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Mekong cruise from Saigon to Siem Reap 13 days

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Hanoi Voyages > Multi-country > Mekong cruise from Saigon to Siem Reap 13 days
HIGHLIGHTS

Embrace nature across two countries
Watch the sunrise in Angkor Wat for a stunning morning view with temples creating shadows on the grown. Watch the jungle on the border and sail on the largest lake in Asia.

Fall in love with ancient areas
Rove among ruins of the world’s most famous Hindu temple complexes. Escape the crowd and get deeper into Angkor Wat as Buddhist sites will amaze you.

Understand the local life
Explore Mekong cruise from inland to the river. Experience how local fishermen catch fish, floating markets and small villages where few tourists have ever put their foot.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1Saigon - Arrival

Your adventure in Vietnam has started.

  • You will be welcomed at the airport then transferred to your arranged hotel for relaxation.
  • Get ready for a welcome dinner, hosted by your local expert. Learn about Vietnamese culture while enjoying good quality Vietnamese coursing and let the excitement begin!

Highlight experience: Traditional Vietnamese food

Day 2Saigon - Highlights 

Wake up in Saigon (currently Ho Chi Minh City), the city that varies from the rest of Vietnam due to its modern flair.

  • Start the day by visiting Thien Hau Temple and the Binh Tay Market, built by the Cantonese congregation.
  • Visit the War Remnants Museum that is home to the history of locals’ perspectives of the American/Vietnam War.
  • The old Presidential Palace is where victory was declared after years of fighting and is preserved as found with vehicles still in the garages.
  • Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Saigon Post Office which are both magnificent displays of French architecture.

Highlight experience: The trip to the War Remnants Museum, to understand the American/Vietnam War and how people lived in Vietnam during the time.

Day 3Saigon - Cao Dai Temple & Cu Chi Tunnels

Venture away from Saigon, through rural scenes, to encounter mysterious religious practices and unusual sites of preserved history:

  • Investigate the unique Cao Dai Temple, and be launched into this melting pot of Eastern and Western theologies.
  • Witness the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, and scramble through part of an unbelievably complex system of tunnels built by the Vietnamese resistance fighters.

Highlight experience: The complex system in the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Day 4Saigon - My Tho - Cai Be

Board a grand, yet homely cruiseliner and embark on a leisurely four-day cruise. Depart Saigon and head for the rich, fertile lands of the Mekong Delta region and its extraordinarily busy inhabitants:

  • Observe pastoral scenes from your cabin’s balcony, or whilst taking tea on deck.
  • Pass by the floating market of Cai Be, though this is shrinking as trade moves increasingly inland, and to the central markets.
  • Catch your first sight of Cai Be, a quaint town famed for its French Catholic Church and the production of food products, especially rice.

Highlight experience: The floating market in Cai Be where you will taste fresh fruit like nowhere else.

Day 5Cai Be - Sa Dec - Tan Chau

Start another eventful day in the Mekong Delta at Cai Be, before heading out to smaller communities around Sa Dec, and end at Tan Chau, on the border with Cambodia:

  • Witness the floating markets in which traders barter and bargain from boat to boat, differentiated by markers in order to distinguish which product is being traded.
  • Be impressed by the local industry as you visit an onshore workshop making rice wine, rice paste or rice paper.
  • Board a local boat and transverse the network of smaller canals.
  • Return to the cruiseliner and arrive in Sa Dec, where you will take a traditional sampan tour.
  • Wander villages occupied by craftwork industry, and have a go at weaving yourself!

Highlight experience: Understand the local life on the Mekong Delta River.

Day 6Tan Chau  - Border crossing - Phnom Penh

Embark on your journey towards Phnom Penh – taking in Tan Chau on the way.

