Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery

Explore Vietnam and Cambodia in depth, beginning in fascinating Hanoi. Discover Ha Long Bay on a three-day cruise and spend seven nights on the Mekong River aboard APT’s boutique luxury river ship, the Mekong Serenity. Visit Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh and charming riverside villages before arriving in bustling Ho Chi Minh City.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

Touchdown in Hanoi and receive Fast Track Service on arrival. Later this evening, you’ll get to know your fellow travellers during a welcome dinner at Spice Garden, the hotel's highly awarded Vietnamese restaurant.

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 have 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 Dining – La Terrasse 

Savour the atmosphere of a Parisan 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 Dining – 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 Dining – 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 empower

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

After your Signature Experience 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 that 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 early and 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, Siem Reap

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 Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, be transferred to your hotel. Choose where to dine in Siem reap this evening. 

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, the chefs put a modern twist on 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 delightful ambieance 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 – Khema Angkor  

The motto of Khema Angkor is ‘good food, good wine, good friends’. Enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere as you feast on an international menu that will have your tastebuds dancing. 

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 cuisine in a beautifully designed space at Fellini. The restaurant brings the flavours of the ‘Old Country’ to Cambodia. 

Freedom of Choice – Spoons 

Sample authentic, creative Cambodian cuisine at Spoons. This local favourite produces great food and is renowned for its community spirit, serving as a training restaurant for underprivileged young adults. 

Day 6: Siem Reap

Begin 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, giving it a lost world feel. Commonly referred to as the 'Tomb Raider temple' due to it being used as a location in the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider which starred Angelina Jolie, Ta Prohm is a captivating glimpse into the past and testament to a bygone era. En route to the hotel, enjoy your Signature Experiences.

Signature Experience – Local Charity Visit

Visit ODA, Opportunities of Development through Art, 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. Combining captivating acrobatics, theatre and storytelling, this unforgettable spectacle showcases the country's rich culture and talent.  

Day 7: Siem Reap

Rise early this morning and travel back to Angkor Archaeological Park for a special Signature Experience. Afterwards, join a guided exploration of this well-preserved temple, then return to your hotel for breakfast. This afternoon, set out on your Freedom of Choice activity. Tonight, your Signature Experience awaits. Set amid a stunning garden, this promises to be an enchanting and memorable evening.  

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.

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 Khmer life. 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  

Day 8: Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Embark Ship, Koh Pen, Angkor Ban

Bid farewell to Siem Reap and journey through remote Cambodian villages to Kampong Cham. Here, embark the Mekong Serenity, your home for the next seven nights. Following lunch on board, discover the island of Koh Pen with its stilted houses and local farming culture during your Signature Experience. You can see a varying range of crops growing depending on the season, including tobacco, betel nuts, watermelons, coconuts and many more tropical fruits. Tonight, as you sail towards Angkor Ban, a welcome dinner showcasing the diverse flavours of the region awaits.

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 9: Angkor Ban, Oknha Tey, Phnom Penh

Take a walking discovery tour of Angkor Ban, one of the few villages in Cambodia that was not destroyed under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Here, people still live in their traditional wooden abodes and keep ancient cultural traditions alive. Later, your ship glides along the lush banks of the Mekong to Oknha Tey, renowned for its silk weaving traditions. Stroll among the stilt houses and gain an insight into the traditional silk weaving process. Watch as the village women create beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms. In the afternoon continue to sail along the Mekong and enjoy some time at leisure. Have a dip in the pool or relax on the Sun Deck.

Day 10: Phnom Penh

Today presents a wealth of included sightseeing choices. After lunch back on board, you may wish to explore Phnom Penh independently or simply relax.

Freedom of Choice – Killing Fields and Genocide Museum

On this sombre excursion, learn about a confronting part of Cambodian history during 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

Set 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 11: Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh

Disembark in Phnom Penh and discover Oudong, a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians. While here, enjoy a Signature Experience. On the way back to your ship, take a leisurely stroll through the village of Koh Chen and visit some home workshops that make copperware. The afternoon is yours to explore Phnom Penh as you wish.  

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 12: Phnom Penh, Border Crossing, Tan Chau

Spend the day cruising towards the Vietnamese border. While border formalities are carried out, enjoy the onboard activities, which could include a lively presentation from your local guides, a fruit-carving demonstration, or even a cooking workshop where you will learn the art of creating Vietnamese spring rolls. Alternatively, relax your body with a rejuvenating treatment from the Spa and Wellness Centre. Cross into Vietnam and cruise to the riverside town of Tan Chau, the first stop after the border.

Day 13: Tan Chau, Evergreen Island, Sa Dec

Transfer to a small boat for a journey along the tiny tributaries that snake around the riverside town of Tan Chau. Cruise past a floating fish farm, then step ashore for a rickshaw tour of Tan Chau. On board your rickshaw, you’ll glide past small shops and meet locals who are always eager to say hello. Stop to pay a visit to a local silk and rattan weaving workshop. Later, step back in time during a visit to Evergreen Island, where you’ll experience authentic rural Mekong life. The remainder of today is left free for you to relax and take a moment to watch local life gently glide by as you cruise towards Sa Dec.

Day 14: Sa Dec, Cai Be, My Tho

Journey towards Sa Dec by small tender boat where French writer Marguerite Duras met her Vietnamese-Chinese lover, Huynh Thuy Le. Tour his former home and learn the story behind Marguerite Duras’ best-selling novel, The Lover. Later, pay a visit to a traditional Cao Dai temple. Watch visitors and pilgrims come and go and appreciate the beauty of the building. Return to the ship and sit down to a delicious lunch while you cruise towards Cai Be. Board your tender boat and step ashore to visit the French Gothic cathedral and the colourful port area filled with crumbling colonial buildings and flowering gardens. Afterwards, you’ll visit a rice paper manufacturer and learn about how this Vietnamese staple is made. Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner on board as you cruise towards your final stop My Tho. 

Day 15: My Tho, Disembark Ship, Ho Chi Minh City

Disembark in My Tho and continue to Ho Chi Minh City, once the bustling French colonial city known as Saigon. A range of Freedom of Choice options await today before sitting down to dinner.  

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 16: Ho Chi Minh City

Leave the city behind and relish in your Signature Experiences today. Tonight, your dinner is another Signature Experience. 

Signature Experience – Cu Chi Tunnels Visit 

Enjoy the thrill of a journey by speedboat 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 enjoy a special cocktail designed specifically for APT guests.

Day 17: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy breakfast before you will be transferred to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.