Natural Wonders of Vietnam & Cambodia
with Travelmarvel
Halong Bay → Hanoi → Siem Reap | 23 Days of River Cruising, Culture & Iconic Landscapes
A Journey Through Two Extraordinary Worlds
Begin in Hanoi, where buzzing streets and heritage charm set the tone for your adventure. Cruise through the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of towering limestone islands.
Continue through Vietnam’s cultural heart, Hoi An, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City, each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s layered history and vibrant modern life. Then slow the pace as you step aboard your Mekong River cruise, drifting through floating markets, riverside villages, and lush delta landscapes before crossing into Cambodia.
Your journey culminates in the spiritual grandeur of Siem Reap, home to the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat, where sunrise over ancient stone leaves a lasting impression.
Highlights of Your Journey
- Cruise through the legendary limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay
- Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter by traditional cyclo
- Wander the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An Ancient Town
- Discover the historic Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City
- Glide along the Mekong River aboard a premium river ship
- Witness daily life along the Mekong’s floating villages
- Experience a traditional Buddhist blessing in Cambodia
- Watch sunrise over the magnificent Angkor Wat
Itinerary Summary
- Day 1 | Arrive Hanoi
- Day 2 | Hanoi, Sapa
- Day 3 | Sapa
- Day 4 | Sapa, Hanoi
- Day 5 | Hanoi
- Day 6 | Hanoi, Tuan Chau, Embark Ship, Ha Long Bay
- Day 7 | Ha Long Bay
- Day 8 | Ha Long Bay, Disembark Ship, Tuan Chau, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An
- Day 9 | Hoi An
- Day 10 | Hoi An
- Day 11 | Hoi An, Hue
- Day 12 | Hue, Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 13 | Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 14 | Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Embark Ship, Cai Be
- Day 15 | Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau
- Day 16 | Tan Chau, Cambodia Border Crossing, Phnom Penh
- Day 17 | Phnom Penh
- Day 18 | Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen
- Day 19 | Phnom Penh, Oknha Tey, Angkor Ban
- Day 20| Angkor Ban, Koh Pen, Kampong Cham
- Day 21| Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Siem Reap
- Day 22 | Siem Reap
- Day 23 | Depart Siem Reap
Quick Facts
- Start/End Place: Hanoi/Siem Reap
- Country Visited: Vietnam and Cambodia
- Duration: 15 Days
- Start Date: Flexible
- Travel Style: First four days are escorted, followed by a Travelmarvel cruise
- Suitability: Ideal for travelers seeking a comfortable, fully guided journey with a relaxed pace and rich cultural experiences.
Natural Wonders of Vietnam & Cambodia Trip Details
Inclusions
- 13 nights in premium accommodation
- Seven nights cruising the Mekong River aboard the RV Lotus, with twin-balcony suites
- Two-night boutique cruise through Ha Long Bay aboard the Au Co
- Expert guidance from a Travelmarvel Tour Director and local English-speaking guides
- 51 meals, including wine and beer on Mekong cruise
- Internal flights, airport transfers, port charges and tipping included
- Visit Sapa’s mountain villages and meet local ethnic communities
- Experience sunrise at the iconic Angkor Wat
Not Included
- International flights
- Lunches and dinners not detailed in the program
- Items of personal nature
Itinerary
- Day 1 | Arrive Hanoi
On arrival into Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Grand Mercure Hanoi, within walking distance of the Old Quarter. This evening, enjoy an informal meet and greet with your local guide.
Insider Experience – Grand Mercure Hanoi
Perfectly located in the heart of Vietnam’s capital, Grand Mercure Hanoi sits within easy reach of the Old Quarter. This stylish hotel blends modern sophistication with traditional Vietnamese influences, from rice-inspired décor and handcrafted pottery to lacquer accents and bold architectural features, creating an inviting and culturally rich setting.
Stay: Grand Mercure Hanoi
- Day 2 | Hanoi, Sapa
Rise early for a scenic drive to the mountain town of Sapa, where rolling hills and valleys are draped in lush greenery. Near the Chinese border, this former French hill station is home to diverse highland communities. En route, enjoy sweeping mountain vistas and terraced rice fields before joining a guided walk through town. Explore the local market and learn about ethnic groups such as the Hmong and Dao, who travel from nearby villages to trade their produce. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hillside resort, set high above Sapa.
