On this inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia, including stays in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, you’ll be immersed in the cultures and ancient traditions as you sightsee and spend time with locals in the most fascinating places along the mighty Mekong River.
The best way to experience Vietnamese culture is with a tour of its fascinating capital of Hanoi. Go on a cyclo ride through the ancient streets of the Old Quarter and enjoy a water puppet performance. Travel through the peaceful countryside to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll cruise by its breathtaking limestone islands.
Next, in Ho Chi Minh City, see the famous landmarks and try your hand in the kitchen—Vietnamese-style, with a cooking class. On an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, walk through a section of the immense underground tunnel system used during the Vietnam War. Embark on your 7-night river cruise along the Mekong River and visit a vibrant market, the home of a local family making handcrafted sampans, and a workshop to learn how rice wine and traditional candies are made. In the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, tour the National Museum and Royal Palace with its striking Silver Pagoda. On a hilltop at the site of the 8th-century temple of Wat Hanchey, take in the stunning views before walking through the rural village of Angkor Ban to visit with welcoming schoolchildren.
The grand finale of this memorable Southeast Asia river cruise vacation is a stay in Siem Reap, home to the phenomenal Temples of Angkor with an intricacy and architectural grandeur unmatched in the world. Visit famous Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the grandeur of the Bayon temple featuring some 200 mysterious faces carved in its many towers
Your tour highlights
- Hanoi
- Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
- Phnom Penh
- Mekong Delta
- Ha Long Bay
- Cu Lao Gieng Island
- Siem Reap
- Wat Hanchey
Tour itinerary
Day
1
Hanoi, Vietnam
Welcome to Vietnam!
Day
2
Hanoi
This morning, Guided Sightseeing takes a look at the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. First, visit the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda: One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” Also visit the ancient Temple of Literature, over 900 years old and Hanoi’s first university. Lunch is at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that teaches local street children restaurant skills for more stable employment opportunities. After lunch, enjoy an electric-cart ride through the fascinating Old Quarter, with 36 ancient streets where merchants trade as they have for centuries. An early dinner this evening is followed by a fascinating performance of Hanoi’s renowned water puppets, a traditional art form dating back to the 11th century.
Day
3
Hanoi - Ha Long Bay
Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, the bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes by the action of the water. Tunnels, caves, and weirdly shaped outcroppings with imaginative names can be found on many of the small islets sprinkled across the bay. Board a Cruise Excursion to explore the caves and admire the beauty and scale of this bay before stopping at one of the many secluded islands. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.
Day
4
Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City
This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight for Ho Chi Minh City.
Day
5
Ho Chi Minh City
Motorbikes, Monuments, and Mouth-watering Cuisine
Classic Excursion:
Take a Walking Tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s historic landmarks, including a stop at the Rex Hotel for a refreshing drink at the rooftop bar where the U.S. Military held the infamous “Five O’clock Follies” during the war. Then visit the War Remnants Museum featuring the history and relics of the Vietnam War before spending time in bustling Ben Thanh Market.
Discovery Excursion:
For lunch, participate in a hands-on Vietnamese Cooking Class. Learn to prepare several local dishes and how to recreate them at home. Last, but not least, sample your delicious creations!
Day
6
Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels
Secret Passageways and Underground Hideout
Classic Excursion:
Drive out of the city for a Guided Visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels—an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length—used as a hideout and secret village by the Viet Cong. Explore these tunnels and learn what life was like living in these cramped spaces.
Day
7
Ho Chi Minh City
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
Transfer to the port in the heart of Ho Chi Minh on the Saigon River for embarkation. Get acquainted with the ship and relax before your welcome reception and dinner this evening.
Day
8
Vinh Long - Cu Lao Gieng
Sweets, Sampans, and Sun Hats
Discovery Excursion:
Board a sampan this morning to visit a local workshop in Vinh Long where you will see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candies are made.
Discovery Excursion:
This afternoon, enjoy scenes of daily life on Cu Lao Gieng Island via sampan and local motor cart. Your Guided Excursion starts at a local workshop, where a skilled family hand-crafts sampan boats. Then, visit the home of a local family that makes Vietnamese conical hats, or “Non la,” from materials available to them such as palm leaves and bamboo. These iconic hats are primarily used as protection from the sun and rain, but you may also see them used as a basket to carry home goods from the market. Lastly, stop at one of Vietnam’s oldest Catholic churches.
Day
9
Chau Doc-Long Khanh A-Border Crossing
Colorful markets, Charming Locals, and Cotton Weavers
Discovery Excursion:
In Chau Doc take a Guided Walk through the local market and absorb the atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. Then embark on a River Excursion down the backwaters of the Mekong. Along the way, see traditional floating homes, speedboat merchants, religious sites, a market selling dried goods, and more.
