20 days
Magical Vietnam & Cambodia Mekong Cruise

Meeting & greeting at the airport upon your arrival and transfer to your hotel. If time permits we will take a short orientation tour around central Hanoi.

(Includes Breakfast)

Today we have a full day tour to visit the various memorials and complexes of Ho Chi Minh, the famous revolutionary leader. We will also visit Single Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature.

Afternoon we visit the Museum of Ethnology which exhibits a large collection of artefacts and full size unique wooden buildings of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Next we enjoy a rickshaw ride through the lively Old Quarter and end up at an old house on Ma May Street, which is a great example of dwellings in the 19th century.

Later we walk through the busy traffic to the water puppet theatre and enjoy a performance of the famed traditional art form created by village farmers around the Red River Delta region.

(Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

We Leave Hanoi by road to Halong Bay and enjoy the rural scenery as our vehicle travels through the picturesque countryside. Along the way we can stop for close-up views and photographs of water buffalos ploughing, and chat with the rural women wearing their traditional conical hats as they work in the paddy fields.

On arrival at Halong we board a nostalgic traditional junk boat and enjoy a full day and night cruising among the inspirational islets of Halong Bay. Kayaking and swimming are optional and you can also try your luck at fishing in the bay, or just relax after your dinner. Overnight in Halong Bay on a luxury Junk watching the sun set.

(Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Wake up to fresh coffee then further cruising and more sightseeing. En-route the junk weaves through impressive rock formations as we return to port.

Disembark and transfer to airport for a flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. Meet up with our local guide upon arrival.

(Includes Breakfast)

Early rise to watch or participate in the unique daily morning ritual, where hundreds of saffron-clad monks walk in procession collecting offerings of sticky rice from devout residents along the roadsides.

After breakfast embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues left by devoted pilgrims.

We also visit Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek where local people produce traditional textiles and jute paper.

Return to town and tour the most outstanding temples: Wat Visoun with the watermelon-shaped roof, Wat Xiengthong with the sweeping roofs, Wat Sene boasting the most dazzling facade of all Luang Prabang temples, Wat Aham - the "Monastery of the blossomed Heart", and Wat Mai, the largest and most richly decorated of al the temples in town.

We then walk up the steps of Mount Phousi to see the beautiful sunset across Luang Prabang.

Take a leisurely walk through the Night Market at the foot of Mount Phosi to see a lovely array of handicrafts.

(Includes Breakfast)

This morning we visit the rural around Luang Prabang and get acquainted with the Hmong, Lowland Laotian, and Khmu ethnic minority people.

Visit the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall that offers a chance to cool off in the turquoise pools.

En route back to town we call at Ban Phanom village to visit skilled hand-weaving women.

Soak in the history of Luang Prabang at the Palace Museum which houses statues within the buildings mosaic covered walls.

NOTE: Alternative tour options can be provided if requested at time of booking 

(Includes Breakfast, Dinner)

Free in the morning.

Early afternoon we leave the hotel for the airport to catch a flight to Siem Reap. Meet up with our local guide at Siem Reap airport and drive to our hotel.

This evening, enjoy dinner with entertainment from Apsara dancers. Free time afterwards allows for an exciting walk to see the lively Pub Street and the lucky Night Market.

(Includes Breakfast)

We enter the great city of Angkor Thom through the South Gate and visit the temples of Baphoun and Phimeanakas, the Terraces of Elephant and Leper King, and the mysterious smiling Bayon.

Take a break then continue exploring the fascinating temples of Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, Takeo, Thommanon, Chau Say Thevoda, and the Royal Bath of Sras Srang.

Hike up Phnom Bakheng to behold the magnificent sunset into the land of temples.

(Includes Breakfast)

This morning explore the epic Angkor Wat complex. Built in the 12th century as the capital of King Suryavarman II's kingdom, this is the largest and best-preserved of the Angkor temples.

Free time in the afternoon..

(Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

We check out and transfer from Apsara hotel in Siem Reap to the pier at Phnom Krom. Board the RV MEKONG PRESTIGE II and settle into our cabin. 

