Welcome to Vietnam!

Meet & greet: Upon arrival at airport you will be welcomed to Vietnam by your private English-speaking guide, and then transferred to your hotel. Early check-in at your hotel is subject to availability on arrival.

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Overnight in Saigon at your selected hotel

Morning tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels: After breakfast travel out of the city to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast network of tunnels, stretching for over 150 kilometres, was built by the Viet Cong in the battles for the South. The tunnels are a sobering insight into the dedication of the Viet Cong who virtually lived in the narrow and claustrophobic tunnels whilst the war raged. Nearby, a chilling demonstration of the traps and weapons that were used against the Americans is given. The Cu Chi tunnels have been widened in places for visitors, however they can still be dark, hot and claustrophobic inside so please bear this in mind if you do not like enclosed spaces. Then return back Saigon for lunch a local restaurant.

Afternoon guided tour of Saigon city: This afternoon visit Saigon’s historic landmark including the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France. Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, completed in 1891. A short drive away is the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American War. Continue to the War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective of the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese. Experience Saigon’s famed street coffee culture while your guide provides a brief language lesson as well as insights into daily life of a Saigonese before returning to your hotel.

Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight in Saigon at your selected hotel

Private transfer to Hai Phong: This morning (at approximate 09.30am to 10.00am) you will be picked up from the hotel by your driver & guide. You will then drive to Hai Phong via Ha Noi- Hai Phong new highway, drive takes approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. The road is in good condition but no Rest Stops are available currently.

Overnight Lan Ha Bay Cruise:  Lan Ha Bay is a tranquil part of the famous Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. This cruise runs through very less touristy’s areas in Lan Ha Bay so guests will feel very great when seeing the bay, taking photos or relaxing on the sundeck. You will arrive in Hai Phong around midday, where you will board your deluxe junk. Enjoy a welcome drink upon boarding while being acquainted with the facilities on board during the welcome briefing. We enjoy lunch on board in dining room offering panoramic views of the passing scenery. We start our unique journey of exploring one of the new wonders of nature – Lan Ha Bay. Depends on itinerary of each cruise, guests will have chance to visit bright cave or trekking/cycling (electric car available) at Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island or swimming and kayaking in the private emerald water on a quiet beach or sunbathing on the sundeck.  Back on board, relax with Massage and Spa treatment, always available upon request. Delight in the shimmering atmosphere of thousands of stars while eating a fantastic, expertly prepared dinner on the top deck of your boat, all while floating in the center of serene Lan Ha Bay. After dinner, socialize with new friends and crew members, and join some nighttime squid fishing. Overnight onboard. Please note that the cruise itinerary is subject to alteration dependent on sailing conditions.

 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

Every day, we offer an invigorating Tai Chi class on the sun deck to our guests. The morning tour takes you to Cai Be. Cai Be still hosts a small floating market for boat to boat trading of local goods such as fruits and agricultural products. Our guide explains the particularities of this long lasting dealing culture. Each boat has a special marker to let buyers know what goods they are selling. Cai Be is a rustic town criss-crossed by many water canals. We go on-shore to visit a workshop where we learn about the manufacturing of rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies or rice wine. With our local boat we continue to cruise through the lush and green canal network and observe farmers working in the fields. Back on board, lunch is served.

In the afternoon, we reach the area of Sa Dec. We embark a traditional sampan and take a tour towards Binh Thanh Island. This island is one of the larger ones in the vast stream of the Mekong. Some communities have settled here and make their living by growing water hyacinths. We visit exclusively one of those untouched areas. By wandering through the village we get a deep understanding of the native life. But moreover, we can follow the whole process of mat making. We will meet also an old local couple who shares their story on the island with us. Back on board you may like to pamper yourself with a spa treatment or take a dip into our pool on the sun deck. Our expert guides offer a presentation on the “Life in the Mekong Delta” as the ship continues sailing to Tan Chau, near the border to Cambodia. We moor mid-stream near Tan Chau. Dinner is served and afterwards you can join our evening cinema session (offered every night) featuring selected movies.

 Brunch
Overnight in Hanoi at your selected hotel

Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the dining hall or in the quiet privacy of your balcony. Brace yourself for a tour around Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced town with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community. Once on-shore we hop on “xelois” to explore Tan Chau. A “xeloi” is a local vehicle which is still used as a taxi in this region. We slowly move around the streets to see all the workshops, houses and domiciles. Get to feel the laid-back vibes of this place. We stop at the colorful local market near one of the town’s temples. This is the best time to interact with the vendors of this friendly town to practice your bargaining skills. We board our local boat and cruise past floating houses and finally reach a floating fish farm. This region is the source of a fish production that is sold all over the world. Here we get a deep insight on how fish farming works. Back on board our “home” we sail towards the Vietnamese-Cambodian border. Get ready for a fascinating and leisurely cruise through the deep Cambodian countryside towards Phnom Penh. The whole afternoon is at your own arrangements. It is time for massages, time for sun bed relaxations, time for private balcony kick-backs – it’s the time to merge with the river. A culinary class is offered during the afternoon to sharpen your knowledge and skills on the local cuisine.  “The Highway Blues” beckons as we float into a state of mild bliss, and before you totally drift away join our afternoon high tea for some treats. Dinner is served before we arrive in the Cambodia’s capital in the evening. The boat docks at the pier of Phnom Penh. Feel free to have your first exploration by yourself after dinner. Stroll along the river promenade and watch the locals chit-chatting, selling odds and ends or have a drink in one of the numerous bars (kindly inform our crew once you are leaving the ship on your own).

