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Essential Vietnam and Cambodia

4.7/5 Based on 7 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Essential Vietnam and Cambodia
Essential Vietnam and Cambodia
Essential Vietnam and Cambodia
Fully Guided Locally Guided Coach River Cruise
Our Price From
Sold Out
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
12 Days
 Cruise Starts
Siem Reap
 Cruise Finishes
Ho Chi Minh City
12 Day Essential Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary (Travelmarvel)
Countries Explored: Cambodia, Vietnam
Ship
Passengers
108
Crew
50
Launched
2011
Refurbished
2016
Cruise Code
VTM12

Overview

Cruise between the remote villages of Vietnam and Cambodia that line the banks of the Mekong River and its tributaries.

Itinerary

Transfer to your hotel and spend some time relaxing. This afternoon head to the temple of Ta Prohm the jungle temple entwined by trees and vines, commonly referred to as the Tomb Raider temple having featured in the movie starring Angelina Jolie. A range of Insider Experiences proves an exceptional start to your holiday. Stay Two Nights: Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas (D)

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.

Insider Experience - Two 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.

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. (B)

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.

Enhance Your Journey - Horse Cart Ride Journey through the Cambodian countryside on a traditional horse cart. Relax and watch the scenery go by on this authentic outing.

Enhance Your Journey - Quad Bike Adventure Explore authentic Cambodia away from the tourist crowds on a quad bike. Journey through rice fields, forests and villages.

Journey through the picturesque countryside and charming remote villages, arriving in Kampong Cham to embark on your Mekong River cruise. Here, you'll board the RV Lotus, your boutique river ship and home for the next seven nights. Spend the afternoon indulging in your exclusive Insider Experience. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening on board with your fellow travellers as you embark on your unforgettable Mekong River cruise. Stay Seven Nights: Mekong River, RV Lotus (B/L/D)

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.

Start your day with a tour of Angkor Ban by foot. Nicknamed the 'Lucky Village', Angkor Ban is one of the few rural villages in Cambodia that escaped destruction from the Khmer Rouge regime. Stroll through town and see wooden houses, some over a century old. Return to your ship and continue sailing along the lush banks of the Mekong River to Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island. Disembark and discover the town well known locally for its delicate silk weaving. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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.

Enhance Your Journey - 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.

Enhance Your Journey - 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.

Start the morning today with a sobering excursion to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, where you will learn about Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime, as well as the resilience of the Cambodian people. Take a moment to pay your respects at the Memorial Stupa, a monument erected in memory of the thousands of people who lost their lives.

After lunch, visit the Royal Palace built in 1866, and delight in its white and gold Khmer architecture. Head inside the glorious Silver Pagoda - named after its floors, which are designed with 5,000 silver tiles. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to head to the Russian Market for souvenirs, the Central Market where you can try the local delicacy of fried tarantula and crickets, or simply stay on board and enjoy the facilities and service. (B/L/D)

Relax on board as your ship cruises to the Vietnamese border. While border formalities are carried out, enjoy the onboard presentations and demonstrations. Cross into Vietnam and cruise into the riverside town of Tan Chau. (B/L/D)

Travel along the tributaries around Tan Chau by a small boat, then go ashore for a rickshaw tour. Weave through rambling laneways past shops and friendly locals and visit local silk and rattan weaving workshops. Later, step back in time during a visit to Vinh Hoa, also known as Evergreen Island. Take the opportunity to witness traditional Vietnamese farming, then head back to the ship and continue cruising towards the quaint town of Sa Dec. (B/L/D)

Take a boat ride to Sa Dec past floating fish farms before exploring the colourful market on foot. Continue past crumbling waterside mansions to the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired the French writer Marguerite Duras' novel, L'Amant. Return to the ship and sit down to a delicious lunch while you cruise towards Cai Be. After lunch, a local boat will take you to the riverside town of Cai Be. Go ashore to visit the local cathedral and a rice paper and coconut candy manufacturer. Tonight, enjoy your special Farewell Dinner on board as you cruise towards your final stop, My Tho. (B/L/D)

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. Stay Two Nights: Ho Chi Minh City, Le Méridien Saigon (B/L)

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.

Enhance Your Journey - Le Corto Dine on a three-course French fusion-inspired menu during a dining experience like no other.

Enhance Your Journey - Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro Savour the delights of this Vietnamese bistro, where the walls are adorned with locally crafted propaganda posters offering food-oriented advice.

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. (B/D)

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.

Enhance Your Journey - 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.

Enhance Your Journey - 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 ends after breakfast today with a transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Sunrise at Angkor Wat: Visit Angkor Archaeological Park to witness a spectacular sunrise at the magnificent Angkor Wat. Observe the iconic temple complex shimmer in the reflective ponds in front of this World Heritage-listed monument, while brilliant shades of orange and pink light up the sky.
  • 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.
  • Circus Performance: Take your seat at Phare Circus and be wowed by the skills of the performers. This acclaimed show blends modern Khmer tales with music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts, and contortion.
  • 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.
  • 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.