Stay: Two Nights, Sapa Mountain Resort Affiliated by Meliá
Daily:· Breakfast· Dinner
- Day 3 | Sapa
Head out on a relaxed hike through picturesque landscapes to the village of Ma Tra. Home to the Hmong and Dao people, the region is celebrated for its striking terraced rice fields and authentic cultural charm. After exploring the village, enjoy an included lunch before spending your afternoon at leisure, whether that’s shopping, exploring, or simply unwinding at your accommodation.
Daily:· Breakfast· Lunch
- Day 4 | Sapa, Hanoi
Drive back to Hanoi and enjoy time at leisure. This evening, sit down to a multi-course Vietnamese dinner at your hotel.
Stay: Two Nights, Grand Mercure Hanoi
Daily:· Breakfast· Dinner
- Day 5 | Hanoi
Set out on a guided sightseeing tour of Hanoi, discovering the city’s most iconic historical and cultural landmarks. Visit Ba Dinh Square, one of Vietnam’s largest public squares, and pass the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. Continue to Mural Street before exploring the Temple of Literature, a stunning example of Vietnamese architecture and the country’s first university. Afterwards, enjoy two Insider Experiences, followed by an afternoon and evening at leisure, with the option to take part in one of our select experiences.
Insider Experience – Hanoi’s Old Quarter by Cyclo
Weave through Hanoi’s bustling city streets like a local on a tour of the city’s Old Quarter aboard a cyclo.
Insider Experience – Lunch at KOTO
Savour authentic flavours and feast on a soulful Vietnamese lunch at KOTO (Know One, Teach One). This restaurant was established as Vietnam’s first social enterprise, dedicated to empowering at-risk and disadvantaged local youth through hospitality training.
Enhance Your Journey – Folk Art Class
Journey to one of Vietnam’s most renowned silk-weaving villages and connect with the inspiring individuals behind Vụn Art, a social enterprise managed by people with disabilities. The Vụn (meaning ‘scrap’) Art Cooperative was established to empower people with disabilities by offering vocational training and creating stable employment opportunities. Hear inspiring stories of the challenges faced in founding this initiative, and enjoy the chance to create your own folk painting on a tote bag to take home.
Enhance Your Journey – Street Food Tour
Discover Hanoi’s street food scene and uncover the quintessential culinary flavours of Vietnam’s capital city. Wander the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter, sampling local specialties such as savoury pork buns and fragrant phở, before concluding with a visit to one of Hanoi’s best-kept secrets – a cafe overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.
Enhance Your Journey – Water Puppets and Street Food Style Dinner
Take your seat at one of the city’s traditional water puppet theatres and immerse yourself in this ancient art form – unique to northern Vietnam and once performed in villages and rice paddies. Accompanied by a traditional Vietnamese orchestra of drums, cymbals, horns, and bamboo flutes, the enchanting performance unfolds against a mesmerising soundtrack. Afterwards, savour a mouth-watering selection of Vietnamese street food at a local restaurant set in a charming colonial villa.
Enhance Your Journey – Cooking Workshop and Dinner
Immerse yourself in a vibrant local market with a seasoned chef, selecting fresh ingredients for a hands-on cooking workshop. Discover the diverse techniques and ingredients that have made Vietnamese cuisine famous for its fresh, fragrant and aromatic flavours, then savour your culinary creation for dinner.
Daily:· Breakfast· Lunch
- Day 6 | Hanoi, Tuan Chau, Embark Ship, Ha Long Bay
Depart early for Tuan Chau, where your Insider Experience begins—a two-night cruise through Ha Long Bay aboard the Au Co. Savour a Vietnamese lunch as you sail through the southeastern reaches of the bay, passing iconic islets including Trong Mai, Ngon Tay and Con Coc. Disembark for an excursion to Cat Ba Island, exploring Viet Hai village by bicycle or electric cart. Discover local life and Bhaya Cruises’ community projects before a hands-on cooking class at Bhaya Café, where you’ll learn to prepare bánh cuốn. Return to your ship for dinner, with the evening free to enjoy a rice wine tasting or try squid fishing on deck.
