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Discover Vietnam and Cambodia

4.6/5 Based on 5 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Discover Vietnam and Cambodia
Discover Vietnam and Cambodia
Discover Vietnam and Cambodia
Fully Guided Locally Guided Coach River Cruise
Our Price From
Sold Out
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
17 Days
 Cruise Starts
Hanoi
 Cruise Finishes
Ho Chi Minh City
17 Day Discover Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary (Travelmarvel)
Countries Explored: Vietnam, Cambodia
Ship
Passengers
108
Crew
50
Launched
2011
Refurbished
2016
Cruise Code
VTM17

Overview

Discover Vietnam and Cambodia on Travelmarvel's premium tour. Begin in Hanoi with a cyclo ride through the vibrant Old Quarter, rich in history. Then, enjoy a two-night cruise on Ha Long Bay aboard the Bhaya Classic. Conclude your tour with a seven-night Mekong River cruise, taking in stunning views from your private balcony.

Itinerary

On arrival in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, be met at the airport and transferred to the Grand Mercure Hanoi, only a short walk from the Old Quarter. Tonight, relish your multi-course Vietnamese Welcome Dinner. Stay Two Nights: Grand Mercure Hanoi (D)

Insider Experience - Grand Mercure Hanoi Nestled in the lively core of Vietnam's bustling capital, Grand Mercure Hanoi is conveniently close to the Old Quarter. This hotel provides a genuine and immersive experience, blending modern elegance with traditional Vietnamese charm. Its design is a tribute to local heritage, incorporating elements such as rice-themed patterns, vibrant pottery, handcrafted lacquerware, and impressive architecture, resulting in a truly soulful ambience.

Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Hanoi, taking in the most famous historical and cultural sites. Visit Ba Dinh Square, one of the largest squares in Vietnam and drive by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. Nearby is the iconic One Pillar Pagoda built on a single pillar of stone in the middle of a lotus pond. Continue to the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture and the first university in Vietnam. Afterwards, enjoy an Insider Experience. The afternoon and evening are at leisure or perhaps choose from one of our select experiences. (B/L)

Insider Experience - Hanoi's Old Quarter by Cyclo Weave through Hanoi's bustling city streets like a local on a tour of the city's Old Quarter aboard a cyclo.

Insider Experience - Lunch at KOTO Savour authentic flavours and feast on a soulful Vietnamese lunch at KOTO (Know One, Teach One). This restaurant was established as Vietnam's first social enterprise, seeking to empower local youth who are at-risk and disadvantaged, through hospitality training

Enhance Your Journey - City Walking Tour Your tour includes Train Street, Hanoi's old prison, the Old Quarter and concludes at the Hanoi Opera House for an immersive look into Vietnam's capital.

Enhance Your Journey - Cooking Workshop and Dinner Immerse yourself in a vibrant local market with a seasoned chef, handpicking fresh ingredients for a hands-on cooking workshop, and then savour your culinary creation for dinner. Discover the diverse techniques and ingredients that have made Vietnamese cuisine famous for its fresh, fragrant and aromatic flavours.

Enhance Your Journey - Folk Art Class Journey to one of Vietnam's most renowned silk-weaving villages and connect with the inspiring individuals behind Vun Art, a social enterprise managed by people with disabilities. The Vun (meaning "scrap") Art Cooperative was established to empower people with disabilities by offering vocational training and creating stable employment opportunities. Hear inspiring stories of the challenges faced in founding this initiative, and enjoy the chance to create your own folk painting on a tote bag to take home.

Enhance Your Journey - Hanoi at Dawn Experience the essence of Hanoi with an early morning walk to witness the culturally enriching flag-raising ceremony at Ba Dinh Square, the largest square in Vietnam. Afterwards, immerse yourself in local life by exploring a vibrant wet market, observing rituals at a small temple, and enjoying a morning cup of coffee, a beloved custom of Hanoians on their way to work.

Enhance Your Journey - Water Puppets and Street Food Tour Style Dinner Take your seat at one of the city's traditional water puppet theatres and immerse yourself in this ancient art form, unique to northern Vietnam, originally performed in villages and rice paddies. Enjoy the enchanting performance with a traditional Vietnamese orchestra, featuring drums, cymbals, horns, and bamboo flutes, providing the perfect background accompaniment. Afterwards, savour a mouth-watering selection of Vietnamese street foods at a local restaurant set in a charming colonial villa.

Set off early to Tuan Chau Harbour, where you will board the Bhaya Classic, your home for two nights. Meet your crew and set sail among thousands of limestone islets. Feast on a Vietnamese multicourse lunch as you soak in the breathtaking views of the magical bay.

