Cruising Vietnam - Cambodia

📍 From Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Hotel in HCMC (8km): 30mins

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and be welcomed by the guide and transferred to the hotel. 

Once known as the ‘Pearl of Indochina’, Ho Chi Minh City boasts an enormous architectural wealth, mirroring its colourful history. From the pagodas, museums and European architecture of the city’s recent past to the growing number of skyscrapers, Ho Chi Minh City is like a trip through time. 

Spend the rest of the day at leisure and recover from the long flight.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
 

Inclusions:

This morning at 08:30, meet with a local guide and start with a walking tour (depending on the season, this order might be changed) through the historic city centre and CBD. See the architecturally splendid City Hall, historic Dong Khoi Street, the Continental Hotel and the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. 

Then step off the main road into a historic building revolutionised by the city’s youth. Here, locally owned retail stores, coffee shops and art spaces offer a glimpse into the city’s creative  generation. If time allows, sit for a coffee at one of the building’s café’s. 

Continue on foot to the Central Post Office. Here, get a  glimpse of the former CIA building, where one of the last helicopter evacuations took place in 1975. Stroll through lovely 30 April Park to perhaps the city’s most famous landmark - the Reunification Palace. Now preserved in a time warp, the ‘war rooms’ in the basement plus the opulent displays are fascinating.  

Finish up the day at another historic site, the Ben Thanh Market. Still functioning as a local neighbourhood market, the central location also welcomes travellers with a variety of stalls. 
Having gained greater understanding of Ho Chi Minh City's culture and history, return to the hotel to relax  or your next destination. 

This evening at 18:00, depart from the hotel to the home of the host, tucked down a typical ‘Ho Chi Minh Cityese’ street 20–25 mins drive from the centre of the city  (traffic dependable). 

On arrival, get settled and chat over a welcome drink about her life journey from the north to south of Vietnam and how she became an author and street photographer. Enjoy an authentic Vietnamese meal, home cooked by the host.  This is a unique opportunity to learn more about how locals dine in a typical, yet elegant manner.  

After the meal, spend some time admiring her lively photo collection of Ho Chi Minh City’s daily street life and the inspirational story behind each piece. Transfer back to the hotel after an evening (and belly!) full of memories. 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City        

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

The morning begins with a short drive to the banks of the Ho Chi Minh City River. Board a join-in speedboat for a scenic ride to the Cu Chi tunnels. Gaze upon the modern skyline of the city while enjoying a light breakfast. Watch as the scenery changes, passing through urban neighbourhoods and then rural countryside. 

After 90 minutes, arrive at Cu Chi and explore the incredible network of 200 km underground tunnels. Crawl underground and get a better sense for what life was like living and fighting in the labyrinth of caves and tunnels. Hear remarkable stories of the residents’ resilience and see relics of the wartime weapons.

Following the visit, return to the boat and relax while cruising back to the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. 

This evening at 18:00, get acquainted with the driver and the motorbike before making the first stop of the evening, a vibrant rooftop with sweeping city views. Take some pics, and sip a refreshing cocktail whilst enjoying the evening breeze. 

From the city height’s, back down at street level, cruise through the busy streets and pass some of the famous landmarks in this vibrant city. The first food stop, dive into local culture at an authentic seafood restaurant. Groups of people gathering to eat seafood and drink beer is the way Ho Chi Minh Cityese wind down after a busy day.  

Continue by pillion across town to one of the city’s institutions, a ‘bánh xèo’ restaurant. This savoury pancake is highly favoured by Vietnamese from Ho Chi Minh City and beyond and is a must-try for any food enthusiast.  

Once sated, continue with your driver to a vibrant live music venue featuring live performances. Fueled with delectable food and catchy tunes, hop back on the Vespa for the final ride back to your hotel 

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 HCMC to Cai Be (100km): 2 hrs

The Mekong Delta is truly a unique ecosystem with diverse communities; home to floating markets, fruitful orchards, Khmer pagodas and villages surrounded by rice paddies. This region is well-known as with a dizzying network of canals and channels which offer a great way to explore the quintessential life of its cuisine, lifestyle, and culture.

The 20-suite Aqua Mekong offers an immersive experience into the vibrant cultures, religions, and enduring traditions of the Mekong River region. Cruising deep into remote tributaries, guests gain insights into the history and ecology of this vital Southeast Asian waterway.

After breakfast, free at leisure until noon, be transferred by private car to My Tho pier. Settle into the floating retreat, with endless and captivating panoramic views of the mighty Mekong.
 
Enjoy these private Mekong River moments on a California king bed, terrace or daybed.

