Essential Vietnam and Cambodia

Pricing based on departure date: 30 August 2026

Immerse yourself in local life and culture as you embark on a seven-night cruise along the Mekong River, discovering the remote villages that line its banks. This journey is bookended by two-night stays in Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City, offering the chance to witness sunrise at Angkor Wat and explore the Cu Chi tunnels.

Trip Inclusions

• Seven-night Mekong River cruise aboard the RV Lotus, featuring all suites with twin balconies.
• Four nights in premium accommodation.
• Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Leader and expert English-speaking local guides.
• 28 meals – 11 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 9 dinners, plus select international wine and local beer included with lunch and dinner on board your Mekong River cruise.
• Airport transfers, port charges and tipping.
• Relax at the stylish Shinta Mani Angkor.

Tour Highlights
These are carefully crafted experiences designed to take your holiday from amazing to extraordinary.

Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance
Dine on tantalising Khmer cuisine and peer into the heart of Cambodia as you watch an apsara dance performance, a delicate, beautiful tradition dating back to the seventh century.

Koh Pen Tuk Tuk Tour
Hop aboard a tuk tuk and explore the peaceful island of Koh Pen. Travel along shaded lanes past traditional stilted homes, nestled among swaying palms and fragrant sandalwood trees.

Buddhist Blessing Ceremony
Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony to wish you good luck, health and safe journey, led by resident monks at a monastery in Oudong.

Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Visit Angkor Archaeological Park to witness a spectacular sunrise at the magnificent Angkor Wat. Observe the iconic temple complex shimmer in the reflective ponds in front of this World Heritage-listed monument, while brilliant shades of orange and pink light up the sky.

Day 1 – Arrive in Siem Reap
Transfer to your hotel and spend some time relaxing. This afternoon, discover Ta Prohm, often referred to as the ‘Tomb Raider Temple’ due to its depiction in the Angelina Jolie film Lara Croft: Tomb Raider. A range of immersive Insider Experiences mark a spectacular beginning to your journey.

Day 2 – Siem Reap & Angkor Archaeological Park
Rise early for a special Insider Experience at Angkor Archaeological Park. After a guided tour of the well-preserved Angkor Wat temple, return to your hotel for breakfast. In the early afternoon, explore Siem Reap on your own or choose from our select experience options. Later this afternoon, return to Angkor Archaeological Park to visit Angkor Thom and the Bayon. This evening, enjoy free time to further explore or take part in an optional select experience.

Day 3 – Siem Reap to Kampong Cham & Mekong River Cruise
Journey through picturesque countryside and charming remote villages, arriving in Kampong Cham to embark on your Mekong River cruise. Here, you'll board the RV Lotus, your boutique river ship and home for the next seven nights. Spend the afternoon enjoying your Insider Experience. This evening, savour a Welcome Dinner on board with your fellow travellers.

Day 4 – Angkor Ban & Oknha Tey
Start your day with a tour of Angkor Ban by foot. Nicknamed the 'Lucky Village', Angkor Ban is one of the few rural villages in Cambodia that escaped destruction from the Khmer Rouge regime. Stroll through town and see wooden houses, some over a century old. Return to your ship and continue cruising along the lush banks of the Mekong River to Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island. Disembark and discover the village, renowned for its silk weaving traditions.

Day 5 – Phnom Penh, Oudong & Koh Chen
Begin your morning with an excursion by road to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital, where a memorable Insider Experience awaits. En route back to Phnom Penh, take a leisurely walk through the village of Koh Chen. Stop to visit the open-air copperware workshops and witness the skills of the artisans. Return to the ship and enjoy a free afternoon in Phnom Penh, or enhance your time by choosing one of our select experiences.

Day 6 – Phnom Penh & Historical Landmarks
Start the day with a sobering excursion to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, where you will learn about Cambodia's Khmer Rouge regime, as well as the resilience of the Cambodian people. Take a moment to pay your respects at the Memorial Stupa, a monument erected in memory of the thousands of people who lost their lives. After lunch, admire the striking white and gold Khmer architecture of the Royal Palace, which was built in 1866. Head inside the glorious Silver Pagoda – named after its floors, which are designed with 5,000 silver tiles. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to head to the Russian Market for souvenirs, the Central Market where you can try the local delicacy of fried tarantula and crickets, or simply stay on board and enjoy the facilities and service.

Day 7 – Phnom Penh to Vietnam Border & Tan Chau
Relax on board as your ship cruises to the Vietnamese border. While border formalities are carried out, enjoy the onboard presentations and demonstrations. Cross into Vietnam and cruise into the riverside town of Tan Chau. 

Day 8 – Tan Chau & Sa Dec
Travel along the tributaries around Tan Chau by small boat, then go ashore for a rickshaw tour. Weave through rambling laneways past shops and friendly locals before visiting a local rattan weaving workshop. Later, step back in time during a visit to Vinh Hoa, also known as Evergreen Island. Take the opportunity to witness traditional Vietnamese farming practices, then head back to the ship and continue cruising towards the quaint town of Sa Dec.

Day 9 – Sa Dec, Cai Be & My Tho
Pass floating fish farms as you take a boat ride to Sa Dec, then explore the colourful market on foot. Continue past crumbling waterside mansions to the home of Mr Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired the French writer Marguerite Duras' novel, L'Amant. Return to the ship for a delicious lunch while you cruise towards Cai Be, where a local boat will take you into the riverside town. Step ashore to visit the French gothic Cai Be Church, as well as a rice paper and coconut candy manufacturer. Tonight, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner on board as you cruise towards your final stop, My Tho.

Day 10 – My Tho, Cu Chi Tunnels & Ho Chi Minh City
Disembark at My Tho and journey by road to the Cu Chi tunnels. Gain a first-hand insight into the history of the Vietnam War and learn about the immense network of underground tunnels carved out by hand. Continue to Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon, where you'll stay for the next two nights. This evening for dinner, perhaps choose from one of our select experience dining options.

Day 11 – Ho Chi Minh City & Farewell Dinner
Today, discover Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options. This evening, gather for a sumptuous Farewell Dinner.

Your ship: RV Lotus

Glide along the Mekong River on the RV Lotus and discover the alluring destinations of Vietnam and Cambodia in premium comfort. Featuring only 54 cabins, this boutique vessel boasts spacious and elegant Vietnamese-inspired suites, each with a private balcony. Sip a cool drink or enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool on the Sun Deck after a day of exploration.

• Discover highlights and hidden treasures along the Mekong’s tributaries, including rural villages such as Tan Chau and Koh Chen, which specialises in copper production.
• With amazing views, reclining lounges, a swimming pool and cold drinks from the bar, the Sun Deck is a relaxing place to soak up the sights.
• Every suite aboard the RV Lotus features private indoor and outdoor balconies, so you can enjoy views along the Mekong River throughout your cruise.
• Dine in the Mekong Restaurant, relax with a drink in the Saigon Lounge or an espresso in Le Viet Nam Cafe. Enjoy complimentary international wines and local beers with lunch and dinner.
• With a prime location on the upper deck, the RV Lotus’ Sadec Balcony Suites offer a larger living space and en suite with a bath.
• The indulgent Mekong Suites feature a separate entertainment area, an additional private outdoor terrace, king-size bed and a whirlpool spa bath.

Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Angkor Ban, Oknha Tey (Silk Island), Phnom Penh, Tan Chau, Sa Dec, Cai Be, My Tho, Ho Chi Minh City

All fares are displayed in NZD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.