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Essential Vietnam and Cambodia

4.7/5 Based on 6 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Our Price From 3,962 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,835 Per Person
 Trip Length
12 Days
 Trip Starts
Siem Reap
 Trip Finishes
Ho Chi Minh City
12 Day Essential Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary (Travelmarvel)
Countries Explored: Cambodia, Vietnam
Trip Style
River Cruise
Departures
Accommodation
4 Star
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
VTM12

Overview

Read 6 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Travelmarvel's 12 Day Essential Vietnam and Cambodia. Explore Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex, before boarding an exceptional Mekong River Cruise, revealing fresh perspectives of Vietnam and Cambodia, ahead of a stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

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: Visit Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA) which supports local underprivileged children, a OneTomorrow partner. Dine on tantalising Khmer cuisine and watch a private Apsara performance. Unwind at the Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas, an oasis of tranquillity, to relax amid the lush gardens and large swimming pool.

Set off early to explore some of the breathtaking Khmer architecture and sites at the World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park. Delve deeper into the history and significance of Angkor Wat as you wander inside the vast temple complex. Continue to Angkor Thom, which was built in the 12th century and was the last and most enduring capital, and head to the intriguing Bayon Temple, with its carved stone smiling faces. Visit the Terrace of Elephants, which used to be the base for the king's grand audience hall and the Terrace of the Leper King, which housed the royal crematorium. (B)

Insider Experience: Witness an awe-inspiring sunset at the magnificent Angkor Wat. Take your seat at Phare Circus and be wowed by the skills of the performers.

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. Stay Seven Nights: Mekong River, RV Apsara (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: 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 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. (B/L/D)

Cruise to Phnom Penh then travel by coach to Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia. After indulging in your memorable Insider Experience, continue to Koh Chen and explore the open-air copperware workshops. This afternoon is free to explore or delight in one of Travelmarvel's select experience options. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Visit a Buddhist monastery where the resident monks will offer you a traditional blessing ceremony.

Explore the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, which recalls one of the darkest moments of the 20th century. Learn about the brutal Khmer Rouge and stop to pay your respects at the Memorial Stupa, a monument erected in memory of the thousands of people who lost their lives.

Later, take a tour to visit the Royal Palace. See the Silver Pagoda located within the Royal Palace complex and admire the Emerald Buddha carved from Baccarat crystal. The remainder of the day is at leisure. After dinner, perhaps step out for an evening walk. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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 of Vietnam, visit the fascinating local artisan workshops to learn more about the history of the craft. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

Disembark at My Tho and bid farewell to the crew and travel by coach to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a tunnel network built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. Listen to stories of the history of the Vietnam-American war, the ingenuity of the Cu Chi residents and the daily activities of the people. Part of a larger network, the tunnels were used by Viet Cong guerrillas as hiding spots during combat. Crawl through a section for a firsthand experience of what it was like for the soldiers who lived and fought here. Stay Two Nights: Ho Chi Minh City, Le Meridien Saigon (B/L)

Insider Experience: Relax in comfort and soak in the Saigon River views from your well-appointed room at Le Meridien Saigon.

Begin with your Insider Experience then return to your hotel for breakfast. Explore Ho Chi Minh City at your leisure today. Alternatively, you may like to choose from our select experience options. Tonight, gather for a sumptuous Vietnamese Farewell Dinner. (B/D)

Insider Experience: 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.

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

Trip Inclusions

  • Relax at the stylish Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
  • See an Apsara performance, a traditional Khmer dance
  • Receive a traditional Buddhist blessing by monks in Oudong
  • Witness the sunset over the magnificent Angkor Wat temples

  • Four nights in premium accommodation
  • Seven-night Mekong River cruise aboard the RV Apsara, featuring all suites with twin balconies
  • Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Leader and expert English-speaking local guides
  • Prices include transfers, port charges and tipping

  • 28 meals: 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners, plus select international wine and local beer included with lunch and dinner on board your Mekong River cruise

  • Itinerary 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
  • Some port stops may have physical conditions which prevent some guests from going ashore
  • Flights to arrive in Siem Reap by 11am on Day 1 for afternoon touring
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. Flights not included

Trip Reviews (6) Most Recent 'Essential Vietnam and Cambodia' Reviews

4.7
AVG. RATING 4.7 / 5
6 Reviews
5 Star
83%
4 Star
3 Star
17%
2 Star
1 Star
Mekong River Cruise with Travelmarvel 4 , 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   3 , 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 5 , 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   2 , 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 2 , 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.
Siam Reap hotel was the best we have ever been to 3 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2015
Thought the tour leader on the river cruise wasn't as good as we had on Avalon! Hotel in Siam Reap was one of the best run hotels we have ever been to anywhere in the world.
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Deck Plans

Mekong Deck (Level 1)
 
Category B
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
 
Category C
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
Tonle Deck (Level 2)
 
Category A
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
 
Category B+
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
Saigon Deck (Level 3)
 
Sadec Suite
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
 
Mekong Suite
French Balcony, Outside Balcony & Balcony Terrace
Sadec Deck (Level 4)

Cabins

Category C (Balcony Suite)

  • Suite size 226 sq ft/ 21 sq m
  • Deluxe Queen-size bed
  • Ensuite with shower and toilet
  • Personal safe and mini-bar
  • Spacious wardrobe and desk/dressing table
  • Outside balcony
  • Wall-mounted Flat-screen TV

Category B, B+ & A (Balcony Suite)

  • Suite size 226 sq ft/ 21 sq m
  • Deluxe Queen-size bed
  • Ensuite with shower and toilet
  • Personal safe and mini-bar
  • Spacious wardrobe and desk/dressing table
  • Outside balcony
  • Wall-mounted Flat-screen TV

Sadec Twin Balcony Suite

  • Suite size 290 sq ft/ 26 sq m
  • Deluxe Queen-size bed
  • Ensuite with shower and toilet
  • Separate spa bath
  • Personal safe and mini-bar
  • Spacious wardrobe and desk/dressing table
  • Outside balcony
  • Wall-mounted Flat-screen TV

Mekong Suite

  • Suite size 624 sq ft/ 58 sq m
  • Deluxe King-size bed
  • 2 Ensuites with shower and toilet
  • Separate spa bath
  • Personal safe and mini-bar
  • Spacious wardrobe and desk/dressing table
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Chaise lounge and foot stool
  • Adjoining living room
  • Sofa bed
  • Large balcony terrace with sun lounges

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Note
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

Base Cabin  (Prices Shown) $ 0
Category B $ 245
Category B+ $ 545
Category A $ 745
Sadec Suite $ 1,545
Mekong Suite $ 2,445
Note
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
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. 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 Travelmarvel. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Travelmarvel. 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.

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