Trip Inclusions
- 10 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
- 44 meals - 19 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 13 dinners, plus select international wine and local beer included with lunch and dinner on board your Mekong River cruise
- Explore 17 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
- Flights should arrive in Hanoi before 4pm
- Prices include transfers, port charges, tipping and flights between Vietnam and Cambodia
- Days 1 – 4 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 and internal flight as specified only. International flights not included
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.
Stay: Grand Mercure Hanoi
Hanoi, Sapa
Rise early to drive to the mountain town of Sapa, where hills and valleys cascade in lush greenery. Located near the Chinese border, this picturesque mountain town, once a former French hill station is home to local hill tribe’s people. 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 at a local restaurant before returning to your mountain resort perched on top one of Sapa’s highest hills.
Stay: Two Nights, BB Sapa Resort & Spa
Daily :Sapa
Head out this morning on an easy 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 experience the simple lifestyle that this area is renowned for. Take time to explore the ruins of a church dating back to the French occupation and stop to chat with the local people. After the village visit, enjoy an included lunch before enjoying 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 spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening, sit down to your multi-course Vietnamese dinner in the hotel.
Stay: Two Nights, Grand Mercure Hanoi
Daily :Hanoi
INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Hanoi's Old Quarter by Cyclo
Navigate Hanoi’s bustling streets like a local on a cyclo tour through the vibrant Old Quarter.
INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Lunch at KOTO
In Hanoi, feast on a soulful Vietnamese lunch at KOTO (Know One, Teach One), Vietnam's first social enterprise, which empowers local at-risk youth through hospitality training.
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – City Walking Tour
Your tour includes Train Street, Hanoi’s old prison, the Old Quarter and concludes at the Hanoi Opera House for an immersive look into Vietnam’s capital (additional expense).
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, exploring its most famous historical and cultural landmarks. Visit Ba Dinh Square and drive by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature—a stunning example of Vietnamese architecture and the country's first university. Afterwards, enjoy a special Insider Experience. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure, or you can choose from 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, where you will board the Bhaya Classic, your home for two nights. Meet your crew and set sail among thousands of limestone islets. Feast on a Vietnamese multi-course 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. Enjoy the sunset on board as you cruise towards your anchor point for the night. Savour 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
Start your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the Sun Deck surrounded by the beauty of Ha Long Bay. After breakfast, 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, Siem Reap, Cambodia
INSIDER EXPERIENCE – Three 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.
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Cafe Indochine
Dine in a traditional wooden Khmer house located in the centre of Siem Reap (additional expense).
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Chanrey Tree Restaurant
Sample authentic home-style Khmer cooking created by chefs who use premium produce and ingredients (additional expense).
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Mahob
Dine in a beautifully restored, elegant property, and indulge in an Asian-inspired menu of original Khmer cuisine (additional expense).
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – The Street 27 Restaurant
Indulge in authentic Khmer dining, with a beautiful garden setting adding to the ambience (additional expense).
Explore Sung Sot Cave, the 10,000-square-metre cave threaded by a 500-metre paved passageway, before cruising to Tuan Chau, where you will disembark. Travel to Hanoi airport for your included flight to Siem Reap. For dinner, perhaps choose from one of our select experience dining options.
Stay: Three Nights, Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Daily :Siem Reap
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 17th century.
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.
Explore Siem Reap this morning at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options. Later discover Ta Prohm, known as Tomb Raider temple. The temple and its atmospheric surrounds have been left to slowly return to nature, with the overgrown jungle and vast root systems creating a unique sight throughout the ruins. Later, discover Ta Prohm, known as the Tomb Raider temple. The temple and its atmospheric surrounds have been left to slowly return to nature, with the overgrown jungle and vast root systems creating a unique sight throughout the ruins. Continue to Angkor Thom, built in the 12th century. Later, enjoy an afternoon and evening of exciting Insider Experiences.
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 – 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.
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. This afternoon, explore Siem Reap at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options. Later this afternoon, 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. Afterwards, return for an exciting Insider Experience.
Daily :
Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Embark Ship, Angkor Ban
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.
Begin your Mekong River cruise with an early drive through the picturesque countryside and charming remote villages, arriving in Kampong Cham. Here, you'll board the RV Apsara, your boutique river ship and home for the next seven nights. Spend the afternoon indulging in your exclusive Insider Experience. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening on board with your fellow travellers as you embark on your unforgettable Mekong River cruise.
Stay: Seven Nights, Mekong River, RV Apsara
Daily :Angkor Ban, Oknha Tey
Begin your day with a walking tour of Angkor Ban, one of the few rural villages in Cambodia untouched by the Khmer Rouge regime. After exploring this historic village, return to your ship and set sail for Oknha Tey, also known as Silk Island, famed for its centuries-old silk manufacturing traditions. Enjoy a village tour by tuk tuk, passing through rice fields and experiencing rural life firsthand. Wander among the stilt houses and witness the traditional silk weaving process, as village women skillfully create beautiful Khmer fabrics on wooden looms. Back on board, continue your journey towards the capital, Phnom Penh.
Daily :Oknha Tey, Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen
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 sweets and savouries made with local ingredients and crafted under the expert eye of the pastry chef (additional expense).
Start your morning with a road excursion to Oudong, Cambodia's former royal capital, for an exclusive Insider Experience. On your way back to Phnom Penh, take a leisurely walk through the village of Koh Chen, where you can visit open-air home copperware workshops and see artisans at work. Return to the ship and enjoy a free afternoon exploring the vibrant city of Phnom Penh, or enhance your experience by choosing from our select options.
Daily :Phnom Penh
Start the morning today with a sobering excursion to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, where you will learn about Cambodia's 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 :Phnom Penh, Border Crossing, Tan Chau
Relax on board as your ship cruises to the Vietnamese border. While border formalities are carried out enjoy the onboard presentations and demonstrations. Cross into Vietnam and cruise into the riverside town of Tan Chau.
Daily :Tan Chau, Sa Dec
Travel along the tributaries around Tan Chau by a small boat, then go ashore for a rickshaw tour. Weave through rambling laneways past shops and friendly locals and visit local silk and rattan weaving workshops. Later, step back in time during a visit to Vinh Hoa, also known as Evergreen Island. Take the opportunity to witness traditional Vietnamese farming, then head back to the ship and continue cruising towards the quaint town of Sa Dec.
Daily :Sa Dec, Cai Be, My Tho
Take a boat ride to Sa Dec past floating fish farms before exploring the colourful market on foot. 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). Return to the ship and sit down to a delicious lunch while you cruise towards Cai Be. After lunch, a local boat will take you to the riverside town of Cai Be. Go ashore to visit the local cathedral and a rice paper and coconut candy manufacturer. Tonight, enjoy your special Farewell Dinner on board as you cruise towards your final stop My Tho.
Daily :
My Tho, Disembark Ship, Cu Chi Tunnels, 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.
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).
Disembark at My Tho and journey by road to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Gain a first-hand look at the history of the Vietnam-American War and learn about the network of underground tunnels carved out by hand. Continue to Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon, and your home for the next two nights. This evening for dinner, choose from one of our select experience dining options.
Stay: Two Nights, Ho Chi Minh City, Le Meridien Saigon
Daily :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.
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'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).
Begin the day with your Insider Experience. The afternoon has been left for you to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace, or choose from one of our select experience options. Tonight, gather for a sumptuous Farewell Dinner.
Daily :Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Your holiday comes to an end today after breakfast with a transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward journey.
Daily :In all we had a fantastic holiday. We would recommend Travelmarvel to all who'll ask.
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