Vietnam & Cambodia Highlights by River

After enjoying a complimentary private transfer and airport lounge access, board your overnight flight.

Flying into Vietnam's largest city, you'll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Housed in a grand French-colonial building, it's an attraction in its own right, complete with spa treatments, elegant rooms and a pair of superb restaurants. It’s lucky, then, that you’ll be dining here tonight – the chance to meet your fellow guests over a welcome dinner.

You’ll be treated to your first choice of signature experiences today. Perhaps you’d like to travel by speedboat to explore the labyrinthine Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast subterranean network was once used by the Viet Cong, serving as hiding spots, supply depots and even hospitals. Or perhaps meet a Master Distiller at Lady Trieu Gin distillery.  At day’s end, you’ll be treated to a lavish multi-course dinner at Vietnam House; it’s one of the city’s best-reviewed restaurants.

This morning you’ll have some time to explore the city proper, taking in its bustling markets and beautiful colonial architecture on a walking tour. The Independence Palace is a particular highlight; it’s a palm-fringed 1960s vestige with a unique war-time history. Or you might like to jump on the back of a motorbike for an exciting city ride or join a local instructor for a gentle Tai Chi class. Alternatively, you may like to try out your culinary skills with a fun cooking class, or take a shopping spree. Whichever you choose, you’ll then be brought to your luxury river ship, settling in to your stylish suite to watch the river scenery from your private balcony. It’s then time for the first of your all-inclusive on-board dining, with a multi-course dinner, perhaps capped with a drink in the open bar.

Stay: Mekong Serenity

You’ll enjoy the first of your breakfasts today as you wind on to Cai Be. Here, a traditional boat will bring you ashore for a visit to a local rice-paper manufacturer before you cruise on to Sa Dec. It’s the chance to visit the beautifully carved house of Marguerite Duras’s amor – Huynh Thuy Le. Its centuries-old façade is just as romantic as the author’s seminal work, The Lover. After, you’ll visit a traditional Cao Dai temple.

Stay: Mekong Serenity

Boarding a small boat this morning, you’ll be brought to shore with Cai Be, where you’ll enjoy a typically Vietnamese experience. Hopping onto a rickshaw, you’ll tour this archetypal Mekong-Delta town on three wheels, taking in bustling markets and cottage industries. Then, after pausing at some of the many lush-green islands that dot the Mekong, you’ll cruise into Cambodia. It’s the chance to relax on the sun-deck pool as rural river life plays out.

Stay: Mekong Serenity

Arriving into the Cambodia capital, you’ll once more have a choice of included 'Freedom of Choice'  Perhaps experience some of Cambodia’s sobering history with a visit to the infamous Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Or, discover Phnom Penh on a cyclo ride to uncover some well-known sights. History buffs can admire the exhibits at the National Museum or perhaps explore the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda Or you may wish to set off on a journey to sample some locally brewed beers at two of the city’s craft breweries.

Stay: Mekong Serenity

Disembark in Phnom Penh and discover Oudong for former royal capital of Cambodia, and an important place of pilgrimage. Here you’ll be treated to a special Signature Experience, a monastery for a Buddhist blessing with monks at a local monastery. Return to your ship via the village Koh Chen, where you will perhaps visit some home workshops that manufacture copperware. Later, your ship glides along the lush banks of the Mekong to Oknha Tey, a small island renowned for its skilful silk weaving traditions. Enjoy dinner onboard tonight.

Stay: Mekong Serenity

Join a walking discovery of Angkor Ban, one of the few villages in Cambodia that was not destroyed under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Experience rustic agricultural life as you wander past the wooden stilted houses in this quiet, rural place

Stay: Mekong Serenity

Those who wish to climb Wat Hanchey this morning will be rewarded with stunning hilltop panoramas and some of the best views of the Mekong River. Following lunch on board, take a tuk tuk to explore the island of Koh Pen with its wooden stilt houses and local farming culture. It’s all capped off with a special farewell dinner.

Stay: Mekong Serenity

Disembarking today, you’ll be transferred to your luxury hotel, a French-colonial jewel that overlooks a private lake. As your home for the next three nights, it features everything from a golf course to a spectacular pool area. Be welcomed backstage at Phare Circus and watch a mesmerising performance from your VIP seats. Combining captivating acrobatics, theatre and storytelling, this unforgettable spectacle showcases the country’s rich culture and talent. You’ll finish with a visit to Opportunities of Development thru Art – a grass-roots NGO that provides education to the region’s underprivileged children.

Stay: Hotel Sofitel Angkor (Deluxe)

Rising early this morning, you’ll be treated to a special sunrise experience at Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. Then, your expert guide will bring you among the temple complex’s upper echelons, sacred centres and beautifully carved cloisters.Continue your exploration of the World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park with a visit to Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital. Built during the heyday of the Khmer Empire in the 12th century, this is an extraordinary complex of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Head to the intriguing Bayon Temple, with its carved stone smiling faces of gods, goddesses and other mythology beings. Visit the Terrace of Elephants, which used to be the base for the king’s grand audience hall, and the Terrace of the Leper King, which housed the royal crematory. Journey to Ta Prohm, known for the thick jungle of fig trees and vines that have enveloped the structure, creating a feeling akin to stepping into a lost world. In the evening, take the opportunity to savour a taste of Cambodia with a choice of local restaurants for dinner from your 'Freedom of Choice' selection.

Stay: Hotel Sofitel Angkor (Deluxe)

On your final day, you’ll have a full choice of sightseeing. Perhaps enjoy a tuk tuk ride to the Senteurs d’Angkor workshop. If you’re feeling energetic, join a quad bike adventure or take a leisurely bicycle tour through the Cambodian countryside. Other options include a horse and cart ride, a traditional Khmer cooking class, and a shopping adventure, or why not indulge in a relaxing spa treatment. Or maybe treat yourself to a private visit to Theam’s Gallery and discover this talented Cambodian artist known for his unique sculptures, paintings, and intricate crafts. Indulge in a tantalising five-course Khmer dinner while enjoying a traditional Apsara dance performance accompanied by live musicians. Whatever you choose, it’s all included.

Stay: Hotel Sofitel Angkor (Deluxe)

After a final breakfast, you’ll be brought to the airport for your return flight back to the UK. On arrival, a complimentary private driver will be waiting to bring you home.