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Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery
16 DAYS FROM £2344

This holiday has departures available between: 10th Nov 2010 to 9th Nov 2011
SAVE up to £280 per couple when booking a tour in October or November.
605David WhitingUK This was a really full, exciting itinerary - two countries, six hotels, five guides, and ten flights, amongst a large group of 32 people. The guides ranged from good to excellent, and all gave us a very valuable insight into their countries.

It is impossible to ignore recent history in either Vietnam and Cambodia, and what we learnt of this was important though sometimes harrowing - both our Cambodian guides had lost family members in the Pol Pot regime. Set against this was vibrant development and optimism, both countries making the most of their positive attractions, especially so with Angkor in Cambodia.

All but one of the hotels selected by Archers were very good, the only disappointment being the Halong Heritage. Our boat trip on Halong Bay was cloudy, so this section of the tour was least memorable. Otherwise our stays were very enjoyable, as were the included meals. All the lunches offered local food, which suited our taste. Local beers were much enjoyed by all.

Hanoi made a very interesting start to the tour, though we were a little surprised that the first stop, not on the published itinerary, was the Ho Chi Min Mausoleum, complete with embalmed body. It was apparent, though, that Vietnam has developed beyond severe Communist policies, with bustling commerce, joyful New Year celebrations, and thriving religious practice - we always love visiting Buddhist temples. The Water Puppet Theatre was a unique and enthralling experience.

Hue Citadel was interesting but could benefit from further restoration, while Hoi An proved a fascinating town. At both Hue and Hoi An we took boat trips, both enjoyable. The local boatmen have learnt that performing their craft for tourists' photos, is as profitable as actually fishing. Our guide for this section of the tour (Tam) was outstanding.

Saigon (which the Vietnamese still call it) was initially a little daunting after the quieter towns, but we soon became accustomed to streets with hundreds of motorbikes, and learnt to walk across eight lanes of traffic without getting hit. We enjoyed the architecture, and reflected that whatever the faults of colonial rule, the French left an impressive legacy of buildings which the Vietnamese still value. The War Remnants Museum, showing evidence of American atrocities, was shocking but we accepted being taken there (though again it was not mentioned in our itinerary).

While Vietnam has moved on from its war, Cambodia is still coming to terms with it. There was debate amongst our group on how much it is appropriate to pass on to visitors, and whether it was right to take us to S21 genocide centre in Phnom Penh as our first stop in Cambodia. We felt sympathy for our guides in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, who had suffered personally, but perhaps they told the story a little too often.

Phnom Penh was only a brief stop, anticipating as we were the finale of our tour, Angkor near Siem Reap. We had previously referred to it as Angkor Wat, but agreed with our guide that the ancient city of Angkor Thom, with at its centre the Bayon complex featuring 'Buddha faces' on all four sides of numerous tall columns, was even more spectacular. Spending two days looking at the whole area of Siem Reap was very worthwhile, ending with the well-known Ta Prohm, where the original tree roots have been left in place.

Cambodia is noticeably poorer than Vietnam, characterised by young children (not attending school) clambering on to tourist boats offering small bananas for 'one dollar', and the primitive living conditions of those in stilt houses by the river.

All the internal flights were easy and pleasant, enabling the tour to offer a wide variety of experiences. The group was perhaps a little too large, but the guides kept us together, and we all got along well socially. We were new to Archers, and were very impressed by the efficient organisation, from the point of our booking right through to the tour itself where we were managed very impressively and pleasantly by our guides. We would have no hesitation in booking with Archers again, and would recommend this tour to anyone prepared for a lot of travelling and very full days to gain the most from the experience. yes1605Sarah PeytonUK Well what can I say? Archers have done it again.

My main reason to book this holiday was to see Angkor Wat but I thought I might as well do Vietnam as well. After a long flight we arrived in Hanoi, which was beautiful but crazy. After spending 3 days in Hanoi it was onto to see the real Vietnam including Halong Bay, which will never be forgotten, and hopefully they will make it one of the natural Seven Wonders of the World.

It was onto Hoi An for our next stop which was a beautiful old riverside town. It is worth going off the main street to explore the side roads and around the river area and there was a great shop there to have suits made.

