Vietnam, Cambodia and Mekong River Cruise ITINERARY
DAY 1 & 2– Saigon
Arrive at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You will then start the trip with a guided tour of Saigon’s most iconic landmarks. The journey starts at the historic Reunification Palace, where a tank famously crashed through the gates in 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War. You’ll also visit the powerful War Remnants Museum and the bustling Ben Thanh Market – an energetic hub where you can browse everything from souvenirs to street food, all at fantastic prices.
DAY 3- Cu Chi Tunnels
This morning, travel from Ho Chi Minh City to the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. During your guided visit, discover hidden passages, living quarters, and defensive traps that played a vital role in the conflict, offering a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s wartime history.
DAY 4- Board the ship
In the early afternoon, you’ll be transferred to My Tho port, where you’ll board the elegant Riviera Alba cruise vessel. The dedicated crew, exemplifying the exceptional hospitality found throughout the area, will help you get settled into your comfortable and tastefully decorated cabin.
Following a welcome reception and safety overview, enjoy a drink as the ship departs, then join fellow passengers in the restaurant for your inaugural dinner – when a delicious Vietnamese ‘Mekong Delta’ welcome dinner will be served.
DAY 5- Cai Be & Sa Dec
Cruise through the scenic waterways of the Mekong Delta aboard a traditional small boat, passing nipa palms and lush mangroves on your way to Cai Be. Here, visit a local village to sample seasonal fruits, discover traditional cake-making, and learn about local beekeeping traditions.
Later, continue to the bustling town of Sa Dec for a walking tour that includes the famous house featured in The Lover by Marguerite Duras, now a museum blending French, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences. Explore colourful temples and lively local markets before returning to the ship for a relaxing evening on board.
DAY 6- An Giang & Dong Thap
Visit colourful Cu Lao Gieng, known as “Mango Island,” for a guided tour through its lush orchards and traditional villages, where local artisans still handcraft bamboo baskets using old techniques that have been passed down through the generations. Along the way, sample the island’s famous mangoes and visit historic landmarks including a century-old Catholic church and a French colonial-style home.
Later, cruise by local boat to a village in Dong Thap Province, passing floating fish farms and scenic waterways. Explore the countryside by tuk-tuk through emerald rice fields and enjoy a vibrant traditional unicorn dance performance.
DAY 7- Cruising the Mekong
DAY 8 & 9- Phnom Penh
This morning, explore Phnom Penh by tuk-tuk with visits to the magnificent Royal Palace and the stunning Silver Pagoda, famed for its silver-tiled floor and jewel-adorned Buddha statues. Continue to the National Museum of Cambodia, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art and artefacts.The afternoon is free for you to explore the city at leisure before enjoying a traditional Apsara dance performance in the evening, celebrating Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.
The next day you will spend the morning in Phnom Penh and gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s history with visits to the Choeung Ek Genocidal Center and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, two powerful memorials to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. The afternoon is free again for you to explore at your own pace, perhaps browsing the bustling Central Market or strolling along the riverside promenade of Sisowath Quay before the ship departs Phnom Penh and continues along the Mekong River.
DAY 10- Wat Roka Kaong & Opopel Village
Visit the sacred Wat Roka Kaong, also known as the Emerald Temple, renowned for its historic emerald statue, ornate pagoda, and striking golden columns. During your visit, explore the temple grounds and, if you wish, receive a traditional water blessing from the resident monks.
Later, cruise to Opopel Village for a guided walk through this peaceful rural community, where stilted homes, banana groves, and local monasteries offer a glimpse into everyday Cambodian life. This evening, enjoy a special farewell gathering and Cambodian dinner on board to celebrate the end of your journey.
DAY 11- Kampong Cham & Siem Reap
Disembark the ship this morning and travel through the Cambodian countryside towards Siem Reap, stopping en route at the historic Kampong Kdei Bridge, an impressive stone bridge dating from the reign of King Jayavarman VII. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Siem Reap for a two-night stay at the Borei Angkor Resort & Spa.
This evening, enjoy a spectacular performance by the Phare Cambodian Circus, where talented young artists combine acrobatics, theatre, music, and dance to bring Cambodia’s culture and history to life.
DAY 12- Temples of Angkor
Discover the extraordinary Angkor Archaeological Park on a guided tour of Cambodia’s most iconic temples. Begin at the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom and marvel at the remarkable stone faces of Bayon. Continue to the atmospheric Ta Prohm, where giant tree roots intertwine with centuries-old ruins, before ending the day at the magnificent Angkor Wat, glowing beautifully in the light of sunset.
DAY 13- Siem Reap and Hanoi
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Siem Reap, with time to unwind at the hotel, take a swim, indulge in a spa treatment, or explore the city’s vibrant local markets. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, where you’ll check in for an overnight stay and enjoy a light dinner on arrival.
DAY 14- Hanoi & Departure home
Embark on the final leg of your Vietnamese adventure this morning with a delightful guided tour that whisks you through the enchanting tapestry of Hanoi’s history and modernity. After our tour, we’ll transfer back to the hotel for some free time. A late check-out will be arranged for you to freshen up before our overnight flight back to Dublin.