Then it's time to kayak around the Tung Sau area. Surrounded by cascading mountains that extend out from the jewel-coloured waters of the bay, this place is an isolated region of water in Ha Long Bay used for pearl farming. Catch the sunset on board as you cruise towards anchor for the night. Enjoy dinner before doing some squid fishing, sipping cocktails or relaxing in your cabin. Stay Two Nights: Ha Long Bay, Bhaya Classic (B/L/D)

Insider Experience - Ha Long Bay Cruise See Ha Long Bay on a two-night cruise on board Bhaya Classic. World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is made up of over 1,600 limestone pillars, and is an ideal playground for exciting activities and relaxation.

Start your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the Sun Deck surrounded by the beauty of Ha Long Bay. After breakfast, board rowing boats to visit the Luon Cave area, listen to the ancient folklore and enjoy close views of the magnificent limestone karsts. Visit Cua Van Floating Village in the heart of Ha Long Bay, by kayak or traditional rowing boat. Enjoy lunch on board while cruising to Trinh Nu. Spend time relaxing at the private beach or visit one of the finest sunlight caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Later gather for a flavourful dinner. (B/L/D)

Explore Sung Sot Cave, the 10,000-square-metre cave threaded by a 500-metre paved passageway, before cruising to Tuan Chau, where you will disembark. Travel to Hanoi airport for your included flight to Siem Reap. For dinner, perhaps choose from one of our select experience dining options. Stay Three Nights: Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas (B)

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

Enhance Your Journey Dining - Cafe Indochine Dine in a traditional wooden Khmer house located in the centre of Siem Reap.

Enhance Your Journey Dining - Chanrey Tree Restaurant Sample authentic home-style Khmer cooking created by chefs who use premium produce and ingredients.

Enhance Your Journey Dining - Mahob Dine in a beautifully restored, elegant property, and indulge in an Asian-inspired menu of original Khmer cuisine.

Enhance Your Journey Dining - The Street 27 Restaurant Indulge in authentic Khmer dining, with a beautiful garden setting adding to the ambience.

Explore Siem Reap this morning at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options.

Later discover Ta Prohm, commonly referred to as the Tomb Raider temple having featured in the movie starring Angelina Jolie. The temple and its atmospheric surrounds have been left to slowly return to nature, with the overgrown jungle and vast root systems creating a unique sight throughout the ruins. After an Insider Experience this evening, savour local flavours during a tantalising Khmer dinner. (B/D)

Insider Experience - Local Charity Visit Visit Opportunities of Development through Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner that 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.

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

  • Ha Long Bay Cruise: See Ha Long Bay on a two-night cruise on board Bhaya Classic. World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is made up of over 1,600 limestone pillars, and is an ideal playground for exciting activities and relaxation.
  • Hanoi's Old Quarter by Cyclo: Weave through Hanoi's bustling city streets like a local on a tour of the city's Old Quarter aboard a cyclo.
  • Lunch at KOTO: Savour authentic flavours and feast on a soulful Vietnamese lunch at KOTO (Know One, Teach One). This restaurant was established as Vietnam's first social enterprise, seeking to empower local youth who are at-risk and disadvantaged, through hospitality training.
  • Three Nights at the Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas: Unwind in an idyllic setting during an indulgent stay at this upscale retreat designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley and located close to Angkor Wat temple.

  • 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, tipping and flight between Vietnam and Cambodia
  • Flights should arrive in Hanoi before 4pm
  • 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 and flight between Vietnam and Cambodia as specified only

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 (5) Most Recent 'Discover Vietnam and Cambodia' Reviews

