Hidden Treasures of Vietnam and Cambodia

20 days, 45 meals. Begin your journey among the rolling hills of Sapa, then dive into the bustling and culturally rich city of Hanoi. Treasures await you on a two-night Ha Long Bay cruise on a classic junk before you take to the mighty Mekong River, stopping by the quaint riverside villages as you make your way to historic Ho Chi Minh City.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

Upon arrival in Hanoi, be met at the airport and transfer to your five-star hotel close to the Old Quarter.

Day 2: Hanoi, Sapa

Rise early to drive to the mountain town of Sapa, where hills and valleys cascade in lush greenery. Located near the Chinese border, this picturesque mountain town, once a former French hill station is home to local hill tribe’s people. Witness spectacular mountain views and valleys dotted with terraced paddy fields along the way. Step out on a guided walk around town. Stroll through the local market and learn about several of the ethnic minority groups, including Hmong and Dao, who make their way in from nearby villages to sell their produce. Savour dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your mountain resort perched atop one of Sapa’s highest hills.

Day 3: Sapa

Head out this morning on an easy hike through breathtaking landscapes to explore the small village of Ma Tra. Home to the H’mong and Red Dao tribes, here you will see the famous terraced rice fields and witness the simple lifestyle that this area is renowned for. Take time to explore the ruins of a church dating to the French occupations and stop to chat with the local people. After the village visit, enjoy an included lunch before having the remainder of your afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take the opportunity to go exploring, shopping or relax at your accommodation.

Day 4: Sapa, Hanoi

Drive back to Hanoi and spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening, your Insider Experience awaits before sitting down to your multicourse Vietnamese dinner in the hotel.

Day 5: Hanoi

Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Hanoi, taking in the most famous historical and cultural sites. Visit Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, the iconic One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture and the first university in Vietnam. Afterwards, an Insider Experience awaits.

The afternoon and evening are at leisure or choose from one of our select experience options.

Day 6: Hanoi, Tuan Chau, Embark Ship, Ha Long Bay

Set off early to Tuan Chau before boarding Bhaya Classic, your home for two nights. Meet your crew and set sail among thousands of limestone islets. Feast on a Vietnamese lunch as you soak in the views of Ha Long Bay. Then it’s time to kayak around the Tung Sau area. Catch sunset on board as you cruise towards anchor for the night. Enjoy dinner before doing some squid fishing, sipping cocktails or relaxing in your cabin.

Day 7: Ha Long Bay

Board rowing boats to visit the Luon Cave area, listen to the ancient folklore and enjoy close views of the magnificent limestone karsts. Visit Cua Van Floating Village in the heart of Ha Long Bay, by kayak or traditional rowing boat. Enjoy lunch on board while cruising to Trinh Nu. Spend time relaxing at the private beach or visit one of the finest sunlight caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Later gather for a sumptuous dinner.

Day 8: Ha Long Bay, Disembark Ship, Tuan Chau, Hanoi, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Explore Sung Sot Cave this morning before cruising to Tuan Chau, where you will disembark. Travel to Hanoi airport for your included flight to Siem Reap. For dinner, perhaps choose from one of our select experience dining options.

Day 9: Siem Reap

Explore Siem Reap this morning at your own pace or choose from one of our Enhance Your Journey options. Later discover Ta Prohm, known as Tomb Raider temple. The temple and its atmospheric surrounds have been left to slowly return to nature, with the overgrown jungle and vast root systems creating a unique sight throughout the ruins. After an Insider Experience this evening, enjoy local Khmer flavours during dinner.

Day 10: Siem Reap

Set off early to explore some of the breathtaking architecture and sites of the World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park. Delve into the history and significance of Angkor Wat as you explore inside the vast temple complex. Continue to Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital built in the 12th century and then head to the intriguing Bayon Temple, with its carved stone smiling faces. Stop at Terrace of Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. Later, enjoy your Insider Experiences.

Day 11: Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Embark Ship, Angkor Ban

Transfer to Kampong Cham to join your Mekong River cruise. The RV Apsara will be your beautiful home for the next seven nights. Enjoy an Insider Experience this afternoon before feasting on a Welcome Dinner on board as you begin cruising.

Day 12: Angkor Ban, Oknha Tey, Phnom Penh

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 witness traditional wooden stilted 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.

Day 13: Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh

Begin your morning with an excursion by road to Oudong, Cambodia's former royal capital for a special Insider Experience. En route back to Phnom Penh take a leisurely walk to explore the village of Koh Chen. Here, you will have the chance to visit open-air home copperware workshops.

Return to the ship and enjoy a free afternoon in fascinating Phnom Penh or enhance your time by choosing one of our select experience options.

Day 14: Phnom Penh

Start the morning today with a sobering excursion to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Learn about Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime as well as the resilience of the Cambodian people. Spend 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, 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.

Day 15: Phnom Penh, Border Crossing, Tan Chau

Relax on board as your ship cruises to the Vietnamese border. While border formalities are carried out enjoy the onboard presentations and demonstrations. Cross into Vietnam and cruise onto the riverside town of Tan Chau.

Day 16: Tan Chau, Sa Dec

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 who are always eager to say hello 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 see traditional Vietnamese farming, then head back to the ship and continue cruising towards the quaint town of Sa Dec.

Day 17: Sa Dec, Cai Be, My Tho

Take a boat ride to Sa Dec pass 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 (The Lover).

Return to the ship and sit down to a delicious lunch while you cruise towards Cai Be. After lunch, a local boat takes you to the river-land 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.

Day 18: My Tho, Disembark Ship, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City

Disembark at My Tho and travel by coach to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a tunnel network built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. Spend time to gain an understanding of the tunnel's construction by the Viet Cong, during both the French and American wars. Then you have a chance to crawl through a section of the tunnels, giving you a firsthand experience of what it was like for the soldiers who lived and fought here. Continue to Ho Chi Minh City, and this evening for dinner, choose from one of our select experience dining options.

Day 19: Ho Chi Minh City

Begin with your Insider Experience. The afternoon has been left for you to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options. Tonight, gather for a delicious Farewell Dinner.

Day 20: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Your holiday comes to an end today after breakfast with a transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward journey.