Compare Thailand to Cambodia 11 Days 9 Nights by Affordable World vs Best of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand by Himalayan Glacier Adventure

Day 1 & 2: USA – Bangkok

Accommodation: Centara Grand At Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok or Similar

Board our transpacific flight to Bangkok, the starting point of our Thailand Delight journey. *Thailand entry visa is not required for USA passport holders. For passports other than US passport, please get the entry visa on your own. Please click http://www.affordableworld.com/infocenter/passport-visa/thailand for more information.

Touch down in Beijing and catch a connecting flight to Bangkok, Thailand's capital city.  Guests flying with Cathay Pacific, will board a connecting flight in Hong Kong.  Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport, enjoy a transfer to your hotel and the remainder of the evening to rest and relax.

Day 3: Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Centara Grand At Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok or Similar

Bangkok is a city of gleaming modernity firmly rooted in ancient Buddhist tradition and beliefs. Depart on a half-day tour after breakfast to witness some of Bangkok’s most interesting sights. Visit the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Trimitr) to see its solid-gold Buddha, and peek inside the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), known for its monumental horizontal Buddha. Stroll through the Paklong Talat flower market, a whirlwind of stalls selling masses of perfumed orchids, marigolds and roses.  After a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy the afternoon independently, or explore Bangkok’s must-sees on our optional Landmark of Bangkok tour. Tour the splendid Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, see the riverside Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), and ride a motorboat along the Chao Phraya River.

*Men and women must have their shoulders, arms and legs covered when visiting the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Temple*

Optional Tours: The Landmark of Bangkok Tour with Boat Ride $45 pp

Day 4: Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Centara Grand At Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok or Similar

Following breakfast, depart Bangkok for Damnoen Saduak, one of Thailand’s most famous floating markets. Ride a long-tail speedboat around the lively canals, passing boats and stalls laden with fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning back to the hotel.  Spend the evening as you wish or join our optional tour to Asiatique Riverfront Night Market and enjoy a classic Thai dinner and dance show.

Optional Tours: Asiatique Riverfront Night Market + Thai Dinner & Dance Show $40 pp

Day 5: Bangkok - River Kwai

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Felix River Kwai Resort or Similar

After an early start, travel into scenic Kanchanaburi province and visit the Bridge over the River Kwai, famously connected to the 'Death Railway' of World War II, and the poignant Kanchanaburi War Cemetery, home to 9,000 Allied war graves. Check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.  Alternatively, make the most of your time with our optional tour to the Elephant World Sanctuary for rescued elephants.  Admire, feed and help bathe these incredible animals in the river before enjoying lunch at the camp.

Optional Tours: Elephant World Sanctuary with Lunch $75 pp

Day 6: River Kwai – Ayutthaya

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Krungsri River Hotel or similar

After breakfast, journey to Ayutthaya, home to the UNESCO-listed ruins of the medieval capital of Siam. Founded in 1350, this royal city was a major power for over 400 years, until Burmese forces destroyed it in the 1700s. Stroll around the remains of this once-thriving city, seeing the restored chedi of the crumbled Wat Phra Si Sanphet, the blackened remnants of monasteries, the carved Buddha face entangled in tree roots, and the working Wat Yai Chaimongkol temple. Your tour also includes time at the Bang Pa In palace, a beautiful lakeside retreat of Thailand’s kings during the 19th century. Tonight, make the most of Ayutthaya’s setting by joining us for an optional dinner cruise on a traditional wooden rice barge.

Optional Tours: Ayutthaya at night by Tuk Tuk $40 pp

DAY 7: Ayutthaya – Pattaya

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Long Beach Garden Hotel & Spa or similar

Relax over breakfast before a scenic drive to Pattaya, a popular vacation spot on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand whose beaches and entertainments draw thousands of visitors annually. On arrival, experience the virtual ‘Theme Park - Dark Ride’ at a gems gallery, learning about Thailand’s most prized gemstones. Then, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day as you please, perhaps relaxing on the sands or by the pool. Later, you may wish to take our optional Pattaya by Night tour, savoring a sumptuous seafood dinner and cabaret show.

