Cambodia Vietnam & Mekong Cruise Experience 3 Weeks
Delightedly visit friendly Siem Reap along with the incredible Angkor Wat – the world UNESCO heritage & other impressive Angkor temples, challenge unique bamboo train in Battambang and spend a lovely day with Kulen elephants as well as watching exotic Phare Cambodian Circus that won Guinness World Record in 2021. Then enjoy 7 nights cruise experience to see diverse Mekong River, Tonle Sap biosphere reserve and interesting river activities. Gently navigate from Vietnam’s popular My Tho in Mekong Delta region admired by floating communities and fishing villages which both give the best insight about Vietnam and Cambodia daily life of people living on the water while you’re floating to unwind yourselves amidst picturesque Mekong and natural beauty, and included some of unique tour activities and sightseeing on the way. The trip doesn’t only include the vibrant Saigon’s sightseeing, historical site and French colonial buildings, to central coastal cities to visit Hue Imperial Citadel followed by dinner cruise on the Perfume River, observe the heritage site of Old Hoi An town and go for Golden Bridge atop Ba Na Hills and Da Nang’s white sand beach before heading to Hanoi for sightseeing tour and with a wonderful trip to the fascinating countryside to catch the best karst scenery of Ninh Binh.
Destinations
Siem Reap → Battambang → Kampong Chhnang → Kampong Cham → Phnom Penh → Tan Chau → Sa Dec → Cai Be → My Tho → Saigon → Hue → Hoi An → Da Nang → Hanoi → Ninh Binh
Or Vice Versa
Program Detail
Day 1: Siem Reap – Arrival
International flight is NOT included in the tour price.
Our friendly team (guide and driver) will welcome you at the arrival gate upon your arrival at Angkor Siem Reap International Airport then transfers to a reserved hotel for check in and simply enjoy yourselves free time at hotel or explore central city by your own.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: None
Day 2: Full Day Guided Angkor Discovery
Breakfast is served at hotel. We’re journeying out of hotel at 8.00am the South Gate of Angkor Thom atop 4 giant faces that religiously represents compassion, sympathy, equanimity and charity. Stroll around Bayon temple consisting of more than 200 smiling faces in stone, admired by interesting temples including Baphuon, Phimeanakas, terrace of leper king and terrace of elephant. Resume the journey to visit Ta Prohm temple adorned with the stunning, amazing tree roots where Lara Croft Tomb Raider was filmed.
Enjoy Khmer set lunch followed by a soft drink or fresh coconut juice at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, continue to witness the marvelous Angkor Wat – the world’s heritage listed by UNESCO in 1992 and the largest unrivaled monument in the world. Built by Suryavarman II in 12th Century, Angkor Wat is considered as one of the top destinations in Asia and is a must-see in your lifetime. Learning from your tour guide the amazing history, its ancestral incredible, architectural masterpieces and the finest carvings dates back to the Khmer Empire when it dominated the largest parts of Southeast Asia.
Note: Visiting beautiful sunset is available at Phnom Bakheng, please speak to our tour guide to manage this for you. This is a hiking up (Approx. 30 minutes/way) to the hill and it’s always touristy or skip it if you feel tired.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Kulen Elephant Sanctuary (Share Tour) & Phare Cambodian Circus
Breakfast is served at hotel. Our driver will pick you up at 7.30am at hotel’s lobby then transfers to Kulen Elephant Forest office in Siem Reap town where you’ll then transferred by shuttle minivan at 8.00am with an hour drive to the Kulen Elephant sanctuary which locates at the base of Kulen Mountain range.
Once at the reserve, you will spend time to learn from the local tour guide to get understanding the way of elephants live, play and roam as well as knowing how they are being well taken care mostly through their natural habitat, observing their relationships and behaviors. At noon, retire to base camp and enjoy a traditional meal before heading back to Siem Reap with the arrival around 2.00pm and have the rest of your own free.
