Hidden Treasures of Vietnam and Cambodia

On arrival in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, be met at the airport and transferred to the Grand Mercure Hanoi, only a short walk from the Old Quarter. Tonight, meet your local guide at an informal gathering.

Insider Experience – Grand Mercure Hanoi

Nestled in the lively heart of Vietnam’s bustling capital, Grand Mercure Hanoi is conveniently close to the Old Quarter. This hotel provides a genuine and immersive experience, blending modern elegance with traditional Vietnamese charm. Its design is a tribute to local heritage, incorporating elements such as rice-themed patterns, vibrant pottery, handcrafted lacquerware, and impressive architecture, resulting in a truly soulful ambience.

Rise early for a drive to the mountain town of Sapa, where cascading hills and valleys are blanketed in lush greenery. Located near the Chinese border, this picturesque town was once a French hill station and is home to a number of highland communities. Along the way, take in spectacular mountain views and valleys dotted with terraced paddy fields before stepping out on a guided walk around town. Stroll through the local market and learn about several of the ethnic groups, including Hmong and Dao, who make their way in from nearby villages to sell their produce. Savour dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your mountain resort, perched atop one of Sapa’s highest hills.

Head out on a leisurely hike through breathtaking landscapes to explore the small village of Ma Tra. Home to the Hmong and Dao communities, the area is famous for its striking terraced rice fields and offers an authentic glimpse into the region's traditional way of life. After visiting the village, relish an included lunch before enjoying the remainder of your afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take the opportunity to go exploring, shopping or relax at your accommodation.

Drive back to Hanoi and enjoy time at leisure. This evening, sit down to a multi-course Vietnamese dinner at your hotel.

Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Hanoi, taking in the most famous historical and cultural sites. Visit Ba Dinh Square, one of the largest squares in Vietnam, and drive past the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. Nearby is the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, built on a single pillar of stone in the middle of a lotus pond. Continue to the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture and the first university in Vietnam. Afterwards, two Insider Experiences await. With the afternoon and evening at leisure, perhaps enjoy one of our select experiences.

Insider Experience – Hanoi's Old Quarter by Cyclo

Weave through Hanoi’s bustling city streets like a local on a tour of the city’s Old Quarter aboard a cyclo. 

Insider Experience – Lunch at KOTO

Savour authentic flavours and feast on a soulful Vietnamese lunch at KOTO (Know One, Teach One). This restaurant was established as Vietnam's first social enterprise, dedicated to empowering at-risk and disadvantaged local youth through hospitality training.

Enhance Your Journey – Folk Art Class

Journey to one of Vietnam’s most renowned silk-weaving villages and connect with the inspiring individuals behind Vụn Art, a social enterprise managed by people with disabilities. The Vụn (meaning 'scrap') Art Cooperative was established to empower people with disabilities by offering vocational training and creating stable employment opportunities. Hear inspiring stories of the challenges faced in founding this initiative, and enjoy the chance to create your own folk painting on a tote bag to take home.

Enhance Your Journey – Street Food Tour

Discover Hanoi’s street food scene and uncover the quintessential culinary flavours of Vietnam’s capital city. Wander the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter, sampling local specialties such as savoury pork buns and fragrant phở, before concluding with a visit to one of Hanoi’s best-kept secrets – a cafe overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

Enhance Your Journey – Water Puppets and Street Food Style Dinner

Take your seat at one of the city’s traditional water puppet theatres and immerse yourself in this ancient art form – unique to northern Vietnam and once performed in villages and rice paddies. Accompanied by a traditional Vietnamese orchestra of drums, cymbals, horns, and bamboo flutes, the enchanting performance unfolds against a mesmerising soundtrack. Afterwards, savour a mouth-watering selection of Vietnamese street food at a local restaurant set in a charming colonial villa.

