Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery

Make your way to London Heathrow for your flight to Vietnam.

(Regional flight departures are available, please call for detils)

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be met and transferred to your hotel where you will have time to relax and unwind.

Later this evening, enjoy a delicious Welcome Dinner.

Stay: Two Nights, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

This morning, a tour of Hanoi will take you to the city’s most famous historical and cultural sites. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square and The Temple of Literature.

You’ll also take in the sights during a cyclo ride.

Spend the afternoon on your selected Freedom of Choice activity.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE ™ Perhaps tour the 500-year-old village of Bat Trang. Or, relax and enjoy a foot massage back at your hotel.

Embark on a walking tour to observe Hanoi’s French colonial architecture, and explore the interior of the Hanoi Opera House, take in a water puppet show, or a leisurely bicycle ride.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE ™ How your evening evolves is also up to you – choose from a range of different but equally superb and delicious restaurants for dinner.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE Embark on your luxurious three-day cruise on World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay.

Travel by coach to Ha Long. Feel the wind in your hair as you set sail among thousands of spectacular limestone islets this afternoon, gliding slowly over the azure waters.

Enjoy lunch on board as you traverse through the stunning scenery towards Bai Tu Long Bay, and afterwards tour the alluring Trinh Nu Cave with its compelling folklore legends and thousands of beautiful stalactites.

Relax on board during dinner this evening.

Stay: Two Nights, Ha Long Bay, The Au Co

Perhaps enjoy Tai Chi on the sun deck during a morning spent cruising the bay.

After breakfast, your ship will sail towards Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. Take a guided bike tour to Viet Hai Village, nestled among the jungle-clad mountains of Cat Ba National Park, and visit an ancient Vietnamese house.

In the afternoon, drift along deep, clear waters by kayak, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere and keeping an eye out for shoals of fish.

Upon retiring to The Au Co for the evening, relax and enjoy dinner.

This morning after breakfast, take to the waters around the Cua Van Floating Culture Centre by kayak or traditional rowing boat.

Renowned for its natural beauty, this calm bay allows you to see traditional floating fishing villages and enjoy local life.

Return onboard for a farewell Vietnamese Tea Ceremony and transfer to Hanoi airport for your included flight to Siem Reap.

Stay: Three Nights, Siem Reap, Hotel Sofitel Angkor

Today, head to World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park to visit the enduring capital of the Khmer Empire, Angkor Thom, and the 12th-century temple of Bayon.

Later this afternoon, explore the intriguing temple of Ta Prohm, with its stunning ruins, then visit ‘Opportunities of Development thru Art’ (ODA), a Siem Reap organisation that provides education opportunities for disadvantaged local children.

Tonight, take in an exciting Apsara performance before you enjoy dinner.

Today, embark on a guided tour of the iconic Angkor Wat and admire the ancient structures in the soft morning light.

Enjoy breakfast back at your hotel.

Later on, set out on your chosen Freedom of Choice activity.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE Rise early and travel back to the Angkor Archaeological Park to enjoy a sunrise at Angkor Wat.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE ™ Your many activity options include a traditional Buddhist blessing, a tuk tuk ride to the Senteurs d’Angkor workshop, a quad bike adventure, a leisurely horse and cart ride, a bicycle tour across the countryside, a Khmer cooking class, a shopping trip or a relaxing spa treatment.

Journey through remote Cambodian villages to Kampong Cham, where you’ll board the RV Mekong Serenity, your home for the next seven nights.

Following lunch on board, take a tuk tuk to explore the island of Koh Pen with its wooden stilt houses and local farming culture.

Tonight, join fellow guests in the dining area for an exclusive Luke Nguyen Welcome Dinner.

Stay: Seven Nights, Mekong River, RV Mekong Serenity

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.

Later, your ship glides along the lush banks of the Mekong to Oknha Tey, a small island renowned for its skilful silk weaving traditions.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE Partake in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony at a monastery in Oudong.

Disembark in Phnom Penh and discover Oudong, an important place of pilgrimage in Cambodia where you’ll be treated to a special Signature Experience.

Return to your ship via the village Koh Chen and perhaps visit some home workshops that manufacture copperware. The afternoon is yours to explore Phnom Penh.

You might like to wander the streets and familiarise yourself with the buzzing city.

Tonight, enjoy a special Khmer folk performance before dinner.

Step ashore in Phnom Penh for today’s Freedom of Choice activities. The evening is yours to relax.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE ™ Perhaps take a sobering excursion to the Killing Fields, before visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, located on the site of the Khmer Rouge’s notorious Security Prison 21.

Alternatively, see Phnom Penh on a tuk tuk ride with a stop at the Central Market.

There’s also a visit to the National Museum or a leisurely bike ride through the city.

