Compare The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam with Luang Prabang (Northbound) by Avalon Waterways vs 14 Days Authentic Vietnam and Cambodia by S Vietnam Adventures

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 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 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 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 6

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 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 Treatment

CLASSIC 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 Dynamics

CLASSIC 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 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 11

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 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 Dance

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 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 artform.

(B,L,D)

Day 15

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 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–LUANG PRABANG, LAOS This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight for Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. (B)

(B)

Day 18

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 19

LUANG PRABANG Enjoy a full day at your leisure.

(B)

Day 20

LUANG PRABANG Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

Day 1: Hanoi arrival- Airport transfer- Check in hotel in the center (No meal)

You will be welcomed by a warm driver at Noi Bai International Airport and transferred to hotel in Old Quarter. The rest of the day is free on your own and relax at the hotel.
Please note:
– Check in time is 14.00
– Can be arranged early check in with additional cost.

Meals: No
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi\

Day 2: Hanoi- Ha Long Bay - Overnight on cruise (B, L, D)

07.45 – 08.30: You will be picked up from your hotel in Ha Noi Old Quarter. Then we will head to Ha Long Bay. You may enjoy the landscape of the Red River Delta along the way

11.30: Upon arriving in our lobby in Tuan Chau Marina, you may take a short stretch while our staff arranges all registration with the local government.

12.00 – 12.30: The cruise captain and staff will welcome you onboard after a short tender transfer. While enjoying a refreshing welcome drink, a short cruise briefing and safety instructions will be given.

12.30 – 13.00: The voyages to Ha Long Bay – one of the New Seven Nature Wonders of the World. Lunch is served on board while the cruise passes via amazing limestone karst formations that rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner.

14.00 – 14.30: You will leave the cruise to explore Sung Sot Cave (also known as Surprise/ Amazing Cave), one of the biggest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay.

15.00: Returning to cruise, the trip will continue to Ti Top Island. Here, you can watch the magnificent view over either the Gulf of Tonkin or swim in the emerald green and cool water.

17.00: After a long day, this is the ideal time to enjoy energizing drinks and snacks by joining ‘Happy Hour’ or Cooking Class on the sundeck

19.30: Sumptuous Dinner is served. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our wonderful onboard catering staff.

20.30: After dinner, various activities including karaoke, and squid fishing are organized. Or you can just laze around with exhilarating drinks from our bar. The rest of the day is spent at your leisure.

Distance Hanoi – Ha Long: 180 kilometers (~3 hours)

Note: Itinerary/ activities may be changed due to the weather or other reasons.

Please be advised: This is an overnight cruise, so kindly check out of your hotel room. You may leave your large luggage at the hotel lobby or bring it along with you. Additionally, it's recommended to have some Vietnamese Dong cash on hand for potential use during stopovers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on board

Day 3: Ha Long Bay- Hanoi- Recheck in hotel (B, L)

06.15 – 07.00: Breakfast is served. It can be a great idea to enjoy the meal with the magnificent view of the sunrise in Ha Long Bay.

8.00 -9.30: The cruise gets closer to the center of the Natural Preservation Area. Join our guide on a short trip to Luon Cave. This magic work of nature shows you the formation of karst mountains. You can discover this time masterpiece by kayaking on your own. If you are lucky, you can catch great photos with mischievous monkeys jigging up and down around the cliffs.

9.30: Crew welcomes you back on board and it is time for checking out.

10.00: Whilst cruising back, delightful lunch will be served.

11.35: We return to the quayside in the south of the bay, where our visitors disembark in Tuan Chau Marina. And leave for Ha Noi on our shuttle.

15.30 – 16.00: You will get back to your hotel in Ha Noi Old Quarter

*Due to cruising conditions, slight program modifications may occur due to specific weather or tide conditions without prior notice to guests. While Wi-Fi is available, please note that internet connectivity may be limited due to the geographic characteristics of the bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight in Hanoi

Day 4: 12.00pm check out- Night Train to Da Nang - Overnight on train (B)

12:00pm: check out then free time for your own activities
You will have free time till 19.00PM, the driver will take you to the train station and you will take the night train to Ha Noi. Stay overnight on the train.
The train is about 14 hours journey and it is Vietnamese Government Train which has local/ tourist. 4 berths share 1 cabin, shared toilet.
Please note: You should have Dinner period or take away Dinner, Additionally, consider bringing snacks, water, and fruits with you for the train journey. It's worth noting that shared train toilets can be uncomfortable, so please prepare accordingly for this aspect of the journey.

If you prefer not to opt for the overnight train, you have the option to select a flight instead. Kindly inform us of your preference, and we will assess any additional charges and provide you with the details accordingly.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight on train

Day 5: Da Nang arrival- Train station pick up- Check in hotel in Da Nang (No meal)

The train is scheduled to arrive at approximately 1:00 PM. Upon arrival, we'll be there to pick you up and transfer you to the enchanting a livable Da Nang city. You'll check into a hotel in the heart of the ancient town, where you can unwind and immerse yourself in its unique charm.

