Cruise the Mekong

Discover a trio of wonderful South East Asian countries, capped off with a four-night cruise on the awe-inspiring, tranquil Mekong. This extraordinary tour begins with the excitement of the Thai capital, a cacophonous, kaleidoscopic wonder, before you journey into Cambodia, visiting the phenomenal Khmer citadel of Angkor and capital Phnom Penh. A wonderful cruise on the Mekong brings you to former South Vietnamese capital Ho Chi Minh City: a fitting finale to a memorable tour.

Highlights

A guided tour of the floating markets and palaces of Bangkok, including the Grand Palace and Golden Buddha
Scenic journey to the Cambodian border and French colonial Battambang
Cruise across Tonlé Sap – South East Asia’s biggest lake
Two full days in Siem Reap, including a full day in astounding Angkor
A city tour of Cambodian Capital Phnom Penh, which exudes French colonial elegance
An exceptional four-night cruise on the majestic Mekong, with included excursions, activities and all meals
Visit vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon
See the infamous Chu Chi tunnel complex, once used by the Viet Cong

Inclusions

15 nights’ carefully chosen bed and breakfast accommodation, including four on your river cruise boat, plus two on the aircraft
Six lunches and 11 evening meals
Outbound flight to Bangkok, returning from Ho Chi Minh City, via Singapore
Coach and air-conditioned boat transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Day 1

Fly overnight via Singapore to Bangkok.

Day 2

Upon arrival, meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel. Relax and relax or join this evening’s optional Thai Dinner dance excursion.

Day 3

Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour, first visiting the colourful floating markets at Damnoen Saduak, before a guided introduction to the Thai capital.

Day 4

Enjoy the city at leisure, or join the optional excursion to the River Kwai, site of the infamous Death Railway.

Day 5

An early start sees you journey through a stunning rural landscape barely changed in centuries, crossing into Cambodia to Battambang, an elegant, friendly French colonial city.

Day 6

Today you travel to Wat Ek Phnom, a pre-Angkor period temple. Later, enjoy a ride on a Bamboo Train through the Battambang countryside, before continuing to Siem Reap, gateway to the incredible temples of Angkor.

Day 7

This morning you’ll journey across the waters of Tonlé Sap, passing stilted villages abuzz with life. An afternoon visit to the Angkor National Museum completes a wonderful visit to Siem Reap.

Day 8

Discover the astounding lost city of Angkor, the great Khmer citadel that once ruled half of South East Asia. Great ruins litter a vast area, the most awe-inspiring of which is Angkor Wat, with its five great towers and huge bas relief.

Day 9

Journey to Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, a French colonial treasure-chest on the banks of the Mekong River. This evening, enjoy dinner at the famous riverside Foreign Correspondents’ Club.

Day 10

Spend a sobering morning at the Tuol Sleng Museum, which chronicles the Pol Pot and Khmer Rouge years, then visit Wat Phnom Temple, before a night at leisure.

Day 11

Board your comfortable ship in Phnom Penh for a four-night cruise on the tranquil Mekong. Spend an enjoyable afternoon familiarizing yourself with the ship and her facilities, before exploring at leisure in the lively port area of the city this evening.

Day 12

Set sail early for Vietnam early this morning. After passing immigration at the border, you’ll dock alongside the picturesque town of Châu Đốc to visit the famous floating markets by sampan. Continue to a nearby local Cham village, where you can observe the lives of local Vietnamese Muslims, before boarding minibuses for the short drive to Sam Mountain. Here, the energetic can climb the 400 or so steps to the top to the exquisite Hang Pagoda, proclaimed an official historic monument in 1980. This evening, your boat will moor alongside Châu Đốc, giving you the opportunity to wander along the pretty riverside.

Day 13

Early this morning, your boat will leave Châu Đốc and travel through a picturesque network of Mekong Delta canals, giving you the chance to observe rural Vietnamese life, which, in many places, has changed very little in centuries. After lunch, you’ll moor up at Cao Lãnh and take a short coach journey through the lush countryside to Gáo Giồng bird sanctuary, a 1,000-acre listed eucalyptus forest and bird haven. Observe a diverse selection of water birds and egrets that nest here, then travel by rowing boat along the tranquil waterways to get a better view of these wonderful animals, before returning to the boat by coach for another wonderful night on the Mekong.

Day 14

Sit back and relax this morning as you pass a collection of idyllic Vietnamese villages. At Bến Tre, you’ll board sampans to access the mangrove-lined waterways and orchards, which are rich in birdlife. Step ashore to meet some local artisans to observe – and taste – as they make local specialties, including coconut candy and rice wine. Later on, enjoy a cultural evening led by a local group, which will highlight life on the Mekong Delta. Return to the boat via coach, for a final evening on the majestic Mekong.

Day 15

Bid farewell to your crew this morning you will disembark in the Mekong delta, and transfer to Ho Chi Minh city for a two-night stay. The remainder of the day will be spent at leisure.

Day 16

Journey to the underground labyrinth used by the Viet Cong that is now a poignant war memorial, later enjoy a guided city tour of Ho Chi Minh City, a fascinating mix of French colonial past and modern Vietnamese life. End your day with a celebratory farewell dinner.

Day 17

Enjoy your final day at leisure before your afternoon transfer to the airport for the return overnight flight via Singapore.

Day 18

Arrive home this morning.

Further Information

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.

Tonle Sap

Should the water in Tonle Sap Lake be too low, the journey by boat on Day Seven will be replaced with coach transportation.

Passports and visas

British citizens require machine-readable passports when travelling overseas. A visa is required for entry to Cambodia. Your passport must contain two blank pages and be valid for six months beyond the exit date from Cambodia. The current charge for British Citizens is £35. British Citizens do not require a visa to visit Thailand. Until 30 June 2021, British Citizens do not require a visa for single entry visits to Vietnam if staying for less than 15 days. Full details of how and when to apply will be sent out about eight weeks before your departure date.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

On your flight

All flights travel overnight and land at your destination the next day. On-board meals will usually be dinner and breakfast. All drinks are complimentary.

Luggage allowance

You are permitted to take one suitcase per person on the aircraft, which should not exceed 23kg.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made. In many developing countries access is sometimes not as easy as at home. Should you have walking difficulties, getting around monuments and attractions may be harder and, in some cases, impossible. Should you have any concerns whatsoever please do contact us prior to travel.

Travel vaccinations

Requirements and advice can vary over time, and from person to person, so please contact your GP about eight weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or any other preventive measures.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Changes to your hotels

Should circumstances require, we reserve the right to accommodate you in alternative hotels, of a similar standard, nearby. Full details of your hotels will be sent with your Final Travel Documents.

Road Conditions

In developing countries road networks are continually being improved and expanded, which can mean that, from time to time, roadworks and rough road surfaces can extend journey times. Some journeys are made on winding mountain roads and passes, which may also make for slow travelling - although the scenery is usually worth it! Many roads do not have separate pavements or safety barriers, and great care should be taken when crossing or walking alongside roads.