Cambodia Vietnam Mekong Cruise 16 Days: Floating Markets, Temples & Saigon Discovery

Your adventure begins with your arrival in Siem Reap. 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. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

In the morning at 8:00 AM, you meet your guide and begin your journey toward the majestic South Gate of Angkor Thom, where four giant stone faces silently welcome you into an ancient world. You continue to the iconic Bayon Temple, renowned for its more than 200 serene, smiling stone faces, before wandering through the historical wonders of Baphuon, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the Terrace of the Elephant. Your exploration then leads you to the enchanting Ta Prohm Temple, where nature and ruins intertwine in a timeless embrace.

In the afternoon, you visit the magnificent Angkor Wat, a Angkor Wat and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. Here, your guide brings to life the rich history of the Khmer Empire and reveals the extraordinary architectural achievements behind this global masterpiece.

By evening, you unwind at a traditional Khmer restaurant, savoring local flavors while enjoying a captivating royal dance performance that reflects Cambodia’s cultural heritage.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Siem Reap

the morning, you transfer to the bus station and begin your 6-hour journey to Phnom Penh, passing through scenic countryside along the way.

Upon arrival, your tour guide warmly welcomes you at the bus station and escorts you to your hotel for a smooth check-in.

After such a long day of travel, you take time to relax and recharge, preparing yourself for an exciting exploration of Cambodia’s vibrant capital the following day.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Phnom Penh

In the morning, you enjoy breakfast at the hotel before beginning a deeply moving journey into Cambodia’s recent history at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21 Prison). Once a school, it was transformed under Pol Pot’s regime into a detention center, where more than 17,000 people were held before being sent to execution. You then travel to the somber Choeung Ek Killing Fields, located about 15 km south of the city, to learn more about this tragic chapter and pay your respects.

In the afternoon, you shift to a more vibrant atmosphere with a visit to Russian Market (Toul Tom Poung). This bustling market offers a wide array of local goods, from clothing and silk to silver jewelry, Buddha statues, woodcarvings, betel-nut boxes, and traditional musical instruments—perfect for discovering Cambodian craftsmanship.

By evening, you return to your hotel to relax after a day filled with powerful experiences and cultural insights.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Phnom Penh

At 06:00 AM, you have breakfast at the hotel, check out, and begin your transfer to Can Tho.

Upon arrival, you board your cruise at Ninh Kieu Pier, where you are welcomed with a refreshing drink and an introduction to the ship and crew before checking into your cabin.

At midday, the cruise departs downstream along the Hau River. You enjoy lunch on board while the vessel glides through peaceful waterways, then turns into the Nicolai Canal, heading toward the Mang Thit River and Co Chien River. Relax on the upper deck and take in the tranquil scenery of rice fields, sugarcane plantations, and lush riverside vegetation.

By mid-afternoon, the Bassac anchors for a shore excursion, offering a peaceful glimpse into life in the Mekong Delta countryside—lush orchards, quiet villages, and friendly locals. You may also opt for a short cycling tour around the area.

Toward sunset, you return on board and enjoy a complimentary drink while relaxing on deck or near the bar as the sun sets over the river. Dinner is served as the cruise continues along the Mang Thit River.

In the evening, the Bassac anchors for the night on the Mang Thit River, offering a serene and memorable overnight experience on the water.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: On board cruise in Mekong Delta

At 6:00 AM, the boat departs and begins cruising toward Cai Be.

At 7:00 AM, breakfast is served on board as the Bassac crosses the Co Chien River and continues into the Cho Lach Canal, where you can observe the lively river traffic of sand and rice barges, alongside fruit drying facilities and traditional wooden shipbuilding yards.

Upon arrival in Cai Be, you check out and transfer to a rowing boat and intimate journey through a small canal (tide permitting). You then rendezvous with a local boat that brings you ashore to explore local handicrafts and traditional village life.

Around 8:00 AM, you officially leave the Bassac cruise upon boarding the small boat for your final visit.

By mid-morning, your journey continues on land as a private car picks you up in Cai Be and transfers you to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you check in at your hotel and enjoy some well-deserved rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

At 8:00 AM, your half-day city tour begins in Ho Chi Minh City with a visit to the historic Reunification Palace, an impressive structure rich in Vietnam War history.

You then continue to the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the nearby Saigon Central Post Office, both remarkable examples of French colonial architecture with elegant neoclassical design.

Late in the morning, you visit the powerful War Remnants Museum, where exhibitions of photographs, documents, and historical artifacts provide a profound insight into the impact of the war on Vietnam.

By early afternoon, you return to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, with the remainder of the day free for relaxation or personal exploration.

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City

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

Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast

Have a free day to explore Hoi An at your own pace. The best way to explore this charming town is to rent a bicycle at the hotel and cycle around the town towards the riverside or the beach. At the beach, you will find many small cafes where you could relax with a fresh fruit drink after swimming. The water in the sea is warm and calm.

You could visit a tailor-shop which could make you and your loved ones a new piece of clothes, bag or shoes overnight.

In the evening we recommend you to walk around the Old Town area, which looks charming when the shops light their lanterns. You and would really feel like being in a fairy-tale. And don’t skip the colourful performances organized on the street in the evening.

Overnight in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast

Relish the remaining moment in Hoi An before your private driver escorts you to Da Nang airport to take the flight to Hanoi. When you arrive at Noi Bai Airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation in the Old Quarter. The rest of the time is free at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast

Today, Travel by air-conditioned bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.

• Visit Dinh king Temple and Le king Temple from the 10th century, and hear about the heroic histories of the two Kings during the Chinese Wars. At midday, sit down for lunch with Vietnamese cuisine at a local restaurant.

• Continue to Tam Coc and take the sampan go (traditional river boat) along the Ngo Dong river to visit Tam Coc's three caves. Head back to Tam Coc wharf, take your bicycle, and cycle around traditional villages and Tam Coc town.
• Visit Mua cave, which attracts visitors with its many interesting stories. Climb 500 stone steps to see all the way to Tam Coc, and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the countryside and Ngo Dong river.

In the evening, return Ha Noi.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Note: Suggested departure: 08:00 | Duration: 8 hours

Breakfast at hotel. Your leisure time for walking around the Old Town for shopping and relax in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast