Cambodia – Vietnam – Beach Break

17 days

From Siem Reap to Hanoi, visit the iconic sites with an added touch of comfort. Trace the mighty Mekong as you board a luxury cruise downstream, see why it is called the lifeblood for residents living on it. Cruise through dramatic karst scenery on a boat tour in Halong, be lost in the energetic Ho Chi Minh City, or discover the fascinating history and culture of Phnom Penh. You will also get to enjoy the ancient capital of Hanoi and Nha Trang, traveler’s favorite beach in Vietnam. Combining highlights of both countries, this tour is made up of multicolored images of hustle and bustle of cities, fresh breezes of white sand beaches besides cultural and historic sites. Let’s discover the beauty of Indochina region through the wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia.

DAY 1    Siem Reap – Tonle River
We gather in the morning at our welcome lounge in Siem Reap. Relax with a drink as our staff collects your details for the boarding.

We bid farewell to the iconic sights of Angkor and travel a short distance to the pier at the Tonle Sap Lake. By local boat we transfer to our luxurious “home” for the next days. While you check in to your prepared staterooms the ship sets sail and a fascinating journey on the Mighty Mekong begins.

Have lunch on board while the vessel gently glides over the Tonle Sap Lake. The lake can only be crossed during high water season (approx. from August to mid-November). Let your soul float and your eyes wander while the boat makes its way across.

In the afternoon we serve a High Tea at the bar. Enjoy your cruising day on board, relax on your balcony or relish a spa treatment before dinner.

Our expert guide will also give a presentation about the “Geography of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Lake”.

The boat moors on the Tonle River. You can join our evening cinema session (offered every night) featuring selected classic movies.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Jahan cruise (Superior Cabin)

DAY 2    Kampong chhnang - kamp. Tralach - kampong cham
Wake up early to witness the spectacular scenery at the break of dawn. Our morning Tai Chi class offers the perfect scenery today. Breakfast buffet is served in the dining hall.

We are at Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world”, where everything is on sticks balanced on water rich soil. It’s perhaps the most fascinating cruising spot in Cambodia.

We take a local boat to the shore. By mini buses, we head to a rural village nearby for a walking tour. Our guides intro-duce us to the village specialties – Khmer style pottery and the making of palm sugar. You should definitely bring some home. Before returning to the boat, we explore the floating villages and wetlands of the region.

Back on board, lunch is served while we continue cruising with a languid meander along the Tonle River towards Kam-pong Tralach. A Monks’ blessing ceremony on board delivers spirits and wishes for health and prosperity for all.

Gliding through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape we reach Kampong Tralach. Cacophonous children wave enthusiastically while bringing their livestock for a bath in the meandering river. We will stop at the “Green School” which is partly supported by Heritage Line. See all of the river life - which is so different than ours - by a local ox cart ride.

Back on board, we sail downstream passing the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers. The boat cruises overnight while you enjoy dinner in the dining hall.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Jahan cruise (Superior Cabin)

DAY 3    Kampong Cham - Okhna Tey - Phnom Penh    
After a sumptuous breakfast we stay on board to learn more about the education of the young Cambodian generation (NGO project). The children will join us on board, excited to show their skills in music and art. Be sure to be bathed in smiles upon your applause.

We leave the boat around 09:30 am to the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). This small complex sits on a hill top right on the shore with breathtaking views over the Mekong.

After some refreshment back on the ship, lunch will be served. Our staff is keen on showing you the variety of traditional Khmer fashion in the afternoon. Watch the riverbanks’ life along the Mekong during our High Tea as the ship proceeds to its next stop.

We arrive at the Island of Koh Oknha Tey. This spot in the middle of the Mekong owns its fame for manufacturing high class silk products. By tuk tuk we explore the island with its workshops and learn how silk is processed from its source, provided by little silkworms, to a final top-quality product made of original Cambodian silk.

After some additional cruising time the boat arrives and docks at the pier of Phnom Penh. Feel free to have your first exploration by yourself after dinner. Stroll along the river promenade and watch the locals chit-chatting, selling odds and ends or have a drink in one of the numerous bars (kindly inform our crew once you are leaving the ship on your own).

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Jahan cruise (Superior Cabin)

DAY 4    Phnom Penh
Welcome to Phnom Penh - the once called Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. It is an amazing town with centuries of incredible history and culture which can still be felt at many street corners.

We start with a full sight-seeing tour right after breakfast. By bus we visit the Killing Fields at the outside of the city and after-wards the centrally located prison “S21”. Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter of Khmer history when the Khmer Rouge ruled the country with terror and suppression. Those places have not changed much since this horrific time back in the early seventies and it can be quite heartbreaking. Alternatively, you can explore the city in the morning by your own before re-joining the group.

