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Timeless Treasures of Vietnam & Cambodia from River Cruise

0/5
Duration

18 days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

___

Overview

Tour Route:

  • Cambodia: Siem Reap → Tonle Sap Lake → Koh Chen → Kampong Tralach → Kampong Chhnang → Phnom Penh
  • Vietnam (by cruise): Chau Doc → Sa Dec → Vinh Long → Cai Be → My Tho → Ho Chi Minh City
  • Vietnam (by land & flight): Ho Chi Minh City → Hue → Da Nang → Hoi An → Hanoi → Halong Bay → Hanoi

Start/ End: Siem Reap – Hanoi

Embark on an unforgettable 18-day cultural and scenic journey through Cambodia and Vietnam, combining luxurious river cruising with immersive land explorations. From the mystical temples of Angkor Wat to the tranquil waters of Halong Bay, this carefully curated itinerary offers a perfect blend of ancient heritage, local traditions, natural wonders, and vibrant city life.

Who is this tour for? This tour is perfect for culturally curious travelers, particularly middle-aged and senior individuals who appreciate history, architecture, gentle adventure, and comfort. It’s ideal for those who enjoy slow travel, river cruising, and exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites without the hassle of planning. Couples, solo travelers, or small groups seeking an enriching, guided experience will find this journey especially rewarding.

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

  • Angkor Archaeological Park: Explore legendary temples including Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and the Roluos Group.
  • Tonle Sap Lake: Cruise past floating villages and experience rural Cambodian life.
  • Phnom Penh: Dive deep into Cambodia’s royal past and sobering recent history.
  • Mekong River Cruise: A 7-night all-inclusive cruise through the heart of the Mekong Delta with daily shore excursions.
  • Sa Dec & Vinh Long: Visit local homes, artisan workshops, and floating markets.
  • Ho Chi Minh City: Discover French colonial architecture and the Cu Chi Tunnels.
  • Hue & Hoi An: Visit imperial tombs, ancient towns, and the scenic Hai Van Pass.
  • Halong Bay: Enjoy an overnight cruise among the limestone karsts of this natural wonder.
  • Water Puppet Show: Experience a traditional Northern Vietnamese performance in Hanoi.

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1: Welcome to Siem Reap

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, your journey begins with a warm welcome at your hotel. For those arriving between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., a delightful lunch will be served, offering you the first taste of Cambodian cuisine.

In the afternoon, enjoy an included visit to the Angkor National Museum. This immersive museum introduces the rich cultural and historical background of the Khmer Empire and its architectural masterpieces, providing excellent context for the ancient wonders you’ll explore in the days ahead. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 2: Discovering the Ancient Kingdom

Your day kicks off with an excursion to the Roluos group of temples—Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei—some of the earliest examples of Khmer architecture. These sacred sites offer insight into the origins of Angkorian temple design and spiritual beliefs.

In the afternoon, you’ll explore the iconic Ta Prohm temple, famous for the giant tree roots engulfing its stone walls, followed by a journey through the majestic Angkor Thom. Highlights include the Bayon temple, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Cap off the day with a mesmerizing performance at the Cirque Phare, a blend of traditional storytelling and modern acrobatics. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 3: A Taste of Khmer Art and Life

Today’s full-day excursion takes you to the intricately carved Banteay Srei Temple, often called the “Citadel of Women.” This small but exquisite site is a jewel of pre-Angkorian art with its detailed pink sandstone reliefs.

Continue to the B.R.B. handicraft center where you can observe local artisans at work and perhaps pick up a souvenir. Later, enjoy a scenic boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake, home to floating villages and an ecosystem teeming with life. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 4: Marvel at Angkor Wat & Begin Your Cruise

Begin your morning with a visit to the iconic Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and a symbol of Cambodia. Its five towers and intricate carvings make it one of the most photographed temples in Asia.

Later in the day, transfer to your cruise ship. Settle into your cabin and meet the crew during a welcome cocktail reception. Enjoy your first dinner onboard as your river adventure begins. Overnight on board.

Day 5: Craft Villages of Koh Chen & Kampong Tralach

This morning, explore Koh Chen, a charming village known for its traditional silver and copper craftsmanship. Watch local artisans at work, producing everything from decorative bowls to ceremonial ornaments.

Return to the ship for lunch before heading out in the afternoon to visit Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To get there, enjoy a scenic ox-cart ride through the Cambodian countryside, offering a glimpse into rural life. Overnight on board.

Day 6: Floating Markets & Phnom Penh Arrival

Visit Kampong Chhnang, a bustling riverside town and one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonle Sap. Sample local specialties and visit traditional floating markets and villages.

