Ultimate Southeast Asia & The Majestic Mekong – with Sapa, Hue & Danang – Southbound

29 days
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Group Tour
This inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise vacation begins in vibrant Bangkok, Thailand. A boat ride on the klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals, is the perfect way to start your sightseeing. Continue at the Grand Palace featuring the Temple of the Emerald Buddha followed by the Temple of the Reclining Buddha—the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in the city. Fly...

Overview

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

Highlights

    • Welcome to Thailand
    • Boat ride on klongs; visit the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha
    • Day at leisure
    • Fly to Siem Reap
    • 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
    • Sightseeing by private cyclo, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum; show by children from local orphanage

What's this trip about?

    This inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise vacation begins in vibrant Bangkok, Thailand. A boat ride on the klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals, is the perfect way to start your sightseeing. Continue at the Grand Palace featuring the Temple of the Emerald Buddha followed by the Temple of the Reclining Buddha—the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in the city. Fly to Ho hi Minh City, Vietnam, and enjoy a walking tour of the famous landmarks of the city and try your hand in the kitchen with a Vietnamese cooking class. Go on an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the unbelievable network of tunnels used extensively during the war. Next, board your ship and begin your cruise along the mighty Mekong River. As you cruise through Vietnam, you’ll stop in the villages for interactions with locals, such as a visit to the home of a skilled family who make handcrafted sampans for a living. In Cambodia, visit the capital city of Phnom Penh, with the magnificent Royal Palace featuring its striking Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. Take in the stunning views at the 8th-century temple of Wat Hanchey before walking through the rural village of Angkor Ban to visit with welcoming schoolchildren. Continue your river cruise adventure to Siem Reap, where you’ll see the magnificent Temples of Angkor, the most famous being Angkor Wat and the Bayon temple. Disembark your cruise ship and fly to Hanoi, where you’ll explore the famous Old Quarter with peddlers trading goods among its 36 ancient streets. From here, travel to Ha Long Bay, where you’ll be amazed at the more than 3,000 limestone islands of varying shapes. Enjoy a 2-night cruise along the bay, and then head to Sapa, which provides the most beautiful scenery. Here, you’ll visit one of the famous Weekly Markets where homemade goods are sold and the ethnic minority groups of the area wear their colorful costumes. Hue, a former capital of Vietnam, remains an important cultural mecca. Sightseeing will show you the imposing Imperial Citadel; Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of the city; and the Royal tombs of past emperors. Arrive in Danang, where you’ll visit the Cham Museum and explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where architecture influenced by traders from around the world has been largely preserved. The beautiful scenery, ornate temples, and interactions with locals make this Southeast Asia river cruise vacation one you won’t soon forget!

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Details

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

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Cambodia
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam

Attractions

  • Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Ha Long Bay
  • Hanoi

Activities

  • Culture

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1

BANGKOK, THAILAND Welcome to Thailand! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2

BANGKOK Canals, Temples, and the Buddhas of Bangkok CLASSIC This morning, your Guided Sightseeing begins with a boat ride on the klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals. Visit the stunning Grand Palace featuring the Temple Of The Emerald Buddha. Also, visit the Temple Of Th...

Day 3

BANGKOK Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (B)

Day 4

BANGKOK–SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA Today, fly to Siem Reap, your base during your visit to Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on Earth! (B)

Day 5

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 6

SIEM REAP Root-Covered Ruins and Native Noodles CLASSIC Continue your Sightseeing Tour to 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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

PHNOM PENH Bonjour! French Charm in Cambodia 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 t...

Day 11

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 12

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 13

BEN TRE Sweets and Sampans DISCOVERY Board a sampan this morning and Visit a Local Workshop in Ben Tre to see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candies are made. Continue on to a local garden, where several types of fruit indigenous to the area are grown. ...

Day 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

HA LONG BAY Caves, Kayaks, and Scenic Climbs DISCOVERY Visit Titop 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 20

HA LONG BAY–HANOI Surprising and Amazing Beauty This morning, relax onboard your ship, or visit Sung Sot Cave, considered one of the most beautiful in the area with its magnificent formations. Afterwards, return to Hanoi and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. (B)

Day 21

HANOI–SAPA Today, transfer to the hill-station town of Sapa known for its mountain scenery, rice fields, and colorful ethnic minorities. This afternoon, join a Walking Tour of this small town and visit the local market. (B)

Day 22

SAPA Your Guided Sightseeing starts with a visit to Ta Van and Lao Chai villages, to see the traditional way of life of the Zay and Black Hmong ethnic groups. These ethnic groups live together here under the watch of Fansipan Mountain. The Zay live a sedentary lifesty...

Day 23

SAPA This morning, your Guided Tour includes one of the famous Weekly Markets. Here, the local ethnic minority groups wear their most beautiful costumes as they sell and trade their homemade products. The Flower Hmong group is most recognizable with their colorful dre...

Day 24

SAPA–HANOI–HUE This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight for Hue. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. (B)

Day 25

HUE One of Vietnam’s former capitals, Hue is a beautiful, welcoming city that remains a cultural and religious center. Start your Guided Sightseeing with a visit to the Imperial Citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of the city. In the afternoon, your...

Day 26

HUE–DANANG Today, drive south over spectacular Hai Van Pass (weather permitting), considered to be one of the most scenic in all of Vietnam. In Danang, stop to Visit the Cham Museum and ascend Monkey Mountain to see the Lady Buddha and for panoramic views. Continue on to your resort for the evening. (B,L)

Day 27

DANANG. EXCURSION TO HOI AN Hoi An is Vietnam’s active trading center and a town that has been largely preserved, with architecture that reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders. Hoi An is also where French missionary Alexan...

Day 28

DANANG A full day at leisure to further explore the area or relax at your beach resort! (B)

Day 29

DANANG Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Dates & Availability

Price From $9,759
Price per day$337
Last Updated: 5/24/2019

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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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

InterContinental Bangkok The InterContinental Bangkok located within the core of the city's business and commercial districts. Within walking distance there is a wide range of shopping and other facilities are within easy walking distance. Access to the rest of the city is easy with the adjacent BTS skytrain station. Throughout, you will appreciate impeccable service and the warm, attentive hospitality that is authentically Thai. Bangkok Thailand 973 Ploenchit Road 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 Avalon Saigon Vietnam 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 Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa Nested amongst the slopes of North Vietnam's mountainous region is Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa, built in the style of a traditional chalet in perfect harmony with the natural scenery. This stone & wood construction blends seamlesslly with surrounding environment, overlooking Indochina's highest peak, Mount Fanxipan. Sapa Vietnam Sapa District, Lao Cai Province La Residence Hue Hotel & Spa Built in 1930 as part of the former colonial governor¿s residence overlooking Hue¿s Perfume River, this architectural gem was restored and re-opened as hotel. The Art Deco design aesthetic runs throughout the hotel from the central reception rotunda, flanked by two wings, to Le Gouverneur Bar, Le Parfum restaurant, formal gardens, swimming pool, and all guest rooms. Hue Vietnam 5 Le Loi St Naman Retreat & Residences Naman Retreat seamlessly blends timeless Vietnamese heritage and culture with luxurious modern charm. Impressive traditional bamboo architecture and exquisite interiors, combined with authentic Vietnamese hospitality assures you a wonderful retreat experience. Da Nang Vietnam Truong Sa Road Ngu Hanh Son Dist,

Transportation & Flights

Participation in this tour requires a purchase of additional local flights. ,
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
WSBL|Add Luang Prabang to Your Vacation WSBS|Add Sapa to Your Vacation WBS|Cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
Trip ID
AVALON-WSBA

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