Compare Cruising the Mekong from Saigon to Siem Reap by Audley Travel vs Best of Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand by Himalayan Glacier Adventure

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Saigon.

Day 2 : Saigon

Upon arrival in Saigon you will be greeted by an Audley representative and transferred to your hotel.The remainder of the day is at your own leisure to explore or relax.

Day 3 : Saigon

A full day today to explore Saigon with your driver and guide. You will visit some of the city's main sights including the war remnants museum before heading out to discover the Cu Chi Tunnels, the infamous hideout of the Viet Cong during the war.

Day 4 : Saigon

Transfer by coach from Saigon to the departure point of the RV Mekong, at My Tho. Join the RV Mekong vessel and embark on your eight day journey along the Mekong.

Day 5 : Saigon

Cruise through the Mekong Delta this morning, stopping off to visit a local village at Cai Be.

Day 6 : Saigon

Today you will visit a local Cham Village in Chau Doc, having time to explore the local area.

Day 7 : Saigon

Your journey takes you across the border today into Cambodia. Stop off en route for a jungle walk and a visit to a local fruit orchard.

Day 8 : Saigon

Cruise along the river to Phnom Penh today. You have the chance to explore this frenetic city and learn more about its history. Visit the National Museum, Tuol Sleng Museum, the Killing Fields and more.

Day 9 : Saigon

Continue cruising today, passing Kampong Cham. Disembark and enjoy a walk up Wat Hanchai Hill and explore the Cham shrines. This afternoon continue exploring more temples before returning to the boat for the evening.

Day 10 : Saigon

Watch the beautiful scenery drift by. This afternoon your have time to explore some of the local villages and enjoy the wildlife of the area.

Day 11 : Siem Reap

Arrive into Siem Reap and say goodbye to your boat today. Your driver and guide will meet you at the disembarkation point and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 12 : Siem Reap

Begin your exploration of the temples of Angkor today, with a dawn visit to the jungle-enshrouded Ta Prohm. Continue your exploration at the ancient city of Angkor Thom and the enigmatic faces at the Bayon. A magnificent day today finishes with an exploration of Angkor Wat as the sun sets â a magical experience.

Day 13 : Siem Reap

A day away from the crowds as you visit the ravaged site of Beng Melea. Continue to the River of a Thousand Lingas, at Kbal Spean, before finishing at the exquisitely preserved pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei.

Day 14 : International return flight

You leave Cambodia today and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Day 15 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International airport, a company representative will pick you up from the airport and drive you to your hotel in Hanoi Central which will take almost an hour. You can spend the rest of the day in leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Lan Vien (ROH))

Day 2: Hanoi City tour

This full day tour takes us around Hanoi’s most interesting sights; including the Ho Chi Minh Complex: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and his Stilts House, Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda. The next stop is the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam. Then we drive to peaceful West Lake with lovers street Thanh Nien, the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. In the afternoon, we visit one of the city’s museums, either the History Museum or the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. Later we will tour the Old Quarter, also known as the 36 streets and guilds. Today we also tour Hoan Kiem Lake – the Lake of the Restored Sword and Ngoc Son Temple. We end today’s tour with a visit to the unique Water Puppet Show in Thang Long Theater.

Note: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays and every afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Lan Vien (ROH))

Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Cruise (Huong Hai Sealife (Suite))

After early breakfast we begin our four hours drive through the beautiful country side to Halong bay. We set out on our cruise from Bai Tu Long Bay area. During the cruise, we get to enjoy the beautiful islands, namely Tea pot, Mat Quy –Monster Face, Yen Ngua, Man’s Head, Tortoise and many others. Today we also have a bit of fun outside our ship and explore Hang Sung Sot, one of the largest and most famous cave in the entire Halong Bay. We continue cruising through limestone islands and stop at Ti Top Island where we can enjoy swimming or walking up to the summit and admiring a fantastic view of the Halong Bay. In the evening, you will attend the chef’s cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking. Later you can relax or try squid fishing. Overnight on board.