Optional Tours: Pattaya by Night/ Cabaret Show/ Seafood dinner $50 pp

DAY 8: Pattaya - Bangkok - Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Royal Angkor Resort Hotel or Similar

After breakfast, check out of your Bangkok hotel and transfer to Bangkok International Airport for your flight to Siem Reap, the capital of Cambodia’s northwestern Siem Reap province, and the gateway to the stupendous temples of Angkor Wat.  On arrival, meet your local tour guide and enjoy a convenient transfer to your hotel. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day to relax and make use of your hotel’s comforts and amenities.

DAY 9: Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Royal Angkor Resort Hotel or Similar

Today is devoted to UNESCO-LISTED Angkor Wat, the jewel in Cambodia’s historical and cultural crown, and the world’s largest religious monument. Following breakfast at your hotel, set off on a guided tour of this magnificent complex, once the heart of the ancient Khmer empire that reigned supreme here between the 9th and 12th centuries. Your tour encompasses the fortified city of Angkor Thom, together with the stunning Terrace of Elephants, the Terrace of the Leper Kings, the remains of the Baphuon temple, and the Royal Enclosure, pyramid-shaped Phimeanakas, and Bayon, famous for its incredible sculpted heads, all carved with smiles.  To finish, head to the top of an Angkor temple to witness a stunning Cambodian sunset, watching as the orange sun sinks below the spires, temples and palms.

DAY 10: Siem Reap

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Royal Angkor Resort Hotel or Similar

Leave after breakfast to visit the romantic temple of Ta Prohm, another of Angkor’s gems. This beautiful temple was the only one left in its original, dilapidated state by 19th-century archaeologists, and makes a magical sight, with its crumbled buildings and terraces enveloped in jungle foliage and giant tree roots. Continue from here to the 10th-century temple of Ta Keo, the 12th-century Chau Say Tevoda temple, and the Roluos group of temples, the earliest of Angkor Wat’s treasures.  Cap your day with a visit to Les Chantiers Ecole, a vocational center dedicated to preserving Cambodian culture by teaching young locals traditional arts and crafts skills.  Explore the workshops, seeing the students making stone- and wood carvings, painting delicate silks and crafting lacquerware and other items.

DAY 11: Siem Reap - Bangkok – USA

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy today free to explore Siem Reap, perhaps sampling some Cambodian cuisine at the restaurants or shopping for last-minute souvenirs. This evening, take the bus to Siem Reap International Airport for your return flight to the USA. If you are flying with Air China, your homebound flight departs in the early morning of the next day.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International airport, a company representative will pick you up from the airport and drive you to your hotel in Hanoi Central which will take almost an hour. You can spend the rest of the day in leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Lan Vien (ROH))

Day 2: Hanoi City tour

This full day tour takes us around Hanoi’s most interesting sights; including the Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his Stilts House, Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. The next stop is the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam. Then we drive to peaceful West Lake with lovers street Thanh Nien, the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. In the afternoon, we visit one of the city’s museums, either the History Museum or the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Later we will tour the Old Quarter, also known as the 36 streets and guilds. Today we also tour Hoan Kiem Lake – the Lake of the Restored Sword and Ngoc Son Temple. We end today’s tour with a visit to the unique Water Puppet Show in Thang Long Theater.

Note: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays and every afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Lan Vien (ROH))

Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Cruise (Huong Hai Sealife (Suite))

After early breakfast we begin our four hours drive through the beautiful country side to Halong bay. We set out on our cruise from Bai Tu Long Bay area. During the cruise, we get to enjoy the beautiful islands, namely Tea pot, Mat Quy –Monster Face, Yen Ngua, Man’s Head, Tortoise and many others. Today we also have a bit of fun outside our ship and explore Hang Sung Sot, one of the largest and most famous cave in the entire Halong Bay. We continue cruising through limestone islands and stop at Ti Top Island where we can enjoy swimming or walking up to the summit and admiring a fantastic view of the Halong Bay. In the evening, you will attend the chef’s cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking. Later you can relax or try squid fishing. Overnight on board.

