Compare The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam with Bangkok & Luang Prabang (Northbound) by Avalon Waterways vs Cambodia Treasured Time: Follow The Heritage Line Laos by Exotic Voyages
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 23 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 6,859 | $ 2,500 |
| Price Per Day | $ 298 | $ 250 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Luxury |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description | This inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise vacation begins in vibrant Bangkok, Thailand. A boat ride on the klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals, is the perfect way to start your sightseeing. Continue at the Grand Palace featuring the Temple of the Emerald Buddha followed by the Temple of the Reclining Buddha—the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in the city. Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and enjoy a walking tour of the famous landmarks of the city and try your hand in the kitchen with a Vietnamese cooking class. Go on an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the unbelievable network of tunnels used extensively during the war. Next, board your ship and begin your cruise along the mighty Mekong River. As you cruise through Vietnam, you’ll stop in the villages for interactions with locals, such as a visit to the home of a skilled family who make handcrafted sampans for a living. In Cambodia, visit the capital city of Phnom Penh, with the magnificent Royal Palace featuring its striking Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. Take in the stunning views at the 8th-century temple of Wat Hanchey before walking through the rural village of Angkor Ban to visit with welcoming schoolchildren. Continue your river cruise adventure to Siem Reap, where you’ll see the magnificent Temples of Angkor, the most famous being Angkor Wat and the Bayon temple.Disembark your cruise ship and fly to Hanoi, where you’ll explore the famous Old Quarter with peddlers trading goods among its 36 ancient streets. From here, travel to Ha Long Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin, where you’ll be amazed at the more than 3,000 limestone islands of varying shapes. Enjoy a 2-night cruise along the bay and then conclude your trip in Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your sightseeing here will show you the famous sites, such as Wat Xieng Thong, considered the most beautiful monastery in the city. The stunning scenery, ornate temples, and interactions with locals make this Southeast Asia river cruise vacation one you won’t soon forget! |
This tour will take you to some key cultural areas of Cambodia. Phnom Penh is one of Asia’s most authentic capital cities. Kompong Thom and Preah Vihear with UNESCO-protected temples. Siem Reap with the ruins of Angkor Wat. See a spider market, cycle the countryside, take a Jeep tour to the lesser-known, walk the jungle with a ranger, see a river of thousands of lingas caved on the riverbed, and do many more activities to explore the heritage and entrancing sites of the Kingdom. Discover the beautiful and the ugly of Cambodia's past, and immerse yourself in the bewitching lasting remnants of the current. |
Day 1
BANGKOK, THAILAND Welcome to Thailand!
Day 2
BANGKOK This morning, your Guided Sightseeing begins with a boat ride on the klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals. Stop at the stunning Grand Palace featuring the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Also, Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B,L)
Day 3
BANGKOK Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (B)
Day 4
BANGKOK–HO CHI MINH CITY Today, fly to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day 5
HO CHI MINH CITY Motorbikes, Monuments, and Mouthwatering CuisineCLASSIC Take a Walking Tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s historic landmarks including a stop at the Rex Hotel for a refreshing drink at the rooftop bar where the U.S. Military held the infamous “Five O’Clock Follies” during the war. Then visit the War Remnants Museum and bustling Ben Thanh Market.DISCOVERY For lunch, participate in a hands-on Vietnamese Cooking Class. Learn to prepare local dishes and how to recreate them at home. Last, but not least, sample your delicious creations!Explore the city further during free time this afternoon.This evening join your traveling companions for a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant.(B,L,D)
Day 6
HO CHI MINH CITY. EXCURSION TO CU CHI TUNNELS Secret Passageways and Underground HideoutsCLASSIC Drive out of the city for a Guided Visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels—an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length—used as a hideout and secret village by the Viet Cong.Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. Consider stopping for a drink at the famous rooftop bar at the Caravelle Hotel. (B)
Day 7
HO CHI MINH CITY (EMBARKATION) Your Suite Ship® is Ready for BoardingTransfer to the port on the Saigon River for embarkation. Get acquainted with the ship and relax before your welcome reception this evening.AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO VINH LONG(B,L,D)
Day 8
VINH LONG–CU LAO GIENG Sweets, Sampans, and Sun HatsDISCOVERY Board a sampan this morning to Visit a local workshop in Vinh Long where you will see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candies are made. DISCOVERY This afternoon, enjoy scenes of daily life on Cu Lao Gieng Island via sampan and local motor cart. Your Guided Excursion starts at a local workshop, where a skilled family hand-crafts sampan boats. Then, visit the home of a local family that makes Vietnamese conical hats, or “Non la,” from materials available to them such as palm leaves and bamboo. These iconic hats are primarily used as protection from the sun and rain but you may also see them used as a basket to carry home goods from the market. Lastly, stop at one of Vietnam’s oldest Catholic churches.AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO CHAU DOC(B,L,D)
Day 9
CHAU DOC–LONG KHANH A–BORDER CROSSING, CAMBODIA Colorful markets, Charming Locals, and Cotton WeaversDISCOVERY In Chau Doc, take a Guided Walk through the local market and absorb the atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. Then embark on an excursion down the backwaters of the Mekong. Along the way, see traditional floating homes, speedboat merchants, religious sites, a market selling dried goods, and more.DISCOVERY After lunch, a sampan brings you to the village of Long Khanh A for a Cotton-Weaving Demonstration of a well-preserved artisan’s tradition. Return to the ship and head for the Cambodian border.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH(B,L,D)