  • Dawdle in the slow-paced town of Tan Chau, with its Chinese, Khmer, and Kinh ethnic minority populations.
  • Survey the area from a “xe loi”, a local vehicle used as a taxi, and prepare to bargain at a bustling market!
  • Take to the water in a local boat once more, to visit a floating fish farm which feeds the country.
  • Engage in culinary escapades and join in an onboard cooking class!
  • Dock in Phnom Penh, where you’re free to stroll down the promenade and explore Cambodia’s capital independently.

Highlight experience: Learn about the ethnic minority in the border between Vietnam and Cambodia.  

Day 7Phnom Penh - Highlights

Learn about the tragedy of the recent past under the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. Afterward, be swept away in the sensations of Phnom Penh’s spectacular architecture.

  • Take in the sombre atmosphere of the camp Choeng Ek Killing Field, outside Phnom Penh, the final resting place of many Cambodian people, murdered by the brutal Khmer Rouge regime.
  • Be educated about the nation’s past at the Museum of Genocidal Crime, which was the S-21 prison – the scene of the worst examples of brutality and torture under the infamous Pol Pot.
  • Visit the Royal Palace, resplendent in its gold edifice and traditional Khmer architecture.
  • See the Silver Pagoda and its magnificent Emerald Buddha.
  • Fascinating Khmer crafts await your inspection at the National Museum of Fine Arts.

Highlight experience: The atmosphere at the Camp Choeng Ek Killing Fields.

Day 8Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham (Mekong) 

Sail downstream, appreciate the sheer variety of life on the Mekong. Reaching the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle rivers, roam around the locals in a truly novel style – with an oxcart ride!

  • Follow the production of silk from worm to finished product on Koh Oknha Tay, a renowned center of silk manufacture.
  • Witness an auspicious monks’ blessing ceremony on board of your cruise.
  • Glide through the jungle landscape of Kampong Tralach, and disembark from an oxcart ride! Get up close to the livestock with sustain this community.

Highlight experience: Step back in time and ride an oxcart with a local farmer.

Day 9 Kampong Cham (Mekong) - Kamong Chnang (Tonle)

Sailing downstream, appreciate the sheer variety of life on the Mekong, particularly on the island of Koh Oknha Tay. Reaching the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle rivers, roam around the locality in truly novel style – with an oxcart ride!

  • Follow the production of silk from worm to finished product on Koh Oknha Tay, a renowned center of silk manufacture.
  • Witness an auspicious monks’ blessing ceremony on board the ship.
  • Glide through the jungle landscape of Kampong Tralach, and disembark from an oxcart ride! Get up close to the livestock with sustain this community.

Day 10Kampong Chhnang - Tonle Lake 

Finding yourself surrounded by a completely aquatic landscape, see how everyday life is transformed by its proximity to, and dependence on water.

  • Become acquainted with the local specialities of Khmer pottery and palm sugar of the finest quality.
  • Onshore, saunter around a local village, complete with speciality products.
  • Appreciate panoramic views of Asia’s biggest lake. Gap at the vast Tonle Lake as you sail across it.
  • Lose yourself in this azure scene, and rejoice in the overwhelming power of nature.

Highlight experience: Fall in love with the Cambodia nature when visiting the Tonle Lake.

Day 11Siem Reap - Angkor Wat

Arriving in Angkor Wat and rove among the ruins of the world’s most famous Hindu temple complexes, built for gods, and fit for kings.

  • Gaze upon the fascinating Buddhist monastery of Ta Phrom, where the jungle threatens to reclaim all stone structures.
  • Visit the three-tiered Baphuon (a temple in honour of another Hindu deity, Shiva) with its spectacular layered structure.
  • Pass through the Terrace of the Elephants, once a viewing platform for kings.
  • See the Terrace of the Leper King with its beautiful carvings of gods, nagas (semi-divine serpents), and dancers.
  • Visit the Royal Enclosure and its small temple, Phimeanakas. These ruins are particularly significant as they date from the 10th century.

Highlight experience: Stunning history and architecture will take you to a time where royals was the most important people in Cambodia.