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hanoi then fly to Saigon (Brunch)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Grand Luxury Wing)

There will be a Tai Chi session on the sundeck early in the morning. After breakfast we can enjoy the tranquil lagoon at Luon cave by a traditional rowing boat or by kayaking. Drive back to Ha Long city from where your driver will take you to the airport from where you will fly to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.

The itinerary above is operated by Huong Hai Sealife and thus may be altered depending on the weather without prior notice.

Day 5: Saigon: Chu Chi tunnels, city tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Grand Luxury Wing)

Today we visit the famous Chu Chi tunnels in the morning. This network of tunnels, which stretched for over 200km, became legendary during the 1960s. Next, drive back to Saigon and visit several landmarks of the city which is by far Vietnam’s most modern city. Observe some of the best examples of French colonial architecture represented in the forms of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. We will also tour The Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975 and The War Remnants Museum which has a wealth of images from the wars. End today’s tour with a visit to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a fantastic place for bargains of every kind!

Day 6: Cruise Cai Be floating market then drive to Can Tho

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Victoria Can Tho (Superior))

After breakfast we drive through the Mekong Delta to the town of Cai Be which is well-known for its floating market. Next, enjoy a cruise along the waterways and canals labyrinth before stopping at the home of a Bonsai gardener for a sumptuous Delta lunch, including the popular meal of ‘Elephant ear fish’. We continue exploring the tributaries and canals of the delta throughout the afternoon before leaving for Can Tho city for a good night’s sleep.

Day 7: Can Tho to Cai Rang floating market, My Tho then drive back to Saigon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Grand Luxury Wing)

After breakfast we take a boat to Jin In and explore the floating market of Cai Rang which is another exciting floating market in the Mekong Delta. Later, drive to My Tho where we visit Vinh Trang Pagoda which is one of the best-known temples in the region before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 8: Fly to Siem Reap, tour Angkor Wat

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Tara Angkor Hotel (Superior))

After arriving at Siem Reap, Cambodia, we begin our tour of Cambodia’s 12th century capital of Angkor Thom. We begin by visiting South Gate which has huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean. Bayon Temple is known for its unique 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara. We also visit the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, we visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor, Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Next, enjoy a wonderful sunset from the Phnom Bakheng Hills. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 9: Siem Reap: Angkor Complex

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Tara Angkor Hotel (Superior))

Today, we visit the 10th century temple of Banteay Srei Temple regarded as one of the crown jewels of classical Khmer Art. Then, we will continue our visit to Banteay Samre, which was built in the third quarter of the 12th century. In the afternoon, we will visit the unique interior brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan, then see Srah Srang (“The Royal Baths”) which was once used for ritual bathing. Then it’s off to Banteay Kdei (surrounded by 4 concentric walls), Ta Keo (constructed in the late 10th and early 11th century) and Ta Prohm (one of the area’s most beautiful temples). Overnight in Seam Reap.

Day 10: Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake then fly to Bangkok,Thailand

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel (Centre Point Pratunam)

After breakfast, we will take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to visit floating villages (complete with schools, restaurants, and hospitals), and then visit the school known as “Les Artisans d’Angkor.” We will then transfer to Siem Reap international airport for our flight to Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 11: Bangkok: city sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel (Centre Point Pratunam)

Today we tour Bangkok’s most prominent landmarks beginning with Pak Klong Talad, a bustling around the clock market. Then we take a short Tuk Tuk ride to Saranrom Royal Garden where we can relax and learn about a variety of Thai plants. Next, visit the Royal Regalia Museum and admire beautiful jewelry, which used to be ornaments of the royal officers and consorts. Our next stop is the temple of The Emerald Buddha held by all Thais as the symbol of national independence. In the afternoon, we take a long-tailed boat along the Chao Phraya River and get acquainted with the local lifestyle. We pass through the Grand Palace and pay a brief visit to the Royal Barge Museum which houses ceremonial King’s Barges decorated with multi-color glasses, gilt and stuccos. Our boat ride ends at Wat Arun, the temple of Dawn. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 12: Final Departure

Meals: Breakfast

We have no activities planned for today. A representative of the company will transfer you to Suvarnabhumi Airport for your onward flight.