Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi & Ha Long Bay

Welcome to Vietnam!

Historic Hanoi

This morning, your Guided Sightseeing takes a look at the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. First, visit the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which "Uncle Ho" ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda: One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the infamous "Hanoi Hilton." Also visit the ancient Temple of Literature, over 900 years old and Hanoi's first university.

Lunch is at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that teaches local street children restaurant skills for more stable employment opportunities. After lunch, enjoy an electric-cart ride through the fascinating Old Quarter, with 36 ancient streets where merchants trade as they have for centuries. An early dinner this evening is followed by a fascinating performance of Hanoi's renowned water puppets, a traditional art form dating back to the 11th century. (B)

Tunnels, Caves, and Islands

Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, the bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes by the action of the water. Tunnels, caves, and weirdly shaped outcroppings with imaginative names can be found on many of the small islets sprinkled across the bay. Board a Cruise Excursion to explore the caves, and admire the beauty and scale before stopping at one of the many secluded bays. (B/L/D)

Hanoi Bound

This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight for Siem Reap. (B)

The Tranquil Temples of Angkor and Joyful Dances

• Classic: Explore the temples by tuk-tuk. Start at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples: Angkor Wat. Featuring five trademark towers, it is the symbol of Cambodia. Then, continue your Guided Excursion to visit Angkor Thom, where you will explore Bayon Temple with its 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas-relief sculptures, OR:
• Active: Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Bayon Temple by bike.

Enjoy some time at your leisure this afternoon to explore Siem Reap's shops for local artisan crafts.

• Discovery: This evening, a private Apsara Dance Performance brings ancient Khmer culture to life through music, song, and dance. (B/L/D)

Root - Covered Ruins and Native Noodles

• Classic: Continue your Sightseeing Tour of the Angkor temples at Ta Prohm. Tree roots cover the ruin walls, allowing you to experience the temple with the same wonder as early explorers. Then visit Banteay Srei, a unique temple built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. En route, stop at a village famous for making Khmer noodles by hand.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure. (B)

Your Suite Ship Awaits!

• Fly to Phnom Penh and transfer to port where your ship's crew will be waiting to welcome you on board. Get acquainted with the ship and relax before your welcome reception this evening.

AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO WAT HANCHEY (B/L/D)

Water Blessings and Back-to-School Adventures

• Discovery: Visit Wat Hanchey, a hilltop temple dating back to the 8th century. Climb or be driven to the top where you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area and partake in a traditional water blessing given by local monks.
• Discovery: After lunch, enjoy a Walking Tour through the rural village of Angkor Ban. Here, you will visit a traditional Khmer house and interact with children at a local school.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KAMPONG TRALACH (B/L/D)

Calm in the Cambodian Countryside

• Discovery: Your Guided Sightseeing starts in Kampong Tralach with an Ox - Cart Ride through the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, stop to meet a local farmer and learn about his daily life. At the silversmith village in Konpong Louang, see talented craftsmen use age-old techniques to turn pure silver into works of art. Sail to the capital city of Phnom Penh this afternoon.

PHNOM PENH: A Dark History or Market Dynamics

• Classic: After lunch, join a Guided Visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and one of the Killing Fields for a glimpse into the atrocities inflicted on the Cambodian people by the Khmer Rouge regime, OR:
• Discovery: Visit the lively Central Market by tuk-tuk to see its unique Art Deco design.

This evening, spend some free time exploring the city on your own. Perhaps follow the riverfront promenade to the historic Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC). (B/L/D)

The Royal Treatment

• Classic: Join a Guided Tour of the city by private cyclo with visits to the Royal Palace with the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, featuring an outstanding display of Khmer artifacts. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, Consider a Guided Optional Tour of a local brewery with free flowing local beer!

Just before dinner, children from a local orphanage will perform a show, featuring local song and dance.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIETNAM/CAMBODIA BORDER (B/L/D)

Good Morning Vietnam!

• Discovery: Take a Village Walk through the Chau Doc market, and absorb the atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. After lunch, embark on a Guided Excursion down the backwaters of the Mekong. Along the way, see traditional floating homes, speedboat merchants, religious sites, a market selling dried goods, and more.

EVENING CRUISE TO LONG KHANH A (B/L/D)

Cotton Weaving, Conical Hats, and Handcrafted Sampans

• Discovery: This morning, a sampan brings you to the village of Long Khanh A, for a Cotton-Weaving Demonstration of this well-preserved tradition.
• Discovery: This afternoon, enjoy scenes of daily life on Cu Lao Gieng Island via sampan and local motor cart. Your Guided Excursion starts with a stop at one of Vietnam's oldest Catholic churches.

Then, visit the home of a local family that makes Vietnamese conical hats, or "Non la," from materials available to them such as palm leaves and bamboo. These iconic hats are primarily used as protection from the sun and rain but you may also see them used as a basket to carry home goods from the market. Lastly, visit a local workshop where a skilled family hand - crafts sampan boats.

EVENING CRUISE TO VINH LONG (B/L/D)

Sweets and Rice Treats

• Discovery: Board a sampan this morning to Visit a Local Workshop in Vinh Long where you will see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candies are made.

This afternoon, enjoy time on board the ship as we sail to exciting Ho Chi Minh City.

AFTERNOON CRUISE TO HO CHI MINH CITY (B/L/D)

Motorbikes, Monuments, and Mouthwatering Cuisine

• Classic: Take a Walking Tour of Ho Chi Minh City's historic landmarks, including a stop at the Rex Hotel for a refreshing drink at the rooftop bar where the U.S. Military held the infamous "Five O'Clock Follies" during the war. Then, visit the War Remnants Museum and bustling Ben Thanh Market.
• Discovery: For lunch, participate in a hands-on Vietnamese Cooking Class. Learn to prepare several local dishes and how to recreate them at home. Last, but not least, sample your delicious creations!

Enjoy time at your leisure this afternoon and evening for independent exploration. Maybe stop for a drink at the famous rooftop bar at the Caravelle Hotel. (B/L)

Secret Passageways and Underground Hideouts

• Classic: Drive out of the city for a Guided Visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels - an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length - used as a hideout and secret village by the Viet Cong.

Explore the city further during free time this afternoon. This evening, join your travelling companions for a special dinner in a local restaurant. (B/D)

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)