Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong

Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy free time to explore Ho Chi Minh City, from the lively Ben Thanh Night Market to one of its classic local cafés.

Discover the dynamic contrasts of Ho Chi Minh City, where modern towers stand beside historic landmarks and motorbikes fill the streets. Today’s guided tour includes the Reunification Palace, a key symbol of modern Vietnamese history, as well as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the Opera House, and other elegant reminders of the city’s French colonial past. You’ll also visit a local lacquer workshop to learn about one of Vietnam’s most celebrated traditional crafts. Afterward, enjoy free time for lunch and the chance to explore the city’s excellent food scene at your own pace.

Optional Experiences:
Explore Saigon from a different perspective with a stylish vintage Vespa ride or a classic Jeep adventure. Both experiences offer a fun three-hour journey through lively streets, hidden alleys, local neighborhoods, and lesser-known corners of the city, giving you a closer look at the authentic spirit of Ho Chi Minh City.

This morning, visit the famous Củ Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary underground network used during the Vietnam War. Originally built as shelter and later expanded over many miles, the tunnels offer a fascinating insight into Vietnam’s modern history and the resilience of those who lived and worked within them.

After lunch, transfer to My Tho to board your elegant Mekong cruise ship, your home for the next seven nights. Settle in as you begin sailing through the scenic Mekong Delta, then enjoy a welcome dinner inspired by Vietnamese cuisine this evening.

Wake to the gentle pace of the Mekong Delta. Explore Ben Tre, known for coconut groves, fruit orchards, and quiet canals lined with village homes. Travel by local sampan through narrow waterways and gain a closer look at daily life in the delta. Meet local artisans and experience the warm hospitality of this fertile region before returning to the ship.

Today, visit Sa Dec, a charming riverside town with French influences and lively markets. Stroll through colorful produce stalls and discover a side of Vietnam shaped by agriculture and river trade. Continue into the countryside to observe traditional crafts and village life, where generations still maintain long-standing customs.

Spend a relaxing day cruising deeper into the Mekong as the landscapes gradually shift from Vietnam into Cambodia. Enjoy time on deck, lectures or cultural presentations onboard, and uninterrupted views of life along the riverbanks. This is a wonderful day to slow down and appreciate the timeless rhythm of the Mekong.

Arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital. Here, French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and modern city life come together in fascinating contrast. Explore the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, then enjoy time to walk along the lively riverfront or relax at a café. This evening, experience the city’s growing dining scene.

Today offers a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s recent past with visits that provide important historical context. Later, balance reflection with time to experience the city’s resilience, creativity, and forward-looking spirit. Phnom Penh today is energetic, stylish, and full of character.

Continue sailing through rural Cambodia to Angkor Ban, one of the few villages that preserved much of its traditional character. Walk among wooden stilt houses and meet local families. This is a meaningful opportunity to see a quieter side of Cambodia rarely experienced by most travelers.

Disembark and continue to Siem Reap, gateway to the legendary temples of Angkor. Later, visit the magnificent Angkor Wat, one of the world’s great architectural and spiritual treasures. As the light changes across its stone carvings and towers, it becomes clear why this site remains unforgettable for travelers from around the world.

Spend the day exploring the remarkable temple complex. Discover Bayon Temple, known for its serene stone faces, and Ta Prohm, where jungle roots embrace ancient walls. Beyond the beauty of the temples themselves, the scale and artistry of Angkor are truly extraordinary.

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy time at leisure. Vietnam’s capital offers a different atmosphere from the south—graceful, historic, and deeply rooted in tradition.

Discover Hanoi’s elegant blend of history and daily life. Visit the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the charming Old Quarter, where narrow streets bustle with local commerce. Pause for Vietnamese coffee and enjoy the city’s refined culinary culture.

Day 14 – Hanoi at Leisure

Enjoy a final full day in Vietnam. You may wish to shop for handicrafts, visit a museum, enjoy a private food experience, or simply relax at your hotel. Hanoi rewards those who take time to wander and observe its quiet details.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Depart with lasting memories of Vietnam and Cambodia—two remarkable countries linked by history, culture, and the enduring beauty of the Mekong River.