Overnight on board in the Mekong Delta      
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or choose to visit Sa Dec, a place where the vibrant market offers an exciting experience. In the afternoon, stop at a typical Mekong Delta village and stroll through its verdant plantations.
 
Then, visit a local's home to have a taste of local fruits while enjoying traditional folk songs and a unique unicorn dance performed by villagers. For those who prefer a more active experience, a 17-kilometre biking is also available

Overnight on board in the Mekong Delta     
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Travel by skiff along Bassac Canal to reach Chau Doc floating market before heading off by van to a pagoda atop Sam Mountain. Discuss with the monks about their age-old Buddhist practices, and return to the cruise via the bustling morning market.
 
After that, take a 18-kilometre scenic bike ride around an island to appreciate the lush greenery that the Mekong region has to offer, or opt for a rickshaw ride to visit a local market with the chef.
 
Following a lunch on board, relax by the pool, then try a traditional Khmer massage or learn to cook Mekong-inspired dishes while crossing the border.

Overnight on board on the Mekong River 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

During this time on the river, admire dexterous Khmer artisans dyeing and weaving kroma, the ubiquitous scarves that no Khmer lives without. Explore the riverbank on two wheels, past Buddhist temples and thatch houses perched on spindly wooden stilts while white oxen wade just offshore.
 
After lunch, board marine-grade aluminium skiffs and head towards the tamarind trees of Preah Prosop, a remote village that has changed little over several generations.

Overnight on board on the Mekong River
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Phnom Penh Pier to Hotel (2 km): 5 mins

This morning enjoy your activities by the cruise for Phnom Penh city tour. 

Cambodia’s capital is a bustling city, majestically located at the confluence of the mighty rivers of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap. Wide tree-lined boulevards and many colonial-era buildings reflect the glory days and add to the allure of the city, where Asian and Western traditions meet in a fascinating way.
 
Disembark from the Aqua Mekong and be welcomed by a local English speaking guide who will accompany you to the hotel for check in. Normally check-in time is at 14:00.

This evening, get picked up by a Remork, a Cambodian tuk-tuk, for a night to remember. Start off the night at Sora, the best rooftop of the capital. Continue to Wat Phnom and discover the origin of the capital’s name. Explore the city by night and absorb its atmosphere.  

Head to Pisa for a dedicated dinner. 

Overnight in Phnom Penh
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Hotel - Techo International Airport (26 km): 60 mins Siem Reap Angkor International Airport - Siem Reap (52 km): 60 mins Siem Reap to the Temples (6km): 10 mins

Breakfast at hotel.

This morning, transfer by your private car to the airport for the flight to Siem Reap, the gateway to the majestic temples of Angkor and a charming little city. 

Current flight schedule: K6 105 (09:55-10:55) – see separate price 

Arrive at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and be welcomed by a personal English-speaking local guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
 
This afternoon, start the half-day tour by a Jeep to one of the major highlights of Southeast Asia – the magnificent Angkor Wat. Built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is constructed following the model of the temple mountain symbolising Mount Meru, home of the gods.

Today, Angkor Wat is featured on Cambodia's national flag as the temple symbolises the soul of the Khmer people.
 
Then return to the hotel and free at your own leisure. 

Overnight in Siem Reap  
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Siem Reap to the Temples (6km): 10 mins

This morning at 07:30 take an early start to explore the temples of the Small Circuit by local remork. Be taken on a journey to witness the early sunlight illuminate the legendary Ta Prohm temple, built in the mid-12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely overgrown by jungle trees and vines, with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. 
 
Continue to the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8m high wall, drawing a perfect square. From here, continue to Bayon Temple in the exact centre of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur and is well-known for its 52 towers capped with the serene faces of the Buddha. 
 
Spend this afternoon at leisure for personal shopping at the markets, or simply return to the hotel to relax. 
There are also optional tours available below:

Optional Tour: Colours of Angkor, open-air painting at Preah Khan temple

Imagine yourself surrounded by the ancient stones of Preah Khan, a sprawling temple complex steeped in history and mystery. As you set up your easel under the shade of a centuries-old tree, the whispers of the Khmer Empire will inspire your creativity. This breathtaking location, often less crowded than other Angkor sites, offers a tranquil and immersive atmosphere. The perfect setting to unleash your inner artist.

But "Colours of Angkor" is more than just a painting class. It's also a chance to give back to the community. We partner with Colours of Cambodia, a local NGO that provides art education to Cambodian children. The class is led by a skilled Khmer art teacher from Colours of Cambodia, and a portion of the proceeds goes directly towards funding their programs. This means that by participating in this experience, you are not only creating your own artwork, but you are also helping to provide art classes and supplies to children who might not otherwise have access to them. 

