Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River (Southbound)

13 days
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River Cruise
On this unique and inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise through Cambodia and Vietnam, you’ll be immersed in the cultures and ancient traditions as you sightsee and spend time with locals in the most fascinating places along the mighty Mekong River. Your adventure begins in fascinating Siem Reap, Cambodia, where you’ll get up close to the phenomenal Temples ...
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$7,518
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Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Welcome to Cambodia
    • Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Bayon Temple; Apsara dance performance
    • Visit Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, and a noodle-making village
    • Fly to Phnom Penh; onboard welcome reception
    • Visit Wat Hanchey and partake in a traditional water blessing by local monks; walking tour in Angkor Ban with school visit
    • Ox cart ride through the countryside and visit a local farmer’s home in Kampong Tralach; visit the silversmith village of Konpong Louang; visit the Tuol Sleng Museum and one of the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh, or visit the lively central market
    • Sightseeing by private cyclo, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum; show by children from local orphanage
    • Visit a local market and the religious sites at Sam Mountain in Chau Doc
    • Walking tour of Long Khanh A with cotton-weaving demonstration; interact with sampan-making and conical hat making families in Cu Lao Gieng
    • Visit a local garden and a local workshop to see how rice wine and traditional candy are made

What's this trip about?

    On this unique and inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise through Cambodia and Vietnam, you’ll be immersed in the cultures and ancient traditions as you sightsee and spend time with locals in the most fascinating places along the mighty Mekong River. Your adventure begins in fascinating Siem Reap, Cambodia, where you’ll get up close to the phenomenal Temples of Angkor with an intricacy and architectural grandeur unmatched in the world. Visit famous Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the splendid Bayon temple featuring some 200 mysterious faces carved in its many towers. Enjoy an inspiring Aspara dance performance and tour the other gems of the city before embarking on your river cruise. In the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, tour the National Museum and Royal Palace with its striking Silver Pagoda. On a hilltop at the site of the 8th-century temple of Wat Hanchey, take in the stunning views before walking through the rural village of Angkor Ban to visit with welcoming schoolchildren. Continue your cruise into Vietnam and visit a vibrant market, the home of a local family making handcrafted sampans, and a workshop to learn how rice wine and traditional candies are made. This memorable Southeast Asia river cruise vacation concludes in the bustling Ho Chi Minh City which combines historic architecture with modern skyscrapers. See the famous landmarks and try your hand in the kitchen—Vietnamese-style, with a cooking class. Go back in time with an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels where you’ll have an opportunity to walk through a section of the immense underground tunnel system used extensively during the Vietnam War.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age range6 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
End CityHO CHI MINH CITY

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Cambodia
  • Vietnam

Attractions

  • Cai Be
  • Chau Doc
  • Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Phnom Penh
  • Siem Reap

Activities

  • Culture
  • River cruise

View Similar Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

Temples & Traditions

Welcome to Siem Reap, home to the Temples of Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on Earth! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

SIEM-REAP-ANGKOR-WAT.jpg

Day 2: SIEM REAP

Tranquil Temples and Joyful Dances

CLASSIC Explore the temples by tuk-tuk. Start at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples: Angkor Wat. Featuring five trademark towers, it is the symbol of Cambodia. Then, continue your Guided Excursion to visit ...

Day 3: SIEM REAP

Root-Covered Ruins and Native Noodles

CLASSIC Continue your Sightseeing Tour of the Angkor temples at Ta Prohm. Tree roots cover the ruin walls, allowing you to experience the temple with the same wonder as early explorers. Then visit Banteay Srei, a unique te...

Day 4: SIEM REAP–PHNOM PENH (EMBARKATION)

Your Suite Ship® Awaits!

Fly to Phnom Penh and transfer to the port where your ship’s crew will be waiting to welcome you onboard. Get acquainted with the ship and relax before your welcome reception this evening.

Please note: Flight schedules are const...

Day 5: WAT HANCHEY–ANGKOR BAN

Water Blessings and Back-to-School Adventures

DISCOVERY Visit Wat Hanchey, a hilltop temple dating back to the 8th century. Climb or be driven to the top where you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area and partake in a traditional water blessing g...

Day 6: KAMPONG TRALACH–KONPONG LOUANG–PHNOM PENH

Calm in the Cambodian Countryside

DISCOVERY Your Guided Sightseeing starts in Kampong Tralach with an Ox-Cart Ride through the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, stop to meet a local farmer and learn about his daily life. At the silversmith village...

Day 7: PHNOM PENH

The Royal Treatment

CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the city by private cyclo with visits to the Royal Palace with the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum featuring an outstanding display of Khmer artifacts. The remainder of the day is yours to e...

Day 8: BORDER CROSSING–CHAU DOC, VIETNAM

Good Morning, Vietnam!

DISCOVERY Take a Village Walk through the Chau Doc market and absorb the atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. After lunch, embark on a Guided Excursion down the backwaters of the Mekong. Along the way...

Day 9: LONG KHANH A–CU LAO GIENG

Cotton Weaving, Conical Hats, and Handcrafted Sampans

DISCOVERY This morning, a sampan brings you to the village of Long Khanh A, for a Cotton-Weaving Demonstration of this well-preserved tradition. DISCOVERY This afternoon, enjoy scenes of daily life on Cu ...

Day 10: VINH LONG

Sweets and Rice Treats

DISCOVERY Board a sampan this morning to Visit a Local Workshop in Vinh Long where you will see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candies are made.

This afternoon, enjoy time on board the ship as we sail to exciting Ho Chi Minh City.

