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Travelmarvel

Essential Vietnam and Cambodia

Trip Code: VTMR12
12 Days
27 Meals
2 Countries
  • Travel & Accommodation
  • Map & Itinerary
  • Similar Trips

Trip Inclusions

  • Four nights in premium accommodation
  • Seven-night Mekong River cruise aboard the RV Apsara, featuring all suites with twin balconies
  • 27 meals - 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 9 dinners, plus select international wine and local beer included with lunch and dinner on board your Mekong River cruise
  • Explore 13 towns, villages and cities
  • Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and expert English-speaking local guides

Map & Itinerary

Trip Notes

  • Itinerary, hotels, pricing and inclusions subject to change
  • Disruptions to cruising and touring may occur due to operational issues, including high or low water levels, and unforeseen weather conditions
  • Prices include transfers, port charges and tipping
  • Flights should arrive into Ho Chi Minh City before 5pm
  • Extend your journey with a beach break at Vung Tau (VTMV3), Mui Ne (VTMM3) or Koh Rong Island (VTMK3), and/or add a stopover in Singapore (STOSIN3TM), Bangkok (STOBKK3TM) or Malaysia (STOKUL3TM). Refer to the website or contact us for more details
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. Flights not included (unless specified)
Vietnam & Cambodia VTMR12 Map 2024-2026

Designed exclusively for our guests

Insider Experience

Enjoy an included special or unique excursion or event

Enhance Your Journey

Travelmarvel provides further opportunity to pursue your special interests and enhance your holiday with a range of optional experiences

INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Two Nights at Le Meridien Saigon

Experience an unforgettable stay at the unique Le Meridien Saigon. Nestled on the banks of the Saigon River in bustling District 1, this contemporary hotel is perfectly situated just moments away from Ben Thanh Market and Independence Palace.


Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon. Meet your Travelmarvel representative and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, feast on a delicious Welcome Dinner showcasing the distinctive flavours of Vietnamese cuisine.

Stay: Two Nights, Ho Chi Minh City, Le Meridien Saigon

Daily :
  • Dinner

ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Ho Chi Minh City by Foot

Explore the bustling city on this walking tour, passing the Saigon Opera House People’s Committee building, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office (additional expense).

ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – History of Saigon

Delve deeper into Ho Chi Minh City’s turbulent history. Start at the Reunification Palace, visit the War Remnants Museum and see the Burning Monk Memorial (additional expense).

ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Shopping Tour by Foot

Seek out the city's boutiques as only a local knows and discover locally made and produced items such as clothing, mementos and jewellery (additional expense).

ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Hoi An Sense

Indulge in authentic Hoi An delicacies, complemented by warm hospitality and rich cultural charm (additional expense).

ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Le Corto

Dine on a three-course French fusion-inspired menu with a dining experience like no other (additional expense).

ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro

Savour the delights of this Vietnamese bistro, where the walls are adorned with locally crafted propaganda posters offering food-oriented advice (additional expense).


Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were used as hiding spots during combat, and they also served as communication and supply routes, hospitals and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters. Take the opportunity to crawl through a section to understand first-hand what it was like for the soldiers who lived and fought here. The afternoon and evening have been left free for you to explore at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience touring and dining options.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
Front view of The Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City

INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Morning Walking Tour

Step out on an early morning guided walk to watch the busy streets come to life and gain a deeper understanding of what drives this urban centre.


Begin the day with your Insider Experience then return to your hotel for breakfast. Drive to My Tho and board the RV Apsara, your boutique river ship and home for the next seven nights. Exuding an authentic ambience, the ship offers twin balconies with every suite to ensure a unique and scenic perspective on your Mekong River cruise.

Set sail from My Tho and soak in the scenery as you cruise towards Cai Be, where you anchor overnight. Settle in and familiarise yourself with your suite or relax up on the Sun Deck and watch life along the river. Tonight, enjoy your special Welcome Dinner on board with your fellow travellers.