  • Itinerary, hotels, pricing and inclusions subject to change
  • Disruptions to cruising and touring may occur due to operational issues, including high or low water levels, and unforeseen weather conditions
  • Prices include transfers, port charges and tipping
  • Flights to arrive in Siem Reap by 11am on Day 1 for afternoon touring
  • Extend your journey with a beach break at Vung Tau (VTMV3), Mui Ne (VTMM3) or Koh Rong Island (VTMK3), and/or add a stopover in Singapore (STOSIN3TM), Bangkok (STOBKK3TM) or Malaysia (STOKUL3TM). Contact us for more details
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. Flights not included (unless specified)

Life Onboard RV Lotus

More Relaxed
More Relaxed

Relax aboard RV Lotus, where you can unwind with a drink on the upper deck while taking in the stunning views of the Mekong River. Whether you're a solo traveller or exploring with family and friends, enjoy the perfect combination of relaxation, exploration, and cultural discovery. Read more

More Value
More Value

Travelmarvel provide exceptional value, with most transfers, guided excursions, and many meals already included. Onboard, you’ll enjoy luxurious accommodations, delicious local cuisine, and the convenience of modern amenities like free Wi-Fi.

More Choice
More Choice

Travelmarvel’s exclusive Insider Experiences provide unique insights into the culture and traditions of the region, from walking tours through bustling cities like Ho Chi Minh to discovering the beauty of Halong Bay, there’s something for every traveller.

Trip Reviews (7) View All Most Recent 'Essential Vietnam and Cambodia' Reviews

4.7
Average Rating 4.7 / 5
7 Reviews
5 Star
86%
4 Star
3 Star
14%
2 Star
1 Star
Along the Mekong- Cambodia to Vietnam 1 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed our recent rip along the Mekong. There were lots of opportunities to sitesee on set tours or to do what one wished. We love that flexibility, as after all it’s our trip to enjoy! The staff from TravelMarvel and onboard the boat were amazing to deal with, with nothing ever being a problem. And I won’t even talk about the food as read more there was so much choice of excellent quality and quantity. A wonderful trip for an older couple.
Mekong River Cruise with Travelmarvel 5 , QLD, Australia, Jan 2020
The whole trip was a very enjoyable experience - there is no better way to explore Cambodia and Vietnam than by river boat! Global Journeys made the whole booking process simple and stress free - all information was readily available and any questions I had were answered promptly and professionally by Hannah. I will definitely book future trips through read more Global Journeys.

Travelmarvel exceeded my expectations. The pre and post accommodation was of a high standard and the cruise itself outstanding. The cabins on La Marguerite were larger than expected and the included excursions extensive. The highlight of the trip was the amazing tour director, guides and crew - all locals with their own stories to tell.

We had many opportunities to visit local communities and explore places outside the normal tourist sites. The tour group (79 people, mainly from Australia and Britain) was divided into three smaller groups for each excursion which made disembarking and embarking the river boat a very organised process. We look forward to future trips with Travelmarvel.
Essential Vietnam & Cambodia with Travelmarvel   5 , NSW, Australia, Jan 2018
Excellent accommodation. Local tour guides with very good English and local knowledge. No worries about arrangements or schedules. A very enjoyable holiday.
A must to see 7 , QLD, Australia, Aug 2016
The whole trip was fantastic. We started our trip in Singapore for a couple of days, an awesome place. Then we joined our fellow travellers in Cambodia. The accommodation was fantastic, the Tour Director was incredible. The Tour Guides had so much knowledge and we enjoyed all they had to say. The La Marguerite River Ship was amazing and all the staff read more were fantastic, nothing was any trouble. There were 82 in all Travelmarvel travellers, so we had the whole ship. Great group of people and have made friends for life. We crossed into Vietnam while on the ship. While the immigration paper work was being done, there were wonderful sessions we all joined doing, so much fun. Vietnam and Cambodia were amazing and so interesting. We loved visiting the schools, they were awesome days. We were very lucky with the weather, only two little showers and the rest was sunshine. Thank you to Hannah and Global Journeys for all the organisation of our fantastic trip. We will be booking with you again soon. We have been telling everyone about our trip.
Amazing Trip Siem Reap to Saigon on the La Marguerite   4 , VIC, Australia, Jul 2016
This is the second trip we have booked through Global Journeys and once again it was hassle free everything was organised online and our consultant Emily was fabulous every question answered within 24 hrs. This trip was through Travelmarvel I cannot recommend them enough we did not have to worry about a thing, picked up from the airport delivered to read more our hotel everything was explained daily and notice boards advised information if you didn't write it down or forgot. The standard of the accommodation on this trip was 5 star from the hotels to the ship La Marguerite. The staff at all the hotels and especially La Marguerite were amazing nothing was to hard and so friendly with lovely smiles to greet you any time of the day or night. The tour director Pani was so knowledgeable, as were all the local tour guides and what we liked was they shared their experiences of life in Cambodia and Vietnam. The excursions which most were included are well worth doing usually one excursion in the morning and one after lunch. I would recommend this trip to most however if you have trouble walking you may find some places difficult as there are lots of uneven paths and steps.
The war years of Cambodia and Vietnam 4 , QLD, Australia, Feb 2016
This was a wonderful trip. We learnt so much more than we ever knew about the Vidtnam and Cambodian wars. The tour guides were inspirational and so knowledgeable and they spoke such good English as well. We couldn't have asked for better. Our main complaint would be embarking the La Marguerite. Just so primitive with no hand rails scrambling down read more the river bank. Surely Travelmarvel could improve this and other spots we had to get on and off throughout the trip.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Travelmarvel. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and 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.

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