Essential Vietnam and Cambodia

Journey through the picturesque countryside and charming remote villages, arriving in Kampong Cham to embark on your Mekong River cruise. Here, you'll board the RV Apsara, your boutique river ship and home for the next seven nights. Spend the afternoon indulging in your exclusive Insider Experience. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening on board with your fellow travellers as you embark on your unforgettable Mekong River cruise.

Insider Experience – Tuk Tuk Tour of Koh Pen

Hop on a tuk tuk and explore the agricultural island of Koh Pen. Travel along the shaded lanes and past wooden stilted houses, tucked amongst palm and sandalwood trees.  

Start your day with a tour of Angkor Ban by foot. Nicknamed the 'Lucky Village', Angkor Ban is one of the few rural villages in Cambodia that escaped destruction from the Khmer Rouge regime. Stroll through town and see wooden houses, some over a century old. Return to your ship and continue sailing along the lush banks of the Mekong River to Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island. Disembark and discover the town well known locally for its delicate silk weaving.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

Begin your morning with an excursion by road to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital. Indulge in your memorable Insider Experience. En route back to Phnom Penh take a leisurely walk to explore the village of Koh Chen. Stop to visit the open-air copperware workshops and watch the skill of the artisans. Return to the ship and enjoy a free afternoon in fascinating Phnom Penh or enhance your time by choosing one of Travelmarvel’s select experiences.

Insider Experience - Buddhist Blessing Ceremony

Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony for good luck, health and safe journey, with resident monks at a monastery in Oudong.

Enhance Your Journey – Hands-on Cooking Workshop

Meet your chef, visit a local market and select fruits, spices and more local ingredients to prepare Khmer dishes.

Enhance Your Journey – Phnom Penh by Cyclo

Explore Phnom Penh by cyclo, taking in sights such as Independence Square, the Royal Palace, trendy cafes, boutiques, local markets, and pagodas.

Enhance Your Journey – High Tea in the Clouds

Savour unobstructed panoramic views of the city, Central Market, and the legendary Mekong River from the iconic Rosewood Phnom Penh while indulging in a delightful afternoon tea experience. Enjoy fine TWG teas in the Living Room lounge, accompanied by delicious sweets and savouries made with local ingredients and crafted under the expert eye of the pastry chef.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

Start the morning today with a sobering excursion to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, where you will learn about Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime, as well as the resilience of the Cambodian people. Take a moment to pay your respects at the Memorial Stupa, a monument erected in memory of the thousands of people who lost their lives. After lunch, visit the Royal Palace built in 1866, and delight in its white and gold Khmer architecture. Head inside the glorious Silver Pagoda - named after its floors, which are designed with 5,000 silver tiles. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to head to the Russian Market for souvenirs, the Central Market where you can try the local delicacy of fried tarantula and crickets, or simply stay on board and enjoy the facilities and service.

Travel along the tributaries around Tan Chau by a small boat, then go ashore for a rickshaw tour. Weave through rambling laneways past shops and friendly locals and visit local silk and rattan weaving workshops. Later, step back in time during a visit to Vinh Hoa, also known as Evergreen Island. Take the opportunity to witness traditional Vietnamese farming, then head back to the ship and continue cruising towards the quaint town of Sa Dec.

Take a boat ride to Sa Dec past floating fish farms before exploring the colourful market on foot. Continue past crumbling waterside mansions to the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired the French writer Marguerite Duras' novel,  L'Amant. Return to the ship and sit down to a delicious lunch while you cruise towards Cai Be. After lunch, a local boat will take you to the riverside town of Cai Be. Go ashore to visit the local cathedral and a rice paper and coconut candy manufacturer. Tonight, enjoy your special Farewell Dinner on board as you cruise towards your final stop, My Tho.

Disembark at My Tho and journey by road to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Gain a first-hand look at the history of the Vietnam-American War and learn about the network of underground tunnels carved out by hand. Continue to Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon, and your home for the next two nights. This evening for dinner, choose from one of our select experience dining options.

Insider Experience – Two Nights at Le Méridien Saigon

Experience a stay at the one-of-a-kind Le Méridien Saigon. Located on the banks of the Saigon River in the bustling District 1, this contemporary hotel is centrally situated only moments away from Bến Thành Market and Independence Palace.

Enhance Your Journey – Hoi An Sense

Indulge in authentic Hoi An delicacies, complemented by warm hospitality and rich cultural charm.

Enhance Your Journey – Le Corto

Dine on a three-course French fusion-inspired menu during a dining experience like no other.

Enhance Your Journey – Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro

Savour the delights of this Vietnamese bistro, where the walls are adorned with locally crafted propaganda posters offering food-oriented advice.