 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
 Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

We depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh towards the small Angkor Ban village up the Mekong River. Wake up to the gentle cruise motion and get ready for breakfast in the dining room. The Angkor Ban village is famous for it´s unspoiled community and beautiful, traditional houses. It feels like being transported back a hundred years into an era unaffected by modernity. Villagers are characterized by their unbridled friendliness. Back on board our staff is keen on showing you the variety of traditional Khmer fashion. Lunch is served after this demonstration. We cruise further up the Mekong to visit a local school to understand more about the education of the young Cambodian generation (the project is funded by an NGO). Those children here are always excited to show their skills in music and art and will bath you in smiles upon your applause. We continue the travel by road to the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). This small complex sits on a hill top right on the shore with breath-taking views on the Mekong. Another temple on the way is the tiny, colorful monastery of Wat Nokor. Here we might get the chance to engage in a light banter with some of the monks living in the area. Relax back on board until dinner is served. The boat moors mid-river near Kampong Cham.

Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

We sail downstream the Mekong during breakfast time and stop at the Island of Koh Oknha Tey. This spot in the middle of the Mekong owns its fame for the manufacturing of high class silk products. By tuk tuk we explore the island with its workshops and learn how silk is processed from its source, provided by little silkworms, to a final top quality product made of original Cambodian silk. Before lunch our expert guides offer a presentation about the “Geography of the Mekong and Tonle Sap”. After lunch a Monks’ blessing ceremony on board will deliver spirits and wishes for health and prosperity to all. The cruiser continues its journey, passing the confluence of Mekong and Tonle River towards Kampong Tralach. Gliding through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape we reach Kampong Tralach. Cacophonous children waive enthusiastically while bringing their livestock for a bath in the meandering river. Live to see all this life – which is so different than ours – by a local ox cart ride. The boat find its anchor spot later in the Tonle River near Kampong Chhnang allowing you to observe the interesting and close-by life on shore until dinner is served in the restaurant.

Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

Wake up early to witness this spectacular water-world in the break of dawn. Our morning Tai Chi class has the perfect backdrop today. Breakfast buffet is served in the restaurant. We are now at Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world”, where everything is on sticks balanced on water rich soil. This is the most fascinating cruise part in Cambodia. We take a local boat to the shore. With mini buses we head to a rural village nearby and go on a walking tour. Our guides introduce the village specialities – Khmer style pottery and the making of palm sugar. Definitely you should bring home some. Before returning to the boat we explore the local floating villages and wetlands of the region. Back on board lunch is served as your floating sanctuary cruises gently along the narrow and meandering Tonle, towards the Great Tonle Lake. The river opens up to a vast “sea” – known as the biggest fresh water lake in Asia. This lake can only be crossed during high water season (approx. from End-July to Mid-November). Let your soul float and your eyes wander while the boat makes its way towards Siem Reap. In the afternoon we serve a afternoon tea at the bar and as the sun sets, our crew invites for a farewell event. Enjoy your dinner and some music and dancing afterwards together with the crew. The boat moors mid-stream near Siem Reap.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love and life to millions of people. It has more fishes than any other lake in the world and is home to an incredible variety of birds, including rare – and endangered – feathered life. The water level varies a great deal according to the time of the year and the amount of rainfall recorded. Thus, minor changes to the itinerary may occur during different seasons.

Our cruise aboard our cruise liner comes to an end as we reach this city of the fabled Angkor temple complex. We bid farewell to the cruise as our journey comes to a close. But the memories – and the friendships made on board – linger on for a lot longer.

We will cross the Tonle Sap Lake at dawn and at 9:00 am, we will disembark at the Siem Reap Port for onward coach transfer to the drop off point in town.

 Breakfast
Overnight in Siem Riep at your selected hotel

***Please check with your guide to see what time you would like to enjoy sunrise at Angkor Wat and your guide will be flexible to you and accommodate as per your request

Full day tour of Angkor: Probably the best time to visit Angkor Wat, the largest and most famous of the Angkor temples, is early in the morning, when the light is good and it is relatively quiet. Angkor Wat is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. Continue your exploration with a visit to the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. There are magnificent roots of trees, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, emphasizing the ‘lost city’ legend. Lunch is taken at local restaurant

Afternoon, have a fun with tuk tuk ride to visit to Angkor Thom (Big Angkor), it is a walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire. After Jayavarman VII recaptured the badly damaged Angkorian capital from the Cham invaders in 1181, he began a massive building campaign across the empire, constructing Angkor Thom as his new capital city. The giant stone faces of Bayon have become one of the most recognizable images connected to classic Khmer art and architecture. There are 37 standing towers, most sporting four carved faces oriented toward the cardinal points.  Further, visit to the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Leper King Terrace and Royal Place area. Have optional your choice to stop at the Pre Rup-temple to catch the most popular sunset. Or optional your choice at a selected temple – will be advised our guide.

Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight in Siem Riep at your selected hotel

Morning at leisure: This morning is at leisure in Siem Reap to explore independently and hunt for souvenirs. You will have to check out of your room at noon time and then be transferred to the airport for your departure flight home. **note: check out time at your hotel is at 12:00pm

Breakfast
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