Essential Vietnam and Cambodia

Intro:
Discover the temples of World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park, explore Saigon’s bustling markets, and gain unique insights into life along the Mekong River.

Inclusions:

• Return flights from the UK

• Enriching sightseeing with Insider Experiences

• 7-night cruise aboard the all-balcony suite ship, RV Apsara

• Accommodation:

  • 2 nights at Le Méridien Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City

  • 2 nights at Hotel Shinta Mani Angkor, Siem Reap

• 27 meals, with beverages served on board RV Apsara

• Services of an APT Travelmarvel Cruise Director and local guides

• Overseas transfers, port charges, and tipping

Day 1

Depart London

Fly from London Heathrow to Vietnam.

Day 2

Arrive Ho Chi Minh City

INSIDER EXPERIENCE: Enjoy river views from Le Méridien Saigon.

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, savor a Welcome Dinner featuring Vietnamese flavors.

Stay: Two Nights, Le Méridien Saigon
Meals: Dinner

Day 3

Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels

Visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels used by Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam War. Explore a tunnel section firsthand and enjoy the afternoon at leisure or select a guided activity.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 4

Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Embark Ship, Cai Be

INSIDER EXPERIENCE: Guided walk through Saigon’s lively streets.

After breakfast, drive to My Tho to board RV Apsara. Settle into your suite and enjoy a Welcome Dinner as you begin your Mekong River cruise.

Stay: Seven Nights, RV Apsara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau

Early risers can enjoy sunrise and coffee on the Sun Deck. Explore Cai Be’s floating markets, visit a rice paper factory, and tour Sa Dec, including Huynh Thuy Le’s home from The Lover. Enjoy evening entertainment onboard as you sail to Tan Chau.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Tan Chau, Border Crossing, Phnom Penh

Cruise the tributaries around Tan Chau, tour by rickshaw, and visit a silk weaving workshop. Later, experience life on Evergreen Island before sailing towards Cambodia’s border, enjoying activities on board as you cross.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Phnom Penh

Visit the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for insight into Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge history. In the afternoon, explore Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, with time to shop or relax.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen

INSIDER EXPERIENCE: Receive a blessing from monks at an Oudong monastery.
Tour Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital, then stop in Koh Chen to visit copperware workshops. Afternoon free or choose a guided activity.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9

Oknha Tey, Angkor Ban

Cruise to Silk Island for a tour of traditional silk weaving. Visit stilted homes and watch artisans work. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon as you sail towards Angkor Ban.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10

Angkor Ban, Koh Pen, Kampong Cham

INSIDER EXPERIENCE: Tour Koh Pen by tuk-tuk.
Explore Angkor Ban, one of the few villages not destroyed by the Khmer Rouge. This afternoon, enjoy a tuk-tuk tour around Koh Pen before your farewell dinner on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11

Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Siem Reap

INSIDER EXPERIENCE: Visit ODA, supporting local children.
Disembark and travel to Siem Reap, stopping to visit Ta Prohm Temple en route. Enjoy the hotel and unwind.

Stay: Two Nights, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Meals: Breakfast

Day 12

Siem Reap

INSIDER EXPERIENCE: Witness sunset at Angkor Wat and enjoy a private Apsara performance.

Tour Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom, then enjoy a free afternoon. Celebrate with a special dinner and cultural show in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13

Depart Siem Reap

Transfer to Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport for your return flight to the UK.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 14

Arrive London

Arrive back in London.