19 Days: Ultimate Vietnam & Cambodia Mekong Cruise.

Our ultimate Vietnam and Cambodia tour. Cruise the mighty Mekong river in style...

• Hanoi (3 nights)
• Halong Bay overnight cruise (1 night)
• Hue (1 night)
• Hoian (2 nights)
• Saigon & Cu Chi tunnels (2 nights)
• Luxury Mekong River cruise (7n)
• Shore excursions - Mekong Delta.
• Phnom Penh
• Siem Reap - Angkor Wat Temples (2 nights)
• Guaranteed departure minimum 2 people

View Itinerary

Price & Departure dates

Day 1 Hanoi (D)

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.

Day 2 Hanoi (B)

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

Day 3 Hanoi - Halong (B, L, D)

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

Day 4 Halong - Hanoi (Brunch)

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.

Day 5 Hanoi - Hue (B, D)
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.

Day 6 Hue-Danang-Hoian (B, L)

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.

Day 7 Hoian (B, L)

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.

Day 8 Hoian -Saigon (B)

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.

Day 9 Saigon-Cu Chi-Tay Ninh (B, L)

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.

Day 10 Deluxe Mekong River Upstream Cruise : My Tho - Cai Be (B, L, D)

After breakfast we leave our hotel, after completing registration for our cruise and take a motor coach transfer to My Tho Port. Around midday we embark onto the luxurious cruise boat, where we enjoy welcome drinks in the Saigon Lounge. Short briefing is conducted before adjourning for lunch in the Mekong restaurant. The cabins are ready for check-in after lunch. After port clearance formalities, captain raises the anchor and cruises towards Cai Be. Join the Cruise Director at Saigon Lounge for a safety demonstration and briefing at 18:00, followed by Captain's Cocktails. Enjoy the first gourmet dinner onboard with your fellow travelers followed by folk performances of the Mekong Delta in Saigon Lounge The ship moors overnight midstream at CAI Be.

Day 11 Mekong Cruise: Cai Be - Vinh Long (B, L, D)

After breakfast take a morning junk trip around CAI Be to see a floating market, go ashore to visit the French Gothic Cathedral and colourful port area, filled with colonial buildings, delightful flower gardens and local rice paper manufacturers. Return to the boat at noon. After enjoying lunch while the ship sails toward Vinh Long, the second largest city on the Mekong Delta. In the afternoon, take a short boat ride to get ashore for a walking tour of Vinh Long and visit to the bustling market. Return to the ship for cocktail and briefing with Cruise Director at 18:00. After dinner, the ship sails to Sadec where it moors overnight midstream.

Day 12: Sa Dec - Tan Chau (B, L, D)

This morning,we take a guided tour around the quaint little city of Sa Dec, which was the hometown of Marguerite Duras' lover. Visit the old house of Huynh Thuy Le now known as The Lovers Museum. We also visit local markets along the paved river banks and the ancient Pagoda and the Chinese deities at the Fujian Temple. Later we pass by the home of Marguerite Duras seen from across the riverbank. Re-board our ship for lunch, where afterwards we sets sail to Tan Chau. In the afternoon, local Vietnamese tour guides will give an interesting seminar about Vietnam - Past and Present. Afterwards enjoy cocktails and briefing followed by dinner and the crew show for more music and dancing. Tonight the ship moors midstream at Tan Chau.

Day 13 Mekong Cruise: Tan Chau - Cambodia Border Crossing (B, L, D)
Early morning the boat arrives in Tan Chau, a small remote 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 a traditional silk making workshop and rattan mats and slippers making workshop. We return to our boat for lunch and at midday we cast off for the Vietnamese/Cambodian border and commence our border-crossing procedures. In the afternoon, enjoy Fruits Carving and Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls demonstration by our Executive Chef in the Saigon Lounge. Border formalities are carried out concurrently. Enjoy cocktail hour followed by dinner and afterwards you can watch the famous movie "The Killing Fields" in the Saigon Lounge. In the evening, sail overnight up the broad Mekong River and moor midstream just outside of Phnom Penh.