Stay: Seven Nights, Mekong River, RV Apsara

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Early risers can witness the sunrise from the Sun Deck and enjoy coffee and freshly baked pastries in the Saigon Lounge. Keep an eye open for the wholesalers pedalling their tropical fruits and vegetables at the floating market.

Board your small tender boat, a traditional sampan for your first excursion on the banks of the Mekong. See the colonial port filled with crumbling colonial buildings and flowering gardens. Step ashore to visit the Cai Be Church, the tallest church in the Mekong Delta, with its impressive bell tower. Afterwards, visit a rice paper and coconut candy manufacturer and learn how these tasty Vietnamese favourites are made.

Head back to the ship and sit down to lunch while cruising to the quaint town of Sa Dec. Upon arrival, explore Sa Dec by foot and meet some sellers at the market. From fish to leafy vegetables and mangoes, the markets are a riot of colour and activity. Continue past crumbling waterside mansions to the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired the French writer Marguerite Duras’ novel, L'Amant (The Lover). Hear the stories of this Vietnamese Chinese tragic love story retold by your local guide.

Return to the ship to unwind or relax with a rejuvenating treatment from the spa. As the sun sets the RV Apsara sets sail for Tan Chau. Dine in the restaurant and later spend time in the lounge enjoying the evening entertainment or sip on a late-night cocktail.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Transfer to a small boat for a cruise along the tiny tributaries that snake around Tan Chau, the last stop before the border. Step ashore for a rickshaw tour and weave through rambling laneways past shops and friendly locals and stop to visit a local silk and rattan weaving workshop.

Later, step back in time during a visit to Vinh Hoa, also known as Evergreen Island. Take the opportunity to see traditional Vietnamese farming, where the land is ploughed by water buffalo and where you will see authentic rural Mekong life.

Appreciate some downtime and watch the scenery of the Mekong River pass as the RV Apsara spends the afternoon cruising towards the Cambodian border. While border formalities are carried out, sit down and enjoy the onboard activities and presentations. Cross into Cambodia and cruise overnight towards the capital, Phnom Penh.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Start the morning with an excursion to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, where you will learn about the atrocities inflicted upon the Cambodian people by the Khmer Rouge regime, as well as the resilience of the Cambodian people. Take a moment to pay your respects at the Memorial Stupa, a monument erected in memory of the thousands of people who lost their lives. After lunch, visit the Royal Palace built in 1866, and delight in its white and gold Khmer architecture. Head inside the glorious Silver Pagoda - named after its floors, which are designed with 5,000 silver tiles. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to head to the Russian Market for souvenirs, the Central Market where you can try the local delicacy of fried tarantula and crickets, or simply stay on board and enjoy the facilities and service.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Buddhist Blessing Ceremony

Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony for good luck, health and safe journey, with resident monks at a monastery in Oudong.

ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Hands-on Cooking Workshop

Meet your chef, visit a local market and select fruits, spices and more local ingredients to prepare Khmer dishes (additional expense).

ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Phnom Penh By Cyclo

Explore Phnom Penh by cyclo, taking in sights such as Independence Square, the Royal Palace, trendy cafes, boutiques, local markets, and pagodas (additional expense).

ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – High Tea in the Clouds

Savour unobstructed panoramic views of the city, Central Market, and the legendary Mekong River from the iconic Rosewood Phnom Penh while indulging in a delightful afternoon tea experience. Enjoy fine TWG teas in the Living Room lounge, accompanied by delicious sweet and savoury treats made with local ingredients and crafted under the expert eye of the pastry chef (additional expense).


