Highlights of Cambodia

Travel back in time to the Golden Age of the Khmer Kingdom then experience the modern bustle of Cambodian urban life on this five-day adventure that takes you from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, capturing the essence of Cambodia.

- Start city: Siem Riep
- Departure city: Siem Riep
- Siem Riep - Angkor - Phnom Penh
- Duration: 5 days 4 nights
- Private Tour. Departure: Daily, upon your request

Day 1: Siem Reap – Arrival

Welcome to Siem Reap, the provincial capital and gateway to the ancient Angkor Temples. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srei and the legendary Angkor Wat. Driver and guide of Travel Cambodia will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in. In the rest of the afternoon, we drive to the Archeological Park to visit the magnificent Angkor Wat—the largest Khmer temple and finest example of Angkorian art and architecture. IF weather is permitted, we will take the balloon over Angkor Wat for panorama view of whole the Angkor complex.

- Meals: N/A
- Accommodations: Hotel in Siem Reap


Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples
Enjoy an entire day dedicated to discovering the mysterious Angkor temples. Wake before dawn and take a tuk-tuk ride to visit the jungle-entwined temple, Ta Prohm, at sunrise. Dawn is one of the most beautiful and haunting times to visit the temples, whose ancient sandstone blocks are painted gold by the early morning rays. Return to the hotel for breakfast then set back out on a full day temple tour. Begin with Angkor Thom’s imposing South Gate, topped with the four serenely smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. Next, visit Bayon temple, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Enjoy a lunch of traditional Khmer cuisine served at the home of a local. After lunch we drive to Banteay Srei, home to Angkor’s finest stone carvings, followed by Preah Khan (Sacred Sword): one of Angkor’s largest temples, constructed in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodations: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 3: Siem Reap – Phnom Penh
Today we fly from Siem Reap to Cambodia’s bustling capital, Phnom Penh. Despite its recent turbulent history, Phnom Penh’s wide tree-lined boulevards and faded colonial mansions hold an undeniable charm. Our driver and guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of this afternoon, we will visit the Royal Palace, home to the royal family and the opulent silver pagoda and spend sometimes at the Russian market for bargain hunting.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodations: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 4: Phnomepnh City Tour
Spend the day on a city tour, visiting the capital’s main attractions. Start by learning about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent, bloody history on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Choeung Ek “Killing Fields.” In the afternoon, enjoy the cyclo ride down Sihanouk Boulevard to visit the National Museum.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodations: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 5: Phnom Penh – Departure
Have breakfast at the hotel then drive to the airport to catch your departure flight home. Bon voyage!
Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodations: N/A
- Meal: Breakfast


Note:Please be aware that flight times, hotels and all other logistics, services and days of travel are subject to availability.If the listed hotel is fully booked, alternate accommodation will be offered.
All hotels are rated according to local standards.
All itineraries are flexible and can easily be altered to suit your needs and interests.
Please contact one of our travel consultants for more information.

 

Phnom Penh City

The capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, is located at the confluence of three rivers - the Mekong, the Bassac and Tonle Sap. The city is divided into three sections - the north, an attractive residential area; the south or the French part of the city with its ministries, banks and colonial houses; and the centre or the heart with its narrow lanes, markets, foods stalls and shops.


Over the past four years, the city has undergone tremendous changes - businesses are springing up constantly and tourism is once again booming. Cambodia has one of the most liberal investment laws to further boost managed to retain its charm and character - cyclos that weave through traffic with ease, broad boulevards, old colonial buildings, parks and green spaces that reminds one of the country's French heritage, and above all its people who always have a smile for you.

A stone's throw away from the Tonle Sap is the royal Palace built on the site of the Banteay Kev, a citadel built in 1813. The Palace grounds contain several buildings: the Throne Room of Prasat Tevea Vinichhay which is used for the coronation of kings, official receptions and traditional ceremonies; the Chan Chhaya Pavilion which is a venue for dance performances; the king's official residence called the Khemarin; the Napoleon Pavilion and the spectacular Silver Pagoda. This pagoda is worth exploring. It owes its name to the 5,000 silver tiles weighing 1kg each which cover the entire floor.

The emerald Buddha sits on a pedestal high atop the dias. In front of the dias stands a life-size Buddha made of solid gold and weighs 75kg. It is decked with precious gems including diamonds, the largest of which is 25 carats. Also on display at the sides are the coronation apparel and numerous miniature Buddha in gold and silver.