After lunch on board, cruise toward Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, hop on a tuk-tuk to explore the capital’s vibrant streets. Back on board, enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance—a graceful art form integral to Khmer culture. Overnight on board.

Day 7: Royalty and Remembrance in Phnom Penh

Spend the day exploring Phnom Penh’s rich and complex history. Begin with a visit to the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, gleaming with ornate spires and silver-tiled floors. Then, walk through the National Museum to admire its impressive collection of Khmer artifacts.

After lunch, visit the haunting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge regime. Reflect on Cambodia's past before the ship departs for Vietnam. Overnight on board as you cruise across the border.

Day 8: Crossing Into Vietnam – Chau Doc

This morning, arrive in Chau Doc, a colorful riverside city near the Cambodian border. Visit Tay An Pagoda, an architectural blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Islamic influences, and the sacred Ba Chua Xu Temple, dedicated to a local goddess.

After returning to the ship, begin cruising toward Sa Dec, drifting past floating villages and lush landscapes. Enjoy dinner onboard and spend the night on the Mekong.

Day 9: Stories and Crafts of the Mekong

Arrive in Sa Dec, the setting of Marguerite Duras’ novel The Lover. Visit the former home of Huynh Thuy Le, Duras' muse, and enjoy some free time to stroll through the town’s local market.

Continue cruising to Vinh Long, where you’ll visit a brick and pottery workshop, fruit-tree nursery, and traditional factories producing puffed rice, rice-paper wrappers, and rice alcohol. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 10: My Tho’s Tranquility and Journey to Saigon

Your day begins with a visit to a bee farm where you’ll taste local honey and tropical fruits. Then, glide through narrow canals by sampan, taking in the peaceful scenery of mangrove palms and stilt houses.

After lunch on board, the ship navigates the tight Chao Gao Canal en route to bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Dock in the heart of downtown and spend the night on board.

Day 11: Vibrant Saigon & the Underground War

Start the day with a guided city tour, including the lively Binh Tay Market and the historic Thien Hau Temple in Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown. Return to the ship for lunch.

In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Vietnamese History followed by a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Crawl through narrow passageways and learn about guerrilla warfare during the Vietnam War. Return to the ship for a final night in Saigon.

Day 12: Farewell to the South, Hello to the Imperial City

Enjoy one last excursion in Ho Chi Minh City to explore Cholon further. Then, savor a farewell lunch before flying north to Hue, Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and rest after your flight. The evening is at your leisure. Overnight in Hue.

Day 13: Imperial Hue – Tombs, Pagodas, and Palaces

Dive into Hue’s royal history with a full-day tour. Visit the majestic tombs of Emperors Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, surrounded by serene gardens and intricate stonework.

Next, explore the peaceful Tu Hieu Pagoda, followed by a walk through the Imperial City—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. End the day at Dong Ba Market, the perfect place to pick up local delicacies. Overnight in Hue.

Day 14: Scenic Transfer to Hoi An via Da Nang

After breakfast, journey along the scenic Hai Van Pass to Da Nang. Visit the Pagoda of the Celestial Lady and stop in the village of Kim Long for a taste of rural life.

In Da Nang, explore the Cham Sculpture Museum before arriving in the ancient town of Hoi An. Check into your hotel and relax. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 15: My Son and Hoi An Heritage

This morning, venture out to the My Son Sanctuary, a cluster of Hindu temples dating back to the Champa Kingdom. Learn about its religious and architectural significance.

Return to Hoi An for lunch, followed by a walking tour through the lantern-lit streets. Visit the Fujian Assembly Hall, old merchant houses, and the famous Japanese Covered Bridge. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 16: From Central Charm to Northern Grandeur

Transfer to Da Nang airport for your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy a traditional water puppetry performance in the evening—an art form unique to northern Vietnam.

Take the night to relax and prepare for your final stretch through the natural beauty of Halong Bay. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 17: Cruising Halong Bay’s Majestic Waters

Depart Hanoi early for the world-renowned Halong Bay. Board your traditional junk and enjoy a welcome cocktail before beginning your cruise.

Spend the day sailing among dramatic limestone karsts and emerald waters. Admire the scenery from the deck or your cabin. Overnight on board amidst the tranquil bay.

Day 18: Farewell in Hanoi

Start your day with a Tai Chi session on deck as the sun rises over Halong Bay. Then, explore one of the bay’s largest caves, filled with impressive rock formations.

After lunch, disembark and return to Hanoi by road. You’ll be transferred to the airport, with services ending around 6:00 p.m. Please ensure your flight departs no earlier than 8:00 p.m.

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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from 8,029

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