Essential Vietnam and Cambodia

Pricing based on departure date: 08 August 2027.

Selected departure dates available from August 2026 to January 2028.

Discover the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia on a seven night Mekong River cruise, paired with two night stays in Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, cruise past charming riverside villages and witness an unforgettable sunrise at Angkor Wat.

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.

Le Méridien Saigon
Begin your journey with a two night stay at the contemporary Le Méridien Saigon, perfectly positioned on the banks of the Saigon River in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

Buddhist Blessing Ceremony
Receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from resident monks at a monastery in Oudong, offering wishes of good health, good luck and a safe journey.

Local Charity Visit
Visit Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA), a local organisation supporting education for disadvantaged children in rural Siem Reap communities.

Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Witness the breathtaking sunrise over Angkor Wat before exploring one of the world's most remarkable archaeological treasures.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1 – Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner featuring the distinctive flavours of Vietnamese cuisine.

Day 2 – Ho Chi Minh City
Visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels before enjoying free time to explore Ho Chi Minh City or join one of the optional sightseeing or dining experiences.

Day 3 – Ho Chi Minh City • My Tho • Embark Mekong River Cruise • Cai Be
Travel to My Tho and board the RV Lotus. Cruise towards Cai Be while settling into your suite and enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board.

Day 4 – Cai Be • Sa Dec • Tan Chau
Explore Cai Be by tender boat, visit local rice paper and coconut candy workshops, then continue to Sa Dec to discover colourful markets and historic riverside streets.

Day 5 – Tan Chau • Cambodia Border • Phnom Penh
Discover Tan Chau by small boat and rickshaw, visit a local rattan weaving workshop and Evergreen Island before crossing into Cambodia and cruising overnight to Phnom Penh.

Day 6 – Phnom Penh
Visit the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum before exploring the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Enjoy free time this afternoon or relax on board.

Day 7 – Phnom Penh • Oudong • Koh Chen
Travel to Cambodia's former royal capital of Oudong for a traditional Buddhist Blessing Ceremony, then visit the copperware village of Koh Chen before returning to Phnom Penh.

Day 8 – Oknha Tey • Angkor Ban
Explore Silk Island by tuk tuk, learn about traditional Khmer silk weaving and continue cruising through the scenic upper Mekong to Angkor Ban.

Day 9 – Angkor Ban • Koh Pen • Kampong Cham
Walk through the traditional village of Angkor Ban before exploring Koh Pen by tuk tuk. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board.

Day 10 – Kampong Cham • Siem Reap
Disembark the RV Lotus and travel to Siem Reap. Visit the jungle temple of Ta Prohm and enjoy an exclusive visit to a local charity before checking into your luxury hotel.

Day 11 – Siem Reap • Angkor Archaeological Park
Witness sunrise over Angkor Wat, explore the magnificent temple complex, Angkor Thom and the Bayon, then enjoy a traditional Khmer Dinner with an Apsara cultural performance.

Day 12 – Depart Siem Reap
Transfer to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport for your onward flight after breakfast.

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.

 

Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City (My Tho), Sa Dec, Cambodian Border Crossing, Phnom Penh, Oudong, Oknhatey Village, Angkor Ban, Kampong Cham, Siem Reap.

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.