Insider Experience – Ha Long Bay Cruise
Set sail on a two-night journey through Ha Long Bay aboard the elegant Au Co. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination is famed for its 1,600 limestone pillars rising from emerald waters, creating a breathtaking backdrop for exploration and relaxation.
Stay: Two Nights, Ha Long Bay, Au Co
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7 | Ha Long Bay
Wake to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and begin the day with a gentle Tai Chi session. After breakfast, kayak through the breathtaking Trinh Nu area, surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts and emerald waters. Return to the vessel and cruise toward Cua Van Floating Village for a specially prepared lunch. In the afternoon, continue exploring the floating village by kayak or rowing boat before rejoining the ship. As the day winds down, take in sunset views from the deck with a drink in hand, followed by a delicious dinner on board.
- Day 8 | Ha Long Bay, Disembark Ship, Tuan Chau, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An
Enjoy breakfast before selecting one of two included excursions. Explore Sung Sot Cave, Ha Long Bay’s largest cave, where vast chambers showcase thousands of shimmering stalactites and stalagmites along a 500-metre walkway. Or head to Titov Island, where you can unwind on the beach or climb to the peak for panoramic views across the bay. After returning to the vessel, disembark and transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Da Nang, continuing on to Hoi An.
Insider Experience – Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa
Rest and unwind in the tranquil surrounds of Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa.
Stay: Three Nights, Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa
Daily:· Breakfast· Dinner
- Day 9 | Hoi An
Begin your day with an immersive Insider Experience before enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure.
Insider Experience – Morning Glory Cooking School
Discover the flavours of Vietnam at Morning Glory Cooking School. Join a guided tour of Hoi An’s vibrant market, then learn to prepare a selection of traditional dishes before sampling your creations.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 10 | Hoi An
Spend the day at leisure in Hoi An, with a variety of optional experiences available. This evening, perhaps select one of our Enhance Your Journey experiences for an authentic taste of Vietnamese culture and cuisine.
Enhance Your Journey – Guided Eco Tour
Explore Tra Que Vegetable Village and its centuries-old farming traditions. Walk through lush organic gardens and learn about sustainable cultivation methods before meeting a local fisherman and discovering the art of bamboo basket boats, with the chance to try paddling one yourself.
Enhance Your Journey – Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills
Ascend to Ba Na Hills via cable car and visit the famous Golden Bridge, suspended high above the mountains at 1,414 metres. Enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and surrounding landscape as you cross this architectural marvel.
Enhance Your Journey – Lune Theatre Show
Enjoy a visually striking performance that blends acrobatics, dance, live music, and bamboo circus artistry, offering a moving portrayal of Vietnam’s rural heritage.
Enhance Your Journey – Rêu Restaurant
Relax in a stylish venue with scenic views while enjoying authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Enhance Your Journey – The Hoianian
Indulge in a refined three-course dinner combining contemporary Vietnamese flavours with fusion influences.
Daily: Breakfast
- Day 11 | Hoi An, Hue
Journey across the stunning Hai Van Pass, with panoramic views of Lang Co Beach, before arriving in Hue. Spend your afternoon at leisure discovering the former imperial capital, beautifully positioned along the Perfume River. Tonight, enjoy a taste of traditional regional cuisine.
Stay: Hue, Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 12 | Hue, Ho Chi Minh City
Visit the grand Imperial Citadel, exploring its monuments and uncovering stories of Vietnam’s former royal life. Then take an included flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the energetic city once known as Saigon. Enjoy a delicious dinner upon arrival.
Insider Experience – Two Nights at Le Méridien Saigon
Enjoy a stylish stay at Le Méridien Saigon, set along the Saigon River in District 1. Just moments from Bến Thành Market and Independence Palace, it offers a central base for your stay.
Stay: Two Nights, Ho Chi Minh City, Le Méridien Saigon
Daily: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 13 | Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. Serving as hiding places, supply routes, hospitals, and living quarters, the tunnels provide a remarkable glimpse into wartime resilience. Experience a section of the tunnels firsthand to understand the challenging conditions faced by soldiers. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration or to join one of our optional curated experiences.
Enhance Your Journey – Ho Chi Minh City by Foot
Walk through the city’s vibrant centre, passing the Saigon Opera House, People’s Committee Building, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Saigon Central Post Office.
