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Essential Vietnam and Cambodia
RV Lotus
15th Jan 27
12 Nights
No local tax due
Day 1
Arrive Siem Reap
Upon arrival in Siem Reap, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and spend at your leisure.
Insider Experience – Three Nights at the Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Unwind at the Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas, an oasis of tranquillity, and relax amid the lush gardens and large swimming pool.
Stay:
Three Nights, Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Day 2
Siem Reap
Explore Siem Reap this morning at your own pace. Later, discover Ta Prohm temple, commonly referred to as the Tomb Raider temple. having featured in the movie starring Angelina Jolie. The temple and its atmospheric surrounds have been left to slowly return to nature, with the overgrown jungle and vast root systems creating a unique sight throughout the ruins. Enjoy Insider Experiences this afternoon and tonight. This evening, enjoy local Khmer flavours during dinner.
Insider Experience – Local Charity Visit
Visit Opportunities of Development through Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner which supports local underprivileged children by providing them with an education.
Insider Experience – Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance
Dine on tantalising Khmer cuisine and peer into the heart of Cambodia by watching a performance of an Apsara dance, a delicate, beautiful tradition dating back to the seventh century.
Insider Experience – Three Nights at the Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Unwind at the Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas, an oasis of tranquillity, to relax amid the lush gardens and large swimming pool.
Day 3
Siem Reap
Rise early for a special Insider Experience at Angkor Archaeological Park. After a guided tour of the well-preserved Angkor Wat temple, return to your hotel for breakfast. In the early afternoon, explore Siem Reap on your own or choose from our select experience options. Later this afternoon, return to Angkor Archaeological Park to visit Angkor Thom and the Bayon. This evening, enjoy free time to further explore or take part in an optional select experience.
Insider Experience – Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Wake up early and witness the sun rising over Angkor Wat. This also includes a seat during the experience as well as refreshments (coffee, tea or juice).
Enhance Your Journey – Circus Performance
Take your seat at Phare Circus and be amazed by the skills of the performers. This acclaimed show blends modern Khmer tales with music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts and contortion.
Enhance Your Journey – Local Boutiques and Markets
Explore Siem Reap’s vibrant arts and crafts scene, starting at the Angkor Handicraft Association. This Fair Trade Village is home to a wide variety of artisans who produce handmade goods using traditional techniques. Peruse Angkor Artwork to see traditional lacquerware crafted using ancestral techniques. Stop at Phsar Chas, the oldest market in Siem Reap, where you’ll find stalls selling everything from fresh vegetables, seafood and meat to souvenirs.
Enhance Your Journey – APOPO HeroRATs Tour and Landmine Museum
Take a tour of APOPO, a non-profit organisation that trains African giant pouched rats to save lives by detecting landmines. Close by, the Landmine Museum shows the devastating impact of landmines, sharing personal stories of hope and resilience while highlighting ongoing de-mining efforts.
Enhance Your Journey – Horse-Drawn Cart Ride
Relax and watch the scenery go by as you travel through the Cambodian countryside on a traditional horse-drawn cart.
Enhance Your Journey – Quad Bike Adventure
Day 4
Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Embark Ship, Angkor Ban
An early drive through picturesque countryside and remote villages brings you to Kampong Cham to join your Mekong River cruise. Step aboard the RV Lotus, your boutique river ship and home for the next seven nights. Spend your afternoon enjoying your Insider Experience. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board with your fellow travellers as your Mekong River cruise begins.
Insider Experience – Tuk Tuk Tour of Koh Pen
Hop on a tuk tuk and explore the agricultural island of Koh Pen. Travel along the shaded lanes and past wooden stilted houses, tucked among palm and sandalwood trees.
Stay:
Seven Nights, Mekong River, RV Lotus
Day 5
Angkor Ban, Oknha Tey, Phnom Penh
Start your day with a tour of Angkor Ban by foot and see one of the few rural villages in Cambodia that escaped destruction from the Khmer Rouge regime. Return to your ship and continue sailing towards Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island renowned for its silk manufacturing traditions, preserved over centuries. Hop in a local tuk tuk for a village tour, pass rice fields and get a glimpse into rural life. Stroll amongst the still houses and gain an insight into the traditional silk weaving process. Watch as the village women create the beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms. Back on board, you start sailing towards the capital, Phnom Penh.