Time: 15:00-17:00
Departure: Daily
Note: 
-Duration 02h00 
-Please note access to the temple might be close during Big Public Holiday such as Water festival, Pchum Ben Day, and Khmer New Year etc.
-Accessible from 12 years old, not recommended for young children 
-Experience limited to 8 pax per class 

Optional Tour: Dinner in the Rice Fields
Embark on a journey through the beautiful Cambodian countryside and across the West Baray by boat to a charming local village for dinner at Villa Chandara, a wonderful venue to enjoy a romantic dinner. You will transfer by private car to the boat pier of Villa Chandara. Before dinner, take a walk along the terraces or find a private spot for a cocktail seated amidst landscaped spice gardens. A special dinner awaits you at a beautiful place, inaccessible to the tourist crowds. Villa Chandara is a charming private villa located just west of the ancient city of Angkor Thom. Enjoy fine dining by candlelight, surrounded by rice paddies.
Time: 15:00-20:30
Departure: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday
Note: Shared basis

Optional Tour: Dining for a Cause

Pick up from the hotel by remork (a Cambodian “Tuk Tuk”) and drive to the first restaurant, where follows a different business model, directing their profits to various organisations. You may order any drink from the menu (they make some special cocktails and fruit mix using local ingredients) and any one appetiser (try different ones and share with each other). Next, enjoy Khmer classic dishes at another social enterprise restaurant providing disadvantaged youths, and underprivileged adults, professional training and employment in the hospitality industry. 

After dinner, go to a tropical garden restaurant run by an organisation that operates a hospitality training school where all the restaurant workers learned (or are currently learning) their trade. Learn about how the program runs and its achievements while enjoying a creative cocktail, a glass of wine, beer, or coffee.  This stop will mark the end of your tour and your driver will bring you safely to your hotel or, at your choice, drop you off at Pub Street or in the city centre of Siem Reap.

Time: 18:00 - 21:30
Departure: Tuesday- Sunday (Closed on Mondays)

Overnight in Siem Reap 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Siem Reap to Ta Brak village (19km): 34 mins / Ta Brak village to Floating village (13km): 30 mins / Floating village to Hotel (32km): 60 mins

Today embark on an authentic rural Cambodia tour to learn about life in a typical village. Meet friendly locals and discover traditional village customs and cultures.

Like most villages in Asia, Ta Brak is busiest in the morning hours. Sit down with a local family and enjoy breakfast (take-away from the hotel) while observing the activities of the village. By foot, visit the local market. Explore the colourful displays of vegetables, herbs and other locally-grown produce, and mingle with the shoppers who come every morning to buy the fresh ingredients. Continue through the village, providing ample opportunities to stop and chat with locals and to observe their activities. 

Before leaving the village, head to Khmer smokehouse and meet a warm family. Learn the process of smoking fish, discover Cambodian rural life through stories shared amidst fragrant smoke. Over a fresh coconut juice, get to know the family, engage in discussions, and gain a better understanding of the countryside lifestyle in Cambodia. 

Conclude this morning, partake in a special Buddhist tradition. Local monks will impart wishes of good luck and success in a solemn, age-old ceremony.

Lunch in a local restaurant.

This afternoon, continue the rural Cambodia tour to Tonle Sap Lake and have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. 

Hop on a local wooden boat for a private journey through a canal, all the way to Tonle Sap Lake. As you cruise along the canal you will see houses on either side: depending on the time of the visit, the houses will either have immediate access to the water or stand perched on stilts high above the ground. A phenomena caused by the annual rising and receding waters of the Tonle Sap Lake. 
(Note: Due to fluctuating water levels on the lake and canals, the village visited will depend on the date and water levels at that time. As it’s a local community experience, the boats are older wooden boats).

On this last evening in Cambodia, enjoy dinner at the incredible Embassy Restaurant, an exclusive fine dining experience unparalleled in Siem Reap and headed by executive chefs Pol & Sok, known as the ‘Kimsan Twins’. With a constantly changing menu based around seasonality, savour the skilfully prepared masterpieces from multiple-course set menus, paired with a selection of fine wines.

Overnight in Siem Reap 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Hotel to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport (52 km): 60 mins

Breakfast at the hotel.
 
If time allows, spend the morning exploring Siem Reap’s colourful markets with the chance to shop for souvenirs or simply observe the vibrant local scenes as people go about their everyday lives.

Transfer to the airport for the onward flight.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast