  • {}
    Charles & Anne Gilson, UK

    “We just got back a couple of days ago form our Vietnam trip and I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful time we had! We were thrilled to have had Josh as our guide and we couldn’t have asked for a more professional, thoughtful, enthusiastic and just plain fun guide. Vietnam is a tremendous destination and it offered everything we hoped for, but Josh’s guidance really enhanced our experience of the culture. We would not hesitate to book another tour with Tourism Union Indochina (although, sadly, it may be some time before we have the opportunity to do so) and have been thoroughly satisfied with our experience. I particularly appreciate your flexibility in dealing with the Visa problem that caused us to cancel our original booking. I cannot say enough about our trip – suffice to say that you’ll be hearing from us again soon!”

  • {}
    Louise Kenna, Australia

    “I have just returned from my holiday to Vietnam and Cambodia and wanted you to know that the trip was fantastic. We visited all the big ticket items, many small unknown places and had a great experience. The trip was very well organised, accommodation was much better than expected, guides were very good (a couple were exceptional). Congratulations on a well put together trip. Our tour leader was Natalie (Nat) Bemrose. Nat started the trip as our guide but ended the trip as our friend. She was terrific as a guide, friend and travel companion. We never had to bother about anything…because Nat handled everything so well. She made sure all our accommodation was acceptable, helped with food and advice on what extra to see in our free time and above all she was just a pleasure to travel with.”

  • {}
    Sandra King, Australian

    “We had a great month of travel in Vietnam. Vietnam is a beautiful country, but a major contributor to the success of this trip was the excellent tour company, Tourism Union Indochina. The journey was obviously well planned by people who know and love the country and are sensitive to the needs of the traveller. A company can have a grand vision, but it is the front line people who make it happen and Tourism Union Indochina has obviously chosen its tour leaders and guides well. Fi Reeves, our tour leader, won 12 devoted followers through her unfailing organizational skills, knowledge of the country, and good humour. Fi knew how to help us have fun, and we shared many good meals, good times, and even a karaoke session. All our local guides were excellent, especially Mr Phiem. His English skills were excellent, his good humour and bad jokes endless, and his ability to answer our questions about Vietnam was exceptional. We are very glad we decided to travel with Tourism Union Indochina to Vietnam. “

  • {}
    Sonia, Australia

    “I adored Laos! The people are still so open and kind. It might just be my favourite country in Southeast Asia. We only had 5 people in our group and that was an ideal amount of companions. The logistics of the trip were fantastic; there were always vans waiting for us at each stop and airport, and the drivers were excellent! Our guide in Laos was a very nice guy who will get even better with more experience leading groups. I was impressed with your itinerary and the nice variety of accommodations. Based on my experience and on my travelmate’s recommendations, I would definitely travel with you again. Thanks for sharing Laos with me.”

  • {}
    Sandra Blake, Australia

    “I have just returned from the tour of a Tale of Three Cities and had an absolutely fantastic holiday. Belinda Shillcock was a superb organiser, she put 120% effort into the trip, and helped make it a journey of a lifetime. I would also like to add that the three local guides that assisted Belinda were also excellent and certainly able to answer any questions that were put to them. I have recommended the tour to many people back in England – the space on the coach, the choice of hotels, the excellent choice of restaurants and overall maximizing the use of time to gain as much knowledge of Vietnam and Cambodia. I can say we all came back with a thorough comprehensive understanding of both those countries – much of it thanks to Belinda. I enjoyed it so much that I am now thinking of joining one of your trips around China – especially if your guides are the calibre of Belinda. She really was exceptional.”

  • {}
    James Jordon, UK

    “We would like to thank you and everyone else involved from your company, Tourism Union Indochina, for our recent, absolutely amazing, fantastic trip. As this was our first trip with Tourism Union Indochina we were a little nervous about what was to come however, what did eventuate far exceeded our expectations. Thanks to the expertise, professionalism and passion of the tour guide Belinda Schillcock, and her three local helpers, every day unfolded as a magical experience leaving us with a ‘real sense’ of the places we visited.
    As your brochure suggests, we ‘were captivated by the wonders of the countries in which we travelled in’ and our experiences increased our understanding of the history & culture of those places & their peoples.’
    We have nothing but the highest praise for Tourism Union Indochina and will strongly recommend the company to all of our friends. Our sincerest congratulations for one of, if not, the best tour we have ever experienced. “

  • {}
    Eileen Eastwood, UK

    “We travelled to Vietnam with you two years ago with Katrina Cameron as our guide. We have travelled all over the world and this was by far the best experience of our lives. The small group travel concept is fabulous beyond words. We made some wonderful friends and enjoyed ourselves immensely. This year we are back and would like to see China this way with you again.”

