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THE BEST OF CAMBODIA AND VIETNAM WITH MEKONG RIVER CRUISE 24 DAYS - 23 NIGHTS

Siem Reap - Phnom Penh - Ho Chi Minh city - Cu Chi - Hoi An - Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong - Hanoi

5.0 0 Rating
90% Recommended
Duration
22 Days - 21 Nights
Language
English

Itinerary

day 2

Day 2: Siem Reap – Angkor (B)

Begin your day with a quiet breakfast at the hotel, then step into the sacred world of Angkor, where every moment feels like a journey through time. Your adventure begins in the comfort of a private vehicle, as your guide shares the rich history and mysteries of Cambodia. Upon reaching Angkor Enterprise, you’ll receive your Angkor Pass, unlocking the gates to the Angkor Archaeological Park, a place where ancient wonders and living history await at every turn.

Today, you’re not just visiting temples — you’re stepping into the very heart of a lost civilization.

Cross the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where towering stone faces greet you like eternal guardians. At Bayon Temple, the hundreds of serene faces surrounding you evoke a sense of calm curiosity. Feel the presence of royalty as you explore Baphuon and the Royal Enclosure, and imagine the grand processions that once passed through the Terrace of the Elephants. At the Terrace of the Leper King, mystery lingers, inviting you to explore the stories of Angkor.

In the afternoon, stand in awe before the majestic Angkor Wat, a place where grandeur and spirituality converge. As light filters through the temple’s corridors, a sense of reverence takes over — as if standing where heaven and earth meet.

Continue your journey to the graceful Chau Say Tevoda, then enter the enchanting world of Ta Prohm, where nature and stone have become one. Towering tree roots embrace the ancient walls, and the air is thick with mystery, making you feel like an explorer uncovering a forgotten world.

Enjoy your Christmas Gala Dinner at the restaurant of your choice, which will be booked and paid for by yourselves. Seagulls Travel will arrange private transportation, including a driver who will transfer you from your hotel to the restaurant, wait while you enjoy your dinner, and then take you back to your hotel. We offer you this service free of charge.

Overnight at hotel in Siem Reap

day 5

Day 5: Angkor Ban - Prek Bangkong - Kampong Laeang (B/L/D)

Early risers may like to join the daily offered Tai Chi session on the sun deck before breakfast. Today’s morning excursion let us explore the village of Angkor Ban.

Default Morning Excursion: Angkor Ban features a monastery with an adjacent, enchanting local village. You'll have the chance to meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers. As we stroll through the village, we understand the local way of life in various aspects, collecting wonderful memories of Cambodia's rustic lifestyle. The village offers great photographic moments whilst interacting with the local community.

OPTIONAL MORNING EXCURSION: In addition to a shorter visit to the Angkor Ban village, the culinary excursion group extends their excursion to pass by the house of Mr B., who used to work as a young chef aboard the ship ‘Jayavarman’. After he got married, he moved to his wife’s home village. Together with his “mom-in-law” and the “chef” in the household (his wife), we prepare and cook a century-old soup recipe called “Samlor Korko”. The soup is kind of a fish soup made with many vegetables, spices, herbs, and roasted rice, accompanied by a duck egg omelette

We are boarding our luxury ship again sailing now downstream again towards Phnom Penh. Before we arrive at Cambodia’s capital, we halt at a small silk weaving community.

Default Afternoon Excursion: At the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers lies the small village of Prek Bangkong, known for its silk weaving community. This village was also the former residence of the Royal family before they moved to the Royal Palace. However, the real stars in this area today are the silk weavers, artisans who craft silk from the very beginning. We will have the opportunity to closely observe and learn about this intricate silk production process. We conclude this excursion by visiting the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El, once a famous architect for the royal family.

The rest of the day is a joyful sailing, passing the skyline of Phnom Penh and heading into the small Tonle River northbound. Enjoy a multi-course menu for dinner and the nightly entertaining evening cinema offered afterwards in the lounge. We moor midstream in the Tonle River.

Overnight on cruise

day 6

Day 6: Kampong Laeang - Kampong Tralach - Phnom Penh (B/L/D)

Default Morning Excursion: We are in the midst of the vast Tonle region, one of Cambodia’s amazing ecosystems. The tour this morning leads to Kampong Laeang, an unknown hamlet situated just across from the famous pottery town of Kampong Chhnang. Once ashore, we embark on tuk-tuks to travel the heart of rural Cambodian life. During this excursion, we'll explore various locals, discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. From a vantage point, amazing panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal) can be enjoyed.

