Vietnam and Cambodia Grand Tour

Join APT’s most comprehensive luxury tour of Vietnam and Cambodia. Spend seven nights aboard the luxurious Mekong Serenity cruising from My Tho to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, and cruise Ha Long Bay for three days. Explore Mai Chau and glide along the Perfume River in Hue.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

Touchdown at Hanoi’s and receive Fast Track Service on arrival. Transfer to your hotel and settle in before an informal gathering this evening.

Signature Experience – VIP Fast Track Service

Start your holiday as soon as possible when you receive Fast Track Service for a seamless arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam. Be whisked through immigration and customs, before meeting your APT representative, who will transfer you to your accommodation.

Day 2: Hanoi, Mai Chau

Set off on your Signature Experiences today.

Signature Experience – Vụn Art Experience

Engage with the people involved with Vun Art, a social enterprise that employs people with disabilities to make art pieces with recycled silk scraps.

Signature Experiences – Three Nights in Mai Chau

Escape from Hanoi’s bustling streets on a scenic drive through lush landscapes to Mai Chau. Set in a picturesque valley, hemmed in by hills, Mai Chau is home to some of Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups, including White Thai, Hmong and Dao. Spend some time relaxing before taking in the views from the restaurant. Tonight, dine on specialties of the region, including fish from the nearby rivers and herbs and spices from the organic garden.

Day 3: Mai Chau

Set off by foot or bicycle to explore some of the nearby idyllic villages. Interact with the warm-hearted locals and learn about their traditional customs. See their stilt houses and appreciate their elaborate and colourful clothing. Head to a local restaurant for lunch and then spend some time at leisure back at the ecolodge. Recline by the pool on cushioned sun loungers beneath palm-leaf parasols or simply soak in Mai Chau’s stunning natural vistas. Tonight, sample Ruon Can, a local rice wine, and watch a traditional dance performed by White Thai women.

Day 4: Mai Chau

Enjoy a morning at leisure. Relax and indulge in a soothing massage, foot scrub or tribal therapy using local herbal remedies. Late afternoon, visit a nearby village and learn about the daily life of the farmers. Watch them working on their lush green paddy fields, growing rice, vegetable, and grazing livestock depending on the seasons. Then, step inside the home of a local family for a special treat, a home-cooked meal of local specialties.

Day 5: Mai Chau, Hanoi

After a leisurely morning, depart Mai Chau and travel through scenic landscapes back to Hanoi. After checking into your hotel, a Signature Experience awaits. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore your own way. Tonight, relish dinner at Spice Garden Restaurant, the hotel’s highly awarded and acclaimed Vietnamese restaurant.

Signature Experience – Exclusive Access to a Bomb Shelter

Join a local historian for a private tour of the hotel’s bomb shelter. Hear stories of its chance discovery and learn about the famous guests who sought shelter here during air raids.

Day 6: Hanoi

A guided tour of Hanoi takes you to the city’s most famous historical and cultural sites. Highlights include Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square and the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture and the first university in Vietnam. Nearby is the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most significant attractions, marking a notable development of Buddhism in the country. Constructed on a single pillar of stone in the middle of a lotus pond, this pagoda is a religious stop for local pilgrims.

You’ll also enjoy a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter. Explore the maze-like streets of this charming area, where each street conveys the name of the type of business that once operated there, such as Bamboo Street, Sugar Street and Silver Street. Then, explore more of this vibrant city on your selected Freedom of Choice experience. Tonight, choose your dining experience.

Freedom of Choice – Bat Trang Pottery Village

Journey to Bat Trang, a village where porcelain and pottery of the highest quality have been made for over 700 years. Step out with your guide on an insightful walk and hear stories about the rich clay.

Freedom of Choice – Head, Hand or Foot Massage

Indulge in a relaxing massage and soak up the atmosphere of Le Spa du Metropole overlooking the charming garden courtyard and pool of the iconic Sofitel Legend Metropole.

Freedom of Choice – Walking Tour of Hanoi

Explore Hanoi on foot. Step inside the neo-gothic St. Joseph’s Cathedral, admire Hanoi Opera House and view exhibits at Hoa Lo Prison. Learn about Vietnam’s struggle for independence from France.

