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Vietnam to Cambodia Luxury River & Land Journey

0/5
Duration

18 days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

___

Overview

Tour Route: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta – Siem Riep

Start/ End: Hanoi – Siem Riep

This immersive 18-day journey is designed for mature international travelers (typically aged 45 and above) who appreciate culture, history, and high-quality experiences. It’s perfect for those seeking a leisurely-paced, all-inclusive tour that combines the best of Vietnam and Cambodia by land and river. Guests will enjoy top-tier accommodations, a deluxe Mekong River cruise, insightful guided tours, and unforgettable local encounters.

Who This Tour is For:

  • Mature travelers and retirees looking for a leisurely yet enriching experience
  • Culture seekers and history lovers with an interest in Southeast Asian heritage
  • Couples, solo travelers, or small groups who prefer intimate, boutique-style cruising over large group tours
  • Travelers looking for light activity (walking, kayaking, biking) combined with relaxation and comfort

Highlights

  • Seamless blend of overland discovery and river cruising.
  • Comprehensive itinerary covering Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam, and into Cambodia’s cultural heart.
  • Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ha Long Bay, Hue Imperial City, Hoi An Ancient Town, and the Angkor Temple Complex.
  • Luxury Mekong River Cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, offering scenic views and access to remote riverside villages.
  • Authentic cultural experiences including traditional water puppetry, Phare Cambodian circus, and local craft villages.
  • Local interaction through market walks, cooking demonstrations, and tuk-tuk rides through historic towns.
  • Guided exploration of significant landmarks including the Cu Chi Tunnels, Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, and Angkor Wat.

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1: Hanoi

Your journey begins in Vietnam’s bustling capital. Today’s included excursion explores the revered Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, offering insights into the life and legacy of the nation's iconic leader. Discover the tranquil gardens and colonial French architecture that surround the site, before continuing to other key historical landmarks.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppetry show, a uniquely Vietnamese art form that dates back centuries. Performed over water, this show brings to life folk tales, rural scenes, and legends, providing a lively and culturally rich conclusion to your first day in Hanoi. You’ll overnight at a comfortable hotel in the city.

Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay

After breakfast, depart by coach for the world-famous Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. The scenic drive takes approximately 3.5 hours, offering views of Vietnam’s rural landscapes along the way.

Upon arrival at Halong Bay, you’ll be welcomed aboard your traditional junk boat with a refreshing cocktail. As you cruise into the mystical seascape, marvel at the thousands of karst formations rising from the water. Enjoy a delicious lunch and dinner onboard and settle into your cabin for a night surrounded by Halong Bay’s serene beauty.

Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue

Begin your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the deck, surrounded by the misty bay at sunrise. Later, embark on an excursion to explore one of Halong Bay’s largest caves, filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites that reveal the power of nature over time.

After returning to the boat and enjoying brunch, you’ll disembark and head back to Hanoi by road. From there, you’ll catch a short flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Once you arrive, transfer to your hotel where you’ll spend the night.

Day 4: Hue

Spend a full day immersed in the imperial grandeur of Hue. Visit the elaborate tombs of Emperors Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, which blend traditional Vietnamese design with European influences. These sites provide fascinating insights into the Nguyen Dynasty’s architecture and legacy.

Continue to the tranquil Tu Hieu Pagoda and then explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, a walled fortress filled with palaces, temples, and ceremonial halls. Conclude the day with a visit to the bustling Dong Ba Market, offering a sensory experience of local life. Overnight at your hotel in Hue.

Day 5: Hue – Da Nang – Hoi An

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Pagoda of the Celestial Lady (Thien Mu Pagoda), beautifully perched on the banks of the Perfume River. You’ll also explore the peaceful village of Kim Long, known for its traditional architecture and local charm.

After lunch, travel to Da Nang and visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture, home to an extraordinary collection of ancient Cham artifacts. Later, continue your journey to the UNESCO-listed town of Hoi An, a charming riverside city rich in history and culture. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 6: Hoi An – My Son

Today’s full-day excursion begins with a visit to My Son Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the spiritual center of the ancient Champa Kingdom. Explore the atmospheric temple ruins nestled in a lush valley surrounded by mountains.

Return to Hoi An for lunch, then enjoy a guided walking tour of the Old Town. Admire the well-preserved architecture of the Fujian Assembly Hall, the Japanese Covered Bridge, and the centuries-old houses. The town’s vibrant lantern-lit streets make for an enchanting evening. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7: Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Fly to Vietnam’s vibrant southern metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, embark on a city tour that takes you through bustling markets, colonial buildings, and temples. Visit the lively Binh Tay Market and the historic Thien Hau Temple in Cholon, the city’s Chinatown.

