Along with her sister ship the Avalon Saigon, our all-suite Avalon Siem Reap delivers the best cruise experience on the Mekong River-designed to venture easily into areas where other cruise ships cannot, while measuring as wide and long as ships carrying twice the number of our just 36 guests. Cruising uninterrupted from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh (or vice versa), the Saigon eliminates hours of motorcoach travel time associated with other river cruise ship itineraries. The Avalon Saigon Suite Ship incorporates the classic colonial charm befitting the Vietnam and Cambodia experience with the modern features you expect from Avalon. Each Panorama Suite features 245-square-feet of living space with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows to create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With luxurious beds that face the window, you'll never miss a fascinating view on the Mekong. You'll also find ample room to roam on board, while never feeling crowded. From the air-conditioned Panorama Lounge to the open-air observation lounge, you'll find plenty of seating and inviting spots to relax. With lounges located at the front of the ship, you'll always have a great forward-focused view no matter where you sit. Our crew embodies Avalon's "you first" spirit from start to finish. From the reception staff and bartender to wait staff and room attendant, you'll experience exquisite service with a relaxed luxury that's come to encompass the Avalon difference.

Tipping is a personal way to show your satisfaction for good service and is a general practice on all vacations. It is recommended that tips be paid in cash—unless when paying by credit card there is a specific gratuity line. General tipping guidelines can be found below. Each country in Europe has different customs regarding tipping and guidelines can be found in each country-specific guide.

With Avalon, all your hotel taxes, service charges, tips for luggage handling, and gratuities for included meals are included in the vacation price.

For services with gratuity not included in the vacation price, we recommend the following as tipping guidelines. More information can be found in the country-specific sections of the Know Before You Go document and in your Important Travel Documents, which will be available 2-3 weeks prior to your vacation. Since each country is unique, the below are merely guidelines to assist with budgeting.

Cruise Directors

Gratuities for your Cruise Director are not included in the vacation price. For a good job, we suggest the equivalent of €3 (Euros) per day per passenger for your Cruise Director. An envelope will be provided in your stateroom for you to deposit any gratuities you would like to provide your Cruise Director. It is also possible for you to pre-pay the gratuities for your Cruise Director at the time of paying the balance of your cruise cost.

Ship’s Crew

Gratuities for your crew on board our Avalon Waterways ships are not included in the vacation price. For a good job, we suggest the equivalent of €12 (Euros) per day per passenger for the ship’s crew. This will be pooled and distributed fairly among those who have been of service to you, including personnel who work behind the scenes and whose service is equally crucial to your enjoyment of the cruise. It is also possible for you to pre-pay the gratuities for your crew at the time of paying the balance of your cruise cost.

Drivers

Gratuities for sightseeing drivers are included in the vacation price.

Hotel Services

It is customary to tip hotel staff for room service delivery if the charge has not already been added to the bill. If ice machines are not available and you get ice from the bar, a small tip to the bartender is always appreciated. Avalon includes gratuities for luggage handling for one bag per passenger. You may wish to tip for any excess luggage delivery. Gratuities for included hotel meals are already taken care of by Avalon.

Certified Local Guides

Traveling with us means you get specialized sightseeing with Certified Local Guides in each major city. To make each location come alive throughout your vacation, these Certified Local Guides share their vast knowledge about culture and history with you. Gratuities for your Certified Local Guides are included in the vacation price.

Restaurants

For restaurant meals not included in the Avalon itinerary, gratuities are not included and we recommend you review the country-specific guidelines for appropriate gratuity amount based on quality of service. Additional details and recommendations will be included in your Important Travel Documents, sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to your vacation start date, and your Cruise Director can always help with local customs on tipping. Tips in restaurants are usually left in cash and not added to the credit card payment, unless there is a specific line for it on the credit card signature receipt. In many European restaurants, there is also a per-person cover charge that will be added to your check/bill. This is not a gratuity.

Taxis

Usually, rounding up the fare for driver gratuity is more than adequate in most countries. A few dollars is usually reasonable for service, equal to 10-15% of the fare. If possible, we recommend you pre-negotiate taxi fares in foreign countries to avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of your journey. Ask hotel/ship staff or airport hospitality desks for the best cab companies, and make sure pricing is either clearly indicated prior to departure or prenegotiated. In all instances, we recommend that you carry some small change with you, as it is unusual to ask for change when you are tipping.

Designed with you in mind, the well-appointed Avalon Suites each feature an expansive 245 square feet of living space, and attractive decor that exudes the charm and grace of Southeast Asia. 

While other river cruise ships use valuable space on tiny balconies, they offer an experience suitable for any weather condition — that doesn’t sacrifice your indoor space.

With Avalon, every dining experience brings your destination to life. They start with fresh, quality ingredients and delectable recipes that are crafted by their culinary experts. Try authentic dishes from Vietnam and Cambodia — or more familiar Western alternatives.

Cruise along the massive Mekong Delta, which covers some 15,000 square miles. This picturesque area accounts for over half of Vietnam’s rice production, prompting it to be nicknamed as the “rice bowl” of the country. One of the highlights is a visit to a local establishment to see how traditional sweets and rice wine are made before sampling some yourself. Also explore a colourful local market, take a sampan ride to visit a brick factory, visit a fish farm, and relish many other fascinating activities. 

Explore French-influenced Phnom Penh, the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and learn about the sobering Khmer Rouge regime. Interact with friendly Cambodian people at work and play as you explore several villages to see silk weavers, master silversmiths, and local school children. 

Other highlights include an ox cart ride through the countryside and a visit to the home of a farmer to learn about his daily life. You will also partake in a traditional water blessing ceremony with area monks.

Beyond the Mekong you will explore great sights on land. In Ho Chi Minh City, enjoy a sightseeing tour, a cooking class, and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the war. 

In charming Siem Reap, enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance and explore the spectacular Angkor temple complex, whose architectural grandeur is arguably unmatched among the world’s ancient ruins. 

See several of the temples, including spectacular Angkor Wat and the mesmerising faces of Bayon. Researchers now believe that Angkor was the largest pre-industrial city in the world, and the remaining temples stand as a testament to the wealth and power of the Khmer Empire.

By the end of your journey along the Mekong you will have a better understanding of life along the river and the friendly people who depend on it.

With Avalon, the onboard ship experience is as lively and captivating as your time on shore! Get behind the scenes as you tour the Galley and Bridge and join new friends for special events or movie nights. 

Complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks, local beer/spirits are offered on board throughout the day.

Embark on this inspiring journey and you’ll truly fall in love with the friendly people, beautiful landscapes and many other things that make Vietnam and Cambodia positively extraordinary.

Avalon allow travellers from the ages of 8 and over although there are no children’s facilities on-board.