Best of Vietnam & Cambodia

Overview

Explore Vietnam and Cambodia in depth, from historic Hanoi to Siem Reap, home to majestic Angkor Wat. Spend three days cruising Ha Long Bay in luxury and discover bustling Ho Chi Minh City before seven nights aboard the brand-new Mekong Serenity, cruising to Siem Reap. See Phnom Penh and charming riverside villages along the way.

 

Inclusions

• Experiences in 16 destinations
• Freedom of choice inclusions in four locations
• Locally inspired dining – a total of 50 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
• Seven-night cruise aboard APT's new luxury river ship, the Mekong Serenity
• Discover the beauty of Ha Long Bay during a three day luxury cruise
• Discover Hoi An’s colourful market and find local ingredients you’ll use during an exclusive cooking class
• Journey by speedboat to the Cu Chi Tunnels, built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the war
• Experience the sun rising above Cambodia's Angkor Wat
• Relax on an all-inclusive, seven-night cruise aboard APT's boutique luxury river ship, the Mekong Serenity.
• Experience a Park Room at the renowned Park Hyatt Saigon.
• 15 Signature Experiences, including a cooking class at Hoi An’s Red Bridge Cooking School.
• 50 meals, all-day onboard beverages throughout your Mekong cruise, transfers, gratuities and port charges included

 

Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive Hanoi

 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Receive Fast Track Service for a seamless arrival in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Today you’ll arrive in Hanoi, receive Fast Track Service on arrival for a seamless journey through immigration and customs. Meet your APT representative who will transfer you to your luxurious accommodation. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore this fascinating city at your leisure. Hanoi is both bustling and beautiful with many peaceful lakes that contrast with the busy city to make this part of Vietnam truly unique. Take your time to explore this exciting city before enjoying a welcome dinner at Spice Garden, the hotel’s highly awarded and acclaimed Vietnamese restaurant.

Stay: Two Nights, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

Daily :Dinner

 

DAY 2

Hanoi

  

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Perhaps tour the 500-year-old village of Bat Trang, world famous for its pottery. Or relax and enjoy a head, hand or foot massage back at your hotel. Embark on a walking tour to observe Hanoi’s French colonial architecture, discover the importance of Vietnamese coffee during a private hands-on workshop or take in a water puppet show.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Tonight, you’re invited to choose from a vast range of equally superb restaurants that have been carefully selected for you.

A guided tour of Hanoi takes you to the city’s most famous historical and cultural sites. Highlights include Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. You’ll also enjoy a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter and explore the maze of streets where each street conveys the name of the type of business that once operated there, such as Bamboo Street, Sugar Street and Silver Street. Then, explore more of this vibrant city on your selected Freedom of Choice experience. Tonight, choose your dining experience.

Daily :Breakfast, Dinner

 

DAY3

Hanoi, Tuan Chau, Embark Ship, Ha Long Bay

 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Join a local historian for a private tour of a bomb shelter. Hear stories of its chance discovery and learn about the famous guests that sought shelter during air raids.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Embark on your three-day cruise on the World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay.

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After your first Signature Experience of the day, set off by coach to Ha Long Bay and set sail among thousands of limestone islets. Savour an assortment of Vietnamese dishes during lunch as the Au Co slowly glides towards the southeast of Ha Long Bay, passing Trong Mai Islet. Visit Trinh Nu area and explore one of the finest sunlight-filled caves in Ha Long Bay before spending some time swimming or kayaking in its emerald waters.

Stay: Two Nights, Ha Long Bay, Au Co

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4

Ha Long Bay

Awake as the sun rises, perhaps rejuvenate your body and soul with a Tai Chi class. Later this morning, gain a first glimpse of Cat Ba Island before disembarking to discover Viet Hai Village. Following a village-style lunch, a secluded swim or chance to sunbathe is on the cards. Return to the ship and cruise towards the heart of Ha Long Bay. Sightsee around Cua Van Floating Village by kayak or traditional rowing boat. The area is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine. A barbeque dinner aboard the Au Co caps off an exciting day.

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 5

Ha Long Bay, Tuan Chau, Disembark Ship, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An

Set off for an early visit to Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave of the bay with 10,000 square meters of space holding thousands of stalactites and stalagmites in fascinating shapes and sizes. Enjoy brunch on board as your ship makes its way back to port. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi airport for your included flight to Da Nang, from where you’ll travel to historic Hoi An.

Stay: Two Nights, Hotel Royal Hoi An - M Gallery

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 6

Hoi An

 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Discover Hoi An’s colourful market and find local ingredients that you will use during an exclusive cooking class with the Red Bridge Cooking School before sitting down to enjoy your creations.

