Summary
Short description
Discover the wonders of the Mekong on this two-week cruise and stay escorted tour with APT Travelmarvel
Highlights
- Explore temples, villages and the floating markets of the Mekong Delta
- Cruise from Vietnam to Cambodia aboard RV Apsara over 7 fascinating days
- Discover the historic sights of Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap including Cu Chi Tunnels and Angkor Wat.
- Enjoy unique experiences and wonderful regional dining in the company of expert local guides.
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
Escorted tour | History & culture | Relaxation | River cruise
This premium escorted tour and river cruise holiday with Travelmarvel by APT takes in the highlights of the Mekong River from Ho Chi Minh City – also known as Saigon – in Vietnam to Siem Reap in Cambodia. The Mekong is one of the world's great rivers and you'll explore it all alongside enjoying the likes of rickshaw tours of Tan Chau in the Mekong Delta before crossing into Cambodia and its capital Phnom Penh where you'll learn about the county's turbulent past and marvel at the city's spectacular Royal Palace. From here you'll continue upstream, past colourful riverside monasteries and charming villages to Siem Reap and the majestic temples of Angkor.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
UK/Ho Chi Minh City
After included VIP airport lounge access, board your flight to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, arriving on day two.
Day
2
Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
On arrival, you'll be met by a local representative who will transfer you to your hotel, Fusion Suites, all floor-to-ceiling windows and timber beams in rustically modern suites. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers and Tour Director during a welcome dinner, enjoying traditional Vietnamese fare.
Stay: Fusion Suites, Ho Chi Minh City (Superior)
Meals: D
Day
3
Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, enjoy a fully guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, built by the Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. Discover the tiny tunnels used as part of a larger network by the Viet Cong guerrillas as hiding places during combat as well as serving as supply routes, hospitals, weapon caches and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters.
Stay: Fusion Suites, Ho Chi Minh City (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
4
Embark ship at Ho Chi Minh
After breakfast, transfer to My Tho Port where you'll begin your spectacular cruise by boarding the stunning RV Apsara. This evening, perhaps enjoy a sundowner before traditional Asian cuisine in the form of a sumptuous dinner welcomes you on board.
Stay: RV Apsara (Superior)
Meals: B L D
Day
5
Cai Be, Sa Dec
Cruise to the town of Cai Be. Go ashore to see Cai Be’s French Gothic Cathedral and visit a local rice paper manufacturer to learn how rice paper is made. Continue on to Sa Dec for a guided tour. Here, you’ll see the home of Huynh Thuy Le, once the lover of French writer Marguerite Duras, and visit a Cao Dai Temple.
Stay: RV Apsara (Superior)
Meals: B L D
Day
6
Tan Chau, Border Crossing
Transfer to a small boat for a journey along the tiny tributaries that snake around Tan Chau, step ashore for a rickshaw tour and visit a local island. Spend the remainder of the day in comfort on board as your ship cruises to the Cambodian border.
Stay: RV Apsara (Superior)
Meals: B L D
Day
7
Phnom Penh
After breakfast, you'll head on a sobering journey to the infamous Killing Fields of Cambodia before visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum on the site of the Khmer Rouge's notorious Security Prison 21. Discover the history of Pol Pot's regime in the 1970s before visiting Phnom Penh's river promenade as your ship nears the capital. After lunch on board, disembark and enjoy a guided tour of the spectacular Royal Palace, dominating the skyline with intricate gold gilded walls and spectacular roofs.
Stay: RV Apsara (Superior)
Meals: B L D
Day
8
Oudong, Koh Chen
This morning, an excursion takes you to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital. While here, enjoy an Insider Experience. En route back to Phnom Penh, explore Koh Chen, a village specialising in the manufacture of copperware. Here you’ll visit some small family workshops and have the opportunity to buy some souvenirs.
Stay: RV Apsara (Superior)
Meals: B L D
Day
9
Oknha Tey
Disembark this morning for a tour of Oknha Tey, or ‘Silk Island’, located on the lush banks of the Mekong River. Tour the village and see the traditional silk weaving that has been preserved for centuries. This afternoon, set sail for Angkor Ban
Stay: RV Apsara (Superior)
Meals: B L D
Day
10
Angkor Ban. Koh Pen
Embark on a tuk tuk ride around the island of Koh Pen.
Disembark this morning for a walking tour of Angkor Ban, one of the few traditional villages left in Cambodia. Later cruise to Kampong Cham before an Insider Experience.
Stay: RV Apsara (Superior)
Meals: B L D
Day
11
Siem Reap, Angkor
In the morning, disembark the ship and meet with children at Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA), an organisation that offers educational support. Then transfer to Siem Reap. Later, continue to explore Ta Prohm and its verdant, intertwined trees.
Stay: Shinta Mani Angkor, Siem Reap (Superior)
Meals: B
Day
12
Angkor, Siem Reap
After a morning at leisure in Siem Reap, visit the ancient Bayon Temple. This evening, enjoy sunset at Angkor Wat before savouring a delicious Farewell Dinner and Apsara dance performance.
Stay: Shinta Mani Angkor, Siem Reap (Superior)
Meals: B D
Days
13-14
Depart Siem Reap
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK, arriving on day 14.
Meals: B
Map
Pricing
Any element of this cruise can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Prices
Accommodation rating:
14-day river cruise holiday
from £3,795 pp incl. flights
Free cabin upgrade and save up to 30%
Book by: 02 December 2024
Special offers:
- Save up to 30% off selected dates from January to March 2025 and enjoy a free cabin upgrade - prices from £3,995 (10th January 2025 departure)
- Save up to £1,000 pp off selected departures from August 2025 to March 2026 - prices from £3,995 pp (21st March 2026 departure)
- Plus save an additional £200 pp in the APT Black Friday sale - book by 2 December 2024.
Includes:
- Return scheduled flights from the UK
- Hotel accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- 7 night Travelmarvel cruise aboard the all-balcony river ship RV Apsara
- Unique cultural experiences in towns, villages & cities
- 27 meals with complimentary beverages served with lunch and dinner
- • Services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director and local guides
- Overseas transfers, port charges and tipping
Departure dates from January to March 2025 and from August 2025 to March 2026. Prices and offers vary by departure date and stateroom availability, please call for details.
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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