An All-in-One Asian Adventure
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) frequently launches all-inclusive tour packages to popular international destinations, providing a reliable and structured travel option for Indian tourists. For travellers from Chennai, a standout
offering is often a multi-country tour of Southeast Asia. Recently, IRCTC announced an 8-day "Wonders of Vietnam & Cambodia" package departing from Chennai in November 2026. These packages are designed to be comprehensive, bundling flights, accommodation, meals, and sightseeing into a single price, which is ideal for families, seniors, and first-time international travellers seeking a stress-free experience. While specific itineraries may vary, they typically focus on delivering a mix of cultural landmarks, scenic beauty, and modern attractions.
Itinerary Spotlight: Vietnam and Cambodia
The recently announced "Wonders of Vietnam & Cambodia" package showcases the kind of experience Chennai travellers can expect. The 7-night, 8-day tour begins with a flight from Chennai to Da Nang, Vietnam. The itinerary is packed with iconic sights, including the Marble Mountains, the famous Golden Bridge in the Ba Na Hills, and the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town. From there, travellers fly to Hanoi to explore the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake, followed by a memorable cruise through the stunning limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. The final leg of the journey takes the group to Siem Reap in Cambodia, the gateway to the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour concludes with a return flight to Chennai via Singapore.
What the Package Price Includes
A major advantage of IRCTC packages is their all-inclusive nature, which helps in budgeting and planning. The tour price typically covers return airfare in economy class from Chennai, visa fees for the destination countries, and all accommodation in well-regarded hotels. It also includes most meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) as specified in the itinerary, all transfers and sightseeing in air-conditioned coaches, and the services of a professional English-speaking guide. Furthermore, travel insurance for passengers up to a certain age is usually part of the deal, offering an added layer of security. Even taxes like GST and a 2% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) are often factored into the final price.
Understanding the Exclusions
While the packages are comprehensive, travellers should be aware of what is not included to avoid surprises. Common exclusions are expenses of a personal nature, such as laundry, telephone calls, and beverages. Meals that are not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary are also at the traveller's own expense. Optional tours or activities, like a trip to Universal Studios in Singapore on other similar packages, are typically extra. Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are also generally not included in the package cost. It's also important to note that any increase in airfare or taxes after the booking date may be charged separately.
Cost and How to Book Your Trip
The cost of these packages varies based on occupancy. For the 8-day Vietnam and Cambodia tour, prices started from ₹1,51,250 per person on a triple-sharing basis. The cost for single occupancy was ₹1,75,200, and for double occupancy, it was ₹1,53,750. Special prices are also available for children travelling with and without an extra bed. Booking is straightforward and can be done online through the official IRCTC Tourism website, www.irctctourism.com. The website provides detailed itineraries, booking options, and customer service contacts. For packages with a total cost above ₹50,000, IRCTC often provides a part-payment facility, allowing you to book by paying an initial amount and the balance later.