Freedom of Choice – Water Puppet Performance

Set off by foot to one of Hanoi’s most renowned water puppet theatres. Learn about the art of water puppetry and its place in Vietnamese culture, including its beginnings in the villages.

Freedom of Choice – Vietnam’s Coffee Culture

Discover the importance of coffee in Vietnam, one of the country’s largest exports. Learn about the history and cultivation of coffee and try your hand at making some unique drinks.

Freedom of Choice – La Terrasse

Savour the atmosphere of a Parisian cafe at La Terrasse at the Sofitel Legend Metropole. With its classic Parisian-inspired furniture, this is the perfect place to relax.

Freedom of Choice – La Table Hanoia

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, and previously known as the Press Club, La Table Hanoia takes you on a journey of discovery. Enjoy a fine selection of gourmet food accompanied by seamless service.

Freedom of Choice – KOTO Van Mieu

Dine on soulful Vietnamese cuisine at KOTO Van Mieu, a training restaurant for disadvantaged and at-risk youth in Vietnam. This not-for-profit social enterprise empowers the youth through hospitality training.

Day 7: Hanoi, Tuan Chau, Embark Ship, Ha Long Bay

Travel to Tuan Chau for an incredible Signature Experience. Here, you will board the Au Co for your spectacular two-night cruise through Ha Long Bay. Savour an assortment of Vietnamese dishes during lunch as your luxury ship slowly glides towards the southeast of Ha Long Bay, passing Trong Mai Islet, Ngon Tay Islet and Con Coc Islet. Next, embark on an excursion to Cat Ba Island and ride a bicycle or electric cart through the peaceful Viet Hai village. Learn about local life and two of Bhaya Cruises’ social responsibility projects. Absorb the verdant surrounding scenery at Bhaya Café while joining a culinary class, where you’ll learn how to prepare steamed rice rolls known as bánh cuốn. Then, return to the ship and enjoy a delectable dinner on board. Afterwards, perhaps join a Vietnamese rice wine tasting session in the restaurant or try your hand at squid fishing on the main deck.

Signature Experience – Ha Long Bay Cruise

See Ha Long Bay on a two-night cruise aboard the traditionally styled Au Co. World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is one of nature's most inspiring displays, made up of over 1,600 lush limestone pillars.

Day 8: Ha Long Bay

As the sun rises over the acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, rejuvenate the body and mind with a refreshing Tai Chi lesson. Delight in a hearty breakfast before exploring the Trinh Nu area by kayak. Experience the awe-inspiring natural surroundings as you navigate through rugged mountains rising from emerald waters. Return to the boat for a leisurely cruise toward Cua Van Floating Village and savour a special lunch. In the afternoon, explore this mesmerising location in the heart of Ha Long Bay by kayak or traditional rowing boat. Return to the vessel and cruise to the anchor point. Soak up the spectacular seascape as the sun sets over the horizon while enjoying a drink on the deck. Finally, savour a delicious dinner in the onboard restaurant.

Day 9: Ha Long Bay, Tuan Chau, Disembark Ship, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An

Begin the day with a delicious breakfast before choosing between two exciting options. Perhaps discover Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in Ha Long Bay, with its expansive 10,000 square-metre interior filled with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, connected by a 500-metre paved passageway. Alternatively, embark on an excursion to Titov Island. Here, choose to relax and sunbathe on a pristine beach or hike to the top of the mountain to take in breathtaking panoramic view of Ha Long Bay. Return to the boat to prepare for disembarkation. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi Airport for your included flight to Da Nang, from where you’ll travel to historic Hoi An.

Day 10: Hoi An

Set out on a guided discovery of Hoi An this morning, taking in sights such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and the 19th-century Chinese Temple. Visit a handicraft workshop to see local artisans making silk lanterns and other traditional crafts. You will also stop off at a local cafe to try a Vietnamese specialty, coconut coffee. This afternoon, a boat cruise along the Thu Bon River takes you to where your special Signature Experience awaits.  

Signature Experience – Red Bridge Cooking School 

Discover Hoi An’s colourful market and find local ingredients you’ll use during an exclusive cooking class with the Red Bridge Cooking School before sitting down to enjoy your creations. 