Day 10
PHNOM PENH The Royal TreatmentCLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the city by private cyclo with visits to the Royal Palace with the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, featuring an outstanding display of Khmer artifacts.The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the city, Consider a Guided Optional Tour of a local brewery with free flowing local beer!Just before dinner, children from a local orphanage will perform a show, featuring local song and dance.(B,L,D)
Day 11
PHNOM PENH A Dark History or Market DynamicsCLASSIC This morning, a Guided Visit of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and one of the Killing Fields offers a glimpse into the atrocities inflicted on the Cambodian people by the Khmer Rouge regime, OR: DISCOVERY Visit the lively Central Market by tuk-tuk to see its unique Art Deco design.After lunch, depart Phnom Penh and enjoy some time at leisure on the ship.AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO WAT HANCHEY(B,L,D)
Day 12
WAT HANCHEY–ANGKOR BAN Water Blessings and Back-to-School AdventuresDISCOVERY Visit Wat Hanchey, a hilltop temple dating back to the 8th century. Climb or be driven to the top where you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area and partake in a traditional water blessing given by local monks.DISCOVERY After lunch, enjoy a Walking Tour through the rural village of Angkor Ban. Here, you will visit a traditional Khmer house and interact with children at a local school.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KONPONG LOUANG(B,L,D)
Day 13
KONPONG LOUANG–KAMPONG TRALACH Calm in the Cambodian CountrysideDISCOVERY Start your Guided Sightseeing at the silversmith village in Konpong Louang. Here, see talented craftsmen use age-old techniques to turn pure silver into works of art. In Kampong Tralach, board an ox cart for a ride through the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, stop to meet a local farmer and learn about his daily life.This afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising on the Tonle River.EVENING CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH(B,L,D)
Day 14
PHNOM PENH (DISEMBARKATION)–SIEM REAP A Pilgrimage of Inspirational BeautyFly to Siem Reap, home to the Temples of Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on Earth!CLASSIC After lunch, begin your Sightseeing Tour by tuk-tuk. Start at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples: Angkor Wat. Featuring five trademark towers, it is the symbol of Cambodia. Then, visit Angkor Thom, where you will explore Bayon Temple with its 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas relief sculptures, OR:ACTIVE Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Bayon Temple by bike.The evening is yours to explore charming Siem Reap, stay to witness the sunset at Angkor Wat, or consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the Cambodian circus. (B,L)
Day 15
SIEM REAP Root-Covered Ruins and Native NoodlesCLASSIC Continue your Guided Sightseeing of the Angkor Temples at Ta Prohm. Tree roots cover the ruin walls, allowing you to experience the temple with the same wonder as early explorers. Then visit Banteay Srei, a unique temple built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. En route, stop at a local village famous for making Khmer noodles by hand. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. You may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to further explore Siem Reap, or visit the temple complex by tuk-tuk.DISCOVERY This evening, a private Apsara Dance Performance brings ancient Khmer culture to life through music, song, and dance.(B,D)
Day 16
SIEM REAP–HANOI Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (B)
Day 17
HANOI Historic Hanoi and Water PuppetsCLASSIC First, join a Guided Visit of the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next, see iconic sites, including One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” Lastly, visit the 900-year-old Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s first university.Enjoy lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that teaches local street children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. CLASSIC After lunch, enjoy an Electric-Cart Ride through the fascinating Old Quarter—with its 36 ancient streets where merchants trade as they have for centuries. DISCOVERY An early dinner this evening is followed by a fascinating Live Performance of Hanoi’s renowned water puppets, a traditional 11th-century artform.(B,L,D)
Day 18
HANOI–HA LONG BAY Island Shapes and a Floating VillageTravel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes. Board the luxurious Paradise Elegance for a 2-Night Cruise on the bay.DISCOVERY Visit the Cua Van Floating Village, home to more than 700 people—by bamboo raft, OR:ACTIVE Take a Kayak Ride to visit Cua Van Village.Enjoy scenic sailing for the remainder of the day before anchoring for the night. (B,L,D)
Day 19
HA LONG BAY Caves, Kayaks, and Scenic ClimbsDISCOVERY Visit Ti top Island for a Guided Excursion to take a swim, or climb 400 steps to the top for stunning views. You can also visit Luon Cave by boat, and explore Dark & Bright Cave by bamboo raft, OR:ACTIVE Explore Luon Cave and Dark & Bright Cave by Kayak Ride.After a day of exploring, consider a spa treatment or simply relax for happy hour prior to dinner!(B,L,D)
Day 20
HA LONG BAY (DISEMBARKATION)–HANOI–LUANG PRABANG, LAOS This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight for Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.(B)
Day 21
LUANG PRABANG Today, enjoy a full day of Guided Sightseeing in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ascend Mount Phousi for beautiful morning views over the city and Mekong River. Then walk through the historic town center stopping at Wat Mai, famous for its 5-tiered roof built in the traditional style of Luang Prabang. Visit the National Museum and Wat Xieng Thong, considered the most beautiful wat, or monastery, in the city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B,L)
Day 22
LUANG PRABANG Enjoy a full day at your leisure.(B)
Day 23
LUANG PRABANG Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
Day 1 Phnom Penh
Arrive and welcome at Phnom Penh Airport. Check in at the hotel. The balance of day is at your leisure. Phnom Penh awaits you with a rich history, bustling markets, and stunning architecture.
