Trip Inclusions
- 13 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
- 50 Meals - 22 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 15 dinners, plus select international wine and local beer included with lunch and dinner on board your Mekong River cruise
- Explore 19 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, tipping and flights within Vietnam
- Flights should arrive in Hanoi before 4pm
- Days 1-4 of touring are escorted by a local guide
- 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.
Upon your arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel close to the Old Quarter. Later, get to know your local guide during an informal briefing at your hotel.
Stay: Grand Mercure Hanoi
Hanoi, Sapa
Rise early for the drive to Sapa, a mountain town located among green hills and valleys. Once a former French hill station is home to local hill peoples. Witness spectacular mountain views and valleys dotted with terraced paddy fields along the way. Step out on a guided walk around town. Stroll through the local market and learn about several of the ethnic minority groups, including Hmong and Dao, who make their way in from nearby villages to sell their produce. Savour dinner tonight at your mountain resort perched atop one of Sapa’s highest hills.
Stay: Two Nights, BB Sapa Resort & Spa
Daily :
Sapa
Head out on a leisurely hike through breathtaking landscapes to explore the small village of Ma Tra, home to the H’mong and Red Dao peoples. Here you will see the famous terraced rice fields and witness the simple lifestyle that this area is renowned for. Take time to explore the ruins of a church dating to the French occupation and stop to chat with the local people. After the village visit, enjoy an included lunch before having the remainder of your afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take the opportunity to go exploring, shopping or relax at your accommodation.
Daily :Sapa, Hanoi
Drive back to Hanoi and enjoy time at leisure. This evening, sit down to a multi-course Vietnamese dinner in the hotel.
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, seeking 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 savouring your culinary creation for dinner (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. Learn about this ancient art form, unique to northern Vietnam, originally performed in villages and rice paddies. A traditional Vietnamese orchestra including drums, cymbals, horns, and bamboo flutes provides background accompaniment. Later, dine on 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, and drive by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, the iconic One Pillar Pagoda and 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 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 before boarding Bhaya Classic, your home for two nights. Meet your crew and set sail among thousands of limestone islets. Feast on a Vietnamese multicourse lunch as you soak in the breathtaking views of the magical bay. Then it's time to kayak around the Tung Sau area. Surrounded by cascading mountains that extend out from the jewel-coloured waters of the bay, this place is an isolated region of water in Ha Long Bay used for pearl farming. Catch the sunset on board as you cruise towards anchor 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, Da Nang, Hoi An
INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa
Rest and unwind in the luxury surround of the Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa.
Explore Sung Sot Cave this morning before bidding your crew farewell and transferring to Hanoi airport where you will board a flight to Da Nang. Continue by road to your hotel in the charming World Heritage-listed Hoi An where you will enjoy dinner.
Stay: Three Nights, Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa
Daily :Hoi An
INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Morning Glory Cooking School
Discover the art of cooking Vietnamese cuisine with the Morning Glory Cooking School. Hosted by Trinh Diem Vy, the owner of several successful restaurants in town, or one of her esteemed protégées visit the local market and then prepare a selection of delicious signature dishes and sample your efforts at lunch.
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Mango Mango
Blending traditional Vietnamese cuisine with western fare, indulge in the perfectly located Mango Mango (additional expense).
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Reu Restaurant
This colourful venue boasts beautiful views to enjoy while dining on traditional Vietnamese cuisine (additional expense).
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – The Hoianian
Enjoy a three-course dinner with a mix of contemporary Vietnamese and fusion flavours (additional expense).
Make the most of your day today in Hoi An with your Insider Experience at the Morning Glory Cooking School. Enjoy a free evening or choose from one of our select experience dining options.
Daily :Hoi An
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Guided Eco Tour
Gain an insight into the unique and sustainable farming and fishing methods at Tra vegetable village. Weave through the neat rows of planted organic herbs and vegetables as you hear stories of the locals’ unique methods of farming created 300 years ago. Join a local fisherman and understand how they make their unique bamboo basket boats before learning how to paddle one (additional expense).
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hill
Journey via Da Nang to Ba Na Hills and the very picturesque Golden Bridge. Ride the cable car, reputed to be the world’s longest, direct to the bridge and soak in the views of the coastline beyond. Be greeted with the sight of the colossal hands designed to evoke the image of God’s hands pulling a strip of gold out of the land. Cau Vang, or “Golden Bridge,” soars 3,280 ft. above sea level (additional expense).
