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15 NIGHTS
TRAVEL TO HO CHI MINH CITY AND RETURN FROM HANOI 2 NIGHTS IN HO CHI MINH CITY, 7-NIGHTS HO CHI MINH CITY TO KAMPONG CHAM CRUISE, 2 NIGHTS IN SIEM REAP, 3 NIGHTS IN HANOI AND 1 NIGHT IN HA LONG BAY |
Two lively cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, provide the perfect start and end to your incredible journey. Cruise along the Mekong, visiting rural villages, historic pagodas, local markets and a Buddhist monastery where you’ll witness a special blessing by monks. Indulge your inner adventurer in Siem Reap, exploring the grand temples of the UNESCO-designated Angkor Archeological Park, including Banteay Srei, Angkor Thom, the Terrace of the Elephants, the pyramid temple of Bayon, Ta Prohm—the vine-covered “jungle temple”—Angkor Wat and other key sites.
Conclude your journey in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, along with an overnight sojourn on board an elegantly appointed ship in the UNESCO-designated Ha Long Bay.
BRIEF ITINERARY
3-day / 2-night Pre-Cruise Exclusive to our Group: See Ho Chi Minh pre-Cruise
Hosted by Destination Asia just for us!
27FEB Ho Chi Minh City VIP (airside) Arrival, transfer, Hotel check-in, Welcome Reception & Dinner
28FEB Ho Chi Minh City City tour and Chu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, Presidential Palace. Optional Vespa and Street Food Tour for dinner.
01MAR Ho Chi Minh City Visit to Ben Thang market. Transfer to ship.
8-day / 7-night Cruise with Amawaterways
01MAR Ho Chi Minh City. EMBARKATION Welcome Dinner aboard AmaDara
02MAR Cai Be Local boat ride; Visit local workshops, Historic Kiet Old House, Sa Dec Local boat ride to Sa Dec; Visit to local market and temple
03MAR Tan Chau Trishaw ride to craftsmen’s workshops OR Local village. Border Crossing from Vietnam to Cambodia
04MAR Phnom Penh Killing Fields and Genocide Museum OR Central Market Royal Palace and National Museum
05MAR Oudong Buddhist Blessing Ceremony Kampong Tralach Oxcart ride Phnom Penh Tuk tuk orientation tour
06MAR Oknhatey Village Visit Silk Village and local school
07MAR Angkor Ban Walking tour Kampong Cham Phnom Pros & Phnom Srei “Twin Mountain” visit
08MAR Kampong Cham DISEMBARKATION
7-day / 6-night Post-Cruise with Amawaterways
08MAR Kampong Cham Motorcoach transfer to Siem Reap. Hotel check-in. Ta Prohm Temple
09MAR Siem Reap Angkor Wat and Banteay Srei
10MAR Siem Reap Angkor Thom
FLIGHT to Hanoi. Hanoi Hotel check-in
11MAR Hanoi City tour and rickshaw ride; Water Puppet Show
12MAR Hanoi Motorcoach transfer to Ha Long Bay. Ha Long Bay Bay excursion. Overnight cruise.
13MAR Ha Long Bay Transfer to Hanoi. Hanoi Hotel check-in
14MAR Hanoi Return flight home
DETAILED ITINERARY
27FEB-01MAR Pre-Cruise Exclusive to our Group: See: 2-nights pre-Cruise
27FEB
ARRIVE IN HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM. Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately referred to by locals as Saigon, is Vietnam’s former capital. Once known as the “Paris of the Orient,” it is now an industrial, cultural and educational hub. VIP Fast Track arrival procedure and transfer to hotel. Deluxe Room in Caravelle Saigon, 2 nights, with breakfast.
Welcome Reception hosted by Roger and Jim this evening. (D) See Ho Chi Minh pre-Cruise
27FEB
ARRIVE IN HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM. Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately referred to by locals as Saigon, is Vietnam’s former capital. Once known as the “Paris of the Orient,” it is now an industrial, cultural and educational hub. VIP Fast Track arrival procedure and transfer to hotel. Deluxe Room in Caravelle Saigon, 2 nights, with breakfast.
