- 4.9/5 491 Latest reviews
- Destination: Cambodia, Vietnam
- Duration: 12 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Cruise
About This Trip
Experience the perfect mix of history, culture, and natural landscapes on this Southeast Asia journey. In Siem Reap, Cambodia, explore the renowned Angkor temples, including the world-famous Angkor Wat, and immerse yourself in their architectural grandeur. In Phnom Penh, visit the city’s royal landmarks such as the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, while learning about Cambodia’s rich history at significant cultural sites. Take a scenic cruise along the Mekong River, where you’ll encounter traditional riverside villages, bustling local markets, and engaging cultural workshops. Conclude your adventure in Ho Chi Minh City with a guided exploration of its main attractions, including the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and elegant colonial-era buildings.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 6
Cambodia
Siem Reap: Angkor Wat, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm
Phnom Penh: Royal Palace, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
7 - 12
Vietnam
Mekong River Cruise: Apsara Dance Performance, Mekong Delta Village Visits, Sunset Cruise to My Tho
Ho Chi Minh City: War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral
Itinerary
- Day 1: Welcome to Siem Reap
Arrive in Siem Reap, the delightful gateway to Cambodia’s iconic Angkor temples and a vibrant cultural hub in the northwest. Upon landing, you will be greeted and escorted to your hotel for check-in.
- Siem Reap
- Day 2: Discover Siem Reap’s Temples
After breakfast, begin your journey at Angkor Thom’s South Gate, where towering stone faces and ancient spires welcome you into the former royal city. Explore the magnificent Bayon Temple, famous for its numerous towers adorned with over 200 serene, smiling faces. Stroll along the Terrace of the Elephants, an extensive stone platform where kings once observed grand ceremonies and parades.
Following lunch, visit the renowned Angkor Wat, the largest temple complex in the world and an enduring symbol of Cambodia, featuring towering spires, intricate carvings, and tranquil surroundings. In the late afternoon, enjoy a spectacular sunset from Bakheng Hill, offering panoramic views of the jungle and temples, or opt for the quieter Pre Rup Temple, glowing warmly in the fading sunlight.
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- Siem Reap
- Day 3: Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei & Ta Prohm Exploration
Start your day early, if you wish, to watch the stunning sunrise over Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most iconic and awe-inspiring temple complexes. After breakfast at your hotel, take a scenic one-hour drive to Banteay Srei Temple, famed for its intricate pink sandstone carvings and exceptional preservation. On the way, visit traditional villages to experience the everyday life and culture of rural Cambodia.
In the afternoon, explore the magical Ta Prohm Temple, where massive tree roots intertwine with ancient stone ruins, creating a mystical atmosphere. Continue to the striking Ta Keo Temple, known for its towering pyramid-like design. After completing the temple visits, you will be returned to your hotel, with the remainder of the day free for leisure.
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- Siem Reap
- Day 4: Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
Begin your morning with a visit to a traditional Khmer village, taking in the serene countryside scenery of lush rice paddies and gently swaying palm trees. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia’s famous “Great Lake,” home to floating villages and a unique aquatic ecosystem. Following lunch, if time permits, stop by Artisans Angkor, a workshop dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Angkorian crafts. Later, explore the bustling Old Market in Siem Reap for a vibrant local shopping experience.
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. Upon arrival, your guide will welcome you and escort you to your hotel for check-in and some free time to relax.
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- Phnom Penh
- Day 5: Exploring Phnom Penh’s Highlights
Today, discover some of Phnom Penh’s most iconic sites. Begin at the Royal Palace, a stunning example of traditional Khmer architecture and still the residence of Cambodia’s royal family. Nearby, visit the Silver Pagoda, famous for its gleaming silver floor and the revered Emerald Buddha statue. At the National Museum, admire a vast collection of ancient sculptures and artifacts that showcase Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. Finish the morning at Wat Phnom, a tranquil temple situated on a small hill, which holds special significance for locals.
In the afternoon, gain insight into Cambodia’s recent history at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school converted into a prison during the Khmer Rouge era. Continue to the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, a somber memorial dedicated to honoring the victims of this tragic period.