Day 11: Hoi An, Hue

Set out on your Signature Experience. Visit a local garden and meet the farmers who work there while taking part in a number of different farming activities. You’ll then set out on an exploration of the water coconut palm jungle by basket boat. Depart Hoi An bound for Hue, the former Imperial Capital. Travel via Da Nang and up and over the stunning Hai Van Pass, with views across Lang Co Beach. This scenic mountain stretch is voted by some travellers as one of the world's most picturesque drives. Tonight, dine on authentic Hue cuisine at Nam Phuong Restaurant inside the hotel. The restaurant is named after Vietnam’s last queen.

Signature Experience – Hoi An Eco Tour  

Visit a local garden and meet the farmers who work there, while taking part in several different farming activities. You'll then set out on an exploration of the water coconut palm jungle by basket boat. 

Day 12: Hue

Venture to the Imperial Citadel, which served as the nation’s political capital and religious hub. Stroll among the citadel’s monuments and hear stories of its construction under the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Next, visit the historical Thien Mu Pagoda, which is the tallest pagoda in Vietnam, standing at 21 metres. The pagoda is part of an active Buddhist monastery that dates to 1601. Marvel at the seven successive tiers, each of which is dedicated to a human form taken by the Buddha, before exploring the gardens, flowers and ornamental plants surrounding the pagoda. Soak up the beautiful landscapes and passes some of Hue’s most important monuments during your Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Private Perfume River Cruise

Glide along Hue's Perfume River while savouring a delicious afternoon tea, featuring an assortment of sweet and savoury treats, along with a range of teas and coffees.

Day 13: Hue, Ho Chi Minh City

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure before dinner. 

Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City

Leave the city behind and enjoy your Signature Experiences today. Tonight, relish a delectable dinner during another Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Cu Chi Tunnels Visit

Set off on a thrilling speedboat journey along the Saigon River to the Cu Chi tunnels, an immense network of connecting tunnels built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the war.

Signature Experience – Private Gin Tasting

Meet a Master Distiller at Lady Trieu Gin Distillery and enjoy a guided tour and private tasting of the multi-award-winning gin. Follow up your tour with a light lunch, accompanied by a refreshing Lady Trieu gin and tonic.

Signature Experience – Dinner at Vietnam House

Savour dinner at the highly acclaimed restaurant Vietnam House, and delight in a special cocktail designed specifically for APT guests.

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Embark Ship, Cai Be

Choose your sightseeing this morning, then be transferred to your river ship. Set sail from My Tho and soak up the scenery during your cruise towards Cai Be. Tonight, a Vietnamese welcome dinner awaits, showcasing the diverse flavours from the region.

Freedom of Choice – City Walking Tour

Discover the city’s iconic landmarks and French colonial architecture on an informative guided walk. Stroll by the Saigon Opera House, Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Freedom of Choice – Motorbike Ride

Jump on the back of a motorbike like a local for a thrilling sightseeing adventure. Weave through the streets past the Central Post Office and Independence Palace. Visit Chinatown and Thien Hau pagoda.

Freedom of Choice – Cooking Class

Meet your chef, visit the market and discover Vietnamese ingredients. Continue to a villa and relax in the outdoor garden before you create your dishes. Learn the intricacies of making bánh mì xíu mại.

Freedom of Choice – Ho Chi Minh City Shopping Adventure

Seek out the city’s boutiques and discover high-quality handmade goods on a visit to Mekong Quilts. Saigon Kitsch sells quirky souvenirs, while L’Usine is a trend-setting lifestyle store.

Day 16: Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau

Board your traditional sampan for your first excursion on the banks of the Mekong. Step ashore to visit French gothic Cai Be Church, built in the Roman architectural style, as well as the colourful port area filled with crumbling colonial buildings and flowering gardens. The church’s bell tower, with its set of four bells cast in France in 1931, is the tallest bell tower in the Tien Giang Province. Afterwards, you’ll visit rice paper and coconut candy manufacturers and learn how these Vietnamese staples are made.

Head back to the ship to refresh before sitting down to savour a delicious lunch whilst continuing to cruise to the quaint town of Sa Dec. Upon arrival, explore Sa Dec by foot and meet some of the sellers at the colourful market. Continue to where French writer Marguerite Duras met her Vietnamese-Chinese lover, Huynh Thuy Le. Tour his former home and learn the story behind Duras’ best-selling novel, ‘The Lover’. After, visit a traditional Cao Dai temple. Watch visitors and pilgrims come and go and appreciate the beauty of the colourful building. Sail towards Tan Chai as dinner is served.

