The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam

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enquire now 18 Days From NZD $9,399 pp twinshare
 Cruise
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This magical Southeast Asia river cruise along the Mekong River will take you through Vietnam and Cambodia, showing you the culture and local traditions of each country and the must-see sites along the way.

Your adventure begins in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where you’ll get a taste of the culture first-hand with a Vietnamese cooking class and go on a fascinating excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary network of tunnels used extensively during the war. Immerse yourself in the everyday life of locals with a stroll through a busy market, and visits to a family’s home for a cotton-weaving demonstration and a local workshop to see how rice wine and traditional candies are made.

Continue your journey into Cambodia where you’ll visit the famous sites, such as the temple of Wat Hanchey, providing spectacular views, and take part in a traditional water blessing with local monks. Enjoy an ox cart ride around the Cambodian countryside and meet a local farmer to learn about his daily life. Siem Reap offers the magnificent Temples of Angkor. These ancient ruins are a display of architectural complexity and grandeur unlike anything else in the world. See the most famous temples here, such as Angkor Wat, honouring the Hindu god, Vishnu; and the Bayon temple, which features some 200 mysterious faces carved in its many towers. Enjoy an inspiring Aspara dance performance and other treasures of the city.

Fly to Hanoi and explore the famous sites, such as the Old Quarter, where peddlers have traded goods for centuries on its 36 ancient streets. Next, a remarkable 2-night cruise along Ha Long Bay will show you its beautiful Limestone Islands. You’ll visit the Cua Van Floating Village, spectacular caves, and even go for a swim at Ti Top Island. The perfect ending to an unforgettable Southeast Asia river cruise holiday!

Traveller Notes
Please note that the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh is temporarily closed due to Covid. Until the government decides to reopen the Palace, we will offer a slightly adjusted itinerary. Guests will take their private cyclo to the Royal Palace for a photo-stop before visiting the National Museum. After the museum visit, take the cyclo to Wat Phnom to visit the ancient 14th Century Buddhist Temple that symbolises the name of Phnom Penh.