Discovery Excursion:
After lunch, a sampan brings you to the village of Long Khanh A for a Cotton-Weaving Demonstration of a well-preserved artisan’s tradition.
Return to the ship to set sail for the Cambodian border. On board, we cross the border at Vinh Xuong International Land and River Border Gate in Vietnam and Kaam Samnor in Cambodia.
Day
10
Phnom Penh
The Royal Treatment
Classic Excursion:
Take a City Tour of this Cambodian capital by private cyclo to visit the Royal Palace with the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum featuring an outstanding display of Khmer artifacts.
The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the city at your leisure.
Day
11
Phnom Penh
A Dark History or Market Dynamics
Classic Excursion:
This morning, a Guided Visit of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and one of the Killing Fields offers a glimpse into the atrocities inflicted on the Cambodian people by the Khmer Rouge regime, OR:
Discovery Excursion:
Visit the lively Central Market by tuk-tuk to see its unique Art Deco design.
Day
12
Wat Hanchey-Angkor Ban
Water Blessings and Back-to-School Adventures
Discovery Excursion:
Visit Wat Hanchey, a hilltop temple dating back to the 8th century. Climb or be driven to the top where you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area and partake in a traditional water blessing given by local monks.
Discovery Excursion:
After lunch, enjoy a Walking Tour through the rural village of Angkor Ban. Here, you will visit a traditional Khmer house and interact with children at a local school.
Day
13
Konpong Louang-Kampong Tralach
Calm in the Cambodian Countryside
Discovery Excursion:
Start your Guided Sightseeing at the silversmith village in Konpong Louang. Here, see talented craftsmen use age-old techniques to turn pure silver into works of art. In Kampong Tralach board an ox cart for a ride through the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, stop to meet a local farmer and learn about his daily life.
Day
14
Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
A Pilgrimage of Inspirational Beauty
Fly to Siem Reap, home to the Temples of Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on Earth!
Classic Excursion:
After lunch, begin your Sightseeing Tour by tuk-tuk to explore the temples. Start at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples: Angkor Wat. Featuring five trademark towers, it is the symbol of Cambodia. Then, visit Angkor Thom, where you will explore Bayon Temple with its 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas-relief sculptures.
Day
15
Siem Reap
Roots Carved in Stone and Celebrated in Dance
Classic Excursion:
Continue your Guided Sightseeing of the Angkor Temples at Ta Prohm. Tree roots cover the ruin walls, allowing you to experience the temple with the same wonder as early explorers. Then visit Banteay Srei, a unique temple built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. En route stop at a local village famous for making Khmer noodles by hand. Be sure to sample some of the freshly prepared noodles!
Spend the afternoon at your leisure!
Discovery Excursion:
This evening, enjoy dinner and a private Apsara Dance Performance brings ancient Khmer culture to life through music, song, and dance.
Day
16
Siem Reap
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
What you’ll see on the tour
Tour pricing:
from $12,208
per person twin/double share* prices per person, based on double occupancy for 6 August 2027 departure
To secure your place now:
Phone: 03 364 3400 or 0800 747 737
Email: [email protected]
Tour Inclusions:
Ship amenities:
- Air-conditioned Panorama Lounge
- Bar complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, and local beer/spirits throughout the day
- Free Wi-Fi in the panorama lounge when available
- Open-air observation lounge with shade system & premium lounge chairs
- Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides
- Spa treatment room
- Fitness Room
- Library and games
- Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment
- Non-smoking staterooms & ship interior
- English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
- Choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursions so that you can experience your cruise your way
- Behind-the-scenes galley tour
- Complimentary specialty coffees including espresso and cappuccino available throughout the day
- Onboard assistance is available to recommend, reserve and further personalize your cruise
- Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 50 free movie options
- Headsets for all guided shore excursions
- Daily cocktail hour with cocktail of the day
- Complimentary water stations
Dining:
- Daily a la carte lunch including regional specialties, healthy Avalon Fresh options and classic dishes
- Seasonal recipes featuring the freshest local ingredients
- Vegetarian options available with all meals
- Complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, local beer/spirits with all onboard meals
- Daily early-riser coffee & tea
- Daily a la carte breakfast
- Complimentary juices with breakfast
- Four-course à la carte dinners with choice of salads, soups, entrées, dessert or cheese
- Complimentary wine with all onboard lunches & dinners
- Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites
Not included:
Conditions:
AVA
Save $3,400 per couple off select 2027 Avalon Waterways Mekong cruises*
* Book select 2027 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruises and save $1,700 per person. Saving is dependent upon cruise and cabin availability and will be confirmed at time of reservation. Applicable cruise dates and savings can be viewed online, on each cruise's dates & prices page. Offer applicable across all cabin categories. Offer valid for new 2027 bookings made and deposited by 30/04/26 or until sold out. Non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $750 per person/per cruise required at time of booking to secure reservation and offers. Cruises including intra-tour flights require additional deposit, confirmed at time of reservation. Offers cannot be combined with any other promotion except Welcome Back Credit and/or Second Tour Discount (may be applied when multiple cruises are booked at the same time for travel within the same calendar year). Offer applies to new 2027 bookings only and cannot be applied retrospectively. Offer applicable for singles - single supplement applies. Offer can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. PRSW207