Welcome Reception hosted by Roger and Jim this evening. (D) See Ho Chi Minh pre-Cruise
28FEB
HO CHI MINH CITY. Always bustling, Ho Chi Minh City is a city of contrasts blending old and new, and east and west. In the morning, visit Chu Chi, an immense underground network built during the Vietnam War. Lunch is included. In the afternoon, explore some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the former Presidential Palace, the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum. (B,L)
Optional Saigon After Dark & Street Food Tour on Antique Vespas to really immerse yourself in the local culture! (D) See Ho Chi Minh pre-Cruise
HO CHI MINH CITY. Always bustling, Ho Chi Minh City is a city of contrasts blending old and new, and east and west. In the morning, visit Chu Chi, an immense underground network built during the Vietnam War. Lunch is included. In the afternoon, explore some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the former Presidential Palace, the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum. (B,L)
Optional Saigon After Dark & Street Food Tour on Antique Vespas to really immerse yourself in the local culture! (D) See Ho Chi Minh pre-Cruise
01MAR
HO CHI MINH CITY In the morning, guided walking visit Ben Thanh Market—one of the oldest and most iconic structures in Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to ship included. (B) See Ho Chi Minh pre-Cruise
EMBARKATION
Board the AmaDara at My Tho port. Meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Cai Be. (B,L,D)
HO CHI MINH CITY In the morning, guided walking visit Ben Thanh Market—one of the oldest and most iconic structures in Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to ship included. (B) See Ho Chi Minh pre-Cruise
EMBARKATION
Board the AmaDara at My Tho port. Meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Cai Be. (B,L,D)
02MAR
CAI BE – SA DEC. Take a local boat to Cai Be. You will have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper making workshops, as well as the historic Kiet Old House. Later in the day, journey to Sa Dec, a sprawling town on the Mekong Delta, where French writer Marguerite Duras spent part of her youth. You will visit the colorful market, Cao Dai Temple and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras’ Chinese paramour, which her prize-winning novel, “The Lover,” is said to be based on. (B,L,D)
CAI BE – SA DEC. Take a local boat to Cai Be. You will have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper making workshops, as well as the historic Kiet Old House. Later in the day, journey to Sa Dec, a sprawling town on the Mekong Delta, where French writer Marguerite Duras spent part of her youth. You will visit the colorful market, Cao Dai Temple and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras’ Chinese paramour, which her prize-winning novel, “The Lover,” is said to be based on. (B,L,D)
03MAR
TAN CHAU – BORDER CROSSING. Enjoy a visit to Tan Chau, a small Mekong River town unspoiled by tourism. Be treated to an authentic experience on a traditional “xe-loi” (trishaw) ride around the town, with stops at silk-making and rattan mat workshops, followed by a boat ride through the narrow channels of the Mekong River to “Evergreen Island.” Alternatively, take a boat ride to Evergreen Island and return to Tan Chau, where you will visit a rattan mat workshop. Later in the day, cruise from Vietnam to the Cambodian border en route to Phnom Penh. (B,L,D
TAN CHAU – BORDER CROSSING. Enjoy a visit to Tan Chau, a small Mekong River town unspoiled by tourism. Be treated to an authentic experience on a traditional “xe-loi” (trishaw) ride around the town, with stops at silk-making and rattan mat workshops, followed by a boat ride through the narrow channels of the Mekong River to “Evergreen Island.” Alternatively, take a boat ride to Evergreen Island and return to Tan Chau, where you will visit a rattan mat workshop. Later in the day, cruise from Vietnam to the Cambodian border en route to Phnom Penh. (B,L,D
04MAR
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA. This morning’s excursion takes you to Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum). Alternatively, you may wish to shop for unique treasures at the bustling yellow-colored Central Market. After lunch on board, you will explore the highlights of the city, followed by a visit to the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts. After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge. (B,L,D)
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA. This morning’s excursion takes you to Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum). Alternatively, you may wish to shop for unique treasures at the bustling yellow-colored Central Market. After lunch on board, you will explore the highlights of the city, followed by a visit to the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts. After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge. (B,L,D)
05MAR
OUDONG – KAMPONG TRALACH – PHNOM PENH. Visit Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital from the early 17th century until 1866. Today, Oudong is a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians. While here, be treated to a memorable Buddhist Blessing Ceremony at a monastery. In Kampong Tralach, you will have a truly authentic excursion – an oxcart ride through a local village. Later in the day, experience Phnom Penh via a tuk tuk ride and be enchanted by the city's French Colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards set amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. (B,L,D)
