Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam! Once you have completed immigration procedures at Noi Bai International Airport, say hello to the local driver and transfer to your hotel in the city center. Spend the day at leisure trying spa treatments, sipping Vietnamese coffee, and soaking up the charm of the banyan-tree lined crooked streets of the Old Quarter.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Nowhere in Southeast Asia exudes such an intoxicating atmosphere of tradition and modernity as in Hanoi. And what better way to experience this blend than with a full-day tour of the city’s most important sites? 

Begin your day at the Temple of Literature, where you can explore the intriguing history of Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1076. Continue on and visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex from the outside; an impressive mausoleum that houses the embalmed body of President Ho Chi Minh.

The afternoon commences with a much-deserved, Hanoian-styled lunch served at a local restaurant before an exploration of the Old Quarter’s 36 famous labyrinth-like streets, by cyclo (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi). Take a break at a typical Hanoian café trying Vietnamese coffee or traditional desserts (chè), before ending the tour in the heart of the city around Hoan Kiem Lake and its island temple, Ngoc Son.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After such an eventful day yesterday, sit back and relax with an overnight cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage of Halong Bay, located 2-hours outside of Hanoi. Take in the mystical scenery of Halong Bay from the jetty and proceed with check-in formalities before sitting down for lunch as the ship begins to cruise through thousands of limestone islands jutting out of the emerald sea.

In the afternoon, depending on the ship’s itinerary, you have the opportunity to join in with included activities or to simple just take in the sights from your cabin or the sundeck. Sightseeing usually includes kayaking or being rowed by bamboo boat through colorful floating villages as well as a cave visit, although all activities are subject to change due to cruise selection and weather conditions. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night, and dinner is served on board.

Overnight on board in Halong Bay.

Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over the calming waters of the bay or join a Tai Chi session on the sun deck. Choose to join in on a final shore excursion or take the time to relax on board until breakfast is served as the vessel cruises back to the port.

Then, it’s time to jet-set down to central Vietnam, with a short flight to Danang. Upon arrival to the coastal city, make the remaining 30-minute journey by private transfer to your hotel in Hoi An, another World Heritage Site. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure, perhaps strolling around town and relaxing along the enchanting riverside lit up by thousands of lanterns at night.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Dive into the enchanting history and culture of another fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Site today with a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town. Wander the charming streets lined with honey-yellow buildings and swaying lanterns, stopping first at Chua Ong Pagoda. This ancient structure showcasing Chinese architectural influences dates back to 1653, and within its walls, visitors can smell the sweet aroma of incense. Nearby stands Phuc Kien Assembly Hall and Jinshang Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. After taking in the fascinating 200-year-old Tan Ky House, enjoy a short rest at one of Hoi An’s most iconic structures, the beautiful and intricately decorated Japanese Covered Bridge.

Stop for lunch before heading to Cam Thanh Village along the banks of the Thu Bon River. Drift down seven hectares of mangrove forests filled with water coconut trees whilst sitting in bamboo basket boats, meeting local fishermen for a hands-on fishing experience. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Hoi An is a shopping mecca for anyone who loves paintings, art, lanterns, and tailor-made clothing. Shop till you drop!

Overnight in Hoi An.

Enjoy another free day without any scheduled activities. Take the opportunity to visit An Bang and Cua Dai beach nearby, hop on a bike and cycle through the lush tropical countryside and vibrant rice paddies to Tra Que vegetable village or embark on a day of fun and excitement on a mountain getaway to Sun World Ba Na Hills.

Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, transfer to Danang Airport for a one-hour flight to the southern region of the country and Vietnam’s largest city, the sprawling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon). Once you’ve arrived, head to your hotel in the heart of the city and enjoy the rest of the day free at leisure.

Overnight in Saigon.

