Best of Vietnam and Cambodia

Explore Vietnam and Cambodia from Hanoi to Siem Reap, home to majestic Angkor Wat. Spend three days cruising Ha Long Bay and discover Hoi An, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City before seven nights aboard the Mekong Serenity, cruising to Siem Reap. See Phnom Penh and charming riverside villages along the way.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

Touchdown at Hanoi’s and receive Fast Track Service on arrival. Transfer to your hotel and settle in before an informal gathering this evening.

Signature Experience – VIP Fast Track Service

Start your holiday as soon as possible when you receive Fast Track Service for a seamless arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam. Be whisked through immigration and customs, before meeting your APT representative, who will transfer you to your accommodation.

Day 2: Hanoi

A guided tour of Hanoi takes you to the city’s most famous historical and cultural sites. Highlights include Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square and the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture and the first university in Vietnam. Nearby is the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most significant attractions, marking a notable development of Buddhism in the country. Constructed on a single pillar of stone in the middle of a lotus pond, this pagoda is a religious stop for local pilgrims. 

You’ll also enjoy a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter. Explore the maze-like streets of this charming area where each street conveys the name of the type of business that once operated there, such as Bamboo Street, Sugar Street and Silver Street. Then, explore more of this vibrant city on your selected Freedom of Choice experience. Tonight, choose your dining experience. 

Freedom of Choice - Bat Trang Pottery Village 

Journey to Bat Trang, a village where porcelain and pottery of the highest quality haves been made for over 700 years. Step out with your guide on an insightful walk and hear stories about the rich clay. 

Freedom of Choice – Head, Hand or Foot Massage  

Indulge in a relaxing massage and soak in the atmosphere of Le Spa du Metropole overlooking the charming garden courtyard and pool of the iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole. 

Freedom of Choice - Walking Tour of Hanoi 

Explore Hanoi on foot. Step inside the Neo-Gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral, admire Hanoi Opera House and view exhibits at Hoa Lo Prison. Learn about Vietnam’s struggle for independence from France. 

Freedom of Choice - Water Puppet Performance 

Set off by foot to one of Hanoi’s most renowned water puppet theatres. Learn about the art of water puppetry and its place in Vietnamese culture, including its beginnings in the villages. 

Freedom of Choice – Vietnam’s Coffee Culture 

Discover the importance of coffee in Vietnam, one of the country’s largest exports. Learn about the history and cultivation of coffee and try your hand at making some unique drinks. 

Freedom of Choice – La Terrasse 

Savour the atmosphere of a Parisian cafe at La Terrasse at the Sofitel Legend Metropole. With its classic Parisian-inspired furniture, this is the perfect place to relax. 

Freedom of Choice – La Table Hanoia 

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, and previously known as the Press Club, La Table Hanoia takes you on a journey of discovery. Enjoy a fine selection of gourmet food accompanied by seamless service. 

Freedom of Choice – KOTO Van Mieu 

Dine on soulful Vietnamese cuisine at KOTO Van Mieu, a training restaurant for disadvantaged and at-risk youth in Vietnam. This not-for-profit social enterprise empowers the

Day 3: Hanoi, Tuan Chau, Embark Ship, Ha Long Bay

After your first Signature Experience of the day, set off by coach to Ha Long and set sail among thousands of limestone islets. Savour an assortment of Vietnamese dishes during lunch as the Au Co slowly glides towards the southeast of Ha Long Bay, passing Trong Mai Islet. Visit Trinh Nu area and explore one of the finest sunlight-filled caves in Ha Long Bay before spending some time swimming or kayaking in its emerald waters. 

Signature Experience – Exclusive Access to a Bomb Shelter

Join a local historian for a private tour of the hotel’s bomb shelter. Hear stories of its chance discovery and learn about the famous guests who sought shelter during air raids.  

Signature Experience – Ha Long Bay Cruise

See Ha Long Bay on a two-night cruise on board Bhaya Classic. World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is made up of over 1,600 limestone pillars, and is an ideal playground for exciting activities and relaxation.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay

Awake as the sun rises, perhaps rejuvenate your body and soul with a Tai Chi class. Later this morning, gain a first glimpse of Cat Ba Island before disembarking to discover Viet Hai Village. Following a village-style lunch, a secluded swim or chance to sunbathe is on the cards. Return to the ship and cruise towards the heart of Ha Long Bay. Sightsee around Cua Van Floating Village by kayak or traditional rowing boat. The area is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine. A barbeque dinner aboard the Au Co caps off an exciting day.  

Day 5: Ha Long Bay, Tuan Chau, Disembark Ship, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An

Set off for an early visit to Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave of the bay with 10,000 square meters of space holding thousands of stalactites and stalagmites in fascinating shapes and sizes. Enjoy brunch on board as your ship makes its way back to port.  

