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