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 core 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 to drive to the mountain town of Sapa, where hills and valleys cascade in lush greenery. Located near the Chinese border, this picturesque mountain town, once a former French hill station is home to local hill tribe’s people. Witness spectacular mountain views and valleys dotted with terraced paddy fields along the way. Step out on a guided walk around town. Stroll through the local market and learn about several of the ethnic minority 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 this morning on an easy hike through breathtaking landscapes to explore the small village of Ma Tra. Home to the H’mong and Red Dao tribes, here you will see the famous terraced rice fields and witness the simple lifestyle that this area is renowned for. Take time to explore the ruins of a church dating to the French occupations and stop to chat with the local people. After the village visit, enjoy an included lunch before having 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 in the 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 by 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, enjoy an Insider Experience. The afternoon and evening are at leisure or perhaps choose from 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, seeking to empower local youth who are at-risk and disadvantaged, through hospitality training 

Enhance Your Journey – City Walking Tour

Your tour includes Train Street, Hanoi’s old prison, the Old Quarter and concludes at the Hanoi Opera House for an immersive look into Vietnam’s capital.

Enhance Your Journey – Cooking Workshop and Dinner

Immerse yourself in a vibrant local market with a seasoned chef, handpicking fresh ingredients for a hands-on cooking workshop, and then savour your culinary creation for dinner. Discover the diverse techniques and ingredients that have made Vietnamese cuisine famous for its fresh, fragrant and aromatic flavours.

Enhance Your Journey – Folk Art Class

Journey to one of Vietnam’s most renowned silk-weaving villages and connect with the inspiring individuals behind Vun Art, a social enterprise managed by people with disabilities. The Vun (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 – Hanoi at Dawn

Experience the essence of Hanoi with an early morning walk to witness the culturally enriching flag-raising ceremony at Ba Dinh Square, the largest square in Vietnam. Afterwards, immerse yourself in local life by exploring a vibrant wet market, observing rituals at a small temple, and enjoying a morning cup of coffee, a beloved custom of Hanoians on their way to work.

Enhance Your Journey – Water Puppets and Street Food Tour 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, originally performed in villag

Set off early to Tuan Chau Harbour, where you will board the Bhaya Classic, your home for two nights. Meet your crew and set sail among thousands of limestone islets. Feast on a Vietnamese multicourse lunch as you soak in the breathtaking views of the magical bay. Then it's time to kayak around the Tung Sau area. Surrounded by cascading mountains that extend out from the jewel-coloured waters of the bay, this place is an isolated region of water in Ha Long Bay used for pearl farming. Catch the sunset on board as you cruise towards anchor for the night. Enjoy dinner before doing some squid fishing, sipping cocktails or relaxing in your cabin.

Insider Experience - Ha Long Bay Cruise

See Ha Long Bay on a two-night cruise on board Bhaya Classic. World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is made up of over 1,600 limestone pillars, and is an ideal playground for exciting activities and relaxation. 

Start your day with a Tai Chi lesson on the Sun Deck surrounded by the beauty of Ha Long Bay. After breakfast, board rowing boats to visit the Luon Cave area, listen to the ancient folklore and enjoy close views of the magnificent limestone karsts. Visit Cua Van Floating Village in the heart of Ha Long Bay, by kayak or traditional rowing boat. Enjoy lunch on board while cruising to Trinh Nu. Spend time relaxing at the private beach or visit one of the finest sunlight caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Later gather for a flavourful dinner. 

Explore Sung Sot Cave, the 10,000-square-metre cave threaded by a 500-metre paved passageway, before cruising to Tuan Chau, where you will disembark. Travel 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 the Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas

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

Enhance Your Journey Dining – Cafe Indochine

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

Enhance Your Journey Dining – Chanrey Tree Restaurant   Sample authentic home-style Khmer cooking created by chefs who use premium produce and ingredients.

Enhance Your Journey Dining – Mahob

Dine in a beautifully restored, elegant property, and indulge in an Asian-inspired menu of original Khmer cuisine.

