Compare The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam with Bangkok & Luang Prabang (Northbound) by Avalon Waterways vs Best of Cambodia: Siem Reap & Phnom Penh by Odynovo

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 Cuisine

CLASSIC 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 Hideouts

CLASSIC 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 Boarding

Transfer 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 Hats

DISCOVERY 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 Weavers

DISCOVERY 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 Treatment

CLASSIC 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 Dynamics

CLASSIC 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 Adventures

DISCOVERY 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 Countryside

DISCOVERY 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 Beauty

Fly 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 Noodles

CLASSIC 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 Puppets

CLASSIC 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 Village

Travel 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 Climbs

DISCOVERY 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 Arrival, Siem Reap

Overnight: Siem Reap
Welcome to Siem Reap, Cambodia! Upon arrival at the airport, your guide will greet you with a warm welcoming smile and then transfer you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of today is free to relax or explore at your own leisure.

Day 2 Siem Reap

Overnight: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, you will have an eye-opening adventure in Angkor Thom. Passing through the south gate, you will arrive at Bayon Temple, renowned for the smiling Buddha faces at the top of the towers. Close by is Elephant Terrace, highlighted by exquisite bas-reliefs showing a parade of elephants and other beasts. Continue on to Angkor Wat Temple, the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture. Finally, go on to Bakheng Temple for the fantastic sunset view of the distant Angkor Wat in the jungle.

Day 3 Siem Reap

Overnight: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Wake up early for a stunning sunrise view of Angkor Wat. You can have breakfast at the hotel or takeout is available. Then, set off to visit Banteay Srei Temple, which is praised as the "jewel of Khmer art" for its miniature scale, elaborate bas-reliefs and built of red sandstone. En route, you will stop at some local villages to get close to the local daily life of villagers. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your visit to Ta Prohm Temple, where stone pillars and carvings intertwine with massive tree roots and jungle. Before retiring to your hotel, make a final stop at Ta Keo Temple.

Day 4 Siem Reap - Phnom Penh

Overnight: Phnom Penh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, you will enjoy a countryside tour at Khmer Village with picturesque rice fields and palm trees. After that, hop aboard a boat for a cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Take in natural beauty and get close to the local life of floating villages. After lunch, if time allows, you will have a chance to visit Artisans D' Angkor and Old Market before your guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.

Day 5 Phnom Penh

Overnight: Phnom Penh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, you will explore the famous Royal Palace, followed by a stroll around Silver Pagoda, the best part of the Palace. Next, walk into the nearby National Museum. The day continues with a visit to Wat Phnom, admiring stunning views from the top. Later, learn about the memories of the infamous Khmer Rouge at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Killing Fields of Choeung EK.

Day 6 Phnom Penh, Departure

Meal: Breakfast

This morning is at leisure before your guide transfers you to the airport for your flight back home.