Day 6
Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen
Begin your morning with an excursion by road to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital, where a memorable Insider Experience awaits. En route back to Phnom Penh, take a leisurely walk through the village of Koh Chen. Stop to visit the open-air copperware workshops and witness the skills of the artisans. Return to the ship and enjoy a free afternoon in Phnom Penh, or enhance your time by choosing one of our select experiences.
Insider Experience – Buddhist Blessing Ceremony
Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony to wish you good luck, health and safe journey, led by resident monks at a monastery in Oudong.
Enhance Your Journey – Hands-On Cooking Workshop
Meet your chef and visit a local market to select fruits, spices and other local ingredients before learning how to prepare authentic Khmer dishes.
Enhance Your Journey – Phnom Penh by Cyclo
Explore Phnom Penh by cyclo, taking in sights such as Independence Square, the Royal Palace, trendy cafes, boutiques, local markets and pagodas.
Enhance Your Journey – Phnom Penh by Tuk Tuk
Discover Phnom Penh by tuk tuk, passing sights like Wat Phnom, the Phnom Penh Post Office, U.S. Embassy, Raffles Hotel, and Royal Railway Station. Ride along Pasteur Street, the Central Market, and Phsar Tapang. Stop to walk around the Independence Monument and statue of King Norodom Sihanouk, then continue past NagaWorld, the Royal Palace and Sisowath Quay.
Day 7
Phnom Penh
Begin your day with a sobering visit to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum to learn about Cambodia's Khmer Rouge era and honour the victims at the Memorial Stupa. After lunch, explore the Royal Palace, known for its stunning white and gold Khmer architecture, and the Silver Pagoda with its 5,000 silver tiles. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to visit the Russian Market, try local delicacies at the Central Market, or relax aboard.
Day 8
Phnom Penh, Vietnam Border Crossing, Tan Chau
Spend today on board as your ship cruises to the Vietnamese border. While border formalities are carried out, sit down and enjoy the onboard activities and presentations. Cross into Vietnam and cruise towards the small town of Tan Chau.
Day 9
Tan Chau, Sa Dec
After breakfast, transfer to a small boat and travel along the Mekong's tiny tributaries, observing the stilt house villages. Go ashore for a tour of Tan Chau by rickshaw. Known as one of the largest silk-weaving centres in Vietnam, visit the fascinating local artisan workshops to learn more about the history of the craft. Later, step back in time during a visit to Vinh Hoa, also known as Evergreen Island. Take the opportunity to see traditional Vietnamese farming, where the land is ploughed by water buffalo and where you will see authentic rural Mekong life. Settle back in and watch the passing scenery as you continue cruising towards Sa Dec.
Day 10
Sa Dec, Cai Be, My Tho
Take a boat ride to the charming colonial town of Sa Dec and explore the colourful markets on foot. Visit the former home of Huynh Thuy Le. Here Le's one-time lover, French writer, Marguerite Duras, penned her best-selling novel, The Lover, about their affair. After lunch, step aboard a local boat and journey to Cai Be to see the French Gothic cathedral. Go ashore to visit a local rice paper manufacturer to learn how rice paper is made. Afterwards, visit a coconut candy factory to see how the local sweet is created. Enjoy a final dinner on board your ship as you cruise to My Tho your last stop.
Day 11
My Tho, Disembark Ship, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City
Disembark at My Tho and journey by road to the Cu Chi tunnels. Gain a first-hand insight into the history of the Vietnam War and learn about the immense network of underground tunnels carved out by hand. Continue to Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon, where you'll stay for the next two nights. This evening for dinner, perhaps choose from one of our select experience dining options.
Insider Experience – Two Nights at Le Méridien Saigon
Experience a stay at the one-of-a-kind Le Méridien Saigon. Set in a prime location on the banks of the Saigon River in bustling District 1, this contemporary hotel is within walking distance to key attractions such as Bến Thành Market and Independence Palace.
Enhance Your Journey – Street Food Tour by Motorbike
Embark on a thrilling motorbike tour through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, guided by a knowledgeable local. Savour three courses of classic Vietnamese street food, beginning with a steaming bowl of traditional noodles, followed by a bánh mì, and concluding with a fried rice flour cake – served with fresh juice or a smoothie. Finish at HỢP Sky Bar, a stylish rooftop venue offering panoramic views of the city’s dazzling lights, where you’ll enjoy a drink and a snack.