We take lunch at a fine restaurant in town. Our exploration of Phnom Penh continues on the fascinating cultural heritage of Phnom Penh. The golden edifice of the with its Silver Pagoda and the exceptional Khmer crafts at the National Museum are our afternoon highlights. The day trip ends with a “cyclo” ride back to the ship through the bustling streets of downtown Phnom Penh.

Take some rest in your spacious cabin or join other fellow passengers at the bar for refreshing drinks before our captivating evening activities start.

In the early evening a barbecue dinner on the sun deck commences. The dinner is accompanied with an Apsara dance performance.

You have to witness the brilliance and richness of this dance along with the soothing sounds of the traditional music.

As the evening unwinds, enjoy your supper with a good glass of wine and marvel at the skyline of Phnom Penh, and the calming flow of the Tonle River.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Jahan cruise (Superior Cabin)

 
DAY 5    Phnom Penh - Border Crossing - Tan Chau
After breakfast we gather at the lounge for a great lecture.

The lounge is set up for a captivating lecture about Cambodian modern history, held by a professor of the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Definitely a highlight of this cruise receiving knowledge first hand as our lecturer has studied the subject extensively and personally.

The whole afternoon is at your own arrangements. From now on, even the last passenger will turn on his cruise mode and hopefully experience the therapeutic influence that this mighty river radiates. It is time for massages, relaxation on the sun bed, and private balcony kick-backs - it’s time to merge with the river.

Some may like to visit the bridge as the captain always has a little story to share about “his” river. Float into a state of mild bliss.

Before totally drifting away, do not forget lunchtime around noon.

A culinary class is offered in the afternoon to sharpen your knowledge and skills on the local cuisine. Before slumbering in a nap, join our High Tea with coffee and snacks if you like to.

We reach the border and finally arrive in Vietnam. From here it is just a short distance to Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced border town with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community. We moor near the city with views on the riverbanks.

Dinner will be served soon and you can join our evening cinema with another selected classic movie afterwards.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Jahan cruise (Superior Cabin)

DAY 6    Tan Chau – My An Hung – Sa Dec    
Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the dining hall or in the quiet privacy of your balcony.

Brace yourself for a tour around Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced town near the Cambodian border with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community. Once arrived on-shore we hop on “xeloi” to explore Tan Chau. A “xeloi” is a local vehicle which is still used as a taxi in this region. We slowly move around the streets to see all the workshops, houses and domiciles. Get to feel the laid-back vibes of this place.

We stop at the colorful, local market near one of the ancient temples. This is the best time to interact with the vendors of this friendly town and make your own bargain experience. We board our local boats and cruise along floating houses until we finally reach a floating fish farm. This region is the source of a fish production that is sold all over the world. We get an exclusive insight in how fish farming works.

Back on board before lunch is served, you may like to pamper yourself with some spa treatments or take a dip into the pool on the sun deck. Our expert guides offer a presentation on the “Life on the Mekong Delta” as the ship continues to My An Hung near the Sa Dec province. Before we arrive mingle with fellow passengers and share some stories.

We will set off for the My An Hung Village. In the village we receive wonderful insights into the private household of a local family. We are allowed to visit their vegetable garden and access the seasonal vegetable fields via crossing a monkey bridge. We are also invited to their house for a Vietnamese tea tasting. Vietnamese tea is often bitter and locals sweeten it with honey. The honey is produced by the family, a true delicacy in this region. We are offered fruits - juicy, fresh, and right from the tree. A local artist group performs a typical traditional dragon dance while we munch on those natural “vitamins bombs”.

As the sun sets and the light bathes everything golden, we settle on a riverbank gathering with cocktails to recap the day.

Back on the ship we cruise downstream the Mekong. Refresh yourself and get ready for dinner. The ship moors mid-river near Sa Dec 
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Jahan cruise (Superior Cabin)

DAY 7    Binh Thanh Island – Cai Be – My Tho
In the morning we arrive at the island of Binh Thanh. We embark on a local boat and head towards Binh Thanh Island. Binh Thanh is one of the larger islands in the vast stream of the Mekong. Some communities have settled here and make their living by growing water hyazinths.

We exclusively visit one of those untouched areas. By wandering through the village, we get a deep understanding of the native life. But moreover, we can follow the whole process of their traditional mat making. You can try weaving yourself which is still done manually. We will also meet an old local couple who share their story on this island. They are happy for any chit-chat with you.

Back on-board lunch is served, and you have some time to leisurely spend onboard while we cruise along the Mekong.

In the early afternoon we arrive in Cai Be, a charming town which is famous for its Catholic French church and their manufacturing of traditional crafts and food products. The floating market of Cai Be is getting smaller every year, since trading on the water is shifting more and more to the modern central markets. We can still see some boat to boat trading of local goods, such as fruits and agricultural products.

