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Vietnam and Cambodia: Mekong, Local Markets & Secluded Islands

8 days, Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh

Map of the route for Vietnam and Cambodia: Mekong, Local Markets & Secluded Islands
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Itinerary

Day 1Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive at any time, and choose to kick back at the hostel, or head out to explore the city before meeting up with fellow Roamies in the evening. Hungry? Let's head out on a street food walk sampling the best of local dishes and delicacies Ho Chi Minh City has to offer. Delish!

The welcome moment begins at 17:00. Please ensure you arrive at the joining hotel by then to ensure you do not miss the meeting and the included activity afterwards.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Your Foodie Moment: Ho Chi Minh City Street Food Crawl

Follow your CEO on a delicious street food crawl through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Sample a range of local dishes and delicacies that will off the best tastes of Vietnam.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Phan Anh Backpacker (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Dinner

Day 2Ho Chi Minh City/Châu Đốc

Ready to hit the road? Catch your private ride to Chau Doc in the famed Mekong delta then let's go full on local! Jump on the back of a motorbike and explore. Zoom up to the mysterious Hang Pagoda on the slopes of the mountain and mix with the many pilgrims who visit here. It's time to get zen–inhale the ever-burning incense, observe the rituals and dissolve into the background of chanting and temple bells. After, ride up to Sam Mountain and gaze in awe at the stunning views of the sunset over the surrounding delta. No need to pinch yourself, you really are here!

Private Vehicle
Ho Chi Minh City – Châu Đốc6h30m-7h220km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Sam Mountain Excursion by Motorbike
Châu Đốc

Enjoy a thrilling excursion to sacred Sam Mountain and Hang (cave) Pagoda by motorbike. Hang Pagoda, built between 1840 and 1845 sits on the slopes of the mountain and is a National Historical monument. The pagoda is a mysterious place which is revered by locals for it's legends of a connection to the afterlife. Continue on to the summit of Sam Mountain (284m), a very sacred place with almost 200 temples, pagodas, hermitages scattered about. At the peak there are stunning views from the summit. Here you'll watch the sunset over the rice fields and rivers below.

Accommodation

Little Saigon Hostel (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Châu Đốc/Kampot

Up late with your mates? Shake it off as today it's on! Hop in for a sunrise boat trip and watch the river come alive. Next, stop at a small village and fish farm before your visit to Chau Doc Market where you will see vendors selling all manner of wares, food, and drinks–feel free to grab a tea or hot noodles! Tired? No worries you can catch a nap on the drive to the Cambodian border before heading to the fishing village of Kep. Follow in the footsteps of the legendary Anthony Bourdain and explore the famous seafood market. Your CEO will pick the best crabs pulled directly from the sea and you'll dine on pepper crab on the spot. It doesn't get any more real than this. Ready for some down time? Us too–let's head to the hostel in Kampot and kick back for a bevvie (or three.) Cheers!

Chau Doc Market
Châu Đốc

Enjoy a sunrise boat trip on the Bassac River around the markets of Chau Doc. Wave at the fishermen, children on the way to school, and locals making their way to the work or market. We also make a stop at a fish farm and small Cham village before hopping off to visit Chau Doc Market.

Private Vehicle
Châu Đốc – Kampot4h30m-5h160km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Border Crossing (Vietnam - Cambodia)
Tinh Bien – Phnom Den

Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Get ready to cross another country off your bucket list.

Kep Market Visit with Lunch
Kep

Visit Kep, a small seaside town which is renowned for it's seafood, specifically crabs. Follow your CEO through the bustling Kep crab/seafood market showcasing all manner of seafood. After a bit of exploration, your CEO will find the freshest crabs available (often pulled directly from crab pots in the ocean). We'll then connect with a local cook with will prepare the famous pepper crab in the traditional style for us to enjoy for lunch.

Accommodation

Bamboo Bungalow (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 4Kampot

Freedom! Today is all yours to explore the sleepy town of Kampot. Looking to chill? That's easy–wander along the river and jump in for a swim, take a yoga class or hang at the hostel with your new-found friends. Want a bit more activity? No problem, your CEO has lots to suggest. Spice things up with a visit to a pepper farm, explore the countryside on a tuk tuk tour or sit back with a beverage on a sunset river cruise. Just don't forget to catch up on your posts–EVERYONE is waiting to see what you do next. Enjoy!

Free Time
Kampot

The day is yours! Relax at the hostel or choose from a variety of activities such as cycling, swimming, tours and boat cruises.

5

Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow

Rabbit Island Excursion
Kampot

Visit this undeveloped tropical island to enjoy beautiful white sand beaches. Walk the island’s perimetre passing beaches and mangroves along the way (about 3 hours).

