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11-Night Cambodia & Vietnam Cultural Journey on River

0/5
Duration

11 days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

___

Overview

Tour Route: Siem Reap – Tonlé Sap – Koh Chen – Kampong Tralach – Kampong Chhnang – Phnom Penh – Chau Doc – Sa Dec – Vinh Long – Cai Be – My Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

Start/ End: Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh City

Embark on a breathtaking 12-day journey from the ancient temples of Angkor in Siem Reap to the vibrant heart of Ho Chi Minh City. This immersive Mekong River cruise and land tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, historical discovery, and authentic local encounters in both Cambodia and Vietnam.

This itinerary is ideally designed for mature travelers, culture enthusiasts, history lovers, and curious explorers who appreciate comfort, authentic experiences, and leisurely-paced adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Southeast Asia, this tour offers deep cultural insights, stunning landscapes, and unique river life.

Who This Tour is For:

  • Mature, English-speaking travelers seeking a mix of culture, history, and soft adventure
  • Cruise lovers who enjoy boutique river cruising with curated onshore excursions
  • First-time visitors or repeat travelers to Southeast Asia who want to connect with local life beyond the usual tourist routes
  • Individuals or couples who appreciate comfort, authentic experiences, and slow-paced travel

No strenuous physical activity is required, but moderate walking and some boat transfers are part of the experience. The tour offers an excellent balance of guided exploration and relaxing onboard time.

Highlights

  • Explore the majestic temples of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Thom
  • Witness life on the water in floating villages on Tonlé Lake
  • Visit artisan villages specializing in silver and copper crafts in Koh Chen
  • Discover colonial-era Sa Dec, a town made famous by Marguerite Duras
  • Cruise through the scenic canals of Vinh Long and My Tho
  • Enjoy a tuk-tuk ride and cultural show in Phnom Penh
  • Reflect on Cambodia’s complex history at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
  • Tour vibrant Ho Chi Minh City and visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, your adventure begins based on your flight schedule. For those arriving between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., lunch will be served at the hotel, giving you a moment to relax and refresh before heading out to explore.

In the afternoon, enjoy a peaceful boat trip on the Tonlé Lake, where you’ll discover traditional floating villages and observe the unique lifestyle of their inhabitants. Later, browse the colorful stalls of the Angkor Night Market. Dinner will be served in the city before spending the night in comfort at a four- or five-star hotel, depending on your cruise package.

Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor Temples

Today is devoted to exploring the majestic remnants of the Angkor Empire. Begin with a visit to Ta Prohm, a temple famously entwined with giant tree roots. Continue to the royal city of Angkor Thom, including the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.

After lunch, discover the fragrant world of Senteurs d'Angkor, where traditional Khmer products are made. In the evening, enjoy a lively performance by Phare, the Cambodian circus, known for blending theater, dance, music, and acrobatics. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 3: Angkor Wat – Embarkation – Tonlé Sap River

This morning is dedicated to Angkor Wat, the most iconic and well-preserved temple complex in Cambodia. Admire its grandeur and detailed bas-reliefs as you explore one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites.

After lunch at the hotel, you'll take a scenic drive to Koh Chen, a village known for traditional crafts. From here, you will board your cruise ship and settle into your cabin. Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Tonlé Sap River and a welcome dinner onboard, where you’ll officially meet your crew. The ship will anchor overnight.

Day 4: Koh Chen – Kampong Tralach

This morning, visit the village of Koh Chen, where skilled artisans create silver and copper handicrafts. You’ll have the opportunity to observe their techniques and learn about their craft traditions.

After lunch back on board, we’ll visit Wat Kampong Tralach Leu, a serene riverside pagoda surrounded by rice paddies. The walk through the village to reach the temple offers a glimpse into daily rural life. Enjoy the peaceful scenery as we remain anchored for the night.

Day 5: Kampong Chhnang – Phnom Penh

Kampong Chhnang is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonlé Sap. You’ll explore this vibrant town, including its floating villages and pottery-making traditions. A tasting of local specialties is also included.

After returning to the ship, we cruise toward Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, take a short tuk-tuk tour through the capital’s lively streets. In the evening, enjoy an elegant performance of classical Khmer dance and music onboard. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 6: Phnom Penh – Full-Day Excursion

Today’s comprehensive city tour begins at the Royal Palace and the glittering Silver Pagoda, home to countless national treasures. Continue to the National Museum, showcasing centuries of Khmer art.

In the afternoon, visit the sobering Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly a Khmer Rouge prison. Afterward, we’ll return to the ship and begin our journey toward Vietnam. The evening is yours to relax as we sail on. Overnight onboard.

Day 7: Chau Doc (Vietnam)

Crossing into Vietnam, we arrive in the riverside town of Chau Doc. Visit Tay An Pagoda, a unique architectural fusion of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer styles, followed by the sacred Ba Chua Xu Temple, an important pilgrimage site.

After the excursion, we’ll begin cruising downriver toward Sa Dec. Enjoy the changing landscape from the deck as we continue through the Mekong Delta. Overnight onboard.

Day 8: Sa Dec – Vinh Long – Cai Be

Explore the charming town of Sa Dec, once home to French writer Marguerite Duras. Visit the house of Huynh Thuy Le, said to have inspired her novel "The Lover," and enjoy some free time to stroll through the local market.

The cruise continues to Vinh Long, where you’ll visit local workshops that produce traditional goods like puffed rice, rice paper, and rice wine. Discover how bricks and pottery are made using age-old techniques. Overnight onboard.

Day 9: My Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, glide through narrow canals toward My Tho. Take a sampan ride through lush coconut palms and visit a bee farm for a taste of fresh honey and tropical fruit.

Later, we navigate one of the Mekong’s narrowest canals en route to Ho Chi Minh City. As we enter this bustling metropolis, enjoy the transition from tranquil countryside to urban energy. Overnight onboard.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Today begins with a guided city tour, visiting the chaotic Ben Thanh Market and the serene Thien Hau Temple in Cholon, the city's vibrant Chinatown district.

After lunch onboard, continue to the Museum of Vietnamese History and conclude the day with an eye-opening excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War. Overnight onboard.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure

Your final morning includes a visit to Cholon, the city's oldest district rich with culture and history. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

We’ll bid you farewell around 2:00 p.m. Please ensure your flight departs after 5:00 p.m. to allow ample time for your transfer. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of this immersive Mekong adventure.

Included/Excluded

  • First-class services
  • Accommodations
  • Transfer transportation
  • Entrance fees
  • Refined local cuisine
  • Onboard activities and/or lectures
  • Local tour guides
  • International and domestic airfare
  • Vietnam and Cambodia visa fees
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Gratuities for guides and crew
  • Personal expenses (laundry, minibar, etc.)
  • Optional activities not included in the main program
  • Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary

Durations

9-12 Days

Itinerary

Siem Reap to Saigon

Activities Type

Cultural Exploration
Historical Sites
Local Life & Village Visits
Sightseeing

Language

English/Other language upon request

Activity Level

Easy

Tour's Location

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