Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam! Once you have completed immigration procedures at Noi Bai International Airport, say hello to the local guide 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.

Hanoi stands out in Southeast Asia for its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Immerse yourself in this captivating mix with a full-day tour of the city’s highlights.

Begin your day at the Temple of Literature, where you can explore the intriguing history of Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1076. Next, make your way to Hanoi Train Street. Grab a drink at a café right beside the tracks and experience the thrill of watching a train pass by up close.

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). End 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.

Disembark the cruise and return to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, boarding a short flight to Quang Binh province in Central Vietnam, home to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, the park contains and protects over 104 km of caves and underground rivers, making it one of the most spectacular limestone karst ecosystems in the world.

Overnight in Dong Hoi.

Journey deeper into Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park today, starting with the magnificent Paradise Cave, one of Asia’s longest dry caves, stretching approximately 31.4 kilometers. Step into its underground cathedral, where vaulted chambers soar 72 meters high and span 150 meters wide, adorned with shimmering stalactites and nature-sculpted pillars. Wander along the first kilometer of wooden pathways as golden light casts a magical glow over the formations, each more breathtaking than the last.

Continue to Commander Cave, also known as the 7-Storey Cave. This multi-level cave once served as an important command post during the Vietnam War thanks to its strategic location. As you explore its seven levels, you’ll pass hidden chambers, historical relics, and traces of wartime life, set among impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Beyond its historical value, the cave’s striking formations and calm atmosphere make it a memorable stop on your journey through the underground world of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park.

After lunch, board a traditional boat on the serene Son River to explore Phong Nha Cave, one of the world’s longest water caves. Glide through the cavern as illuminated rock formations reflect upon the still waters. Step onto sandy banks and follow the winding path deeper inside, marveling at the grandeur of this subterranean wonder. 

Returning to Dong Hoi for a well-earned rest.

Overnight in Dong Hoi.

Travel south through central Vietnam’s storied landscapes toward Hue, the former imperial capital. En route, stop at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), once a symbol of division during the Vietnam War. Visit the Hien Luong Bridge across the Ben Hai River at the 17th parallel and the Vinh Moc Tunnels, where entire villages once lived underground to survive wartime bombings. This sobering visit provides a powerful reminder of Vietnam’s resilience before arriving in Hue for the night.

Overnight in Hue.

History comes alive today with an in-depth tour of Vietnam’s previous capital city during the Nguyen dynasty’s reign from 1802 – 1945. Much of Hue is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why when visiting the Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City in the city center. Modeled on Beijing’s Forbidden City, the 19^th century palace’s detailed stonework and pavilions still retain a feeling of regal grandeur, even as they are currently in the process of restoration due to heavy damage sustained in the 1960s.  

Sit down for a luscious Hue-styled lunch in a traditional garden house restaurant before ending the tour with visits to the impressive burial grounds of Emperor Minh Mang set amidst tranquil gardens and ponds and its polar opposite, Emperor Khai Dinh’s tomb designed as an eclectic mix of Vietnamese and European motifs. 

Overnight in Hue.

Spend the morning at leisure in Hue before leaving for the acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An. The 3.5-hour stunning drive offers you peeks of hidden beaches and sparkling turquoise waters, culminating with a ride on the Hai Van Pass, a legendary mountain road often surrounded by clouds just outside of Danang.   

Upon arrival in Hoi An, check-in to your hotel and relax at leisure for the rest of the day. 

Overnight in Hoi An.

Spend leisurely days in Hoi An, soaking up the timeless charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on your own. 

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.

Enjoy a full day at leisure, exploring the city on your own.

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.

Don’t skip breakfast this morning as you’ll need all your energy for exploring the most fabled temples in Angkor Archaeological Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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 morning with visits to the Elephant’s Terrace and the Leper King’s Terrace, both known for their intricate bas-reliefs.

Enjoy a tasty Khmer-style lunch, then head back to your hotel.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Rise and shine! Wake up early this morning to enjoy the moment you have been waiting for: 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.

Head back to your hotel for breakfast. Afterward, visit Ta Prohm, famously known as the 'Tomb Raider temple' due to its appearance in the Hollywood film "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" starring Angelina Jolie. The temple is renowned 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 and early 13th centuries, Ta Prohm provides a fascinating glimpse into history and stands as a testament to a bygone era. If you are in the mood for more temples, consider visiting the Preah Khan or Banteay Kdei nearby.

Have lunch at a local restaurant, then return to the hotel to relax for the rest of the day.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Enjoy the last moment in Cambodia until it's time for transferring to Siem Reap Angkor International Airport and making the journey back home!

INCLUSIONS

+ 2-night hotel stay in Ha Noi

+ 1-night cruise stay in Halong Bay

+ 2-night hotel stay in Dong Hoi

+ 2-night hotel stay in Hue

+ 3-night hotel stay in Hoi An

+ 2-night hotel stay in Saigon 

+ 7-night Mekong River cruise between Siem Reap and Saigon

+ 3-night hotel stay in Siem Reap

+ 22 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 8 dinners (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)

+ Full-day private guided tour in Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, Saigon and Siem Reap

+ Service of an English-speaking local guide on day tours

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

+ Daily shore excursions, transfers between meeting points and the ship by bus (join-in)

+ 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.