Enhance Your Journey – History of Saigon
Discover key historical sites including the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, and the Burning Monk Memorial.
Enhance Your Journey – Shopping Tour by Coach
Shop with a local guide and uncover hidden boutiques offering clothing, crafts, and locally made goods.
Enhance Your Journey – Street Food Tour by Motorbike
Ride through the energetic streets of Ho Chi Minh City on a guided motorbike tour. Sample iconic street food dishes and end the evening at HỢP Sky Bar with panoramic city views.
Enhance Your Journey – Hoi An Sense
Enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a cultural dining experience filled with music and traditional hospitality.
Enhance Your Journey – Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro
Dine on contemporary Vietnamese dishes in a vibrant setting featuring striking artwork and a modern atmosphere.
Daily: Breakfast
- Day 14 | Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Embark Ship, Cai Be
This morning, enjoy free time in Ho Chi Minh City before driving to My Tho to board the RV Lotus, your boutique home for the next seven nights on the Mekong. Designed with local character and featuring twin balconies in every suite, the ship offers an intimate way to experience life along the river. As you cruise toward Cai Be, take in the scenery, unwind on deck, and settle into your suite. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner on board.
Stay: Seven Nights, Mekong River, RV Lotus
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Insider Experience – Farewell Dinner at Lake Tekapo/Takapō
Say ka kite anō (see you again) to New Zealand and your fellow travellers at a special Farewell Dinner at Rakinui Restaurant, Peppers Bluewater Resort. Set on the shores of Lake Tekapo/Takapō, enjoy exquisite locally inspired cuisine as you celebrate the end of your Kiwi journey.
Stay: Lake Tekapo/Takapō, Peppers Bluewater Resort
Daily:· Breakfast· Dinner
- Day 15 | Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau
Journey alongside the shimmering waters of Lake Pukaki before stopping at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a perfect photo opportunity with breathtaking lake views of Lake Tekapo/Takapō. Then continue on to Christchurch, where your journey concludes.
Daily:· Breakfast
- Day 16 | Tan Chau, Cambodia Border Crossing, Phnom Penh
Board a small boat and explore the tranquil tributaries around Tan Chau, before continuing by rickshaw to a local rattan weaving workshop. After lunch, travel by boat to Evergreen Island to experience rural life and observe traditional farming methods, including the use of water buffalo in the fields. Later, unwind on board as you cruise toward the Cambodian border. While formalities are processed, enjoy onboard activities and presentations before crossing into Cambodia and sailing overnight to Phnom Penh.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 17 | Phnom Penh
Gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s past with visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, where the Memorial Stupa stands as a poignant tribute to those lost during the Khmer Rouge regime. After lunch on board, explore the Royal Palace and its dazzling white and gold architecture, followed by the nearby Silver Pagoda. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure—shop at local markets, sample local street food, or relax on board and enjoy the facilities.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 18 | Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen
Travel by road this morning to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital from the early 17th to 19th centuries, where a special Insider Experience awaits. On the journey back to Phnom Penh, enjoy a stop in Koh Chen, a village famous for its copperware artisans. Stroll through family workshops and perhaps purchase locally made crafts. The afternoon is at leisure, or you may choose from a range of curated experiences.
Insider Experience – Buddhist Blessing Ceremony
Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony at a monastery in Oudong, led by resident monks offering prayers for good fortune and safe travels.
Enhance Your Journey – Hands-On Cooking Workshop
Visit a local market with your chef to select ingredients before learning to prepare traditional Khmer cuisine in a hands-on cooking class.
Enhance Your Journey – Phnom Penh by Cyclo
Explore the capital by cyclo, taking in highlights such as Independence Square, the Royal Palace, boutique streets, cafés, markets, and sacred pagodas.
Enhance Your Journey – Phnom Penh by Tuk Tuk
Discover Phnom Penh by tuk tuk, passing iconic landmarks including Wat Phnom, the Central Market, Royal Railway Station, Raffles Hotel, and Sisowath Quay, with stops at key monuments along the way.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 19 | Phnom Penh, Oknha Tey, Angkor Ban
Begin the day cruising the Mekong’s tranquil waterways to Oknha Tey, or Silk Island, where traditional silk weaving has been preserved for generations. Explore the island by tuk tuk, passing rice fields and stilted houses, before visiting local weavers who craft intricate Khmer textiles on wooden looms. Return to your ship for lunch as you continue towards Angkor Ban. Spend a relaxing afternoon onboard at your own pace—take a swim, unwind on the Sun Deck, or simply enjoy the passing river scenery.
