Cruising Vietnam - Cambodia

📍 Tan Son Nhat Airport to Hotel Des Art (8km): 30mins

Arrive in Saigon and be welcomed by the guide and transferred to the hotel. 

Once known as the ‘Pearl of Indochina’, Saigon 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, Saigon is like a trip through time. 

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

Overnight in Saigon at Park Hyatt  

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 center and CBD. See the architecturally splendid City Hall, historic Dong Khoi Street, the Continental Hotel and the Saigon Opera House. 
Then step off the main road into a historic building revolutionized 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 cafe’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 display’s are fascinating.  
Finish up the day at another historic site, the Ben Thanh Market. Still functioning as a local neighborhood market, the central location also welcomes travelers with a variety of stalls. 
Having gained greater understanding of Saigon'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 ‘Saigonese’ street 20-25 mins drive from the center 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 Saigon’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 Saigon at Park Hyatt 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

The morning begins with a short drive to the banks of the Saigon 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 your 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 Saigonese wind down after a busy day.  

Continue by pillion across town to one of the city’s institutions, a ‘bánh xèo’ restaurant. This savory pancake is highly favored by Vietnamese from Saigon 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 Saigon at Park Hyatt

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

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 at Aqua Mekong

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

Begin the day at Binh Thanh mat weaving village or 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-kilometer biking is also available

Overnight on board at Aqua Mekong      

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-kilometer 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 at Aqua Mekong   

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 aluminum skiffs and head towards the tamarind trees of Preah Prosop, a remote village that has changed little over several generations.

Overnight on board at Aqua Mekong 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

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

Phnom Penh was once considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Orient, and despite its turbulent history and recent development, it still retains colonial charm. 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.

1800 This evening, get picked by Remork, a Cambodian tuk-tuk, for a night to remember. On this Phnom Penh night tour, there is the chance to experience Cambodian cuisine, delicious cocktails, and local beer, while experiencing the unique nightlife that this vibrant capital city has to offer. 

Start off the night at a chic bar for cocktails, get to know your tour guide, and kick off an evening of dining and exploring Phnom Penh. After cocktails, hop back into the Remork and join the locals in the bustling street traffic. 

The next stop is a popular local restaurant with a charming atmosphere and welcoming Khmer hospitality. Try some delectable local cuisine, including lemongrass chicken and eggplant with pork, sharing the dishes Khmer style with a beer or soft drink. 

After enjoying your meal, hop back in the Remork and visit a fresh market where locals pick up their groceries for the following day’s meals. 

Zoom through the city lights once again, headed for a popular spot amongst locals for live music and late night dining. With a mix of top Cambodian songs and foreign rock hits, you’re bound to stay entertained as you sample some exotic local delicacies, such as spicy frog and beef with ants. After stopping off at one more iconic city landmark along the way, finish the evening at a charming street of small, hip bars for cocktails or a cold beer.

Overnight in Phnom Penh at Raffles Le Royal

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Phnom Penh to Phnom Penh Airport (10 km): 30 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 

Be welcomed by a local English-speaking guide and accompanied to the hotel for check-in. Normally check-in time is at 14:00.

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.
 
The divine residence of Vishnu, the King himself was to reside here after his death. Inside the temple, the walls are covered with stone carvings and bas-reliefs depicting Hindu mythology and the wars Suryavarman II fought during his reign.
 
Moreover, Angkor Wat is well known for the more than 2,000 Apsara dancers decorating the temple. Construction is thought to have taken around thirty years of intensive labour. Today, Angkor Wat is figured 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  at Shinta Mani Angkor Bensley Collection

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. This makes Ta Prohm one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. Here, experience the jungle atmosphere at the mysterious temple, while beating the usual tourist crowds. This is a truly magical experience.
 
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 center 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:

Option 01 : A Visit with Hero-Rats at Apopo Visitors Center
Offering a different perspective on the tragic history and current status of landmines in Cambodia, the APOPO visitors centre provides an opportunity to meet giant African rats who have been trained to find explosives for the benefit of many rural communities.
 

Option 02 : Dinner in the Rice Field
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.

Option 03 : Dining for a Cause
One distinctive feature of the culinary scene in Siem Reap is a selection of restaurants providing culinary arts training to disadvantaged Cambodian youth. Visit a variety of such culinary social enterprises to enjoy some of the finest Khmer cuisine while supporting the education of at-risk youth. 

Overnight in Siem Reap  at Shinta Mani Angkor Bensley Collection

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 colorful 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. Depending on the time of year, they may be planting rice, weaving thatch coverings for their roofs, harvesting vegetables, or other similar tasks. 

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.

Continue the rural Cambodia tour to Tonle Sap Lake and have the opportunity to learn about life on the lake. Drive past expansive rice fields and through local villages where rice and fish can frequently be spotted drying alongside the road. Next, board a private wooden vessel for a boat trip along a canal that leads to the Tonle Sap Lake. 

Cruise along the canal with 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, Southeast Asia’s largest lake. Pass by the boats and nets used by local fishermen, some of whom will be fishing in the waters through which the boat passes. Nearing the lake, see floating houses that move location with the annual ebb and flow of the lake’s waters. 

Along the way, gain a better understanding of the local lifestyle with a packed lunch box in a family house. This is a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the way of life of the local people- sitting inside a stilted house while watching the boats pass outside. 

Then it is time to say farewell to the host family and return to Siem Reap.
(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).

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’. Their experience has taken them to different continents and under the mentoring of Michelin starred chefs they have created one of the most unique five-star quality cuisines that can be experienced in Siem Reap. 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  at Shinta Mani Angkor Bensley Collection

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.
 
Visit the workshop of Eric Raisina, located a few minutes’ drive out of town. After growing up in Madagascar and studying in Paris, Eric moved to Cambodia in the late 90’s where he was struck by the startling similarities with Madagascar and inspired to help revive the up market handicraft sector. He has devoted himself to developing new Cambodian silk weaving and dyeing techniques. Eric’s signature products have become a much sought after fabric in Parisian fashion houses. Tour his workshop and see the new designs being created by the skilled team.
 
Just around the corner is another artist studio, Theam’s House. Lim Muy Theam is a Cambodian artist and designer who draws on inspiration from both Khmer and contemporary international design. For more than 10 years Theam has trained a team of artisan apprentices who work either at the studio or in their home villages. Explore the art studio and observe various works being created such as lacquerware, painting and fine sculptures.
Transfer to the airport for the onward flight.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast