Best of The Mekong Vietnam and Cambodia

Day 1 – 06 Nov 2022 Arrive Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi!
Upon your arrival at the airport you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel.
Enjoy your first dinner in Vietnam by savouring the gastronomy of a Northern ethnic minority. Located in an old French house this local restaurant will showcase some unique dishes such as buffalo meat, smoked mountain pork, eel with lemongrass and red peppers.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: PanPacificHanoi(DeluxeRoom)orsimilar

Day 2 – 07 Nov 2022 Hanoi

Begin the morning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and hear about the man who led Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. After dedicating his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule, Ho Chi Minh died in 1969 and his body was preserved for posterity. Every year the mausoleum is closed for two months and Uncle Ho is given a bit of a spruce up! Hence this visit will be from the outside. We will then wander the grounds to see the one pillar pagoda and the presidential palace.
Next, visit the 11th century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius.
End your day with a delightful water puppet show, a traditional art that is still being performed today.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: PanPacificHanoi(DeluxeRoom)orsimilar

Day 3 – 08 Nov 2022 Hanoi – Danang – Hoi An

After breakfast transfer to the airport.
Flight Details: (Not booked by Wendy Wu Tours)
Welcome to Da Nang!
Upon your arrival at the airport, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel.
Begin your tour of Hoi An, a former trading port that welcomed Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants between the 16th to 18th centuries. Today Hoi An is famous for its restored architecture, homemade silk, expert tailors and delicious noodles and seafood. Its relaxed vibe and pedestrian streets make this town a pleasure to walk around and discover new things.
The tour includes stops at several famous landmarks. The first is Chua Ong Pagoda, dating back to 1653 and built in honor of the Chinese general Quan Cong, who is worshipped by many as a symbol of loyalty and justice.
Next, pop into Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, to see the Jinshang Temple which is dedicated to the goddess of the sea and the protector of sailors. From there it’s a short walk to Tan Ky House, a 200 year old ancestral house and finally, stroll across the often photographed 17th century covered bridge built by Japanese craftsmen.
The beautifully built bridge doubles as a temple and is a major landmark of Hoi An. We also reach a market where you can spend some time exploring the colourful stalls and the variety of foods and souvenirs on offer. Try some local delicacies before we venture further into the town. The guide will show you various places of interest and will also arrange some spontaneous food tastings as we walk. Food, drinks and culinary legends are all on the menu today.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Allegro Hoi An A little luxury Hotel & Spa (Junior Suite) or similar

Day 4 – 09 Nov 2022 Cooking Class in Triem Tay

After breakfast, you will be taken to Triem Tay village, where you can feel the fresh and peaceful atmosphere of an authentic village, away from the old town.
Here, you will visit the local families to learn more about their culture and traditions. Walk around the village and enjoy a Vietnamese coffee before visiting a local house to watch some weaving, age-old weaving tradition. Later, a charming villager will host us for a cooking class. Here you will take part in a hands-on cooking session and learn some traditional Central Vietnam recipes.
After lunch return to the old town by tour boat. Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Allegro Hoi An A little luxury Hotel & Spa (Junior Suite) or similar

Day 5 – 10 Nov 2022 Quang Nam to Ho Chi Minh City

Meet our representative at the lobby of your accommodation, pick-up time will be confirmed beforehand but is typically 2 hours before departure for domestic flights, and 3 hours for international.

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City!
Upon your arrival at the airport, meet our representative and enjoy a convenient, hassle-free transfer to your accommodation.

Optional Tours
Saigon street Eats walking tour AUD 65p.p A O Show & dinner AUD 125p.p
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Saigon (Premium Deluxe room) or similar

Day 6 – 11 Nov 2022 Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tour

Start your day trip with a visit to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, one of Saigon’s most notable pagodas. Built in traditional Vietnamese architecture style, the main building boasts intricate wood carvings. The main hall is home to a huge Buddha statue whilst the backside hall is dedicated to Mother Goddesses, venerable monks and spirits.
Continue visit the Reunification Palace, once a symbol of the South Vietnamese Government. It was here on 30 April 1975, that the war ended when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates. See the war room, the banquet hall and the presidential office with the unusual gifts which have been received.
Next you are driven to the city’s Central Post Office, which was designed by the renowned French architect Gustav Eiffel. Take a short stroll along Dong Khoi Street to the Opera House. From a bomb shelter to housing the parliamentary Lower House, the Opera House has had an interesting history. Restored in 1995 the Opera House has returned to its roots and is once again a theatre.
In the afternoon continue on to the War Remnants Museum. Here, your guide will tell the story of the city’s darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military aircraft, weaponry and many photographs - some that are quite graphic in nature. Head to Cholon the city’s Chinatown and Thien Hau Pagoda which is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. With intricate friezes, carved tableaus and impressive incense coils make for some great photos. Then observe street life with a cyclo ride through the narrow streets to Binh Tay market that sells everything from hats to dried squid!
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Saigon (Premium Deluxe room) or similar