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* Book select 2027 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruises and save $1,300 per person. Saving is dependent upon cruise and cabin availability and will be confirmed at time of reservation. Applicable cruise dates and savings can be viewed online, on each cruise's dates & prices page. Offer applicable across all cabin categories. Offer valid for new 2027 bookings made and deposited by 30/04/26 or until sold out. Non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $750 per person/per cruise required at time of booking to secure reservation and offers. Cruises including intra-tour flights require additional deposit, confirmed at time of reservation. Offers cannot be combined with any other promotion except Welcome Back Credit and/or Second Tour Discount (may be applied when multiple cruises are booked at the same time for travel within the same calendar year). Offer applies to new 2027 bookings only and cannot be applied retrospectively. Offer applicable for singles - single supplement applies. Offer can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. PRSW206
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* Book select 2027 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruises and save $2,125 per person. Saving is dependent upon cruise and cabin availability and will be confirmed at time of reservation. Applicable cruise dates and savings can be viewed online, on each cruise's dates & prices page. Offer applicable across all cabin categories. Offer valid for new 2027 bookings made and deposited by 30/06/26 or until sold out. Non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $750 per person/per cruise required at time of booking to secure reservation and offers. Cruises including intra-tour flights require additional deposit, confirmed at time of reservation. Offers cannot be combined with any other promotion except Welcome Back Credit and/or Second Tour Discount (may be applied when multiple cruises are booked at the same time for travel within the same calendar year). Offer applies to new 2027 bookings only and cannot be applied retrospectively. Offer applicable for singles - single supplement applies. Offer can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. PRSW327
October 15, 2027
Save $5,200 per couple off select 2027 Avalon Waterways Mekong cruises*
* Book select 2027 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruises and save $2,600 per person. Saving is dependent upon cruise and cabin availability and will be confirmed at time of reservation. Applicable cruise dates and savings can be viewed online, on each cruise's dates & prices page. Offer applicable across all cabin categories. Offer valid for new 2027 bookings made and deposited by 30/04/26 or until sold out. Non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $750 per person/per cruise required at time of booking to secure reservation and offers. Cruises including intra-tour flights require additional deposit, confirmed at time of reservation. Offers cannot be combined with any other promotion except Welcome Back Credit and/or Second Tour Discount (may be applied when multiple cruises are booked at the same time for travel within the same calendar year). Offer applies to new 2027 bookings only and cannot be applied retrospectively. Offer applicable for singles - single supplement applies. Offer can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. PRSW208
April 16, 2027
October 1, 2027
Save $6,800 per couple off select 2027 Avalon Waterways Mekong cruises*
* Book select 2027 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruises and save $3,400 per person. Saving is dependent upon cruise and cabin availability and will be confirmed at time of reservation. Applicable cruise dates and savings can be viewed online, on each cruise's dates & prices page. Offer applicable across all cabin categories. Offer valid for new 2027 bookings made and deposited by 30/04/26 or until sold out. Non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $750 per person/per cruise required at time of booking to secure reservation and offers. Cruises including intra-tour flights require additional deposit, confirmed at time of reservation. Offers cannot be combined with any other promotion except Welcome Back Credit and/or Second Tour Discount (may be applied when multiple cruises are booked at the same time for travel within the same calendar year). Offer applies to new 2027 bookings only and cannot be applied retrospectively. Offer applicable for singles - single supplement applies. Offer can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply. PRSW209
August 6, 2027
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September 17, 2027
Single supplement waived on select 2027 Avalon Mekong river cruise departures*
*Book a select 2027 Avalon Waterways Mekong river cruise in order to waive the single supplement fee. There is a limited number of staterooms available for this promotion per departure. Category B only. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between August 15, 2025 and December 31, 2027 for travel on select departures in 2027. Applies to new bookings only and will not be applied to pre-existing bookings. Offer reliant on space availability and may be withdrawn at any time. For Groups, selling more than one passenger in a group with this promotion, if available, requires confirmation. Combinable only with the Welcome Back Credit. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Additional restrictions may apply; see Travel Terms & Conditions for details. May be withdrawn at any time. Offer available from participating GFOB offices only. SWPCD
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