Overview
As you cruise through Vietnam, you’ll stop in the villages for interactions with locals, such as a visit to the home of a skilled family who make handcrafted sampans for a living. In Cambodia, visit the capital city of Phnom Penh, with the magnificent Royal Palace featuring its striking Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. Take in the stunning views at the 8th-century temple of Wat Hanchey before walking through the rural village of Angkor Ban to visit with welcoming school children. Continue your river cruise adventure to Siem Reap, where you’ll see the magnificent Temples of Angkor. The famous temples here, such as Angkor Wat and the Bayon temple, featuring some 200 mysterious faces carved in its many towers, are a display of intricacy and architectural grandeur unmatched in the world.
Disembark your cruise ship and fly to Hanoi, where you’ll explore the famous Old Quarter with peddlers trading goods among its 36 ancient streets. From here, travel to Ha Long Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin, where you’ll be amazed at the more than 3,000 limestone islands of varying shapes. Enjoy a 2-night cruise along the bay with visits to the Cua Van Floating Village, fascinating caves, and a chance to swim at Ti Top Island. The beautiful scenery, ornate temples, and interactions with locals make this Southeast Asia river cruise holiday one you won’t soon forget!
Itinerary
Historic Ho Chi Minh
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
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!
Explore the city further during free time this afternoon.
This evening join your travelling companions for a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (B/L/D)
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.
Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. Consider stopping for a drink at the famous rooftop bar at the Caravelle Hotel. (B)
Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding
Transfer to the port on the Saigon River for embarkation. Get acquainted with the ship and relax before your welcome reception this evening.
AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO VINH LONG (B/L/D)
Sweets, Sampans, and Sun Hats
- 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.
- Discovery: This afternoon, enjoy scenes of daily life on Cu Lao Gieng Island via sampan and local motor cart. Your Guided Excursion starts at a local workshop, where a skilled family hand - crafts sampan boats. Then, visit the home of a local family that makes Vietnamese conical hats, or "Non la," from materials 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, stop at one of Vietnam's oldest Catholic churches.
AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO CHAU DOC (B/L/D)
Colorful markets, Charming Locals, and Cotton Weavers
- Discovery: In Chau Doc, take a Guided Walk through the local market and absorb the atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. Then embark on a River 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.
- Discovery: After lunch, take a Sampan Ride to the village of Long Khanh A for a Cotton-Weaving Demonstration in this well-preserved artisan tradition.
Return to the ship and head for the Cambodian border.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH (B/L/D)
The Royal Treatment
- Classic: Take a City Tour by private cyclo to visit 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 the city 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. (B/L/D)
A Dark History or Market Dynamics
- Classic: This morning, a Guided Visit of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and one of the Killing Fields offers 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.
After lunch, depart Phnom Penh and enjoy some time at leisure on the ship.
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 KONPONG LOUANG (B/L/D)
Calm in the Cambodian Countryside
- Discovery: Start your Guided Sightseeing at the silversmith village in Konpong Louang. Here, see talented craftsmen use age-old techniques to turn pure silver into works of art. In Kampong Tralach, board an ox cart for a ride through the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, stop to meet a local farmer and learn about his daily life.
This afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising on the Tonle River.
EVENING CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH (B/L/D)
A Pilgrimage of Inspirational Beauty
Fly to Siem Reap, home to the Temples of Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on Earth!
- Classic: After lunch, begin your Sightseeing Tour by tuk-tuk to explore the temples. 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, 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.
The evening is yours to explore charming Siem Reap, stay to witness the sunset at Angkor Wat, or consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the Cambodian circus. (B/L)
Roots Carved in Stone and Celebrated in Dance
- Classic: Continue your Guided Sightseeing 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 local village famous for making Khmer noodles by hand.
Spend the afternoon at your leisure. You may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to further explore Siem Reap, or visit the temple complex by tuk-tuk.
- Discovery: This evening, a private Apsara Dance Performance brings ancient Khmer culture to life through music, song, and dance. (B/D)
Hanoi Bound
Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (B)
Historic Hanoi and Water Puppets
- Classic: First, join a Guided Visit of the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which "Uncle Ho" ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next, see iconic sites, including One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the infamous "Hanoi Hilton." Lastly, visit the 900-year-old Temple of Literature, Hanoi's first university.
Enjoy lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that teaches local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities.
- Classic: After lunch, enjoy an Electric - Cart Ride through the fascinating Old Quarter - with its 36 ancient streets where merchants trade as they have for centuries.
- Discovery: An early dinner this evening is followed by a fascinating Live Performance of Hanoi's renowned water puppets, a traditional 11th-century art form. (B/L/D)
Island Shapes and a Floating Village
Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes. Board the luxurious Paradise Elegance for a 2 - Night Cruise on the bay.
- Discovery: Visit the Cua Van Floating Village, home to more than 700 people - by bamboo raft, OR:
- Active: Take a Kayak Ride to visit Cua Van Village.
Enjoy scenic sailing for the remainder of the day before anchoring for the night. (B/L/D)
Caves, Kayaks, and Scenic Climbs
- Discovery: Visit Ti Top Island for a Guided Excursion to take a swim, or climb 400 steps to the top for stunning views. You can also visit Luon Cave by boat, and explore Dark & Bright Cave by bamboo raft, OR:
- Active: Explore Luon Cave and Dark & Bright Cave by Kayak Ride.
After a day of exploring, consider a spa treatment or simply relax for happy hour prior to dinner! (B/L/D)
Surprising and Amazing Beauty
This morning, relax onboard your ship, or visit Sung Sot Cave, considered one of the most beautiful in the area with its magnificent formations. Afterwards, return to Hanoi and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Life Onboard
Float along Asia's most famous waterway in relaxed luxury aboard Avalon's Mekong Suite Ship - Avalon Saigon. Read more
Avalon features all the right inclusions which compliment your luxurious rivercruise experience. Read more
Avalon have mastered the art of blending luxury with comfort, and now - blurring the line between outside and in. Read more
Avalon's attentive staff aboard each vessel will make you feel right at home. You'll be taken care of every step of the way. Read more
Personalise your cruise to make it your own with Avalon Choice. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Savour regional cuisine and familiar favourites using the freshest local ingredients throughout your river cruise. Read more
Deck Plans
Panorama Suite
Panorama Suite
Cabins
Panorama Suite (Category A & B)
- All Deluxe Suites on both decks (245 sq ft)
- 14' Wall-to-Wall Panoramic window measuring that opens to create a large Open-Air Balcony®
- Comfort Collection Beds & nightly turn-down service
- In-room safe, Alarm clock, In-house telephone
- Bathrobes & slippers
- Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
- Choice of bed configuration
- Bedside tables with reading lamps
- Large private bathroom featuring full shower with glass door, hairdryer, and premium bath amenities
- Spacious closets with shelves for ample storage & easy under-bed luggage storage
- Writing desk/vanity with mirror & comfortable chair
- Complimentary bottled water
- Individual climate control
Brochure
Avalon River Cruises (2023-24)
Availability
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person
| Category B (Prices Shown) | $ 0 |
| Category A | From $ 580 |
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Avalon. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Avalon. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
