Essential Vietnam and Cambodia River Cruise
Day 1 -Depart Ireland
Day 2 – Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon. Meet your Travelmarvel representative and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, feast on a delicious Welcome Dinner showcasing the distinctive flavours of Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 3 – 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.
Day 4 – 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 ApLotus, 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.
Day 5 – 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 Lotus sets sail for Tan Chau. Enjoy dinner and later, head up to the Saigon Lounge for evening entertainment or a cocktail.
Day 6 – 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 Lotus 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 7 – 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 8 – 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 9 – 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 10 – 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.
Day 11 – Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Siem Reap
Bid farewell to the crew and disembark the RV Lotus. 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 12- 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.
Day 13 – 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.
Day 1 – Arrive Ireland
