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Vietnam & Cambodia Memories: Temples, Traditions & Tranquility

0/5
Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

___

Overview

Tour Route: Siem Reap → Koh Chen → Kampong Tralach → Kampong Chhnang → Phnom Penh → Chau Doc → Sa Dec → Vinh Long → Cai Be → My Tho → Ho Chi Minh City → Hanoi → Halong Bay → Hanoi

Start/ End: Siem Reap – Hanoi

Discover the soul of Southeast Asia on this immersive 15-day journey through Cambodia and Vietnam, blending cultural discovery, historical insight, and breathtaking natural beauty. This tour is specially designed for curious, culturally minded travelers, particularly middle-aged and older adults who enjoy comfortable, guided experiences that combine leisurely cruising with land-based exploration.

Your journey begins in Siem Reap, gateway to the ancient temples of Angkor, before embarking on a luxury Mekong River cruise from Cambodia to southern Vietnam. From the floating villages of Tonle Sap to the vibrant life of the Mekong Delta, you’ll experience rural traditions, sacred pagodas, and dynamic markets. After exploring the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll fly north to elegant Hanoi and cruise among the emerald waters and limestone peaks of Halong Bay.

Who This Tour is For:

  • Mature, English-speaking travelers seeking a mix of culture, history, and soft adventure
  • Cruise lovers who enjoy boutique river cruising with curated onshore excursions
  • First-time visitors or repeat travelers to Southeast Asia who want to connect with local life beyond the usual tourist routes
  • Individuals or couples who appreciate comfort, authentic experiences, and slow-paced travel
  • Nature lovers, photographers, and history enthusiasts

No strenuous physical activity is required, but moderate walking and some boat transfers are part of the experience. The tour offers an excellent balance of guided exploration and relaxing onboard time.

Highlights

  • Marvel at the grandeur of Angkor Wat and the mysterious ruins of Ta Prohm
  • Witness life on the water with a Tonle Sap Lake boat trip
  • Enjoy a 7-night luxury cruise along the Mekong River with stops in charming villages
  • Explore Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and sobering historical sites
  • Visit iconic Vietnamese pagodas, floating markets, and colonial towns
  • Discover Ho Chi Minh City and the Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Experience the beauty of Halong Bay on an overnight cruise
  • Stay in comfortable accommodations with guided excursions and cultural performances included

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1: Welcome to Siem Reap

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, your tour will begin based on your flight schedule. Guests arriving between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. will be welcomed with lunch served at the hotel, allowing time to relax and refresh after your journey.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Angkor National Museum, a beautifully curated introduction to Cambodia's rich Khmer heritage. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts and multimedia displays that bring ancient Angkorian civilization to life. Overnight at your hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 2: Temples and Traditions of Angkor

Today’s journey begins with an exploration of the Roluos Group temples—Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei—some of the earliest permanent structures built by the Khmer Empire. These temples offer a peaceful, less-crowded atmosphere and provide insight into the architectural evolution of Angkor.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue to the hauntingly beautiful Ta Prohm temple, famous for the trees growing out of its ruins, followed by a tour of Angkor Thom, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. Marvel at the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King before concluding the evening with the captivating Cirque Phare show, featuring talented local performers. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 3: Artisans and Floating Villages

We start the day with a visit to Banteay Srei, often called the “Citadel of Women,” known for its intricate pink sandstone carvings and pre-Angkorian artistry. Its delicate beauty and fine details make it a true gem in the Angkor complex.

Later, we’ll explore the B.R.B. Handicraft Center, where you can observe traditional Cambodian arts and crafts. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, and discover the unique way of life in its floating villages. Overnight at your hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 4: Angkor Wat & Embarkation

This morning we’ll visit the crown jewel of Cambodia—Angkor Wat. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the largest religious monument in the world and a symbol of national pride. Admire its majestic towers, detailed bas-reliefs, and spiritual atmosphere.

Afterward, you’ll be transferred to the cruise ship. Once onboard, meet your crew and fellow travelers during a welcome cocktail and orientation session. Relax and enjoy your first evening on the Mekong River.

Day 5: Koh Chen and Kampong Tralach

Today’s journey begins with a guided visit to Koh Chen, a small village renowned for its skilled silversmiths. You’ll observe artisans crafting traditional silverware and explore the peaceful surroundings that provide a glimpse into daily rural life in Cambodia.

After lunch onboard, we head to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. Reaching the pagoda involves a charming ox-cart ride or optional biking through scenic rice fields and local villages. Spend the night anchored in this tranquil region.