Travelmarvel Reviews
Reviews 5 Reviews
Average Rating 4.6 out of 5
5 Star
60%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
17 Day Discover Vietnam & Cambodia 1 , WA, Australia, Sep 2016
We had a fabulous holiday and surprisingly survived their traffic. We have seen and learnt so much about Vietnam and Cambodia. In both countries so many people live in poor conditions but they work hard and are very friendly. Thank you to Hannah for your help in organizing our trip. You made everything so easy for us. We would definitely travel with read more Travelmarvel again. We have lots of wonderful memories. From the time we were met at Hanoi airport by Karnh until we were taken to Saigon airport, to fly home, we were extremely well looked after. Our Tour Guide Tu was very professional and well organized. All the local guides were well chosen and did their best to give us information about life in their particular part of Vietnam or Cambodia. The hotels were of a high standard and all positioned centrally ( Shinta Mani Resort in Siem Reap was the highlight). We were fed so well during the whole trip. The cruises on Halong Bay and the Mekong were thoroughly enjoyable. In fact the whole trip was thoroughly enjoyable. We are so glad we went.
Wonderful cultural experience 2 , QLD, Australia, Feb 2016
First I would like to point out that I was a little bit hesitant before this trip as I did not know what to expect and had heard all kinds of horrible stories about not drinking the water, not eating this and that and people questioning our choice in general. All I can say now is, WOW!! We survived all the so-called horrors and thoroughly enjoyed the read more whole trip. We stayed safe by only using bottled water and only eating on the boats, hotels and recommended restaurants. Travelmarvel even supplied us with cold bottled water on the buses during excursions and it was supplied in the hotels too. I can only congratulate Travelmarvel for its high standard of employees, from our tour director (Yee) who stayed with us from start to finish, the local guides who gave us their own personal knowledge to the bus drivers and helpers on the bus who made sure we got on and off safely with a helping hand and cold face wipes and antibacterial hand gel on our return to the bus. At every moment we felt safe and protected and well looked after. We will definitely travel with them again and recommend them to our family and friends. The 3 hotels were very grand and beautiful and central to everything. The "junk" and La Marguerite were also great as were the staff on board. I cannot recommend this trip highly enough, but be prepared for the heat. We would also like to thank Global Journeys for their easy and efficient booking for us, no problems at all. We will be returning customers.
We would definitely travel with Travelmarvel again! 3 , QLD, Australia, Oct 2015
This was a well planned trip, giving comprehensive information about Vietnam and Cambodia. The accommodation, both on the water and on land was excellent, with particular praise reserved for the Shinta Mani resort in Siem Reap, which is perhaps one of the best hotels we have stayed at in the world. Our tour guide, Han Nguyen, was exceptional and considerably read more enhanced our travel experience with his knowledge and good humour. We would definitely travel with Travelmarvel again!
We enjoyed our holiday immensely 1 , NSW, Australia, Feb 2015
We enjoyed our holiday immensely - it was beautifully balanced (not too much packing and unpacking). Ha Long Bay was magnificent as was the Mekong River journey. The weather was superb - a bit hot now and then but definitely quite bearable. All the accommodation was excellent as was the food. Our guides were excellent (especially Tung Do and Lilly read more (Hanoi) and we gained a marvellous insight into the lives of the Vietnamese. The local guides were equally impressive and all possessed a terrific sense of humour. Both Daphne and I now have a far better sense of the history and geography of both Cambodia and Vietnam. Our fellow travellers were also great, together with our guides they helped both Daphne and myself when our footsteps faltered - one of the guides even honoured me with the title 'father' and our group gave us a cheer as the oldest couple on the tour! Finally, Singapore Airlines were superb as was the organisation of the tour, everything worked to schedule and we couldn't be happier with a most outstanding holiday. Thank you, too, for the assistance in organising our stay in Singapore.
Overall, the trip was great 2 , NSW, Australia, Nov 2014
Overall, the trip was great, a bit of an eye opener, the crew's on both the Junk and the Marguerite were excellent, exceptionally helpful with the older & disabled guest's but extremely helpful with everyone, always a smiling face, particularly when getting on and off ships onto small boats, which was often, the welcome cold cloth & drink were always read more very welcome! The Hanoi Pullman was first class hotel, beautiful spacious room, well positioned, food average, service average, lack of English spoken in key areas, reception, bars and restaurants. I completed Pullman's survey and had a reply from the GM, Pieter De Weerd within a day to apologise about lack of English and stating it was difficult to get good bilingual staff, but paying guests don't really need to know his problems, particularly when our guides emphasised how much importance is paid in schools to learn English.

The Shinta Mani in Siem Reap, was excellent, well located, staff were exceptional, beautiful room, the breakfast buffet was outstanding, there were small quantities on display, many on ice and as soon as displays needed replenishment, it was done, the staff were helping before you even knew you needed help, always smiling, the Cambodian people are truly a wonderful people, we ate in the hotel because of dietary considerations, the food was exceptional and hot, the wine cold, English widely spoken or understood, the Pullman and Grand could learn a lot from this Hotel, I will recommend it to anyone travelling to Cambodia. The Grand in Saigon was first class hotel, well located, spacious room, lovely bars and restaurants but like the Pullman, even less English spoken or understood, even finalising bills in bars and restaurants was a major task and took many attempts with sign language to get it right, similar problems to Pullman with staff, the food was average and cold, Patricia's soup had "a piece of metal" in it and was sent back, wine not cold. Overall a great holiday, some highlights were Ha Long bay, the Sampan, the Rickshaw ride was wild, the Guides were all excellent, their local knowledge was exceptional, down to names and dates, years, etc. Well done Global Journeys & Travelmarvel. Thank you again!

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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