Day 12Siem Reap - Three Buddhist Temples - Roluos Group

Go back to where it all started, and view some of the earliest temples in Siem Reap, heralding the start of Khmer architecture.

  • Leave behind the crowds of tourists and view the less-appreciated, but newly restored Ta Som temple.
  • Delve deeper into Angkor Wat, and get a sense of true history in the Buddhist sites patronised by King Jayavarman VII, including the Angkorian monastery of the “sacred sword”.
  • Discover the Roluos Group, and its three main temples, dedicated to Shiva.
  • Prepare to be dumbfounded by incredibly intricate sandstone carvings at Temple Lolei.
  • Visualise the first Angkorian capital city, by gazing at the remains of Bakong Temple, which was the city’s focal point for worship and rituals.

Highlight experience: Leave behind the crowds and get deeper into Angkor Wat as Buddhist sites will amaze you.

Day 13Siem Reap - Departure

Free time until transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

What makes our tailor-made holidays different?

  • Unique activities and places
  • Itinerary crafted by you, and us, local experts
  • Hand-picked authentic experiences
  • Well-selected accommodation with spirit
  • Adjusted to your budget and your time
  • Private assistant and English speaking guides

Entrust us with your dream

Together we will create it

  info@hanoivoyage.com
  + 84 98 30 33 966 

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Enquire now and get your free quotation!

EXTENSION

BEACH BREAK - 4 DAYS - VIETNAM
SIEM REAP - ANGKOR WAT - 4 DAYS - CAMBODIA
LUANG PRABANG ANCIENT TOWN - 4 DAYS - LAOS

 

Lounge on the beach and let the sand kiss your toes!

Vietnam’s 3,444 km (2,140 miles) long coastline and tropical/ subtropical climate make it the perfect place for those who wish to spend their holidays swimming in warm turquoise water and sunbathing on a white-sand beach, at all times of the year!

PHU QUOC – FLY from SAIGON Ready your senses for something truly exceptional? Phu Quoc is worth the wait. This island is the perfect tropical paradise for your getaway.

NHA TRANG Wide boulevards and white sandy beaches signal relaxation and happiness, the Nha Trang Bay is an attractive seaside stopover.

CON DAO – FLY from SAIGON An hour flight from Saigon to the white-sand beaches, translucent water, well-preserved scenery. On the program: idleness, diving, trekking in the jungle and visiting the National Park to meet sea turtles.

MUINE 4 hours’ drive from HCM, with coconut trees, white sand, and ochre sand dunes, all on a canvas of deep blue sky. Just divine! You will have fun sliding on the sand dunes and love the charming images of the animated port. Muine is a beach with a small market in that open fresh shellfish; and small round fishermen’s boats that are so special. Nature also offers you the sight of beautiful red canyons, the result of erosion in the rainy season.

 

THE CULTURAL SIEM REAP – ANGKOR WAT 4 days/3 nights

Be enchanted by the awesome Temples of Angkor and the history of Khmer Kings discovered at the magnificent UNESCO Heritage site.

Day 1 – SAIGON – FLY – SIEM REAP   Settle into a flight from Saigon to Siem Reap. Arrive and be welcomed by our guide and be transferred to your arranged accommodation. Overnight in a hotel with breakfast.

Day 2 – SIEM REAP – ANGKOR THOM – TA PHROM – ANGKOR WAT   Arriving in Angkor Wat, you will rove among the ruins of the world’s most famous Hindu temple complexes, built for gods, and fit for kings: Baphuon (a temple in honour of another Hindu deity, Shiva) with its spectacular layered structure, the Terrace of the Leper King with its beautiful carvings of gods, nagas, and dancers; the Royal Enclosure and its small and particularly significant temple, Phimeanakas. Overnight in a hotel with breakfast.

