A New Gateway to Southeast Asia
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched its 'Wonders of Vietnam & Cambodia' tour package for travellers departing from Chennai. This makes Chennai the second city, after Bengaluru, to be a starting point for this curated
international journey, signalling a growing demand for accessible Southeast Asian travel. The 8-day, 7-night tour is designed as an all-inclusive experience, aiming to provide a hassle-free vacation by bundling flights, accommodation, meals, and sightseeing into one price. The trip is scheduled to run from November 17 to November 25, 2026.
Exploring the Wonders of Vietnam
The journey begins with an overnight flight from Chennai to Da Nang, a vibrant coastal city in Vietnam. The itinerary in Vietnam is packed with cultural and natural sights. Travellers will explore Da Nang's famous Marble Mountains, My Khe Beach, and the iconic Dragon Bridge. A major highlight is the visit to Ba Na Hills, where guests can walk across the breathtaking Golden Bridge, held up by two giant stone hands, and explore the charming French Village. The tour then proceeds to the historic Hoi An Ancient Town, famous for its lantern-lit streets and riverside charm. From Da Nang, the group will take a flight to Hanoi, the nation's capital. In Hanoi, sightseeing includes the historic Temple of Literature, the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, and the bustling Old Quarter. A significant part of the Vietnam leg is a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, where tourists will embark on a cruise to witness the stunning limestone karsts, explore caves, and have the chance to go kayaking or bamboo boating.
Discovering the Majesty of Cambodia
On the sixth day, the tour moves from Vietnam to Cambodia with a flight from Hanoi to Siem Reap. Siem Reap is the gateway to one of the world's most important archaeological sites: Angkor Wat. This sprawling temple complex, a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and a symbol of Cambodia, is a central focus of this part of the trip. The itinerary allows time for travellers to immerse themselves in the history and grandeur of this ancient Hindu-Buddhist site. The Cambodia leg provides a deep dive into the region's rich heritage before the tour concludes. On the final day, the group will depart from Siem Reap Airport for the return journey to Chennai.
Package Costs and Inclusions
IRCTC has structured the pricing to be comprehensive, starting from around ₹1.5 lakh per person. The cost for triple occupancy is ₹1,51,250, for double occupancy it is ₹1,53,750, and for single occupancy, the price is ₹1,75,200. For families, the cost for a child (5-11 years) with an extra bed is ₹1,31,500. This all-inclusive package covers return airfare in economy class, 3-star hotel accommodation, and all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). It also includes visa fees for both Vietnam and Cambodia, travel insurance for passengers up to 79 years of age, all entrance tickets for sightseeing as per the itinerary, and the services of an English-speaking guide. All road transfers will be in an air-conditioned deluxe coach.
How to Book and Important Details
Travellers interested in this Southeast Asian adventure can find all the details and make bookings through the official IRCTC Tourism website, www.irctctourism.com. The package is listed under the code SMO64. Prospective tourists will need to provide scanned copies of their passports and photographs for the visa application process. It's important to note that while the package is extensive, personal expenses, tips for guides and drivers, and any services not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary are not included. IRCTC also advises that flight schedules are subject to change and refunds may not be available for disruptions caused by airline operations.
