Trip Inclusions
- Six nights in premium accommodation
- Seven-night Mekong River cruise aboard the RV Apsara, featuring all suites with twin balconies
- Two-night Ha Long Bay cruise on the Bhaya Classic
- 37 meals - 15 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 12 dinners, plus select international wine and local beer included with lunch and dinner on board your Mekong River cruise
- Explore 15 towns, villages and cities
- Services of Travelmarvel Tour Directors 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, tipping and flights within Vietnam
- Days 1-4 of touring are escorted by a local guide, internal flight between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is unaccompanied
- Flights should arrive in Hanoi before 4pm
- 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)
Insider Experiences
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
Arrive Hanoi
INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Grand Mercure Hanoi
Nestled in the lively core of Vietnam’s bustling capital, Grand Mercure Hanoi is conveniently close to the Old Quarter. This hotel provides a genuine and immersive experience, blending modern elegance with traditional Vietnamese charm. Its design is a tribute to local heritage, incorporating elements such as rice-themed patterns, vibrant pottery, handcrafted lacquerware, and impressive architecture, resulting in a truly soulful ambience.
On arrival in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, be met at the airport and transferred to the Grand Mercure Hanoi, only a short walk from the Old Quarter. Tonight, relish a multi-course Vietnamese Welcome Dinner.
Stay: Two Nights, Grand Mercure Hanoi
Daily :Hanoi
INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Hanoi's Old Quarter by Cyclo
Weave through Hanoi’s bustling city streets like a local on a tour of the city’s Old Quarter aboard a cyclo.
INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Lunch at KOTO
Savour authentic flavours and feast on a soulful Vietnamese lunch at KOTO (Know One, Teach One). This restaurant was established as Vietnam's first social enterprise, and seeks to empower local youth who are at-risk and disadvantaged through hospitality training.
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Cooking Workshop and Dinner
Immerse yourself in a vibrant local market with a seasoned chef, handpicking fresh ingredients for a hands-on cooking workshop, and then savour your culinary creation for dinner. Discover the diverse techniques and ingredients that have made Vietnamese cuisine famous for its fresh, fragrant and aromatic flavours (additional expense).
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Folk Art Class
Journey to one of Vietnam’s most renowned silk-weaving villages and connect with the inspiring individuals behind Vun Art, a social enterprise managed by people with disabilities. The Vun (meaning "scrap") Art Cooperative was established to empower people with disabilities by offering vocational training and creating stable employment opportunities. Hear inspiring stories of the challenges faced in founding this initiative, and enjoy the chance to create your own folk painting on a tote bag to take home (additional expense).
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Hanoi at Dawn
Experience the essence of Hanoi with an early morning walk to witness the culturally enriching flag-raising ceremony at Ba Dinh Square, the largest square in Vietnam. Afterwards, immerse yourself in local life by exploring a vibrant wet market, observing rituals at a small temple, and enjoying a morning cup of coffee, a beloved custom of Hanoians on their way to work (additional expense).
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Water Puppets and Street Food Style Dinner
Take your seat at one of the city's traditional water puppet theatres and immerse yourself in this ancient art form, unique to northern Vietnam, originally performed in villages and rice paddies. Enjoy the enchanting performance with a traditional Vietnamese orchestra, featuring drums, cymbals, horns, and bamboo flutes, providing the perfect background accompaniment. Afterwards, savour a mouth-watering selection of Vietnamese street foods at a local restaurant set in a charming colonial villa (additional expense).
Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Hanoi, taking in the most famous historical and cultural sites. Visit Ba Dinh Square, one of the largest squares in Vietnam and drive by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. Nearby is the iconic One Pillar Pagoda built on a single pillar of stone in the middle of a lotus pond. Continue to the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture and the first university in Vietnam. Afterwards, enjoy an Insider Experience. The afternoon and evening are at leisure or perhaps choose from one of our select experiences.
