20 Days: Magical Indochina Mekong Cruise

Our Ultimate Indochina Cruise Tour: Vietnam-Laos-Cambodia

• Hanoi (2 nights)
• Halong Bay cruise (1 night)
• Luang Prabang (3 nights)
• Siem Reap (3 nights)
• Angkor Wat Temples
• Luxury Mekong River cruise (7 nights)
• Shore excursions along the Mekong including Phnom Penh
• Saigon (3 nights)
• Guaranteed departure

View Itinerary

Price & Departure dates

Day 1 Hanoi
Meeting & greeting at the airport upon your arrival and transfer to hotel for check-in and tour briefing. If time permits we will take an orientation tour around central Hanoi.

Day 2 Hanoi (B)
Today we'll be on a full day tour to discover the most outstanding attractions of Hanoi. First we pay a visit to the complex of memorials to Ho Chi Minh to know his amazing life. Continue to the Single Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature to gain understanding of the two driving forces in Vietnam culture.

Afternoon we visit the Museum of Ethnology which exhibits a large collection of artifacts about the cultures of the 54 ethnic groups in the country. Next we enjoy a rickshaw ride through the lively Old Quarter, a series of 36 ancient streets where peddlers still trade the way they have done for centuries. The rickshaw tour ends up at an old house on Ma May Street, an example of dwellings in the 19 century.

Later we walk through the busy traffic to the water puppet theatre and enjoy a performance of the famed traditional art form created by village farmers around the Red River Delta region.

Day 3 Hanoi - Halong Bay (B, L, D)
This morning we journey east to Halong Bay, Vietnam's greatest natural wonder. Board a beautiful traditional luxury wooden junk and spend a full day and night cruising the bay's 3000 magnificent limestone islets.

In the evening when the boat is anchored in the middle of the stunning lagoon, we enjoy a wonderful seafood meal and later there is opportunity for an evening swim from the side of the boat. Stay overnight aboard.

NOTE: Kayaks are available if specified at time of booking

Day 4: Halong - Hanoi - Luang Prabang, Laos (B, L)
Wake up to fresh coffee then further cruising and more sightseeing. En route the junk weaves through impressive rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons and even further!

Disembark and return to Hanoi for a flight to Luang Prabang. On arrival, meet up with our local guide and drive to the hotel for overnight.

Day 5: Luang Prabang (B)
Early rise to take the fantastic opportunity to watch or participate in the unique daily morning ritual, where hundreds of saffron-clad monks walk in procession collecting offerings of sticky rice from devout residents along the roadsides.

After breakfast we embark on a cruise upstream on the Mekong River to the mysterious Pak Ou, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. We also visit Ban Xangkhong and Ban Xienglek where local people produce traditional textiles and jute paper.

Return to town and tour the most outstanding temples: Wat Visoun with the watermelon-shaped roof, Wat Xiengthong with the sweeping roofs, Wat Sene boasting the most dazzling facade of all Luang Prabang temples, Wat Aham - the "Monastery of the blossomed Heart", and Wat Mai - the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in town.

We then challenge the steps up Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as a beautiful sunset view. Take a leisurely walk through the iridescent Night Market at the foot of Mount Phosi to see a lovely array of handicrafts.

NOTE: Alternative tour options can be provided if requested at time of booking

Day 6: Luang Prabang (B)
After breakfast we go to the villages of Ban Ouay, Ban Ou and Ban Thapene and get acquainted with the Hmong, Lowland Laotian, and Khmu ethnic minority people.

Visit the beautiful Khouangsi Waterfall that offers a chance to cool off in the turquoise pools. En route back to town we call at Ban Phanom of skilled hand-weaving women. Soak in the history of Luang Prabang at the Palace Museum which houses an eclectic collection, including statues, mosaic covered walls, French mirrors, and a piece of moon rock given to "the people of Laos" by President Nixon. There'll be time for independent exploration afterwards.

NOTE: Alternative tour options can be provided if requested at time of booking

Day 7: Luang Prabang - Siem Reap, Cambodia (B, D)
Free in the morning. Early afternoon we leave the hotel for the airport to catch a flight to Siem Reap. Meet up with our local guide at Siem Reap airport and drive to the hotel.

This evening, enjoy dinner with entertainment from Apsara dancers. Free time afterwards allows an exciting walk to see the lively Pub Street and the lucky Night Market.