Day 3 – SIEM REAP – BANTEAY SREI – BANTEAY SAMRE Advance to an off-the-beaten-track site, an hour away from Angkor Wat, encountering stunning Cambodian countryside and uncovering more temples: visit Banteay Srei, called the citadel of women and come face to face with the meticulously restored enclosed temple of Banteay Samre, complete with carvings of lions and nagas. Overnight in a hotel with breakfast.

Day 4 – SIEM REAP – TONLE SAP – Departure Travel to Tonle Sap and find yourself surrounded by a completely aquatic landscape, see how everyday life is transformed by its proximity to and dependence on water. Free time until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight

 

 

A natural wild and mysterious! /2 days 1 night

« History, Nature and Spirituality » are the word that resonates with travelers of this divine, landlocked country“The ancient kingdom of a million elephants” reflects its rich historical heritage by the splendor of its many temples dedicated to Buddha.

Day 1 – Luang Prabang – Highlights – Dinner on Cruise
Discover this serenity town, a designated UNESCO Heritage Site on Tuk Tuk to visit: The National Museum (Ancient Royal Palace), the Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Ahman, Wat Mai the richly decorated temple. See the Ock Pop Tok textile gallery. In the afternoon, embark on a traditional boat to cruise long Nava Mekong river. Enjoy dinner with Baci ceremony and traditional dance show. Overnight in a hotel with breakfast.

Day 2 – Luang Prabang – Khuang Sy Waterfall – Ethnic Minority Villages

Departure to the beautiful waterfalls Khuang Sy about 30km from Luang Prabang. En route, visiting min0rity villages such as H’mong village of Ban Thinkeo, Khmu village of Ban Thapaene and weaving village of Ban Xang Khong where traditional product also called Saa paper made from mulberry leaves.  Get to the waterfall, nestled in the lush tropical vegetation, a beautiful clear pool for swimming. Back to Luang Prabang for your departure flight.

 

TRAVEL NOTE

TIME TO VISIT VIETNAM

Northern Vietnam

January
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
The weather is foggy and much colder in Sapa
10°C–15°C (50-60°F)
The weather is foggy and much colder in Sapa
10°C–15°C (50-60°F)
Cloudy skies and little rain
17°C-25°C (63°-77°F)
Cloudy skies and little rain
17°C-25°C (63°-77°F)
Temperatures are getting higher and the rain start to fall
25°-35°C (77°-95°F)
The amount of rain rises with the temperature
25°-35°C (77°-95°F)
The amount of rain rises with the temperature
25°-35°C (77°-95°F)
The amount of rain rises with the temperature
25°-35°C (77°-95°F)
Less rain and temperature comes back to warmer weather
20°-24°C (68°-75°F)
Less rain and temperature comes back to warmer weather
20°-24°C (68°-75°F)
Less rain and temperature comes back to warmer weather
20°-24°C (68°-75°F)
The weather is foggy and much colder in Sapa
10°C–15°C (50-60°F)

Central Vietnam

January
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Dry season with high temperatures, but rain is still common
20°C-35°C (68°F-95°F)
Dry season with high temperatures, but rain is still common
20°C-35°C (68°F-95°F)
Dry season with high temperatures, but rain is still common
20°C-35°C (68°F-95°F)
Dry season with high temperatures, but rain is still common
20°C-35°C (68°F-95°F)
Dry season with high temperatures, but rain is still common
20°C-35°C (68°F-95°F)
Dry season with high temperatures, but rain is still common
20°C-35°C (68°F-95°F)
Dry season with high temperatures, but rain is still common
20°C-35°C (68°F-95°F)
This region is the most affected by the monsoons during
the hot season 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F)
This region is the most affected by the monsoons during
the hot season 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F)
This region is the most affected by the monsoons during
the hot season 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F)
This region is the most affected by the monsoons during
the hot season 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F)
This region is the most affected by the monsoons during
the hot season 20°C-25°C (68°F-77°F)

