Natural Wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia

A trip bursting with cultural sites and natural beauty. For two nights, cruise the World Heritage-listed waters of Ha Long Bay on Bhaya Classic and explore the vibrant streets of the Old Quarter of Hanoi on a traditional rickshaw. Encounter the friendly local hill tribes in Sapa’s villages. Observe life on the Mekong River from your private balcony and receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from monks in Oudong.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

Upon your arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel close to the Old Quarter. Later, get to know your local guide during an informal briefing at your hotel.

Insider Experience – Grand Mercure Hanoi

Nestled in the lively core of Vietnam’s bustling capital, Grand Mercure Hanoi is conveniently close to the Old Quarter. This hotel provides a genuine and immersive experience, blending modern elegance with traditional Vietnamese charm. Its design is a tribute to local heritage, incorporating elements such as rice-themed patterns, vibrant pottery, handcrafted lacquerware, and impressive architecture, resulting in a truly soulful ambience.

Day 2: Hanoi, Sapa

Rise early for the drive to Sapa, a mountain town located among green hills and valleys. Once a former French hill station is home to local hill peoples. 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 tonight at your mountain resort perched atop one of Sapa’s highest hills.

Day 3: Sapa

Head out on a leisurely 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 witness the simple lifestyle that this area is renowned for. Take time to explore the ruins of a church dating to the French occupation 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 enjoy time at leisure. This evening, sit down to a multi-course Vietnamese dinner in the hotel.

Day 5: 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 and drive by 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, enjoy an Insider Experience. The afternoon and evening are at leisure or perhaps choose from one of our select experiences.

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

In Hanoi, feast on a soulful Vietnamese lunch at KOTO (Know One, Teach One), Vietnam's first social enterprise, which empowers local at-risk youth through hospitality training.

Enhance Your Journey – Folk Art Class

Journey to one of Vietnam’s most renowned silk-weaving villages and connect with the inspiring individuals behind Vun Art, a social enterprise managed by people with disabilities. The Vun (meaning "scrap") Art Cooperative was established to empower people with disabilities by offering vocational training and creating stable employment opportunities. Hear inspiring stories of the challenges faced in founding this initiative, and enjoy the chance to create your own folk painting on a tote bag to take home.

Enhance Your Journey – Hanoi at Dawn

Experience the essence of Hanoi with an early morning walk to witness the culturally enriching flag-raising ceremony at Ba Dinh Square, the largest square in Vietnam. Afterwards, immerse yourself in local life by exploring a vibrant wet market, observing rituals at a small temple, and enjoying a morning cup of coffee, a beloved custom of Hanoians on their way to work.

Enhance Your Journey – Water Puppets and Street Food Style Dinner

Take your seat at one of the city's traditional water puppet theatres and immerse yourself in this ancient art form, unique to northern Vietnam, originally performed in villages and rice paddies. Enjoy the enchanting performance with a traditional Vietnamese orchestra, featuring drums, cymbals, horns, and bamboo flutes, providing the perfect background accompaniment. Afterwards, savour a mouth-watering selection of Vietnamese street foods at a local restaurant set in a charming colonial villa.

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

Start your journey early towards Tuan Chau Harbour, where you will board the Bhaya Classic, your home for the next two nights. Upon arrival, meet your crew and sail among the enchanting limestone islets. Savour a Vietnamese multi-course lunch while soaking in the breathtaking views of the bay. Explore the Tung Sau area by kayak, a serene region surrounded by cascading mountains and known for its pearl farming. As the day ends, catch the stunning sunset on board as you cruise towards your anchorage for the night. Enjoy a delightful dinner, followed by options for squid fishing, sipping cocktails, or simply 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

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, Da Nang, Hoi An

Explore Sung Sot Cave, the 10,000-square-metre cave threaded by a 500-metre paved passageway. Also known as Surprise Cave, every twist and turn within its depths reveals something new. Return to Tuan Chau and transfer to Hanoi airport. From here you'll fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An.

Insider Experience - Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa

Rest and unwind in the luxurious surrounds of the Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa.

Day 9: Hoi An

Start your day with an immersive Insider Experience. For dinner, perhaps choose from one of the select experiences for a truly authentic insight into Vietnamese culture.

Insider Experience – Morning Glory Cooking School

Discover the art of cooking Vietnamese cuisine with the Morning Glory Cooking School. Take a guided tour of Hoi An’s market, prepare a selection of dishes, and sample your efforts.

Enhance Your Journey – Mango Mango

Blending traditional Vietnamese cuisine with western fare, indulge in the perfectly located Mango Mango.