Our guide will explain all the particulars of this long-lasting trading culture. Each boat has a special marker that lets buyers know what goods they are selling. Afterwards we go on-shore to visit a workshop where we learn how rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies and rice wine is manufactured. Cai Be and its surrounding areas are covered by palm trees and hence the region is also famous for the production of coconut candies. The city is crisscrossed by many water canals. By local boat we will explore the lush and green canal network and observe the farmers working in the fields.

As the sun sets, our crew invites you to a farewell event. Before dinner, you can enjoy dances and music together with the crew. The ship moor at My Tho.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight at Jahan cruise (Superior Cabin)

Note: Mekong cruise is not daily operated and itinerary subjects to change due to season. Please check with us before you plan a trip.
 
DAY 8    My Tho – Ho Chi Minh
Enjoy your last breakfast aboard your floating home. 

We will disembark the ship after breakfast and take a bus transfer from My Tho to the drop off point in Saigon. It is only around 70 kilometers on the highway. You will arrive in Saigon by mid-morning. 

We hope you enjoyed this fascinating river cruise, just as our crew does every single time. Moreover, take the enchanting memories and friendships along with you that will linger on with the stories of this amazing river - the Mighty Mekong. Our private guide will pick you up from meeting point to your hotel check in and take short relax
In the afternoon, half day city tour will be arranged to visit Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, a neo-Roman cathedral built over 130 years ago by the colonial French with materials entirely imported from Marseilles. Call in Saigon Central Post Office, a fine colonial building which was designed and built in the early 20th Century by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel. Move on to Cho Lon or the city’s China Town where you will visit the Jade Emperor Temple (Phuoc Hai), a rare Taoist structure in Vietnam built in 1909 in dedication to the Lord of Heaven.

Meal: Breakfast 
Overnight at Park Hyatt (Park room – City View)
 
DAY 9    Cu Chi Tunnel – City – A O Show
Morning, you will have breakfast at hotel then transfer to Cu Chi, the northernmost suburban district of Ho Chi Minh City. Discover the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, which were once a major underground hideout and resistance base of Viet Cong forces during the two wars against the French and the Americans. The tunnels, entirely hand-dug, formed a highly intricate network of interlinked multilevel passageways at times stretched as far as the Cambodian border and totaling over 120 km in length. Its complexity was beyond imagination containing meeting rooms, kitchens, wells, clinics, schools, depots, trenches and emergency exits all aimed for guerrilla warfare. The tunnels were deep and strong enough to withstand destructive bombings and self-contained enough to outlast prolonged sieges.

In the afternoon, tour in Saigon starting first with Reunification Palace, which was formerly the South Vietnam President’s residence and symbol of the Southern Administration’s reign until end of April 1975

Evening: Optional for A O show – (the show is schedule, show’s date will be advised three months in advance) 
The name ‘A O’ derives from ‘Lang Pho’, which means ‘village and city’. The show depicts the charming beauty and cultural richness of Vietnamese life in the countryside, in contrast with the nation’s racing urbanization. The show is a unique mix of bamboo cirque, acrobatic acts, contemporary dance, and theatrical visual art. The live music echoes Vietnamese Southern work songs. All in all, this beautiful blend of genres creates a unique stage language, which well captures the essence of Vietnam’s fascinating culture.  

Meal: Breakfast 
Overnight at Park Hyatt (Park room – City View)
 
DAY 10     Ho Chi Minh – Nha Trang    
Our tour guide will meet and pick you up at your hotel to transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport on air-conditioned vehicle. When you arrive Nha Trang, our tour guide will wait and pick you up at Cam Ranh International Airport to transfer you to your hotel in Nha Trang on the air-conditioned vehicle. He/she will help you with hotel check-in.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight at The Annam (Balcony Garden View)

DAY 11    Full Day Free At Leisure In Nha Trang
Morning, you will have breakfast at hotel then free at leisure by yourself

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight at The Annam (Balcony Garden View)

DAY 12     Full Day Free At Leisure In Nha Trang    
Morning, you will have breakfast at hotel then free at leisure by yourself

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight at The Annam (Balcony Garden View)

DAY 13     Nha Trang – Flight To Hanoi    
Tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel lobby and transfer to the Cam Ranh International Airport with the air-conditioned vehicle. When you arrive airport, you will be picked up at the Noi Bai International Airport with our private air-conditioned vehicle to transfer to the hotel for check-in. Our tour guide will help you check in hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight at Hotel de L’ Opera Hanoi (Deluxe)

