Begin your journey in vibrant Hanoi, then soak up the splendour of Ha Long Bay on a two-night cruise. Delve into Vietnam’s rich culture and history in Hoi An, Hue and Ho Chi Minh City before taking to the mighty Mekong River for a seven-night cruise, witnessing life along its banks from your private balcony. Your tour concludes in Cambodia’s Siem Reap, where you’ll visit the fascinating temples of Angkor Archaeological Park.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

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.

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.

Day 2: Hanoi

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 past the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. Then, explore charming Mural Street before continuing to the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture and the first university in Vietnam. Afterwards, two Insider Experiences await. With the afternoon and evening at leisure, perhaps enjoy one of our select experiences.

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, dedicated to empowering at-risk and disadvantaged local youth through hospitality training.

Enhance Your Journey – Folk Art Class

Journey to one of Vietnam’s most renowned silk-weaving villages and connect with the inspiring individuals behind Vụn Art, a social enterprise managed by people with disabilities. The Vụn (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.

Enhance Your Journey – Street Food Tour

Discover Hanoi’s street food scene and uncover the quintessential culinary flavours of Vietnam’s capital city. Wander the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter, sampling local specialties such as savoury pork buns and fragrant phở, before concluding with a visit to one of Hanoi’s best-kept secrets – a cafe overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

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 and once performed in villages and rice paddies. Accompanied by a traditional Vietnamese orchestra of drums, cymbals, horns, and bamboo flutes, the enchanting performance unfolds against a mesmerising soundtrack. Afterwards, savour a mouth-watering selection of Vietnamese street food at a local restaurant set in a charming colonial villa.

Enhance Your Journey – Cooking Workshop and Dinner

Immerse yourself in a vibrant local market with a seasoned chef, selecting fresh ingredients for a hands-on cooking workshop. Discover the diverse techniques and ingredients that have made Vietnamese cuisine famous for its fresh, fragrant and aromatic flavours, then savour your culinary creation for dinner.

Day 3: Hanoi, Tuan Chau, Embark Ship, Ha Long Bay

Set off early for Tuan Chau, where an Insider Experience awaits – a two-night cruise through Ha Long Bay aboard the Au Co. Enjoy an assortment of Vietnamese dishes during lunch as your boutique ship slowly glides towards the southeast of Ha Long Bay, passing Trong Mai Islet, Ngon Tay Islet and Con Coc Islet. Next, embark on an excursion to Cat Ba Island and ride a bicycle or electric cart through the peaceful Viet Hai village. Learn about local life and two of Bhaya Cruises’ social responsibility projects, then bask in the lush scenery at Bhaya Café as you join a hands-on culinary class to master bánh cuốn – delicate steamed rice rolls. Then, return to the ship and savour a delicious dinner on board. Afterwards, perhaps join a Vietnamese rice wine tasting session in the restaurant or try your hand at squid fishing on the main deck.

Insider Experience – Ha Long Bay Cruise

Discover Ha Long Bay on a two-night cruise aboard the traditionally styled Au Co. World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is one of nature’s most inspiring displays, where over 1,600 lush limestone pillars rise from the emerald waters – making it an ideal playground for exciting activities and relaxation.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay

As the sun rises over the acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, rejuvenate the body and mind with a Tai Chi lesson. Delight in a hearty breakfast before kayaking through the Trinh Nu area, taking in the awe-inspiring surroundings as you navigate through rugged mountains rising from emerald waters. Return to the boat for a leisurely cruise toward Cua Van Floating Village, where you’ll enjoy a special lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll have the chance to explore this incredible location in the heart of Ha Long Bay by kayak or traditional rowing boat. Then, hop back on board and cruise to the anchor point, soaking up spectacular sunset views from the deck with a drink in hand. Wrap up the day with a flavourful dinner in the onboard restaurant.

Day 5: Ha Long Bay, Disembark Ship, Tuan Chau, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An

Begin the day with a delicious breakfast before choosing between two exciting sightseeing options. Explore the spectacular Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in Ha Long Bay. Spanning a vast 10,000 square metres, this natural wonder is adorned with thousands of shimmering stalactites and stalagmites, connected by a 500-metre paved pathway that guides you through its magical depths. Alternatively, take an excursion to Titov Island, where you can relax on a pristine beach or hike to the top of the island’s mountain for panoramic views of Ha Long Bay. Afterwards, return to the boat to prepare for disembarkation before transferring to Hanoi airport. From here, you’ll fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An.

