Essential Vietnam & Cambodia - River Cruise

Days 1-4  Siem Reap, Cambodia    
Fly overnight to Siem Reap. Over the next few days explore the majestic temples of Angkor, taking you to Bayon Temple, Angkor Thom and Ta Prohm, known for its huge tree roots that snake their way through the ancient stonework. Rise early to witness the sun rising over the breathtaking Angkor Wat, a true highlight of your trip. Whilst you are here you could take the opportunity to visit ODA (Opportunities for Development thru Art), an organisation that provides education for disadvantaged children.      

Day 5  Siem Reap to Kampong Cham      
Board your river ship and commence your Mekong River cruise. This afternoon travel along the narrow lanes, past wooden stilted houses tucked amongst palm and sandalwood trees on a tuk-tuk ride through Koh Pen.      

Day 6  Mekong River Cruise      
This morning enjoy an immersive tour of Angkor Ban, one of the few traditional villages that survived the cruel Khmer Rouge regime. Continue sailing towards Oknha Tey where you can learn about the area’s famous silk production process before departing for Phnom Penh.      

Day 7  Mekong River Cruise      
Enjoy an excursion to Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia. Visit a local monastery where you can partake in a Buddhist blessing ceremony. Visit copperware workshops in Koh Chen before returning to Phnom Penh to explore at leisure. Enjoy optional activities such as a cooking workshop or taking in off-the-beaten-track sights by tuk-tuk.  

Day 8  Mekong River Cruise      
Begin with a sobering visit to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to learn about the Khmer Rouge era. In the afternoon explore the spectacular Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda.    

Day 9  Mekong River Cruise, Vietnam      
Cruise down the Mekong to cross the border into Vietnam. Arrive in the small town of Tan Chau, renowned for its silk production where the ship will dock overnight.      

Day 10  Mekong River Cruise      
After breakfast, transfer to a small boat and travel along the Mekong’s tiny tributaries, observing the stilt house villages and rural Mekong life. Later, visit several local artisan workshops to learn about the history of their crafts.      

Day 11  Mekong River Cruise      
Enjoy a guided tour of charming Sa Dec town and explore the colourful markets on foot. After lunch, arrive in bustling Cai Be and visit the French Gothic cathedral and enjoy a final dinner on board.  

Day 12  My Tho to Ho Chi Minh City      
Disembark at My Tho Port today and travel by coach to the Cu Chi tunnels, a tunnel network built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. Continue on to vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and spend the evening at leisure or enjoy an optional dining experience.

Day 13  Ho Chi Minh City      
Spend the day uncovering Ho Chi Minh City’s fascinating history, from colonial rule to coups and rebellion. This evening indulge in a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Days  14-15 Fly home