Ultimate Vietnam & Cambodia Mekong River Cruise.

19 days - Explore the must-see sights of Vietnam and Cambodia in style. Enjoy a luxurious cruise along the magnificent Mekong River...

• Hanoi
• Halong Bay overnight cruise
• Hue
• Hoian
• Saigon & Cu Chi tunnel system
• Deluxe Mekong River cruise & excursions
• Phnom Pehn
• Siem Reap - Cambodia
• Angkor Wat Temple complex
• Guaranteed departure minimum 2 people

Itinerary & Prices below

Day 1 Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam Arrive Hanoi, meet your guide and transfer to hotel for check-in. If time permits, we'll take an orientation tour of Hanoi, and a chance to acclimatise. This evening we enjoy our dinner at one of the city's finest restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi (D)

Day 2 Hanoi

This morning we take a full day city tour of Vietnam's capital. Hanoi is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. Our well-trained guides will explain our cultures and we also have an opportunity to learn Vietnamese calligraphy. We'll tour the city's outstanding sights, such as Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, the Fine Arts Museum, Temple of Literature, Museum of Ethnology and Lake of the Restored Sword. You'll also have time to enjoy a tour of Hanoi's famous "Old Quarter," noted for its 36 guild streets, on foot or by rickshaw depending on your interest.

The evening is highlighted by a performance of the famed Water Puppet Theatre of Hanoi, a traditional art form created by village farmers around the Red River Delta region. Unique, but recognised internationally. Overnight in Hanoi (B)

Day 3 Hanoi - Halong

After breakfast, we journey east through the lively countryside to Vietnam's greatest natural wonder, Halong Bay. We board our deluxe old style junk and spend a full day and night cruising the bay's 3000 magnificent limestone islets and islands. We'll also visit a cavern filled with marvelous rock formations, row a sampan into a tranquil lagoon. If the temperature is favourable we can enjoy a swim in the opal water caressing Titov Island. This is a must-see experience to enjoy the panoramic views and magical scenery across the bay as the sun sets. Overnight aboard (B, L, D)

Day 4 Halong - Hanoi

In the morning we continues our cruise around Halong Bay. After brunch on board we return to Hanoi. Rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Hanoi. (Brunch)

Day 5 Hanoi - Hue
This morning we transfer to the airport for the fight to Hue, a former capital city. After check-in and time to refresh at our hotel, we'll take a boat trip to Thien Mu, the best known pagoda in Central Vietnam. We proceed to the ancient Citadel, the Royal Purple Forbidden City, and we will also visit various other beautiful palaces and temples in the ancient city of Hue. We then either visit the garden house which once belonged to the royalty or experience the exotic sights and sounds of Dong Ba Market, known for its conical hats. This evening we sample a royal banquet, dressed in regal attires, we feast on royal food and enjoying court music. Overnight in Hue. (B, D)

Day 6 Hue-Danang-Hoian

We start today with a visit to King Tu Duc's mausoleum, which was made as an exact replica of the Royal residence for his afterlife. The Mausoleum is situated on a serene pine hillside embellished with lotus ponds. Afterwards we drive south towards Danang to the Cham Museum, stopping along the way to photograph the stunning scenery at Lang Co Beach and Ocean Cloud Pass. We leave Danang and drive on along the coastline of the famed China Beach to Hoian. Hoian is an ancient trading town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite the ravages of weather and war, the town remains much the same as in its heyday. Rest of the day at leisure. (B, L)

Day 7 Hoian

After breakfast we take a bicycle ride out of Hoian town into the surrounding scenic countryside. Our bicycle route will take us down quaint narrow roads with opportunity to encounter water buffalo, bamboo bridges, and small ponds full of ducks before reaching our destination at an organic farm. At the farm we will have a chance to learn how the friendly locals make their living.

Next we travel to the river where we take a boat trip downstream and paddle our round basket boats through the narrow palm fringed waterways that were used as great hiding places for the Viet Cong during the American War. Afterwards we visit a local fisherman, who will teach us about the different traditional fishing methods used, such as fish traps and cast net fishing. We will also have an opportunity to try our luck fishing with these methods. Later we go to the nearby fishing village for a fresh seafood lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon we'll take a walk back in time to leisurely explore the Hoian Museum, the old Chinese Merchants' houses, Assembly Hall, and the landmark Japanese Covered Bridge. Rest of the day is at your leisure to shop and enjoy your hotel amenities. (B, L)

Day 8 Hoian -Saigon

Today we transfer to Danang, for our flight to Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City, formally known as Saigon is the biggest and most dynamic city in Vietnam. In the afternoon we take a guided walk to explore the sights and sounds of this exciting city. Our tour includes visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, the French Post Office, Reunification Palace and absorbing the frenetic atmosphere on Nguyen Hue and Dong Khoi boulevards. Overnight in Saigon. (B)

