Wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia

Experience Vietnam and Cambodia’s incredible highlights, including a two-night cruise on Ha Long Bay, a seven-night cruise on the Mekong River and the opportunity to watch the sun set over Angkor Wat.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

On arrival in Hanoi, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Hanoi's immense lakes and splashes of greenery, where you can sit and watch the world go by, offer a respite from its busy streets. Tonight, sit down to a multicourse Vietnamese dinner in the hotel.

Insider Experience – Hat Xam

Listen to a private Hat Xam performance and engage with the artists.

Insider Experience – Movenpick Hotel

Stay at the five-star Movenpick Hotel Hanoi, located only a short stroll from the Old Quarter and near Hanoi's major highlights, bars and restaurants.

Day 2: Hanoi

Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Hanoi, taking in the most famous historical and cultural sites. Visit Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, the iconic One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture and the first university in Vietnam. Afterwards, an Insider Experience awaits.

Afterwards, an Insider Experience awaits. The afternoon and evening are at leisure or choose from one of our select experiences.

Insider Experience – Hanoi's Old Quarter by Cyclo

Weave through Hanoi’s bustling city streets like a local on a tour of the city’s Old Quarter aboard a cyclo. 

Insider Experience – Lunch at KOTO

In Hanoi, feast on a soulful Vietnamese lunch at KOTO (Know One, Teach One), Vietnam's first social enterprise, which empowers local at-risk youth through hospitality training.

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

Start your journey early towards Tuan Chau Harbour, where you will board the Bhaya Classic, your home for the next two nights. Upon arrival, meet your crew and sail among the enchanting limestone islets. Savour a Vietnamese multi-course lunch while soaking in the breathtaking views of the bay. Explore the Tung Sau area by kayak, a serene region surrounded by cascading mountains and known for its pearl farming. As the day ends, catch the stunning sunset on board as you cruise towards your anchorage for the night. Enjoy a delightful dinner, followed by options for squid fishing, sipping cocktails, or simply relaxing in your cabin. 

Insider 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

Board rowing boats to visit the Luon Cave area, listen to the ancient folklore and enjoy close views of the magnificent limestone karsts. Visit Cua Van Floating Village in the heart of Ha Long Bay, by kayak or traditional rowing boat. Enjoy lunch on board while cruising to Trinh Nu. Spend time relaxing at the private beach or visit one of the finest sunlight caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Later, gather for a flavourful dinner.

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

Explore Sung Sot Cave, the 10,000-square-metre cave threaded by a 500-metre paved passageway. Also known as Surprise Cave, every twist and turn within its depths reveals something new. Return to Tuan Chau and transfer to Hanoi airport. From here you'll fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An.

Insider Experience - Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa

Rest and unwind in the luxurious surrounds of the Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa.

Day 6: Hoi An

Start your day with an immersive Insider Experience. For dinner, perhaps choose from one of the select experiences for a truly authentic insight into Vietnamese culture.

Insider Experience – Morning Glory Cooking School

Discover the art of cooking Vietnamese cuisine with the Morning Glory Cooking School. Hosted by Trinh Diem Vy, the owner of several successful restaurants in town, or one of her esteemed protegees, visit the local market and then prepare a selection of delicious signature dishes and sample your efforts at lunch.

Day 7: Hoi An

The day is yours to discover more of Hoi An at your own pace. Or perhaps choose from one of our select experience options.

Day 8: Hoi An, Hue

Journey over the Hai Van Pass, with spectacular views across Lang Co Beach, before reaching Hue, the former Imperial capital of Vietnam situated on the banks of the picturesque Perfume River. Venture to the grand Imperial Citadel, stroll through the monuments and hear stories of former royal inhabitants. Step inside the historical Tien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery before enjoying your Insider Experience. Dine tonight on regional cuisine from Hue.

Insider Experience - Paper Flower Making

Learn about the craft of paper flower making before trying your hand at making your own.

Day 9: Hue, Ho Chi Minh City

Take an included flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon. A delicious dinner awaits you tonight.

Insider Experience – Tai Chi Lesson

Join a private Tai Chi lesson and appreciate the benefits of improved strength, flexibility and balance.

