Compare Vietnam, Cambodia & Riches of the Mekong by AMA Waterways vs Vietnam and Cambodia Signature by Odynovo
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| Trip |
3.5 | Average
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 16 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 4,498 | $ 2,236 |
| Price Per Day | $ 281 | $ 160 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
15 Breakfast, 9 Lunches and 10 Dinners |
13 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 1 Dinner |
| Description |
Your journey begins in Vietnam’s bustling capital, Hanoi, followed by an excursion to breathtaking Ha Long Bay for an overnight sojourn. A short flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, brings you to the gateway of the ancient Khmer empire. Spend three days touring the temples of Angkor Archeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before embarking your Mekong cruise on Tonle Sap Lake. Visit rural villages, historic pagodas, floating markets and a Buddhist monastery along the way. Overnight in Phnom Phen, capital of Cambodia. Conclude your cruise in lively Ho Chi Minh City, where you will enjoy a two-night stay. |
The best of Vietnam and Cambodia tour is one of the best sellers. Embark on this 14-day journey to explore the essence of these two countries. You will ride on a rickshaw waving around the Old Quarter of Hanoi, take in the stunning natural wonder of Halong Bay, soak up the relaxed atmosphere of ancient Hoi An, explore Vietnamese history in Hue, and observe locals' daily life of the Mekong Delta. While in Siem Reap, Cambodia, you will explore the vast religious complex of Angkor temples. |
Day 1: Arrive In Hanoi, Vietnam
Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, known for its graceful colonial architecture, frenetic streets, and verdant parks and temples. After checking into your hotel mid-afternoon, the remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own.
Day 2: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast
A morning sightseeing tour will take you to some of Hanoi’s most famous historical and cultural sites, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, One-pillar Pagoda and The Temple of Literature. You will also visit the infamous prison that American POWs sarcastically dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, experience an authentic rickshaw ride (known as “cyclo”) in the Old Quarter, followed by a traditional water puppet show.
Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay Overnight Junk
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, leave Hanoi behind and take a scenic ride to one of Vietnam’s most renowned locations, Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board a traditional wooden Junk, where you will spend the night – an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience and an AmaWaterways exclusive. After visiting a floating village, enjoy an onboard dinner set against the Bay’s magnificent scenery and dramatic limestone cliffs and rock formations.
Day 4: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Siem Reap, Cambodia
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
This morning, your Ha Long Bay Junk continues its scenic cruising during breakfast onboard. Late morning, disembark the ship and transfer to Hanoi Airport, stopping for lunch en route. A short flight will take you to Siem Reap in Cambodia, the gateway to Angkor, the former capital of the Khmer empire and one of the most renowned archeological sites in all of Southeast Asia.
Day 5: Siem Reap – Angkor
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
After breakfast, you will have a guided sightseeing tour of the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include Angkor Thom, the newly restored Baphuon Temple, Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. You will also see the Bayon Temple, best known for its gigantic smiling stone faces. Visit nearby, Ta Prohm, known as the “Kingdom of Trees” for the way in which the temple stones have become intertwined with thick forest vegetation over the centuries. This afternoon, travel through the rural countryside to visit the pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei, the "jewel of Khmer art." Afterwards, you will visit an English-language school sponsored by AmaWaterways in the village of Ta Toum. Tonight, you will enjoy a special “Apsara Dancing Show” at your hotel, featuring local Cambodian/Khmer folk dancers.
Day 6: Siem Reap – Angkor
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
This morning you will visit the most iconic of all Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat. This intricate and massive temple complex was built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god, Vishnu. The temple stands as a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish.
Day 7: Siem Reap - Prek Kdam - Embarkation - Kampong Chhnang
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Today you will be transferred by motorcoach to board your river cruise ship at Prek Kdam, a small village on the Tonle River. Meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Kampong Chhnang.
Day 8: Kampong Chhnang - Koh Chen
Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, a local boat will take you into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the Tonle Sap River. Enjoy the stunning variety of bird life here, and be on the lookout for the traps used to catch fish in this area – some are over a half-mile long! In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk to the Koh Chen village. You will also visit home workshops specializing in silversmithing and copper-smithing.
