Hidden Treasures of Vietnam and Cambodia

20 days, 45 meals. Experience the hidden treasures of Vietnam and Cambodia on a journey from Vietnamese capital Hanoi to culturally rich Ho Chi Minh City. Highlights include visits to the rolling hills of Sapa, Angkor Wat, Oudong and Phnom Penh, a majestic two-night Ha Long Bay cruise on Bhaya Classic and a seven-night luxury cruise on the Mekong River stopping at the quaint riverside villages along the way.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

On arrival in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, be met at the airport and transferred to the Grand Mercure Hanoi, only a short walk from the Old Quarter.

Day 2: Hanoi, Sapa

Rise early to drive to the mountain town of Sapa, where hills and valleys cascade in lush greenery. Located near the Chinese border, this picturesque mountain town, once a former French hill station is home to local hill tribe’s people. Witness spectacular mountain views and valleys dotted with terraced paddy fields along the way. Step out on a guided walk around town. Stroll through the local market and learn about several of the ethnic minority groups, including Hmong and Dao, who make their way in from nearby villages to sell their produce. Savour dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your mountain resort perched on top one of Sapa’s highest hills.

Day 3: Sapa

Head out this morning on an easy hike through breathtaking landscapes to explore the small village of Ma Tra. Home to the H'mong and Red Dao peoples, here you will see the famous terraced rice fields and experience the simple lifestyle that this area is renowned for. Take time to explore the ruins of a church dating back to the French occupation and stop to chat with the local people. After the village visit, enjoy an included lunch before enjoying the remainder of your afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take the opportunity to go exploring, shopping or relax at your accommodation.

Day 4: Sapa, Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi and spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening, sit down to your multi-course Vietnamese dinner in the hotel.

Day 5: Hanoi

Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Hanoi, exploring its most famous historical and cultural landmarks. Visit Ba Dinh Square and drive by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature—a stunning example of Vietnamese architecture and the country's first university. Afterwards, enjoy a special Insider Experience. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy at leisure, or you can choose from our select experiences.

Day 6: Hanoi, Tuan Chau, Embark Ship, Ha Long Bay

Set off early to Tuan Chau Harbour, where you will board the Bhaya Classic, your home for two nights. Meet your crew and set sail among thousands of limestone islets. Feast on a Vietnamese multi-course 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 of water in Ha Long Bay used for pearl farming. Enjoy the sunset on board as you cruise towards your anchor point for the night. Savour dinner before doing some squid fishing, sipping cocktails or relaxing in your cabin.

Day 7: Ha Long Bay

Start your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the Sun Deck surrounded by the beauty of Ha Long Bay. After 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 flavourful dinner.

Day 8: Ha Long Bay, Disembark Ship, Tuan Chau, Hanoi, Siem Reap, Cambodia

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 9: Siem Reap

Explore Siem Reap this morning at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options. Later discover Ta Prohm, known as Tomb Raider temple. 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. Later, discover Ta Prohm, known as the Tomb Raider temple. 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. Continue to Angkor Thom, built in the 12th century. Later, enjoy an afternoon and evening of exciting Insider Experiences.

Day 10: Siem Reap

Rise early this morning and travel back to Angkor Archaeological Park for a special Insider Experience. Afterwards, join a guided exploration of this well-preserved temple, then return to your hotel for breakfast. This afternoon, explore Siem Reap at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options. Later this afternoon, embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the magnificent Angkor Thom and its iconic Bayon Temple. Angkor Thom, a stunning ancient city built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, served as the grand capital of the Khmer Empire. As you wander through this vast, historical landscape, you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time, surrounded by majestic temples and awe-inspiring structures. At the heart of Angkor Thom lies the Bayon Temple, renowned for its remarkable architecture and the mysterious, serene faces that adorn its towering spires. These intricately carved expressions will leave you in awe as you delve deeper into the rich history and artistry of this extraordinary site. Afterwards, return for an exciting Insider Experience.

Day 11: Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Embark Ship, Angkor Ban

Begin your Mekong River cruise with an early drive through the picturesque countryside and charming remote villages, arriving in Kampong Cham. 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.

Day 12: Angkor Ban, Oknha Tey

Begin your day with a walking tour of Angkor Ban, one of the few rural villages in Cambodia untouched by the Khmer Rouge regime. After exploring this historic village, return to your ship and set sail for Oknha Tey, also known as Silk Island, famed for its centuries-old silk manufacturing traditions. Enjoy a village tour by tuk tuk, passing through rice fields and experiencing rural life firsthand. Wander among the stilt houses and witness the traditional silk weaving process, as village women skillfully create beautiful Khmer fabrics on wooden looms. Back on board, continue your journey towards the capital, Phnom Penh.

Day 13: Oknha Tey, Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen

Start your morning with a road excursion to Oudong, Cambodia's former royal capital, for an exclusive Insider Experience. On your way back to Phnom Penh, take a leisurely walk through the village of Koh Chen, where you can visit open-air home copperware workshops and see artisans at work. Return to the ship and enjoy a free afternoon exploring the vibrant city of Phnom Penh, or enhance your experience by choosing from our select options.

Day 14: 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.

Day 15: 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 into the riverside town of Tan Chau.

Day 16: 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.

Day 17: Sa Dec, Cai Be, My Tho

Take a boat ride to Sa Dec past floating fish farms before exploring 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 (The Lover). Return to the ship and sit down to a delicious lunch while you cruise towards Cai Be. After lunch, a local boat will take you to the riverside 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 18: 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 19: Ho Chi Minh City

Begin the day 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 20: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Your holiday comes to an end today after breakfast with a transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward journey.