Enhance Your Journey – Cooking Workshop and Dinner

Immerse yourself in a vibrant local market with a seasoned chef, hand-picking fresh ingredients for a hands-on cooking workshop. Discover the diverse techniques and ingredients that have made Vietnamese cuisine famous for its fresh, fragrant and aromatic flavours, the

Set off early for Tuan Chau, where an Insider Experience awaits – a two-night cruise through Ha Long Bay aboard the Au Co. Enjoy an assortment of Vietnamese dishes during lunch as your boutique ship slowly glides towards the southeast of Ha Long Bay, passing Trong Mai Islet, Ngon Tay Islet and Con Coc Islet. Next, embark on an excursion to Cat Ba Island and ride a bicycle or electric cart through the peaceful Viet Hai village. Learn about local life and two of Bhaya Cruises’ social responsibility projects, then soak up the lush scenery at Bhaya Café as you join a hands-on culinary class to master bánh cuốn – delicate steamed rice rolls. Then, return to the ship and savour a delicious dinner on board. Afterwards, perhaps join a Vietnamese rice wine tasting session in the restaurant or try your hand at squid fishing on the main deck.

Insider Experience – Ha Long Bay Cruise

Discover Ha Long Bay on a two-night cruise aboard the traditionally styled Au Co. World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is one of nature's most inspiring displays, where over 1,600 lush limestone pillars rise from the emerald waters – making it an ideal playground for exciting activities and relaxation.

As the sun rises over the acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, rejuvenate the body and mind with a Tai Chi lesson. Delight in a hearty breakfast before kayaking through the Trinh Nu area, taking in the awe-inspiring surroundings as you navigate around rugged mountains rising from the glimmering waters. Return to the boat for a leisurely cruise toward Cua Van Floating Village, where you'll enjoy a special lunch. In the afternoon, you'll have the chance to explore this incredible location in the heart of Ha Long Bay by kayak or traditional rowing boat. Then, hop back on board and cruise to the anchor point, soaking up spectacular sunset views from the deck with a drink in hand. Wrap up the day with a delicious dinner in the onboard restaurant.

Choose between two exciting sightseeing options today. Explore the spectacular Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in Ha Long Bay. Spanning a vast 10,000 square metres, this natural wonder is adorned with thousands of shimmering stalactites and stalagmites, connected by a 500-metre paved pathway that guides you through its magical depths. Alternatively, take an excursion to Titov Island, where you can relax on a pristine beach or hike to the top of the island's mountain for panoramic views of Ha Long Bay. Afterwards, return to the boat to prepare for disembarkation before travelling to Hanoi airport for your included flight to Siem Reap. For dinner, perhaps choose from one of our select experience dining options.

Insider Experience – Three Nights at Shinta Mani Angkor

Unwind in an idyllic setting during an indulgent stay at this upscale retreat, designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley. Combining elegance and sustainability, your accommodation is situated in Siem Reap's leafy French Quarter, close to the famous Angkor Wat temple.

Enhance Your Journey – Cafe Indochine

Dine in a traditional wooden Khmer house located in the centre of Siem Reap.

Enhance Your Journey – Mahob

Enjoy authentic Khmer cuisine in a carefully restored property, once owned by a governor from the Peak Sneng district of Angkor Thom.

Enhance Your Journey – The Street27 Restaurant

Indulge in Khmer fare in a beautiful garden setting with a relaxed ambience.

Explore Siem Reap this morning at your own pace. Later, discover Ta Prohm, often referred to as the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ due to its depiction in the Angelina Jolie film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. The temple and its beautiful surroundings have been left to gradually succumb to nature, where the encroaching jungle and sprawling root systems weave a striking tapestry through the ruins. Later, two Insider Experiences await.

Insider Experience – Local Charity Visit

Visit Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner that provides education to local disadvantaged children living in Siem Reap's remote villages.

Insider Experience – Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance

Dine on tantalising Khmer cuisine and peer into the heart of Cambodia as you watch an apsara dance performance, a delicate, beautiful tradition dating back to the seventh century.