Meals: No
Accommodation: Overnight in Da Nang

Day 6: Check out - Amazing Sunset My Son Holyland - Drop off at Hoi An (B)

13:00 –13:30: Our guide picks you up at your hotel and departs to My Son Sanctuary – The World Cultural Heritage.
15:00: Arrive at My Son and we’ll have 2 hours to discover the site by walking through the landscape, exploring Champa cultures and the remaining structures with our local English– speaking guide, and enjoying the Champa’s traditional performances.
17:15: Get back to minivan then transfer to the wharf for taking a boat trip to Hoi An with a nice and cool breeze on boarding, beautiful sunset river scenery on the biggest river in Vietnam Central named Thu Bon River. Get your camera ready for the amazing moment of local people’s activities along the river
18:30: Arrive at Hoi An and we will drop you at your hotel. Tour ends!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 7: Free and easy (B)

Free and easy to enjoy the ancient town on your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Hoi An

Day 8: Airport transfer- Fly to Ho Chi Minh city- Check in hotel (B)

Today, you'll have leisure time before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Please remain at the hotel, and our driver will transport you to the airport when it's time. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you'll be transferred to your hotel, where you'll have the rest of the day free to relax and explore at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight in Ho Chi Minh city

Day 9: Cu Chi Tunnel Half day (B)

Upon arrival, before exploring the tunnels, you will have some short introduction followed by introductory video about how the tunnels were constructed and how the people survived in the harsh conditions of the war time. Then, spend your time to explore the remaining area and tunnel systems which included the special constructed living areas with kitchens, bedrooms side by side with other martial facilities like storage, weapons factories, field hospitals, and command centers helping whoever lives inside the tunnels meet their basic needs. Besides, there are also many hidden trap doors and dangerous traps within the maze–like tunnels for security purpose during the war. Afterward, special tea and cassava (guerilla’s food during the war) will be served.
Break time for relax or time for those who want to try the real shooting gun.
Return to Saigon. End trip.

Please be advised that lunch is not included in the itinerary. You will return to the hotel around 3:00 PM, so it is recommended that you have a substantial breakfast to sustain you until your return.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh- Bus to Phnom Penh- Check in hotel (B)

You will be transferred to Phnom Penh by bus, which takes approximately 7-8 hours. Flight upgrades are possible at an extra charge. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, check in at the hotel and enjoy leisure time at your own pace. Kindly note that arranging a visa to enter Cambodia is your responsibility and can be done upon arrival. Please have a photo and $45 USD in cash per person prepared for this purpose.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 11: Phnom Penh city tour (B, L)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will visit the Victory Monument, and the National Museum also called Musee des Beaux-Arts. A French archaeologist and painter, Georges Groslier, designed it in Khmer style in 1917. The museum contains a collection of Khmer art - notably sculptures - from the ages. Visit the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866 on the site of the old town, and the Silver Pagoda. Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda is so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5000 silver tiles. The treasures found inside include a solid gold Buddha encrusted and weighing 90kilograms and a small 17th-century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha. Then drive to visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21 prison). This prison was a high school, and used as a prison by Pol Pot's security forces and became the largest center for detention and torture during the rule of the Khmer Rouge. Then visit Killing Fields " Choeung Ek"15km southwest of Phnom Penh. This one is the site of brutal executions of more than 17,000 individuals, most of whom first suffered through interrogations, torture, and deprivation in Toul Sleng Prison during the Pol Pot regime (from 1975–1979). The last site is Russian Markets where you can shop for souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, and silver products. Transfer back to the hotel.

Day 12: Phnom Penh- Bus to Siem Reap (B)

You'll have breakfast at the hotel before departing by bus at 8:30 AM. Today's journey takes you to Siem Reap, where upon arrival at the bus station, our driver will transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Distance: Phnom Penh – Siem Reap: 320km – 5.5–6 hours

If you prefer, you can upgrade to a private car for $140 USD per group (up to 4 seats). The driver will make stops at Spider Market and Naga Bridge for sightseeing.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 13: Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat (B, L)

The sightseeing tour of Angkor area we spend a full day exploring the wondrous ancient ruins with the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone, the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares. We stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with Colums, libraries, pavilions, courtyards and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple and the jungle covered temple of Ta Prohm is an incredible sight. There are enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers which embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man's creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

Day 14: Airport transfer- Siem Reap departure- Trip ends (B)

Today, you will take the flight back home as per your schedule. Please provide us with your departure time from Siem Reap International Airport, we will arrange a car to the airport for you.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: No