Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights
Private - Independent Tour
Siem Reap - Mekong River Cruise - Phnom Penh – Ho Chi Minh City
Combine two countries steeped in history, architecture and rural living. Cruise along the Mekong River where villagers welcome visitors and share their stories and way of life. Included Signature Experiences offer once in a lifetime moments allowing you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive tours and incredible cultures.
Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 12
Day 1 : Siem Reap
Welcome to Siem Reap. Be met on arrival and transfer to your hotel for a 3 night stay in the heart of the city. Once you’ve settled in, enjoy the day at your leisure. Tonight, choose from a selection of local restaurants for your dining experience.
Day 2 : 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. Head to the intriguing Bayon Temple, with its carved stone smiling faces of gods and goddesses, 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 giving it a lost world feel. Ta Prohm is a captivating glimpse into the past and testament to a bygone era. En route to the hotel, you will be welcomed backstage at Pahre Circus to meet some of the performers and witness a mesmerising performance from your VIP seats.
Day 3 : Siem Reap
Rise early this morning and visit Angkor Archaeological Park to witness a spectacular sunrise at the magnificent Angkor Wat. See 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. Afterwards, join a guided exploration of this well-preserved temple, then return to your hotel for breakfast. This afternoon is your choice, perhaps enjoy an exciting tuk-tuk ride, for something more leisurely join a bicycle tour through the countryside or take part in a traditional cooking class. This evening you will be taken on a private visit to Theam’s Gallery, a talented Cambodian artist before dining on a 5-course Khmer dinner while enjoying a local dance performance
Day 4 : Embark Mekong River Cruise
Bid farewell to Siem Reap and journey through remote Cambodian villages to Kampong Cham. Here, set sail on Mekong Serenity, your home for the next 7 nights. Following lunch on board, discover the island of Koh Pen with a tuk-tuk tour around the riverside village with its stilted houses and local farming. Tonight, as you sail towards Angkor Ban a welcome dinner awaits, showcasing the diverse flavours from the region.
Day 5 : Angkor Ban, Koh Oknha Tey
Take a walking discovery tour of Angkor Ban, one of the few villages in Cambodia not destroyed under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Later, your ship glides along the lush banks of the Mekong to Koh Oknha Tey, renowned for its silk weaving traditions. Stroll among the stilt houses and gain an insight into the traditional silk weaving process. In the afternoon continue along the Mekong and enjoy some time at leisure.
Day 6 : Phnom Penh
Today is your choice. Experience some of Cambodia's sobering history with a moving excursion to the infamous Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Otherwise, discover Phnom Penh on a cyclo ride. History buffs can admire the exhibits at the National Museum, or perhaps explore the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. After lunch back on board, you may wish to explore Phnom Penh independently or simply relax.
Day 7 : Phnom Penh
Disembark in Phnom Penh and discover Oudong, a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians. While here, be treated to a Buddhist Blessing by monks at a local monastery.
Day 8 : Cruise into Vietnam
Spend the day cruising towards the Vietnamese border. Enjoy the onboard activities, which could include a fruitcarving demonstration, or even a cooking workshop where you will learn the art of creating Vietnamese spring rolls. Alternatively, relax with a rejuvenating treatment from the Spa and Wellness Centre. Cross into Vietnam and cruise to the riverside town of Tan Chau.
Day 9 : Tan Chau, Sa Dec
Transfer to a small boat for a journey along the tiny tributaries that snake around the riverside town of Tan Chau. Step ashore for a rickshaw tour, on board you’ll glide past small shops, and meet locals. 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.
Day 10 : Sa Dec, Cai Be, My Tho
Journey by small tender to Sa Dec, where French writer Marguerite Duras met her Vietnamese-Chinese lover, Huynh Thuy Le. Tour his former home and visit a traditional Cao Dai temple. Lunch is served back onboard before a visit to a French Gothic cathedral and colourful port area.
Day 11 : Ho Chi Minh City
Disembark in My Tho and continue to Ho Chi Minh City for a 2 night stay, once the bustling French colonial city known as Saigon. Today you can choose to enjoy a leisurely walking discovery of Ho Chi Minh City, or you might like to jump on the back of a motorbike for an exciting city ride. Alternatively, you may want to try out your culinary skills with a fun cooking class or embark on a shopping spree before dinner is served this evening.
Day 12 : Ho Chi Minh City
Journey by speedboat to the Cu Chi Tunnels, which were built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the war. Later you will meet a Master Distiller at Lady Trieu Gin Distillery and be a guest at a private tasting. Dine this evening at a highly acclaimed restaurant served with your fellow travellers.
Day 12 : Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the airport for your return flight home or extend your stay on an extended tour to include Hanoi and Ha Long Bay.