- Day 20 | Angkor Ban, Koh Pen, Kampong Cham
Start your morning with a guided walk of Angkor Ban, a village awash with stories of Cambodia’s cultural history, and one of the few traditional villages that survived the Khmer Rouge regime. Stroll through the town – nicknamed the ‘Lucky Village’ – to see traditional stilted houses and a Khmer-style pagoda. After lunch, your cruise docks at its final location, Kampong Cham, where you can enjoy your Insider Experience. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board with your fellow travellers as you reminisce about your Mekong River cruise adventure.
Insider Experience – Tuk Tuk Tour of Koh Pen
Hop on a tuk tuk and explore the agricultural island of Koh Pen. Travel along the shaded lanes and past wooden stilted houses, tucked among palm and sandalwood trees.
Daily:· Breakfast· Lunch· Dinner
- Day 21 | Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Siem Reap
Say goodbye to your river cruise crew and journey overland to Siem Reap, gateway to the iconic Angkor Wat, travelling through lush countryside and rural villages. After lunch at your hotel, explore the atmospheric Ta Prohm temple, known for its dramatic tree-rooted ruins and its appearance in Tomb Raider. Later, enjoy two meaningful Insider Experiences, with the evening free to enjoy an optional experience.
Insider Experience – Local Charity Visit
Discover ODA (Opportunities of Development thru Art), a OneTomorrow partner empowering children in Siem Reap’s remote villages through education and creative programs.
Insider Experience – Two Nights at Shinta Mani Angkor
Enjoy a luxurious stay at Shinta Mani Angkor, an award-winning boutique retreat by Bill Bensley, perfectly positioned in Siem Reap’s French Quarter near the Angkor temples.
Enhance Your Journey – Circus Performance
Experience Phare Circus, an inspiring performance combining Khmer storytelling with acrobatics, live music, and theatre.
Stay: Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor (Two Nights)
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 22 | Lake Tekapo/Takapō, Depart Christchurch
Begin your day with an early return to Angkor Archaeological Park for a special Insider Experience, followed by a guided visit of the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat. Afterward, return to your hotel for breakfast and enjoy some free time or select from optional Enhance Your Journey activities. Later, explore the grandeur of Angkor Thom and the iconic Bayon Temple. Built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, Angkor Thom served as the grand capital of the Khmer Empire. Walking through its vast temple grounds feels like stepping into another era, with Bayon at its centre, renowned for its towering spires and mystical stone faces.
Insider Experience – Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Begin your day with a breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat from a specially reserved viewing area. Seating is provided, along with refreshments including coffee, tea or juice.
Insider Experience – Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance
Enjoy an authentic Khmer dining experience paired with an elegant apsara dance performance, a refined cultural tradition dating back to the seventh century.
Enhance Your Journey – Local Boutiques and Markets
Immerse yourself in Siem Reap’s artisan culture, beginning at the Angkor Handicraft Association Fair Trade Village. Continue to Angkor Artwork to discover traditional lacquerware before exploring Phsar Chas, the city’s oldest market, offering a lively mix of produce, crafts and local goods.
Enhance Your Journey – APOPO HeroRATs Tour and Landmine Museum
Visit APOPO to learn how trained African giant pouched rats are helping detect landmines and save lives. Nearby, the Landmine Museum shares powerful personal stories and highlights Cambodia’s ongoing de-mining efforts.
Enhance Your Journey – Horse-Drawn Cart Ride
Drift through Cambodia’s countryside on a traditional horse-drawn cart, offering a peaceful glimpse into rural life.
Enhance Your Journey – Quad Bike Adventure
Discover rural Cambodia on a quad bike adventure through rice fields, forests and villages, far from the tourist trail.
Daily:· Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 23 | Depart Siem Reap
Your Vietnam and Cambodia journey comes to an end after breakfast with a transfer to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport for your onward flight.
Daily:· Breakfast
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