Vietnam and Cambodia Tour: 9 Days with Emirates from Istanbul

This afternoon we meet at 20:30 at Istanbul Airport for check-in and passport procedures. Emirates flight EK 118 departs at 23:40, taking us from Istanbul to Cambodia via Dubai. We rest on board overnight and land in Dubai in the early morning.

In the evening, after our layover in Dubai, we land in Siem Reap at 21:10. We are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel by private vehicle. Accommodation: Grand Bayon Siem Reap Hotel (4-star) or similar.

After breakfast we check out of our hotel and begin exploring Angkor Wat, the largest temple complex in the world. Our guide shares insights into the Hindu and Buddhist periods, the mythological scenes carved into the stone, and the temple's history. Lunch is at a local restaurant, and as sunset approaches we capture unforgettable photos of Angkor Wat's silhouette. In the late afternoon we return to the hotel to rest. Those who wish can visit Siem Reap's night market to sample local dishes and shop for souvenirs. Accommodation: Grand Bayon Siem Reap Hotel (4-star) or similar.

After breakfast, before leaving Siem Reap, we head to Tonle Sap Lake. On this vast lake we take a tour by traditional wooden boat, seeing the floating villages up close. The houses, schools, fishing boats and rhythm of daily life on the water introduce us to Cambodia's distinctive culture. In the afternoon we set off for Phnom Penh by private vehicle, a pleasant journey of about five to six hours through the countryside, passing rice fields and palm trees along the way. We reach the capital, Phnom Penh, in the late afternoon and check into our hotel. Dinner included. Accommodation: Pavilion Hotel (4-star) or similar.

After breakfast we begin exploring the spirit of Phnom Penh. Our first stop is the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda within its grounds. Adorned with gold, silver and precious stones, these sites offer a close look at Cambodia's royal tradition and Buddhist culture. We then pass buildings from the French colonial period on our way to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a compelling look into the country's difficult but important history. In the afternoon we take a short walk along the Mekong River, followed by free time at Phsar Thmei (Central Market) or the Russian Market, where you can shop for silk scarves, handcrafted items and souvenirs. In the evening we have dinner at a local restaurant, sampling the delicacies of Cambodian cuisine. Accommodation: Pavilion Hotel (4-star) or similar, Phnom Penh.

After breakfast we leave Phnom Penh and head by private vehicle towards the Vietnamese border. After border formalities we continue towards Ho Chi Minh City, known as Saigon, through the lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta. After a pleasant journey of about six to seven hours we arrive in Saigon in the afternoon. On arrival we take a short city tour to see Vietnam's modern and historic sides: the French colonial landmarks of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, the former Presidential Palace (Reunification Palace), and a short walk around Ben Thanh Market. In the evening we enjoy a special dinner at a local restaurant, sampling the best of Vietnamese cuisine. Accommodation: Eden Star Saigon Hotel (4-star) or similar.

Early in the morning we leave our hotel and head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, which bear the marks of the Vietnam War. Here, with our guide, we explore the underground living quarters, narrow passages, hidden rooms and traps once used by the Viet Cong. In the afternoon we head towards the branches of the Mekong River for a boat tour of the Mekong Delta, gliding among palm trees, stopping at small villages and seeing traditional life up close. We sample tropical fruit at local farms and take in traditional music and culture along the canal. We return to Saigon in the late afternoon. Accommodation: Eden Star Saigon Hotel (4-star) or similar.

After breakfast we check out of our rooms by 11:30 and leave our luggage in the hotel's storage room. The rest of the day is free: a good opportunity for shopping at Ben Thanh Market, experiencing Saigon's coffee culture, or a final walk through the French colonial streets. Lunch included. At 16:30 we meet our guide in the hotel lobby and head to Tan Son Nhat Airport. After baggage and passport procedures, Emirates Airlines departs at 23:55 for Istanbul via Dubai. We spend the night on board.

We spend the night on the plane and land in Istanbul at 14:25. After passport and baggage procedures, our journey through Cambodia and Vietnam comes to an end.