Day 9: Oudong - Kampong Tralach - Phnom Penh
Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
This morning you will be transferred to Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia, and tour a monastery where you will receive a special Buddhist blessing. In Kampong Tralach, you will have a truly memorable excursion – an oxcart ride through the rice paddies surrounding a small village. Later, your ship will depart for Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, where an afternoon orientation tour will give you a wonderful introduction to the city. Your tour includes a stop at Wat Phnom. Return to the ship for dinner and an onboard Khmer folk performance presented by local children. The vessel moors overnight in Phnom Penh.
Day 10: Phnom Penh
Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
This morning you will take an excursion to Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields and also visit the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum) just outside the city. After lunch on board, your afternoon tour explores the highlights of the city, famous for its French colonial architecture, busy cafés and colorful nightlife. Visit the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts. An overnight on the waterfront provides an opportunity to dine on your own in one of many nearby restaurants, if you so choose.
Day 11: Phnom Penh - Border Crossing - Tan Chau, Vietnam
Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
Spend the day cruising the Mekong River and crossing the border into Vietnam. Your vessel moors midstream at the small town of Tan Chau, Vietnam.
Day 12: Tan Chau - Sa Dec
Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
This morning, you’ll visit Tan Chau, a small Mekong River town unspoiled by tourism. You will have the opportunity to take one of two tours this morning. Your first option to is take a traditional “xe-loi” (trishaw) ride around the town, with stops at a silk-making workshop and another that produces rattan mats and slippers. Alternatively, you will take a boat ride through the narrow channels of the Mekong River to several scenic locations, including a small village known as “Evergreen Island.” Return to Tan Chau, where you will visit workshops that make silk and rattan mats in the village. This afternoon, your ship cruises to Sa Dec, where it will moor overnight.
Day 13: Sa Dec - Xeo Quyt - Cai Be
Meals: Breakfast Lunch and Dinner
In the morning, board a local boat for Sa Dec. Once ashore, you will tour the town where French writer Marguerite Duras spent many years in her youth. Visit a colorful local market, and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras' Chinese paramour. Afterwards, board a motor coach for Xeo Quyt, once used as a base during the French and U.S. wars and now an important ecological site. After lunch on board, a local boat will take you to Cai Be’s spectacular floating market. You will also have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper workshops. This evening, enjoy a festive Farewell Dinner on board.
Day 14: Ho Chi Minh City – Disembarkation
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Your cruise comes to an end as the ship docks at My Tho Port followed by a transfer to nearby Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately referred to by locals as Saigon. This former capital of Indochina was once known as “Paris of the Orient.” Today, Vietnam’s largest city is an industrial, cultural and educational hub, but still retains vestiges of its colonial past. Explore such famous landmarks as the former Presidential Palace, a photo stop at the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. You will also visit the War Remnants Museum, one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, known for its vast collection of artifacts from the Vietnam War. Finish with a visit to the Ben Thanh Market – one of the oldest and most iconic structures in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can search for local handicrafts, colorful textiles, as well as other unique souvenirs and gifts. You will spend the night at a fine hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast
Today is free to explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own, perhaps venturing to nearby shops and markets for mementos of your Southeast Asia adventure. You may also participate in an optional hands-on cooking class with a chance to taste your culinary creation.
Day 16: Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast
Bid farewell to Ho Chi Minh City and prepare for your homeward flight.
Day 1: Arrival - Hanoi
Overnight: Hanoi
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, you will be greeted by a local guide then driven to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or go out and explore the city.
Day 2: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hanoi
This morning will commence with the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, followed by a visit to Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House. Later, continue your tour to some significant sites, including One Pillar Pagoda, Hoa Lo Prison, and Temple of Literature.
In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Ethnology and then experience a rickshaw trip around the Old Quarter. The last stop is Hoan Kiem Lake. Passing through the wooden red-painted bridge, you will reach Ngoc Son Temple. After the tour, feast your eyes on a local water puppet show.
Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: On Board
Today you will head to Halong Bay for a 2-day cruise trip. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is famous for its original limestone karst geomorphology features. You will sail through some islets and a fishing village, and then anchor the vessels at the Frog Pond area. The ship offers a variety of optional activities like kayaking, swimming, diving to explore this beautiful area.
Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Da Nang - Hoi An
Meals: Light Breakfast, Brunch
Overnight: Hoi An
If you wake up early, why not try an organized Tai Chi class among the peaceful surroundings. Before disembarking, you may have a chance to visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the most spectacular and biggest caves. Walking around 600 steps up to the cave, you will reach it and be amazed by the beauty inside.
After the cruise, meet your guide and driver who will accompany you to Hanoi airport for your flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, be transferred to your hotel in Hoi An and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 5: Hoi An
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An
In the morning, visit the Japanese Bridge, the famous Chinese Temple, and the former Vietnamese Merchant's House. Later, head to the home of an artisan in the old street, where you will have a chance to make a traditional lantern by hand and keep it as a souvenir.
Day 6: Hoi An - Da Nang - Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hue
Move on to Hue by land, via Da Nang. Along the way, stop to visit Cham Museum, Non-Nuoc Beach, Marble Mountain, and take in a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Da Nang at Hai Van Pass. Arrive in Hue late afternoon, check into your hotel and relax.
Day 7: Hue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hue
This morning you will visit the majestic Tomb of King Minh Mang, the final resting place of one of the Nguyen Dynasty's staunchest Confucians. Then, ride a royal dragon boat along the Perfume River to the sacred Thien Mu Pagoda - the symbol of Hue. Continue to the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City for their historic monuments. At the end of the tour, you will have a chance to take a stroll down the traditional Dong Ba Market to experience the local lifestyle.
Day 8: Hue - Ho Chi Minh City
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local guide and escorted to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
Go for exploration at the underground Cu Chi Tunnels and then return to the downtown to visit the Ben Thanh Market, War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace. Step into the Old Saigon Post Office, which is one of Vietnam's most beautiful examples of French colonial architecture. Lastly, have a stroll at Dong Khoi Street.
Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City - Mekong Delta - Ho Chi Minh City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Ho Chi Minh City
A 2-hour drive will take you to Ben Tre, one of the popular Mekong Delta hubs. Here, you will navigate a maze of narrow canals to witness life around the water, walk in the village to see local houses, and enjoy a homemade lunch in the home of the residents.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City for the night after the tour.
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap
Meal: Breakfast
Overnight: Siem Reap
Say goodbye to Vietnam and fly onward to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Upon arrival, take a private transfer to your downtown hotel for a rest.
Day 12: Siem Reap
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight Siem Reap
Today, you will be delighted by the time-honored Angkor temples. Passing through the bridge guarded by two rows of mythical statues, you will enter the South Gate of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire built in the 13th century with multiple temples. See the most notable Bayon Temple and Elephant Terrace in the center of Angkor Thom.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat. This well-preserved temple complex is the largest religious monument in the world, spanning 402 acres. Before returning to the hotel, climb up to Bakheng Hill or the less-crowded Pre Rup Temple for the stunning sunset.
Day 13: Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Siem Reap
Aside from Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, there are many other temples worth visiting. You will pass through some local villages to visit red-sandstone Banteay Srei. Listen to your guide telling fairy stories in relief above each lintel while looking for beautiful angles to
practice your photography skills.
In the afternoon, go back to explore Ta Prohm Temple, where crumbling temples and majestic trees are intertwined, like scenes from the film Tomb Raider. Not far away is Ta Keo Temple, possibly the first to be built entirely out of sandstone by the Khmer Empire.
Day 14: Siem Reap - Departure
Meal: Breakfast
Your vacation to Vietnam and Cambodia comes to an end today. At the appointed time, a private transfer takes you to the airport. Bid farewell to your guide and board your homebound flight with wonderful memories.