Rise early for a special Insider Experience at Angkor Archaeological Park. After a guided tour of the well-preserved Angkor Wat temple, return to your hotel for breakfast. In the early afternoon, explore Siem Reap on your own or choose from our select experience options. Later this afternoon, return to Angkor Archaeological Park to visit Angkor Thom and the Bayon. This evening, enjoy free time to further explore or take part in an optional select experience.

Insider Experience – Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Wake up early and witness the sun rising over Angkor Wat. This also includes a seat during the experience as well as refreshments (coffee, tea or juice).

Enhance Your Journey – Circus Performance

Take your seat at Phare Circus and be amazed by the skills of the performers. This acclaimed show blends modern Khmer tales with music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts and contortion.

Enhance Your Journey – Local Boutiques and Markets

Explore Siem Reap’s vibrant arts and crafts scene, starting at the Angkor Handicraft Association. This Fair Trade Village is home to a wide variety of artisans who produce handmade goods using traditional techniques. Peruse Angkor Artwork to see traditional lacquerware crafted using ancestral techniques. Stop at Phsar Chas, the oldest market in Siem Reap, where you’ll find stalls selling everything from fresh vegetables, seafood and meat to souvenirs.

Enhance Your Journey – APOPO HeroRATs Tour and Landmine Museum

Take a tour of APOPO, a non-profit organisation that trains African giant pouched rats to save lives by detecting landmines. Close by, the Landmine Museum shows the devastating impact of landmines, sharing personal stories of hope and resilience while highlighting ongoing de-mining efforts.

Enhance Your Journey – Horse-Drawn Cart Ride  

Relax and watch the scenery go by as you travel through the Cambodian countryside on a traditional horse-drawn cart.

Enhance Your Journey – Quad Bike Adventure 

Explore authentic Cambodia away from the tourist crowds on a quad bike. Journey through rice fields, forests and villages. 

Journey through picturesque countryside and charming remote villages, arriving in Kampong Cham to embark on your Mekong River cruise. Here, you'll board the RV Lotus, your boutique river ship and home for the next seven nights. Spend the afternoon enjoying your Insider Experience. This evening, savour a Welcome Dinner on board with your fellow travellers.

Insider Experience – Tuk Tuk Tour of Koh Pen

Hop on a tuk tuk and explore the agricultural island of Koh Pen. Travel along the shaded lanes and past wooden stilted houses, tucked among palm and sandalwood trees. 

Start your day with a tour of Angkor Ban by foot. Nicknamed the 'Lucky Village', Angkor Ban is one of the few rural villages in Cambodia that escaped destruction from the Khmer Rouge regime. Stroll through town and see wooden houses, some over a century old. Return to your ship and continue cruising along the lush banks of the Mekong River to Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island. Disembark and discover the village, renowned for its silk weaving traditions.

Begin your morning with an excursion by road to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital, where a memorable Insider Experience awaits. En route back to Phnom Penh, take a leisurely walk through the village of Koh Chen. Stop to visit the open-air copperware workshops and witness the skills of the artisans. Return to the ship and enjoy a free afternoon in Phnom Penh, or enhance your time by choosing one of our select experiences.

Insider Experience – Buddhist Blessing Ceremony

Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony to wish you good luck, health and safe journey, led by resident monks at a monastery in Oudong.

Enhance Your Journey – Hands-On Cooking Workshop

Meet your chef and visit a local market to select fruits, spices and other local ingredients before learning how to prepare authentic Khmer dishes.

Enhance Your Journey – Phnom Penh by Cyclo

Explore Phnom Penh by cyclo, taking in sights such as Independence Square, the Royal Palace, trendy cafes, boutiques, local markets and pagodas.

Enhance Your Journey – Phnom Penh by Tuk Tuk

Discover Phnom Penh by tuk tuk, passing sights like Wat Phnom, the Phnom Penh Post Office, U.S. Embassy, Raffles Hotel, and Royal Railway Station. Ride along Pasteur Street, the Central Market, and Phsar Tapang. Stop to walk around the Independence Monument and statue of King Norodom Sihanouk, then continue past NagaWorld, the Royal Palace and Sisowath Quay.