Hotel: Palace Gate Hotel & Resort
Day 2 Phnom Penh
Today's highlights Visit Tuol Sleng - one the most tragic places in the history of Cambodia
Today start your journey with a trip to the Royal Palace. After that, travel to the countryside of Takeo to see ancient temples. Visit Ta Prohm and Yeay Peou, both built in the 12th century. Tuol Sleng, your last stop, houses a place that was once a torture center under the Khmer Rouge where thousands were imprisoned and then executed. This will be a sad but unforgettable visit.
Hotel: Palace Gate Hotel & Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Phnom Penh
Today's highlights Visiting Silk Island by bicycle
Be ready for a day of activities. Take a ferry across the Mekong River to Diamond Island, pedaling through the peaceful islands with stops to visit Buddhist pagodas, local villages, and plantations. Ride your bike to Koh Dach or Silk Island. Enjoy a Cambodian lunch before cycling through the farmlands and visiting a weaving house. Here, learn how to make silk in traditional ways and about the Cambodian Krama scarf.
Hotel: Palace Gate Hotel & Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 Kompong Thom
Today's highlights Spider market and UNESCO heritage site of Sambor Prei Kuk
Leaving Phnom Penh for Kampong Thom, a town near the Stung Saen River. En route, stop at the notorious Skuon market, aka “Spiderville.” Buy or check out fried insects - popular snacks for all Cambodians. Tarantulas are the most common. The Sambor Prei Kuk will be your next stop. Take a walk in the serene atmosphere between more than 100 brick temples. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before being transferred to the hotel.
Hotel: Sambor Village Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 Preah Vihear
Today's highlights The famous Preah Vihear temple at the border of 3 countries
Drive to Preah Vihear today to visit Prasat Preah Vihear Temple. Dating back to the 11th century, this magnificent structure is one of the best-preserved examples of Khmer architecture from the Angkor civilization. Lunch en route at a local restaurant.
Around early afternoon, you'll arrive at the temple. Climbing a series of steps to reach the very top of the beautiful, crumbling ruin, and look out across the mesmerizing land of Cambodia and Thailand. Later, get transferred to Preah Vihear Jaya Hotel and spend the night.
Hotel: Preah Vihear Jaya
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 Siem Reap
Today, you’ll drive to Siem Reap. Along the way, you’ll explore ruins that are shrouded in mystery. The first one is Koh Ker, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Then, continue to Beng Mealea Temple. Many parts of Beng Mealea are consumed by jungles but hidden among the foliage are impressive carvings with scenes from Hindu mythology.
Hotel: Anantara Angkor Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 Siem Reap
Today's highlights Riding your bike through the small roads of Angkor complex
Hop on your bicycle and ride on roads shaded by century-old trees until you see the majestic stone gate of Angkor Thom. See Bayon Temple with its four giant stone faces, the Baphuon - a mountain temple and the Terrace of Elephant. See also the ancient Terrace of Leper King. After lunch, visit the world-famous Angkor Wat for its breathtaking architecture and stone carvings. Finish your temple visit at Ta Prohm.
Hotel: Anantara Angkor Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 Siem Reap
Today's highlights Explore the lesser known villages of Siem Reap by Jeep
Enjoy your morning at leisure. This afternoon, bring your curiosity as your guide will take you to the lesser-known Siem Reap on a Jeep tour. Travel the places that not many visitors know and enjoy a unique mix of local culture, village life, and lush landscapes. Your tour will end at a perfect spot in the middle of a rice field where you enjoy a cold drink as the sun sets over the paddy.
Hotel: Anantara Angkor Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Siem Reap
This morning, drive to Phnom Kulen National Park. Your curious soul will be in awe with the 'River of a 1000 Lingas' carved out of the river bed as a tribute to Lord Shiva. Next, visit a Buddha monastery that houses a large reclining sandstone Buddha and a beautiful 65.6-feet waterfall. Continue your hike on a jungle trail where and learn about the rich flora and fauna of the area. After lunch, take your time to enjoy the surrounding nature.
Hotel: Anantara Angkor Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10 Siem Reap
Today is free until the right time, your guide will escort you to the airport for your departure flight back home.
Hotel: Anantara Angkor Resort
Meals: Breakfast