The walls surrounding the compound which is the oldest part of the palace, are covered with frescos depicting scenes from the Khmer version of the Ramayana.

INDEPENDENCE MONUMENT

The monument was built in 1958 to symbolise the independence that Cambodia gained from France in 1953. The French fully abandonned their interests in Indochina following defeat by the Vietnamese at the battle of Dien Bien Phu in May 1954. Independence is marked in Cambodia o­n the 9th November. The monument has a unique and peculiar style and doubles as a memorial to Cambodian patriots who died for their country.

NATIONAL MUSEUM
The NATIONAL MUSEUM of Cambodia is housed in a graceful terracotta structure of traditional design (built 1917-20) just north of the Royal Palace. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8 to 11 am and from 2 to 5 pm; entry is $3. Photography is prohibited inside. The School of Fine Arts (École des Beaux-arts) has its headquarters in a structure behind the main building.

WAT PHNOM
You may also want to check out WAT PHNOM which sits on a tree covered hill about 30m high in the northeast of the city. It is said that the first pagoda was built in 1373 to house four statues of the Buddha deposited here by the Mekong river. It was discovered by a woman named Penh. Thus, the name Phnom Penh, the hill of Penh. The people believe that this temple is powerful in that anyone who makes a wish will have it granted. It is not surprising to see many people coming here to pray for protection or healing. Many bring lotus flowers as offerings for prayers answered.

TUOL SLENG MUSEUM
In 1975,Tuol Svay Prey High School was taken over by Pol Pot's security force and turned into a prison known as Security Prison 21 (S-21) It soon became the largest such centre of detention and torture in the country. Over 17,000 people held at S-21 were taken to the extermination camp at Choeung Ek to be executed; detainees who die during torture were buried in mass graves in the prison grounds.

CHEUNG EK KILLING FIELD
Between 1975 and 1978,aabout 17,000 men, women, children and infants (including nine westerners), detained and tortured at S-21 prison (now Tuol Sleng Museum), were transported to the extermination to death to avoid wasting precious bullets.

NEW CENTRAL MARKET
A visit to the markets and market halls is a must as they give an opportunity to be acquainted with the country's local produce and also to buy textiles, antiques, gold and silver jewellery.

The four wings of the yellow coloured Central Market are teeming with numerous stalls selling gold and silver jewellery, antique coins, clothing, clocks, flowers, food, fabrics, shoes and luggage.

TUOL TOM PONG MARKET

For some good paintings or if you prefer antiques, head from the Tuol Tom Poong Market also known as the Russian Market. A word of caution though: you need to sharpen your bargaining skills as the prices here can be outrageously high.

Colors of Cambodia

For 10 days explore Cambodia’s rich culture and history on a tour that takes you deep into the heart of the Khmer Kingdom. Discover the ancient Angkor temples and enjoy a rustic homestay; see the endangered freshwater dolphins that inhabit the Mekong and visit Cambodia’s bustling capital city. This vacation includes all of Cambodia’s highlights, offering something for everyone

Day 1: Siem Reap – Arrival – Angkor Wat

Welcome to Siem Reap, the provincial capital and gateway to the ancient Angkor Temples. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Angkor Archaeological Park encompasses dozens of temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srei and the legendary Angkor Wat. Our guide and driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in. In the late afternoon, Take a orientation walk aroudn hotel area and later in the afternoon explore the Psar Chass, also known as the “Old Market".

You have voucher of 90 minutes foot massage today as complimentary.

- Meals: N/A
- Accommodations: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor Thom – Ta Prohm – Banteay Srei
Enjoy an entire day devoted to the mystical and ancient Angkor temples. After an early breakfast at the hotel, we set out to Angkor Thom’s imposing South Gate, topped with the four serenely smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara. Next, visit Bayon temple, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Leaving Angkor Thom by the north gate, we travel to Preah Khan (Sacred Sword), one of Angkor’s largest temples, constructed in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII, before heading to the mystical, jungle-entwined Ta Prohm temple. In the afternoon, drive 35km to Banteay Srei temple, the birthplace of classical Khmer architecture. Next explore Banteay Samre. Enjoy the balloon over Angkor Wat and return to the town in the late afternoon.

