Mekong Explorer

Fly to Vietnam's vibrant capital city, Hanoi. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. This evening, meet your guide and enjoy a welcome dinner. (D)

Visit the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, stopping at the Old Pillar Pagoda and exploring the Temple of Literature. Later, take a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter's atmospheric streets with a stop for local delicacy 'ca phe trung' (egg coffee). Tonight, attend a breathtaking performance celebrating Vietnam's rich culture. (B/L/D)

Board a cruise boat and set sail on the tranquil blue-green waters of Halong Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has long enthralled visitors with its awe-inspiring beauty. After a night anchored out on the water, rise early to see the sun come up before cruising back to port. Return to Hanoi and fly to Hue. (B/L/D)

This morning visit the imposing Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City at the heart of Hue, once the home of Vietnam's emperors. Cruise on the picturesque Perfume River and admire the Thien Mu Pagoda. Later, see the magnificent tomb of Minh Mang before heading to Zen house where you learn about architecture and spiritual meaning of this beautiful place. Finally, visit Tha Om Garden house to learn of the 19th century heritage of Mr Vinh, its owner. (B/L/D)

Depart Hue, taking the scenic route over the Hai Van Pass to charming Hoi An. En route, stop at Lang Co and admire the views from the spectacular Golden Bridge in Ba Na Hills. (B/L/D)

Head out into the countryside to visit a small farming community and stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work. In the afternoon, discover Hoi An itself, grabbing some refreshment at the Reaching Out Tea House, a wonderful social project in the heart of town, as you explore. (B/L/D)

Spend some time at leisure before flying to Saigon. After checkin, the rest of your day is at leisure in Saigon. (B/L/D)

Explore Saigon, a vibrant, modern city with a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. Visit the chilling War Remnants Museum and learn of the turmoil that once gripped the country. Then admire the beautiful colonial architecture of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, before a look around the Reunification Palace. (B/L/D)

Head out of the city to the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground passageways used by the Viet Cong during the war. After an afternoon at leisure, enjoy dinner in the dark at Noir, a restaurant supporting Saigon's visually impaired. (B/L/D)

Transfer to the meeting point to board a Victoria Mekong shuttle to Can Tho, stopping en route in Cai Be for a delicious local lunch at Le Longanier Restaurant. Board the Victoria Mekong and attend a welcome briefing before relaxing with a sundowner on deck. Sit down to a sumptuous gala dinner whilst enjoying a performance of traditional music of the Mekong. Drop anchor at Tiger Island. (B/L/D)

Cruise upstream to Long Xuyen and disembark to visit a floating market and local museum. After lunch, enjoy an excursion to Tiger Island to explore by sampan, visiting local cottage industries. Sit down to dinner and evening entertainment before retiring to your cabin. (B/L/D)

Cast off early to arrive in Tan Chau. On arrival, head to shore to visit a colourful Cao Dai temple and a silk village, where you'll learn all about the traditional silk making process, by xe loi (local rickshaw). Eat lunch back on the ship before more shore excursions around Tan Chau, with the option to take an exhilarating speedboat ride to Tra Su Forest. This evening features a thrilling lion dance performance. (B/L/D)

Today, the Victoria Mekong will pass over the border into Cambodia. Spend a relaxed day enjoying the passing scenery and a wealth of onboard activities. In the late afternoon, dock at Phnom Penh's Sisowath Quay where you will be entertained with a traditional Apsara performance by local children. Sip a farewell cocktail before a final gala dinner. (B/L/D)

Enjoy breakfast on the ship before disembarking. Board a cyclo and head from the pier into the heart of the city to visit the magnificent Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum. After a final stop at Wat Phnom, enjoy a cold glass of local beer on the riverfront. (B/L/D)

Spend the morning visiting Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields. Later, fly to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Temples of Angkor. (B/L/D)

Journey into Angkor and visit the enigmatic Bayon, the Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King and atmospheric Ta Prohm. Continue on to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent and best preserved of all of Angkor's treasures. As the sun sets, float peacefully on the moat that surrounds Angkor Thom. (B/L/D)

In the high water season (Aug to Feb), enjoy a morning cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong Phluk and observing the way of life of these lake communities. In the low water season (Mar to Jul), visit Chong Kneas floating village. Return to Siem Reap to enjoy a rollicking performance of the Phare Cambodian Circus. (B/L/D)

This morning, take a tuk tuk to join fellow chefs in a cooking class held in a traditional-style Cambodian house, visiting a fresh produce market to shop for your ingredients. This afternoon is at leisure before a farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

Fly to Australia, arriving home the following day. (B)