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Essential Vietnam and Cambodia

4.7/5 Based on 14 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Our Price From 3,962 Per Person
Exclusive Savings 1,835 Per Person
 Trip Length
12 Days
 Trip Starts
Ho Chi Minh City
 Trip Finishes
Siem Reap
12 Day Essential Vietnam and Cambodia Itinerary (Travelmarvel)
Countries Explored: Vietnam, Cambodia
Trip Style
River Cruise
Departures
Accommodation
4 Star
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
VTMR12

Overview

Read 14 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Travelmarvel's 12 Day Essential Vietnam and Cambodia. Cruise between the remote villages of Vietnam and Cambodia that line the banks of the Mekong River and its tributaries.

Itinerary

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon. Meet your Travelmarvel representative and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, feast on a delicious Welcome Dinner showcasing the distinctive flavours of Vietnamese cuisine. Stay Two Nights: Ho Chi Minh City, Le Meridien Saigon (D)

Insider Experience: Relax in comfort and soak in the Saigon River views from your well-appointed room at Le Meridien Saigon.

Take a step back in time and travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, built by Vietnamese resistance fighters. Listen to stories of the history of the Vietnam-American war, the ingenuity of the Cu Chi residents and the daily activities of the people. Part of a larger network, the tunnels were used by Viet Cong guerrillas as hiding spots during combat. Crawl through a section for a firsthand experience of what it was like for the soldiers who lived and fought here. Return to the city and enjoy the afternoon to explore at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options. (B)

Begin with your Insider Experience then return to your hotel for breakfast. Drive to My Tho and board the RV Apsara, your boutique river ship and home for the next seven nights. Exuding a true Asian ambience, the ship offers twin balconies with every suite to ensure a unique and scenic perspective on your Mekong River cruise. Stay Seven Nights: Mekong River, RV Apsara (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Step out on an early morning guided walk to watch the busy streets come to life and gain a deeper understanding of what drives this urban centre.

Early risers can witness the sunrise from the Sun Deck and enjoy coffee and freshly baked pastries in the Saigon Lounge. Keep an eye open for the wholesalers pedalling their tropical fruits and vegetables at the floating market. (B/L/D)

Transfer to a small boat for a cruise along the tiny tributaries that snake around Tan Chau, the last stop before the border. Step ashore for a rickshaw tour and weave through rambling laneways past shops and friendly locals and stop to visit a local silk and rattan weaving workshop. (B/L/D)

Start the day with a sobering excursion to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Learn about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime as well as the resilience of the Cambodian people. Spend a moment to pay your respects at the Memorial Stupa, a monument erected in memory of the thousands of people who lost their lives. (B/L/D)

Begin your morning with an excursion by road to Oudong, Cambodia's former royal capital from the early 17th until the 19th century. While here, enjoy your memorable Insider Experience. En route back to Phnom Penh, take a leisurely walk to explore Koh Chen, a village specialising in the manufacture of copperware. Here you'll visit some small family workshops and have the opportunity to buy some souvenirs. (B/L/D)

Rise early as you cruise towards Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island renowned for its silk manufacturing traditions, preserved over the centuries. Travel by tuk tuk, pass rice fields and get a glimpse into rural life. Stroll amongst the stilt houses and gain insight into the traditional silk weaving process. Watch as the village women create the beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms. (B/L/D)

Start your day with a tour of Angkor Ban by foot. Nicknamed the 'Lucky Village', Angkor Ban is one of the few rural villages that escaped destruction from the Khmer Rouge. Stroll through town and see traditional wooden houses, some over a century old, and a Khmer style pagoda surrounded by stupas dedicated to Buddha. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Embark on a tuk tuk ride around the island of Koh Pen. Travel along the shaded lanes and past wooden stilted houses, tucked amongst palm and sandalwood trees.

Bid farewell to the crew and disembark the RV Apsara. Travel to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, passing through picturesque countryside and remote villages. Take a break before heading to the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, commonly referred to as the Tomb Raider temple having featured in the movie starring Angelina Jolie. En route to the hotel enjoy your Insider Experiences. Stay Two Nights: Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas (B)

Insider Experience: Visit Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA) which supports local underprivileged children, part of OneTomorrow. Take your seat at Phare Circus and be wowed by the skills of the performers. Unwind at the Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas.

Set off early to explore some of the breathtaking Khmer architecture and sites at the World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park. Delve deeper into the history and significance of Angkor Wat as you wander inside the vast temple complex. Continue to Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital, built in the 12th century and head to the intriguing Bayon Temple, with its carved stone smiling faces. Visit the Terrace of Elephants, which used to be the base for the king's grand audience hall and the Terrace of the Leper King, which housed the royal cremator. (B/D)

Insider Experience: Witness an awe-inspiring sunset at the magnificent Angkor Wat. Dine on tantalising Khmer cuisine and watch a private Apsara performance.