OUDONG – KAMPONG TRALACH – PHNOM PENH. Visit Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital from the early 17th century until 1866. Today, Oudong is a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians. While here, be treated to a memorable Buddhist Blessing Ceremony at a monastery. In Kampong Tralach, you will have a truly authentic excursion – an oxcart ride through a local village. Later in the day, experience Phnom Penh via a tuk tuk ride and be enchanted by the city's French Colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards set amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. (B,L,D)
06MAR
OKNHATEY— ANGOR BAN. In the morning, set sail for Oknhatey Village. Oknhatey is the “Silk Island,” located on the lush banks of the Mekong River and known for its rich tradition of silk weaving. While here, you will visit a local elementary school and observe the traditional silk weaving, an art that has been preserved for centuries. Your cruise continues to sail to Angkor Ban. (B,L,D)
OKNHATEY— ANGOR BAN. In the morning, set sail for Oknhatey Village. Oknhatey is the “Silk Island,” located on the lush banks of the Mekong River and known for its rich tradition of silk weaving. While here, you will visit a local elementary school and observe the traditional silk weaving, an art that has been preserved for centuries. Your cruise continues to sail to Angkor Ban. (B,L,D)
07MAR
ANGKOR BAN – KAMPONG CHAM. Go on a walking tour 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 their traditional wooden abodes and keep their old cultural traditions alive. Hundreds of wooden houses stand intact on stilts, shaded with banana trees, among the hustle and bustle of the daily agricultural on-going of the local villagers. After visiting here, the ship sets sail for Kampong Cham, where you will go on an afternoon excursion via motorcoach to the Twin Mountains, known as Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei (male and female mountains). In the annals of Khmer legend, the twin mountains were formed as the result of a competition between the men and women of an ancient Cambodian kingdom to resolve which gender would be responsible for wedding proposals. Cap the day off with a festive Farewell Dinner on board. (B,L,D)
ANGKOR BAN – KAMPONG CHAM. Go on a walking tour 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 their traditional wooden abodes and keep their old cultural traditions alive. Hundreds of wooden houses stand intact on stilts, shaded with banana trees, among the hustle and bustle of the daily agricultural on-going of the local villagers. After visiting here, the ship sets sail for Kampong Cham, where you will go on an afternoon excursion via motorcoach to the Twin Mountains, known as Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei (male and female mountains). In the annals of Khmer legend, the twin mountains were formed as the result of a competition between the men and women of an ancient Cambodian kingdom to resolve which gender would be responsible for wedding proposals. Cap the day off with a festive Farewell Dinner on board. (B,L,D)
08MAR
KAMPONG CHAM – to – SIEM REAP.
DISEMBARKATION
5-Night Post-Cruise tour March 8-13 hosted by Amawaterways.
Disembark in Kampong Cham and transfer by motorcoach to Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Khmer empire. You’ll visit nearby Ta Prohm, known as the “Kingdom of the Trees,” for the way in which the temple stones have become intertwined with thick forest vegetation. (B,L,D)
The disembarkation time is 8.30 am and the transfer from Kampong Cham to the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra hotel in Siem Reap is a 5.5-hr ride with 2 stops. Buses estimate time of arrival to Sofitel is 1:45 pm. A Box Lunch is provided on the bus.
Our in Siem Reap is the luxurious SOFITEL ANGKOR PHOKEETHRA GOLF & SPA. French luxury and local cuisine in the vibrant city of Siem Reap. Just ten-minutes away from the famed monuments, French colonial elegance sits amidst the lush gardens of Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, a luxurious collection of 238 rooms and suites with serene design reflecting French sophistication and yesteryear refinement. A lavish swimming pool beloved by guests is surrounded by opulent landscaping.
KAMPONG CHAM – to – SIEM REAP.
DISEMBARKATION
5-Night Post-Cruise tour March 8-13 hosted by Amawaterways.
Disembark in Kampong Cham and transfer by motorcoach to Siem Reap, gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Khmer empire. You’ll visit nearby Ta Prohm, known as the “Kingdom of the Trees,” for the way in which the temple stones have become intertwined with thick forest vegetation. (B,L,D)
The disembarkation time is 8.30 am and the transfer from Kampong Cham to the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra hotel in Siem Reap is a 5.5-hr ride with 2 stops. Buses estimate time of arrival to Sofitel is 1:45 pm. A Box Lunch is provided on the bus.
Our in Siem Reap is the luxurious SOFITEL ANGKOR PHOKEETHRA GOLF & SPA. French luxury and local cuisine in the vibrant city of Siem Reap. Just ten-minutes away from the famed monuments, French colonial elegance sits amidst the lush gardens of Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, a luxurious collection of 238 rooms and suites with serene design reflecting French sophistication and yesteryear refinement. A lavish swimming pool beloved by guests is surrounded by opulent landscaping.
