From Sihanoukville to Angkorwat & Saigon

Transfer to the archaeological site for the sunrise from the Phnom Bakheng, one of two hills dominating the plain of Angkor, from where you will have a spectacular view of the Western Baray and Angkor Wat. Return to your hotel for breakfast. Then continue to visit the South Gate (with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk), the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century) and visit Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara) You’ll meet here with a project archaeologist who will then escort you on a private tour of the Bayon’s south library which is currently undergoing restoration, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Afternoon, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat’s five towers symbolize Meru’s five peaks – the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond. Then transfer to airport for your flight to Saigon on K6#822@21:15 – 22:30. On arrival, pick up & transfer to your hotel in Saigon. NOTE: We use Cambodia Angkor Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Accommodation: Hyatt Saigon or Reverie Hotel – 5 Star

After breakfast, depart with your guide & van for explore Saigon: begin with visits to the highlights of downtown including the Reunification Palace, formerly the South Vietnam’s Independence Palace, until stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975. Preserved in its original state, the original war tanks are on display. See the Notre Dame Cathedral and the 1880s General Post Office. Then transfer to visit Fine Art Museum & walking on Le Cong Kieu Antique Street. If interesting, visit a unique religious temple called the Cao Dai Temple on Tran Hung Dao Street. Continue visit the War Remnants Museum featuring a detailed photographic exhibition and vast collection of planes, tanks and weapons & Ben Thanh Market. If time permit, from Ben Thanh Market, stroll down to Dong Khoi street past iconic landmarks such as the Saigon Opera House, the former Hotel De Ville which is a superbly designed dating back to 1908 and the Rex Hotel where the derogatorily named five o clock follies’ took place each day during the American War’ as it is known in Vietnam. See the City Hall which is one of the nicest Colonial construction in Saigon & have time leisure walking on the first walking street in Saigon then see the Saigon Opera House. Its architectural style is influenced by the flamboyant style of the French Third Republic with the façade shaped like the Petit Palais which was built in the same year in France in 1911. Then transfer to the port.