Essential Vietnam and Cambodia

Transfer to your hotel and spend some time relaxing. This afternoon, discover Ta Prohm, often referred to as the ‘Tomb Raider Temple' due to its depiction in the Angelina Jolie film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. A range of immersive Insider Experiences mark a spectacular beginning to your journey.

Insider Experience - Local Charity Visit Visit Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner that provides education to local disadvantaged children living in Siem Reap's remote villages.

Insider Experience - Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance Dine on tantalising Khmer cuisine and peer into the heart of Cambodia as you watch an apsara dance performance, a delicate, beautiful tradition dating back to the seventh century.

Insider Experience - Two Nights at Shinta Mani Angkor Unwind in an idyllic setting during an indulgent stay at this upscale retreat, designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley. Combining elegance and sustainability, your accommodation is situated in Siem Reap's leafy French Quarter, close to the famous Angkor Wat temple.

Rise early for a special Insider Experience at Angkor Archaeological Park. After a guided tour of the well-preserved Angkor Wat 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 Angkor Thom and the Bayon. This evening, enjoy free time to further explore or take part in an optional select experience.

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).

Enhance Your Journey - 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 - Local Boutiques and Markets Explore Siem Reap's vibrant arts and crafts scene, starting at the Angkor Handicraft Association. This Fair Trade Village is home to a wide variety of artisans who produce handmade goods using traditional techniques. Peruse Angkor Artwork to see traditional lacquerware crafted using ancestral techniques. Stop at Phsar Chas, the oldest market in Siem Reap, where you'll find stalls selling everything from fresh vegetables, seafood and meat to souvenirs.

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 shows the devastating impact of landmines, sharing personal stories of hope and resilience while highlighting ongoing de-mining efforts.

Enhance Your Journey - Horse-Drawn Cart Ride Relax and watch the scenery go by as you travel through the Cambodian countryside on a traditional horse-drawn cart.

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 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 enjoying your Insider Experience. This evening, savour a Welcome Dinner on board with your fellow travellers.

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 among 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 cruising along the lush banks of the Mekong River to Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island. Disembark and discover the village, renowned for its silk weaving traditions.

Begin your morning with an excursion by road to Oudong, Cambodia's former royal capital, where a memorable Insider Experience awaits. En route back to Phnom Penh, take a leisurely walk through the village of Koh Chen. Stop to visit the open-air copperware workshops and witness the skills of the artisans. Return to the ship and enjoy a free afternoon in Phnom Penh, or enhance your time by choosing one of our select experiences.

Insider Experience - Buddhist Blessing Ceremony Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony to wish you good luck, health and safe journey, led by resident monks at a monastery in Oudong.

Enhance Your Journey - Hands-On Cooking Workshop Meet your chef and visit a local market to select fruits, spices and other local ingredients before learning how to prepare authentic 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 - Phnom Penh by Tuk Tuk Discover Phnom Penh by tuk tuk, passing sights like Wat Phnom, the Phnom Penh Post Office, U.S. Embassy, Raffles Hotel, and Royal Railway Station. Ride along Pasteur Street, the Central Market, and Phsar Tapang. Stop to walk around the Independence Monument and statue of King Norodom Sihanouk, then continue past NagaWorld, the Royal Palace and Sisowath Quay.

Start the day 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, admire the striking white and gold Khmer architecture of the Royal Palace, which was built in 1866. 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.

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.

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

Pass floating fish farms as you take a boat ride to Sa Dec, then explore 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 for a delicious lunch while you cruise towards Cai Be, where a local boat will take you into the riverside town. Step ashore to visit the French gothic Cai Be Church, as well as a rice paper and coconut candy manufacturer. Tonight, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner on board as you cruise towards your final stop, My Tho.

Disembark at My Tho and journey by road to the Cu Chi tunnels. Gain a first-hand insight into the history of the Vietnam War and learn about the immense network of underground tunnels carved out by hand. Continue to Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon , where you'll stay for the next two nights. This evening for dinner, perhaps choose from one of our select experience dining options.

Insider Experience - Two Nights at Le Méridien Saigon Experience a stay at the one-of-a-kind Le Méridien Saigon. Set in a prime location on the banks of the Saigon River in bustling District 1, this contemporary hotel is within walking distance to key attractions such as Bến Thành Market and Independence Palace.

Enhance Your Journey - Street Food Tour by Motorbike Embark on a thrilling motorbike tour through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, guided by a knowledgeable local. Savour three courses of classic Vietnamese street food, beginning with a steaming bowl of traditional noodles, followed by a bánh mì, and concluding with a fried rice flour cake - served with fresh juice or a smoothie. Finish at HỢP Sky Bar, a stylish rooftop venue offering panoramic views of the city's dazzling lights, where you'll enjoy a drink and a snack.

Enhance Your Journey - Hoi An Sense Indulge in the authentic specialties of Hoi An in a unique culinary setting, complete with Vietnamese music and warm hospitality.

Enhance Your Journey - Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro Offering traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist, this bistro draws inspiration from the theme of 'propaganda', enchanting guests with its lively ambience and striking hand-painted murals.

Today, discover Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options. This evening, gather for a sumptuous Farewell Dinner.

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 Saigon Central 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 Coach Seek out the city's boutiques as only a local knows and discover locally made 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.