- Accommodations: Hotel in Siem Reap.
- Meals: Breakfast.
Note: This balloon service could be cancelled incase of storm, heavy rain or too strong wind)

Day 3: Siem Reap – Floating Village – Home stay
Today is dedicated to exploring Cambodia’s daily life and rich culture with trips to Chres Village and the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. Travel down winding picturesque roads on the way to Tonle Sap, stopping to admire the rice plantations and various season activities, such as roof building and banana harvesting. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the countryside before proceeding to Komong Phluk floating village—a must see on Tonle Sap Lake. Board a boat and visit the floating village before heading to the nearby flooded mangrove forests. In the afternoon we drive to Chres Village. Take a cooking class on traditional Khmer cuisine before joining with a local family for a cozy homestay.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner
- Accommodations: Home stay in Chres Village

Day 4: Siem Reap – Free Day

After breakfast at Chres Village, return to Siem Reap and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to relax and explore this charming town.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 5: Siem Reap – Koh Ker – Beng Mealea

Today we travel outside of Siem Reap to explore a distant group of Angkorian temples. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then leave in the morning on your drive to Koh Ker. Here we will discover the long abandoned temples in the forests of northern Cambodia. Also known as Chok Gargyar, this region once served as the capital of Jayavarman IV until his son and successor, Harshavarman I, moved the capital back to Angkor. There are more than 30 major structures and archeologists believe there may have been as many as 100 minor sacred buildings in the region. In the afternoon, drive back to Siem Reap, stopping en route to visit the remote and jungle-covered Beong Melea temple.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodations: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 6: Siem Reap – Sambor Prei Kuk – Kampong Thom

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then set out on a drive to Kampong Thom (147km, 2 hours drive), home to Cambodia’s most impressive group of pre-Angkorian monuments. Here we will visit the ancient temple complex, Sambor Prei Kuk, situated just north of Kompong Thom. The main temples are divided into three complexes, all dedicated to Shiva. Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you wander through these 7th century brick monuments, artfully scattered about the jungle. Return to the town of Kampong Thom in the afternoon and proceed to Paray Village for dinner and a homestay.

- Meals: Breakfast, dinner
- Accommodations: Home stay in Paray Village

Day 7: Kampong Thom – Kratie – Mekong Dolphin

Today we travel to Kratie, a vibrant riverside town and home to the endangered freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins. Stop for breakfast at a local restaurant and then continue on to tour to the Cham Ka Lour rubber plantation, before crossing the Mekong River by ferry at Stung Trong / Krochmar district of Kampong Cham province. Arrive in Kratie in the afternoon and check in at your hotel. Then drive north of town and take a local boat to view the freshwater dolphins that inhabit this stretch of the Mekong. Enjoy an hour on the river, before returning to the quaint French colonial town for the evening.

- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kratie

Day 8: Kratie – Kampong Cham – Phnom Penh

Today we continue our overland expedition, leaving Kratie and passing through Cambodia’s largest rubber-producing region on our way to Kampong Cham. Admire the contrast of lush vegetation and red basaltic soil as we drive through the countryside. Arrive in Kampong Cham in the late morning and visit the Wat Nokor Pagoda. This 11th century Mahayana Buddhist shrine is home to a large reclining Buddha as well as many carved Buddha images. In the afternoon we continue on to Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Check in at the hotel then enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodations: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 9: Phnom Penh – Killing Field – Royal Palace
Welcome to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant and bustling capital city. Despite its recent turbulent history, Phnom Penh’s wide tree-lined boulevards and faded colonial mansions hold an undeniable charm. Phnom Penh was founded in the 14th century and has long been a vital trading hub at the confluence of three rivers: the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac. Start the day learning about the Khmer Rouge and Cambodia’s recent history on a guided tour of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the notorious Choeung Ek “Killing Fields.” In the afternoon, try out your best bargaining skills on a walk through the city’s expansive “Russian Market,” where you can find anything from motorcycle parts to valuable gems. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to relax.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodations: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 10: Phnom Penh – Free at leisure – Departure
Start the day with a visit to the Royal Palace, home to the royal family and the opulent silver pagoda. Then enjoy free time for some last minute souvenir shopping before driving to the airport to catch your departure flight home.
Meals: Breakfast

Note:Please be aware that flight times, hotels and all other logistics, services and days of travel are subject to availability.If the listed hotel is fully booked, alternate accommodation will be offered.

All hotels are rated according to local standards.All itineraries are flexible and can easily be altered to suit your needs and interests. Contact one of our travel consultants for more information.

Long-Term Budget Travel for Indian

What Is Budget Travel?