DAY 14 Hanoi City Tour – Hosted Dinner    
Routes can change subject to client’s interest.
Morning, take a full day city tour beginning with the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam, built in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, sages and outstanding Vietnamese scholars, established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. Stop by one of Hanoi’s icons, the One Pillar Pagoda, built in the 11th Century in dedication to Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara or Buddha of Compassion and reminiscent of a lotus blossom rising from a pond. Head to Ho Chi Minh Complex which features the life of Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder. At the complex, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the nation’s founder’s body is preserved (view from outside; closed on Mon, Fri and through from Oct - Nov), the colonial Presidential Palace, originally the French Governor Office and a fine example of French architecture in Hanoi, and the rural style Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked. 
Afternoon set off again to Chau Long Market for a closer look at Hanoian culture in the flurry of a local market. After exploring the street stalls here, set off along Nguyen Truong To Street - famous for its desserts -- toward Hang Than Street, the epicenter of Hanoi’s thriving wedding cake stores. Learn a bit about Vietnam’s unique wedding culture while sampling some wedding cakes. Shake off your sugar rush on a stroll to nearby Hang Cot Street for a look at Hanoi’s mat weaving borough before stopping off along Hang Ga Street for a local coffee shop. End your walking tour with a traditional Vietnamese coffee.
Evening, join a local family for a homemade dinner that introduces you to the cozy atmosphere, traditional meals, and hospitality of Hanoi's people.
18:00: Welcome the clients at the family. Tea is served while the host is introducing about the family, the house with its tradition of running the spiritual business over 04 generations.
18:20. Introduce for the clients about how to make steamed rice paper rolls which has been the traditional job of the local community over hundred years. Clients are welcome to give a try if they wish so.
18:40: Introduce about different kinds of food, the eating culture of different regions all over Vietnam. Then enjoy dinner. At the end of the dinner, return to the hotel.
Meal: Breakfast, Hosted dinner at local family 
Overnight at Hotel de L’ Opera Hanoi (Deluxe)
 
DAY 15     Hanoi – Halong Overnight On Boat
Hanoi to Halong (135km): 2.5hrs
Moring, you will have breakfast at hotel then meet our guide at the lobby at 9:30 AM 
11.30    Check-in at Paradise Suites Hotel - Tuan Chau Island
After arriving at Paradise Suites Hotel on Tuan Chau Island, you will be transferred to Paradise Elegance.
12:30    Embark on Paradise Elegance
Once you have been transferred to Paradise Elegance, you will be checked-in and given a short briefing about your cruise while sipping your welcome drink at Le Marin Restaurant.
13:00    Lunch at Le Marin Restaurant
Lunch will be served in Le Marin Restaurant while Paradise Elegance cruises toward Halong Bay. You will pass the famous Fighting Cocks Islet, and Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves.
14:45    Visit to Tung Sau Pearl Farm or kayak*
Your first excursion is a visit to Tung Sau Pearl Farm, an area in Halong Bay dedicated to growing pearls and practicing a handmade technique based on Vietnamese tradition and Japanese technology. This is also an ideal destination for kayaking. If this excursion doesn’t take your fancy, stay on board and treat yourself to a delicious afternoon tea.
16:15    Visit to Sung Sot Cave
Your second stop of the day is the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, where you can take in the panoramic views across Halong Bay after visiting the cave. Alternatively, you can opt for an afternoon of pampering at Le Parfum Spa* or an afternoon tea in Le Piano Bar.
18:00    Cooking Demonstration and Pre-Dinner Sunset Cocktails*
At sunset, Paradise Elegance will anchor overnight at Coconut Tree Island. Watch a cooking demonstration on the L’Odyssée Sundeck while enjoying Pre-Dinner Sunset Cocktails* at the bar.
19:30    Dinner at Le Marin Restaurant
Savour a delicious dinner at Le Marin Restaurant, or choose a special spot anywhere else on board to dine. After dinner, indulge in drinks* and live music at Le Piano Bar, squid fishing, a spa treatment at Le Parfum Spa* or movies in your cabin.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
Overnight Paradise Elegance (Deluxe with private balcony) 
 
DAY 16    Halong – Hanoi    
06:30
Tai Chi on L'Odyssée Sundeck
Watch the sunrise with a Tai Chi session on L’Odyssée Sundeck, followed by a light breakfast in Le Piano Bar.

07:30

Visit to Titov Island
You will visit popular Titov Island, where you can go swimming or hike to the top for another stunning, panoramic view of the Bay.

08:30

Breakfast Buffet at Le Marin Restaurant
Back on board, a buffet breakfast will be served as we once again cruise past Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves and Fighting Cocks Islet before your bill settlement, check-out and return to Tuan Chau Island.

10:30

Disembark at the Tuan Chau Marina
After disembarking from Paradise Elegance, a light lunch at the Paradise Suites Hotel is served for guests booked on the Paradise shuttle bus.

12:00

Return to Hanoi.
Arrival Hanoi, check in your hotel and free at your leisure time.
Meal: Breakfast, Brunch
Overnight at Hotel D’s L Opera Hanoi (Deluxe)

DAY 17     Hanoi Departure
Our tour guide will meet and pick you up at your hotel to transfer to Noi Bai International Airport on air-conditioned vehicle.

Meal: Breakfast