Extension from €884pp
Tour + Extension from €4523pp
To book call us on 1800 804 006
Combine the famous sites of Hanoi such as the Ho Chi Minh Complex and One Pillar Pagoda with an overnight luxury cruise on the awe-inspiring Halong Bay, passing local towns, fascinating intricate limestone formations and visiting the impressive Thien Cahn Son Cave.
Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Bangkok.
Arrive in Bangkok this evening, transfer to your hotel.
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.
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 an intimate dining experience and an inside look at Thai family life as you visit a local's home for dinner. Take a tour of their home and tuck into a delicious meal before returning to your hotel for the night.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Xuye.
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.
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.
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.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or continue on to your chosen extension.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Your afternoon will be leisure, and dinner is included in a local Vietnamese restaurant.
A full day tour of this historic city begins with the Ho Chi Minh Complex where the father of modern-day Vietnam declared the nation's independence in 1945. Visit sites including the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda, then drive to the Temple of Literature. After lunch, visit the Fines Art Museum before the evening highlight - a Water Puppet Performance, a unique form of Vietnamese art derived from the wet rice civilisation of South East Asia.
Departing Hanoi, you will travel by road through the Red River Delta to the stunning World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. Here you will board your boat and set sail, cruising amongst majestic limestone pillars scattered throughout the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Disembark at Thien Canh Son Cave to explore an ethereal wonderland of Buddhist carvings and drooping stalactites, which hang beneath a canopy of sparkling gems. Following a relaxing break upon Hon Co Island's idyllic sandy beach, witness an authentic cooking demonstration on board your ship before tasting a mouth-watering selection of dishes. After dinner, retire to your cabin for the evening.
Enjoy the rising sun's incandescent shimmer over Halong Bay as you unwind during your morning Tai Chi session. Transfer to a smaller boat and enjoy a sightseeing cruise; afterwards, your day is at leisure for more sightseeing, kayaking or swimming within the bay's warm waters. Later this afternoon return to your ship for dinner.
Following breakfast, your guide will escort you on a rowing boat to Vung Vieng village, a settlement completely floating on water and dating back hundreds of years. Enjoy brunch before disembarking your cruise ship and travelling to Hanoi. Dinner will be at a local restaurant where you'll be transferred to the airport for your return flight back to the UK.
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. 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.
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.
If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of €300pp 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.
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.
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.
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.
There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
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.
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.
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.
| Depart UK | Arrive UK | Extension Price | Tour Price | Total Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 DATES | |||||
| 23 Mar 2023 | 12 Apr 2023 | €917 | €3919 | €4836 | |
| 22 Jun 2023 | 12 Jul 2023 | €884 | €3639 | €4523 | |
| 12 Oct 2023 | 01 Nov 2023 | €917 | €3919 | €4836 | |
| 16 Nov 2023 | 06 Dec 2023 | €917 | €3919 | €4836 | |
| 30 Nov 2023 | 20 Dec 2023 | €884 | €3919 | €4803 | |
| 2024 DATES | |||||
| 04 Jan 2024 | 24 Jan 2024 | €1141 | €4367 | €5508 | |
| 08 Feb 2024 | 28 Feb 2024 | €951 | €4479 | €5430 | |
| 29 Feb 2024 | 20 Mar 2024 | €951 | €4367 | €5318 | |
| 18 Apr 2024 | 08 May 2024 | €917 | €4255 | €5172 | |
| 16 May 2024 | 08 Jun 2024 | €928 | €3919 | €4847 | |
| 20 Jun 2024 | 10 Jul 2024 | €928 | €3807 | €4735 | |
| 12 Sep 2024 | 02 Oct 2024 | €951 | €4031 | €4982 | |
| 10 Oct 2024 | 30 Oct 2024 | €951 | €4143 | €5094 | |
| 14 Nov 2024 | 04 Dec 2024 | €951 | €4255 | €5206 | |
| 28 Nov 2024 | 18 Dec 2024 | €917 | €4367 | €5284 | |
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.
Thai Baht
12 hours
12 °C / 31 °C
Thai, English
Please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.
All hotels of a good standard with breakfasts.
Call our experts 1800 804 006
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