Insider Experience – Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa

Rest and unwind in the tranquil surrounds of Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa.

Day 6: Hoi An

Start your day with an immersive Insider Experience. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Insider Experience – Morning Glory Cooking School

Discover the art of cooking Vietnamese cuisine with the Morning Glory Cooking School. Take a guided tour of Hoi An’s market, prepare a selection of dishes, and sample your efforts.

Day 7: Hoi An

Explore Hoi An at your leisure today, with a range of select experiences on offer. For dinner, perhaps choose one of the select experiences for a truly authentic insight into Vietnamese cuisine.

Enhance Your Journey – Guided Eco Tour

Discover the time-honoured farming and fishing traditions of Tra Que Vegetable Village, where sustainable techniques have been practised for over 300 years. Stroll through rows of organic herbs and vegetables as you learn the art of cultivation passed down through generations. Then, meet a local fisherman to learn how the region’s distinctive bamboo basket boats are crafted before trying your hand at paddling one across the water.

Enhance Your Journey – Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills

Journey from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills to see the striking Golden Bridge. Ride the cable car directly to the bridge, taking in sweeping views of the coastline along the way. Perched 1,414 metres above sea level, the 150-metre walkway seemingly floats in the sky, held aloft by two colossal, stone hands rising from the mountainside.

Enhance Your Journey – Lune Theatre Show

Lune Production offers a captivating glimpse into the beauty and cultural richness of Vietnamese rural life amid rapid urbanisation. In an intimate theatre setting, the show blends acrobatics, contemporary dance, live music, and traditional bamboo circus techniques.

Enhance Your Journey – Rêu Restaurant

This vibrant venue offers beautiful views to enjoy as you dine on traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Enhance Your Journey – The Hoianian

Savour a three-course dinner showcasing a blend of contemporary Vietnamese and fusion flavours.

Day 8: Hoi An, Hue

Travel over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, offering spectacular views of Lang Co Beach, before arriving in Hue. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the former Imperial capital of Vietnam, nestled along the picturesque Perfume River. This evening, savour regional cuisine.

Day 9: Hue, Ho Chi Minh City

Explore the grand Imperial Citadel, stroll among its monuments, and listen to stories of former royal inhabitants. Afterwards, take an included flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon. A delicious dinner awaits you tonight.

Insider Experience – Two Nights at Le Méridien Saigon

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

Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City

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 the cramped conditions experienced by 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.

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 Saigon Central Post Office. 

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.

Enhance Your Journey – Shopping Tour by Coach

Seek out the city’s boutiques as only a local knows and discover locally made items such as clothing, mementos and jewellery.

Enhance Your Journey – Street Food Tour by Motorbike

Embark on a thrilling motorbike tour through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, guided by a knowledgeable local. Savour three courses of classic Vietnamese street food, beginning with a steaming bowl of traditional noodles, followed by a bánh mì, and concluding with a fried rice flour cake – served with fresh juice or a smoothie. Finish at HỢP Sky Bar, a stylish rooftop venue offering panoramic views of the city’s dazzling lights, where you’ll enjoy a drink and a snack.

Enhance Your Journey – Hoi An Sense

Indulge in the authentic specialties of Hoi An in a unique culinary setting, complete with Vietnamese music and warm hospitality.

Enhance Your Journey – Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro

Offering traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist, this bistro draws inspiration from the theme of ‘propaganda’, enchanting guests with its lively ambience and striking hand-painted murals.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Embark Ship, Cai Be

Enjoy a leisurely morning, then drive to My Tho and board the RV Lotus, your boutique river ship for the next seven nights. With its locally inspired ambience and twin balconies in every suite, the ship immerses you in the spirit of the Mekong while offering ever-changing views along your journey. As you cruise from My Tho to Cai Be, soak up the scenery and observe river life as you settle into your suite or relax on the Sun Deck. This evening, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner on board with your fellow travellers.

Day 12: Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau

Explore Cai Be and its surrounds by tender boat as you view local life on the river and along its banks. Go ashore to see the Cai Be Church, the tallest church in the Mekong Delta with its impressive bell tower, and visit manufacturers of rice paper and coconut candy to learn how they’re made. Head back to the ship and sit down to a delicious lunch while cruising to Sa Dec. Afterwards, take a boat ride to the charming town of Sa Dec for a guided tour. Stroll through the colourful markets and continue by foot to the home of Huynh Thuy Le, once the lover of French writer Marguerite Duras, whose best-selling novel The Lover offers a fictionalised account of their affair. Back on board, unwind or relax your body with a rejuvenating treatment from the spa. As the sun sets, the RV Lotus sets sail for Tan Chau. Enjoy dinner and later, head up to the Saigon Lounge for evening entertainment or a cocktail.