Today’s all about modern history, and what better way to learn than with a half-day tour of Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietcong guerrillas during the Vietnam American War. Hear the tales of how these tunnels were built and visit two sections of the tunnel where it is still possible to crawl inside to experience first-hand what life was like living underground. Afterwards, return to Ho Chi Minh City in time to enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, explore the old Saigon with a walking tour of its most iconic buildings, starting with the Reunification Hall, formally called the Presidential Palace. Then, take a stroll in Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way, admiring the beautiful architecture of the City Hall, Saigon Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedra, Old Saigon Post Office, and the bustling Ben Thanh Market.

Overnight in Saigon.

Bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon and travel 70 kilometers south overland towards My Tho to embark on our vessel. After checking into your luxurious floating "home," the sailing on this major Asian waterway begins.

A lunch buffet is served in the restaurant as the vessel steadily glides upstream. As twilight bathes the Mekong Delta in a golden haze, take the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers and join in our official welcome with canapés and prosecco.

During dinner, the ship will likely reach Tan Phong Island area near Cai Be, where we anchor midstream. This is your first glimpse of the bustling area where we will begin our Mekong adventure on land tomorrow. Join us for some late-night entertainment in the evening cinema, featuring interesting classic movies or thrilling documentaries.

Overnight on board.

Wake early to embrace the stunning dawn scenery, a time when the Delta's inhabitants have already been active for hours. Energize yourself with our daily morning Tai Chi class before indulging in a lavish breakfast buffet. By local boat, we gain access to the secluded island of Tan Phong, a small island situated in the midst of one of the expansive Mekong River tributaries flowing toward the nearby sea.

During a visit to a workshop in the town of Cai Be, we'll have the opportunity to observe the production of rice paper, rice cookies, rice wine and coconut candies. This is a very interesting manual process involving manual labour and special production technics. After the workshop we are heading to Tan Phong Island, a smaller island in the middle of the vast Mekong. We are visiting a local family and their fruit garden offering us various kind of tropical fruits to taste. A buggy ride through the island let us have a glimpse of the local day to day life as it unfolds. We stop at another family’s house. They are specialized in weaving of water hyacinth plants into artistic crafts by hand.

Relax and enjoy some time on your private balcony or at the bar as we continue our voyage upstream. In the afternoon, we arrive at the Sa Dec region and anchor near one of the larger islands in the Mekong known as Binh Thanh. This island is home to several communities that sustain themselves by cultivating water hyacinths. Strolling through the village, you'll gain profound insights into local life and witness the complete traditional mat-making process. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to meet a local elderly couple who have spent their entire lives on this island. They enjoy engaging in conversations with foreign visitors.

Before dinner, join us in the lounge for a presentation about life on the Mekong Delta as the ship sails toward our mooring spot for the night in Tan Chau.

Overnight on board.

After our morning Tai Chi session and a delightful breakfast, we embark on an exploration of this area, renowned primarily for its aquaculture.

Upon disembarking, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant town life of Tan Chau by boarding "xelois" (the Vietnamese word for rickshaws). Your personal xeloi driver leisurely navigates through a network of streets, allowing you to observe workshops, street vendors, shops, and the intriguing day-to-day activities of the locals. Our journey takes us to the local market, where we mingle with residents as they go about their morning shopping routines. Continuing on, we visit a Cao Dai temple and meet with one of the priests, who enlightens us about the unique beliefs and spirit of Cao Dai. Our final destination is a fish farm that has been operated for many years by a local family, who make their livelihood from this distinctive business. Here, we gain insight into the essential knowledge required to manage such a unique enterprise in this region.

Continuing our journey, we ascend the river for the remainder of the day, crossing into Cambodia and heading towards Phnom Penh. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. It's time to embrace the soothing rhythm of this river and fully immerse yourself in the "cruise mode." You can opt for a spa treatment, relax on the sun deck, or unwind on your private balcony. As we pass under the bridge, the captain always has an interesting story to share about "his" river. Additionally, our kitchen team invites you to participate in a culinary workshop where you can learn about popular Vietnamese and Cambodian dishes. The boat docks at Phnom Penh, either mid-stream or at the pier.

