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ABTA and ATOL Protected
Escorted Tours

Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam


Route:
  • UK
  • Chiang Mai
  • Sukhothai
  • Bangkok
  • Siem Reap
  • Battambang
  • Phnom Penh
  • Chau Doc
  • Mekong Cruise
  • Saigon
  • UK
Tour Pace:

17 DAYS from £3299pp

Tour Highlights
  • Witness Damnoen Saduak floating market and Wat Traimit's golden Buddha statue
  • Tour Sukhothai and Sri Satchanalai Historical Parks
  • Explore the temple ruins of Angkor Wat and Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Enjoy an overnight cruise along the mighty Mekong
  • Visit the famous Bridge over the River Kwai

To book call us on 0330 818 8907

Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam

Southeast Asia promises intrepid travellers high-octane cities, idyllic rural villages, culinary delights and fascinating historical insight, all linked by the Mekong River which courses through its interior. Follow this winding waterway through three countries as you journey from Thailand's tropical north to the temple ruins of Cambodia, ending with a river cruise in Vietnam.

Tour Itinerary

1
UK to Bangkok

Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Bangkok.

2
Bangkok

Arrive in Bangkok this evening, transfer to your hotel.

  • Dinner
3
Bangkok

After breakfast, journey through Bangkok's rural surrounds, passing villages and rice paddies before stopping at a salt and coconut farm. Learn about how these agricultural staples are grown then continue on to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Join haggling locals as you explore this busy maze of colourful stalls where vendors peddle tropical produce, trinkets and snacks from traditional long-tail boats. Travel to the River Kwai for lunch at a floating restaurant then visit the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai and the WW2 cemetery where the prisoners of war used to build this bridge are buried. Return to Bangkok with tonight's dinner at a barbecue restaurant.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
4
Bangkok to Chiang Mai

After breakfast, depart for your flight to Chang Mai. On arrival in Chiang Mai, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, join your group for dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel for the night.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5
Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, set in Thailand's tropical north, encapsulates the best of Thailand, with modern highrises circling a centuries-old walled city and miles of rolling greenery just outside the city limits. This morning, journey to the hilltop temple of Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and its shimmering golden stupas. The mythical 'Naga' (dragon-headed serpent) staircase leads you upwards to the temple grounds where you can take in sweeping views of the city before a cable car ride back to your vehicle. Browse the delicate sculptures at a local jade factory before lunch and an afternoon at leisure. In the evening, an entertaining Khantoke dinner allows you to experience this regional style of multi-plate dining and a colourful dance show.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6
Chiang Mai to Sukhothai

Depart Chiang Mai this morning, travelling first to nearby Lampang to explore Wat Pongsanuk, an elegant Burmese-style temple brimming with depictions of ancient gods and Buddha statues. Drive onward to Sukhothai, birthplace of the Thai nation, where you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
7
Sukhothai to Bangkok

Sukhothai is home to over 100 historical sites dating back to its glorious past as the ancient capital of Siam. Wander around the city's UNESCO-listed Historical Park, taking in crumbling palaces and temples, reclining Buddha figures and tranquil lotus ponds. Delve further into the region's history as you continue on to Si Satchanalai Historical Park where age-old statues and stupas lie nestled in the park's greenery. Travel to Phitsanulok for dinner then board your overnight sleeper train bound for Bangkok.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
8
Bangkok to Siem Reap

After breakfast, set out to explore Thailand's charming capital as you visit the impressive golden Buddha at Wat Traimit Temple then stroll past stalls laden with delicacies and handicrafts in Chinatown. This afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, with the remainder of the evening at leisure.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
9
Siem Reap

Begin your first exploration of Cambodia and historic Siem Reap on today's full-day tour of the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex. Start at the southern gate, flanked by rows of stone figures, followed by the Bayon and its beautifully crafted towers. From here, visit the Elephant Terrace, once used as a viewing stand for public ceremonies, then explore the sprawling temple of Angkor Wat. After lunch, visit the temple of Ta Prohm and wander amongst the towering trees that have overrun these ancient structures.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
10
Siem Reap to Battambang

