Essential Vietnam & Cambodia

Make your way to London Heathrow for your flight to Vietnam.

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.

Insider Experience – Two Nights at Le Méridien Saigon

Experience an unforgettable stay at the unique Le Méridien Saigon. Nestled on the banks of the Saigon River in bustling District 1, this contemporary hotel is perfectly situated just moments away from Bến Thành Market and Independence Palace.

Stay: Two Nights, Ho Chi Minh City, Le Méridien Saigon

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.

Enhance Your Journey

• Ho Chi Minh City by Foot
  Explore the bustling city on this walking tour, passing the Saigon Opera House People’s Committee building, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office.
• History of Saigon
  Delve deeper into Ho Chi Minh City’s turbulent history. Start at the Reunification Palace, visit the War Remnants Museum and see the the Burning Monk Memorial.
• Shopping Tour by Foot
  Seek out the city’s boutiques as only a local knows and discover locally made and produced items such as clothing, mementos and jewellery.
• Hoi An Sense
  Indulge in authentic Hoi An delicacies, complemented by warm hospitality and rich cultural charm.
• Le Corto
  Dine on a three-course French fusion-inspired menu with a dining experience like no other.
• Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro
  Savour the delights of this Vietnamese bistro, where the walls are adorned with locally crafted propaganda posters offering food-oriented advice.

Start the day with your Insider Experience before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Drive to My Tho and board the RV Apsara, 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.

Insider Experience – Morning Walking Tour

Step out on an early morning guided walk to watch the busy streets come to life and gain a deeper understanding of what drives this urban centre.

Stay: Seven Nights, Mekong River, RV Apsara

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 Apsara sets sail for Tan Chau.

Enjoy dinner and later, head up to the Saigon Lounge for evening entertainment or a cocktail.

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 Apsara 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.

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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

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.

Insider Experience – Tuk Tuk Tour of Koh Pen

Hop on a tuk tuk and explore the agricultural island of Koh Pen. Travel along the shaded lanes and past wooden stilted houses, tucked amongst palm and sandalwood trees.

Bid farewell to the crew and disembark the RV Apsara. 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.

Stay: Two Nights, Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas

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.

Insider Experience – Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Wake up early and witness the sun rising over Angkor Wat. A seat is included during the experience, as well as refreshments (coffee, tea or juice).

Insider Experience – Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance

Dine on tantalising Khmer cuisine and peer into the heart of Cambodia by watching a performance of an Apsara dance, a delicate, beautiful tradition dating back to the seventh century.

Enhance Your Journey

• APOPO Herorats Tour and Landmine Museum
  Take a tour of APOPO, a non-profit organisation that trains African Giant Pouched rats to save lives by detecting landmines. Close by, the Landmine Museum will showcase the devastating impact of landmines, sharing personal stories of hope and resilience while highlighting ongoing de-mining efforts.
• Horse Cart Ride
  Journey through the Cambodian countryside on a traditional horse cart. Relax and watch the scenery go by on this authentic outing.
• Quad Bike Adventure
  Explore authentic Cambodia away from the tourist crowds on a quad bike. Journey through rice fields, forests and villages.

Your Vietnam and Cambodia journey comes to an end after breakfast with a transfer to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport for your onward flight.

Arrive back in London today.

Make your way to London Heathrow for your flight to Cambodia.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and spend at your leisure.

Insider Experience – Three Nights at the Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas

Unwind at the Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas, an oasis of tranquillity, and relax amid the lush gardens and large swimming pool.

Stay: Three Nights, Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas

Explore Siem Reap this morning at your own pace. Later, discover Ta Prohm temple, commonly referred to as the Tomb Raider temple. having featured in the movie starring Angelina Jolie. The temple and its atmospheric surrounds have been left to slowly return to nature, with the overgrown jungle and vast root systems creating a unique sight throughout the ruins. Enjoy Insider Experiences this afternoon and tonight.

This evening, enjoy local Khmer flavours during dinner.

Insider Experience – Local Charity Visit

Visit Opportunities of Development through Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner which supports local underprivileged children by providing them with an education.

Insider Experience – Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance

Dine on tantalising Khmer cuisine and peer into the heart of Cambodia by watching a performance of an Apsara dance, a delicate, beautiful tradition dating back to the seventh century.

Rise early for a special Insider Experience at Angkor Archaeological Park. After a guided tour of the well-preserved temple, return to your hotel for breakfast.

In the early afternoon, explore Siem Reap on your own or choose from our select experience options.

Later this afternoon, return to Angkor Archaeological Park to visit Bayon Temple and Angkor Thom.

This evening enjoy an unforgettable Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Wake up early and witness the sun rising over Angkor Wat. This also includes a seat during the experience as well as refreshments (coffee, tea or juice).

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.

Enhance Your Journey

• APOPO HeroRATs Tour and Landmine Museum
  Take a tour of APOPO, a non-profit organisation that trains African Giant Pouched rats to save lives by detecting landmines. Close by, the Landmine Museum will showcase the devastating impact of landmines, sharing personal stories of hope and resilience while highlighting ongoing de-mining efforts.
• Horse Cart Ride
  Journey through the Cambodian countryside on a traditional horse cart. Relax and watch the scenery go by on this authentic outing.
• Quad Bike Adventure
  Explore authentic Cambodia away from the tourist crowds on a quad bike. Journey through rice fields, forests and villages.

