Vietnam and Cambodia Discovery

Overview

Explore Vietnam and Cambodia in depth, beginning in the historic hub of Hanoi before setting off on an adventure all the way to Siem Reap, home to majestic Angkor Wat.

Inclusions

• Experiences in 14 destinations
• Freedom of choice inclusions in four locations
• Locally inspired dining – a total of 42 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
• Witness the sun rising above Cambodia’s Angkor Wat
• Dine on a specially selected multicourse fusion meal at the highly awarded Vietnam House in Ho Chi Minh City
• Be welcomed backstage at Phare Circus to meet some of the performers then watch a mesmerising performance
• Relax on an all-inclusive, seven-night cruise aboard APT's boutique luxury river ship, the Mekong Serenity.
• Enjoy a stay at the luxurious Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.
• 12 Signature Experiences, including a three-day luxury cruise on the World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay.
• 42 meals, all-day onboard beverages throughout your Mekong cruise, transfers, gratuities and port charges included.

 

 ** Price based on 21 Jul 25 & 04 Aug 25 departures. Price subject to change **

 

Itinerary

DAY 1

Arrive Hanoi

 SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

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

Touchdown in Hanoi and receive Fast Track Service on arrival in Hanoi. Be whisked through immigration and customs and transfer to your luxury hotel located in the heart of the city. Later this evening, you’ll get to know your fellow travellers during a welcome dinner at Spice Garden, the hotel's highly awarded 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 be pampered with a hand, head or foot massage back at your hotel. Alternatively, 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 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, a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture and the first university in Vietnam. You’ll also enjoy a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter. Explore the maze-like streets of this charming area 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 the hotel’s 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.

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 early and 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, Siem Reap

 FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

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

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 Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, be transferred to your hotel. Choose where to dine in Siem Reap this evening.

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

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 6

Siem Reap

 

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Be welcomed backstage at Phare Circus to meet some of the performers and then watch a mesmerising performance from your VIP seats. Combining captivating acrobatics, theatre and storytelling, showcasing the country's rich culture and talent the show is in an unforgettable spectacle.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Visit ODA, Opportunities of Development through Art, a One tomorrow partner.

Begin your exploration of the World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park with a visit to Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. Built during the heyday of the 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, giving it a lost world feel. Commonly referred to as the 'Tomb Raider temple' due to it being used as a location in the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider which starred Angelina Jolie, Ta Prohm is a captivating glimpse into the past and testament to a bygone era. En route to the hotel, enjoy your Signature Experiences.

Daily :Breakfast

 

DAY 7

Siem Reap

 SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

At Angkor Archaeological Park, witness sunrise at the magnificent Angkor Wat. Observe the iconic temple complex shimmer in the reflective ponds in front of this ancient religious monument.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

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.

Rise early this morning and travel back to Angkor Archaeological Park for a Signature Experience. Afterwards, join a guided tour of the temple before breakfast back at your hotel. This afternoon, set out on your included Freedom of Choice activity. Tonight, your Signature Experience awaits. Set amid a stunning garden, this promises to be an enchanting and memorable evening.

Daily :Breakfast, Dinner

 

DAY 8

Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Embark Ship, Koh Pen, Angkor Ban

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Journey by local tuk tuk around a riverside village and gain an insight of village life. Travel along the shaded lanes, past stilted houses and see a varying range of crops growing.

Journey through remote Cambodian villages to Kampong Cham, where you’ll board the Mekong Serenity, your home for the next seven nights. Following lunch on board, discover the island of Koh Pen with its wooden stilt houses and local farming culture during your Signature Experience. Tonight as you sail towards Angkor Ban, a welcome dinner awaits, showcasing the diverse flavours from the region.

Stay: Seven Nights, Mekong River, Mekong Serenity

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 9

Angkor Ban, Oknha Tey, Phnom Penh

Join a walking discovery tour of Angkor Ban, one of the few villages in Cambodia that was not destroyed under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Later, your ship glides along the lush banks of the Mekong to Oknha Tey, renowned 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 beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms. In the afternoon continue to sail along the Mekong and enjoy some time at leisure. Have a dip in the pool or relax on the Sun Deck.

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 10

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.

Today presents a wealth of included sightseeing choices. After lunch back on board, you may wish to explore Phnom Penh independently or simply relax.

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 11

Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

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

Disembark in Phnom Penh and discover Oudong, a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians. While here, enjoy a Signature Experience. On the way back to your ship, take a leisurely stroll through the village of Koh Chen and visit some home workshops that make copperware. The afternoon is yours to explore Phnom Penh as you wish.

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 12

Phnom Penh, Border Crossing, Tan Chau

Enjoy the day cruising towards the Vietnamese border. While border formalities are carried out, enjoy the onboard activities, which could include a lively presentation from your local guides, a fruit-carving demonstration, or even a cooking workshop where you will learn the art of creating Vietnamese spring rolls. Alternatively, relax your body with a rejuvenating treatment from the Spa and Wellness Centre. Cross into Vietnam and cruise to the riverside town of Tan Chau, the first stop after the border.

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 13

Tan Chau, Evergreen Island, Sa De

Transfer to a small boat for a journey along the tiny tributaries that snake around the riverside town of Tan Chau. Cruise past a floating fish farm, then step ashore for a rickshaw tour of Tan Chau, passing small shops and 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, where you’ll experience authentic rural Mekong life. The remainder of today is left free for you to relax and take a moment to watch local life gently glide by as you cruise towards Sa Dec.

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 14

Sa Dec, Cai Be, My Tho

Journey by small tender boat to 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. After, visit a traditional Cao Dai temple. Return to the ship and sit down to a delicious lunch while you cruise towards Cai Be. Board your tender boat where you'll visit the French Gothic cathedral and the colourful port area filled with crumbling colonial buildings and flowering gardens. Then visit a rice paper manufacturer and learn about how this Vietnamese staple is made. Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner on board as you cruise towards your final stop My Tho.

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

DAY 15

My Tho, Disembark Ship, Ho Chi Minh City

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 class or embark on a shopping spree.

Disembark in My Tho and continue to Ho Chi Minh City, once the bustling French colonial city known as Saigon. A range of Freedom of Choice options await today before sitting down to dinner.

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

Daily :Breakfast, Dinner

 

DAY 16

Ho Chi Minh City

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Journey by speedboat to the Cu Chi Tunnels which were 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

Savour dinner at the highly acclaimed restaurant Vietnam House, and enjoy a special cocktail designed specifically for APT.

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

Daily :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Enjoy breakfast before you will be transferred to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.

Daily :Breakfast