AVALON 2024: The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam (Southbound) (WSII)
18 Day River Cruise Siem Reap to Hanoi
This magical Southeast Asia river cruise along the Mekong River will take you through Cambodia and Vietnam, showing you the culture and local traditions of each country and the must-see sites along the way.Your adventure begins in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with the magnificent Temples of Angkor. Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, these ancient ruins are a display of architectural complexity and grandeur unlike anything else in the world. Stand in awe at the most famous of these temples, Angkor Wat, dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu; and the Bayon temple, which features some 200 mysterious faces carved in its many towers. Enjoy an inspiring Apsara dance performance and other treasures of the city before embarking on your river cruise. In Kampong Tralach, an ox-cart ride will show you the Cambodian countryside and you'll meet a local farmer and learn about his daily life. The temple of Wat Hanchey, perched on a hilltop, will provide the most stunning views, and then take part in a traditional water blessing with local monks. Continue your journey into Vietnam and stroll through a local market-a unique opportunity to see locals buying and selling fresh produce. Via sampan, visit the home of a local family for a cotton-weaving demonstration and a local workshop which makes rice wine and traditional candies. In bustling Ho Chi Minh City, try your hand in the kitchen with a Vietnamese cooking class and go on an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels-the extraordinary network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war.Fly to Hanoi and explore the famous sites, such as the Old Quarter, where peddlers have traded goods for centuries on its 36 ancient streets. Next, a remarkable 2-night cruise along Ha Long Bay will show you its beautiful Limestone Islands. You'll visit the Cua Van Floating Village, spectacular caves, and even go for a swim at Ti Top Island. The perfect ending to an unforgettable Southeast Asia river cruise vacation!
Call (916) 716-6365 for more information or to book today! Mention code 16442478
- Tour Operator
- Globus
- Duration
- 18 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Siem Reap | Timeless Temples Welcome to Siem Reap, home to the Temples of Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on Earth! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in |
| Day 2 | Siem Reap | The Tranquil Temples of Angkor and Joyful DancesCLASSIC Explore the temples by tuk-tuk. Start at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples: Angkor Wat. Featuring five trademark towers, it is the symbol of Cambodia. Then, continue your Guided Excursion to visit Angkor Thom, where you will explore Bayon Temple with its 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas relief sculptures.Enjoy some time at your leisure this afternoon to explore Siem Reap's shops for local artisan crafts.DISCOVERY This evening, a private Apsara Dance Performance brings ancient Khmer culture to life through music, song, and dance.(B,L,D) |
| Day 3 | Siem Reap | Root-Covered Ruins and Native NoodlesCLASSIC Continue your Sightseeing Tour to the Angkor temples at Ta Prohm. Tree roots cover the ruin walls, allowing you to experience the temple with the same wonder as early explorers. Then visit Banteay Srei, a unique temple built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. En route, stop at a village famous for making Khmer noodles by hand.Spend the afternoon at your leisure. (B) |
| Day 4 | Phnom Penh | Your Suite Ship Awaits! Fly to Phnom Penh and transfer to the port where your ship's crew will be waiting to welcome you onboard. Get acquainted with the ship and relax before your welcome reception this evening. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO WAT HANCHEY(B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | Angkor Ban | Water Blessings and Back-to-School Adventures DISCOVERY Visit Wat Hanchey, a hilltop temple dating back to the 8th century. Climb or be driven to the top where you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area and partake in a traditional water blessing given by local monks.DISCOVERY After lunch, enjoy a Walking Tour through the rural village of Angkor Ban. Here, you will visit a traditional Khmer house and interact with children at a local school.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KAMPONG TRALACH (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | KONPONG LOUANG | Calm in the Cambodian CountrysideDISCOVERY Your Guided Sightseeing starts in Kampong Tralach with an ox-cart Ride through the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, stop to meet a local farmer and learn about his daily life. At the silversmith village in Konpong Louang, see talented craftsmen use age-old techniques to turn pure silver into works of art.Sail to the capital city of Phnom Penh this afternoon. PHNOM PENHA Dark History or Market DynamicsCLASSIC After lunch, a Visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and one of the Killing Fields offers a glimpse into the atrocities inflicted on the Cambodian people by the Khmer Rouge regime, OR: DISCOVERY Visit the lively Central Market with its unique Art Deco design by tuk-tuk.This evening, spend some free time exploring the city on your own. Perhaps follow the riverfront promenade to the historic Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC).(B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | Phnom Penh | The Royal TreatmentCLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the city by private cyclo with visits to the Royal Palace with the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum featuring an outstanding display of Khmer artifacts.The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Just before dinner, children from a local orphanage will perform a show, featuring local song and dance.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIETNAM/CAMBODIA BORDER(B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | Chau Doc | Good Morning, Vietnam! DISCOVERY Take a Village Walk through the Chau Doc market and absorb the atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. After lunch, embark on a Guided Excursion down the backwaters of the Mekong. Along the way, see traditional floating homes, speedboat merchants, religious sites, a market selling dried goods, and more.EVENING CRUISE TO LONG KHANH A(B,L,D) |