Disembark and transfer to Hanoi airport for your included flight to Da Nang, from where you’ll travel to historic Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An

Set out on a guided discovery of Hoi An this morning, taking in sights such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and the 19th-century Chinese Temple. Visit a handicraft workshop to see local artisans making silk lanterns and other traditional crafts. You will also stop off at a local cafe to try a Vietnamese specialty, coconut coffee. This afternoon, a boat cruise along the Thu Bon River takes you to where your special Signature Experience awaits.  

Signature Experience – Red Bridge Cooking School 

Discover Hoi An’s colourful market and find local ingredients you’ll use during an exclusive cooking class with the Red Bridge Cooking School before sitting down to enjoy your creations. 

Day 7: Hoi An, Hue

Set out on your Signature Experience. Visit a local garden and meet the farmers who work there while taking part in a number of different farming activities. You’ll then set out on an exploration of the water coconut palm jungle by basket boat. Depart Hoi An bound for Hue, the former Imperial Capital. Travel via Da Nang and up and over the stunning Hai Van Pass, with views across Lang Co Beach. This scenic mountain stretch is voted by some travellers as one of the world's most picturesque drives. Tonight, dine on authentic Hue cuisine at Nam Phuong Restaurant inside the hotel. The restaurant is named after Vietnam’s last queen.

Signature Experience – Hoi An Eco Tour  

Visit a local garden and meet the farmers who work there, while taking part in several different farming activities. You'll then set out on an exploration of the water coconut palm jungle by basket boat. 

Day 8: Hue

Venture to the Imperial Citadel which served as the nation’s political capital and religious hub. Stroll among the citadel’s monuments and hear stories of its construction under the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Next, visit the historical Tien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery that dates to 1601, which at seven storeys is the tallest pagoda in Vietnam. Marvel at the seven successive tiers, each of which is dedicated to a human form taken by the Buddha before exploring the gardens, flowers and ornamental plants surrounding the pagoda. Soak in the beautiful landscapes and passes some of Hue’s most important monuments during your Signature Experience. 

Signature Experience – Private Perfume River Cruise 

Glide along Hue's Perfume River, while savouring a delicious afternoon tea featuring an assortment of sweet and savoury treats, along with a range of teas and coffees.  

Day 9: Hue, Ho Chi Minh City

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure before dinner. 

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City

Leave the city behind and enjoy your Signature Experiences today. Tonight, relish a delectable dinner during another Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Cu Chi Tunnels Visit

Set off on a thrilling speedboat journey along the Saigon River to the Cu Chi tunnels, built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the war.

Signature Experience – Private Gin Tasting

Meet a Master Distiller at Lady Trieu Gin Distillery and enjoy a guided tour and private tasting of the multi-award-winning gin. Follow up your tour with a light lunch, accompanied by a refreshing Lady Trieu gin and tonic.

Signature Experience – Dinner at Vietnam House

Savour dinner at the highly acclaimed restaurant Vietnam House, and delight in a special cocktail designed specifically for APT guests.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Embark Ship, Cai Be

Choose your sightseeing this morning, then be transferred to your river ship. Set sail from My Tho and soak in the scenery during your cruise towards Cai Be. Tonight, a Vietnamese welcome dinner awaits, showcasing the diverse flavours from the region. 

Freedom of Choice – City Walking Tour 

Discover the city’s iconic landmarks and French Colonial architecture on an informative guided walk. Stroll by the Saigon Opera House, the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. 

Freedom of Choice – Motorbike Ride 

Jump on the back of a motorbike like a local for a thrilling sightseeing adventure. Weave through the streets past the Central Post Office and Independence Palace. Visit Chinatown and Thien Hau pagoda. 

Freedom of Choice – Cooking Class 

Meet your chef, visit the market and discover Vietnamese ingredients. Continue to a villa and relax in the outdoor garden before you create your dishes. Learn the intricacies of Banh Mi Xiu Mai. 

Freedom of Choice – Ho Chi Minh City Shopping Adventure 

Seek out the city’s boutiques and discover high-quality handmade goods on a visit to Mekong Quilts. Saigon Kitsch sells quirky souvenirs, while L’Usine is a trend-setting lifestyle store. 

Day 12: Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau

Board your traditional sampan for your first excursion on the banks of the Mekong. Step ashore to visit Cai Be Catholic Church and the colourful port area filled with crumbling colonial buildings and flowering gardens. Built in the Roman architectural style, the bell tower, with its set of four bells cast in France in 1931, is the tallest of all the churches in the Mekong Delta. Afterwards, you’ll visit rice paper and coconut candy manufacturers and learn how these Vietnamese staples are made. 