Southern Vietnam

January
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Warm and dry weather that is perfect for a beach holiday
30°C-35°C (86°F-95°F)
Warm and dry weather that is perfect for a beach holiday
30°C-35°C (86°F-95°F)
Warm and dry weather that is perfect for a beach holiday
30°C-35°C (86°F-95°F)
Warm and dry weather that is perfect for a beach holiday
30°C-35°C (86°F-95°F)
Short violent rainfalls in the late afternoons but still high temp-
-eratures 30°C (86°F)
Short violent rainfalls in the late afternoons but still high temp-
-eratures 30°C (86°F)
Short violent rainfalls in the late afternoons but still high temp-
-eratures 30°C (86°F)
Short violent rainfalls in the late afternoons but still high temp-
-eratures 30°C (86°F)
Short violent rainfalls in the late afternoons but still high temp-
-eratures 30°C (86°F)
Short violent rainfalls in the late afternoons but still high temp-
-eratures 30°C (86°F)
Short violent rainfalls in the late afternoons but still high temp-
-eratures 30°C (86°F)
Warm and dry weather that is perfect for a beach holiday
30°C-35°C (86°F-95°F)

PHYSICAL LEVEL

Cycling Tour:
Level:
This is a middle-level Cycling Tour, appropriate for kids over 6 years old
Kayaking Tour:

Level:
This is a low-level Kayaking Tour, appropriate for kids over 6 years old

PASSPORT AND VISA

Your passport must be valid 6 months after the expected date of your departure from the country.
For Vietnam, we will take care of the whole process for your VISA on arrival.
Cost: $25 US dollars.

  1. After receiving your scanned passport information, Hanoi Voyages will process and obtain an entry permit-Invitation Letter, which is an official document of the Vietnamese government that allows you to enter the Vietnamese soil and guarantees that the visa will be issued at the airport on arrival.
  2. Once Hanoi Voyages receives the Invitation Letter, we will send the document directly to you by email.

WHAT TO PACK

To make sure you will enjoy all of the activities included in this trip without missing of anything, here is a short list of what you should bring with you:
– Trekking shoes (or running shoes)
– Sunscreen
– Sunglasses
– A Raincoat


Feeling inspired from this journey?

Let us create your very own tailor-made holiday!
Handpicking tea in Vietnam

In the words of our customers...

Amazing experience! Thanks to this company we were able to explore the beauties of Viet Nam. Personnel of the company, who we met in person in their office, was very kind and polite. We didn’t have any problems during our trip. Thank you for everything.

Trip to Viet Nam
Katarina B

Everything ran smoothly. Hanoi Voyages treated us to a meal in a lovely restaurant in Hanoi and presented us with gifts to each one of us. I cannot understand why they do not appear at the top of the TripAdvisor list of agents in Vietnam.

Personalised trip for 4
DenisDesollies

Our two weeks in North and Central Vietnam ran like clockwork. The customer service and the level of engagement that the team offered was 5 star. So much so that there is no doubt we will use Hanoi Voyages again for our next trip.

Highly recommended
Avixlee

Thanks to Hanoi Voyages and especially to Mrs Thuy who was so kind with my group of 10 people. I organized the route and they prepared and contracted everything for us. If I ever come back to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar or Thailand I’ll deal with them again.

A very professional agency
Andreu R

What makes Hanoi Voyages so different?

Authentic

Being born and raised across this continent, we are seasoned local experts with more than a decade of experience, who know how to capture and show you the real Southeast Asia.

Inspiring

With our unique tailor-made tours, our desire is to capture you by our passion for each destination, so together we can create your dream holiday.

Flexible

We listen to you and keep altering the proposal until it fits your idea and we adapt your trip depending on your desires and any circumstances to ensure your smooth and memorable journey.

Attentive

Being responsive and permanently available is what we commit to. From making a perfect plan to ensuring everything goes smoothly throughout your holiday to listening to your feedback, we are here for you.

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