Essential Vietnam and Cambodia - Ho Chi Minh City

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, Le Méridien Saigon, where you will have time to relax and unwind.

Later this evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner. (D)

Signature Experience

Today choose from two Signature Experiences - Perhaps visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the war. These tunnels served as Viet Cong hiding spots, supply and communication routes, hospitals and weapon caches, and make for a fascinating visit.

After, return to the city and enjoy the afternoon to explore at your own pace. (B)

Spend your final morning in Ho Chi Minh City enjoying your selected sightseeing activity.

Freedom of Choice

Perhaps jump on the back of a motorbike and tour the vibrant streets of Saigon, or rise early for some city discovery and morning Tai Chi in the park. Other options include a walking tour of the capital, retail therapy at a bustling Vietnamese market, a tour of artist workshops or an authentic Vietnamese cooking class. (B,L,D)

Afterwards, transfer to My Tho to embark your ship, the RV Aspara for your seven night all-inclusive river cruise. 

In Cai Be this morning, visit the French Gothic cathedral and port area. Then, at a rice paper manufacture, learn how this Vietnamese staple is made. Continue to the quaint town of Sa Dec where French writer Marguerite Duras met her Vietnamese-Chinese lover, Huynh Thuy Le. Tour his former home and learn the story behind Marguerite Duras’ best-selling novel, The Lover. Afterwards, return to the ship. (B,L,D)

Step ashore in Tan Chau today for a rickshaw tour. On board your rickshaw, you’ll glide past shops, rice wine rooms and friendly locals who are always eager to say hello. Stop to pay a visit to a local silk and rattan weaving workshop.

Later, step back in time during a visit to an evergreen island aboard a small boat, where you’ll experience authentic rural Mekong life.

The remainder of today is left free for you to relax back on board your river ship. (B,L,D)

Freedom of Choice

Perhaps take a sobering excursion to the Killing Fields, before visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, located on the site of the Khmer Rouge’s notorious Security Prison 21. Alternatively, see Phnom Penh on a tuk tuk ride with a stop at the Central Market. 

The evening is yours to relax. (B,L,D)

Disembark in Phnom Penh and discover Oudong, an important place of pilgrimage in Cambodia where you’ll be treated to a special Signature Experience.

Signature Experience

Partake in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony at a monastery in Oudong.

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. Enjoy a free afternoon.

Enjoy dinner onboard tonight. (B,L,D)

Rise early as you cruise towards Oknha Tey, or Silk Island, renowned for its silk manufacturing traditions preserved over 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.

Enjoy lunch on board as you sail towards Angkor Ban. In the afternoon take a dip in the pool, take in the passing scenery from the Sun Deck. (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. 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.

This afternoon, your cruise docks at its final location, Kampong Cham. After lunch, jump in a tuk tuk for your Insider Experience. This evening, savour a final dinner on board and reminisce about your Mekong River cruise. (B,L,D)

Disembark at Kampong Cham and transfer to Siem Reap. 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.

Insider Experience

Tonight, choose where to dine.

Three night stay in, Siem Reap, at Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas (B,L,D)

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. Later explore Siem Reap at your own pace or choose from one of our Select Experience options. Cap off your visit to Siem Reap and celebrate your unforgettable journey with your Insider Experiences.

This evening dine on tantalising Khmer cuisine and watch a private Apsara performance. (B,D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport. (B)