Evening around 6.00pm, transfer to enjoy delicate family set dinner at nice garden Chanrey Tree restaurant by Siem Reap Riverside. Next, go to visit Siem Reap’s most unique, authentic, top-rated entertainment! – Phare Cambodian Circus that won the Guinness World Record and it is the only unique Phare Circus performance (no animals) which is unlike any other circus in the world: theater, story, dance, high-energy music and circus arts, and impressively inspires Cambodia culture and arts etc.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Fully Guided Day Trip to Battambang
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off at 5.30am then drive with 2 ½ to Battambang Province. Arrived in Battambang and have breakfast (your own account) at a local restaurant before we head out to experience some fun on the famous bamboo train in Battambang, cruising on the track of the train rail while enjoying the highlight of rural landscape. Continue to wander around the infamous Prohoc market “Fermented Fish Market”, observe rice paper making, have chances to try the taste of Cambodian rice wine and learn how it is made before drive to visit ancient temple of Wat Ek Phnom – an Angkorain temple built in the 11th century. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, continue our journey to visit traditional wooden house which was built a century ago during French Era and have a short tour that reveals a very interesting background regarding to its history. We will stroll at Battambang winery (with grape wine tasting) before heading to Phnom Sampov where you enjoy the active walking at the top of the mountain to witness the killing caves and visit hidden caves of Battambang.
Finally, we drive back and arrive in Siem Reap in the evening.
Overnight in Siem Reap
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - Day 12: Siem Reap to Saigon by Mekong Cruise
The mighty Mekong – a mysterious body of water flowing through six countries in Asia. Giving love and life to millions, it received its fame by the legendary God King of ancient Cambodia, King Jayavarman VII, who linked hands with the waters of the Mekong to build the magnificent Angkor civilization.
This classic 7-Night Mekong River cruise named “The Lost Civilisation” combines places rarely visited with fantastic historical heritage sites. If offers a complete fluvial discovery of Vietnam and Cambodia along the Mekong with a combination of experiences one never will forget.
- Day 5: Siem Reap – Tonle Lake – Tonle River (-/L/D)
- Day 6: Kampong Chhnang – Kampong Tralach – Kampong Cham (B/L/D)
- Day 7: Kampong Cham – Oknha Tey – Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
- Day 8: Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
- Day 9: Phnom Penh – Border Crossing – Tan Chau (B/L/D)
- Day 10: Tan Chau – My An Hung – Sa Dec (B/L/D)
- Day 11: Binh Thanh Island – Cai Be – My Tho (B/L/D)
- Day 12: My Tho – Saigon (B/-/-)
Note: For low water period, the program from Day 11 to Day 13 will be varied and the detailed program of low/high water period will be provided accordingly.
*Mekong Cruise is operated by Jayavarman Cruise (standard budget) or you can upgrade to luxury cruise The Jahan.
*To ensure there isn’t a mistake between cruise departure and your international flight arrival, we highly encourage to consult the tour program with our sale team before going ahead to reserve your international flight ticket.
Day 13: Cu Chi tunnels & Saigon City Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today we begin our adventure trip at 8.00am out of bustling Saigon City, pass countryside to explore the famous attraction of Cu Chi tunnels which are known as the deadly dangerous trap tunnel networks and was used by Viet Cong army as the facility base to supply food, accommodation, storage, escape rooms as well as strong holes to fight against their enemies during French and American war from 1948 until 1975. Learn from your tour guide about this interesting and sad history of Vietnam, and personally experience the real feeling when crawl into the tunnels to reveal some remnants left after the war ended.
Enjoy Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, we return for guided Saigon City along with War Remnants Museum that you can witness Indochina war history while browsing various items relating Vietnam War, visit the fascinating architecture of Reunification Palace which was the former workplace and residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam, admired by French colonial buildings of Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office, we then stroll at Jade Emperor Pagoda before go shopping at the famous Ben Thanh market where you observe trading exchanges and you can’t absolutely ignore to purchase some souvenirs.
Overnight in Saigon
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14: Saigon - Flight to Hue, Hue City Tour & Sunset Cruise
Breakfast is served at hotel. Have the rest of free time in Saigon before transferring to airport for flight to coastal city of Hue.