After lunch on board, either explore the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, go shopping or indulge in high tea.

Spend today relaxing as your ship cruises to the Vietnamese border. This afternoon, perhaps attend a fruit-carving demonstration. Later, arrive in the town of Tan Chau.

Transfer to a small boat for a journey along the tiny tributaries that snake around Tan Chau.

You’ll cruise past a floating fishing farm, then disembark for a rickshaw tour.

While here, pay a visit to a local silk and rattan weaving workshop.

Later, visit Evergreen Island and see the fields, local farming community and authentic rural Mekong life.

Head to Sa Dec this morning, where French writer Marguerite Duras met her Vietnamese-Chinese lover, Huynh Thuy Le. Tour his former home and learn the story behind Marguerite Duras’ best-selling novel, The Lover.

Afterwards, visit a traditional Cao Dai temple. Later, continue to Sa Dec and visit the French Gothic cathedral and port area.

Then, at a rice paper manufacture, learn how this Vietnamese staple is made.

Disembark at My Tho and be transferred to Ho Chi Minh City.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE You may journey to Ba Ria and learn about the Battle of Long Tan.

Afterwards, attend a memorial service at Long Tan Cross – a memorial erected by the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment which is set in a rubber plantation and marks the site of the Battle of Long Tan.

On the second alternative, visit the impressive Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the war.

These tunnels served as Viet Cong hiding spots, supply and communication routes, hospitals and weapon caches, and make for a fascinating visit.

Stay: Two Nights, Ho Chi Minh City, Park Hyatt Saigon

After a Freedom of Choice sightseeing experience this morning, enjoy a delicious Signature Experience dinner at Luke Nguyen’s exclusive restaurant, Vietnam House.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE This evening, head to Vietnam House for a tantalising and exclusive dinner – a menu created personally by APT Ambassador Luke Nguyen.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE ™ Perhaps enjoy a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City, visiting the Reunification Palace and the Central Post Office. Or jump on the back of a motorbike for an exciting city tour.

Alternatively, tour the Ky Long Art Villa where you’ll learn about Vietnamese lacquer art and see artist workshops.

You may like to try out your culinary skills with a fun cooking class at GRAIN by Luke Nguyen cooking studio or delight in an exciting shopping tour.

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Welcome Home

Make your way to London Heathrow for your flight to Vietnam.

Upon arrival, be transferred to your hotel. Later this evening, enjoy a welcome dinner.

Stay: Two Nights, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

FREEDOM OF CHOICE – Perhaps tour the 500-year-old village of Bat Trang. Or, relax and enjoy a foot massage back at your hotel. Embark on a walking tour to observe Hanoi’s French colonial architecture, and explore the interior of the Hanoi Opera House or take in a water puppet show.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE – How your evening evolves is also up to you – choose from a range of different but equally superb and delicious restaurants for dinner.

This morning, a tour of Hanoi will take you to the city’s most famous historical and cultural sites. Visit Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square and The Temple of Literature. You’ll also take in the sights of the Old Quarter during a cyclo ride. Spend the afternoon on your selected Freedom of Choice activity.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE – Embark on your luxurious three-day cruise on World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay.

Travel by coach to Ha Long Bay and board your ship, the luxurious Au Co. Feel the wind in your hair as you set sail among thousands of spectacular limestone islets this afternoon, gliding slowly over the azure waters. Enjoy lunch on board as you traverse through stunning scenery towards Ba Ham Lake, where you will have the chance to go for a dip or enjoy a spot of kayaking in the emerald green waters. Enjoy dinner on board tonight.

Stay: Two Nights, Ha Long Bay, The Au Co

Awake early and as the sun rises, perhaps rejuvenate your body and soul with a Tai Chi class. Enjoy breakfast as you cruise to Cat Ba Island, where you will take a guided bike tour to Viet Hai Village, nestled among the jungle-clad mountains of Cat Ba National Park. While here, you will also have the chance to visit an ancient Vietnamese house. After lunch in the village continue to Ba Trai Dao beach for a swim or relax on the beach. Upon retiring to The Au Co for the evening, relax and enjoy a barbecue dinner.

This morning after breakfast, take to the waters around the Cua Van Floating Culture Centre by kayak or traditional rowing boat. Renowned for its natural beauty, this calm bay allows you to see traditional floating fishing villages and enjoy local life.

Return onboard for a farewell Vietnamese tea ceremony and transfer to Hanoi airport for your included flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, be transferred to your hotel.

Stay: Two Nights, Ho Chi Minh City, Park Hyatt Saigon

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE – Journey to Ba Ria and learn about the Battle of Long Tan, followed by a memorial service at Long Tan Cross, a memorial marking the site of this battle. Erected by the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, it is located in a rubber plantation. Or visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the war. This remarkable tunnel network concealed the Viet Cong and served as supply and communication routes, as well as hospitals and weapon caches.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE – Experience dinner at Vietnam House, founded by Australia-born Vietnamese celebrity chef Luke Nguyen.