Day 17: Tan Chau, Evergreen Island, Border Crossing, Phnom Penh

Transfer to a small boat to cruise the tiny tributaries around the town of Tan Chau. Disembark for a rickshaw tour and visit a local silk and rattan weaving workshop. Then, explore Evergreen Island to see authentic rural Mekong life. This afternoon, appreciate some downtime and watch the scenery pass as the Mekong Serenity cruises towards the Cambodian border.

Day 18: Phnom Penh

Enjoy your Freedom of Choice activity, then spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. You may wish to head ashore and explore more of Phnom Penh independently or simply relax on board.

Freedom of Choice – Killing Fields and Genocide Museum

Learn about a confronting part of Cambodian history during a sobering visit to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

Freedom of Choice – Cyclo Ride

Explore Phnom Penh by what was the most popular form of transportation throughout Southeast Asia in the 1960s, the cyclo. Weave past some of the city’s most iconic sites.

Freedom of Choice – Visit the National Museum

Accompanied by your private museum guide, discover the most important pieces within the National Museum of Cambodia. The collection includes the world’s finest display of Khmer sculptures, art and relics.

Freedom of Choice – Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda

Discover Cambodia’s Royal Palace, the official residence of the King. Completed in 1870, the palace is an extraordinary example of Khmer architecture with elements of French influence. The palace also houses the Silver Pagoda.

Day 19: Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen, Oknha Tey

Journey to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience. Following the visit, return via Koh Chen village and visit local copperware workshops. Back on board, cruise to Oknha Tey, known for its silk weaving traditions. Stroll among the stilt houses and gain an insight into the traditional silk weaving process. Watch as the village women create beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms.

Signature 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.

Day 20: Oknha Tey, Angkor Ban, Wat Hanchey

Sail to Angkor Ban, where you'll disembark and enjoy a captivating walking discovery of this historic village. Remarkably, Angkor Ban stands as one of the rare Cambodian villages that remained unscathed during the tumultuous Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Here, people still live in traditional wooden homes and keep ancient cultural traditions alive. This afternoon, your ship continues sailing upstream to Wat Hanchey. 

Day 21: Wat Hanchey, Kampong Cham, Koh Pen

If you are feeling active this morning, walk to the hilltop pagoda of Wat Hanchey for expansive views over the Mekong. Here, you may find some novice monks along with many temples, pagodas, and stupas, some built this century while others date back to the eighth century. Savour lunch on board before enjoying a Signature Experience. Celebrate with a farewell dinner on board this evening.

Signature Experience – Tuk Tuk Tour of Koh Pen

Journey by local tuk tuk around a riverside village and gain an insight into village life. Travel along the shaded lanes past stilted houses and see a varying range of crops growing.

Day 22: Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Siem Reap

Bid farewell to the crew and disembark the Mekong Serenity early at Kampong Cham. Travel to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, passing through picturesque countryside and remote villages, where you can observe rural life. On arrival at your hotel, enjoy a light lunch and some relaxation time before a Signature Experience. Later, indulge in another captivating Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Local Charity Visit

Visit Opportunities of Development through Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner. ODA provides free English education and an introduction to computer skills to children living in Siem Reap’s remote villages, with the aim to improve future employment opportunities.

Signature Experience – VIP Circus Show and Backstage Visit

Be welcomed backstage at Phare Circus to meet some of the performers and witness a mesmerising performance from your VIP seats. This unforgettable spectacle showcases the country’s rich culture and talent by combining captivating acrobatics, theatre, and storytelling.

Day 23: Siem Reap

Wake early this morning to witness sunrise at the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. As the sun rises, soak up the atmosphere as you marvel at this ancient wonder. After the sun has risen, delve into the history and significance of this sacred site with a guided tour inside the vast temple complex and the sprawling grounds before returning to the hotel for a late breakfast.