Start the day with a sobering excursion to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, where you will learn about Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime, as well as the resilience of the Cambodian people. Take a moment to pay your respects at the Memorial Stupa, a monument erected in memory of the thousands of people who lost their lives. After lunch, admire the striking white and gold Khmer architecture of the Royal Palace, which was built in 1866. Head inside the glorious Silver Pagoda – named after its floors, which are designed with 5,000 silver tiles. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to head to the Russian Market for souvenirs, the Central Market where you can try the local delicacy of fried tarantula and crickets, or simply stay on board and enjoy the facilities and service.

Relax on board as your ship cruises to the Vietnamese border. While border formalities are carried out, enjoy the onboard presentations and demonstrations. Cross into Vietnam and cruise into the riverside town of Tan Chau. 

Travel along the tributaries around Tan Chau by small boat, then go ashore for a rickshaw tour. Weave through rambling laneways past shops and friendly locals before visiting a local rattan weaving workshop. Later, step back in time during a visit to Vinh Hoa, also known as Evergreen Island. Take the opportunity to witness traditional Vietnamese farming practices, then head back to the ship and continue cruising towards the quaint town of Sa Dec.

Pass floating fish farms as you take a boat ride to Sa Dec, then explore the colourful market on foot. Continue past crumbling waterside mansions to the home of Mr Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired the French writer Marguerite Duras' novel, L'Amant. Return to the ship for a delicious lunch while you cruise towards Cai Be, where a local boat will take you into the riverside town. Step ashore to visit the French gothic Cai Be Church, as well as a rice paper and coconut candy manufacturer. Tonight, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner on board as you cruise towards your final stop, My Tho.

Disembark at My Tho and journey by road to the Cu Chi tunnels. Gain a first-hand insight into the history of the Vietnam War and learn about the immense network of underground tunnels carved out by hand. Continue to Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon, where you'll stay for the next two nights. This evening for dinner, perhaps choose from one of our select experience dining options.

Insider Experience – Two Nights at Le Méridien Saigon

Experience a stay at the one-of-a-kind Le Méridien Saigon. Set in a prime location on the banks of the Saigon River in bustling District 1, this contemporary hotel is within walking distance to key attractions such as Bến Thành Market and Independence Palace. 

Enhance Your Journey – Street Food Tour by Motorbike

Embark on a thrilling motorbike tour through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, guided by a knowledgeable local. Savour three courses of classic Vietnamese street food, beginning with a steaming bowl of traditional noodles, followed by a bánh mì, and concluding with a fried rice flour cake – served with fresh juice or a smoothie. Finish at HỢP Sky Bar, a stylish rooftop venue offering panoramic views of the city’s dazzling lights, where you’ll enjoy a drink and a snack.

Enhance Your Journey – Hoi An Sense

Indulge in the authentic specialties of Hoi An in a unique culinary setting, complete with Vietnamese music and warm hospitality.

Enhance Your Journey – Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro

Offering traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist, this bistro draws inspiration from the theme of 'propaganda', enchanting guests with its lively ambience and striking hand-painted murals.

Today, discover Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options. This evening, gather for a sumptuous Farewell Dinner.

Enhance Your Journey – Ho Chi Minh City by Foot

Explore the bustling city on this walking tour, passing the Saigon Opera House, People’s Committee Building, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office.

Enhance Your Journey – History of Saigon

Delve deeper into Ho Chi Minh City’s turbulent history. Start at the Reunification Palace, visit the War Remnants Museum and see the Burning Monk Memorial.

Enhance Your Journey – Shopping Tour by Coach

Seek out the city's boutiques as only a local knows and discover locally made items such as clothing, souvenirs and jewellery. 

Your journey ends after breakfast today with a transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.