Summary
Short description
A luxury, all-inclusive sailing along the mighty Mekong with APT
Highlights
- Enjoy luxury stays among Angkor Wat’s lost temple city and Ho Chi Minh City’s imperial grandeur
- Witness the sun rising above Cambodia’s Angkor Wat
- Pause at lesser-visited rural villages and jungle temples
- Enjoy exclusive 'Signature Experiences' and 'Freedom of Choice' activities
- Experience in all in style from your luxurious river ship Mekong Serenity
In Brief
- 2 Nights Ho Chi Minh City
- 1 Night Ho Chi Minh
- 1 Night Sa Dec
- 1 Night Tân Châu
- 1 Night Phnom Penh
- 1 Night Oudong
- 1 Night Angkor Ban
- 1 Night Kampong Chhnang
- 3 Nights Siem Reap
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Escorted tour | History & culture | Natural world | River cruise
Sailing between Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial charm and the world-wonder temples of Angkor, this luxury APT river cruise showcases the very best of southern Vietnam and Cambodia. You’ll ply the mighty Mekong River, weaving along its verdant delta to pause everywhere from Phnom Penh’s golden palaces to riverside villages and off-the-beaten-track monasteries. Each pause is brought to life by a choice of included, expert-led touring. Think local cooking classes, tuk tuk tours and ox-cart rides. The all-inclusive indulgences continue on board, with open bars and gourmet full-board dining on APTs new for 2023 Mekong Serenity. Either side, you’ll enjoy stays in luxury hotels.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Depart UK
After enjoying a complimentary private transfer and airport lounge access, board your overnight flight.
Day
2
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
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.
Stay: Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City (Deluxe)
Meals: D
Day
3
Ho Chi Minh City: Long Tan or Cu Chi Tunnels
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.
Stay: Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City (Deluxe)
Meals: B L D
Day
4
Ho Chi Minh City: freedom of choice touring and embark cruise
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
Meals: B L D
Day
5
Cai Be and Sa Dec
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
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Tan Chau, Evergreen Island and border crossing
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
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Phnom Penh
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
Meals: B L D
Day
8
Oudong and Koh Chen
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
Meals: B L D
Day
9
Angkor Ban
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
Meals: B L D
Day
10
Kampong Chhnang
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
Meals: B L D
Day
11
Siem Reap and the Temples of Angkor
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)
Meals: B D
Day
12
Siem Reap and the Temples of Angkor
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)
Meals: B
Day
13
Siem Reap freedom of choice touring
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)
Meals: B D
Days
14-15
Siem Reap/UK
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.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this cruise can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
15-day river cruise holiday
from £4,295 pp incl. flights
Deluxe
Special Offer
Save up to 35% & free suite ugrade on selected dates: Save up to £3,000 pp.
Book by: 31 October 2024
November to December 2024 departures from
from £4,295 pp. incl. flights
January to March 2025 departures from
from £4,995 pp. incl. flights
July 2025 to April 2026 departures from
from £5,645 pp. incl. flights
Special offers:
- save up to 35% and enjoy an upgrade to the best available cabin on selected departures November 2024 to March 2025
- save up to £1,100 pp on selected departures July 2025 to April 2026
Price Includes:
- Home-to-airport transfers by private car**
- Return scheduled flights from the UK to Ho Chi Minh & Siem Reap
- Fully escorted tour & river cruise with APT including:
- 5 nights accommodation staying in 5* Deluxe hotels on a mix meal basis from Breakfast to Full-board
- 7-night full board river cruise aboard Mekong Serenity
- Locally inspired dining – a total of 32 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
- Unique cultural experiences and touring, including APT exclusive Signature Experiences
- APT Cruise Director and expert local guides
- Overseas transfers, port charges and tipping
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
Alternative departure dates operate the itinerary in reverse. Prices vary by departure date and suite availability, please call for details.
Why not add on a pre-cruise extension to include two extra nights in Hanoi and a three-day luxury Ha Long Bay cruise - please speak to a specialist for details
** Home to airport transfers by private car within 75 mile radius, not applicable with certain special offers (speak to consultant for details not available with some special offers)
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
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