OPTIONAL MORNING EXCURSION: The culinary-themed excursion offers in addition to the default cultural excursion the possibility to participate in a cooking demonstration. Get to know how to prepare together the quite famous snack called “Nom Kruak” which is a kind of cake made from white or brown rice. Originally cooked only one side only, the Khmer invented Nom Kruak and cooked it on both sides. This dish is a tasty pre-dinner snack often consumed by locals.

Back on the ship, lunch can be enjoyed along with spectacular views of the Tonle River region, as the ship sails south to Kampong Tralach. An afternoon tea is served at the bar before we continue with another excursion.

Default Afternoon Excursion: Embark on an exciting outing to discover another part of the rural Cambodian countryside. Our ox-pulled cart will transport us along the riverside and down winding back roads, flanked by picturesque rice paddies, until we arrive at a small village. Here, we will have the opportunity to learn about a local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.

The ship sets sail again for some more miles down the Tonle River before reaching Phnom Penh. We moor mid-stream with views of the skyline of this vibrant city.

Overnight on cruise

day 7

Day 7: Phnom Penh (B/L/D)

Welcome to Phnom Penh, a city once renowned as the "Paris of the East." Despite its rapid development, it has retained much of its rustic charm and elegance. Phnom Penh is a remarkable city with a history and culture that spans centuries, still palpable at every street corner.

Our full-day sightseeing tour begins right after breakfast, allowing us to explore the city's highlights. We'll start with a cyclo ride, meandering through the town, and then visit historic places such as the palace and the silver pagoda. Our journey takes us to the "S21" prison, a poignant and dark chapter in Cambodia's history during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Afterward, we'll pause for a delightful lunch in town before continuing to immerse within the Khmer culture. This afternoon starts with the visit of the Champey academy of arts, a school dedicated to preserve traditional arts. Observe young dancers training in the intricate Apsara dance and take the opportunity to learn basic “Kbach” techniques under their guidance. Alternatively, you can interact with students or simply witness traditional paintings and drawings created by local youth. Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll through the city’s French Quarter, including the iconic Wat Phnom temple.

To cap off this eventful day, we'll indulge in a delightful open-air barbecue and gala dinner accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance. Afterward, feel free to explore the city at night, savouring Phnom Penh's vibrant nightlife or taking in the lively river promenade.

Overnight on cruise

day 9

Day 9: Gieng Island - My An Hung – Sa Dec (B/L/D)

After our morning Tai Chi session and a delightful breakfast, we embark on an exploration revealing a vibrant kaleidoscope of diverse activities bringing the Mekong Delta to life.

Default Morning Excursion: Gieng Island, also known locally as Mango Island, is perfect to stroll through under the shade of flourishing mango groves that shape the island’s landscape. A visit to a small incense workshop introduces us to the careful process of crafting these fragrant sticks by hand. Another local highlight is a traditional boat-building workshop, where generations of families assemble wooden vessels that are essential to life along the river. Before departing, we surely are going to taste some of these delicious and freshly picked mangoes with a local tea in the courtyard of a century-old local home. This is the moment when we all understand the rhythms and resilience of life on the Mekong - so simple, so joyful.

OPTIONAL MORNING EXCURSION: Conclude your morning excursion with a culinary twist: Prepare with a local family an authentic “Banh In”, a soft, sweet treat made from glutinous rice flour and sugar. Always served with jasmine tea, the ‘Banh In’ is popular during Vietnamese national festivals such as Tet.

After back onboard a siesta after lunch, our expert guides offer a presentation about life in the Mekong Delta as the ship continues to My An Hung in the Sa Dec province.

Default Afternoon Excursion: My An Hung Village is a wonderful example of a real local village in the Mekong Delta where time stood still. We receive wonderful insights into the private household of a local family and visit the seasonal vegetable fields to understand what the farmers is currently cultivating. A Vietnamese tea tasting at a local family’s house is accompanied by a presentation of a variety of fruits that are grown near-by, freshly cut from the tree. An artistic group performs displays the traditional dragon dance, whilst we can snack on the “vitamins bombs”.