Enhance Your Journey Dining – The Street 27 Restaurant

Indulge in authentic Khmer dining, with a beautiful garden setting adding to the ambience. 

Explore Siem Reap this morning at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options. 

Later discover Ta Prohm, commonly referred to as the Tomb Raider temple having featured in the movie starring Angelina Jolie. The temple and its atmospheric surrounds have been left to slowly return to nature, with the overgrown jungle and vast root systems creating a unique sight throughout the ruins. After an Insider Experience this evening, savour local flavours during a tantalising Khmer dinner.

Insider Experience – Local Charity Visit

Visit Opportunities of Development through Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner that supports local underprivileged children by providing them with an education.

Insider Experience – Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance

Dine on tantalising Khmer cuisine and peer into the heart of Cambodia by watching a performance of an Apsara dance, 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 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 Bayon Temple and Angkor Thom. This evening enjoy an unforgettable Insider 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).

Insider Experience – 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 – 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 will showcase the devastating impact of landmines, sharing personal stories of hope and resilience while highlighting ongoing de-mining efforts.

Enhance Your Journey – Horse Cart Ride  

Journey through the Cambodian countryside on a traditional horse cart. Relax and watch the scenery go by on this authentic outing.

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 the 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 indulging in your exclusive Insider Experience. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening on board with your fellow travellers as you embark on your unforgettable Mekong River cruise.

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 amongst 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 sailing along the lush banks of the Mekong River to Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island. Disembark and discover the town well known locally for its delicate silk weaving.

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

Insider Experience - Buddhist Blessing Ceremony

Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony for good luck, health and safe journey, with resident monks at a monastery in Oudong.

Enhance Your Journey – Hands-on Cooking Workshop

Meet your chef, visit a local market and select fruits, spices and more local ingredients to prepare 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 – High Tea in the Clouds

Savour unobstructed panoramic views of the city, Central Market, and the legendary Mekong River from the iconic Rosewood Phnom Penh while indulging in a delightful afternoon tea experience. Enjoy fine TWG teas in the Living Room lounge, accompanied by delicious sweets and savouries made with local ingredients and crafted under the expert eye of the pastry chef.

Start the morning today 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, visit the Royal Palace built in 1866, and delight in its white and gold Khmer architecture. 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 a small boat, then go ashore for a rickshaw tour. Weave through rambling laneways past shops and friendly locals and visit local silk and rattan weaving workshops. Later, step back in time during a visit to Vinh Hoa, also known as Evergreen Island. Take the opportunity to witness traditional Vietnamese farming, then head back to the ship and continue cruising towards the quaint town of Sa Dec.

Take a boat ride to Sa Dec past floating fish farms before exploring 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 and sit down to a delicious lunch while you cruise towards Cai Be. After lunch, a local boat will take you to the riverside town of Cai Be. Go ashore to visit the local cathedral and a rice paper and coconut candy manufacturer. Tonight, enjoy your 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 look at the history of the Vietnam-American War and learn about the network of underground tunnels carved out by hand. Continue to Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon, and your home for the next two nights. This evening for dinner, 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. Located on the banks of the Saigon River in the bustling District 1, this contemporary hotel is centrally situated only moments away from Bến Thành Market and Independence Palace.

Enhance Your Journey – Hoi An Sense

Indulge in authentic Hoi An delicacies, complemented by warm hospitality and rich cultural charm.

Enhance Your Journey – Le Corto

Dine on a three-course French fusion-inspired menu during a dining experience like no other.

Enhance Your Journey – Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro

Savour the delights of this Vietnamese bistro, where the walls are adorned with locally crafted propaganda posters offering food-oriented advice.

Begin with your Insider Experience. The afternoon has been left for you to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options. Tonight, gather for a sumptuous Farewell Dinner.

Insider Experience – Morning Walking Tour

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.

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 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 Foot

Seek out the city's boutiques as only a local knows and discover locally made and produced 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.