The hotel was next to the river and we were greeted by the staff with a cocktail and shown to our rooms, which were in villas. Onto Hue, where unfortunately we couldn't go down the ''perfume river '' due to the end of a typhoon.

Thankfully Hanoi had prepared us for the hustle and bustle of Saigon, which was amazing. With the major sights included like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office you wouldn't have thought you were in Asia.

The Cu Chi tunnels were surely an eye opener. Then we travelled on to the main part of the holiday for me; Cambodia. I would have liked to have an extra night to see Phonm Penh.

The first sight of seeing Angkor Wat was unbelievable and will remain with me forever. Words cannot describe that sight and if you have the chance do go on the optional excursion of going up in the hot air balloon for $15.

Unfortunately I do not feel that I have given this review its full credit. I would like to say a big thank you to our reps as well.

Thank you Archers! no1
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Travel through two of South East Asia's most exciting countries. Explore the treasures of Vietnam, including Hanoi and Saigon, before taking in the mysterious temples of Angkor in Cambodia.

Holiday highlights

Hanoi City sightseeing, excursion to Chua Thay, Chua Tay Phuong Pagoda and Water Puppet Show
Halong Bay Boat trip and visit to caves
Danang City sightseeing
Hue City sightseeing, boat trip to the Thien Mu Pagoda
Saigon Included city sightseeing and visit to Cholon (Chinatown)
Cu Chi Tunnels Excursion
Tay Ninh Excursion
Phnom Penh City sightseeing
Angkor Wat
Siem Reap Sightseeing, Banteay Srei Temple and Ta Keo

Your Price Includes

Flights: UK - Hanoi - Danang; Hue - Saigon - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - UK
Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
Meals on tour 13 breakfasts (B), 10 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
Travel on Tour by private car, minibus or coach
Local guide will accompany the tour at each centre
Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
All local and airport taxes excluding personal departure tax of US$25

Holiday Itinerary

DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Hanoi.
On arrival in Hanoi you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for three nights.

DAY 3: Hanoi.
Vietnam's capital is an attractive, laid back city with charming French-Colonial style buildings, spacious boulevards and cheerful, bustling markets. Today's included sightseeing tour takes in many of the city's highlights, including One Pillar Pagoda - designed to resemble a lotus blossom, the Confucian Temple of Literature - founded in 1070, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the magnificent 900-seat Opera House. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Hanoi - Chua Thay - Hanoi.
Today's exciting full day excursion begins with a drive amidst tranquil countryside to Chua Thay Pagoda. Beautifully ornate and serene, Chua Thay is home to an ancient stage where it is believed the first water puppet show was performed. Next, head to Tay Phuong Pagoda, one of Vietnam's first pagodas, to admire the carved wooden roof, elaborate colourful sculptures, and its unique architectural shape, said to resemble a buffalo. Later, return to Hanoi for a water puppet performance at the Municipal Water Puppet Show Theatre on the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake. (B, L)

DAY 5: Hanoi - Halong.
Drive through picturesque Hai Hung Province to Halong for an overnight stay. Enjoy an included boat trip on Halong Bay, a spectacularly beautiful cove dotted with lush green limestone karsts. Cruise amidst the islands of Trong, Mai, Am, Chen and Cong Troi ('Heaven Gates') and enjoy a stop at one of the islands to admire fascinating rock formations in the unique grottos and caves. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Halong - Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An.
Journey back, via Hai Phong, to Hanoi, and board your flight to Danang, Vietnam's fourth largest city. On arrival, our included sightseeing tour introduces many of the major attractions: the Cham Museum, China Beach and the Marble Mountains - a cluster of five hills, each said to represent one of the five elements of the universe. Later, pass tranquil rural scenery and traditional villages en route to Hoi An, where you'll stay for two nights. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Hoi An.
Nestled on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Hoi An is a vibrant yet traditional town brimming with wooden houses, colourful temples, ornate architecture and a vast selection of bespoke tailoring shops. Today is free for you to explore the town, perhaps visiting Quan Cong Temple and Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Tran Family Chapel, or one of the glorious nearby beaches. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Hoi An - Hue.
Today, journey past the pretty, island-like stretch of palm-shaded sand at Lang Co, and through the spectacular Hai Van Pass, to the imperial walled city of Hue. Your included sightseeing tour takes in the Forbidden Purple City, modelled on Beijing's famed Forbidden City, and includes visits to Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace, the Halls of the Mandarins and the Nine Dynastic Urns. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Hue - Saigon.
Begin today with an included boat trip on the Perfume River to the pretty Thien Mu Pagoda, made up of seven tiers, each of which is dedicated to a form or step assumed by Buddha to reach enlightenment. Preserved within the Pagoda's sanctuary is the Austin motorcar use to transport monk Thich Quang Duc to the site of his 1963 self-immolation. Later, head to the airport for your flight to Saigon, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for three nights. (B, L)