Insider Experience – Two Nights at Le Méridien Saigon

Experience an unforgettable stay at the unique Le Méridien Saigon. Nestled on the banks of the Saigon River in bustling District 1, this contemporary hotel is perfectly situated just moments away from Bến Thành Market and Independence Palace.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were used as hiding spots during combat, and they also served as communication and supply routes, hospitals and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters. Take the opportunity to crawl through a section to understand first-hand what it was like for the soldiers who lived and fought here. The afternoon and evening have been left free for you to explore at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience touring and dining options.

Enhance Your Journey – Ho Chi Minh City by Foot

Explore the bustling city on this walking tour, passing the Saigon Opera House People’s Committee building, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office. 

Enhance Your Journey – History of Saigon

Delve deeper into Ho Chi Minh City’s turbulent history. Start at the Reunification Palace, visit the War Remnants Museum and see the Burning Monk Memorial.

Enhance Your Journey – Shopping Tour by Foot

Seek out the city's boutiques as only a local knows and discover locally made and produced items such as clothing, mementos and jewellery.

Enhance Your Journey – Hoi An Sense

Indulge in authentic Hoi An delicacies, complemented by warm hospitality and rich cultural charm.

Enhance Your Journey – Le Corto

Dine on a three-course French fusion-inspired menu with a dining experience like no other.

Enhance Your Journey – Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro

Savour the delights of this Vietnamese bistro, where the walls are adorned with locally crafted propaganda posters offering food-oriented advice.

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

Start the day with your Insider Experience before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Drive to My Tho and board the RV Apsara, your boutique river ship for the next seven nights. The ship, with its locally inspired ambience and twin balconies in every suite, offers a unique perspective on your Mekong River cruise. Sail from My Tho to Cai Be, soaking in the scenery. Settle into your suite or relax on the Sun Deck, observing river life. This evening, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner on board with your fellow travellers.

Insider Experience – Morning Walking Tour

Step out on an early morning guided walk to watch the busy streets come to life and gain a deeper understanding of what drives this urban centre. 

Day 12: Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau

Explore Cai Be and its surrounds by tender boat as you view local life on the river and along its banks. Go ashore to see the Cai Be Church, the tallest church in the Mekong Delta with its impressive bell tower, and visit manufacturers of rice paper and coconut candy to learn how they're made. Head back to the ship and sit down to a delicious lunch while cruising to Sa Dec. Afterwards, take a boat ride to the charming town of Sa Dec for a guided tour. Stroll through the colourful markets and continue by foot to the home of Huynh Thuy Le, once the lover of French writer, Marguerite Duras, who penned her best-selling novel, The Lover, about their affair. Back on board, unwind or relax your body with a rejuvenating treatment from the spa. As the sun sets, the RV Apsara sets sail for Tan Chau. Enjoy dinner and later, head up to the Saigon Lounge for evening entertainment or a cocktail.

Day 13: Tan Chau, Cambodia Border Crossing, Phnom Penh

Transfer to a small boat for a journey along the tiny tributaries that snake around Tan Chau. Embark on a rickshaw tour and weave through the tiny laneways of this sleepy town, almost untouched by tourism. Home to one of the largest silk-weaving centres in Vietnam, you can observe how silk is woven in the local workshops. After lunch, take a small boat to discover rural life on Evergreen Island. Observe the traditional Vietnamese farming techniques, where the land is ploughed by water buffalo and where you can see authentic rural Mekong life. Later, appreciate some down time and watch the scenery of the Mekong River pass as the RV Apsara cruises towards the Cambodian border. While border formalities are carried out, sit down and enjoy the onboard activities and presentations. Cross into Cambodia and cruise overnight towards the capital, Phnom Penh.

Day 14: Phnom Penh

Today, learn of the atrocities inflicted upon Cambodians during Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, where you'll find the Memorial Stupa, a glass monument erected in memory of the thousands of Cambodians who lost their lives. After lunch on board, visit the spectacular Royal Palace, delighting in its dazzling white and gold architecture. Then, head to the glorious Silver Pagoda, set on the southern side of the palace complex. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to head to the local markets for souvenirs or perhaps to taste the local delicacy of fried tarantula. Alternatively, relax on board and enjoy the facilities and service.