Overnight on board.

Welcome to Phnom Penh, a city once renowned as the "Paris of the East." Despite its rapid development, it has retained much of its rustic charm and elegance. Phnom Penh is a remarkable city with a history and culture that spans centuries, still palpable at every street corner.

Our full-day sightseeing tour begins right after breakfast, allowing us to explore the city's highlights. We'll start with a cyclo ride, meandering through the town and then visit historic places such as the palace and the silver pagoda. Our journey takes us to the "S21" prison, a poignant and dark chapter in Cambodia's history during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Afterward, we'll pause for a delightful lunch in town before continuing to visit one of the country's most famous history museums, "Sosoro," and concluding the tour with a leisurely stroll through the city's French quarter, including the iconic and aptly named monument of Wat Phnom.

In the evening, we invite you to an engaging expert lecture in the lounge. To cap off this eventful day, we'll indulge in a delightful open-air barbecue and gala dinner accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance. Afterward, feel free to explore the city at night, savouring Phnom Penh's vibrant nightlife or taking in the lively river promenade.

Overnight on board.

Before the sun peeks over the horizon, the cruiser sets sail, entering the Tonle River. The Tonle River is a natural wonder of Cambodia, and the scenery on both sides of the river is a true gem.

Our first stop is the island of Koh Chen, home to a renowned Silver Smith Village. Here, 400 families breathe life into silver, copper, and brass, crafting intricate art pieces and jewelry. A short stroll on the island reveals the fruits of their labour, including creations that once adorned Phnom Penh's Royal Palace, continuing to tell stories of exceptional craftsmanship.

As we sail upstream, lunch is served, and our crew showcases afterwards various traditional Khmer fashions worn by locals during special occasions.

We arrive at Kampong Laeang, situated just across from the famous pottery town of Kampong Chhnang. Once ashore, we embark on tuk-tuks to travel the heart of rural Cambodian life. During this excursion, we'll explore various locals, discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. From a vantage point, we can enjoy panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal).

Once back onboard, we begin our journey downstream, sailing towards Kampong Tralach where we will anchor for the night.

Overnight on board.

This morning, we'll enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of rural Cambodian Kampong Tralach countryside. Our ox-pulled cart will transport us along the riverside and down winding back roads, flanked by picturesque rice paddies, until we arrive at a small village. Here, we will have the opportunity to learn about the local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.

A presentation about the Mekong and the Tonle River is offered as the ship sails downstream, passing Phnom Penh before entering the Mekong River.

At the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers lies the small village of Prek Bangkong, known for its silk weaving community. This village was also the former residence of the Royal family before they moved to the Royal Palace. However, the real stars in this area today are the silk weavers, artisans who craft silk from the very beginning. We will have the opportunity to closely observe and learn about this intricate silk production process. We conclude this excursion by visiting the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El, once a famous architect for the royal family.

The rest of the day is spent sailing up the Mekong to our overnight location. Enjoy a relaxing poolside sundowner cocktail hour with dance tunes before dinner and an evening cinema.

Overnight on board.

The morning Tai Chi session sets the mood for the day as we begin our tour of Angkor Ban.

This place includes a monastery with a delightful local village behind it. You'll have the chance to meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers. As we meander through the village, we'll get as close as possible to the local way of life, collecting wonderful memories of Cambodia's rustic lifestyle. This village is truly a gem to explore offering photographic and touching moments whilst interacting with the local community.

We sail to Kampong Cham during lunchtime. We are in the vast Mekong River at the town of Kampong Cham, which is an important trade and transportation hub but it still maintains scattered small hamlets around the outskirts where the community's rhythm blends with the skilled hands of artisans. For instance, in Cheung Kok, locals craft various handmade items, whether it's food, fashion, or other everyday goods. The nearby Bamboo bridge, which is erected seasonally, serves as more than just a passageway; it's a gateway to the past.

Afterward, the ship makes its final journey, mooring mid-river near Stueng Trang with some farewell and party vibes along the way.