Day 7 – 12 Nov 2022 Board Board Rv Bassac Pandaw

Day 7 - 12 Nov 2022 - Saigon - My Tho - Ben Tre (Board RV Bassac Pandaw Transfer from Saigon to the river port for embarkation. After lunch, we journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre. This is an area rich in birdlife which we will explore via local transport before transferring to a local rowboat. We will journey slowly through the bamboo covered canals before arriving at a village specialising in making local products. In the evening you will be entertained by a Vietnamese dance troupe on deck. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Saigon to Siem Reap 7 nights (Upstream) RV Bassac Pandaw -

Day 8 – 13 Nov 2022 Gao Giong

Day 8 - 13 Nov 2022 - Gao Giong Sailing through the delta offers a real insight into life along this vast waterway. After lunch, a short coach journey through the lush countryside to Gao Giong ‘green oasis’, a 1,000-acre eucalyptus forest and listed wildlife sanctuary. Here a diverse selection of water birds and egrets gather in their tens of thousands across the Duong Tharp Muoi or ‘Plain of Reeds’. Rowboats traverse the canals to take us to view the principal nesting areas where photo opportunities abound.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Saigon to Siem Reap 7 nights (Upstream)

Day 9 - 14 Nov 2022 - Chau Doc - Sam Mountain - Vietnam/Cambodia Border We go alongside at the picturesque border town of Chau Doc where we visit the floating markets & fish farms by sampan. We make a stop at a Chham Village and observe the lives of Vietnamese Muslims before taking minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. We climb the 400 steps to the top to visit the pagoda. Upon return to ship, we navigate a web of canals before dropping anchor on the Vietnam/Cambodia border to undergo Immigration formalities.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 - 15 Nov 2022 - Phnom Penh

2Phnom Penh We go alongside in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. Morning orientation of the city by cyclo, visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda followed by the National Museum with its marvellous collection of Angkor statuary. In the afternoon, we visit by coach the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide. Optional half-day and full-day tours are available during our stay in Phnom Penh at extra cost. Please contact us in advance or see your in-cabin information manual for further details. Overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants and nightlife. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 - 16 Nov 2022 - Silk Island

Morning at leisure in Phnom Penh with its café life and many smart boutiques. After lunch sail up the Tonle River to Koh Nghe Tei (Silk Island) to study the entire silk-making processfrom worms to weavers. We visit silk makers and can buy from them their lovely silk scarves and other fabrics. This village is a centre of the ancient martial art of L’bokator which roughly translates as 'pounding a lion'. It includes weapons techniques and is one of the oldest combat techniques in Cambodia and believed to date back to the Angkor empire. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12 - 17 Nov 2022 - Tonle Sap River - Prek Kdam - Oudong

Tonle Sap River - Prek Kdam - Oudong Sail further up the Tonle River to Prek Kdam and travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong. On the way we stop to visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre for meditation before taking a drive around the old capital. We re-join our ship at Kompong Trollach. After lunch, we travel on ox-carts ride to visit river-side villages, markets and temples. In the evening cocktails are round a village fire pit where we will be joined by village folk keen to show us their traditional dancing show us more of the delightful Khmer culture. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13 - 18 Nov 2022 - Kampong Chhnang - Tonle Sap Floating Villages & Markets

 Kampong Chhnang - Tonle Sap Floating Villages & Markets A highlight of any Mekong journey is the navigaton of the web of tight channels as we approach the mouth of the Tonle Sap.  From Kampong Chhnang we embark on country boats to explore floating villages and markets, observing fisheries and aquatic horticulture. Back on land at Kampong Chhnang we can walk the riverbank to see the towering stilt houses.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14 - 19 Nov 2022 - Kampong Chhnang - Siem Reap