  • {}
    Roger Pacre, Canada

    “I had the best trip to Vietnam with you and will not think twice about coming back to you when it’s time to head back to Asia. Great news about your UK office, hope it gets you more British support for your trips so you can run even more! We always recommend you – my American friend loved her trip last year proving you really do have international appeal!”

  • {}
    Mrs Hawkshaw, Canada

    “I wanted to express to you my appreciation for making my travels an experience that I will never forget. Zoe Macfarlane really went out of her way to insure that myself and the group was not only well informed of each place that we would be visiting, but she wanted each of us to get everything that we individually wanted from every location and I am confident in saying that I saw a different side of Thailand that most travelers would have. I honestly never write these letters after I have finished a trip, but I felt compelled to do so because the service was that extraordinary. The next time I travel to South East Asia I will use your organization again, as I am confident in your company’s ability to put together unbelievable trips and hire extraordinary guides. Again, thank you for the memories, the professionalism, and please thank Ms Macfarlane for making this trip a true experience.”

  • {}
    Mollie Woolacott, UK

    “We are just sorting our Vietnam photos and recalling what an enjoyable trip it was! Everything went very well. The group of 8 got along very well which contributed a lot to the enjoyment of the tour – we all ate out most nights together, a good indication I think. Our tour leader Zoe, was excellent and organisation of everything went very smoothly. As an introduction to Vietnam it worked very well, and we’ll certainly consider another Tourism Union Indochina tour in the future. We have already recommended your website to friends and family.”

  • {}
    Phillip Rankin, New Zealand

    “We had a wonderful time – what a thoroughly professional and well organised company! Ned was our tour guide and we were so lucky to have her – she has a real passion for the country and the people. I loved Vietnam and will be heading back there. I loved Hoi An – the beach, food of the area, art galleries, tailors and the fact every bar had 5 hour happy hour 2 for 1 drinks each night! I have already got a couple of our clients that I am going to go through Tourism Union Indochina’s brochure and my pictures with.”

  • {}
    T Johnson, Australia

    “A huge thank you for the help with organising our recent trip to Vietnam. We had a wonderful time, thoroughly enjoyed every minute and have been singing the praises of the country and Tourism Union Indochina since we returned. It was the best holiday we have had in years. Everything went so smoothly, Claire was a joy, quietly organised and Tifo and Viet both great sources of knowledge and good fun. Nothing was too much trouble for any of them. They were all great ambassadors for Tourism Union Indochina.”

  • {}
    Ann Hitchings, New Zealand

    “Our trip to Vietnam was an incredible experience. Words cannot fully explain how much we enjoyed the trip. Felicity, our tour guide was marvellous. She was not only a great organiser and guide, but a great person who went well outside her responsibilities to ensure that our trip was a memorable one. Next year we are looking to visit Cambodia and I will contact you when we begin planning!”

  • {}
    Anne McCarthy, Australian

    “Just a quick note to say my 10 day highlights of Vietnam was AWESOME… the tour totally exceeded my expectations. The hotels were awesome and Stacey, our guide, was fantastic as were the local guides! Loved EVERY minute of it, I can’t even find a fault or complaint if I tried! I can’t talk highly enough about it …I really want to say thank you so much for organising it all for me. Definitely recommend to ALL ages and people! “

  • {}
    Arron Dann, New Zealand

    “Flicks vitality, enthusiasm and general caring and warm personality really made this experience for me so rewarding. Nothing was too much trouble for her. She is a real asset to your organisaton. I wish I had staff like her… I would love to do another tour in the future but don’t know how any tour leader can now measure up to Ms Flick.”

  • {}
    Geoff Burton, Australian

    “I knew nothing about Vietnam as a holiday destination but I had the holiday of a lifetime. Every day living history was witnessed, transport between events and venues was excellent, the food was wonderful and it was top value for money!”