Day 14 Mekong Cruise: Phnom Penh, Cambodia (B, L, D)

After Breakfast we take a shore excursion by coach for a guided tour of Phnom Penh city, where we will visit the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and National Museum where outstanding Khmer crafts are exhibited. Our afternoon excursion facilitates understanding a crucial part of the Cambodia's history: the Khmer Rouge's grim Toul Sleng (S21 detention center) and the Killing Fields. (For a free and easy afternoon, please inform the Cruise Manager). Cocktail hours are served from 18:00 to 19:00 followed by dinner. After dinner, enjoy traditional Khmer folk dances and songs in a special Cambodian performance. Before midnight, you can opt to chill in one the bars located across the road from the pier.

Day 15: Chong Koh - Oudong - Kampong Tralach (B, L, D)

Early in the morning the ship sails towards little known village Chong Koh. After breakfast, take a leisurely morning stroll through Chong Koh which is known as a silk weaving village. Visit a local school and some home workshops manufacturing traditional silk and cotton handicrafts. Return to the ship and enjoy a hearty lunch onboard as the ship sails to PrekK'dam.

Our afternoon tour starts with a bus ride to visit Oudong, the second city of Cambodia. We visit a Buddhist Center and join a blessing. Afterwards take a bus ride to Kampong Tralach, to see Kampong TralachPleu temple. Later enjoy an ox-cart ride which takes you back to the ship, where we sails on to Kampong Chhnang. After cocktail hour and dinner, we join together in the Saigon Lounge for a Quiz night. Our ship arrives at Kampong Chhnang and moors midstream overnight.

Day 16: Kampong Chhnang-PrekK'dam (B, L, D)

Today we visit Kampong Chhnang, a busy rural port town with many bustling floating markets. Our ship moors mid-stream and we take a truly wonderful motorboat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here we can see a stunning variety of bird life and experience the fascinating way of life of those who live on a floating village. Later we return to the ship and cast off towards PrekK'dam, a small village near Phnom Penh. On board you can either relax on deck or join informative seminars on Cambodia from our local Cambodian tour guides, followed by a "Towels and napkin folding demonstration" with the housekeeping and restaurant staff. Afterwards it is time to pack and prepare for our Farewell Evening Cocktail. The ship docks overnight in PrekK'dam.

Day 17: Tonle Lake-Siem Reap (B, D)

After breakfast, bid farewell to the crew and disembark at PrekK'dam. We then take a bus ride to Siem Reap with a stop via Kampong Thom. Arrive at our meeting point in Siem Reap early afternoon and continue to your hotel for a short rest. This afternoon we visit the South Gate of Angkor Thom, Giant faces of Bayon, Baphoun, Phimeanakas, Terraces of Elephant and Leper King. Later experience 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.

Day 18: Siem Reap - Angkor Wat (B, L)

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.

Day 19: Departure (B)

Free until transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Small Group Departure Dates & Price

Ref	Weekly Departure Dates in following periods. 4 star hotels	Twin share (£)
UCV	Jan 2012 - 16th April 2012	2660
UCV	18th June - 13th Aug 2012	2285
UCV	20th Aug - 10th Sept 2012	2445
UCV	17th Sept - 1st Oct 2012	2630
UCV	8th Oct - 25th May 2012	2855
UCV	1st April - 22nd April 2013	2670

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 Deluxe Mekong cruise Ship
• 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 letter of arrival fee (please contact us for details).
• Travel Insurance.
• Tip for driver and Guide.
• Imported beverages such as wines, premium beer, premium spirits and liqueurs, imported mineral waters, espressos and cappuccinos at bar on the Mekong cruise ship.

RV La Marguerite cruise boat

 

Buy your flight tickets Now and save £££s on your holiday!

Flights: We can obtain international flights in various seat class's with many reputable airlines. We can also provide flights from many UK regional airports. Depending upon availability and route we will try to arrange direct flights when possible, however allocation can be limited. If you wish to be booked on a particular airline, please specify at the time of booking (supplement may apply). Alternatively, for the cheapest deal we recommend you book your international flights at time of booking, as this can save you £££s off your final holiday price.

Accommodation: We take a great deal of time and effort to source our hotel selection in each city for our travellers enjoyment. We can arrange hotels in all standards depending upon your requirements, however the standard hotels are superior 4 star with Deluxe Cruise. We also monitor our established hotel selection continually based upon each of our customers feedback received over the years. Please visit our Hotel page for full accommodation details.

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

Other operation fact: Our tour is arranged on a small group basis average 8 people per group, as we feel this gives our travellers more flexibility and enjoyment. By reducing the group size our experienced local guides are able to get to know you all individually and show you the true beauty of Indochina. 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.