Day 9 Saigon-Cu Chi-Tay Ninh

We start the day with a drive out of the city to see the Cu Chi amazing tunnel System built by Communist guerillas during the Vietnam War. We then head for Tay Ninh to witness the noon services of adherents of the Caodai Sect, which is held in a beautiful edifice called Holy See Temple. After lunch we return to Saigon and visit Saigon's Chinatown with its bustling markets and beautiful pagodas. Overnight in Saigon. (B, L)

Day 10 Deluxe Mekong River Upstream Cruise : Saigon to Vinh Long

After breakfast we leave our hotel,complete registration our cruise and take a motor coach transfer to Saigon Port. Around midday we embark onto the luxurious cruise boat, where we will be refreshed with iced mineral water and cold towels. At 13:00, we proceed to the Mekong Restaurant for a tasty buffet lunch whist the captain commences port formalities. Thereafter, the purser will distribute your cabins keys at 15:00 and the captain raises the anchor, sound the horns and sails leisurely towards Soai Rap, 10 kilometers from the river mouth. At 18:00, adjourn to the Saigon Lounge for briefing. At 19:30, proceed to the Mekong Restaurant and enjoy the first dinner onboard. The boat sails towards Cai Be around 1:00. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Mekong Cruise: CAI Be - Sa Dec

Enjoy a hearty breakfast as we journey towards CAI Be, scheduled to arrive around 10:00. At 10:30, we will disembark for the first shore excursion, where we explore the network of canals on riverboats and partake in bartering with floating markets vendors before going ashore to visit a traditional sweet making factory and rice paper mill. Return to our cruise boat for lunch at where we depart for Sadec, hometown of Marguerite Duras' lover. At around 16:00 we take a shore excursion with our guide around the quaint city of Sadec. Visit the old house of Huynh Thuy Le's now known as The Lovers Museum, local markets along the paved river banks, the ancient Pagoda and the Chinese deities at the Fujian Temple. Pass by the school where Marguerite's mother's taught and view the home of Marguerite from across the river bank. The excursion ends at 18:00 when we board our cruise ship. At around 18:30 to 19:30, cultural dancers take center stage in the Saigon Lounge. Thereafter we proceed to the restaurant for a themed dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Mekong Cruise: Tan Chau - Cambodia Border Crossing

At around 2:00am, the boat arrives in Tan Chau, a remote small town on the main Mekong River. After a wonderful breakfast we transfer onto small boats and visit a floating fish farm and navigate along the tiny tribunals where stilt houses are haphazardly leaning on one another. Go ashore and have a city tour of Xe Loi, where stops will be made at traditional silk making factory and rattan mats and slippers making factories, before returning to our boat and preparing for lunch. At 12:00, we cast off for the Vietnamese/Cambodian borders and commence our border-crossing procedures. The border in Vietnam is Song Tien and the border in Cambodia is Ka Orm Samnor. In the late afternoon, we start the second part of the journey into Cambodia and heads towards Phnom Penh. Dinner is served from 19:30 to 21:00. Enjoy your first night in Cambodia. (B, L, D)

Day 13 Mekong Cruise: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

We dock midstream near Phnom Penh Port around 2:00am and at 7:00am the boat will continue to sail towards the Port arriving around 7:30am. Breakfast will be served from 7:00 to 8:30. Todays shore excursion will be a guided tour of Phnom Penh city, where we will visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum. At 12:00pm return to the boat for a re-energizing power lunch to prepare for the second part of todays shore excursion. At 14:30pm, we take a coach and visit the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng (S21) detention center. The excursion ends at 17:30pm and at 18:30pm we meet our guide for a tour briefing. Dinner is served from 19:30 to 21:00. After dinner, a special Cambodia performance awaits at the Saigon Lounge. (B, L, D)

Day 14 Mekong Cruise: Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham

At 7:00am, the ship sails towards Kampong Cham and breakfast is served from 7:30 to 9:00am. We arrive at Chong Koh Village around 9:00am, where we take an shore excursion to visit the Chong Koh Silk Weaving Factory. At 11:15, the boat sails towards Peam Chi Kang. arriving at 16:30pm, where we disembark and take a guided tour of the village, visiting the village Wat (temple) and schools. The boat will depart for Kampong Cham at 17:45 and our guides will hold a briefing of the next days tour at 18.30. Another wonderful themed dinner is served in the evening from 19:30 to 21:00. At 21:30, we are expected to arrive at Kampong Cham. (B, L, D)