  • {}
    Jill Martin, Australian

    “Awesome country. Awesome people. Awesome trip. Awesome!”

  • {}
    Natasha Dunn, Australian

    “The itinerary was well thought out and I feel I have a real sense of all aspects of life in Vietnam – the history, its political system, food and culture.”

  • {}
    Peter Laing, Australian

    “The Vietnam tour was FANTASTIC….our tour guide, Joshua, from Tourism Union Indochina was one out of the box !!! It was so good having someone organise internal flights, where to eat, what to expect to pay etc. etc. He was our eyes, ears and tastebuds. The pace of the tour was also great. Do put Vietnam on your agenda before it becomes too commercial. The food, people, countryside, history and shopping are all soooo amazing!”

  • {}
    Carolyn and Tony Herrick, Australian

    “I wanted to say a very big personal thank you from Janet and me for the absolutely amazing and outstanding holiday we had in China. It turned out to be a far better trip in all respects from that we were anticipating and I can only say again for the nth time how glad we both are that we chose Tourism Union Indochina for our trip. The organisation was in our view faultless, the accommodation far better than we expected and ideally located, and the things we did and saw, fantastic. When we got home we re-read the Company Brochure and the best complement we can give is to say that the Tour achieves exactly what it says in the Book.”

  • {}
    Kassandra Jackson, New Zealand

    “It was great to have a local guide who had amazing knowledge of his country. I really enjoyed hearing Mr Boulae’s experiences and his running of the tour was superb. I loved the boat ride down the Mekong, and it was amazing to see the giving of the alms by the monks.”

  • {}
    Joan & Allen Grant, USA

    “Our leader Rebecca is a natural treasure. The local restaurants, shopping and history are amazing. Hue’s Saigon Morin was pure bliss – I enjoy the colonial/planter atmosphere – that Tourism Union Indochina uses.”

  • {}
    Doug Jossem, USA

    “On an ‘adventure’ holiday I did not expect such good hotels in such great locations, so was pleasantly surprised!”

  • {}
    Tricia Watson, UK

    “The flow of this trip was so smooth & felt so effortless & natural. Our tour leader Rebecca was so efficient in making everything work out well, keeping calm under any circumstance!””

  • {}
    Tony Walker, Australian

    “Our local guide Mr Saren’s very genuine personal guided tour of Phnom Penh’s Toul Sleng Museum was unforgettable. It made it poignant and real in a way that only someone that lives there could do”

  • {}
    Maggie Wingett & Phil Wright, Australian

    “Our local guide “Matthew” was absolutely lovely, great company, friendly, polite, helpful, with good ideas for our itinerary, and met all our requirements. Please may I take him home?”

  • {}
    Susan Bramley , English

    “I loved cycling and walking in the countryside outside Yangshuo – being able to get close to the rural population in China. Of course, cruising the Yangtze and passing through the locks was also a highlight!”

  • {}
    Dawn Steiner, USA

    “I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Thailand. The places were interesting and the people so friendly. It was made all the more enjoyable with our great guide! Staying in the Floating Hotel and Lisu Lodge were fantastic experiences”

  • {}
    Carol and Harvey Thibault, Canadian

    “Our local guide was exceptional, with a real passion toward his job, always wanting to impart his knowledge onto us. Staying in the jungle rafts on the River Kwai was a once in a lifetime experience!”

  • {}
    Wayne Baldwin, Australian

    “We really enjoyed everything – the sights and sounds, the people (both Vietnamese and fellow-travellers) and Monica Fairley, our tour leader was excellent. Our minds are still buzzing with images and recollections from Vietnam and Cambodia while we get back to ‘normality’, whatever that it!”

  • {}
    Anjali Gupta, USA

    “Had a fantastic holiday….Kristy was great, positive, professional and kept everyone happy. Not easy the age range was 30-80! Fantastic small group, no problems at all. Gorgeous hotels all the way! Going to China for holidays next year and will definitely use you guys, can I have Kristy again though?”

  • {}
    Sharon Veeh, USA

    “I do want to go on record to say that our trip last November/December to Cambodia and Vietnam was a huge, huge once-in-a-lifetime experience for us two. We have been praising your company every chance we’ve had since we returned home. Your planning, your timing, your sensitivity, your professionalism were extraordinary! “