Following breakfast, journey to the peaceful city of Battambang where your first stop is the 11th century temple ruins of Wat Ek Phnom Temple. Encounter Cambodia's rich culinary traditions as you continue on to a local market where 'prahoc', a pungent local fish paste is made and sticky rice is steamed in bamboo. Return to the town centre for a short walk to a local market then return to your hotel.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
11
Battambang to Phnom Penh

A morning of sightseeing starts at Battambang's main market before you sample the region's full-bodied coffee. Next, take in red lanterns and colourful murals at a Chinese temple then tour the city's old, abandoned train station. Travel to nearby Phnom Sampeau where spectacular views and a golden stupa lie next to the area's Killing Caves. Tour this Khmer Rouge execution site, a grim reminder of Cambodia's past, before journeying to Phnom Penh for your overnight stay.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
12
Phnom Penh

Cambodia's capital city provides a sensory experience, with tuk-tuk drivers rattling past colourful markets and regal monuments. Today's city tour begins with a visit to the Royal Palace. Marvel at the ornately gilded roofs and the solid gold-encrusted then visit the National Museum that houses a collection of Khmer art from throughout the ages. Round off your day with a tour of the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, where victims of the Khmer Rouge regime are buried.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
13
Phnom Penh to Long Xuyen, Vietnam

A last excursion into Phnom Penh takes you to the Tuol Sleng Prison Museum which chronicles the Cambodian genocide and provides sobering historical insight. After lunch, take a speed boat down the Mekong River, crossing into Vietnam and disembarking at Chau Doc where you are transferred to Long Xuyen.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
14
Long Xuyen to Mekong Cruise

This morning, transfer to Can Tho where you will board your vessel for your Mekong River Cruise. Enjoy lunch on the boat while you sail past fields, valleys and jungle undergrowth, observing life on the river banks. In the afternoon, take a shore excursion to a village where you'll meet the locals and sample tropical produce and fruit. Back on board, enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on deck as the sun sets over the river. The boat will anchor for the night with a delicious dinner served on board.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
15
Mekong Cruise to Saigon

Set sail at sunrise and see the passing landscapes bathed in a wash of colour while you enjoy an early breakfast. Next, explore the winding canals of the Mekong Delta on a traditional sampan boat or by foot before disembarking and travelling to Saigon for your overnight stay.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
16
Saigon

Take in the fusion of old-world, post-war and colonial-era Vietnam on today's city tour. Visit the district of Cu Chi, famous for its extensive 75-mile tunnel system which served as the base of operations for the Viet Cong and once housed supply routes, hospitals, weapon factories and living quarters. In the afternoon, visit the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace then take a walking tour of the city's main sights, including the elegant Notre Dame Cathedral, the colonial-era Post Office, the Opera House and City Hall.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
17
Saigon to the UK

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or continue on to your chosen extension.

  • Breakfast

Important Information

Visas

Thailand:
A visa is not required before you travel to Thailand; you will be issued with a tourist visa valid for 30 days on arrival into the country. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity.
Cambodia:
A visa is required for entry into Cambodia and this can be purchased on arrival at the airport in Siem Reap. The cost of this is approximately USD $30 per person. Please note that you will be required to bring a passport photo with you as well as USD $30 cash in order to apply for your visa on arrival into Cambodia. Please note that it is important that is plenty of space left in the passport, as a Cambodian visa alone takes up one page.
Vietnam:
For UK citizens a visa for Vietnam is only required for stays longer than 15 days or for multi entry visits. This is soon to change to 45 days from the 15th August. You can apply for an e-visa online at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Alternatively, we work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa for you on your behalf. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity. This visa information is a guide line only and is subject to change; up-to date information regarding the process and fees will be advised at the time of calling the Travel Visa Company. Please note, Irish citizens must accquire a visa when travelling to Vietnam, so please follow the above information to obtain a visa.
For all destinations, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months before you enter either Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend you check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

Payment

If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Flight Information

Your initial flight is to Bangkok with Qatar Airways (QR), departing from London Heathrow. Please note that the final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation.
Each passenger is entitled to hold luggage. Hand luggage: The maximum permissible size of hand luggage must not exceed 56x45x25cm. The maximum size of each piece of hand luggage must not exceed 115 cm as a sum of three dimensions (including wheels, handles, side pockets). Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-In should be at least 3 hours before departure.
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.
If you wish to arrange airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.