Day 8: Siem Reap (B)
Today we start exploring the wonders left by a highly complex civilization that controlled the greater part of Southeast Asia for four centuries. Enter the Great City of Angkor Thom through the South Gate and traverse to admire the temples of Baphoun and Phimeanakas, the Terraces of Elephant and Leper King, and especially the mysterious smiling Bayon.

After a break we'll visit the fascinating temples of Ta Prohm, Banteay Kdei, Takeo, Thommanon, Chau Say Thevoda, and the Royal Bath of Sras Srang. Hike up Phnom Bakheng to behold the magnificent sunset over the land of temples.

Day 9: Siem Reap (B)
This morning we tour the epic temples of Angkor Wat - a vast rambling complex of diverse temple structures dating from the 9th to the 13th centuries. Many are adorned with exquisite carvings and bas-reliefs; some are so entwined with trees and vines that they almost returned to the jungle.

Angkor Wat is the apogee of classical Khmer architecture and has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on the national flag, and stands on par with such other monumental achievements as Machu Picchu and the Great Pyramid. The afternoon will be independent time.

Day 10: Cruise Embarkation -Tonle Lake (B, L, D)
We check out and transfer from Apsara hotel in Siem Reap to the pier at Phnom Krom in the morning. Board the RV MEKONG PRESTIGE II and settle into our cabin. Following lunch Mekong Prestige sets out to cross the Tonle Lake*. This evening we enjoy a lavish Welcome Dinner on board

NOTE: In case of low waters, the transfer to the ship will be made by coach or speed boat

Day 11: Kampong Chhnang-Kampong Tralach-Oudong (B, L, D)

This morning we'll arrive at Kampong Chhnang, approximately 90 km from Phnom Penh. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. We board a local boat to visit the authentic floating village where life of the entire population is connected to the river through a criss-crossing canal system. We'll go ashore to stroll through the scenic market. Return to the cruiser for lunch while sailing towards Kampong Tralach.

In the afternoon, travel by bus to discover the very charming Vihara of the Wat Kampong Leu Pagoda dating back from the last century, which has retained beautiful wall paintings. Return by ox-drawn carriage and continue by bus to Oudong, 40 kilometers from Phnom Penh.

Between 1618 and 1866, Oudong was the capital city of Cambodia. Erected at a hilltop, this place houses numerous Stupas dating of the last Khmer Kings. We'll see the Vipassana Dhura Pagoda, a place of meditation for Buddhist Monks, before retreating to Mekong Prestige for dinner and overnight.

Day 12: Koh Chong-Phnom Penh (B, L, D)
Arriving in Koh Chong in the morning, we'll pay a visit to this silk weaving village, taking in the local workshop, a pagoda, and a primary school.

At the school we have the opportunities to chat with pupils. Enjoy lunch aboard then sail on to Phnom Penh. Visit Wat Phnom after which the city was named then enjoy dinner with Traditional Khmer Apsara Dancing Show on board.

Day 13: Phnom Penh (B, L, D)
Today we'll explore the capital city of Cambodia, which still retains its old French colonial architecture in riverside streets. The morning tour includes the opulent Royal Palace & the Silver Pagoda, the impressive National Museum.

After lunch aboard we continue touring with a visit to the former High School " S21 ", which was converted to a detention center under the Red Khmer's rule between 1975 and 1979. The remainder of the day will be independent time.

We have the opportunity to immerse in the exotic sights and sounds of the Russian Market, a labyrinth of stalls offering from CDs and DVDs to silks, crafts, jewelry and more. Return to Mekong Prestige for dinner.

Day 14: Phnom Penh - Navigation-Border Crossing (B, L, D)
Today is a day of leisure aboard. The ship departs towards the border with Vietnam. We'll cruise past the Mekong's timeless villages and river life with extensive fishing activities. Cross the border and complete the required immigration formalities (normally lasts 4 hours).

Day 15: Tan Chau (B, L, D)
This morning we'll arrive in Tan Chau, a remote small town on the main Mekong River. After breakfast, we take a local boat to visit a fishing farm.

Next, we go ashore to visit a local workshop making woven mats, and take a short walk in the village to visit a silk workshop. A rickshaw ride around this fascinating town takes us back to the pier for lunch. Relax aboard in the remainder of the day.

