The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam with Luang Prabang (Southbound)

20 days
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Group Tour
This magical Southeast Asia river cruise along the Mekong River will take you to Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, showing you the culture and local traditions of each country and the must-see sites along the way. Your adventure begins in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with the magnificent Temples of Angkor. Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, these ancient rui...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced 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?

    This magical Southeast Asia river cruise along the Mekong River will take you to Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, showing you the culture and local traditions of each country and the must-see sites along the way. Your adventure begins in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with the magnificent Temples of Angkor. Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, these ancient ruins are a display of architectural complexity and grandeur unlike anything else in the world. Stand in awe at the most famous of these temples, Angkor Wat, which honors the Hindu god, Vishnu; and the Bayon temple, which features some 200 mysterious faces carved in its many towers. Enjoy an inspiring Aspara dance performance and other treasures of the city before embarking on your river cruise. In Kampong Tralach, an ox cart ride will show you the Cambodian countryside and you’ll meet a local farmer and learn about his daily life. The temple of Wat Hanchey, perched on a hilltop, will provide the most stunning views, and then take part in a traditional water blessing with local monks. Continue your journey into Vietnam and stroll through a local market—a unique opportunity to see locals buying and selling fresh produce. Via sampan, visit the home of a local family for a cotton-weaving demonstration and a local workshop which makes rice wine and traditional candies. In bustling Ho Chi Minh City, try your hand in the kitchen with a Vietnamese cooking class and go on an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels—the extraordinary network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war. Fly to Hanoi and explore the famous sites, such as the Old Quarter, where peddlers have traded goods for centuries on its 36 ancient streets. Next, a remarkable 2-night cruise along Ha Long Bay will show you its beautiful Limestone Islands. You’ll visit the Cua Van Floating Village, spectacular caves, and even go for a swim at Ti Top Island. Finally, fly to Luang Prabang, and be sure to have your camera handy as you ascend Mount Phousi for stunning views of the city and the Mekong River below. Your sightseeing will show you the famous sites, such as Wat Xieng Thong, considered the most beautiful monastery in the city. The perfect ending to an unforgettable Southeast Asia river cruise vacation!

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySIEM REAP
End CityLUANG PRABANG Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Cambodia
  • Vietnam

Attractions

  • Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Ha Long Bay
  • Hanoi
  • Luang Prabang

Activities

  • Culture

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA 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.

Day 2

SIEM REAP The Tranquil Temples of Angkor 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 Ex...

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...

Day 4

PHNOM PENH (EMBARKATION) Your Intimate 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. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO WAT HANCHEY (B,L,D)

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 ...

Day 6

KAMPONG TRALACH–KONPONG LOUANG 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. A...

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...

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...

Day 9

LONG KHANH A–CU LAO GIENG Cotton Weavers & Sampan Makers 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 (B,L,D)

Day 11

HO CHI MINH CITY (DISEMBARKATION) Motorbikes, Monuments, and Mouthwatering 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 infa...

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...

Day 13

HO CHI MINH CITY–HANOI Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (B)

Day 14

HANOI Historic Hanoi and Water Puppets CLASSIC First, join a Guided Visit of the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next, see iconic sites, including One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the infam...

Day 15

HANOI–HA LONG BAY Island Shapes and a Floating Village Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes. Board the luxurious Paradise E...

Day 16

HA LONG BAY Caves, Kayaks, and Scenic Climbs DISCOVERY Visit Ti top Island, for a Guided Excursion for a swim, or climb 400 steps to the top of the island for stunning views. You can also visit Luon Cave by boat, and explore Dark & Bright Cave by bamboo raft, OR...

Day 17

HA LONG BAY–HANOI–LUANG PRABANG, LAOS This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight for Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. (B)

Day 18

LUANG PRABANG Today, enjoy a full day of Guided Sightseeing in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ascend Mount Phousi for beautiful morning views over the city and Mekong River. Then walk through the historic town center stopping at Wat Mai, famous for its 5-tiered roof...

Day 19

LUANG PRABANG Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (B)

Day 20

LUANG PRABANG Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,239
Price per day$312
Last Updated: 12/9/2020

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Park Hyatt Siem Reap The 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 Reap Cambodia Sivutha Blvd The Reverie Saigon Inspired by the desire to ignite and excite the imagination of travelers, The Reverie Saigon is the ultimate example a luxury hotel. Paired with luxurious facilities and amenities, and the warmth of distinctly Vietnamese hospitality it¿s not anything like you¿ve ever experienced before ¿ just like the destination. Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam 22-36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1 InterContinental Westlake Conveniently located just 10 minutes from the central business district and numerous shopping areas. Built entirely over the serene waters of historic West Lake and adjacent to the famous 800-year-old Golden Lotus Pagoda, the hotel features contemporary Vietnamese design and exceptional service for an unforgettable visit to the City of Peace. Hanoi Vietnam 1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho Paradise Elegance The newest and most luxurious ship sailing on Ha Long Bay. A mix of contemporary design style and traditional Vietnamese building materials create warm and welcoming spaces throughout the ship. Dine in comfort in the spacious Le Marin Restaurant, take in the panoramic views from the sundeck, or go for relaxing spa treatment. Spacious deluxe cabins feature a balcony, air-conditioning, and a large en-suite bathroom. Ha Long Bay Vietnam Avani+ Luang Prabang Laos Setthathirath Road, Hua Xieng Village,

Transportation & Flights

Participation in this tour requires a purchase of additional local flights. ,
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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
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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
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
WSII|The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam (Southbound) WSIB|The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam with Bangkok (Southbound) WSID|The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam with Hue & Danang (Southbound) WSIL|The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam with Luang Prabang (Southbound) WSIC|The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam with Bangkok, Hue & Danang (Southbound) WSIU|The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam with Bangkok & Luang Prabang (Southbound) WISI|The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam (Northbound) WSH|Mekong Discovery (Southbound) WSHI|Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River (Southbound)
Trip ID
AVALON-WSIL

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