Following lunch Mekong Prestige sets out to cross the Tonle Lake*. This evening we enjoy a lavish Welcome Dinner on board

NOTE: In case of low waters, the transfer to the ship will be made by coach or speed boat

(Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

This morning we'll arrive at Kampong Chhnang, approximately 90 km from Phnom Penh.

We board a local boat to visit the authentic floating village where life of the entire population is connected to the river through a criss-crossing canal system. We'll go ashore to stroll through the scenic market. Return to the cruise ship for lunch while sailing towards Kampong Tralach.

In the afternoon, travel by bus to discover the very charming Vihara of the Wat Kampong Leu Pagoda dating back from the last century, which has retained beautiful wall paintings. Return by ox-drawn carriage and continue by bus to Oudong, 40 km from Phnom Penh.

Between 1618 and 1866, Oudong was the capital city of Cambodia. Erected at a hilltop, this place houses numerous Stupas dating of the last Khmer Kings. We'll see the Vipassana Dhura Pagoda, a place of meditation for Buddhist Monks, before retreating to Mekong Prestige for dinner and overnight.

(Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Arriving in Koh Chong in the morning, we'll pay a visit to this silk weaving village, taking in the local workshop, a pagoda, and a primary school.

At the school we have the opportunities to chat with pupils. Enjoy lunch aboard then sail on to Phnom Penh. Visit Wat Phnom after which the city was named then enjoy dinner with Traditional Khmer Apsara Dancing Show on board.

(Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today we explore Phnom Penh and visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts. 

After lunch we visit the former High School "S21", converted to a detention centre under the Red Khmer's rule between 1975 and 1979. 

We also have the opportunity to immerse in the exotic sights and sounds of the Russian Market, a labyrinth of stalls offering from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts, jewellery and more. Return to Mekong Prestige for dinner.

(Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today is a day of leisure aboard. The ship departs towards the border with Vietnam. We'll cruise past the Mekong's timeless villages and river life with extensive fishing activities. 

Cross the border and complete the required immigration formalities (normally lasts 4 hours).

(Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

This morning we'll arrive in Tan Chau, a remote small town on the main Mekong River. After breakfast, we take a local boat to visit a fishing farm.

Next, we go ashore to visit a local workshop making woven mats, and take a short walk in the village to visit a silk workshop. 

We take a rickshaw ride around this fascinating town takes us back to the pier for lunch. 

Relax aboard in the remainder of the day.

(Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today we explore Sadec, visit a Caodaist Temple and stroll through the colourful local market. 

Following lunch aboard we'll cruise past Vinh Long Province, located in the middle of the Delta region.

On arrival in Cai Be, we'll tour the town's French Gothic Cathedral and walk along the river bank to a family manufacturer of rice paper and coconut sweets. 

This evening, enjoy dinner with a traditional Music Show

(Includes Breakfast)

We'll arrive in My Tho early this morning. Enjoy breakfast then check out and disembark. Transfer to Saigon by coach.

On arrival, we'll be met at the drop-off point and taken to the hotel. Mid-afternoon we'll set out to see the famous sights in Ho Chi Minh city, taking in the Reunification Palace, War Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Colonial Post Office, Opera House, City Hall and  Ben Thanh Market, etc.

(Includes Breakfast, Lunch)

Our tour today includes a visit to the opulent Holy See Temple of Caodai Sect in Tay Ninh. Caodai is a fascinating Vietnamese religion combining aspects of Christian, Buddhism, Muslim, Taoism and Confucius into a single religion. There's a chance to observe the impressive noon service of adherents.

Early afternoon we travel to Cu Chi to explore the legendary network of underground combat tunnels where our guide will explain how the Vietcong survived and fought during the Vietnam War.

(Includes Breakfast)

Free day to relax and explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own to soak up the atmosphere of Vietnam. Experience great shopping, cafes and wonderful restaurants.

(Includes Breakfast)

Free time before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.