Day 16: Sadec-Cai Be (B, L, D)
The French writer Marguerite Duras spent parts of her childhood in Sa Dec, a sprawling busy town on the Mekong Delta. Both the school where Duras' mother taught and the small house behind it where the family lived still stand. We see the house of Marguerite's Chinese Lover. The house is a small museum of " The Lover " in Sadec.

Visit a Caodaist Temple and stroll through the colorful local market. Following lunch aboard we'll cruise past Vinh Long Province, located in the middle of the Delta region, between the two tributaries of the Mekong.

On arrival in Cai Be, we'll tour the town's French Gothic Cathedral and walk along the river bank to a manufacturer of rice paper and coconut sweets. This evening, enjoy dinner with a traditional Music Show.

Day 17: Cruise Disembarkation in My Tho- Saigon (B)
We'll arrive in My Tho early this morning. Enjoy breakfast then check out and disembark. Transfer to Saigon by coach.

On arrival, we'll be met at the drop-off point and taken to the hotel. Mid-afternoon we'll set out to see the famous sights in Ho Chi Minh city, taking in the Reunification Palace, War Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Colonial Post Office, the Opera House, the City Hall, Ben Thanh Market, etc...

Day 18: Saigon- Caodai Temple -Cu Chi Tunnels - Saigon (B, L)
Our tour today includes a visit to the opulent Holy See Temple of Caodai Sect in Tay Ninh. Caodai is a fascinating Vietnamese religion combining aspects of Christian, Buddhism, Muslim, Taoism and Confucius into a single religion. There's a chance to observe the impressive noon service of adherents.

Early afternoon we travel to Cu Chi to explore the legendary network of underground combat tunnels where our guide will explain how the Vietcong survived and fought during the Vietnam War. Known as the "Iron Triangle" during the war of the 60's, the story of Cu Chi is one of struggle, determination against all odds, and eventual victory. Now the tunnels are a major site of interest for tourists and historians, and those interested in Vietnam's military history.

Day 19: Saigon (B)
Free day to relax and explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own to soak up the atmosphere of Vietnam. Experience great shopping, cafes and wonderful restaurants.

Day 20: Departure (B)
Free before transferring to the airport for the departure flight.

Small Group Departure Dates & Price

Ref	Weekly Departures Cruise Dates- 4 Star hotels + main deck on cruise	Departure Dates	Twin share (£)
VCC	Nov 2016 - April 2017	Weekly	£3499
VCC	Oct 2017 -April 2018	Weekly	£3499

Prices are based upon a small group tour excluding international flights from UK. As an agent for airline consolidators, we can obtain your international flights at a competitive rate to suit your preferred departure date. Contact us to discuss your requirements. Hotel upgrade to 5-Star and Cabin upgrade on the MEKONG CRUISE are available. Private tailor-made tours can also be arranged. We can also arrange this tour as a 'down stream tour' starting from Siem Reap and departing Hanoi.

Price Includes (The prices shown are 'per person')

• All flights within Vietnam including airport tax.
• All airport/hotel transfers where specified (private transfer).
• Selections of superior/deluxe (generally 4 star)
• Sightseeing tours including entrance fee by professional English-speaking tour guide.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Air conditioned transportation
• 7 nights on board Deluxe Mekong cruise Ship
• The Welcome and Farewell Dinners on board the cruise boat include the option of local beer, packaged soft drinks and house brand spirits, filtered coffee, selection of teas & herbal infusions and local mineral water during the Mekong cruise.
• Halong overnight cruise.
• Guaranteed Departure.

Price Does Not Include

• International Flights: We are happy to provide flights with full ATOL Protection.
• Visa letter of arrival fee (please contact us for details).
• Travel Insurance.
• Tip for driver and Guide.
• Imported beverages such as wines, premium beer, premium spirits and liqueurs, imported mineral waters, espressos and cappuccinos at bar on the Mekong cruise ship.

RV Mekong Prestige cruise boat

Meals: As stated in itinerary, B = breakfast, L = Lunch, D= Dinner

FAQ and further Tour information
Please see our FAQ page for further essential tour information.

The itinerary is designed according to the most updated information of the flight available, although occasionally the sequence in which cities are visited and duration of time spent in each city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control. The above itinerary highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. Further places of interest may be visited during your stay, which will provide unique ethnic and cultural handcraft shopping opportunities. We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the itinerary, although we will act in your best interests to handle any amendments. Please refer to the booking form for detailed terms & conditions.