Cambodia & Vietnam Highlights with 7-Night Cruise
Siem Reap - Phnom Penh - Chau Doc - My Tho - Saigon - Danang - Hoi An - Hanoi - Halong Bay
TOUR DETAILS
As the longest tour in the collection of Indochina luxury travel, this trip is offered for those who want to connect their holidays with long-route Mekong river cruises. By that, this journey is not only a good opportunity to experience Vietnam and Cambodia via onland activities but also occasion to get unique experience and relaxation on the luxury vessels.
Once arrival at the treasure of Cambodia - Siem Reap, you are warmly welcomed by our guide and then transferred to the hotel for check in (room is at your disposal from 14.00). Spend the rest of the day relaxing. Overnight in Siem Reap.
- Meals: N/A
- Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
After breakfast, continue your city exploration through the rural roads lined with local villages and shop to visit the heritage areas. It will be an interesting day filled with wonderful experience as you explore some of the most spectacular temples of Angkor. Start with the less discovered Angkor Thom and then the Bayon Temple with 54 beautiful towers. Continue onto other structures including Baphuon temple The Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, The Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Afterwards, head out to the fascinating Angkor Wat- the most impressive temple in Cambodia. This special structure is considered to be the largest religious building in the world with the fusion of symbolism and symmetry. Overnight in Siem Reap.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
After breakfast at your hotel, our guide and driver will take you to the meeting point of Pandaw Cruises then you will take a coach transfer to Kampong Cham for embarkation on the ship. Enjoy lunch along the way on the coach. You also make a stop at Kampong Thom for a short sightseeing. Upon embarking the ship, sail upstream and stop at Chhlong for overnight.
Important note: The water levels are expected to be low between mid of February and end of March, so there will be alternative itinerary and excursions.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise
The morning is spent sailing to Kratie - an enchanting river port in French colonial style. Enjoy lunch followed by a visit to the dolphin grounds by local bus.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise
Today you have great chance to visit the mysterious Monkey Temple, Wat Hanchey and Angkor Ban along the way sailing down river.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise
Today is spent exploring the hidden charm of the great capital of Phnom Penh. Take a private cyclo to get around the city. The highlights of the excursion include the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum.
For your afternoon journey, there are some options for you to explore the history of Cambodia with a visit to the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge's grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention centre.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise
Enjoy a cruise on Tonle River. En-route, make a stop at a silver making village, Kampong Tralach and Chong Koh. During your cruise, take your time to admire the stunning views of local life along the river banks.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise
Today the captain will raise anchor towards the border and continue onto Tan Chau - a small town on the Mekong River.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise
For your morning journey, you could take a guided tour to a Moslem Cham tribal village and then a cat fish farm in Chau Doc to learn more about local culture. Or if you wish, you could enjoy a bike ride with our mountain bike around the region. Do not miss the chance to visit the highlights of the town including local market and the Catholic Church.
In the afternoon, embark on sampan to enjoy an exciting cruise along canals to Sa Dec – a small quaint town – the hometown of Marguerite Duras’ lover. Explore local market and visit the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le. Overnight onboard at Cai Be.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation: RV Mekong Pandaw Cruise >>> See Details of the Ship
In the early morning, set sail to My Tho port to disembark the ship. Transfer by coach to cruise meeting point in Saigon. Arrive in Saigon in the late morning. Meet up and transferred by local guide for a half day city tour to explore the hustle of the most vibrant city in the country. The city is the commercial center of the country and also the home to a wide range of restaurants and shops. Your highlights include Chinatown, the Thien Hau Pagoda, the Reunification Palace and the Ben Thanh Market. If you wish, you could also visit War Remnants Museum to learn more the history of the country. Overnight at your hotel in Saigon.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon
After breakfast, set off your journey to Cu Chi Tunnels – one of the must see destination to explore the great history of the country during war time. This fascinating network used to shelter of Vietnamese soldiers and will offer visitors a chance to discover how the tunnels were constructed and how the Vietcong communists were able to survive in the maze of tiny tunnels consisting of secret vault-door, museum of creative weapons, shooting range, garment-factory ammunition. Specially, you can even try crawling through the tunnels as a historic soldier.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Ho Chi Minh Airport for a short flight to Danang. Upon arrival, meet up and transferred by local guide to your hotel in Hoi An.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
Having breakfast at hotel then you will take a stroll through small streets of the town to explore two-century-old Chinese houses and hundreds of tailor made shops. Sites include the Japanese Bridge, the Chinese Temples, and Tan Ky trading house.
The tour ends by a cup of tea in Reaching House Tea shop. A peaceful time for you to enjoy the beauty of silence in a tranquil oasis in the center of bustling Hoi An. Delicious coffee, tea, fruit juices and biscuits are served in the charming atmosphere of an ancient, tastefully decorated house in the heart of the town.
Back to the hotel and the balance of day is free at your leisure. Overnight at hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An
In the morning, you will be transferred to Danang Airport for taking flight to Hanoi.
Upon arrival at the Noi Bai International airport, our guide and driver will meet and transfer you to the hotel for check in (room is at your disposal from 14.00).
In the afternoon, start a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside visiting), the traditional stilt house and the revered One Pillar Pagoda. Move onto the great Temple of Literature which is considered the first university of the country.