Daily :
Hanoi, Tuan Chau, Embark Ship, Ha Long Bay
INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Ha Long Bay Cruise
See Ha Long Bay on a two-night cruise on board Bhaya Classic. World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is made up of over 1,600 limestone pillars, and is an ideal playground for exciting activities and relaxation.
Set off early to Tuan Chau Harbour to board your boutique ship, the Bhaya Classic. Meet your crew and set sail among thousands of limestone islets. Feast on a Vietnamese lunch as you soak in the views of Ha Long Bay. Then it's time to kayak around the Tung Sau area. Catch the sunset on board as you cruise towards your anchor point for the night. Enjoy dinner before doing some squid fishing, sipping cocktails or relaxing in your cabin.
Stay: Two Nights, Ha Long Bay, Bhaya Classic
Daily :Ha Long Bay
Board rowing boats to visit the Luon Cave area, listen to the ancient folklore and enjoy close views of the magnificent limestone karsts. Visit Cua Van Floating Village in the heart of Ha Long Bay, by kayak or traditional rowing boat. Enjoy lunch on board while cruising to Trinh Nu. Spend time relaxing at the private beach or visit one of the finest sunlight caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Later gather for a flavourful dinner.
Daily :Ha Long Bay, Disembark Ship, Tuan Chau, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City
INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Two Nights at Le Meridien Saigon
Experience a stay at the one-of-a-kind Le Meridien Saigon. Located on the banks of Saigon River in the bustling District 1, this contemporary hotel is centrally situated only moments away from Ben Thanh Market and Independence Palace.
Visit Sung Sot Cave before docking back at Tuan Chau Harbour and transferring to Hanoi airport. Board your included flight to Ho Chi Minh City. A delicious dinner awaits you tonight.
Stay: Two Nights, Ho Chi Minh City, Le Meridien Saigon
Daily :Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City
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, souvenirs and jewellery (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).
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Hoi An Sense
Experience the authentic flavours of Hoi An delicacies, complemented by warm hospitality and cultural charm (additional expense).
Discover the military history of the area. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, built by the Viet Cong during the war. 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 :Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Embark Ship, Cai Be
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 a locally inspired 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 :
Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau
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 whilst 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 :Tan Chau, Cambodia, Border Crossing, Phnom Penh
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 down time 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 :Phnom Penh
Today learn of the atrocities inflicted upon Cambodians during Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, where you'll find the Memorial Stupa, a glass monument erected in memory of the thousands of Cambodians who lost their lives. After lunch on board, visit the spectacular Royal Palace, with its dazzling white and gold architecture. Then head to the glorious Silver Pagoda, set on the southern side of the palace complex. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to head to the local markets for souvenirs or perhaps to taste the local delicacy of fried tarantula. Alternatively, relax on board and enjoy the facilities and service.
Daily :Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh
INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Buddhist Blessing Ceremony
Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony for good luck, health and a 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 sweets and savouries made with local ingredients and crafted under the expert eye of the pastry chef (additional expense).
Disembark and travel by coach to Oudong for an Insider Experience. Then continue to Koh Chen to see the open-air copperware workshops. Return to the ship and enjoy a free afternoon in Phnom Penh, or perhaps enhance your time by choosing one of Travelmarvel's select experiences.
Daily :Phnom Penh, Oknha Tey, Angkor Ban
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 take in the passing scenery from the Sun Deck.
Daily :Angkor Ban, Koh Pen, Kampong Cham
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 escaped destruction from 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 ship 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 :Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Siem Reap
INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Local Charity Visit
Visit Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner that 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.
Transfer 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 the hotel enjoy your Insider Experiences.
Stay: Two Nights, Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Daily :Siem Reap
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.
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 :
Depart Siem Reap
Your journey ends this morning. after breakfast with a transfer to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport for your onward flight.
Daily :Throughout our 16 days we had excellent guides and we were pleased with all but our dealings with Lily were special and we felt you should know about this valuable resource.
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