Enhance Your Journey – Rêu Restaurant

This colourful venue boasts beautiful views to enjoy while dining on traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Enhance Your Journey – The Hoianian

Enjoy a three-course dinner with a mix of contemporary Vietnamese and fusion flavours.

Day 10: Hoi An

Explore Hoi An at your leisure today. Perhaps enjoy a select experience option.

Enhance Your Journey – Guided Eco Tour

Discover the sustainable farming and fishing techniques at Tra Vegetable Village. Walk through rows of organic herbs and vegetables while learning about farming methods developed 300 years ago. Join a local fisherman to see how unique bamboo basket boats are made and learn how to paddle one.

Enhance Your Journey – Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hill

Travel from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills to visit the stunning Golden Bridge. Take the world's longest cable car ride directly to the bridge and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline. Marvel at the colossal hands, symbolising God's hands lifting a strip of gold from the land. The Golden Bridge, or Cầu Vàng, stands 3,280 feet above sea level.

Enhance Your Journey – Lune Theatre Show

Lune Production Company offers a captivating glimpse into the beauty and cultural richness of Vietnamese rural life amid rapid urbanisation. The show features acrobatics, dance, visual art, and traditional bamboo cirque, all set to live music, ensuring a mesmerising experience for all.

Enhance Your Journey – My Son Ruins

Explore the rural area from Hoi An to My Son, a World Heritage site from the ancient Cham Empire. Nestled in a lush jungle, these Hindu temples, built between the 4th and 14th centuries, are dedicated to Shiva. Wander through the ruins, admire the sandstone bas-reliefs and stone pillars, and learn about the Cham Kingdom.

Day 11: Hoi An, Hue

Travel over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, offering spectacular views of Lang Co Beach, before arriving in Hue, the former Imperial capital of Vietnam, nestled along the picturesque Perfume River. Explore the grand Imperial Citadel, stroll among its monuments, and listen to stories of former royal inhabitants. Step inside the historical Tien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery. This evening, savour regional cuisine from Hue.

Day 12: Hue, Ho Chi Minh City

Take an included flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon. A delicious dinner awaits you tonight.

Insider Experience – Two Nights at Le Méridien Saigon

Experience an unforgettable stay at the unique Le Méridien Saigon. Nestled on the banks of the Saigon River in bustling District 1, this contemporary hotel is perfectly situated just moments away from Bến Thành Market and Independence Palace.

Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were used as hiding spots during combat, and they also served as communication and supply routes, hospitals and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters. Take the opportunity to crawl through a section to understand first-hand what it was like for the soldiers who lived and fought here. The afternoon and evening have been left free for you to explore at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience touring and dining options.

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

Enhance Your Journey – Shopping Tour by Foot

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

Enhance Your Journey – Hoi An Sense

Indulge in authentic Hoi An delicacies, complemented by warm hospitality and rich cultural charm.

Enhance Your Journey – Le Corto

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

Enhance Your Journey – Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro

Savour the delights of this Vietnamese bistro, where the walls are adorned with locally crafted propaganda posters offering food-oriented advice.

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Embark Ship, Cai Be

Start the day with your Insider Experience before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Drive to My Tho and board the RV Apsara, your boutique river ship for the next seven nights. The ship, with its locally inspired ambience and twin balconies in every suite, offers a unique perspective on your Mekong River cruise. Sail from My Tho to Cai Be, soaking in the scenery. Settle into your suite or relax on the Sun Deck, observing river life. This evening, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner on board with your fellow travellers.

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. 

Day 15: Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau

Explore Cai Be and its surrounds by tender boat as you view local life on the river and along its banks. Go ashore to see the Cai Be Church, the tallest church in the Mekong Delta with its impressive bell tower, and visit manufacturers of rice paper and coconut candy to learn how they're made. Head back to the ship and sit down to a delicious lunch while cruising to Sa Dec. Afterwards, take a boat ride to the charming town of Sa Dec for a guided tour. Stroll through the colourful markets and continue by foot to the home of Huynh Thuy Le, once the lover of French writer, Marguerite Duras, who penned her best-selling novel, The Lover, about their affair. Back on board, unwind or relax your body with a rejuvenating treatment from the spa. As the sun sets, the RV Apsara sets sail for Tan Chau. Enjoy dinner and later, head up to the Saigon Lounge for evening entertainment or a cocktail.