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

Travel by coach to Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia, for your memorable Insider Experience. Afterwards, you will visit Koh Chen and explore the open-air copperware workshops. Return to the ship and enjoy a free afternoon in Phnom Penh, or perhaps enhance your time by choosing one of Travelmarvel's select experiences.

Insider Experiences – 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.

Insider Experiences – Hands-on Cooking Workshop

Meet your chef, visit a local market and select fruits, spices and more local ingredients to prepare Khmer dishes.

Insider Experiences – Phnom Penh By Cyclo

By cyclo, take in sights of Phnom Penh including Independence Square, the Royal Palace, as well as trendy cafes, boutiques, local markets, and pagodas.

Insider Experiences – The Mekong Microbreweries

Travel by tuk tuk and tour both a popular local and an international award-winning microbrewery. Enjoy a number of craft beer tastings and local snacks.

Insider Experiences – The Wild Spirits of Mekong

Sip on your gin and tonic as you discover award-winning local craft spirits and gins, see the stills and learn about the history and process from the passionate distillers.

Day 16: Phnom Penh, Oknha Tey, Angkor Ban

Rise early as your ship glides along the lush banks of the Mekong to Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island renowned for its silk manufacturing traditions, preserved over centuries. Travel by tuk tuk, past rice fields and get a glimpse into rural life. 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 and enjoy lunch on board as the ship sets sail for Angkor Ban. In the afternoon as you cruise up the Mekong River, enjoy time at leisure. Have a dip in the pool or sit and read a book on the Sun Deck while soaking in the scenery.

Day 17: Angkor Ban, Koh Pen, Kampong Cham

Start your morning with a guided walk of Angkor Ban, a village awash with stories of Cambodia's cultural history, and one of the few traditional villages that survived the Khmer Rouge regime. Nicknamed the 'Lucky Village', stroll through town, see traditional stilted houses and a Khmer-style pagoda. After lunch, your cruise docks at its final location Kampong Cham where you can enjoy your Insider Experience. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board with your fellow travellers as you reminisce about your Mekong River cruise adventure.

Insider Experience – Tuk Tuk Tour of Koh Pen

Hop on a tuk tuk and explore the agricultural island of Koh Pen. Travel along the shaded lanes and past wooden stilted houses, tucked amongst palm and sandalwood trees.

Day 18: Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Siem Reap

Bid farewell to the crew and disembark the RV Apsara. Travel to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, passing through picturesque countryside and remote villages. Take a break before heading to the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, commonly referred to as the Tomb Raider temple having featured in the movie starring Angelina Jolie. En route to your hotel, enjoy your Insider Experiences.

Insider Experience – Local Charity Visit

Visit Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner which supports local underprivileged children by providing them with an education. 

Insider Experience – Circus Performance

Take your seat at Phare Circus and be amazed by the skills of the performers. This acclaimed show blends modern Khmer tales with music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts, and contortion.

Insider Experience – Two Nights at the Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas

Unwind in an idyllic setting during an indulgent stay at this upscale retreat designed by renowned architect, Bill Bensley. Combining luxury and sustainability, your accommodation is located in Siem Reap's leafy French Quarter, close to the famous Angkor Wat Temple.  

Day 19: Siem Reap

Explore Angkor Archaeological Park and visit the temple Bayon with its carved stone smiling faces. Later this afternoon, continue to explore Siem Reap at your own pace or choose from one of our Select Experience options. Cap off your visit to Siem Reap and celebrate your unforgettable journey with Insider Experiences.  

Insider Experience – Sunset at Angkor Wat

Witness an awe-inspiring sunset at the magnificent Angkor Wat.

Insider Experience – Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance

Dine on a delicious Khmer dinner and watch an private Apsara dance and experience local Khmer culture.

Day 20: Depart Siem Reap

Your Vietnam and Cambodia journey comes to an end after breakfast with a transfer to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport for your onward flight.