Kampot Pepper Farm Tour
Kampot

Take a tour of an authentic pepper farm and learn about the growing, harvesting and export process. This isn't just any pepper–Kampot peppercorns are considered the finest in the world.

Sunset Cruise
Kampot

Kick back, relax, and enjoy the water views on this peaceful cruise into the sunset.

Cycle Tour
Kampot

Join the tour and hop on a bike – it’s one of the best ways to see Kampot and the countryside.

Tuk Tuk Tour
Kampot
15USD per group

Join the tour and hop on a tuk tuk – it’s one of the best ways to see Kampot and the countryside.

Accommodation

Bamboo Bungalow (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Kampot/Koh Rong

Ready for adventure? Head out to Monivong Bokor NP, a wild area known for its palace ruins overtaken by nature and spotted with stunning works of graffiti. Your CEO will lead you around this bizarre contrast of lush jungle and ruins, and jaw dropping coastal views. Now, are you ready for the beach? Of course you are! Travel to Serendipity pier and catch a ferry to the remote island of Koh Rong. Drop your bags at the hostel and head directly to the beach. Searching for paradise? Guess what, you're already there.

Please note that during monsoon season (between June to October), this itinerary may be subject to change based on weather conditions. If heavy rains and flooding prevent our boat from safely travelling to Koh Rong island, we will provide alternate activities and accommodations in a nearby town.

Monivong Bokor National Park Visit
Kampot

Take a tour of beautiful Monivong Bokor National Park. Here we'll visit the nature–reclaimed ruins of Damnak Sla Khmao, the former King's residence that was was used between the 50s and 60s. The palace has fallen into ruin and is covered with stunning works of graffiti. It also offers a stunning viewpoint of the surrounding Bokor Hill, home to thosands of butterflies. Also visit the abandoned church at Bokor Hill Station which was built by the French and is now covered in orange moss. Walk to the top of Bokor Hill Station at 1048 metres above sea level to Wat Sampov Pram. Built by King Monivong it is the highest Pagoda in Cambodia. If we're lucky, we'll have clear views across the Gulf of Thailand and the Preah Monivong National Park.

Private Vehicle
Kampot – Sihanoukville2h30m-3h130km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Ferry
Sihanoukville – Koh Rong1h

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Free Time
Koh Rong Afternoon

Welcome to paradise. We recommend you head directly to the beach–enjoy!

Accommodation

Mad Monkey Koh Rong (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Koh Rong

Trust us, Koh Rong Island is one of those places you'll talk about for years; the island boasts pristine white sandy beaches, warm crystal-clear ocean waters, a hot tropical climate, and is off the beaten track. No need to pinch yourself, yes–you really are here. This is the island of your dreams and you'll have the entire day to enjoy it. Dive into the calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand, then stretch out and catch same rays. Feel free to chill in a hammock under a palm with a cold drink. No matter what angle you snap your pic, it's absolute perfection. You totally deserve this!

Free Time
Koh Rong

Enjoy a full free day to chill out on the beach, explore or do a little snorkelling. This is the day you've been waiting for–enjoy!

Accommodation

Mad Monkey Koh Rong (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Koh Rong/Phnom Penh

Jump back on the ferry to the mainland and swing by a few small villages that make up the Chambok community. We'll set you up with a local guide to get an insider's peak at daily life in these rural villages. Feeling hungry and creative? The local women will get you sorted with a delicious Khmer lunch and then teach you how to make traditional necklaces and bracelets–perfect souvenirs to bring home for your friends. Ready for the big city again? Excellent, as your last stop is Phnom Penh with fantastic nightlife to dive right into. Are you ready to party? Dumb question.

Ferry
Koh Rong – Sihanoukville1h

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Private Vehicle
Sihanoukville – Phnom Penh4h-5h230km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Chambok Community Visit and Lunch
Chambok

Visit a small village in the Chambok Community and enjoy a traditional Khmer meal prepared by the women of the region. After lunch a local guide will explain the history of the communities, and we’ll visit some of the nearby villages that make up the Chambok Community. Meet some of the local residents and learn more about how they live and work in a rural village. You’ll also meet a group women who will teach you to make traditional handicrafts using natural materials from the surrounding forest.

Accommodation

Pooltop Phnom Penh (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 8Phnom Penh

Say goodbye to your Roamies and depart at any time, or keep the adventure going by heading north to Siem Reap and the iconic temples of Angkor Wat on the next leg of this epic adventure.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Vietnam and Cambodia: Mekong, Local Markets & Secluded Islands

| 8 days - Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh - from $472 USD