Head back to the ship to refresh before sitting down to savour a delicious lunch whilst continuing to cruise to the quaint town of Sa Dec. Upon arrival, explore Sa Dec by foot and meet some of the sellers at the colourful market. Continue to where French writer Marguerite Duras met her Vietnamese-Chinese lover, Huynh Thuy Le. Tour his former home and learn the story behind Duras’ best-selling novel, The Lover. After, visit a traditional Cao Dai temple. Watch visitors and pilgrims come and go and appreciate the beauty of the colourful building. Dinner is served as you cruise towards Tan Chau. 

Day 13: Tan Chau, Evergreen Island, Border Crossing, Phnom Penh

Transfer to a small boat to cruise the tiny tributaries around the town of Tan Chau. Pass a floating fish farm, then step ashore for a fun rickshaw tour and a visit to a local silk and rattan weaving workshop. Later, step back in time as you experience authentic rural Mekong life on a nearby Evergreen Island. The remainder of today is yours to relax on board and soak up views of the Mekong. Upon entering Cambodia, you’ll cruise towards its enthralling capital, Phnom Penh.

Day 14: Phnom Penh

Enjoy your Freedom of Choice activity then spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. You may wish to head ashore and explore more of Phnom Penh independently or simply relax on board.

Freedom of Choice – Killing Fields and Genocide Museum 

On this sombre excursion, learn about a confronting part of Cambodian history duringwith a sobering visit to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. 

Freedom of Choice – Cyclo Ride 

Explore Phnom Penh by what was the most popular form of transportation throughout Southeast Asia in the 1960s, the cyclo. Weave past some of the city’s most iconic sites. 

Freedom of Choice – Visit the National Museum 

Accompanied by your private museum guide, discover the most important pieces within the National Museum of Cambodia. The collection includes the world’s finest display of Khmer sculptures, art and relics. 

Freedom of Choice – Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda 

Discover Cambodia’s Royal Palace, the official residence of the King. Completed in 1870, the palace is a fine example of Khmer architecture with elements of French influence. The palace also houses the Silver Pagoda. 

Freedom of Choice – Craft Brewery Tour 

off on an adventure to two microbreweries, beginning with a visit to Hops Brewery, the city’s most popular. Enjoy a craft beer tasting and learn about the brewing process before continuing to Himawari Microbrewery.

Day 15: Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen, Oknha Tey

Today, journey to historic Oudong, which was Cambodia’s fascinating royal capital from 1618 until 1866. During your time here, you’ll enjoy a Signature Experience. On the way back to Phnom Penh, take a leisurely stroll through the village of Koh Chen and visit some home workshops that manufacture copperware. Later, your ship glides along the lush banks of the Mekong to Oknha Tey, which is renowned for its silk manufacturing traditions, preserved over centuries. Stroll among the stilt houses and gain an insight into the traditional silk weaving process. Watch as the village women create the beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms. Return to your river ship to relax before enjoying delicious onboard dining tonight. 

Signature Experience – Buddhist Blessing Ceremony 

Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony for good luck, health and safe journey, with resident monks at a monastery in Oudong. 

Day 16: Oknha Tey, Angkor Ban, Wat Hanchey

Sail to Angkor Ban, where you'll disembark and enjoy a captivating walking discovery of this historic village. Remarkably, Angkor Ban stands as one of the rare Cambodian villages that remained unscathed during the tumultuous Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Here, people still live in traditional wooden homes and keep ancient cultural traditions alive. This afternoon, your ship continues sailing upstream to Wat Hanchey. 

Day 17: Wat Hanchey, Kampong Cham, Koh Pen

If you are feeling active this morning, set out on a walk to the hilltop pagoda of Wat Hanchey. From here, enjoy views over the Mekong, making it well worth the climb. You’ll find many temples, pagodas and stupas, some dating back to the 8th century. Lunch is back on board, before taking your Signature Experience. On your ship this evening, toast the end of your cruise during a final farewell dinner. 

Signature Experience – Tuk Tuk Tour of Koh Pen 

Journey by local tuk tuk around a riverside village and gain an insight into village life. Travel along the shaded lanes, past stilted houses and see a varying range of crops growing.

Day 18: Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Siem Reap

Bid farewell to the crew and disembark the Mekong Serenity early at Kampong Cham. Travel to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, passing through picturesque countryside and remote villages, where you can observe rural life. On arrival at your hotel, enjoy a light lunch and some relaxation time before a Signature Experience. Later, indulge in another captivating Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Local Charity Visit

Visit Opportunities of Development through Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner. ODA provides free English education and an introduction to computer skills to children living in Siem Reap’s remote villages, with the aim to improve future employment opportunities.

Signature Experience – VIP Circus Show and Backstage Visit

Be welcomed backstage at Phare Circus to meet some of the performers and witness a mesmerising performance from your VIP seats. This unforgettable spectacle showcases the country’s rich culture and talent by combining captivating acrobatics, theatre, and storytelling.