Continue your exploration of the World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park with a visit to Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. Built during the heyday of the Empire in the 12th century, this is an extraordinary complex of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Head to the intriguing Bayon temple, with its carved stone smiling faces of gods, goddesses and other mythological beings. Visit the Terrace of Elephants, which used to be the base for the king’s grand audience hall, and the Terrace of the Leper King, which housed the royal crematory.

Journey to Ta Prohm, known for the thick jungle of fig trees and vines that have enveloped the structure, creating a feeling akin to stepping into a lost world. Ta Prohm is commonly referred to as the 'Tomb Raider Temple' due to it being used as a location in the blockbuster 2001 film ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’, which starred Angelina Jolie. The temple offers a captivating glimpse into the past and is a testament to a bygone era. Tonight, enjoy your Freedom of Choice dinner.

Signature Experience – Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Visit Angkor Archaeological Park to witness a spectacular sunrise at the magnificent Angkor Wat. Observe the iconic temple complex shimmer in the reflective ponds in front of this World Heritage-listed monument, while brilliant shades of orange and pink light up the sky.

Freedom of Choice – Sokkhak River Restaurant

Feast on a fusion of classic French recipes and modern Khmer dishes in beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking the river. At Sokkhak River Restaurant, the chefs add a modern twist to Cambodian classics.

Freedom of Choice – Mouhot’s Dream

Sit down to dinner at Mouhot’s Dream in the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Set beside the tranquil Sala Lake, the restaurant pays homage to renowned French explorer Henri Mouhot.

Freedom of Choice – Malis

Be treated to a delightful ambience in a stunning garden setting overlooking the Siem Reap River. Offering exquisite Cambodian cuisine, Malis restaurant has created a menu of traditional dishes adapted to the present.

Freedom of Choice – Butterfly Pea

Dine in an intimate traditional Khmer house, one of the few remaining in Siem Reap. Dining is also available in the tropical garden. Delight in authentic Cambodia cuisine mixed with Thai and Chinese influences.

Freedom of Choice – Fellini

Savour authentic Italian

Day 24: Siem Reap

Embark on your selected activity today. Tonight, your Signature Experience awaits. Set amid a stunning garden, this promises to be an enchanting and memorable evening.

Signature Experience – Gallery Visit with Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance

Treat yourself to a private visit to Theam's Gallery and discover this talented Cambodian artist, known for his unique sculptures, paintings, and intricate crafts. Indulge in a tantalising five-course Khmer dinner while enjoying a traditional Apsara dance performance accompanied by live musicians.

Freedom of Choice – Tuk Tuk Ride to Senteurs d’Angkor

Enjoy an exciting tuk tuk ride to the Senteurs d’Angkor workshop, a handicraft centre where you can observe the artisans in their workshops and gain an appreciation for their ancient crafts. Discover how they integrate contemporary designs inspired by Khmer know-how.

Freedom of Choice – Quad Bike Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating quad biking experience in the Cambodian countryside outside Siem Reap. Venture along quiet off-road tracks, see rice fields, forgotten temples and local communities.

Freedom of Choice – Bicycle Tour

Journey to the countryside villages next to Siem Reap. Surrounded by rice paddies and ancient ponds, you’ll cycle along quiet back trails to experience local rural life at its most picturesque. Observe daily farming activities.

Freedom of Choice – Horse and Cart Ride

Climb aboard a hand-made horse cart and set off on an authentic journey into the heart of rural Cambodia. Travel off the beaten path, navigating a variety of terrain through the beautiful countryside.

Freedom of Choice – Khmer Cooking Class

Travel to a market and meet your Khmer chef. Then, continue to Lum Orng, Cambodia’s first farm-to-table restaurant, which is famed for its New Mekong cuisine. Here, prepare a selection of dishes to taste.

Freedom of Choice – Siem Reap Shopping Adventure

Explore Siem Reap’s vibrant arts and crafts scene, starting at the Angkor Handicraft Association. This Fair-Trade Village is home to a wide variety of artisans who produce handmade goods using traditional techniques.

Freedom of Choice – Khmer Massage

Let your cares melt away and be rejuvenated by the healing powers of traditional Khmer massage. This oil-free 60-minute massage uses firm acupressure and muscular stretching to rebalance your energy.

Day 25: Depart Siem Reap

After breakfast, transfer to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport for your onward flight.