Vietnam and Cambodia | Mekong River

Day 1

FLIGHT TO HANOI, VIETNAM ON YOUR OVERNIGHT FLIGHT

Welcome to Vietnam! You’ll be transferred to your hotel where the remainder of the day is on your own.

Day 2

HANOI (BLD)

This morning, your guided sightseeing takes a look at the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. First, visit the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda: One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” Also visit the ancient Temple of Literature, over 900 years old and Hanoi’s first university. Lunch is at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that teaches local street children restaurant skills for more stable employment opportunities. After lunch, enjoy an electric-cart ride through the fascinating Old Quarter, with 36 ancient streets where merchants trade as they have for centuries. An early dinner this evening is followed by a fascinating performance of Hanoi’s renowned water puppets, a traditional art form dating back to the 11th century.

Day 3

HANOI-HA LONG BAY (BLD)

Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, the bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes by the action of the water. Tunnels, caves, and weirdly shaped outcroppings with imaginative names can be found on many of the small islets sprinkled across the bay. Board a cruise excursion to explore the caves, and admire the beauty and scale before stopping at one of the many secluded bays.

Day 4

HA LONG BAY-HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM (B)

This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight for Ho Chi Minh City. The afternoon and evening are free to explore on your own.

Day 5

HO CHI MINH CITY (BLD)

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. Learn to prepare several local dishes and how to recreate them at home. Last, but not least, sample your delicious creations. This evening join your traveling companions for a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 6

HO CHI MINH CITY CU CHI TUNNELS (B)

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. The evening is free to explore on your own. Maybe enjoy a drink at the top of the Caravelle Hotel.

Day 7

HO CHI MINH (EMBARKATION) (BLD)

Transfer to the port on the Saigon River for embarkation. Get acquainted with the ship and relax before your Welcome Reception and cruise to Vinh Long.

Day 8

VINH LONG-CO LAO GIENG (BLD)

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. This afternoon, enjoy scenes of daily life on Cu Lao Gieng Island via sampan and local motor cart. Your local 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 available to them 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.

Day 9

CHAU DOC- LONG KHANH – BORDER CROSSING (BLD)

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. After lunch, a sampan brings you to the village of Long Khanh A for a Cotton-Weaving Demonstration of a well-preserved artisan’s tradition.

Day 10

PHNOM PENH (BLD)

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 afternoon is yours to explore the city at your leisure. Tonight’s entertainment features a show from the local orphanage.

Day 11

PHNOM PENH (BLD)

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:
Visit the lively Central Market by tuk-tuk to see its unique Art Deco design.

Day 12

WAT HANCHLEY-ANGKOR BAN (BLD)

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. 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.

Day 13

KONGPONG LOUANG-KAMPONG TRALACH (BLD)

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.

Day 14

PHNOM PEHN (DISEMBARKATION)-SIEM RIEP (BL)

Fly to Siem Riep. After lunch, explore the temples by tuk-tuk or bike with your local guide. 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. This evening witness the sunset at Ankor Wat or visit a Cambodian Circus.

Day 15

SIEM RIEP (BD)

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. This afternoon is a leisure to further explore the temples or Siem Riep on your own. This evening a private Apsara Dance Performance brings Ancient Khmer culture to life.

Day 16

SIEM RIEP (B)

After breakfast this morning you’ll be transferred to the airport for your journey home.

B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner