Angkor Wat & Saigon Overland Adventure (Phu My to Sihanoukville) (Single)
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Port
Phu My, Vietnam
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$3399.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
3 Days/ 2 Nights
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Meals Included
Meals included
Day 1 (L/D) Phu My - Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap
Depart from the pier to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, still commonly referred to as Saigon.
Drive by the Notre Dame Cathedral, a neo-classical structure dating back to the 19th century. The imposing twin spires have long heralded arrival in Saigon to passenger liners that travel the winding Saigon River. You’ll have a chance to snap some photos here.
Continue to the former Presidential Palace, now known as Independence Palace. This historic building was made famous when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its front gates in 1975, signaling the end of the Vietnam War. It has changed little since that time and is now retained as a museum. Your tour will take in the reception and dining rooms of the President’s quarters and the basement, with its ancient American-made telecommunications equipment still in place and strategic military maps lining the walls.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant in Vietnam’s former capital.
Visit the History Museum, housing a rewarding collection of artifacts illustrating the evolution of the cultures of Vietnam.
Transfer to the airport and continue your onward air journey to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Enjoy dinner with a show and overnight at your hotel.
Hotel: Sofitel Siem Reap Phokeethra (or similar)
Day 2 (B/L/D) Siem Reap - Phnom Penh
This morning, an optional tour for sunrise at Angkor Wat is available, returning in time for breakfast at the hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel, hop aboard a remok (tuk-tuk) for a fun ride to Angkor Wat -- the largest temple in the world, whose volume of stone equals that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. It is unlike all other Khmer temples in that it faces west and is inspired by 12th-century Hinduism. Its symmetrical towers are stylized on the modern Cambodian flag. Conceived by Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat took an estimated 30 years to build. It is generally believed to have been a funeral temple for the king. It has been occupied continuously by Buddhist monks and is well-preserved. Intricate bas-reliefs surround Angkor Wat on four sides. Each tells a story. The most celebrated of these is the Churning of the Ocean of Milk, which is located on the east wing. In it, the Naga serpent, twisted by demons and gods, spurts out the elixir of life.
Return to your hotel for lunch.
This afternoon, visit the monumental Angkor Thom -- the last capital of the Khmers. With its Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, the stunning Bayon Temple, a 12th-century masterpiece, lies at the center of Angkor Thom and is a wonder of symmetry and grandeur.
Continue your exploration of the Angkor temples at Ta Prohm. This temple has been left largely in its natural state since its ‘rediscovery’ by French explorers. Surrounded by jungle, its labyrinth of stone hallways is overgrown with the roots and limbs of massive banyan trees that envelop it like tentacles.
Enjoy an early dinner; then, transfer to the airport for a flight to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in.
Hotel: Sofitel Phokeethra Phnom Penh (or similar)
Day 3 (B) Phnom Penh - Sihanoukville
After breakfast, visit the Royal Palace, built in 1866 by King Norodom. The palace is made up of a number of structures within a pagoda-style compound -- one of which is the Silver Pagoda. The Silver Pagoda takes its name from the 5,000+ silver tiles, and the building itself holds a number of National Treasures -- perhaps most notably a life-sized gold Maitreya Buddha decorated with 9584 diamonds and a small 17th-century Emerald Buddha made from baccarat crystal.
Take an overland drive to meet the ship in Sihanoukville. It will take approximately 4.5 hours and will cover approximately 150 miles, with a 15-minute stop en route. A boxed lunch is provided.
Notes:
Modest attire is required for visiting temples; no fitted or collarless tops are allowed; shirts/blouses must cover shoulders; trousers must cover ankles; shorts and skirts are not permitted. A wrap is not sufficient. Wear closed-toe shoes; no sandals or backless shoes allowed. Men must wear socks. The Apsara authority will not allow children under 12 years old to climb up to the top level of Angkor Wat. Bring sturdy non-skid walking shoes. The tour is guided; an escort from the ship’s staff may or may not also accompany the group. You must book this overland PRIOR to sailing. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. The cut-off date is 60 days before the ship’s call at Phu My. Due to the popularity of this tour and strict booking conditions, cancellation fees start 60 days prior to the call at Phu My. Accommodation is included (hotels are subject to change). Airport assistance and transfers (if any), transportation by air-conditioned coach, any flights and entrance fees indicated in the itinerary, an English-speaking guide (unless otherwise noted), water on the vehicle, and meals (as indicated) are also included. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Bring your passport with you on tour.
Important information regarding visa requirements:
It is solely each participant’s responsibility to obtain any necessary visas, tourist cards and vaccinations, if required, to participate in Overland Adventures and/or Overnights and to keep apprised of any policy changes. Visas may be required for any/all countries your tour departs from and travels through and for the country where you will rejoin the ship. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the cruise. Your travel agent can assist you with your visa needs. If you require further assistance, Holland America Line’s preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. US and Canadian citizens can reach them by phone or email: US citizens: 866 788 1100 or email customerservice@cibtvisa.com. Canadian citizens: 866 935 8472 or email customerservice@cibtvisas.ca. CIBTvisas phone numbers and email addresses for Dutch, German, Australian, United Kingdom, Belgian, Singapore, Spanish, Swiss and French citizens can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of Holland America Line’s website, in the Cruise Preparation area. Applications and additional information can be downloaded from the CIBTvisas website at https://CIBTvisas.com/hollandamerica. You must advise CIBTvisas of your Overland Adventures or Overnights, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.