AFTERNOON CRUISE TO HO CHI MINH CITY

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

VINH-LONG-BRICK-KILN.jpg

Day 11: HO CHI MINH CITY (DISEMBARKATION)

Motorbikes, Monuments, and Mouth-watering Cuisine

CLASSIC Take a Walking Tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s historic landmarks, including a stop at the Rex Hotel for a refreshing drink at the rooftop bar where the U.S. Military held the infamous “Five O’clock Follies...

Day 12: HO CHI MINH CITY. EXCURSION TO CU CHI TUNNELS

Secret Passageways and Underground Hideouts

CLASSIC Drive out of the city for a Guided Visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels—an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length—used as a hideout and secret village by the Viet Cong. Explore these tunnels a...

Day 13: HO CHI MINH CITY

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

HO-CHI-MINH-CITY-LANTERNS.jpg

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,859
Price per day$451
Last Updated: 4/17/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
12 Aug 2024
24 Aug 2024
$5,859
Available
26 Aug 2024
07 Sep 2024
$6,489
Available
09 Sep 2024
21 Sep 2024
$6,749
Available
23 Sep 2024
05 Oct 2024
$6,959
Available
07 Oct 2024
19 Oct 2024
$6,959
Available
21 Oct 2024
02 Nov 2024
$6,959
Available
04 Nov 2024
16 Nov 2024
$7,119
Available
18 Nov 2024
30 Nov 2024
$7,119
Sold Out
02 Dec 2024
14 Dec 2024
$7,119
Available
13 Jan 2025
25 Jan 2025
$7,619
Available

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Avalon Waterways.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Avalon Waterways Reviews & Ratings

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D

DEBBIE

Dec 2023

Written on

From favorite cruise line to Never Again!!!

My first Avalon cruise/land tour to Vietnam/Cambodia was the best experience of my 80 plus cruises. We recently took the Avalon Egypt/Jordan cruise/land tour and it ...

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customer

Dec 2023

Written on

Avalon waterways went out of their way to accommodate our early morning arrival.

We booked an Egyptian cruise with Avalon months ago that included airport transfers, but we did not book our flights through them. Ten days before departure we had ...

R

Robert

Nov 2023

Written on

It was the Paris to Normandy then to…

It was the Paris to Normandy then to Marseille 14 day cruise. The whole cruise was terrible, ports were bypassed, crew was very inexperienced, the restaurant was uno...

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Avalon Waterways

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CRUISING ELEVATED.
Innovative, transformative, original. Avalon Waterways has redefined cruising by going against the current and
away from the ordinary. Delivering unparalleled experiences and boundless exploration, Avalon puts you in the captain’s seat to navigate your journey, fuel your passions and steer clear of the unexpected as you cruise down the world’s most memorable and mesmerizing waterways. One step aboard our modern, luxurious Suite Ships with the grandest views in cruising and you’ll see how the tides they are a-changin’. 

Welcome to a new wave in cruising. Welcome aboard Avalon Waterways.

IT DOESN’T GET ANY SUITER.
Enjoy the perfect blend of elegance and ease – where little touches are bold, gestures are grand and the views even grander. There’s a reason our ships are the critics’ darlings and favorites among our most discerning guests. Our boutique-hotel-inspired Panorama Suites feature the industry’s only Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in cruising and decadent Comfort Collection beds that face the ever-changing scenery.

PACK YOUR PASSIONS.
As you set sail down the world’s most legendary waters, we’ve curated a collection of the most intriguing experiences to immerse yourself in – both on board and off.

SEE MORE THAN THE SEA/
On a typical cruise, you see waves, water and more water. On an Avalon cruise, legendary landmarks and postcard-perfect landscapes are always in view. Dock to discovery takes mere minutes. 

LET’S DISH.
While we naturally present the signature delicacies of the regions you visit, we enrich the gastronomic journey by offering multiple dining venues, bringing unexpected culinary experiences to the table.

What they’re known for
River cruises to classic and exotic destinations with a luxury flair and personalization options.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Park Hyatt Siem ReapThe Park Hyatt, Siem Reap is the city's most prestigious address and perfect base to explore the Temples of Angkor. Located in the heart of the city, this award winning hotel blends an elegant and contemporary design to create an enlivening resort and residential feel. From the second you arrive you will be welcomed by true Cambodian hospitality and superb service. The stylish guestrooms offer a refined home away from home with all the amenities one would expect from a deluxe hotel. The luxurious collection of accommodation is matched by stylish dining venues that offer fresh, flavorful, well-presented dishes of French and Indochine inspirations. Lighter fare is also offered at The Glass House, the onsite deli-patisserie. Discerning travelers will appreciate the other amenities on offer. Relax by one of the two pools or in the inviting Living Room lounge and bar, get in a work out in the fitness center, or visit The Spa for holistic therapies and treatments using only locally harvested floral and aromatic ingredients. Siem ReapCambodiaSivutha BlvdPark Hyatt SaigonDiscover urban luxury with a combination of sophisticated design, handcrafted details, and modern-day comforts at Park Hyatt Saigon. Enjoy world-class dining, tranquil spa, and refreshing pool all on site. French-colonial inspired room rooms combine elegant, traditional comfort with the latest technology and desired amenities. Ho Chi Minh CityVietnam2 Lam Son Square,

Transportation & Flights

Participation in this tour requires a purchase of additional local flights. ,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
6 years and up
Optional Activities
WSHI|Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River (Southbound) WSHH|Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi & Ha Long Bay (Southbound) WSHB|Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Bangkok (Southbound) WSHN|Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Bangkok (Southbound) WHSI|Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River (Northbound) WSH|Mekong Discovery (Southbound) WSII|The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam (Southbound)
Trip ID
AVALON-WSHI

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