09MAR
SIEM REAP – ANGKOR. Begin your morning exploration of the temple complex at Angkor Wat, the most iconic of all Angkorian temples, built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god, Vishnu. An afternoon excursion takes you to see the fascinating jewel in the crown of Angkorian art, Banteay Srei, which means “Citadel of Women,” as it has been said that the carving is too fine to have been done by the hand of man. During the evening, be treated to a special “Apsara Dancing Show” at your hotel, featuring local Cambodian/Khmer folk dancers. (B,D)
SIEM REAP – ANGKOR. Begin your morning exploration of the temple complex at Angkor Wat, the most iconic of all Angkorian temples, built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god, Vishnu. An afternoon excursion takes you to see the fascinating jewel in the crown of Angkorian art, Banteay Srei, which means “Citadel of Women,” as it has been said that the carving is too fine to have been done by the hand of man. During the evening, be treated to a special “Apsara Dancing Show” at your hotel, featuring local Cambodian/Khmer folk dancers. (B,D)
10MAR
SIEM REAP – HANOI. After breakfast, you will have a guided sightseeing tour of Angkor Thom meaning “the great city." This is home to Bayon Temple, best known for its gigantic smiling stone faces, as well as the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Later in the day, take a short flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. (B,L)
(Flight cost is CAD 439 per person)
Our hotel in Hanoi is the luxurious SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi is an iconic award-winning colonial and neo-classical luxury hotel located in the heart of the old city. It is the ideal choice in Hanoi for business and leisure travelers as well as for weddings, conferences and social events. The hotel offers 364 rooms and suites together with three signature restaurants, three bars, seven function rooms, a heated swimming pool, the luxurious Le Spa du Metropole, complimentary WIFI and a unique Path of History tour.
11MAR
HANOI. From ancient temples to French Colonial architecture and modern-day skyscrapers, along with beautiful parks and lakes, Hanoi is an eclectic and lively city. A morning sightseeing tour will showcase some of Hanoi’s most famous historic and cultural sites, including Ba Dinh Square and The Temple of Literature. You will also visit the infamous prison that American POWs sarcastically dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, experience an authentic rickshaw ride (known as a “cyclo”) in the Old Quarter, followed by a traditional Water Puppet Show. (B)
More details in AmaWaterways "Connections: Hanoi"
HANOI. From ancient temples to French Colonial architecture and modern-day skyscrapers, along with beautiful parks and lakes, Hanoi is an eclectic and lively city. A morning sightseeing tour will showcase some of Hanoi’s most famous historic and cultural sites, including Ba Dinh Square and The Temple of Literature. You will also visit the infamous prison that American POWs sarcastically dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, experience an authentic rickshaw ride (known as a “cyclo”) in the Old Quarter, followed by a traditional Water Puppet Show. (B)
More details in AmaWaterways "Connections: Hanoi"
12MAR
HANOI – HA LONG BAY. Take a scenic drive from Hanoi to one of Vietnam’s most renowned locations, Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board an elegantly appointed ship designed with all the modern conveniences to ensure smooth sailing for an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. The backdrop of the bay’s magnificent scenery and dramatic limestone cliffs and rock formations provide you with the perfect setting for a memorable sojourn. (B,L,D)
HANOI – HA LONG BAY. Take a scenic drive from Hanoi to one of Vietnam’s most renowned locations, Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board an elegantly appointed ship designed with all the modern conveniences to ensure smooth sailing for an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. The backdrop of the bay’s magnificent scenery and dramatic limestone cliffs and rock formations provide you with the perfect setting for a memorable sojourn. (B,L,D)
13MAR
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14MAR
DEPART HANOI. Bid farewell to Vietnam and prepare for your homeward flight (B)
Airport transfer available through Amawaterways @ c. CAD37 per person.
Price based on 2020 rates.
Let Roger know if you would like to extend your stay in this beautiful city! We'll reserve the same category room so you won't have to move.
DEPART HANOI. Bid farewell to Vietnam and prepare for your homeward flight (B)
Airport transfer available through Amawaterways @ c. CAD37 per person.
Price based on 2020 rates.
Let Roger know if you would like to extend your stay in this beautiful city! We'll reserve the same category room so you won't have to move.
More details here:
Overview - Itinerary - Prices - AmaDara ship - Stateroom Categories - Ho Chi MInh City pre-Cruise -
Additional Resources
All bookings are made and protected through
Travel Edge, 1920 Avenue Rd, Toronto ON M5M 4A1, CANADA.
IATA/ARC: 67-682543 / TICO #: 50023253.
Travel Agent of Record is Roger Kershaw.
Travel Insurance is NOT included in prices quoted but is strongly recommended.
Overview - Itinerary - Prices - AmaDara ship - Stateroom Categories - Ho Chi MInh City pre-Cruise -
Additional Resources
All bookings are made and protected through
Travel Edge, 1920 Avenue Rd, Toronto ON M5M 4A1, CANADA.
IATA/ARC: 67-682543 / TICO #: 50023253.
Travel Agent of Record is Roger Kershaw.
Travel Insurance is NOT included in prices quoted but is strongly recommended.