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Essential Vietnam & Cambodia

Save up to $1,700 per person! As seen on Adelady

Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City or v.v

12 days

River Cruise Holiday

Guided Tour

RV Lotus

Multiple departures

Ship Overview

Immerse yourself in local life and culture as you embark on a seven-night cruise along the Mekong River, discovering the remote villages that line its banks. This journey is bookended by two-night stays in Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City, offering the chance to witness sunrise at Angkor Wat and explore the Cu Chi tunnels.

Inclusions

  • Seven-night Mekong River cruise aboard the RV Lotus, featuring all suites with twin balconies
  • Four nights in premium accommodation
  • 28 meals - 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners, plus select international wine and local beer included with lunch and dinner on board your Mekong River cruise
  • Airport transfers, port charges and tipping
  • Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and expert English-speaking local guides
  • Relax at the stylish Shinta Mani Angkor

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Siem Reap

Transfer to your hotel and spend some time relaxing. This afternoon head to the temple of Ta Prohm the jungle temple entwined by trees and vines, commonly referred to as the Tomb Raider temple having featured in the movie starring Angelina Jolie. A range of Insider Experiences proves an exceptional start to your holiday.

Insider Experience – Local Charity Visit

Visit Opportunities of Development through Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner which supports local underprivileged children by providing them with an education.

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.

Insider Experience – Two Nights at the 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.

Stay:  Two Nights, Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor

Daily: Dinner

Day 2 Siem Reap

Rise early for a special Insider Experience at Angkor Archaeological Park. After a guided tour of the well-preserved temple, return to your hotel for breakfast. In the early afternoon, explore Siem Reap on your own or choose from our select experience options. Later this afternoon, return to Angkor Archaeological Park to visit Bayon Temple and Angkor Thom. This evening enjoy an unforgettable Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Wake up early and witness the sun rising over Angkor Wat. This also includes a seat 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 – 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 traditional techniques. 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 will showcase the devastating impact of landmines, sharing personal stories of hope and resilience while highlighting ongoing de-mining efforts.

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.

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. 

Daily: Breakfast

Day 3 Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Embark Ship, Angkor Ban

Journey through the picturesque countryside and charming remote villages, arriving in Kampong Cham to embark on your Mekong River cruise. 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.

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 amongst palm and sandalwood trees.  

Stay: Seven Nights, Mekong River, RV Lotus

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Angkor Ban, Oknha Tey, Phnom Penh

Start your day with a tour of Angkor Ban by foot. Nicknamed the 'Lucky Village', Angkor Ban is one of the few rural villages in Cambodia that escaped destruction from the Khmer Rouge regime. Stroll through town and see wooden houses, some over a century old. Return to your ship and continue sailing along the lush banks of the Mekong River to Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island. Disembark and discover the town well known locally for its delicate silk weaving.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh

Begin your morning with an excursion by road to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital. Indulge in your memorable Insider Experience. En route back to Phnom Penh take a leisurely walk to explore the village of Koh Chen. Stop to visit the open-air copperware workshops and watch the skill of the artisans. Return to the ship and enjoy a free afternoon in fascinating Phnom Penh or enhance your time by choosing one of Travelmarvel’s select experiences.

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.

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.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 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: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Phnom Penh, Vietnam 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:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 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: Breakfast·, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Sa Dec, Cai Be, My Tho

Pass floating fish farms as you take a boat ride to Sa Dec, then explore 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. Return to the ship for a delicious lunch while you cruise towards Cai Be, where a local boat will take you into the riverside town. Step ashore to visit the French gothic Cai Be Church, as well as a rice paper and coconut candy manufacturer. Tonight, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner on board as you cruise towards your final stop, My Tho.

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 My Tho, Disembark Ship, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City

 

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.

Insider Experience – Two Nights at Le Méridien Saigon

Experience a stay at the one-of-a-kind Le Méridien Saigon. Located on the banks of the Saigon River in the bustling District 1, this contemporary hotel is centrally situated only moments away from Bến Thành Market and Independence Palace.

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 authentic Hoi An delicacies, complemented by warm hospitality and rich cultural charm.

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.

Stay: Two Nights, Ho Chi Minh City, Le Méridien Saigon

Daily: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City

Today, discover Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options. This evening, gather for a sumptuous Farewell Dinner.

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.

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, souvenirs and jewellery. 

Daily: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Your journey ends after breakfast today with a transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.

Daily: Breakfast

Booking terms and conditions apply.

* Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.

Destinations featured in this deal

Asia Cambodia Vietnam Ho Chi Minh City

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