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- Phnom Penh
- Day 6: Phnom Penh & Embark on the Mekong Cruise
After breakfast and hotel check-out, you will be transferred to the port to start your scenic Mekong River Cruise, journeying from Cambodia toward Vietnam. Board the vessel around late morning and enjoy a leisurely lunch onboard. In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore Phnom Penh at your leisure. You might choose to visit local landmarks, browse for traditional handicrafts, or relax at one of the city’s vibrant cafes, eateries, or bars.
As the evening sets in, head to the Sun Deck for cultural entertainment before dinner. Enjoy the elegance of an Apsara dance performance, Cambodia’s traditional royal ballet, along with other captivating Khmer folk dances.
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- Mekong Cruise
- Day 7: Mekong River Journey – From Cambodia to Vietnam
Set off from Phnom Penh in the morning and cruise downstream along the picturesque Mekong River toward the Cambodia-Vietnam border. Relax onboard and admire the scenic river views as you sail through charming landscapes.
During the day, take part in engaging cultural activities, including tasting tropical fruits, learning how to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls, and getting introduced to classic Cambodian attire. In the evening, before dinner, join the captain on deck for a cocktail and sabering ceremony to celebrate the day’s journey.
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- Mekong Cruise
- Day 8: Mekong Delta – Island & Village Cultural Tour
Visit Cu Lao Gieng, nicknamed “The Mango Island,” a tranquil area along the upper Mekong River, renowned for its mango orchards and untouched local lifestyle. Explore the island by sampan and rickshaw, stopping at a traditional boat-building workshop, a historic Vietnamese home, an incense-making studio, and a colonial-era Catholic church.
Start at the boat workshop to observe skilled artisans at work. Then, continue along mango-lined lanes to the incense workshop and the colonial church. Conclude the island visit at the Vietnamese ancient house surrounded by mango trees, where the family will greet you and serve fresh mango before returning to the ship.
After lunch on board, take a sampan ride to My An Hung, a peaceful Mekong Delta village. Stroll through the village, interact with locals, and savor fresh coconut. Enjoy a warm welcome from a family offering honey tea and fruit, accompanied by traditional “Don Ca Tai Tu” folk music and a Vovinam martial arts display performed by local teens.
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- Mekong Cruise
- Day 9: Mekong Delta Discovery – Sa Dec & Cai Be
Arrive in Sa Dec and enjoy a scenic sampan ride through narrow Mekong canals, observing the rhythms of daily village life before reaching the historic town. Visit the residence of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration behind The Lover, and explore Kien An Cung, the Chinese temple honoring his family. Wander through the vibrant town market, brimming with colorful fruits, vegetables, and fresh seafood – perfect for photography.
In Cai Be, take a rowing boat ride along serene canals with local rowers wearing traditional conical hats. Cruise onward to a cottage industry workshop where artisans craft rice paper, rice wine, and popped rice. Browse local postcards, souvenirs, and paintings before returning to the ship for a tranquil sunset cruise to My Tho Marina.
In the evening, join the crew for a Farewell Reception, followed by a memorable Farewell Dinner to conclude your Mekong journey.
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- Mekong Cruise
- Day 10: End of Cruise – My Tho to Ho Chi Minh City
After enjoying breakfast on board, disembark at My Tho and continue your journey by road to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s bustling commercial hub, historically known as Saigon.
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- Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 11: Half-Day Ho Chi Minh City Exploration
Take a guided half-day excursion through Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant southern hub of Vietnam. Begin with the War Remnants Museum for a profound look at the Vietnam War, followed by a visit to the former Presidential Palace (Reunification Palace), an important historical landmark. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll past notable colonial-era sites, including Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, the Continental Hotel, the Opera House, and City Hall.
Following lunch at a local eatery, return to your hotel, leaving the afternoon free for relaxation or independent exploration.
For those wishing to see more, optional experiences include a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels to delve into wartime history or an evening Vespa food tour to savor Saigon’s energetic street food and nightlife.
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- Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 12: Departure from Ho Chi Minh City
Your Cambodia and Vietnam journey comes to an end today. After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you will be escorted to the airport for your onward flight home.
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