| Day 9 | Cu Lao Gieng | Cotton Weaving, Conical Hats, and Handcrafted SampansDISCOVERY This morning, a sampan brings you to the village of Long Khanh A, for a Cotton-Weaving Demonstration of this well-preserved tradition.DISCOVERY This afternoon, enjoy scenes of daily life on Cu Lao Gieng Island via sampan and local motor cart. Your Guided Excursion starts with a stop at one of Vietnam's oldest Catholic churches. Then, visit the home of a local family that makes Vietnamese conical hats, or 'Non la,' from materials available to them such as palm leaves and bamboo. These iconic hats are primarily used as protection from the sun and rain, but you may also see them used as a basket to carry home goods from the market. Lastly, visit a local workshop where a skilled family hand-crafts sampan boats.EVENING CRUISE TO VINH LONG(B,L,D) |
| Day 10 | Vinh Long | Sweets and Rice Treats DISCOVERY Board a sampan this morning to Visit a Local Workshop in Vinh Long where you will see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candies are made.This afternoon, enjoy time on board the ship as we sail to exciting Ho Chi Minh City.AFTERNOON CRUISE TO HO CHI MINH CITY(B,L,D) |
| Day 11 | Ho Chi Minh City | Motorbikes, Monuments, and Mouthwatering Cuisine CLASSIC Take a Walking Tour of Ho Chi Minh City's historic landmarks, including a stop at the Rex Hotel for a refreshing drink at the rooftop bar where the U.S. Military held the infamous 'Five O'clock Follies' during the war. Then, visit the War Remnants Museum and bustling Ben Thanh Market.DISCOVERY For lunch, participate in a hands-on Vietnamese Cooking Class. Learn to prepare several local dishes and how to recreate them at home. Last, but not least, sample your delicious creations!Enjoy time at your leisure this afternoon and evening for independent exploration. Maybe stop for a drink at the famous rooftop bar at the Caravelle Hotel.(B,L) |
| Day 12 | Ho Chi Minh City | Secret Passageways and Underground Hideouts CLASSIC Drive out of the city for a Guided Visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels-an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length-used as a hideout and secret village by the Viet Cong.Explore the city further during free time this afternoon. This evening, join your traveling companions for a special dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D) |
| Day 13 | Hanoi | Hanoi Bound Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night.(B) |
| Day 14 | Hanoi | Historic Hanoi and Water Puppets CLASSIC First, join a Guided Visit of the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which 'Uncle Ho' ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next, see iconic sites, including One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the infamous 'Hanoi Hilton.' Lastly, visit the 900-year-old Temple of Literature, Hanoi's first university.Enjoy lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that teaches local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. CLASSIC After lunch, enjoy an Electric Cart Ride through the fascinating Old Quarter-with its 36 ancient streets where merchants trade as they have for centuries.DISCOVERY An early dinner this evening is followed by a fascinating Live Performance of Hanoi's renowned water puppets, a traditional 11th-century artform.(B,L,D) |
| Day 15 | Ha Long Bay | Island Shapes and a Floating VillageTravel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes. Board the luxurious Paradise Elegance for a 2-Night Cruise on the bay. DISCOVERY Visit the Cua Van Floating Village, home to more than 700 people, by bamboo raft, OR: ACTIVE Take a Kayak Ride to visit Cua Van Village.Enjoy scenic sailing for the remainder of the day before anchoring for the night. (B,L,D) |
| Day 16 | Ha Long Bay | Caves, Kayaks, and Scenic Climbs DISCOVERY Visit Ti top Island, for a Guided Excursion for a swim, or climb 400 steps to the top of the island for stunning views. You can also visit Luon Cave by boat, and explore Dark & Bright Cave by bamboo raft, OR: ACTIVE Explore Luon Cave and Dark & Bright Cave by Kayak Ride.After a day of exploring, consider a spa treatment or simply relax for happy hour prior to dinner!(B,L,D) |
| Day 17 | Hanoi | Surprising and Amazing Beauty This morning, relax onboard your ship, or visit Sung Sot Cave, considered one of the most beautiful in the area with its magnificent formations. Afterwards, return to Hanoi and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at your leisure.(B) |
| Day 18 | Hanoi | Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- US$ Price Details
Gratuities for Local Guides & drivers are included (excludes extensions which are to be paid locally). Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability). Travel Terms & Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by Avalon Waterways, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Avalon Waterways, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
Important Notes- Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
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Our volume buying power saves you money. We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city. Avalon Waterways offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Early Airfare Price Guarantee locks in a price that is guaranteed not to increase. Air pricing and schedules are available approximately 330 days prior to last travel date in the itinerary. At that time the best air price will be utilized and a new invoice with the air cost and confirmed schedule will be sent. The identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier?s codeshare partner, will be assigned and disclosed at this time. If the guaranteed price is the lowest, the schedule with the lowest fare per contracted classes of service will be booked. Any voluntary change to the confirmed flights negates the guaranteed price and is subject to air pricing at the time of the change.
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"Starting at" Disclaimer
The "Starting at" or "From" listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on double occupancy and any applicable non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes limited-time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.
