Hidden Treasures of Vietnam and Cambodia

Begin your journey among the rolling hills of Sapa, then dive into the bustling and culturally rich city of Hanoi. Treasures await you on a two-night Ha Long Bay cruise before you take to the mighty Mekong River, stopping by the quaint riverside villages as you make your way to historic Ho Chi Minh City.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi, be met at the airport and transfer to your five-star hotel close to the Old Quarter.

Insider Experience

Stay at the stylish Movenpick Hotel Hanoi, located right in the heart of the city.

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 atop 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 tribes, here you will see the famous terraced rice fields and witness the simple lifestyle that this area is renowned for. Take time to explore the ruins of a church dating to the French occupations and stop to chat with the local people. After the village visit, enjoy an included lunch before having 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, your Insider Experience awaits before sitting down to your multicourse Vietnamese dinner in the hotel.

Insider Experience

Listen to a private Hat Xam performance and engage with the artists.

Day 5: Hanoi

Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Hanoi, taking in the most famous historical and cultural sites. Visit Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, the iconic One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture and the first university in Vietnam. Afterwards, an Insider Experience awaits.

Insider Experience - Hanoi's Old Quarter by Cyclo

Weave through Hanoi’s bustling city streets like a local on a tour of the city’s Old Quarter aboard a cyclo. 

Insider Experience - Lunch at KOTO

Savour authentic flavours and feast on a soulful Vietnamese lunch at KOTO (Know One, Teach One). This restaurant was established as Vietnam's first social enterprise, seeking to empower local youth who are at-risk and disadvantaged, through hospitality training.

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 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 of water in Ha Long Bay 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.

Insider Experience - Ha Long Bay Cruise

See Ha Long Bay on a two-night cruise on board Bhaya Classic. World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is made up of over 1,600 limestone pillars, and is an ideal playground for exciting activities and relaxation. 

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

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.

Insider Experience – Three Nights at the Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas

Unwind in an idyllic setting during an indulgent stay at this upscale retreat designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley. Combining luxury and sustainability, your accommodation is located in Siem Reap's leafy French Quarter, close to the famous Angkor Wat Temple.

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, 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.

Insider Experience – Local Charity Visit

Visit Opportunities of Development through Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner that 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.

Day 10: 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.

Insider Experience – Sunset at Angkor Wat

Witness an awe-inspiring sunset at the magnificent Angkor Wat, observing the World Heritage-listed temple complex at golden hour.

Insider Experience – Circus Performance

Take your seat at Phare Circus and be wowed 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 – APOPO Hero Rats Tour

Enjoy a tour of APOPO, a non-profit organisation that trains African Giant Pouch rats to save lives by detecting landmines.

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.

Enhance Your Journey – Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Wake up early and witness the sun rising over Angkor Wat. This also includes a seat during the experience and a refreshment (coffee, tea or juice). 

Day 11: 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.  

Day 12: 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.

Day 13: 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 - A 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

By cyclo, take in sights of Phnom Penh including Independence Square, the Royal Palace, as well as trendy cafes, boutiques, local markets, and pagodas. 

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, 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. 

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. 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 bid farewell to the crew and travel by coach to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a tunnel network built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. Listen to stories of the history of the Vietnam-American war, the ingenuity of the Cu Chi residents and the daily activities of the people. Part of a larger network, the tunnels were used by Viet Cong guerrillas as hiding spots during combat. Crawl through a section for a firsthand experience of what it was like for the soldiers who lived and fought here. Later transfer to your accommodation and enjoy time at leisure in Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon. For dinner, you may like to choose one of our select experiences.

Insider Experience – Two Nights at Le Méridien Saigon

Relax in comfort and soak in the Saigon River views from your well-appointed room at Le Méridien Saigon.

Enhance Your Journey – Home Saigon Restaurant

This restaurant is an adventure in Vietnamese cuisine, taking traditional food to the next level.

Enhance Your Journey – Le Corto

Dine on a three-course French fusion-inspired menu during a dining experience like no other.

Enhance Your Journey – Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro

With walls adorned with locally made propaganda of food-orientated advice, enjoy this Vietnamese bistro. 

Day 19: 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 delicious Farewell Dinner.

Insider Experience – Morning Walking Tour

Step out on an early morning guided walk to watch the busy streets come to life and gain a deeper understanding of what drives this urban centre.

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 the city’s turbulent history. Start at the Reunification Palace, visit the War Remnants Museum and see the Burning Monk Memorial.

Enhance Your Journey – Religions of Saigon

Learn how religious buildings coexist and form part of the diverse culture of the city. See inside the Mariamman Temple and view the Jamia Al Muslim Mosque.

Enhance Your Journey – Shopping Tour by Foot

Seek out the city's boutiques like and discover locally made and produced items such as clothing, mementos and jewellery. 

Day 20: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

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