Compare The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam (Northbound) by Avalon Waterways vs A Taste Of Vietnam And Cambodia In 9 Days by Realistic Asia

Day 1: HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

Historic Ho Chi Minh

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

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Day 2: HO CHI MINH CITY

Motorbikes, Monuments, and Mouthwatering Cuisine

CLASSIC 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 and bustling Ben Thanh Market.

DISCOVERY 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!

Explore the city further during free time this afternoon.

This evening join your traveling companions for a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 3: HO CHI MINH CITY. EXCURSION TO CU CHI TUNNELS

Secret Passageways and Underground Hideouts

CLASSIC 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.

Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. Consider stopping for a drink at the famous rooftop bar at the Caravelle Hotel.

(Breakfast)

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Day 4: HO CHI MINH CITY (EMBARKATION)

Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding

Transfer to the port on the Saigon River for embarkation. Get acquainted with the ship and relax before your welcome reception this evening.

AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO VINH LONG

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 5: VINH LONG–CU LAO GIENG

Sweets, Sampans, and Sun Hats

DISCOVERY 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 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 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.

AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO CHAU DOC

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 6: CHAU DOC–LONG KHANH A–BORDER CROSSING, CAMBODIA

Colorful markets, Charming Locals, and Cotton Weavers

DISCOVERY 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 After lunch, take a sampan Ride to the village of Long Khanh A for a Cotton-Weaving Demonstration in this well-preserved artisan’s tradition.

Return to the ship and head for the Cambodian border.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 7: PHNOM PENH

The Royal Treatment

CLASSIC Take a City Tour 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.

Just before dinner, children from a local orphanage will perform a show featuring local song and dance.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 8: PHNOM PENH

A Dark History and Bright Markets

CLASSIC 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 Visit the lively Central Market by tuk-tuk to see its unique Art Deco design.

After lunch, depart Phnom Penh and enjoy some time at leisure on the ship.

AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO WAT HANCHEY

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 9: WAT HANCHEY–ANGKOR BAN

Water Blessings and Back To School Adventures

DISCOVERY 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 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.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KONPONG LOUANG

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 10: KONPONG LOUANG–KAMPONG TRALACH

Calm in the Cambodian Countryside

DISCOVERY 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.

This afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising on the Tonle River.

EVENING CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 11: PHNOM PENH (DISEMBARKATION)–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 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.

The evening is yours to explore charming Siem Reap, stay to witness the sunset at Angkor Wat, or consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the Cambodian circus

(Breakfast,Lunch)

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Day 12: SIEM REAP

Roots Carved in Stone and Celebrated in Dance

CLASSIC 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.

Spend the afternoon at your leisure. You may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to further explore Siem Reap or the temple complex by tuk-tuk.

DISCOVERY This evening, a private Apsara Dance Performance brings ancient Khmer culture to life through music, song, and dance.

(Breakfast,Dinner)

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Day 13: SIEM REAP–HANOI

Hanoi Bound

Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night.

(Breakfast)

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Day 14: HANOI

Historic Hanoi and Water Puppets

CLASSIC First, join a Guided Visit of the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next, see iconic sites, including One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” Lastly, visit the 900-year-old Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s first university.

Enjoy lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that teaches local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities.

CLASSIC After lunch, enjoy an Electric-Ride through the fascinating Old Quarter—with its 36 ancient streets where merchants trade as they have for centuries.

DISCOVERY An early dinner this evening is followed by a fascinating Live Performance of Hanoi’s renowned water puppets, a traditional 11th-century art form.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 15: HANOI–HA LONG BAY

Island Shapes and a Floating Village

Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes. Board the luxurious Paradise Elegance for a 2-Night Cruise on the bay.

DISCOVERY Visit the Cua Van Floating Village, home to more than 700 people, by bamboo raft, OR:

ACTIVE Take a Kayak Ride to visit Cua Van Village.

Enjoy scenic sailing for the remainder of the day before anchoring for the night.

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 16: HA LONG BAY

Caves, Kayaks, and Scenic Climbs

DISCOVERY Visit Ti Top Island, for a Guided Excursion to take a swim, or climb 400 steps to the top for stunning views. You can also visit Luon Cave by boat, and explore Dark & Bright Cave by bamboo raft, OR:

ACTIVE Explore Luon Cave and Dark & Bright Cave by Kayak Ride.

After a day of exploring, consider a spa treatment or simply relax for happy hour prior to dinner!

(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)

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Day 17: HA LONG BAY–HANOI

Surprising and Amazing Beauty

This morning, relax onboard your ship, or visit Sung Sot Cave, considered one of the most beautiful in the area with its magnificent formations. Afterwards, return to Hanoi and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at your leisure.

(Breakfast)

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Day 18: HANOI

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(Breakfast)

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Day 1 Welcome to Vietnam - Hanoi Arrival

Your Vietnam adventure begins with your arrival in Hanoi. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city, with the fascinating Old Quarter at your fingertips. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2 Explore The Charms Of Vietnam's Capital - Group Tour (B/L)

Today you will have a full-day exploration of a unique Asian city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes, and oriental pagodas and temples dating back thousand years ago.