Wrap your busy day with a stroll around Hanoi’s Old Quarter to observe the daily life of Hanoian through the narrow alleys and streets. Meals on your own. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
In the morning, depart for Halong Bay for 3.5 hour drive (without guide). Once arrival in Halong Bay around noon, board a boutique boat and start your stunning cruise to explore the hidden charm of the World Heritage Site. Lunch and dinner with fresh seafood will be served on board. You will have a great time with an overnight on the charming boat.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: On boat
Take the chance to unwind in the tranquility of the bay with stunning morning’s view. Breakfast is served on board followed by a cruise through the fascinating limestone formations rising from the emerald waters of the bay. The boat will take you through the numerous beautiful islands of the bay which offers you a great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature. Once arrival back to the harbor, transfer back to Hanoi.
You are then free to relax at the hotel. Overnight in Hanoi.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Spend the time at your pleasure until the transference to Hanoi International Airport for your departure flight. The hotel room is at your disposal until noon time.
- Meal: Breakfast
- Accommodation: N/A
What's Included
- All transfers & transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
- Transfers to/from ship as described
- Accommodation based on twin shared with daily breakfasts
- Meals as listed in the itinerary: B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D – Dinner
- English speaking guide
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified
- Angkor Pass for 1 day
- Government taxes and service charge
- Mineral water and cold towel on coach
- Vietnam Visa letter
- Port tax at 70USD/ person
What's Not Included
- International and domestic flights or transfers other than those mentioned
- Vietnam Visa fee (25USD/ person – single entry)
- Cambodia Visa fee (30USD/ person – single entry)
- Other meals which do not mention in the itinerary
- Early check-in and late check-out at hotels
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.)
- Tipping for guides, drivers & crew onboard
- Compulsory Christmas Eve and New Year Eve Dinner
- Compulsory personal travel insurance
- Extra optional excursions other than those mentioned
- Wine (outside of meals) and spirits
- Medical services, travel insurance or visas
1. Alteration of schedule and cruise itinerary
Though every effort will be made to ensure that the published itinerary is followed as closely as possible, given uncertain river and other local conditions, all schedules and itineraries maybe subject to alterations and delays at short notice.
2. Change point of embarkation and disembarkation
Should it prove difficult to embark or disembark passengers at the scheduled points, Top Mekong Cruises is not liable to bear any extra cost of transporting passengers to and from the revised point of joining the cruise or disembarking unless passengers or their agents have purchased a complete package tour which includes land services from us. Any reason for changing the points of embarkation or disembarkation cannot count as a reason for cancelling this contract.
3. Insurance
We strongly advise travelers to purchase trip cancellation insurance. In this case, guests will be reimbursed the cost of air tickets and other non-refundable trip payments. We also highly recommend guests to get international medical, baggage loss and delay insurance in the case of bad situations. Top Mekong Cruises will take no responsibility for lost or stolen personal belongings.
4. Dietary needs
For travelers with special dietary needs, they should contact with us at least 30 days prior to embarkation. The cruise liner will make the outmost effort to provide special dietary needs and requests basing on product’s availability.
5. Visa to Vietnam and Cambodia information:
5.1. Cruising from Cambodia to Vietnam.
Cambodia Visa:
Option 1 (recommended): Apply for E-visa at https://www.evisa.gov.kh/
A Printed copy of your e-visa must be presented at the airport upon arrival.
Option 2: Apply for Visa on Arrival at Phnom Penh or Siem Reap airport. Please bring along a passport size photograph.
Option 3: Obtain visa at the Cambodia embassy in your home country.
Vietnam Visa:
You must obtain your visa at the Vietnam embassy of your home country. Physical visa must be in your passport prior to boarding the cruise.
Important: E-visa and visa on arrival is NOT valid for crossing border via waterways.
5.2. Cruising from Vietnam to Cambodia.
Vietnam Visa:
Option 1 (recommended): Top Mekong Cruises will arrange FREE Vietnam Visa Approval Letter which will be sent to your email after 2 working days. When you arrive at your first airport of entry into Vietnam, proceed to the visa counter to obtain your visa. Printed pre-approval letter must be presented, together with 2 passport photo(4x6) and US$25 cash for single entry visa.
Option 2:
Obtain visa at a Vietnam embassy in your home country.
Cambodia Visa:
Option 1: Obtain visa at a Cambodia embassy of your home country. Physical visa must be placed inside your passport.
Option 2: Top Mekong Cruises will process the Cambodia single entry tourist visa for you on-board. Please bring along 2 passport size photograph (4x6). A US$40 fee will apply, paid in cash or charged to your account on the cruises.
Important: E-visa is not valid for crossing border via waterways.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
- A Single Entry Tourist Visa will only allow ONE entry. If you plan to enter to either country twice during your holiday, you must apply for a Multiple Entry Visa. This is particularly important for Vietnam where you do not have the visa on arrival option of Cambodia.
- Top Mekong Cruises is not responsible for any additional costs or fines that may result from guests holding the wrong visa.
6. Cruise information:
This tour includes a 7 night cruise with RV Pandaw Cruises. If you would like to cruise with another cruise please let us know as we can arrange this and will need to change the itinerary and departure dates accordingly.