Day 13: Tan Chau, Cambodia Border Crossing, Phnom Penh

Transfer to a small boat for a journey along the tiny tributaries that snake around Tan Chau. Disembark for a rickshaw tour and visit a local rattan weaving workshop. After lunch, take a small boat to discover authentic rural life on Evergreen Island. Observe traditional Vietnamese farming techniques, where the land is ploughed by water buffalo. Later, appreciate some downtime and watch the scenery of the Mekong River pass by as the RV Lotus cruises 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.

Day 14: 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.

Day 15: Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen

Begin your morning with an excursion by road to Oudong, Cambodia’s royal capital from the early 17th until the 19th centuries. Here, enjoy a 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. Visit some small family workshops and perhaps purchase some souvenirs. Enjoy a free afternoon or choose one of our select experience options.

Insider Experience – Buddhist Blessing Ceremony

Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony to wish you good luck, health and safe journey, led by resident monks at a monastery in Oudong.

Enhance Your Journey – Hands-On Cooking Workshop

Meet your chef and visit a local market to select fruits, spices and other local ingredients before learning how to prepare authentic Khmer dishes.

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.

Enhance Your Journey – Phnom Penh by Tuk Tuk

Discover Phnom Penh by tuk tuk, passing sights like Wat Phnom, the Phnom Penh Post Office, U.S. Embassy, Raffles Hotel, and Royal Railway Station. Ride along Pasteur Street, the Central Market, and Phsar Tapang. Stop to walk around the Independence Monument and statue of King Norodom Sihanouk, then continue past NagaWorld, the Royal Palace and Sisowath Quay.

Day 16: 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. The river island is renowned for its silk manufacturing traditions, preserved over centuries. Travel by tuk tuk past 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 beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms. Return to your river ship and savour lunch on board as the ship sets sail for Angkor Ban. As you cruise up the Mekong River in the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure. Take a dip in the pool or sit and read a book on the Sun Deck while soaking in the scenery.

Day 17: Angkor Ban, Koh Pen, Kampong Cham

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. Stroll through the town – nicknamed the ‘Lucky Village’ – to 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.

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.

Day 18: Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Siem Reap

Bid farewell to the crew and disembark the RV Lotus. Travel to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, passing through picturesque countryside and remote villages. Savour lunch at the hotel before heading to the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, often referred to as the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ due to its depiction in the Angelina Jolie film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Afterwards, two Insider Experiences await. Tonight, perhaps enjoy the optional select experience on offer.

Insider Experience – Local Charity Visit

Visit Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner that provides education to local disadvantaged children living in Siem Reap’s remote villages.

Insider Experience – Two Nights at Shinta Mani Angkor

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

Enhance Your Journey – 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.

Day 19: Siem Reap

Rise early this morning and travel back to Angkor Archaeological Park for a special Insider Experience. Afterwards, join a guided exploration of the well-preserved Angkor Wat, then return to your hotel for breakfast. Perhaps enjoy one of our Enhance Your Journey options before embarking on an unforgettable journey to explore magnificent Angkor Thom and the iconic Bayon. 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 spectacular structures. At the heart of Angkor Thom lies the Bayon, a 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. 

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 as you watch an apsara dance performance, a delicate, beautiful tradition dating back to the seventh century.

Enhance Your Journey – Local Boutiques and Markets

Explore Siem Reap’s vibrant arts and crafts scene, starting at the Angkor Handicraft Association. This Fair Trade Village is home to a wide variety of artisans who produce handmade goods using time-honoured practices. Peruse Angkor Artwork to see traditional lacquerware crafted using ancestral techniques. Stop at Phsar Chas, the oldest market in Siem Reap, where you’ll find stalls selling everything from fresh vegetables, seafood and meat to souvenirs.

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 shows the devastating impact of landmines, sharing personal stories of hope and resilience while highlighting ongoing de-mining efforts.

Enhance Your Journey – Horse-Drawn Cart Ride

Relax and watch the scenery go by as you travel through the Cambodian countryside on a traditional horse-drawn cart.

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. 

Day 20: Depart Siem Reap

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