Budget travel is like a strange hybrid between normal, everyday living and taking an extended vacation. The purpose of budget travel is to curb daily costs as much as possible in order to stretch the travel duration to several weeks or even many months. Latin America and Southeast Asia are the most common regions for budget travel, because the day-to-day cost of living is so low that people can explore for 2-3 months for as little as $1000. This form of travel is especially popular among recent high school and college graduates as well as professionals who do remote work online, often known as “digital nomads.”


Budget Travel vs. Traditional Vacationing

Standard package vacations and budget travel adventures represent two separate ends of the travel spectrum. The differences between the two are so great that people usually fall into one camp or the other. Someone who loves all-inclusive Caribbean vacations would most likely hate the life of a budget traveler. The opposite is also true. What exactly are the differences?

The most noticeable difference is in accommodation types. Standard vacations typically involve a plush hotel, resort, or cruise ship cabin, with swimming pools and room service and exotic frozen drinks. The budget traveler makes a great sacrifice here, opting instead for cheaper options such as hostels, guesthouses and beach-side bungalows. While package vacations offer hotel rooms from a hundred dollars upward per night, a dorm bed in a Thai hostel can go for as low as five dollars. This difference is huge, and allows budget travelers to travel for much longer for a fraction of the cost.

Other small differences are numerous. Budget travelers typically carry everything in large, high-capacity backpacks to allow them to move from city to city in a practical manner. Package vacationers, since they are usually in one hotel for their entire stay, tend to pack everything in one or more suitcases. Dining is also quite different for a budget traveler, who seeks cheap, local cuisine or street food over the tourist restaurants found near resort areas.

Going Long Term: The Costs of Budget Travel

The costs of a long-term budget excursion varies widely depending on the region. Southeast Asia and Latin America are on the low-end of the scale, and daily costs can be as low as $10-20. Japan, Australia, New Zealand, North America and Western Europe are at the very top of the scale, with daily costs ranging anywhere from $50-100. West Asia, China and Eastern Europe fall somewhere in the middle.

Passports, visas and travel vaccinations should also be taken into account. A United States passport can be obtained for less than $100 and tourist visas, depending on the country, can range from $20-100. There are also many countries that grant tourists a free visa upon arrival at the airport. Recommended vaccines vary wildly depending on the region, with some costing over $500. Tropical and developing countries carry higher risks for infectious diseases such as malaria and Japanese encephalitis.

A New Outlook On Life
Traveling long-term on the cheap is almost always a very rewarding experience. Since budget travelers are away from the big resorts, they experience more of the local culture and in the process learn much more about the world. The budget travel community is huge, and many lasting friendships have been made by people from different countries meeting each other along the way. A six-month trip abroad is something that will leave a lasting impression, with countless memories and a fresh outlook on life. 

Non-immigrant visas for temporary visitors to the U.S

You will find in this section everything you need to know about non-immigrant visa.

What is a visa?

A visa is an authorization to present yourself at the U.S. border and apply for entry on the U.S. territory. A Consular Officer grants a visa to an applicant, according to the U.S. Immigration Law, depending of the purpose of the travel. At the U.S. border, a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Officer grants entry on the U.S. territory. This DHS Officer will decide how long you can stay in the U.S., according to the U.S. Immigration Law, depending of the purpose of the travel. He will write it on the I-94 form which will be attached to your passport. You are required to leave the U.S. before the expiration of that date.

What a visa is not?

A visa is not an authorization to stay in the U.S. Only the DHS Officer can authorize you to enter the U.S.

How long is a visa valid?

In Vietnam, U.S. Consular Officers currently deliver a maximum of 12 month with multi-entries visa to Vietnamese citizens. With this visa, you can present yourself to the border several times during a year. Each time you arrive at the border, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Officer will tell you how long you can stay in the U.S. Depending on your application, the Consular Officer may instead issue you a shorter validity visa.

In the future, the United States may start issuing only 3 month validity visas to Vietnamese tourists and other visitors to the United States because this is the length of visa validity that is typically issued to United States citizen visitors to Vietnam.

The duration of validity for U.S. nonimmigrant visas is based on reciprocity (what another country grants a United States citizen for a similar type of visa). Currently, we are issuing Vietnamese citizens 12 month visas.

We continue to hope the Vietnamese Government will begin issuing United States citizens 12 month validity visas so that reducing validity for Vietnamese citizens, which will negatively affect many, can be avoided.

The United States Mission in Vietnam hopes nonimmigrant visa applicants find this information useful when preparing for future travel to the United States.

Note: Other nationalities citizens receive a visa according to the reciprocity agreement with their country. Please refer to the Bureau of Consular Affairs website or to the U.S. Embassy website in your country to find more information.