New year gala dinner on cruise

Overnight on cruise

day 10

Day 10: Sa Dec - Tan Phong Island – My Tho (B/L/D)

Wake early to embrace the stunning dawn scenery, a time when the Delta's inhabitants have already been active for hours. Energize yourself with our daily morning Tai Chi class before indulging in a lavish breakfast buffet. By local boat, we head out to Sa Dec, a charming riverside town in Dong Thap Province.

Default Morning Excursions: This town reveals a graceful blend of colonial elegance and everyday Mekong life. Begin with a walk through the lively central market, where an abundance of fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies reflects the region’s rich agricultural rhythm. The cultural layers deepen with a visit to the historic home of Huynh Thuy Le, closely tied to Marguerite Duras’ The Lover. Stepping inside offers a glimpse into a narrative that has left its mark on both literature and the town itself. The journey continues to Kien An Cung Pagoda, a century-old temple of Chinese heritage. With its ornate details and tranquil riverside setting, it provides a peaceful contrast to the town’s lively streets before returning on board. Default Afternoon Excursion: During a visit to a workshop in the town of Cai Be, we'll have the opportunity to observe the production of rice paper, rice cookies, rice wine and coconut candies. This is a very interesting manual process involving manual labour and special production techniques. After the workshop, we are heading to Tan Phong Island, a smaller island in the middle of the vast Mekong. We are visiting a local family and their fruit garden, offering us various kinds of tropical fruits to taste. A buggy ride through the island gave us a glimpse of the local day-to-day life as it unfolds. We stop at another family’s house. They specialize in weaving water hyacinth plants into artistic crafts by hand.

OPTIONAL AFTERNOON EXCURSION: After a short buggy ride through lush fruit orchards, a local family welcomes you as a cooking apprentice to master the art of traditional Jackfruit Leaf Cakes. From picking fresh leaves and extracting their juice to shaping and steaming the cakes in their natural casings, you’ll experience every step of the process. And since the secret to great cuisine often lies in the sauce, you’ll also learn to prepare a perfect coconut dipping cream before savouring your creation with hot ginger tea.

Once everyone is back on board, the ship makes its final journey to My Tho, offering some little farewell party vibes along the way.

Overnight on cruise

day 11

Day 11: My Tho – Saigon – Saigon city haft day(B/D)

Enjoy your last breakfast aboard your floating home. We disembark the ship after breakfast and take a bus transfer from My Tho pier to Saigon. It is around 70 kilometers on the highway, and you arrive in Saigon by mid-morning (around 10:00am – 10:30am). Complete the Mekong cruise check-out process at Sofitel Saigon Hotel and finish the Mekong cruise tour here.

You will have about 30 - 45 minutes for drop off your luggage at hotel’s store and free for relax. At around 11:30 or 11:45: Meet our private driver and tour guide at your hotel and transfer for Saigon tour to visit Reunification Palace (Independence palace) formally known as the century-old Presidential Office, a landmark of Saigon which witnessed the growth of Saigon during peacetime and throughout the Vietnam War until its end in 1975. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French colonial times, including a stop at the impressive Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral, discover the magnificent neon-Romanesque architecture as you take in the tranquil atmosphere inside. At opposite the old Central Post Office, one of the oldest buildings in Saigon, learn about this significant landmark – the busiest post office in Vietnam. Come back hotel for check-in and free time for leisure. Stay at the hotel to relax until the evening pickup for dinner. The pick-up time should be around 18:00. After dinner, come back hotel and free & easy.

Overnight at hotel in Saigon

Inclusions

  • Mekong River Cruise Package
  • Domestic Flight Tickets
  • Fansipan Cable Car
  • Boat trips as stated in above sights
  • Accommodation at Hotel with breakfast (Based on Twin/DBL sharing)
  • Meals as mentioned in the program (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, Br = Brunch)
  • Two bottles of water per day
  • Excellent English Speaking Tour Guide. Other languages upon request.
  • Water Puppet Show & Vietnam rickshaw tour in Hanoi Old Quarter
  • Overnight Cruise in Ha Long Bay base on Twin/ Double sharing cabin, (Full meals).
  • Air - Conditioned Vehicle
  • Entrance fees
  • Welcome drink

Exclusions

  • Visa Handling fee, visa stamp fee.
  • Other services not mentioned as the above
  • Bank Transfer Fees
  • Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, shopping...)
  • Travel insurance & Tips/Gratuities
  • Drinks and beverage during the meals.
  • Early check-in and late check-out at all hotels & Single supplement
Contact

Please feel free to contact us by

+84 906681518 info@seagullstravel.com

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