Day 19: Siem Reap

Wake early this morning to witness sunrise at the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. As the sun rises, soak up the atmosphere as you marvel at this ancient wonder. After the sun has risen, delve into the history and significance of this sacred site with a guided tour inside the vast temple complex and the sprawling grounds before returning to the hotel for a late breakfast.

Continue your exploration of the World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park with a visit to Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. Built during the heyday of the Empire in the 12th century, this is an extraordinary complex of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Head to the intriguing Bayon temple, with its carved stone smiling faces of gods, goddesses and other mythological beings. Visit the Terrace of Elephants, which used to be the base for the king’s grand audience hall, and the Terrace of the Leper King, which housed the royal crematory.

Journey to Ta Prohm, known for the thick jungle of fig trees and vines that have enveloped the structure, creating a feeling akin to stepping into a lost world. Ta Prohm is commonly referred to as the 'Tomb Raider Temple' due to it being used as a location in the blockbuster 2001 film ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’, which starred Angelina Jolie. The temple offers a captivating glimpse into the past and is a testament to a bygone era. Tonight, enjoy your Freedom of Choice dinner.

Signature Experience – Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Visit Angkor Archaeological Park to witness a spectacular sunrise at the magnificent Angkor Wat. Observe the iconic temple complex shimmer in the reflective ponds in front of this World Heritage-listed monument, while brilliant shades of orange and pink light up the sky.

Freedom of Choice – Sokkhak River Restaurant

Feast on a fusion of classic French recipes and modern Khmer dishes in beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking the river. At Sokkhak River Restaurant, the chefs add a modern twist to Cambodian classics.

Freedom of Choice – Mouhot’s Dream

Sit down to dinner at Mouhot’s Dream in the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Set beside the tranquil Sala Lake, the restaurant pays homage to renowned French explorer Henri Mouhot.

Freedom of Choice – Malis

Be treated to a delightful ambience in a stunning garden setting overlooking the Siem Reap River. Offering exquisite Cambodian cuisine, Malis restaurant has created a menu of traditional dishes adapted to the present.

Freedom of Choice – Butterfly Pea

Dine in an intimate traditional Khmer house, one of the few remaining in Siem Reap. Dining is also available in the tropical garden. Delight in authentic Cambodia cuisine mixed with Thai and Chinese influences.

Freedom of Choice – Fellini

Savour authentic Italian

Day 20: Siem Reap

Explore Siem Reap your way today. Tonight, your Signature Experience awaits. Set amid a stunning garden this promises to be an enchanting and memorable evening. 

Signature Experience – Gallery Visit with Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance 

Treat yourself to a private visit to Theam's Gallery and discover this talented Cambodian artist known for his unique sculptures, paintings, and intricate crafts. Indulge in a tantalising five-course Khmer dinner, while enjoying a traditional Apsara dance performance accompanied by live musicians. 

Freedom of Choice – Tuk Tuk Ride to Senteurs d’Angkor 

Perhaps enjoy an exciting tuk tuk ride to the Senteurs d’Angkor workshop, a handicraft centre where you can observe the artisans in their workshops and gain an appreciation for their ancient crafts. Discover how they integrate contemporary designs inspired by Khmer know-how.

Freedom of Choice – Quad Bike Adventure 

Embark on an exhilarating quad biking experience in the Cambodian countryside outside Siem Reap. Venture along quiet off-road tracks, see rice fields, forgotten temples and local communities. 

Freedom of Choice – Bicycle Tour 

Journey to the countryside villages next to Siem Reap. Surrounded by rice paddies and ancient ponds, you’ll cycle along quiet back trails to experience local rural life at its most picturesque. Observe daily farming activities. 

Freedom of Choice – Horse and Cart Ride 

Climb aboard a hand-made horse cart and set off on an authentic journey into the heart of rural Cambodia. Travel off the beaten path, navigating a variety of terrain through the beautiful countryside. 

Freedom of Choice – Khmer Cooking Class 

Travel to a market and meet your Khmer chef, then continue to Lum Orng, Cambodia’s first farm-to-table restaurant, famed for its New Mekong cuisine, to prepare a selection of dishes to taste.  

Freedom of Choice – Siem Reap Shopping Adventure 

Explore Siem Reap’s vibrant arts and crafts scene, starting at the Angkor Handicraft Association. This Fair-Trade Village is home to a wide variety of artisans who produce handmade goods using traditional techniques. 

Freedom of Choice – Khmer Massage  

Let your cares melt away and be rejuvenated by the healing powers of traditional Khmer massage. This oil free 60-minute massage uses firm acupressure and muscular stretching to rebalance your energy.

Day 21: Depart Siem Reap

Farewell Siem Reap after breakfast this morning, as you transfer to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport for your onward flight.