Today, choose from two Signature Experiences, and enjoy another unforgettable Signature Experience in the evening.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Perhaps jump on the back of a motorbike and tour the vibrant streets of Saigon, or rise early for some city discovery and morning Tai Chi in the park. Other options include a walking tour of the capital or some retail therapy at a bustling Vietnamese market.

Enjoy one of our Freedom of Choice Sightseeing activities today, then transfer to My Tho to embark your ship.

Stay: Seven Nights, Mekong River, Mekong Serenity

In Cai Be, visit the French Gothic cathedral and port area. Then, at a rice paper manufacturer, learn how this Vietnamese staple is made.

Continue to Sa Dec where French writer Marguerite Duras met her Vietnamese-Chinese lover, Huynh Thuy Le. Tour his former home and learn the story behind Marguerite Duras’ best-selling novel, The Lover. After, visit a traditional Cao Dai temple.

Step ashore in Tan Chau today for a rickshaw tour. On board your rickshaw, you’ll glide past shops, rice wine rooms and friendly locals who are always eager to say hello. Stop to pay a visit to a local silk and rattan weaving workshop. Later, step back in time during a visit to an evergreen island aboard a small boat, where you’ll experience authentic rural Mekong life. The remainder of today is left free for you to relax back on board your river ship.

FREEDOM OF CHOIC – Perhaps take a sobering excursion to the Killing Fields, before visiting the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, located on the site of the Khmer Rouge’s notorious Security Prison 21. Alternatively, see Phnom Penh on a tuk tuk ride with a stop at the Central Market, visit a number of Cambodian microbreweries and enjoy the local craft beers or enjoy a visit to the National Museum. Options also include the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda.

Explore Cambodia’s past or present today with a range of Freedom of Choice experiences. After lunch back on board, more choices await. This evening is your’s to relax.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE – In Oudong, partake in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony.

Today, journey to historic Oudong, which was Cambodia’s fascinating royal capital from 1618 until 1866. During your time here, you’ll enjoy a Signature Experience. On the way back to Phnom Penh, take a leisurely stroll through the village of Koh Chen and perhaps visit some home workshops that manufacture copperware. Later, your ship glides along the lush banks of the Mekong to Oknha Tey, which is renowned for its silk manufacturing traditions, preserved over centuries. Here, gain an insight into the traditional silk weaving process. Afterwards, return to your river ship to relax before enjoying delicious onboard dining tonight.

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. Here, people still live in traditional wooden homes and keep ancient cultural traditions alive. Continuing cruising towards Siem Reap this afternoon, enjoy some time at leisure on board. Perhaps go for a dip in the pool, or kick back on the Sun Deck with a good book and relax as life along the Mekong passes you by.

If you are feeling active this morning, perhaps set out on a walk to the hilltop pagoda of Wat Hanchey. From here, enjoy views over the Mekong, making it well worth the climb. You’ll find many temples, pagodas and stupas, some dating back to the 8th century. Lunch is back on board, before taking a tuk tuk to explore the island of Koh Pen with its wooden stilt houses and local farming culture. On your ship this evening, toast the end of your cruise during a final farewell dinner on board.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE – Tonight, choose where to dine in Siem Reap.

Disembark your ship in Kampong Cham and transfer to Siem Reap. Then, head to World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park to visit Angkor Thom and the 12th-century temple, Bayon.

Stay: Three Nights, Siem Reap, Hotel Sofitel Angkor

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE – At Angkor Archaeological Park, enjoy a special sunrise experience at Angkor Wat.

Rise early this morning and travel back to Angkor Archaeological Park for a Signature Experience. After experiencing the majesty of World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat, enjoy a guided exploration of what is regarded as Angkor’s best-preserved temple, said to be the world’s largest single religious monument. Relax back at your hotel after breakfast. Then this afternoon, explore the temple of Ta Prohm, a World Heritage-listed site which is famous for its intertwined trees. Later, visit ‘Opportunities of Development thru Art’ (ODA), a Siem Reap organisation that provides education opportunities for disadvantaged children. The evening is at your leisure.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE – Perhaps set out a tuk tuk ride to the Senteurs d’Angkor workshop, where you can shop for local handmade crafts. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, you might like to join a quadbike excursion through the Cambodian countryside. Alternatively, unwind with a soothing spa treatment.

Explore Siem Reap your way today, with a choice of sightseeing activities on offer. Tonight, enjoy an Apsara dance performance before a farewell dinner.

Transfer to the airport this morning for your return flight to the UK.

Arrive home