Upon arrival, you will be friendly greeted by our escort guide and driver then transfer to a booked hotel in Hue and simply have free time after check in.
Afternoon, we set off to explore the three significant mausoleum emperors of Minh Mang, Khai Dinh and Tu Duc, those tombs have unique blend French & Royal architectures along with interesting history that you can learn from your tour guide about Nguyen Dynast dates back to 12th century. We continue our adventure to Kim Long Village to observe local people making conical hats and colorful joss sticks.
Evening, we get on board for sunset cruise with a welcome cocktail, the boat cruise slowly slides along the Perfume River admired by soft evening at Hue imperial city before enjoying special dinner followed by Vietnamese traditional music performance on boat. Disembark and get our car/minivan back to the hotel around 8.45pm.
Overnight in Hue
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner Cruise
Day 15: Hue Imperial Citadel, Drive to Hoi An & Hoi An Street Food
Breakfast is served at hotel. We’re heading out at 8.00am to Dong Ba market where we stroll to observe citizen daily life with interesting local trades then continue to visit the world heritage site “Hue Imperial Citadel” which is considered as the most famous attraction along with unique architectures, detailed arts and works on walls, and a rich history which dates back to hundreds of years ago. The impressive structures, cultural decorates, Purple Forbidden City and the history definitely give your day a pretty worth visit. Next, we drive along The Perfume River to the attractive, religious Thien Mu Pagoda where you will have a pleasant walking to see beautiful surrounding and learn from your guide about its mystery legend.
Enjoy delicious Vietnamese lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, we drive (approx. 3 hours) from Hue via Hai Van Pass to Hoi An Town, en-route at beautiful Hai Van Pass admired by natural beauty of mountain range and the blue coast where it’s a good morning to take a wonderful breathtaking and capture picturesque photos. Arrived, checked in and have rest of free time.
Evening at 5.00pm, we process to the old town of Hoi An where we excitingly enjoy the walking street food tour to discover famous Vietnamese dishes including delicate Vietnamese sandwich called “Banh Mi”, Barbecue pork rolled in rice paper and other yummy snacks (Banh Beo and Banh Khot). Continue to observe marketplace area with various local food stalls admired by interesting activities, we go zic and zac through small alley to Hoi An Riverfront to catch the night street highlight of cultural Hoi An town and cheerfully end up at a local restaurant for delicious dinner followed by a local beer.
Overnight in Hoi An
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: My Son Sanctuary & Hoi An Ancient Town Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off at 8.30am to visit My Son Sanctuary which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hoi An of central Vietnam, formally was the religious and political center of the Champa Kingdom from the 4th to the 13th century. The site contains over 70 Hindu temples dedicated to Shiva, known as Bhadreshvara. The temples are built of brick and stone and decorated with sandstone sculptures. Unlock temple historical and capture nice photos before returning Hoi An town for a tasty lunch at a selected local restaurant.
Afternoon, we’ll discover the well-preserved old town of Hoi An which is known as a UNESCO world cultural heritage site because of its unique architecture that reflects both indigenous and foreign cultures. Start with the most remarkable Japanese Covered Bridge dates back to the 16th century, traditional Fujian Assembly Hall which gives a worth visit, continue to observe the exotic architecture of Tan Ky Old House, have an exciting walking in the colorful lantern street and take beautiful photos before visiting Hoi An central market where you can go shopping around.
Overnight in Hoi An
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 17: Hoi An to Da Nang – Marble Mountain, Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge
Breakfast is served at hotel. Check out, drive to Da Nang with spending a great sight to Marble Mountains which represent to five elements: water, fire, earth, wood and metal, also a home to religious pagodas, shrines and hidden caves. Enjoy climbing up with 108 steps to the top and tranquilly take a wonderful breathtaking with the spectacular views of Da Nang City, and we will go to explore a few hidden caves (or skip caves) and Tam Thai pagoda. If you’re font of handicraft works, Tien Hieu Marble Handicraft Sculptures is an ideal for observation before resume our journey to Ba Na Hills where we discover the fascinating beauty of Da Nang City from the summit of popular Ba Na Hills. Once we arrived, we process to take cable car to observe variety of exciting places included Le Jardin D’Amour Flower Garden, the impressive Linh Ung Pagoda, Buddhist statue and walk inside the tunnel to visit wine cellar with a chance to taste a glass of wine. Continue to stroll at the must-see Golden Bridge where you capture the beauty of the sky, nature and enjoy the breathtaking while Golden Bridge is extremely considered as one of the most pleasant places to take romantic photos.