In the afternoon, transfer to your river cruise ship. Once aboard, you’ll settle into your cabin and meet the crew during a welcome cocktail reception. The ship remains docked overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels

This morning, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an immense network of underground passages used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Gain insight into the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people during this time of conflict.

In the afternoon, explore the Museum of Vietnamese History, home to a wide array of artifacts from the country’s past. In the evening, your ship will begin cruising through the lush landscapes of the Cho Gao Canal. Night on board.

Day 9: Cho Gao – My Tho – Vinh Long – Cai Be

Cruise through the narrow Cho Gao Canal, passing scenes of everyday life along the riverbanks. Stop in My Tho and visit a local bee farm, sampling fresh honey while learning about local agriculture. Then, enjoy a sampan ride through palm-fringed canals.

Later, in Vinh Long, explore local industries including a brick and pottery factory, and witness the production of rice paper and puffed rice. Continue sailing to Cai Be and spend the night on board.

Day 10: Sa Dec

In Sa Dec, visit the former home of Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration behind Marguerite Duras’ famous novel The Lover. Discover the romantic story and architecture of this historic residence.

After the visit, enjoy free time to explore Sa Dec’s vibrant market and riverside streets. Return to the ship for lunch and begin the journey toward Cambodia. Spend the night on board.

Day 11: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh

Arrive in the border town of Chau Doc and take an excursion to the Tay An Pagoda and the Ba Chua Xu Temple, significant religious sites blending Vietnamese and Chinese architectural influences.

Later in the day, cruise toward Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, take a brief tour of the city by tuk-tuk for a local, immersive experience. Spend the night on board.

Day 12: Phnom Penh

Today is dedicated to exploring Cambodia’s capital. Visit the dazzling Royal Palace and the adjacent Silver Pagoda, home to national treasures and historical artifacts.

After lunch, continue to the National Museum and then the haunting Tuol Svay Prey School (S-21), a former Khmer Rouge prison turned genocide museum. In the evening, return to the ship for a performance of traditional Apsara dance. Overnight on board.

Day 13: Koh Chen – Kampong Tralach

Disembark for an excursion to Koh Chen, a small village famous for its silversmiths and copper artisans. Observe local craftspeople at work and browse handcrafted souvenirs.

Later, cruise to Kampong Tralach, where you’ll visit the charming Wat Kampong Tralach Leu Pagoda, set amid peaceful rice paddies. Return to the ship and enjoy the serene river ambiance. Night on board.

Day 14: Kampong Chhnang – Tonle Sap River

Stop in Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing ports on Tonle Sap Lake. Visit floating villages and learn about the local way of life. Taste regional specialties and interact with residents.

As you return to the ship, continue sailing along the Tonle Sap River, a vital artery for the communities that line its banks. Enjoy the peaceful views and spend your final night on board.

Day 15: Siem Reap

After breakfast, disembark and travel by road to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Angkor National Museum, which offers an excellent introduction to Khmer history and culture.

In the evening, be entertained by the incredible Phare Cambodian Circus, a blend of acrobatics, theater, and traditional storytelling. Overnight at a hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 16: Siem Reap

Today’s excursions begin with a visit to the Roluos Group, some of the earliest temples of the Khmer Empire. Continue to Senteurs d’Angkor, where you’ll learn about local crafts and spices.

In the evening, explore the vibrant Angkor Night Market, filled with artisan goods, street food, and souvenirs. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 17: Siem Reap

Start your day at Banteay Srei, a delicately carved temple considered a masterpiece of classical Khmer art. Then, venture into the jungle-shrouded Ta Prohm Temple and explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom, home to the enigmatic Bayon Temple.

This evening, enjoy a festive gala dinner, celebrating your unforgettable journey through Vietnam and Cambodia. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 18: Siem Reap – Angkor Wat – Departure

Your final day begins with a visit to the majestic Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and the crown jewel of Khmer architecture. Take your time admiring its intricately carved galleries and iconic towers.

After lunch at your hotel, you’ll bid farewell to your guides and fellow travelers. Please ensure your departure flight is scheduled after 5:00 p.m. to allow time for the full experience.

Included/Excluded

  • First-class services
  • Accommodations
  • Transfer transportation
  • Entrance fees
  • Meals
  • Local tour guides
  • International flights, port dues (if levied), laundry
  • Visa costs
  • Fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions)
  • Beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes
  • Tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.

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