Disembark and travel by coach from Kampong Chhnang through stunningly lovely countryside to reach Siem Reap, adjacent to Angkor Wat. This evening, embark on a gastronomic adventure in Siem Reap using Cambodia local transportation known as “ Remork” or “ Tuk Tuk”. You will stop at a local market where locals can buy dinner, fresh fruits and vegetables. Sink your teeth into some grilled meats and noodles, accompanied by a drink of your choice. The night continues with grilled beef or pork eaten with ‘Khmer Cheese’. For the daredevils, why not snack on crickets or frog. Then, walk through the night market and sample more Khmer delights while you rub shoulders with locals sitting on little stools, enjoying a dinner with friends and family. Round off the evening by enjoy fresh craft beers at the first and only microbrewery restaurant in Siem Reap. You can choose whether to stay and party the night away or head back to the hotel. Meals: Breakfast & Dinner Accommodation: Borei Angkor Hotel & Spa (Deluxe Room) or similar

Day 15 - 20 Nov 2022 – Angkor Wat – Ta Prohm – Angkor Thom

This morning, you will visit the temples of Thommanon, recently restored, this small temple affords beautiful Apsara carvings and a chance to wander around a peaceful clearing on the way to Ta Prohm in one direction or the Elephant Terrace the other way, Chao Say and Ta Keo. Continue your exploration of the Angkor Temples at Ta Prohm, the temple that has been left largely in its natural state since its re-discovery by French explorers. Surrounded by jungle, its labyrinth of stone hallways is overgrown with the roots and limbs of massive banyan trees, which envelop the stone like tentacles. It is one of the largest temples at Angkor, dedicated in 1186. Historians have noted its mystical charm. As well as, the 12th century temples of Banteay Kdei, Sras Srong, and Prasat Kravan.
Lunch at local restaurant
This afternoon, you will visit Preah Khan The Sacred Sword, an extensive monastic complex covering over 56 hectares built by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a monastery and teaching complex. It is one of a group of temple complexes situated on a small 'Baray' or water reservoir including the temples of Neak Pean and the monastic complex of Ta Som. Together these structures constitute one of Angkor's major axial arrangements and hydrological complexes.
Preah Khan was the site of the World Monuments Fund prime Asian project a painstaking renovation whilst maintaining its mysterious allure and superb original structure. Continue to Pre Rup temple is about 2 kilometers northeast of Srah Srang and about 500 meters south of the East Baray. The temple was built in 961 during the reign of King Rajendravarman, dedicating to Shiva Brahmanism. The boldness of the architectural design is superb and gives the temple fine balance, scale and proportion. The temple is close in style to the East Mabon, although it was built several years later.
Note: Angkor Wat closed third level on Buddhist day (It’s one day per week and date always change based on lunar calendar)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Borei Angkor Hotel & Spa (Deluxe Room) or similar

Day 16 - 21 Nov 2022 Siem Reap behind the scenes

In the early morning, sunrise balloon to enjoy over breath taking view of sunrise, then transfer back to hotel for breakfast and freshen up. then at 8:00am step into the private transportation and embark on a journey to the Siem Reap countryside. Stop at a local market and taste an authentic Khmer noodle called "Nom Bahn Chok". Explore around the hustle and bustle of the truly local and authentic market. Meander through the maze of stalls selling raw meats, flapping fish, seafood, phones, clothes, household items and much more! Many locals buy their fresh fruit and vegetables from here.
Following this, learn about silk production. The process is fascinating, from mulberry bushes to worms, to cocoons! An expert will provide insight into the extraction methods of silk and how the fabric is crafted. The expert is passionate about restoring and protecting the fabulous Khmer traditional methods and techniques involved in silk-making and supporting local communities' lives. Visit the exquisite pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei, overflowing with small, delicate and ornate carvings depicting classical Khmer art. Banteay Srei is considered one of the most unique and impressive temples of all! Conclude the tour with a fantastic lunch at a Khmer house/restaurant hidden in the forest before transferring to Srash Srang for sunset along with the delicious cocktail from 5pm - 7pm. We end our evening with a farewell dinner with Apsara dance show at local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Borei Angkor Hotel & Spa (Deluxe Room) or similar

Day 17 – 22 Nov 2022 Depart Siem Reap
Transfer to the airport in Siem Reap Meals: Breakfast
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