Discover Vietnam and Cambodia

Includes return flights from the UK. Explore the wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia on Travelmarvel's premium tour. Cruise for seven nights along the Mekong River, taking in the stunning views from your own private balcony. Embark on an extended two-night cruise on Bhaya Classic on the stunning emerald Ha Long Bay, and take a rickshaw ride through the Old Quarter of Hanoi to take in the sights, smells and history of this incredible city.

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart London

Make your way to London Heathrow for your flight to Vietnam.

Day 2: Arrive Hanoi

On arrival in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, be met at the airport and transferred to the five-star Movenpick Hotel Hanoi, only a short walk from the Old Quarter. Enjoy your Insider Experience tonight then relish your multicourse Vietnamese Welcome Dinner.

Day 3: Hanoi

Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Hanoi, taking in the most famous historical and cultural sites. Visit Ba Dinh Square, one of the largest squares in Vietnam with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. Nearby is the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, built on a single pillar of stone in the middle of a lotus pond. Continue to the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture and the first university in Vietnam. Afterwards, an Insider Experience awaits. The afternoon and evening are at leisure, or perhaps you can choose from one of our Select Experiences.

Day 4: Hanoi, Tuan Chau, Embark Ship, Ha Long Bay

Set off early to Tuan Chau before boarding Bhaya Classic, your home for two nights. Meet your crew and set sail among thousands of limestone islets. Feast on a Vietnamese multicourse lunch as you soak in the breathtaking views of the magical bay. Then it's time to kayak around the Tung Sau area. Surrounded by cascading mountains that extend out from the jewel-coloured waters of the bay, this place is an isolated region used for pearl farming. Catch the sunset on board as you cruise towards anchor for the night. Enjoy dinner before doing some squid fishing, sipping cocktails or relaxing in your cabin.

Day 5: Ha Long Bay

Start your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the Sun Deck surrounded by the beauty of Ha Long Bay. Following breakfast, board rowing boats to visit the Luon Cave area, listen to the ancient folklore and enjoy close views of the magnificent limestone karsts. Visit Cua Van Floating Village in the heart of Ha Long Bay, by kayak or traditional rowing boat. Enjoy lunch on board while cruising to Trinh Nu. Spend time relaxing at the private beach or visit one of the finest sunlight caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Later, gather for a sumptuous dinner.

Day 6: Ha Long Bay, Disembark Ship, Tuan Chau, Hanoi, Siem Reap

Explore Sung Sot Cave, the 10,000-square-metre cave threaded by a 500-metre paved passageway, before cruising to Tuan Chau, where you will disembark. Travel to Hanoi airport for your included flight to Siem Reap. For dinner, perhaps choose from one of our Select Experience dining options.

Day 7: Siem Reap

Explore Siem Reap this morning at your own pace or choose from one of our Select Experience options. Later discover Ta Prohm temple, commonly referred to as the Tomb Raider Temple having featured in the movie starring Angelina Jolie. The temple and its atmospheric surrounds have been left to slowly return to nature, with the overgrown jungle and vast root systems creating a unique sight throughout the ruins. After an Insider Experience this evening, savour local flavours during a tantalising Khmer dinner.

Day 8: Siem Reap

Set off early to explore some of the breathtaking architecture and sites of the World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park. Delve into the history and significance of Angkor Wat as you explore inside the vast temple complex. Continue to Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital built in the 12th century, and then head to the intriguing Bayon Temple, with its carved stone smiling faces. Stop at the Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Later enjoy your Insider Experiences.

Day 9: Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Embark Ship, Angkor Ban

Travel to Kampong Cham to join your Mekong River cruise. The RV Apsara will be your beautiful home for the next seven nights. Settle in and familiarise yourself with your suite or relax up on the Sun Deck and watch the life along the river unfold. Later, an Insider Experience awaits. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board as you begin cruising towards Vietnam.

Day 10: Angkor Ban, Oknha Tey

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 witness traditional wooden stilted houses, some over a century old. Return to your ship and continue sailing along the lush banks of the Mekong River to Oknha Tey, or Silk Island. Disembark and discover the town well known locally for its delicate silk weaving.

Day 11: Oknha Tey, Oudong, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh

Begin your morning with an excursion by road to Oudong, Cambodia's former royal capital for a special Insider Experience. En route back to Phnom Penh take a leisurely walk to explore the village of Koh Chen. Here, you will have the chance to visit open-air home copperware workshops. Return to the ship and enjoy a free afternoon in fascinating Phnom Penh or enhance your time by choosing one of our Select Experience options.

Day 12: Phnom Penh

Start the morning today with a sobering excursion to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Learn about Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime as well as the resilience of the Cambodian people. Spend 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, 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.

Day 13: Phnom Penh, 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 onto the riverside town of Tan Chau.

Day 14: 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 who are always eager to say hello 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 see traditional Vietnamese farming, then head back to the ship and continue cruising towards the quaint town of Sa Dec.

Day 15: Sa Dec, Cai Be, My Tho

Take a boat ride to Sa Dec and pass floating fish farms before exploring the colourful market on foot. Continue past crumbling waterside mansions to the home of Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired the French writer Marguerite Duras' novel ‘The Lover’. Return to the ship and sit down to a delicious lunch while you cruise towards Cai Be. After lunch, a local boat takes you to the town of Cai Be. Go ashore to visit the local cathedral and a rice paper and coconut candy manufacturer. Tonight, enjoy your special Farewell Dinner on board as you cruise towards your final stop My Tho.

Day 16: 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.

Day 17: Ho Chi Minh City

Begin with your Insider Experience. The afternoon has been left for you to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace or choose from one of our Select Experience options. Tonight, gather for a sumptuous Farewell Dinner.

Day 18: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast with a transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight back to the UK.

Day 19: Arrive London

Arrive back in London today.