Travel Dates
Departing 20th Sep 2026
Package Provider: Travelmarvel
Package Type: Package
Region: Asia
Duration: 14 Nights
Immerse yourself in local life and culture as you embark on a seven-night cruise along the Mekong River, discovering the remote villages that line its banks. This journey is bookended by two-night stays in Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap, offering the chance to explore the Cu Chi tunnels and witness sunrise at Angkor Wat.
Your Fly, Stay & Cruise Package Includes:
Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 20 September – 04 October 2026
Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details
Essential Vietnam & Cambodia Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon. Meet your Travelmarvel representative and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, feast on a delicious Welcome Dinner showcasing the distinctive flavours of Vietnamese cuisine.
Insider Experience – Two Nights at Le Méridien Saigon: Experience an unforgettable stay at the unique Le Méridien Saigon. Nestled on the banks of the Saigon River in vibrant District 1, this contemporary hotel is perfectly situated just moments away from Bến Thành Market and Independence Palace.
Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City
Visit the Cu Chi tunnels, built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were used as hiding spots during combat, and they also served as communication and supply routes, hospitals and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters. Take the opportunity to crawl through a section to understand the cramped conditions experienced by the soldiers who lived and fought here. The afternoon and evening have been left free for you to explore at your own pace or choose from one of the select experience touring and dining options.
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Embark Ship, Cai Be
Enjoy a leisurely morning, then drive to My Tho and board the RV Lotus, your boutique river ship for the next seven nights. With its locally inspired ambience and twin balconies in every suite, the ship immerses you in the spirit of the Mekong while offering ever-changing views along your journey. As you cruise from My Tho to Cai Be, soak up the scenery and observe river life as you settle into your suite or relax on the Sun Deck. This evening, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner on board with your fellow travellers.
Day 4: Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau
Explore Cai Be and its surrounds by tender boat as you view local life on the river and along its banks. Go ashore to see the Cai Be Church, the tallest church in the Mekong Delta with its impressive bell tower, and visit manufacturers of rice paper and coconut candy to learn how they're made. Head back to the ship and sit down to a delicious lunch while cruising to Sa Dec. Afterwards, take a boat ride to the charming town of Sa Dec for a guided tour. Stroll through the colourful markets and continue by foot to the home of Huynh Thuy Le, once the lover of French writer Marguerite Duras, whose best-selling novel The Lover offers a fictionalised account of their affair. Back on board, unwind or relax your body with a rejuvenating treatment from the spa. As the sun sets, the RV Lotus sets sail for Tan Chau. Enjoy dinner and later, head up to the Saigon Lounge for evening entertainment or a cocktail.
Day 5: Tan Chau, Cambodia Border Crossing, Phnom Penh
Transfer to a small boat for a journey along the tiny tributaries that snake around Tan Chau. Disembark for a rickshaw tour and visit a local rattan weaving workshop. After lunch, take a small boat to discover authentic rural life on Evergreen Island. Observe traditional Vietnamese farming techniques, where the land is ploughed by water buffalo. Later, appreciate some downtime and watch the scenery of the Mekong River pass by as the RV Lotus cruises towards the Cambodian border. While border formalities are carried out, sit down and enjoy the onboard activities and presentations. Cross into Cambodia and cruise overnight towards the capital, Phnom Penh.
Day 6: Phnom Penh
Today, learn of the atrocities inflicted upon Cambodians during Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, where you'll find the Memorial Stupa, a glass monument erected in memory of the thousands of Cambodians who lost their lives. After lunch on board, visit the spectacular Royal Palace, delighting in its dazzling white and gold architecture. Then, head to the glorious Silver Pagoda, set on the southern side of the palace complex. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to head to the local markets for souvenirs or perhaps to taste the local delicacy of fried tarantula. Alternatively, relax on board and enjoy the facilities and service.
Day 7: Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen
Begin your morning with an excursion by road to Oudong, Cambodia’s royal capital from the early 17th until the 19th centuries. Here, enjoy a memorable Insider Experience. En route back to Phnom Penh, take a leisurely walk to explore Koh Chen, a village specialising in the manufacture of copperware. Visit some small family workshops and perhaps purchase some souvenirs. Enjoy a free afternoon or choose one of the select experience options.
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.
Day 8: Phnom Penh, Oknha Tey, Angkor Ban
Rise early as your ship glides along the lush banks of the Mekong to Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island. The river island is renowned for its silk manufacturing traditions, preserved over centuries. Travel by tuk tuk past rice fields and get a glimpse into rural life. Stroll among the stilt houses and gain an insight into the traditional silk weaving process. Watch as the village women create beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms. Return to your river ship and savour lunch on board as the ship sets sail for Angkor Ban. As you cruise up the Mekong River in the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure. Take a dip in the pool or sit and read a book on the Sun Deck while soaking in the scenery.
Day 9: Angkor Ban, Koh Pen, Kampong Cham
Start your morning with a guided walk of Angkor Ban, a village awash with stories of Cambodia's cultural history, and one of the few traditional villages that survived the Khmer Rouge regime. Stroll through the town – nicknamed the 'Lucky Village' – to see traditional stilted houses and a Khmer-style pagoda. After lunch, your cruise docks at its final location, Kampong Cham, where you can enjoy your Insider Experience. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board with your fellow travellers as you reminisce about your Mekong River cruise adventure.
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.
Day 10: Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Siem Reap
Bid farewell to the crew and disembark the RV Lotus. Travel to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, passing through picturesque countryside and remote villages. Savour lunch at the hotel before heading to the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, often referred to as the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ due to its depiction in the Angelina Jolie film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. Afterwards, two Insider Experiences await. Tonight, perhaps enjoy the optional select experience on offer.
Insider Experience – Local Charity Visit: Visit Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner that provides education to local disadvantaged children living in Siem Reap's remote villages.
Insider Experience – Two Nights at Shinta Mani Angkor: Unwind in an idyllic setting during an indulgent stay at this upscale retreat, designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley. Combining elegance and sustainability, your accommodation is situated in Siem Reap's leafy French Quarter, close to the famous Angkor Wat temple.
Day 11: Siem Reap
Rise early this morning and travel back to Angkor Archaeological Park for a special Insider Experience. Afterwards, join a guided exploration of the well-preserved Angkor Wat, then return to your hotel for breakfast. Perhaps enjoy one of our Enhance Your Journey options before embarking on an unforgettable journey to explore magnificent Angkor Thom and the iconic Bayon. Angkor Thom, a stunning ancient city built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, served as the grand capital of the Khmer Empire. As you wander through this vast, historical landscape, you'll feel as if you've stepped back in time, surrounded by majestic temples and spectacular structures. At the heart of Angkor Thom lies the Bayon, a temple renowned for its remarkable architecture and the mysterious, serene faces that adorn its towering spires. These intricately carved expressions will leave you in awe as you delve deeper into the rich history and artistry of this extraordinary site.
Insider Experience – Sunrise at Angkor Wat: Wake up early and witness the sun rising over Angkor Wat. A seat is included during the experience, as well as refreshments (coffee, tea or juice).
Insider Experience – Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance: Dine on tantalising Khmer cuisine and peer into the heart of Cambodia as you watch an apsara dance performance, a delicate, beautiful tradition dating back to the seventh century.
Day 12: Depart Siem Reap
Your Vietnam and Cambodia journey comes to an end after breakfast with a transfer to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport for your onward flight.
Conditions apply. Subject to availability and change without notice. Full supplier conditions apply. Valid for new bookings only. Prices valid at the time of publication. Prices are per person based on twin share occupancy unless otherwise stated and displayed in AU$. Member savings are calculated using the original advertised price.