Day 16: Tan Chau, Cambodia Border Crossing, Phnom Penh

Transfer to a small boat for a journey along the tiny tributaries that snake around Tan Chau. Embark on a rickshaw tour and weave through the tiny laneways of this sleepy town, almost untouched by tourism. Home to one of the largest silk-weaving centres in Vietnam, you can observe how silk is woven in the local workshops. After lunch, take a small boat to discover rural life on Evergreen Island. Observe the traditional Vietnamese farming techniques, where the land is ploughed by water buffalo and where you can see authentic rural Mekong life. Later, appreciate some down time and watch the scenery of the Mekong River pass as the RV Apsara cruises towards the Cambodian border. While border formalities are carried out, sit down and enjoy the onboard activities and presentations. Cross into Cambodia and cruise overnight towards the capital, Phnom Penh.

Day 17: Phnom Penh

Today, learn of the atrocities inflicted upon Cambodians during Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, where you'll find the Memorial Stupa, a glass monument erected in memory of the thousands of Cambodians who lost their lives. After lunch on board, visit the spectacular Royal Palace, delighting in its dazzling white and gold architecture. Then, head to the glorious Silver Pagoda, set on the southern side of the palace complex. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to head to the local markets for souvenirs or perhaps to taste the local delicacy of fried tarantula. Alternatively, relax on board and enjoy the facilities and service.

Day 18: Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh

Begin your morning with an excursion by road to Oudong, Cambodia’s royal capital from the early 17th until the 19th centuries. Here, enjoy a memorable Insider Experience. En route back to Phnom Penh, take a leisurely walk to explore Koh Chen, a village specialising in the manufacture of copperware. Visit some small family workshops. Here, you might like to purchase some souvenirs. Enjoy a free afternoon or choose one of our select experience options.

Insider Experience – 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

Explore Phnom Penh by cyclo, taking in sights such as Independence Square, the Royal Palace, trendy cafes, boutiques, local markets, and pagodas.

Enhance Your Journey – High Tea in the Clouds

Savour unobstructed panoramic views of the city, Central Market, and the legendary Mekong River from the iconic Rosewood Phnom Penh while indulging in a delightful afternoon tea experience. Enjoy fine TWG teas in the Living Room lounge, accompanied by delicious sweets and savouries made with local ingredients and crafted under the expert eye of the pastry chef.

Day 19: Phnom Penh, Oknha Tey, Angkor Ban

Rise early as your ship glides along the lush banks of the Mekong to Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island renowned for its silk manufacturing traditions, preserved over centuries. Travel by tuk tuk, past rice fields and get a glimpse into rural life. Stroll among the stilt houses and gain an insight into the traditional silk weaving process. Watch as the village women create the beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms. Return to your river ship and enjoy lunch on board as the ship sets sail for Angkor Ban. In the afternoon as you cruise up the Mekong River, enjoy time at leisure. Have a dip in the pool or sit and read a book on the Sun Deck while soaking in the scenery.

Day 20: Angkor Ban, Koh Pen, Kampong Cham

Start your morning with a guided walk of Angkor Ban, a village awash with stories of Cambodia's cultural history, and one of the few traditional villages that survived the Khmer Rouge regime. Nicknamed the 'Lucky Village', stroll through town, see traditional stilted houses and a Khmer-style pagoda. After lunch, your cruise docks at its final location Kampong Cham where you can enjoy your Insider Experience. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board with your fellow travellers as you reminisce about your Mekong River cruise adventure.

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 21: Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Siem Reap

Bid farewell to the crew and disembark the RV Apsara. Travel to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, passing through picturesque countryside and remote villages. Take a break before heading to the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, commonly referred to as the Tomb Raider temple having featured in the movie starring Angelina Jolie. En route to your hotel, enjoy your Insider Experiences.

Insider Experience – Local Charity Visit

Visit Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner which supports local underprivileged children by providing them with an education. 

Insider Experience – Circus Performance

Take your seat at Phare Circus and be amazed by the skills of the performers. This acclaimed show blends modern Khmer tales with music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts, and contortion.

Insider Experience – Two 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 22: 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. Later, embark on an unforgettable journey to explore 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.  

Insider Experience – Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Wake up early and witness the sun rising over Angkor Wat. A seat is included during the experience, as well as refreshments (coffee, tea or juice). 

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.

Enhance Your Journey – APOPO Herorats Tour and Landmine Museum

Take a tour of APOPO, a non-profit organisation that trains African Giant Pouched rats to save lives by detecting landmines. Close by, the Landmine Museum will showcase the devastating impact of landmines, sharing personal stories of hope and resilience while highlighting ongoing de-mining efforts.

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.

Day 23: Depart Siem Reap

Your Vietnam and Cambodia journey comes to an end after breakfast with a transfer to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport for your onward flight.