Your Vietnam and Cambodia journey comes to an end after breakfast with a transfer to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport for your onward flight. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Receive a traditional Buddhist blessing by monks in Oudong
  • See an Apsara performance, a traditional Khmer dance
  • Relax at the stylish Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
  • Watch a mesmerising performance of Cambodia's Phare Circus

  • Four nights in premium accommodation
  • Seven-night Mekong River cruise aboard the RV Apsara, featuring all suites with twin balconies
  • Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Leader and expert English-speaking local guides
  • Prices include transfers, port charges and tipping

  • 27 meals - 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 9 dinners, plus select international wine and local beer included with lunch and dinner on board your Mekong River cruise

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Disruptions to cruising and touring may occur due to operational issues, including high or low water levels, and unforeseen weather conditions
  • Some port stops may have physical conditions which prevent some guests from going ashore
  • Flights should arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, before 4pm
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. Flights not included

Trip Reviews (14) View All Most Recent 'Essential Vietnam and Cambodia' Reviews

4.7
AVG. RATING 4.7 / 5
14 Reviews
5 Star
71%
4 Star
29%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Beautful boat, food and staff on the Mekong Rivercruise 2 , NSW, Australia, Jan 2024
The cabin on the lower deck was absolutely fine and on the same level as the dining room so easy access for all meals. Relaxing on the sundeck as the boat cruised along was amazing. The itinerary was quite busy and we enjoyed meeting other travellers to share travel stories. We hired a tuk tuk at the end of the tour to see more temples independently ...read more which was super easy, safe and enjoyable.
Vietnam to Cambodia on the Mekong River 5 , VIC, Australia, Jan 2019
All staff on the boat were very friendly and cooperative. We enjoyed their company and service immensely. The guides were very friendly, helpful and personable throughout the trip. The Shinta Mani Shack in Siem Reap is a really nice hotel.

We were first placed on the lower deck at water level. This smelled so mouldy that we knew as soon as we opened ...read more the cabin that we could not stay there. The atmosphere was dank and frankly toxic. At the same moment, a cabin became available on deck 3 which was immediately taken up by another passenger. This left her cabin available which I immediately requested – at an upfront cost of another $1,000 for the upgrade.

We were lucky. Having spoken to some of the other passengers, I think that may well apply to the rest of the lower deck as well. On returning I put a request for a refund of that $1,000 to Travelmarvel, which they honoured immediately, I am happy to say. Overall, the trip had a good mix of activities both on-board and ashore.
A holiday worth repeating   5 , QLD, Australia , Jul 2018
Vietnam and Cambodia are realising the value of the tourist dollar and are becoming the next 'must visit' world tourist destinations. This Travelmarvel tour and cruise package enabled us to experience significantly more of the sights and culture than we could have arranged privately. The day trips from the cruise boats were well organised and the tour ...read more guides were a wealth of knowledge. We would do it again, if the world was smaller.
Great Experience 1 , VIC, Australia, Aug 2017
Couldn't fault the cruise, comfy accommodation, great food & wine, pleasant service and cruise director was fabulous. He had a tough time with sick people. Very happy all round, even the weather was good!
Wonderful Trip 2 , NSW, Australia, Feb 2017
Great tour guides and tour director. Fantastic booking experience with Global Journeys. February was a perfect time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia. The weather was hot but not unbearable and no rain. Travel Marvel were also wonderful, we have travelled with them before, and will travel with them whenever possible. The accommodation and service on the ...read more ship were faultless. The food served was the cuisine of the two countries we visited. Preparation and service was outstanding.
Fabulous trip up the Mekong from Saigon to Siem Reap 5 , ACT, Australia, Jan 2017
Angkor Wat was the highlight of the trip. Amazing place and loved Siem Reap and Phonm Pehn. Could have spent an extra day at Siem Reap. Tour guides were all great, their personal stories made the trip. Food and wine was wonderful as was the service. Would recommend the trip to my friends and family.
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Deck Plans

Mekong Deck (Level 1)
 
Category B
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
 
Category C
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
Tonle Deck (Level 2)
 
Category A
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
 
Category B+
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
Saigon Deck (Level 3)
 
Sadec Suite
French Balcony & Outside Balcony
 
Mekong Suite
French Balcony, Outside Balcony & Balcony Terrace
Sadec Deck (Level 4)

Cabins

Category C (Balcony Suite)

  • Suite size 226 sq ft/ 21 sq m
  • Deluxe Queen-size bed
  • Ensuite with shower and toilet
  • Personal safe and mini-bar
  • Spacious wardrobe and desk/dressing table
  • Outside balcony
  • Wall-mounted Flat-screen TV

Category B, B+ & A (Balcony Suite)

  • Suite size 226 sq ft/ 21 sq m
  • Deluxe Queen-size bed
  • Ensuite with shower and toilet
  • Personal safe and mini-bar
  • Spacious wardrobe and desk/dressing table
  • Outside balcony
  • Wall-mounted Flat-screen TV

Sadec Twin Balcony Suite

  • Suite size 290 sq ft/ 26 sq m
  • Deluxe Queen-size bed
  • Ensuite with shower and toilet
  • Separate spa bath
  • Personal safe and mini-bar
  • Spacious wardrobe and desk/dressing table
  • Outside balcony
  • Wall-mounted Flat-screen TV

Mekong Suite

  • Suite size 624 sq ft/ 58 sq m
  • Deluxe King-size bed
  • 2 Ensuites with shower and toilet
  • Separate spa bath
  • Personal safe and mini-bar
  • Spacious wardrobe and desk/dressing table
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Chaise lounge and foot stool
  • Adjoining living room
  • Sofa bed
  • Large balcony terrace with sun lounges

Brochure

Asia

Travelmarvel Asia (2024)

Explore the abundance of Asia with Travelmarvel. Our extensive range of travel styles allows you to explore Asia in a way that best suits you. Cruise past remote riverside villages, journey along steel tracks on an epic rail adventure and wind through the countryside by coach.

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Note
Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.

Cabin Upgrades Optional cabin upgrades. Upgrades priced per person

Base Cabin  (Prices Shown) $ 0
Category B $ 245
Category B+ $ 545
Category A $ 745
Sadec Suite $ 1,545
Mekong Suite $ 2,445
Note
Upgrade prices shown are per person. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will confirm and include the upgrade price in your quote.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Travelmarvel. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Travelmarvel. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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