The guide will pick you up at your hotel from 8:00-8:45 am. Start your exploration by visiting the Ho Chi Minh complex, including Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, the final resting place of the Vietnamese great father, and President Ho Chi Minh's stilt house, where he lived and worked from 1958 to 1969. Then visit Ho Chi Minh Museum where you will learn about his devotion to Vietnam. Then continue to Tran Quoc pagoda, a Buddhist temple, and national heritage, lying on one side of West Lake.

Then proceed to the Ethnology Museum (apply on Sun, Tue, Thu & Sat). Here you will find the diversity of the culture of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam.

Have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, drive to the Temple of Literature, which is the first university in Vietnam. It is an ancient architecture, constructed in 1073 to worship Confucius and the Chu Van An - headmaster of the Imperial College - representing the high moral philosophy and ethics of Vietnamese education. After an amazing time in the Temple of Literature drive back to Hoan Kiem Lake to visit Ngoc Son Temple and see the Vietnamese and French architecture around the lake.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3 Explore The Magnificent Ha long Bay (B/L/D)

In the morning, after breakfast, check out the hotel, the Cruise team will pick you up. Take the most scenic route to reach Ha long Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can see. On arrival to Ha long, you will enjoy a cruise on the Bay and explore the limestone rocks and the karst grottoes.

After you are done with your exploration of the bay, it is time to enjoy an utterly delicious seafood lunch, after which there will be a trip to the famous limestone cave in Ha Long Bay, you’ll get to spend some time here, kayaking or swimming so that you can get closer to the floating villages and shops. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax.

Overnight on cruise.

Day 4 Wake Up With The Dragon in The Bay (B/L)

Rise early today to view the dawn at the Wonder of the Nature World with breakfast served in the dining room. A Tai Chi class on the sun deck will awake your mind and muscles.

Then head off to visit the limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. Then return to the boat to check out and enjoy the brunch while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor. Later you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5 Hanoi - Flight To Ho Chi Minh (B)

Relish the remaining moment in Hanoi before your private driver escorts you to the airport to take the flight to Ho Chi Minh. When you arrive at Ho Chi Minh airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation. The rest of the time is free at leisure.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 6 Excursion On The Mighty Mekong Delta (B/L)

Kick start your day with a hearty breakfast, and a trip to Mekong Delta follows. The guide will meet you at the hotel lobby around 7:15-7:30 am, and you will head to My Tho, which lies on the left side of the Mekong River.

Upon arrival, board the sampan and cruise down the river around the four beautiful islands, known as Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise islands. Stop at Unicorn Island, walk around the country lanes and see the orchards. Visit fruit plantations and enjoy tropical fruits and folk song music performed by the local people.

Then take a hand-rowed sampan through Thoi Son canal and immerse yourself in the beauty of the countryside. Visit family workshops and honey-bee farm, and taste some honey tea and coconut candies.

Refuel yourself with a traditional Vietnamese lunch, and later cycle around the Tan Thach village, and meet the local villagers to experience the local daily life in the Mekong Delta. If you are not keen on a cycling trip, enjoy a cool breeze and a relaxing time in a hammock. Afterward, you will get back to your accommodation.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 7 Ho Chi Minh City Tour (B/L) - Flight to Siem Reap

Take the morning trip to visit Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, which was built on the sight of the former Norodom palace. The Independence palace is a widely known landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. Continue seeing the beautiful structures from the French Colonial times, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Central Post Office. The next stop is the remarkable site of the War Remnants Museum, which has a vast display of both the Indochina wars.

Then have some free time until our driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, your private driver will meet you and escort you to the hotel. Rest if the day is at your leisure.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Please note: The Notre Dame Cathedral is under restoration, so the guests could visit it only outside.

Day 8 Explore The Magnificent Ancient Capital of Khmers (B)

Have breakfast at the hotel and start your sightseeing tour of the Angkor complex. Start your exploration with the wondrous ancient ruins of the South Gate of Angkor Thom, which is famous for its series of colossal human faces carved in stone. Continue your sightseeing to the impressive Bayon Temple, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the largest as well as the most complete temple of Angkor Wat. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 12th century and covers an area of about 210 hectares.

We will stroll around this massive edifice, seeing the many galleries with columns, libraries, pavilions, courtyards, and ponds full of water reflecting the towering temple. Then visit the famous jungle-covered temple of Ta Prohm. Here the enormous fig trees and gigantic creepers embrace themselves in the stone foundations of the structure giving the impression of man’s creation being reclaimed by the powerful forces of nature.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 9 Biggest Farewell and Warmest Thank You - Siem Reap Departure (B)

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip to Vietnam and Cambodia. Complete the hotel check-out formalities, after which you can visit the local markets to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later your private driver will transfer you to the airport to take your flight back home.

Trip Ends.