How long does it take to process a visa?
The processing time for a visa in Vietnam depends on the period of the year. May to September is traditionally the “high season” when applicants’ demand is high. Plan your trip in advance and prepare your visa request as early as possible to avoid useless stress.

After your interview, there is an incompressible 24 hours of technical processing: no matter the emergency, we cannot process same-day visa. Between the date of your interview and the date you receive your passport with your visa, there are usually a few days. Occasionally, depending on your case, your application can require additional administrative processing. If that happens, the Consular Officer will notify you during the interview and keep your application open, up to 60 days.


Visa via our renewal program follows a different process. Qualified applications for visa renewal will be processed and returned within three to five business days. Do not use the renewal program if you need your passport in that interval.

Non-immigrant visas for temporary visitors to the U.S.

Applicants can view the status of their visa cases from the CEAC launch page. In order to use the CEAC Status Check, an applicant will need to enter their CEAC Barcode and the interview location. The check will return one of the following statuses with a message explaining the situation:

No Status
Application Receipt Pending
Ready
Administrative Processing
Issued
Refused

The Embassy is thrilled that this initiative will reduce the number of public inquiries sent to post while a case is being processed.

What happens if I present false information with my application or during my interview?

Please keep in mind that your signature, including the electronic signature on any visa application form is your guarantee that all information you provide is true and correct. You are personally and legally responsible, even if a travel agent or someone else prepares documents for you. Any fraudulent documents or misleading statements may result in your permanent ineligibility for any future visa.

How to get Vietnam visa in North Korea?

Vietnam visa upon arrival for Indian nationals
Vietnam Visa On Arrival Online

Vietnam visa requirement for North Korean passport holders

We wish to inform you that North Korea passport holders are required Vietnam visas to enter Vietnam.

How to get Vietnam visa in North Korea?

There are 2 ways for you to get a Vietnam visa:
1. Apply for your Vietnam visa in a Vietnam Embassy / Consulate:
You can come in person to the Vietnam embassy in your country and you will be instructed step by step on how to apply for a Vietnam visa there. By this way, you have to come directly to the Vietnam embassy at least two times. The first time you come there is to submit required documents and the second one coming there is to get your Vietnam visa.

We hope that the contact information of the Vietnam embassy in North Korea as below will be helpful for you:

Embassy of Vietnam in Pyongyang, North Korea
Address: No 07, Munsu Street, Pyongyang, North Korea
Telephone: 00-84- (0) 99-274-0044 (Off-work: 00-850-191-2500-156)
Fax No: 00-84- (0) 99-274-0039
Switchboard: 00-84 (0) 99-274-0031/32/33/34/35/36/37/38
Email: vnembassydprk@mofa.gov.vn
Website: www.vietnamembassy-pyongyang.org

2. Apply online ⁽¹⁾ to obtain an approval letter ⁽²⁾ to pick up your Vietnam visa at Vietnam international airports (in case you travel by air to Vietnam) or to collect your Vietnam visa at any Vietnam Embassy / Consulate nominated by you.

a) Regarding apply online to obtain a visa approval letter to pick up visa at a Vietnam international airport, there are 3 options based on the purpose of your visit:

- Vietnam visa for business purpose with validity for 1 month, 3 months or 6 months.
- Vietnam visa for tourist purpose with validity for 1 month only.
- Vietnam visa for transit purpose with validity less than 5 days then visa holders must depart to a third country after 5 days in Vietnam at maximum. You will be granted a transit visa on the condition that you travel by tour and the group must have clear schedule and indemnify of a travel agency that organizes the tour.
To apply for a Vietnam visa, please follow the simple steps as below:
- Visit our website to fill in the online application form.
- Make payment for us (service fee) as per instructions.
- Obtain your visa approval letter via our email.

b) Regarding apply online to get approval letter for picking up your visa at a Vietnam embassy nominated by you, there are 2 options for your Vietnam visa based on the purpose of your visit:
- Vietnam visa for business purpose with validity for 1 month, 3 months or 6 months.
- Vietnam visa for tourist purpose with validity for 1 month only.
It means that if you apply for an approval letter online in our website, you can save the time you have to spend to wait for the procedure of getting a visa approval letter in the Vietnam embassy. We will get the approval letter for you and send it to your email, all you need to do is print it out and come to the Vietnam Embassy just ONE TIME to get your Vietnam visa and pay for the visa fee.