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hanoi then fly to Saigon (Brunch)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Grand Luxury Wing)

There will be a Tai Chi session on the sundeck early in the morning. After breakfast we can enjoy the tranquil lagoon at Luon cave by a traditional rowing boat or by kayaking. Drive back to Ha Long city from where your driver will take you to the airport from where you will fly to Saigon. Overnight in Saigon.

The itinerary above is operated by Huong Hai Sealife and thus may be altered depending on the weather without prior notice.

Day 5: Saigon: Chu Chi tunnels, city tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Grand Luxury Wing)

Today we visit the famous Chu Chi tunnels in the morning. This network of tunnels, which stretched for over 200km, became legendary during the 1960s. Next, drive back to Saigon and visit several landmarks of the city which is by far Vietnam’s most modern city. Observe some of the best examples of French colonial architecture represented in the forms of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. We will also tour The Reunification Palace which was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975 and The War Remnants Museum which has a wealth of images from the wars. End today’s tour with a visit to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a fantastic place for bargains of every kind!

Day 6: Cruise Cai Be floating market then drive to Can Tho

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Victoria Can Tho (Superior))

After breakfast we drive through the Mekong Delta to the town of Cai Be which is well-known for its floating market. Next, enjoy a cruise along the waterways and canals labyrinth before stopping at the home of a Bonsai gardener for a sumptuous Delta lunch, including the popular meal of ‘Elephant ear fish’. We continue exploring the tributaries and canals of the delta throughout the afternoon before leaving for Can Tho city for a good night’s sleep.

Day 7: Can Tho to Cai Rang floating market, My Tho then drive back to Saigon

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Grand Luxury Wing)

After breakfast we take a boat to Jin In and explore the floating market of Cai Rang which is another exciting floating market in the Mekong Delta. Later, drive to My Tho where we visit Vinh Trang Pagoda which is one of the best-known temples in the region before returning to Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 8: Fly to Siem Reap, tour Angkor Wat

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Tara Angkor Hotel (Superior))

After arriving at Siem Reap, Cambodia, we begin our tour of Cambodia’s 12th century capital of Angkor Thom. We begin by visiting South Gate which has huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean. Bayon Temple is known for its unique 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara. We also visit the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. In the afternoon, we visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor, Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Next, enjoy a wonderful sunset from the Phnom Bakheng Hills. Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 9: Siem Reap: Angkor Complex

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel (Tara Angkor Hotel (Superior))

Today, we visit the 10th century temple of Banteay Srei Temple regarded as one of the crown jewels of classical Khmer Art. Then, we will continue our visit to Banteay Samre, which was built in the third quarter of the 12th century. In the afternoon, we will visit the unique interior brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan, then see Srah Srang (“The Royal Baths”) which was once used for ritual bathing. Then it’s off to Banteay Kdei (surrounded by 4 concentric walls), Ta Keo (constructed in the late 10th and early 11th century) and Ta Prohm (one of the area’s most beautiful temples). Overnight in Seam Reap.

Day 10: Boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake then fly to Bangkok,Thailand

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel (Centre Point Pratunam)

After breakfast, we will take a boat trip on Tonle Sap Lake to visit floating villages (complete with schools, restaurants, and hospitals), and then visit the school known as “Les Artisans d’Angkor.” We will then transfer to Siem Reap international airport for our flight to Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 11: Bangkok: city sightseeing

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel (Centre Point Pratunam)

Today we tour Bangkok’s most prominent landmarks beginning with Pak Klong Talad, a bustling around the clock market. Then we take a short Tuk Tuk ride to Saranrom Royal Garden where we can relax and learn about a variety of Thai plants. Next, visit the Royal Regalia Museum and admire beautiful jewelry, which used to be ornaments of the royal officers and consorts. Our next stop is the temple of The Emerald Buddha held by all Thais as the symbol of national independence. In the afternoon, we take a long-tailed boat along the Chao Phraya River and get acquainted with the local lifestyle. We pass through the Grand Palace and pay a brief visit to the Royal Barge Museum which houses ceremonial King’s Barges decorated with multi-color glasses, gilt and stuccos. Our boat ride ends at Wat Arun, the temple of Dawn. Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 12: Final Departure

Meals: Breakfast

We have no activities planned for today. A representative of the company will transfer you to Suvarnabhumi Airport for your onward flight.