Overnight on board.

Enjoy your final breakfast aboard our floating sanctuary. We disembark the ship and transfer by bus to Siem Reap, which takes approximately 4 hours. To keep you entertained during the journey, our guides will share interesting insights about Cambodia and the region we pass through. We hope you've enjoyed this captivating river cruise as much as our crew does every single time. Take the enchanting memories and friendships with you and share the stories of this amazing river - the Mighty Mekong.

You will arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Take this morning to unwind and relax after a week of adventure along the magnificent Mekong River. In the afternoon, begin exploring the temples by visiting the most fabled ones in Angkor Archaeological Park. 

First on the list is the impressive ancient fortress city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century. Built in an almost-exact square layout and surrounded by an 8-meter high 12 kilometer long stonewall with five entrance gates, the impressive gates are carved with three giant faces, while the causeways are flanked by sculptures of 54 gods on the left and 54 demons on the right. Head to the Bayon Temple, the centerpiece of the Angkor Thom complex, renowned for its 54 towers decorated with 216 mysterious stone faces.

Continue to Baphuon Temple nearby. This 11th century pyramid–style temple was probably amongst the most impressive of the Angkor temples in its day. Climb its steep stairs to the upper terrace of the temple, taking in the great views from there, ending the afternoon with visits to the Elephant’s Terrace and the Leper King’s Terrace, both known for their intricate bas-reliefs. 

Indulge in a delicious Khmer-style dinner before returning to your hotel for a much-deserved rest.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Rise and shine! Wake up early this morning to enjoy the moment you have been waiting for: marveling the sunrise over the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. The 12th century architectural masterpiece took 30 years to complete and represents the Khmer civilization at its grandest. Crowned by five towers with elaborate bas-reliefs and detailed statues, let yourself be enthralled by this world wonder and national symbol of Cambodia.

Journey to Ta Prohm, often called the 'Tomb Raider temple' because it featured in the film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider which starred Angelina Jolie. The temple is famous for its dense jungle surroundings, where fig trees and vines have intertwined with the structure, creating a captivating, lost-world atmosphere. Built in the Bayon style in the late 12th century and early 13th century, Ta Prohm offers a fascinating glimpse into history and stands as a testament to a bygone era.

Head back to your hotel and treat yourself to a well-deserved late breakfast. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Consider taking a fun tuk-tuk ride to the Made in Cambodia market, where you can shop for local handmade crafts. If you're in the mood for some activity, opt for a leisurely bicycle tour through the countryside. For those who love food, indulge in a cooking class to discover the secrets of Khmer cuisine.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Say goodbye to Siem Reap. Transfer to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and make the journey back home!

INCLUSIONS

+ 2-night accommodation in Ha Noi

+ 1-night accommodation aboard cruise ship in Halong Bay

+ 3-night accommodation in Hoi An

+ 2-night accommodation in Saigon 

+ 7-night Mekong River cruise between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City

+ 3-night accommodation in Siem Reap

+ 18 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 9 dinners (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)

+ Daily shore excursions and onboard activities as per the Jahan cruise itinerary (join with other passengers)

+ Shuttle transfers between the meeting points in Saigon/Siem Reap and the ship docking points (join with other passengers)

+ Private guided tour in Hanoi, Hoi An, Saigon and Siem Reap with an English-speaking local guide

+ Pre- or post-cruise tours and airport transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle unless stated otherwise

+ Entrance fees for all mentioned visits, activities and tours

+ Tax and service charges.

EXCLUSIONS

+ International and domestic flights (quoted separately on request)

+ Visa fees, fast-track service, travel insurance

+ Meals other than those mentioned in the itinerary

+ Optional day tours or activities

+ Early check-in or late check-out fees if applicable

+ Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, telephone, tips etc.)

+ Peak season surcharges and compulsory gala dinners on 24th Dec and 31st Dec

+ Other services not clearly indicated in the package inclusions above.