Compare The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam with Hue & Danang – (Northbound) by Avalon Waterways vs Best of Cambodia: Siem Reap & Phnom Penh by Odynovo
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 22 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 6,889 | $ 968 |
| Price Per Day | $ 313 | $ 161 |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | N/A | |
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | No | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description | This magical Southeast Asia river cruise along the Mekong River will take you through Vietnam and Cambodia, showing you the culture and local traditions of each country and the must-see sites along the way.Your adventure begins in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where you’ll get a taste of the culture first-hand with a Vietnamese cooking class and go on a fascinating excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary network of tunnels used extensively during the war. Immerse yourself in the everyday life of locals with a stroll through a busy market, and visits to a family’s home for a cotton-weaving demonstration and a local workshop to see how rice wine and traditional candies are made. Continue your journey into Cambodia where you’ll visit the famous sites, such as the temple of Wat Hanchey, providing spectacular views, and take part in a traditional water blessing with local monks. Enjoy an ox cart ride around the Cambodian countryside and meet a local farmer to learn about his daily life. Siem Reap offers the magnificent Temples of Angkor, ancient ruins that are a display of architectural complexity and grandeur unlike anything else in the world. See the most famous temples here, such as Angkor Wat and the Bayon temple, which features some 200 mysterious faces carved in its many towers. Enjoy an inspiring Aspara dance performance and other treasures of the city.Fly to Hanoi and explore the famous sites, such as the Old Quarter, where peddlers have traded goods for centuries on its 36 ancient streets. Next, a remarkable 2-night cruise along Ha Long Bay will show you its beautiful Limestone Islands. Next, sightseeing in Hue, a former capital of Vietnam, will show you the imposing Imperial Citadel; Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of the city; and the Royal tombs of past emperors. Arrive in Danang, known for its beautiful beaches and culinary scene. Visit the Cham Museum and explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where architecture influenced by traders from around the world has been largely preserved. You’ll have free time to explore the area or perhaps relax at your beach resort. The perfect ending to an unforgettable Southeast Asia river cruise vacation! |
This 6-day itinerary will take you to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, allowing you to see the magnificent old culture and rural way of life that can be found in Cambodia. Your first stop is Siem Reap, where you may learn about the history of Angkor Wat from the perspective of a private guide, marvel at the Ta Prohm Temple, which is encircled by the tangled roots of mighty trees, and take a boat tour of the Tonle Sap Lake. Following that, you will head to Phnom Penh, where you will go to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and see the traditional Khmer architecture that can be found in the Royal Palace. |
Day 1
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2
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 several 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 3
HO CHI MINH CITY. EXCURSION TO CU CHI TUNNELS Secret Passageways & 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 4
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 5
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 6
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 a River 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 to set sail for the Cambodian border.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH(B,L,D)
Day 7
PHNOM PENH The Royal TreatmentCLASSIC Take a City Tour by private cyclo to visit 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 yours to enjoy the city at your leisure. 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 8
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 for 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 9
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 10
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 11
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 to explore the temples. 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 12
SIEM REAP Roots Carved in Stone and Celebrated in DanceCLASSIC 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 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 13
SIEM REAP–HANOI Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (B)
Day 14
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 peddlers 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 art form.(B,L,D)
Day 15
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 16
HA LONG BAY Caves, Kayaks, and Scenic Climbs DISCOVERY Visit Titop Island, for a Guided Excursion for a swim, or climb 400 steps to the top of the island 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 17
HA LONG BAY–HANOI–HUE. This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight for Hue. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.(B)
Day 18
HUE One of Vietnam’s former capitals, Hue is a beautiful, welcoming city. Guided Sightseeing includes the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of the city. In the afternoon, Visit the Khai Dinh Mausoleum and the Royal Tomb of Tu Duc.(B,L)
Day 19
HUE–DANANG Today, drive over spectacular Hai Van Pass (weather permitting), one of the most scenic drives in all of Vietnam. In Danang, stop to Visit the Cham Museum and Monkey Mountain to see the Lady Buddha and for panoramic views. (B,L)
Day 20
DANANG. EXCURSION TO HOI AN Hoi An is Vietnam’s active trading center and a town that has been largely preserved with the architectural influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders.Cruise on the Thu Bon River, where you will meet a local fisherman to see how to throw and retrieve a traditional round fishing net called a ro. Enjoy a Walking Tour of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, visit an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese assembly hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Then, enjoy some leisure time.(B)
Day 21
DANANG A full day at leisure to further explore the area or relax at your beach resort! (B)
Day 22
DANANG 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.