Enhance Your Journey – Hoi An Sense
Indulge in the authentic specialties of Hoi An in a unique culinary setting, complete with Vietnamese music and warm hospitality.
Enhance Your Journey – Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro
Offering traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist, this bistro draws inspiration from the theme of 'propaganda', enchanting guests with its lively ambience and striking hand-painted murals.
Stay:
Two Nights, Ho Chi Minh City, Le Méridien Saigon
Day 12
Ho Chi Minh City
Today, discover Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options. This evening, gather for a sumptuous Farewell Dinner.
Enhance Your Journey – Ho Chi Minh City by Foot
Explore the bustling city on this walking tour, passing the Saigon Opera House, People’s Committee Building, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office.
Enhance Your Journey – History of Saigon
Delve deeper into Ho Chi Minh City’s turbulent history. Start at the Reunification Palace, visit the War Remnants Museum and see the Burning Monk Memorial.
Enhance Your Journey – Shopping Tour by Coach
Seek out the city's boutiques as only a local knows and discover locally made items such as clothing, souvenirs and jewellery.
Day 13
Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast with a transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight back to the UK.
Hays Extras
Why Book
RV Lotus Suite Options:
- Deluxe Twin Balcony Suite (Cat C) from £3,695pp
- Deluxe Twin Balcony Suite (Cat B+) from £4,045pp
- Sadec Suite from £4,345pp
- Mekong Suite from £4,695pp
- Price shown includes local taxes which are paid at the time of booking
Essential Vietnam and Cambodia Cruise Highlights:
- Return scheduled flights from the UK
- Three Nights Siem Reap Hotel Stay (Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villa)
- Seven-night Mekong River cruise aboard the RV Lotus, featuring all suites with twin balconies
- Two Nights Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Stay Le Méridien Saigon)
- 29 meals - 12 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners, plus select international wine and local beer included with lunch and dinner on board your Mekong River cruise
- Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and expert English-speaking local guides
RV Lotus
Overview
Cruise the Mekong River
Glide along the Mekong River on the RV Lotus and discover the alluring destinations of Vietnam and Cambodia in premium comfort. Featuring only 54 cabins, this boutique vessel boasts spacious and elegant Vietnamese-inspired suites, each with a private balcony. Sip a cool drink or enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool on the Sun Deck after a day of exploration.
Food & Drink
Dine in the Mekong Restaurant, relax with a drink in the Saigon Lounge or an espresso in Le Viet Nam Cafe. Enjoy complimentary international wines and local beers with lunch and dinner.
Entertainment
With amazing views, reclining lounges, a swimming pool and cold drinks from the bar, the Sun Deck is a relaxing place to soak up the sights.
We maintain a guest-to-staff ratio of 2:1. The service you’ll receive on board is exceptional, professional and cheerful. During your time cruising the Mekong River between Vietnam and Cambodia, you can rest assured you’ll be taken care of.
Kids & Teens
Please note: There are no children's facilities on board.
Terms & Conditions
Terms and conditions: Advertised offers are based on 2 adults sharing the lowest category stateroom/cabin/suite unless otherwise stated. Single supplements may apply. Offers are subject to availability and can change without any prior notice and may go up or down in price. Cruise Line campaign(s) and saving messages are strictly controlled by the Cruise Line(s) and are subject to change or be withdrawn without notice. Flight inclusive packages, where promoted, are based on the cheapest UK departure airport so please ask for further details. Advertised hotels, if any, are suggested however are changeable at a possible additional cost. All prices and port itineraries are correct at the time of print but are subject to change by the Cruise Line(s) without prior notice. Hays Travel reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions in this brochure. Some ports of call may be tendered whereas vessels drop anchor a short distance away and use small boats to reach the shore. Full board to all-inclusive inclusions vary by the Cruise Line(s) and restrictions may apply. Some onboard facilities and items may incur a charge. Select destinations may require travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers to be completed prior to travelling. Hays Travel LTD excepts no responsibility or compensation for any incomplete forms or declined entries from the respective country or countries that the individual(s) are visiting.
Essential Vietnam and Cambodia
FROM £3,695PP
No local tax due
RV Lotus
15th Jan 27
12 Nights
From
£3,695PP