Set out on a guided discovery of Hoi An this morning, taking in sights such as the Japanese Covered Bridge and the 19th-century Chinese Temple. Visit a handicraft workshop to see local artisans making silk lanterns and other traditional crafts. You will also stop off at a local cafe to try a Vietnamese specialty, coconut coffee. This afternoon, a boat cruise along the Thu Bon River takes you to where a special Signature Experience awaits.

Daily :Breakfast, Dinner

 

DAY 7

Hoi An, Hue

 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Catch a glimpse of rural Vietnamese life as you set out on an agricultural eco-tour.

Set out on your Signature Experience. Visit a local garden and meet the farmers who work there while taking part in a number of different farming activities. You’ll then set out on an exploration of the water coconut palm jungle by basket boat. Depart Hoi An bound for Hue the former Imperial Capital. Travel via Da Nang and up and over the stunning Hai Van Pass, with views across Lang Co beach. This scenic mountain stretch is voted by some travellers as one of the world's most picturesque drives. Dine on authentic Hue cuisine at Nam Phuong restaurant inside the hotel. The restaurant is named after Vietnam’s last queen.

Stay: Two Nights, Silk Path Grand Hue Resort & Spa

Daily :Breakfast, Dinner

 

DAY 8

Hue

 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Glide along Hue’s Perfume River whilst savouring a delicious afternoon tea featuring an assortment of sweet and savory treats, along with a range of teas and coffees.

Venture to the Imperial Citadel which served as the nation’s political capital and religious hub. Stroll among the citadel’s monuments and hear stories of its construction under the Nguyen Dynasty, which ruled Vietnam from 1802 to 1945. Next, visit the historical Tien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery that dates to 1601, which at seven storeys is the tallest pagoda in Vietnam. Marvel at the seven successive tiers, each of which is dedicated to a human form taken by the Buddha before exploring the gardens, flowers and ornamental plants surrounding the pagoda. Soak in the beautiful landscapes and passes some of Hue’s most important monuments during your Signature Experience.

Daily :Breakfast

 

DAY 9

Hue, Ho Chi Minh City

Fly to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure before dinner.

Stay: Two Night Stay, Ho Chi Minh City, Park Hyatt Saigon

Daily :Breakfast, Dinner

 

DAY 10

Ho Chi Minh City

 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Journey by speedboat to the Cu Chi Tunnels, built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the war.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Meet a Master Distiller at Lady Trieu Gin Distillery and enjoy a private tasting.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Dine on a specially selected multicourse fusion meal at the highly acclaimed Vietnam House, and enjoy a special cocktail designed specifically for APT guests.

Leave the city behind and relish in your Signature Experiences today. Tonight, your dinner is another Signature Experience.

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 11

Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Embark Ship, Cai Be

 

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Today you can choose to enjoy a leisurely walking discovery of Ho Chi Minh City. Or you might like to jump on the back of a motorbike for an exciting city ride. or join a local instructor for a gentle Tai Chi class. Alternatively, you may like to try out your culinary skills with a fun cooking school, or take a shopping spree.

Choose your sightseeing this morning, then be transferred to your river ship. Set sail from My Tho and soak in the scenery during your cruise towards Cai Be Tonight, a Vietnamese welcome dinner awaits, showcasing the diverse flavours from the region.

Stay: Seven Nights, Mekong River, Mekong Serenity

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 12

Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau

Board your traditional sampan for your first excursion on the banks of the Mekong. Step ashore to visit Cai Be Catholic Church and the colourful port area filled with crumbling colonial buildings and flowering gardens. Built in the Roman architectural style, the bell tower, with its set of four bells cast in France in 1931, is the tallest of all the churches in the Mekong Delta. Afterwards, you’ll visit rice paper and coconut candy manufacturers and learn how these Vietnamese staples are made.

Head back to the ship to refresh before sitting down to savour a delicious lunch whilst continuing to cruise to the quaint town of Sa Dec. Upon arrival, explore Sa Dec by foot and meet some of the sellers at the colourful market. Continue to where French writer Marguerite Duras met her Vietnamese-Chinese lover, Huynh Thuy Le. Tour his former home and learn the story behind Duras’ best-selling novel, The Lover. After, visit a traditional Cao Dai temple. Watch visitors and pilgrims come and go and appreciate the beauty of the colourful building. Dinner is served as you cruise towards Tan Chau.

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 13

Tan Chau, Evergreen Island, Phnom Penh

Transfer to a small boat for a cruise around Tan Chau and past a fishing farm. Disembark for a rickshaw tour and visit a local silk and rattan weaving workshop. Then explore an Evergreen Island to see authentic rural Mekong life Later, appreciate some down time and watch the scenery pass as the Mekong Serenity spends the afternoon cruising towards the Cambodian border and on to Phnom Penh.