Begin your morning with an excursion by road to Oudong, which served as Cambodia’s royal capital for almost 250 years from 1618 to 1866. While here, enjoy your memorable Insider Experience. En route back to Phnom Penh, take a leisurely walk to explore Koh Chen, a village specialising in the manufacture of copperware. Here, you’ll visit some small family workshops and have the opportunity to buy some souvenirs. Enjoy a free afternoon or choose one of our select experience options.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Buddhist Blessing, Cambodia

Rise early as you cruise towards Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), more commonly known as the Silk Island, renowned for its silk manufacturing traditions, preserved over the centuries. Travel by tuk tuk, pass rice fields and get a glimpse into rural life. Stroll among the stilt houses and gain insight into the traditional silk weaving process. Watch as the village women create the beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail towards Angkor Ban. In the afternoon, take a dip in the pool and soak in the passing scenery from the Sun Deck.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Tuk Tuk Tour of Koh Pen

Hop on a tuk tuk and explore the agricultural island of Koh Pen. Travel along the shaded lanes and past wooden stilted houses, tucked among palm and sandalwood trees.


Start your day with a tour of Angkor Ban by foot. Nicknamed the 'Lucky Village', Angkor Ban is one of the few rural villages that avoided destruction by the Khmer Rouge. Stroll through town and see traditional wooden houses, some over a century old, and a Khmer style pagoda surrounded by stupas dedicated to Buddha. This afternoon, your cruise docks at its final location, Kampong Cham. After lunch, jump in a tuk tuk for your Insider Experience. This evening, savour a final dinner on board and reminisce about your Mekong River cruise.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Local Charity Visit

Visit Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner which supports local underprivileged children by providing them with an education.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Circus Performance

Take your seat at Phare Circus and be amazed by the skills of the performers. This acclaimed show blends modern Khmer tales with music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts, and contortion.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Two Nights at the Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas

Unwind in an idyllic setting during an indulgent stay at this upscale retreat designed by renowned architect, Bill Bensley. Combining luxury and sustainability, your accommodation is located in Siem Reap's leafy French Quarter, close to the famous Angkor Wat Temple.


Bid farewell to the crew and disembark the RV Apsara. Travel to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, passing through picturesque countryside and remote villages. Take a break before heading to the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, commonly referred to as the Tomb Raider temple having featured in the movie starring Angelina Jolie. En route to your hotel, enjoy your Insider Experiences.

Stay: Two Nights, Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas

Daily :
  • Breakfast
Ta prohm Temple with tree intertwined, Cambodia

INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Wake up early and witness the sun rising over Angkor Wat. A seat is included during the experience, as well as refreshments (coffee, tea or juice).

INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance

Dine on tantalising Khmer cuisine and peer into the heart of Cambodia by watching a performance of an Apsara dance, a delicate, beautiful tradition dating back to the seventh century.

ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – APOPO Herorats Tour and Landmine Museum

Take a tour of APOPO, a non-profit organisation that trains African Giant Pouched rats to save lives by detecting landmines. Close by, the Landmine Museum will showcase the devastating impact of landmines, sharing personal stories of hope and resilience while highlighting ongoing de-mining efforts (additional expense).

ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Horse Cart Ride

Journey through the Cambodian countryside on a traditional horse cart. Relax and watch the scenery go by on this authentic outing (additional expense).

ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Quad Bike Adventure

Explore authentic Cambodia away from the tourist crowds on a quad bike. Journey through rice fields, forests and villages (additional expense).


Rise early this morning and travel back to Angkor Archaeological Park for a special Insider Experience. Afterwards, join a guided exploration of this well-preserved temple, then return to your hotel for breakfast. Later, embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the magnificent Angkor Thom and its iconic Bayon Temple. Angkor Thom, a stunning ancient city built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, served as the grand capital of the Khmer Empire. As you wander through this vast, historical landscape, you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time, surrounded by majestic temples and awe-inspiring structures. At the heart of Angkor Thom lies the Bayon Temple, renowned for its remarkable architecture and the mysterious, serene faces that adorn its towering spires. These intricately carved expressions will leave you in awe as you delve deeper into the rich history and artistry of this extraordinary site.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Your Vietnam and Cambodia journey comes to an end after breakfast with a transfer to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport for your onward flight.

Daily :
  • Breakfast

...We cant fault anything, all the tours on land was amazing, loved the kids...We thoroughly enjoyed the whole tour, and can recommend Travelmarvel to everyone, a big thank you to all.