Day 15: Mekong Cruise: Kampong Cham - Phnom Penh

Today we sails towards Wat Hanchey arriving at 6:00am, with breakfast served between 7:00 to 8:30am. After breakfast we follow our guides and explore the splendid Wat Hanchey hilltop pagoda overlooking the Mekong. At 11:45, return to the boat and cast off for Kampong Cham around 12:00. Enjoy lunch from 12:30 to 14:00. At 14:00, we arrive at Kampong Cham where we go ashore to explore the 12th century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor and Eco village. The upland regions near Kampong Cham is a fascinating dense jungle area rich in timbers, including Ceylon ironwood, rosewood, bean trees, teak, and rubber trees. (B, L, D)

Day 16:Mekong Cruise: Phnom Penh - Kampong Chhnang

At midnight we set sail from Phnom Penh arriving at Kampong Chhnang at 11.00am. After breafast we take a guided tour of Kampong Chhnang and enjoy a quintessential river excursion through the floating houses to get a glimpse of the local lifestyles in the Tonle Sap River. Moor safely along the banks and go ashore for a leisurely walk through the city and perhaps find a good bargain at the market. At 12:30 we return to the boat and enjoy lunch. At 16:00 to 17:00, you are welcome to attend a cultural forum on Cambodia in the Saigon Lounge. Farewell dinner & cocktail from 19:30 to 21:00. Spend the night moored in the middle of Tonle Sap Lake for great evening views. The great lake of Tonle stretches over 150 km long and is profuse with bird life. From the middle of the lake, enjoy the stillness and tranquility along the floating fishing villages.(B, L, D)

Day 17: Mekong Cruise: Tonle Lake - Siem Reap - Angkor Wat

Early morning we depart for Siem Reap arriving around 9:00am. Upon arrival we bid farewells to our crew and guides and disembark around 9:30am. Take local boats to the jetty approximately 5 to 6 km away from the ship's parking area and transfer to our hotel for a well earned rest. This afternoon we visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Giant faces of Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, Elephant and Leper King Terraces. Enjoy the beautiful sunset views over Angkor Wat from the top of Phnom Bakheng Hill. In the evening enjoy dinner and entertainment with Apsara dancers. Overnight in Siem Reap. (B, D)

Day 18: Siem Reap - Angkor Wat

This morning we explore the jungle hidaways of Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, Sras Srang, Takeo, Thommanon and Chau Say Thevoda Temples. In the afternoon we visit the epic Angkor Wat complex, the most wonderful remains of a disappeared civilization dating back to the 8th and 13th century, hidden for centuries by dense forest. The temple complex is remarkable for its powerful architecture and unique sculptures. (B, L)

Day 19: Departure

Free until transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)

Small Group Departure Dates & Price

Ref	Weekly Departure Dates	Twin share (£)	Single supplement (£)
UCV	Oct 09 - August 2010	2140	760
UCV	Sept - December 2010	2550	905

Prices are based upon a small group tour excluding international flights from UK. As an agent for airline consolidators, we can obtain your international flights at a competitive rate to suit your preferred departure date. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

Hotel upgrade to 5-Star is available and private tailor-made tours can be arranged. We can also arrange this tour as a 'down stream tour' starting from Siem Reap and departing Hanoi.

Price Includes (The prices shown are 'per person')

• All flights within Vietnam including airport tax.
• All airport/hotel transfers where specified (private transfer).
• Selections of superior/deluxe (generally 4 star)
• Sightseeing tours including entrance fee by professional English-speaking tour guide.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Air conditioned transportation
• 7 nights on board the
• The Welcome and Farewell Dinners on board the cruise boat include the option of local beer, packaged soft drinks and house brand spirits, filtered coffee, selection of teas & herbal infusions and local mineral water during the Mekong cruise.
• Halong overnight cruise.

Price Does Not Include

• International flights.
• Visa fee (please go to Visa Service for details).
• Travel Insurance.
• Tip for driver and Guide.

RV La Marguerite cruise boat

Flights: International return flight are not included in the package, however as an agent for many airline consolidators, we can help you to obtain flights at competitive rate and in various class, such as BA, Singapore Airline, Vietnam Airline, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Finnair etc. Please ask for more details at the time of your booking.

Accommodation for this tour: Carefully selected 4 star hotels and Deluxe cruise accomodation.

Meals: As stated in itinerary, B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D= Dinner

Other operation fact:

Arrival airport Hanoi, departure airport Siem Reap.

Magical Indochina is a specialist operator who arrange small group tours (maximum group size 15) made up of friends, families, and like-minded people of different ages and background. We aim to create a special holiday for you to integrate important values of local culture, nature and people. Also unlike many companies we do not cancel tours and Guaranteed Departure based upon minimum 2 people.

The itinerary is designed according to the most updated information of the flight available, although occasionally the sequence in which cities are visited and duration of time spent in each city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control. The above itinerary highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. Further places of interest may be visited during your stay, which will provide unique ethnic and cultural handcraft shopping opportunities. We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the itinerary, although we will act in your best interests to handle any amendments. Please refer to the booking form for detailed terms & conditions.