Day 6: Kampong Chhnang to Phnom Penh

Start your morning with an excursion to Kampong Chhnang, a vibrant fishing port known for its bustling floating villages and traditional pottery. Taste local products and immerse yourself in the culture of one of Tonle Sap’s most important trade hubs.

Return to the ship for lunch as we set sail for Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, hop into a local tuk-tuk for an authentic city ride through the lively streets. In the evening, enjoy an elegant Apsara dance performance onboard, offering a magical insight into classical Cambodian performing arts.

Day 7: A Day in Phnom Penh

Spend the day discovering Cambodia’s capital. Visit the grand Royal Palace and the ornate Silver Pagoda, home to national treasures, including golden Buddha statues. Then explore the National Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of Khmer art and relics.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a sobering yet vital reminder of Cambodia’s recent history under the Khmer Rouge. Afterward, we continue cruising south toward the Vietnamese border, spending the night on board.

Day 8: Arrival in Chau Doc, Vietnam

Cross into Vietnam and arrive in Chau Doc, a dynamic border town famed for its religious diversity and floating markets. We’ll visit the Tay An Pagoda and the revered Ba Chua Xu Temple, important pilgrimage sites nestled on Sam Mountain.

After the excursion, relax onboard as we begin cruising toward Sa Dec. Enjoy the scenic river views and serene landscapes of the Mekong Delta. Overnight onboard.

Day 9: Sa Dec, Vinh Long, and Cai Be

This morning, explore Sa Dec, known for its flower gardens and French colonial charm. Visit the house of Huynh Thuy Le, the lover of author Marguerite Duras, whose story inspired The Lover. Enjoy time to wander the town’s lively market and riverside lanes.

Later, we sail to Vinh Long, where we’ll stop to explore a variety of local workshops producing everything from bricks and rice paper to traditional candies and rice wine. The day ends in Cai Be, where we anchor for the night onboard.

Day 10: My Tho to Ho Chi Minh City

Start the day with a peaceful visit to a local bee farm, where you’ll sample fresh honey and learn about rural life in the delta. Then, board a small sampan for a scenic ride along narrow canals, shaded by coconut palms and lined with traditional homes.

We cruise through a narrow canal toward Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Enjoy a relaxing evening onboard as we reach the city’s vibrant skyline, spending the night docked in the heart of southern Vietnam’s largest metropolis.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City Discovery

Discover the city’s energy during a morning tour that includes the bustling Binh Tay Market and the historic Thien Hau Temple in the Chinatown district. Return to the ship for lunch and a brief rest.

In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Vietnamese History before heading to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network used during the Vietnam War. Learn how guerrilla fighters survived in these cramped, booby-trapped tunnels. Night onboard.

Day 12: Saigon to Hanoi

After breakfast, we explore Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City’s lively Chinatown. Walk through colorful streets filled with herbal shops, gold merchants, and street vendors offering traditional goods. Enjoy a local lunch before transferring to the airport for your flight to Hanoi.

Arrive in Vietnam’s capital and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure, soaking in the northern charm of this cultural hub.

Day 13: Hanoi Highlights

Start your day with a comprehensive tour of Hanoi. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex and the Presidential Palace grounds. Learn about the revered leader's life and Vietnam’s modern history.

In the evening, attend a traditional water puppet show, a beloved Vietnamese art form. Watch handcrafted puppets dance on water, accompanied by live folk music. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14: Journey to Halong Bay

Depart Hanoi in the early morning and head east to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, board your luxury cruise and enjoy a welcome cocktail as the ship sets sail among the bay’s iconic limestone islets.

Marvel at the surreal scenery and enjoy a peaceful afternoon of cruising, photography, or simply relaxing on deck. Enjoy a delicious dinner onboard and spend the night surrounded by the natural beauty of Halong Bay.

Day 15: Halong Bay Farewell

Start the day with a Tai Chi session on deck as the sun rises over the bay. After breakfast, visit one of Halong’s spectacular caves, filled with stalactites and rock formations shaped over millions of years.

We continue cruising before disembarking and traveling back to Hanoi. Arrive at the airport around 6:00 p.m. Please ensure that your departing flight is scheduled after 8:00 p.m. to allow ample time for the transfer. Farewell and thank you for joining us on this unforgettable journey through Vietnam and Cambodia.

Included/Excluded

  • First-class services
  • Accommodations
  • Transfer transportation
  • Entrance fees
  • Refined local cuisine
  • Onboard activities and/or lectures
  • Local tour guides
  • International and domestic airfare
  • Vietnam and Cambodia visa fees
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Gratuities for guides and crew
  • Personal expenses (laundry, minibar, etc.)
  • Optional activities not included in the main program
  • Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary

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