ITINERARY 

  • DAY 1:   HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM
    Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
  • DAY 2:   HO CHI MINH CITY
    Motorbikes, Monuments, and Mouthwatering Cuisine CLASSIC – Take a Walking Tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s historic landmarks including a stop at the Rex Hotel for a refreshing drink at the rooftop bar where the U.S. Military held the infamous “Five O’Clock Follies” during the war. Then visit the War Remnants Museum and bustling Ben Thanh Market. DISCOVERY – For lunch, participate in a hands-on Vietnamese Cooking Class. Learn to prepare several local dishes and how to recreate them at home. Last, but not least, sample your delicious creations! Explore the city further during free time this afternoon. This evening join your travelling companions for a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
  • DAY 3:   HO CHI MINH CITY. EXCURSION TO CU CHI TUNNELS
    Secret Passageways and Underground Hideouts CLASSIC – Drive out of the city for a Guided Visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels-an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length-used as a hideout and secret village by the Viet Cong. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. Consider stopping for a drink at the famous rooftop bar at the Caravelle Hotel. (B)
  • DAY 4:   HO CHI MINH CITY (EMBARKATION)
    Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding Transfer to the port on the Saigon River for embarkation. Get acquainted with the ship and relax before your welcome reception this evening. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO VINH LONG (B,L,D)
  • DAY 5:   VINH LONG-CU LAO GIENG
    Sweets, Sampans, and Sun Hats DISCOVERY -Board a sampan this morning to Visit a local workshop in Vinh Long where you will see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candies are made. DISCOVERY – This afternoon, enjoy scenes of daily life on Cu Lao Gieng Island via sampan and local motor cart. Your Guided Excursion starts at a local workshop, where a skilled family hand-crafts sampan boats. Then, visit the home of a local family that makes Vietnamese conical hats, or “Non la,” from materials such as palm leaves and bamboo. These iconic hats are primarily used as protection from the sun and rain but you may also see them used as a basket to carry home goods from the market. Lastly, stop at one of Vietnam’s oldest Catholic churches. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO CHAU DOC (B,L,D)
  • DAY 6:   CHAU DOC-LONG KHANH A-BORDER CROSSING, CAMBODIA
    Colorful markets, Charming Locals, and Cotton Weavers DISCOVERY – In Chau Doc, take a Guided Walk through the local market and absorb the atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. Then embark on a River Excursion down the backwaters of the Mekong. Along the way, see traditional floating homes, speedboat merchants, religious sites, a market selling dried goods, and more. DISCOVERY – After lunch, take a Sampan Ride to the village of Long Khanh A for a Cotton-Weaving Demonstration in this well-preserved artisan tradition. Return to the ship and head for the Cambodian border. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH (B,L,D)
  • DAY 7:   PHNOM PENH
    The Royal Treatment CLASSIC – Take a City Tour by private cyclo to visit the Royal Palace with the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum featuring an outstanding display of Khmer artifacts. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the city at your leisure. Consider a Guided Optional Tour of a local brewery with free flowing local beer! Just before dinner, children from a local orphanage will perform a show, featuring local song and dance. (B,L,D)
  • DAY 8:   PHNOM PENH
    A Dark History or Market Dynamics CLASSIC – This morning, a Guided Visit of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and one of the Killing Fields offers a glimpse into the atrocities inflicted on the Cambodian people by the Khmer Rouge regime, OR: DISCOVERY – Visit the lively Central Market by tuk-tuk to see its unique Art Deco design. After lunch, depart Phnom Penh and enjoy some time at leisure on the ship. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO WAT HANCHEY (B,L,D)
  • DAY 9:   WAT HANCHEY-ANGKOR BAN
    Water Blessings and Back-to-School Adventures DISCOVERY – Visit Wat Hanchey, a hilltop temple dating back to the 8th century. Climb or be driven to the top where you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area and partake in a traditional water blessing given by local monks. DISCOVERY – After lunch, enjoy a Walking Tour through the rural village of Angkor Ban. Here, you will visit a traditional Khmer house and interact with children at a local school. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KONPONG LOUANG (B,L,D)
  • DAY 10:   KONPONG LOUANG-KAMPONG TRALACH
    Calm in the Cambodian Countryside DISCOVERY – Start your Guided Sightseeing at the silversmith village in Konpong Louang. Here, see talented craftsmen use age-old techniques to turn pure silver into works of art. In Kampong Tralach, board an ox cart for a ride through the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, stop to meet a local farmer and learn about his daily life. This afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising on the Tonle River. EVENING CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH (B,L,D)
  • DAY 11:   PHNOM PENH (DISEMBARKATION)-SIEM REAP
    A Pilgrimage of Inspirational Beauty Fly to Siem Reap, home to the Temples of Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on Earth! CLASSIC – After lunch, begin your Sightseeing Tour by tuk-tuk to explore the temples. Start at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples: Angkor Wat. Featuring five trademark towers, it is the symbol of Cambodia. Then, visit Angkor Thom, where you will explore Bayon Temple with its 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas-relief sculptures, OR: ACTIVE – Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Bayon Temple by bike. The evening is yours to explore charming Siem Reap, stay to witness the sunset at Angkor Wat, or consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the Cambodian circus. (B,L)
  • DAY 12:   SIEM REAP
    Roots Carved in Stone and Celebrated in Dance CLASSIC – Continue your Guided Sightseeing of the Angkor Temples at Ta Prohm. Tree roots cover the ruin walls, allowing you to experience the temple with the same wonder as early explorers. Then visit Banteay Srei, a unique temple built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. En route stop at a local village famous for making Khmer noodles by hand. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. You may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to further explore Siem Reap, or visit the temple complex by tuk-tuk. DISCOVERY – This evening, a private Apsara Dance Performance brings ancient Khmer culture to life through music, song, and dance. (B,D)
  • DAY 13:   SIEM REAP-HANOI
    Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (B)
  • DAY 14:   HANOI
    Historic Hanoi and Water Puppets CLASSIC – First, join a Guided Visit of the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next, see iconic sites, including One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” Lastly, visit the 900-year-old Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s first university. Enjoy lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that teaches local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. CLASSIC – After lunch, enjoy an Electric-Cart Ride through the fascinating Old Quarter-with its 36 ancient streets where merchants trade as they have for centuries. DISCOVERY – An early dinner this evening is followed by a fascinating Live Performance of Hanoi’s renowned water puppets, a traditional 11th-century art form. (B,L,D)
  • DAY 15:   HANOI-HA LONG BAY
    Island Shapes and a Floating Village Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes. Board the luxurious Paradise Elegance for a 2-Night Cruise on the bay. DISCOVERY – Visit the Cua Van Floating Village, home to more than 700 people-by bamboo raft, OR: ACTIVE – Take a Kayak Ride to visit Cua Van Village. Enjoy scenic sailing for the remainder of the day before anchoring for the night. (B,L,D)
  • DAY 16:   HA LONG BAY
    Caves, Kayaks, and Scenic Climbs DISCOVERY – Visit Ti Top Island for a Guided Excursion to take a swim, or climb 400 steps to the top for stunning views. You can also visit Luon Cave by boat, and explore Dark & Bright Cave by bamboo raft, OR: ACTIVE – Explore Luon Cave and Dark & Bright Cave by Kayak Ride. After a day of exploring, consider a spa treatment or simply relax for happy hour prior to dinner! (B,L,D)
  • DAY 17:   HA LONG BAY-HANOI
    Surprising and Amazing Beauty This morning, relax onboard your ship, or visit Sung Sot Cave, considered one of the most beautiful in the area with its magnificent formations. Afterwards, return to Hanoi and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. (B)
  • DAY 18:   HANOI
    Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

INCLUSIONS 

Meals
Breakfast: 17 Lunch: 12 Dinner: 12
Transport
State-of-the-art, luxurious river cruise vessels with modern services and amenities
Accommodation
Deluxe outside accommodations with Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection Beds
HighLights
  • Ho Chi Minh City
  • Temples of Angkor
  • Hanoi
  • Ha Long Bay

 

Images courtesy of Avalon Waterways and the Globus Family of Brands 

AVW – WISI

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