Cruise the Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia

Itinerary

1. Days

   1-2

   Travel to Ho Chi Minh City

   Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

   Fly from London Heathrow on your overnight flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for an early check in and breakfast, followed by an introductory tour of the city. Highlights include the Reunification Palace where famously in 1975, a tank burst through its gates in the final defining moment of the Vietnam War. We also see the War Remnants Museum and the lively Ben Thanh market - a fascinating insight into daily life. The rest of the day is spent at leisure.

2. Day

   3

   Cu Chi Tunnels

   Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam

   Today, visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex underground tunnel network used by the Vietcong. This complex underground network stretches for 124 miles, which included hospitals, meeting rooms, sleeping quarters and kitchens. The visit is a fascinating insight into these troubled times: see the tunnels themselves and examples of the many mantraps and stake pits which protected them. After the tour, continue through rural farming communities back to Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon.

3. Day

   4

   Embark RV La Marguerite

   Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

   As you transfer to the Mekong Delta this morning, see coconut groves swaying with the breeze. The countryside is studded with pagodas and an amazing network of paddy fields, tended by farmers wearing iconic conical hats. Enjoy stops at the picturesque Cholon market and a lacquer workshop, before you board the four-star RV La Marguerite for your seven-night Mekong river cruise.

   After lunch, visit the Van Thanh Mieu Temple, built in 1864 followed by a traditional Hat Boi show combining dance, song and storytelling.

4. Day

   5

   Vinh Long & Ben Tre District

   Vinh Long, Vietnam

   Spend a day discovering local cottage industries, a floating market and pagoda, a true taste of local life! This morning, board a smaller local boat to discover a canal lined with brick kilns and local factories in nearby Mang Thit district in Vinh Long province. The district is known as the Kingdom of Bricks with nearly 1,000 factories and 2,000 kilns making it the largest handicraft brick and pottery kiln area in the Mekong Delta region. After your visit, return to the ship for lunch.

   This afternoon, see the floating coconut market in the Ben Tre District. Ben Tre is known for its coconut production and culture, and is home to thousands of coconut trees, groves and factories. Complete your tour with a visit to Vinh Buu pagoda before returning to the ship.

5. Day

   6

   Cái Bè & Sa Dec

   Sa Dec, Vietnam

   This morning, sail to the island of Tan Phong on a small local boat. Here, see local craft villages where locals are skilled in the art of weaving water hyacinths for baskets and other decorative objects. You'll also visit some local fruit fields and learn about the many exotic fruits this area is known for. There will be time to visit the gothic cathedral of Cai Be and meet a family making rice paper and coconut sweets.

   Enjoy lunch on board, before your afternoon in the city of Sa Dec. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere on a city tour, including a visit to the house described in the novel 'The Lover' by French writer Marguerite Duras. The house, now a museum, dates back to 1895 and is a meld of French, Chinese and Vietnamese styles. Experience the colourful Cao Dai temple as well as the sights and smells of the local market.

6. Day

   7

   Tan Chau

   An Giang, Vietnam

   This morning, transfer to a small boat to explore Tan Chau, Vietnam's leading silk centre producing extremely high quality and truly beautiful naturally dyed clothes. Back on board, Vietnam slowly recedes as we cross into Cambodia and continue into the evening with a chance to enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the lounge, before dinner. Take a stroll out on deck, look above and be dazzled by the luminosity of an amazing night sky, as you cruise to Phnom Penh.

7. Day

   8

   Phnom Penh

   Phnom Penh, Cambodia

   Phnom Penh has preserved much of its wonderful rustic charm, elegance and French allure. Sightseeing includes visiting the dazzling Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, followed by a chance to witness exceptionally beautiful Khmer craft in the National Museum. In homage to Cambodia's tragic recent history, visit the haunting Tuol Sleng Genocide museum. Head to the hill Wat Phnom, ascending the hill to 27 metres you see the picturesque sanctuary dedicated to Mrs Penh who gave her name to the city.

   This evening, be enchanted by a traditional Khmer dance show after another delicious dinner on board.

8. Day

   9

   Silk Island & Phnom Penh

   Phnom Penh, Cambodia

   This morning, travel to Silk Island to discover a delightful silk weaving village by tuk-tuk. Return to the ship for lunch as the ship returns to Phnom Penh. Spend the afternoon at leisure and explore the bustling markets and street food stalls.

9. Day

   10

   Angkor Ban

   Angkor Ban, Cambodia

   This morning, cruise into the Upper Mekong and the heart of Cambodia where this vast river astonishingly changes its direction of flow between wet and dry seasons. After lunch, arrive in Angkor Ban, one of the very few villages that survived and was not burned or destroyed during the Khmer Rouge period. See the traditional houses and absorb the peaceful atmosphere, where time stands still here as you witness a slice of Cambodian rural life. Back on board, continue your journey towards Siem Reap.

10. Day

    11

    Siem Reap

    Siem Reap, Cambodia

    Disembark in Kampong Cham early this morning to transfer to Siem Reap for your three-night stay. En route, stop at the Kampong Kdei Bridge, dating from the Angkorian period, built during the reign of Jayavarman VII. On arrival at the hotel, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. You may wish to explore, relax or enjoy the spa.

11. Day

    12

    Angkor

    Angkor Ban, Cambodia

    Today, see the haunting soft morning light over the eerie temples of Angkor. Encircled by verdant steamy jungle, shrouded in mist and with a tropical dawn chorus reverberating in the air, this is something you will never forget. Visit the fortified 13th-century city of Angkor Thom - its centre contains one of Angkor's most astonishing sites, the temple of Bayon. Crowned by over 50 towers, each with four colossal carved heads looking out in every direction, this is an extraordinary masterpiece of Khmer art.

    After some time for lunch, explore one of the most intriguing sites, the smaller temple of Ta Prohm which has been left in its natural, unrestored state, with giant tropical trees bursting through the ruins, their roots entwined like vast tentacles across the moss-covered, weathered walls and roofs. Later, see the immense temple of Angkor Wat, one of the largest religious structures in the world. The main entrance faces west to catch the rose-red glow of the setting sun, a truly magical time of day. Finish the day with a visit to the Night Market to snap up some souvenirs.

12. Day

    13

    Free day in Siem Reap

    Siem Reap, Cambodia

    Enjoy your last full day in Cambodia, which is at leisure for you to enjoy. You might want to spend your free time enjoying the swimming pool and facilities of your hotel, or getting out to explore the excellent markets and restaurants of Siem Reap. Perhaps take a stroll along the tree-lined promenade along the river, visit the Old Market, trawl the boutiques and galleries that dot cool Kandal Village, or learn about the revival of traditional Khmer arts at Artisan Angkor's workshops.

13. Days

    14-15

    Departure

    Siem Reap, Cambodia

    Depending on your flight time, afternoon tea (wine and cocktails also included) is available at the hotel this afternoon. Transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight to London Heathrow.