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – My Son Ruins
Venture out into the rural region from Hoi An to My Son, the World Heritage-listed site dating back to the ancient Cham Empire. Set in a lush jungle, these ancient Hindu temples built between the 4th and 14th century to the Hindu god, Shiva, are a wonderous site. Spend time wandering through the ruins, admire the sandstone bas-reliefs and stone pillars and hear stories of the Cham Kingdom (additional expense).
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Lune Theatre Show
Lune Production Company allows spectators to gain an insight into the charming beauty and cultural richness of Vietnamese life in the countryside, in contrast with the nation’s racing urbanisation. A visual experience for all, the show is a display of acrobatic acts, dance, theatrical visual art and traditional bamboo cirque all mixed with live music (additional expense).
Spend the day at leisure, explore this charming World Heritage-listed town at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options.
Daily :
Hoi An, Hue
Travel over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, offering spectacular views of Lang Co Beach, before arriving in Hue, the former Imperial capital of Vietnam, nestled along the picturesque Perfume River. Explore the grand Imperial Citadel, stroll among its monuments, and listen to stories of former royal inhabitants. Step inside the historical Tien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery. This evening, savour regional cuisine from Hue.
Stay: Hue, Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa
Daily :Hue, 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 the Saigon River in the bustling District 1, this contemporary hotel is centrally situated only moments away from Ben Thanh Market and Independence Palace.
Board a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon. Tonight, indulge in a multi-course dinner.
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 – 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
With walls adorned with locally made propaganda of food-orientated advice, enjoy this Vietnamese bistro (additional expense).
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Hoi An Sense
Offering authentic Hoi An delicacies accompanied by warm hospitality and cultural charm (additional expense).
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 the 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).
Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an elaborate tunnel network built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the war. Learn more about the construction of the underground passageways and 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 enjoy the sunrise, coffee, and pastries on the Sun Deck. Watch wholesalers at the floating market before boarding a sampan for your first Mekong excursion. Visit a colonial port with historic buildings and gardens, then see the tallest church in the Mekong Delta. Learn how rice paper and coconut candy are made.
Return to the ship for lunch while cruising to Sa Dec. Explore the vibrant market and visit the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration for Marguerite Duras’ novel, The Lover. Unwind on the ship, enjoy a spa treatment, and dine as you sail to Tan Chau. Finish the evening with entertainment or a cocktail in the lounge.
Daily :Tan Chau, Cambodia Border Crossing, Phnom Penh
Transfer to a small boat for a journey along the tiny tributaries that snake around Tan Chau. Embark on a rickshaw tour and weave through the tiny laneways of this sleepy town almost untouched by tourism. Home to one of the largest silk-weaving centres in Vietnam, you can observe how silk is woven in the local workshops.
After lunch, take a small boat to discover rural life on Evergreen Island. Observe the traditional Vietnamese farming techniques, where the land is ploughed by water buffalo and where you can see authentic rural Mekong life.
Later 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, delighting in 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 – Hands-on Cooking Workshop
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 sweets and savouries made with local ingredients and crafted under the expert eye of the pastry chef (additional expense).
Travel by coach to Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia, for your memorable Insider Experience. Afterwards, you will visit Koh Chen and explore 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 your ship glides along the lush banks of the Mekong to Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island renowned for its silk manufacturing traditions, preserved over centuries. Travel by tuk tuk, pass rice fields and get a glimpse into rural life. Stroll among the stilt houses and gain an insight into the traditional silk weaving process. Watch as the village women create the beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms. Return to your river ship and enjoy lunch on board as the ship sets sail for Angkor Ban. In the afternoon as you cruise up the Mekong River enjoy time at leisure. Have a dip in the pool or sit and read a book on the Sun Deck while soaking in the scenery.
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 morning with a guided walk of Angkor Ban, a village awash with stories of Cambodia's cultural history, and one of the few traditional villages that survived the Khmer Rouge regime. Nicknamed the 'Lucky Village', stroll through town, see traditional stilted houses and a Khmer-style pagoda. After lunch, your cruise docks at its final location Kampong Cham where you can enjoy your Insider Experience. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board with your fellow travellers as you reminisce about your Mekong River cruise adventure.
Daily :Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Siem Reap
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 wowed 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 where you can observe rural life. Take a break before heading to the jungle Ta Prohm Temple, commonly referred to as the Tomb Raider temple. Later, continue on to enjoy an afternoon and evening of exciting 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.
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. This afternoon, explore Siem Reap at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options.
Daily :Depart Siem Reap
Your journey ends today after breakfast with a transfer to Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport for your onward flight.
Daily :This was our first organised tour - and it met and exceeded all of our expectations. The planning throughout the trip was meticulous, the service delivery in Vietnam and Cambodia was exceptional.
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