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 14

Phnom Penh

 

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Experience some of Cambodia’s sobering history with a moving excursion to the infamous Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Otherwise, discover Phnom Penh on a cyclo ride to uncover some well-known sights. History buffs can admire the exhibits at the National Museum, or perhaps explore the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Or you may wish to set off on a journey to sample some locally brewed beers at two of the city’s craft breweries.

Enjoy your Freedom of Choice activity then spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. You may wish to head ashore and explore more of Phnom Penh independently or simply relax on board.

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 15

Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen, Oknha Tey

 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

In Oudong, be treated to a Buddhist Blessing with monks at a local monastery.

Explore Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital where your receive your Signature Experience. Return via Koh Chen village and visit local copperware workshops. Back on board, cruise to Oknha Tey, known for its silk weaving traditions. Stroll among the stilt houses and gain an insight into the traditional silk weaving process. Watch as the village women create the beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms.

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 16

Oknha Tey, Angkor Ban, Wat Hanchey

Sail to Angkor Ban, where you'll disembark and enjoy a captivating walking discovery of this historic village. Remarkably, Angkor Ban stands as one of the rare Cambodian villages that remained unscathed during the tumultuous Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Here, people still live in traditional wooden homes and keep ancient cultural traditions alive. This afternoon, your ship continues sailing upstream to Wat Hanchey.

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 17

Wat Hanchey, Kampong Cham, Koh Pen

 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Journey by local tuk tuk around a riverside village and gain an insight of village life.

If you are feeling active this morning, walk to the hilltop pagoda of Wat Hanchey, for spectacular views over the Mekong. Here, you may find some novice monks along with many temples, pagodas, and stupas, some built this century while others date back to the eighth century. Lunch is back on board before your Signature Experience On your ship this evening, enjoy a final farewell dinner.

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 18

Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Siem Reap

 

SIGNATURE EXPEREINCE

Be welcomed backstage at Phare Circus and watch a mesmerising performance from your VIP seats. Combining captivating acrobatics, theatre and storytelling, showcasing the country’s rich culture and talent in an unforgettable spectacle.

SIGNATURE EXPEREINCE

Visit ODA, Opportunities of Development through Art, a OneTomorrow partner.

Bid farewell to the crew and disembark the Mekong Serenity early at Kampong Cham. Travel to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, passing through picturesque countryside and remote villages where you can observe rural life. On arrival at your hotel, enjoy a light lunch and some relaxation time before your Signature Experiences.

Stay: Three Nights, Siem Reap, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch

 

DAY 19

Siem Reap

  

SIGNATURE EXPEREINCE

At Angkor Archaeological Park, witness a special sunrise experience at Angkor Wat.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Tonight, take the opportunity to savour a taste of Cambodia with a choice of local restaurants for dinner.

Rise early this morning to witness sunrise over the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. As the sun rises, soak up the atmosphere as you marvel at this ancient wonder. After the sun has risen delve into the history and significance of this sacred site with a guided tour inside the vast temple complex and the sprawling grounds before returning to the hotel for a late breakfast.

Continue your exploration of the World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park with a visit to Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital. Built during the heyday of the Khmer Empire in the 12th century, this is an extraordinary complex of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Head to the intriguing Bayon Temple, with its carved stone smiling faces of gods, goddesses and other mythology beings. 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 crematory.

Journey to Ta Prohm, known for the thick jungle of fig trees and vines that have enveloped the structure, creating a feeling akin to stepping into a lost world. Commonly referred to as the 'Tomb Raider temple' due to it being used as a location in the blockbuster 2001 film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider which starred Angelina Jolie, Ta Prohm is a captivating glimpse into the past and testament to a bygone era. Enjoy your Freedom of Choice dinner this evening.

Daily :Breakfast, Dinner

 

DAY 20

Siem Reap

  

SIGNATURE EXPEREINCE

Treat yourself to a private visit to Theam’s Gallery and discover this talented Cambodian artist known for his unique sculptures, paintings, and intricate crafts. Indulge in a tantalising five-course Khmer dinner while enjoying a traditional Apsara dance performance accompanied by live musicians.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Perhaps enjoy a tuk tuk ride to the Senteurs d’Angkor workshop. If you’re feeling energetic, join a quad bike adventure or take a leisurely bicycle tour through the Cambodian countryside. Other options include a horse and cart ride, a traditional Khmer cooking class and a shopping adventure, or why not indulge in a relaxing spa treatment.

Embark on your selected activity today. Tonight, your Signature Experience awaits. Set amid a stunning garden this promises to be an enchanting and memorable evening.

Daily :Breakfast, Dinner

 

DAY 21

Depart Siem Reap

After breakfast, transfer to Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport for your onward flight.

Daily :Breakfast