DAY 10: Saigon.
Also known as Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon is Vietnam's largest and most vibrant city, packed with timeless traditions, the beauty of an ancient culture, fantastic architecture, bustling markets and a modern business district. Today's included sightseeing tour takes in Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, City Hall, the Opera House and the Jade Emperor Pagoda, as well as Cholon, the Chinese district. (B, L)

DAY 11: Saigon and Cu Chi Tunnels.
An exciting day lies ahead on the included full day excursion to Cu Chi, an important base during the Vietnamese War due to its strategic location. Learn about the impressive 200km tunnel network constructed by the Viet Cong to connect command posts, hospitals, shelters and weapon factories. Later, visit the impressive Caodai Great Temple in Tay Ninh and view the magnificent Nui Ba Den ('Black Lady Mountain'), which towers 2790 feet above the surrounding plains. (B)

DAY 12: Saigon - Phnom Penh.
This morning, fly to Phnom Penh, and explore this lively city on an included sightseeing tour taking in sights such as the Royal Palace, the 19th century home of the Royal Family, the 15th century impressive Wat Ounalom, and a Russian Market, as well as the haunting Genocide Museum - a former torture and interrogation centre of the Khmer Rouge. (B)

DAY 13: Phnom Penh - Siem Reap and Angkor.
Today, fly to Siem Reap and join the included excursion to nearby Angkor, the ancient Khmer capital. Visit the splendid temple complex including Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its beauty and splendour, and Angkor Thom, the former fortified Royal City built by King Jayavarman VII, which houses the Bayon and Baphuon temples, the Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper King and Phimeanakas or the 'Celestial Palace'. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Siem Reap and Angkor.
Enjoy a second day to really make the most of the amazing sights at Angkor. Visit the exquisite 10th century Banteay Srei Temple and Ta Keo, the first Angkorian monument built entirely of sandstone. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Siem Reap - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK. (B)

DAY 16: Home landing in the UK.

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Accommodation on Tour

Hanoi: Hilton Hanoi; Halong: Heritage Halong; Hoi An: Hoi An Riverside Resort; Hue: Saigon Morin; Saigon: Equatorial Hotel; Phnom Penh: Sunway Hotel; Siem Reap: Angkor Century Resort & Spa.
Note: Tour hotels will be as specified or alternatives of a similar standard.

Visa Requirements

Visas are required for entry into both Vietnam and Cambodia. These must be obtained prior to departure.

Holiday Extensions

  • Phuket
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    Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery + Phuket - 7 Extra nights from £296

    Why not extend your holiday with a weeks stay at the Andaman Seaview hotel situated in one of Thailand's most popular beach resorts - Phuket, which boasts crystal clear waters and colourful reefs.

Accommodation on Extensions

Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery + Phuket - 7 Extra nights from £296

  • Andaman Seaview
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    Andaman Seaview DiamondDiamondDiamondDiamond

    Within easy walking distance of nearby bars and restaurants, this modern resort prides itself on its relaxed atmosphere.

    Location: Set across the road from the stunning Karon Beach and within 5 minutes of Kata Centre. Phuket Town is just a 30 minute drive away.
    Facilities: 2 swimming pools; restaurant; pool bar serving snacks; reading room; fitness centre; beauty salon; spa with sauna, steam bath and Jacuzzi; gift shop; minibar and safety deposit box available in bedrooms; watersports available from the beach (separate management).
    Price includes: Bed and breakfast in a twin room with private facilities; balcony or terrace; air-conditioning; satellite TV; telephone; fridge; hairdryer.
    Options: Deluxe room; half board.
    Official category: 4 star.

To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list optional excursions available to you.
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
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Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery
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