Note: buffet lunch is provided at one of restaurants in Ba Na.
Return to our awaiting car/minivan then we drive straight to a booked hotel in Da Nang for check in.
Overnight in Da Nang
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 18: Da Nang – My Khe Beach & Flight to Hanoi
Breakfast is served at hotel. Today our team picks you up at hotel’s lobby then transfers to My Khe beach – one of the most beautiful, natural coastal cities in Vietnam. It is a white sand coast with clear water and a pleasant beach for relaxing, swimming, sunbathing and unwind yourselves at your own free time before taking afternoon flight to Hanoi Capital.
Upon arrival, you will be friendly greeted by our escort guide and driver then transfer to a booked hotel in Bangkok and simply have free time after check in or make your own strolling around city for highlight.
Overnight in Hanoi
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Day 19: Ninh Binh - Tam Coc & Bich Dong Pagoda
Breakfast is served at hotel. We’re heading out bustling Hanoi at 7.30am and drive with 2 ½ hours through Red River Delta dotting with beautiful scenery to Ninh Binh Province southern Hanoi. Arrived at Tam Coc, we process to take 2 hours of wonderful sightseeing on Sampan rowing boat through the fascinating rice fields that features the stunning karst formations and surrounding natural beauty as well as peddling through mysterious limestone caves while enjoying the tranquil calm. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, continue to the significant Bich Dong Pagoda where we will hike up and down to observe religious and interesting places at low, middle and upper pagodas built aside at rocky mountain, learn from your tour guide about local religion, pagoda architectures and history while taking a deep breathtaking to enjoy beautiful landscapes from the highest pagoda. Our last stop will be at Hoa Lu – the ancient Royal Capital of Vietnam dates back to 10th century before it was moved to and established the capital in Hanoi. From there, we will only have a quick visit from the outside at the bridge of the front gate of Hao Lu (depends on time) and unlock its great effort in the history in term of unique art works and architectures. Finally, we make our way back to Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 20: Fully Guided Hanoi City Tour
Breakfast is served at hotel. We set off at 8.00am for a fully guided tour within Ba Dinh Square, visit the main attractions included the famous Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda with most interesting architecture and 10th century Temple of Literature – the first national university of Vietnam along with rich history. Enjoy delicious lunch at Hoang Cuisine restaurant (or similar).
Afternoon, we observe Hoa Lo Prison which tells you an interesting war from French colonial time to Vietnam and American War. Continue to visit Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – the significant place to witness the best collection, documentation, exhibition and preserving the cultural and historic patrimony of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Next, we take rickshaw (cyclo) explore the popular Old Quarter admired by attractive daily life and bustling local activities. Ending the cyclo ride at Thang Long Opera Theatre, we then enjoy a traditional, unique water puppet show.
Overnight in Hanoi
*Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 21: Hanoi - Departure
International flight is NOT included in the tour price.
Breakfast is served at hotel. Enjoy the rest of free time in Hanoi then our team will pick you up from hotel’s lobby and transfers to Noi Bai International Airport for your flight to the next destination.
*Meal Plan: Breakfast
Trip Extension to beautiful Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Hanoi, Vietnam. It features fascinating thousands of limestone islands, caves, and floating villages. You can enjoy cruises, kayaking, and scenic views of the emerald waters and karst formations.
Thank You
Goodbye Beautiful Southeast Asia
Important
*To ensure there isn’t a mistake between cruise departure and your international flight arrival, we highly encourage to consult the tour program with our sale team before going ahead to reserve your international flight ticket.
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