Health and Vaccinations

It is your responsibility to check any health & vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa. org.uk, your General Practitioner or specialist clinic.

Physical Accessibility

This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves climbing steep stairs, getting on and off coaches and boats. It also includes travelling by overnight train. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Group Size

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 28. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

Tour Guide

This is a fully escorted tour meaning that you will be met by a local guide in each of the cities that you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

Currency Information

Thailand: The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency.
Cambodia: The currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHM). We recommend that you take some US Dollars (USD) with you and exchange this currency whilst you are travelling.
Vietnam: The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). You can exchange your currency in Vietnam, however, US Dollars are widely accepted in Vietnam should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you.

Personal Expenses

You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any meals where these are not mentioned in your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £400-£500 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour. Tipping is a common practice in the Indochina Region and it is customary to tip approx. USD $4-$5 per person per day which is split between the driver and the local guide. Tips can be given at the end of each day, or at the end of the tour. Tips are accepted in US dollars and local currencies.

Tour Dates & Prices

Depart UKArrive UKPrice
2024 Dates
18 Apr 202404 May 2024SOLD OUT
16 May 202401 Jun 2024SOLD OUT
12 Sep 202428 Sep 2024£3399.00
10 Oct 202426 Oct 2024£3599.00
14 Nov 202430 Nov 2024£3599.00
28 Nov 202414 Dec 2024£3599.00

Included in the Price

  • Local English-speaking Guides
  • Scheduled Flights from the UK.
  • All internal travel including air-conditioned/heated transportation.
  • Accommodation, meals as specified and entry fees to all sights.
  • All airport taxes and security charges.

Additional Expenses

  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Tips
  • Any meals not specified in your itinerary
Itinerary Changes:

Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed however the order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times.

What to expect

Fact File
Currency

Thai Baht

Average Flying time

12 hours

Min/Max temperature

26 °C / 31 °C

Spoken languages

Thai, English

When to go

Please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

Bangkok

Siem Reap

Phnom Penh

Saigon

What to pack
  • Sunscreen,
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunhat
  • Waterproof lightweight jacket
  • Sunglasses
  • Rucksack
  • Small overnight bag to take on your Mekong River Cruise
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Lightweight clothing (jeans are not recommended)
  • Sweater
  • Swimwear
  • Camera
  • Lightweight/travel towel
  • Travel plug adapter - the electricity supply is 220V. You will need a 2-pin round plug adapter.
  • Binoculars
  • Personal toiletries
  • Personal first aid kit
Customer Rating:
10/10
Susan Ware
20th Oct 2019

All hotels of a good standard with breakfasts.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Joan Toner
17th Oct 2019

No comments

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Tour Map
Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam Route Map
Tour Dossiers
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Hotels & Accommodation

Extensions

Mui Ne Beach Stay
Tour Route
  • UK
  • Chiang Mai
  • Sukhothai
  • Bangkok
  • Siem Reap
  • Battambang
  • Phnom Penh
  • Chau Doc
  • Mekong Cruise
  • Saigon
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  • UK

Extend your trip with an extended stay to the laid back Vietnamese coastal town of Mui Ne whose golden shores, are enjoyed by both locals and those seeking a tropical retreat. Stroll into the harbour and along the seafront to sample the town's many restaurants.

3 nights
from £569pp
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Hanoi and Halong Bay Extension
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  • UK
  • Chiang Mai
  • Sukhothai
  • Bangkok
  • Siem Reap
  • Battambang
  • Phnom Penh
  • Chau Doc
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  • UK

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