An early drive through picturesque countryside and remote villages brings you to Kampong Cham to join your Mekong River cruise. Step aboard the RV Apsara, your boutique river ship and home for the next seven nights.

Spend your afternoon enjoying your Insider Experience.

This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board with your fellow travellers as your Mekong River cruise begins.

Insider Experience – Tuk Tuk Tour of Koh Pen

Hop on a tuk tuk and explore the agricultural island of Koh Pen. Travel along the shaded lanes and past wooden stilted houses, tucked among palm and sandalwood trees.

Stay: Seven Nights, Mekong River, RV Apsara

Start your day with a tour of Angkor Ban by foot and see one of the few rural villages in Cambodia that escaped destruction from the Khmer Rouge regime.

Return to your ship and continue sailing towards Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island renowned for its silk manufacturing traditions, preserved over centuries. Hop in a local tuk tuk for a village tour, pass rice fields and get a glimpse into rural life. Stroll amongst the still 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.

Back on board, you start sailing towards the capital, Phnom Penh.

Begin your morning with an excursion by road to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital. Indulge in your memorable Insider Experience. En route back to Phnom Penh take a leisurely walk to explore the village of Koh Chen. Stop to visit the open-air copperware workshops and watch the skill of the artisans. Return to the ship and enjoy a free afternoon in fascinating Phnom Penh or enhance your time by choosing one of Travelmarvel’s select experiences.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Begin your day with a sobering visit to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to learn about Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge era and honour the victims at the Memorial Stupa.

After lunch, explore the Royal Palace, known for its stunning white and gold Khmer architecture, and the Silver Pagoda with its 5,000 silver tiles.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to visit the Russian Market, try local delicacies at the Central Market, or relax aboard.

Spend today on board as your ship cruises to the Vietnamese border. While border formalities are carried out, sit down and enjoy the onboard activities and presentations.

Cross into Vietnam and cruise towards the small town of Tan Chau.

After breakfast, transfer to a small boat and travel along the Mekong’s tiny tributaries, observing the stilt house villages. Go ashore for a tour of Tan Chau by rickshaw. Known as one of the largest silk-weaving centres in Vietnam, visit the fascinating local artisan workshops to learn more about the history of the craft.

Later, step back in time during a visit to Vinh Hoa, also known as Evergreen Island. Take the opportunity to see traditional Vietnamese farming, where the land is ploughed by water buffalo and where you will see authentic rural Mekong life.

Settle back in and watch the passing scenery as you continue cruising towards Sa Dec.

Take a boat ride to the charming colonial town of Sa Dec and explore the colourful markets on foot. Visit the former home of Huynh Thuy Le. Here Le’s one-time lover, French writer, Marguerite Duras, penned her best-selling novel, The Lover, about their affair. After lunch, step aboard a local boat and journey to Cai Be to see the French Gothic cathedral.

Go ashore to visit a local rice paper manufacturer to learn how rice paper is made. Afterwards, visit a coconut candy factory to see how the local sweet is created.

Enjoy a final dinner on board your ship as you cruise to My Tho your last stop.

Disembark at My Tho and journey by road to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Gain a first-hand look at the history of the Vietnam-American War and learn about the network of underground tunnels carved out by hand.

Continue to Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon, and your home for the next two nights.

This evening for dinner, choose from one of our select experience dining options.

Insider Experience – Two Nights at Le Méridien Saigon

Experience a stay at the one-of-a-kind Le Méridien Saigon. Located on the banks of the Saigon River in the bustling District 1, this contemporary hotel is centrally situated only moments away from Bến Thành Market and Independence Palace.

Enhance Your Journey

• Hoi An Sense
  Indulge in authentic Hoi An delicacies, complemented by warm hospitality and rich cultural charm.
• Le Corto
  Dine on a three-course French fusion-inspired menu during a dining experience like no other.
• Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro
  Savour the delights of this Vietnamese bistro, where the walls are adorned with locally crafted propaganda posters offering food-oriented advice.

Stay: Two Nights, Ho Chi Minh City, Le Méridien Saigon

Begin with your Insider Experience. The afternoon has been left for you to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options.

Tonight, gather for a sumptuous Farewell Dinner.

Insider Experience – Morning Walking Tour

Step out on an early morning guided walk to watch the busy streets come to life and gain a deeper understanding of what drives this urban centre.

Enhance Your Journey

• Ho Chi Minh City by Foot
  Explore the bustling city on this walking tour, passing the Saigon Opera House People’s Committee building, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office.
• History of Saigon
  Delve deeper into Ho Chi Minh City’s turbulent history. Start at the Reunification Palace, visit the War Remnants Museum and see the Burning Monk Memorial.
• Shopping Tour by Foot
  Seek out the city’s boutiques as only a local knows and discover locally made and produced items such as clothing, souvenirs and jewellery.

Your journey comes to an end after breakfast with a transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight back to the UK.

Arrive back in London today.