Trip Overview

Chanting monks offer you a blessing as morning mist rises over the jungle. Then you’re stepping over twisting roots, scaling down the ancient, crumbling walls of the world’s greatest temples. This Cambodia dawn is a breathless discovery of ancient cultures—and of yourself. It follows the thrill of sampling Ho Chi Minh City’s best street food, rushing down alleys on the back of a scooter and visiting with families of the Mekong reached by rowboat on narrow backwaters. This is much more than the Vietnam or Cambodia you grew up hearing about. This is the true Vietnam and Cambodia. Our eight-day exploration of Southeast Asia comes with unforgettable company: award-winning chef Ferrell Alvarez. You’ll see food and place differently as we skim the highlights and delve deep into cultural hotspots of two boundlessly fascinating destinations.

This trip overview is designed to answer questions regarding our Modern Adventure experience, including the itinerary, food & drink, required fitness level, packing list and more. If any changes are made, we will update you as appropriate and when necessary. Bookmark this site and refer to it whenever you need information regarding our trip.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

DAY 1: HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON)

  • Trip starts in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam at 8am on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at the Myst Dong Khoi hotel (see Travel & Logistics)

  • Markets and street eats tour

  • Saigon historical sites tour

  • Welcome dinner with traditional dance performance

Lodging: Myst Dong Khoi in Ho Chi Minh City

DAY 2: HO CHI MINH CITY > MEKONG DELTA

  • Visit to Turtle Island by boat

  • Coconut candy workshop

  • Fish and shrimp catching

  • Hands-on lunch experience

  • Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City by bus

  • Vespa tour of Saigon nightlife

Lodging: Myst Dong Khoi in Ho Chi Minh City

DAY 3: HO CHI MINH CITY > PHNOM PENH

  • Morning at leisure

  • Midday flight to Phnom Penh (flight included in trip cost)

  • Check-in and time at leisure

  • Dinner at Mali’s

Lodging: Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Pehn

DAY 4: PHNOM PENH

  • Walking tour of Phnom Penh

  • Appointment to meet Princess Sita Norodom

  • Lunch with Princess Norodom

  • Evening at leisure

Lodging: Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Pehn

DAY 5: PHNOM PENH > SIEM REAP

  • Transfer to Siem Reap

  • Stops along way include Skun Spider Market, Kampong Kdel Bridge

  • Khmer food tour by tuk tuk

Lodging: Shinta Mani Shack in Siem Reap

DAY 6: SIEM REAP & ANGKOR WAT

  • Sunrise alms giving

  • Visit Angkor Wat temples including Ta Prohm, Angkor Thom and Bayon

  • Workshop at Angkor D’Artisans

  • Evening at leisure

Lodging: Shinta Mani Shack in Siem Reap

DAY 7: SIEM REAP & ANGKOR WAT

  • Cooking class with local chef

  • Visit Temples including Angkor Wat

  • Farewell dinner

Lodging: Shinta Mani Shack in Siem Reap

DAY 8: SIEM REAP > DEPARTURES

  • Final breakfast

  • Transfers to Siem Reap airport (see Travel & Logistics)

  • Please note if you are flying roundtrip out of Ho Chi Ming City, you will need to purchase a one-way ticket from Siem Reap back to Saigon.

Our Accommodations

Myst Dong Khoi

6-8 Hồ Huấn Nghiệp, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tel. +84 28 3520 3040
Myst Dong Khoi

Think “Myst” as in mystery. Tropical plants sprout from windows in this eye-catching, Cubist-style tower in the heart of Ho Chi Mingh City's historic center. You enter an industrial lobby, benefitting from iron beams reclaimed for the city's former shipyards. The rooms are full luxury, with superb city views. The restaurant is by a rooftop lap pool, with more city views.

Raffles Hotel le Royal

92 Rukhak Vithei Daun Penh Sangkat Wat, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Tel. +855 23 981 888
Raffles Hotel le Royal

This Art Deco masterpiece grants you access into times long past. It’s been the capital’s “grand dame” since it opened in 1929. The setting is perfect—a lush, tree-lined boulevard a short way from temples, museums and the riverfront promenade. Rooms are luxurious, with marble bathrooms and balconies. Relaxation comes easy—at the spa, courtyard pool, and Elephant Bar for afternoon tea.

Shinta Mani Shack

Oum Khun St, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Tel. +855 63 967 885
Shinta Mani Shack

Our Siem Reap base is the best of both worlds. It’s a contemporary chic resort, filled with artful decor and lush looks out to the tropical gardens and pool. Every room brims in comfort, with modern Khmer artworks and an airy balcony. And the hotel is amidst the walkable French Quarter, meaning immediate access to markets, shops and cafes of Siem Reap. Best is the resort’s mindfulness to its community. It contributes to several local social projects, including clinics and a village school.

Inclusions & Exclusions

INCLUSIONS

On a Modern Adventure, we’ve worked out all the details for you. Included in your experience are luxury boutique accommodations, delicious local food and drink, private transport between destinations, expert local guides, and much more. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Here’s what’s included:

  • Seven nights at unique four- and five-star accommodations

  • Internal flights from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh

  • Cambodia travel visa

  • Private travel for all day trips and excursions; departure airport transfer

  • Private tours with local guides and cultural experts

  • Exclusive VIP access and tastings; guided activities, adventures and expeditions

  • Daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners

  • Local beverages with meals

  • All temple entrance fees

  • Gratuities for local guides

EXCLUSIONS

What’s not included on this trip?

  • International roundtrip airfare

  • Vietnam travel visa

  • Travel insurance (see Get Ready)

  • Transportation to the trip’s starting point

  • Activities not included in the trip itinerary

  • Hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs

  • Food and beverages not included in itinerary

  • Gratuity for Modern Adventure trip leader