There’s no way better to visit four countries in Indochina than to see the countryside from the window of a train or from the top deck of a river cruiser. Begin your journey in Bangkok, the “Venice of Asia” before embarking on the E & O Express for a 4 day trip to Vientiane. Fly to Saigon and tour the old quarter before cruising the Mekong on the luxurious river cruiser, Jayavarman. Visit riverside villages along the Delta until crossing the border into Cambodia. Learn about Cambodia’s history and explore the UNESCO Site of Angkor Wat. Indochina Adventure keeps you on the move training and boating through some of the best kept secrets in this part of the world.
Day 1 – Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok where you will be met and driven to your hotel.
Day 2 – Bangkok
Today explore Bangkok. Visit the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha after a morning blessing at Wat Pho. Cycle along the canals of Bangkok’s “Green Lung” area, taking a short break from urban life. Dine on an evening klong cruise and better understand why Bangkok is called the “Venice of Asia”. “
Day 3 – Bangkok/E & O Express (4 days)/Northeast Thailand
Your train adventure begins departing from Bangkok on the Eastern & Oriental Express in the afternoon. You are greeted by your steward and warmly directed to your lovely cabin, After you have settled tea and pastries are served. View the changing vista and the sunset from the observation car as the train journeys into northern-eastern Thailand. Later that evening, enjoy a cocktail along with live piano music in the bar car before your first dinner onboard. Enjoy the elegance of the beautiful restaurant cars. Retire to your cabin which has been transformed into a cozy bedroom.
Day 4 – Phimai, Khao Yai
Breakfast is served in your cabin before the train arrives in Hin Dat. Disembark for an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Phimai, one of the most important Khmer ruins complex in Thailand. Return to the train for lunch as the journey continues to picturesque Khao Yai, You will spend a delightful afternoon touring the vineyards and have an opportunity to sample the wines. Rejoin the train in early evening to prepare for dinner and mingle with fellow guests. Afterwards, spend an enjoyable evening in the bar car listening to the pianist. Overnight on board.
Day 5 – Vientiane
After breakfast, the E & O Express will cross the Mekong River via the Friendship Bridge linking Thailand to Laos. Disembark for a full day’s excursion of the capital city of Vientiane, including lunch at the historic Settha Palace Hotel. Explore Buddhist temples alongside French colonial architecture in the timeless and relaxed atmosphere of the city. Reboard the train late afternoon and depart for the return journey to Thailand, As night descends, enjoy cocktails and another delightful dinner. Overnight on board.
Day 6 – Bangkok
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train proceeds to Bangkok, arriving mid-morning. You will be met and driven to your hotel in Bangkok. The rest of the day is free for you to explore as you wish.
Day 7 – Depart Bangkok/Saigon
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight to Saigon. You will be met and driven to your hotel. Enjoy a half day city tour which includes the old quarter and vegetable market.
Day 8 – Saigon/Jayavarman Cruise (3 days)/Cai BeEmbark on the Jayavarman and meander along busy ports and waterways. Enjoy a cocktail reception at the Funnel Bar and Lounge followed by a Welcome Dinner on the Sun Deck. Drop anchor outside of Cai Be for the night.
Day 9 – Cai Be/Chau Doc
Begin your day with a visit to Cai Be’s colorful floating market. Cruise among local sampans coming from all provinces of the delta full of fruits and vegetables. Proceed to Dong Hoa Hiep, an island located between Vinh Long and Cai Be. Discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong Delta rural life. Back on the sampans, we will lead to you to observe the activity of the biggest rice market in Cai Be. Further stops will allow you to see traditional brick and tile factories and how locals use palm leaves for houses. Cruise further to Phu An hamlet passing by Cai Be’s beautiful cathedral. Visit some interesting home factories to see how rice paste, rice cookies and coco candies, are made, along with the longan fruit drying process. Lunch will await you at Le Longanier, a superb Indochinese villa located in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit orchards. After lunch, take a stroll along the canals to experience the local environment first hand or explore the canal area on bicycle. Board The Jayavarman for a relaxing evening cruise towards Chau Doc. Moor midstream overnight.
Day 10 – Chau Doc/Cambodia Border Crossing/Phnom Penh
Arrive in Chau doc, the Cambodia border crossing, early morning. When you disembark you will be met and transferred to Phnom Phen. Check into your hotel. Your afternoon is free to explore as you wish.
Day 11 – Phnom Penh
Tour which includes the Royal Palace built in 1866 which contains various buildings of interest, including the Khmer-style Throne Hall, now used for special ceremonial occasions and the Silver Pagoda, originally constructed of wood in 1866 but reconstructed in 1962 when 5,329 solid silver tiles were inlaid in the floor thus its name reference. Its most revered image is the Emerald Buddha dating back to the 17th century. Tour the National Museum and learn about the culture of Cambodia.
Day 12 – Phnom Penh/Siem Reap
Transfer for your flight to Siem Reap. You will be met and driven to your hotel.
Day 13 – Siem Reap/Angkor Wat/Siem Reap
Visit the ancient ruins and temples of Angkor Wat. Built in the 12th century Angkor Wat is a fine example of Khmer architecture with the use of sandstone rather than brick in the main building material. This temple complex is famous for its bass reliefs which tell stories from Hindu epics, the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Although a UNESCO Heritage Site many of these ruins now protected are overgrown with roots and trees, making it quite an extraordinary site.
Day 14 – Depart Siem Reap
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
