Croatia - Coastal Cruises
Vietnam, Cambodia and The Mekong
18 Nights – Hanoi to Siem Reap
Based on The Jayavarman or The Jayan
Day 1 - Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. Get to know your group over a welcome drink and briefing before heading out for dinner at one of our handpicked restaurants.
Hotel: InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
Day 2 - Hanoi
A full day tour of Vietnam’s capital captures all the highlights. Immerse yourself in the ancient laneways of the Old Quarter on a cyclo tour, discover the serene gardens of the Temple of Literature and infamy of the Hanoi Hilton, and learn all about the life and legend of ‘Uncle Ho’ at his former home and mausoleum. Tonight there is another chance to experience Hanoi’s excellent cuisine.
Hotel: InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
Day 3 – Halong Bay
An interesting drive brings you to the shores of Halong Bay, a World Heritage listed wonder. Board your luxury converted junk and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch as you cruise among the soaring limestone islands. There may be a chance for a swim, or a visit to a local cave, before settling down for the night in your private cabin.
Hotel: Cruise Halong - Jasmine/Ginger
Day 4 – Halong Bay & Hue
Experience the mystical beauty of Halong Bay in the early morning before returning to land. Transfer to Hanoi airport for flight to Hue. On arrival transfer to your hotel.
Hotel: Ana Mandara Hue
Day 5 - Hue
Hue was once Vietnam’s imperial capital and today you experience its historical significance first hand. Cruise along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, visit the Citadel and ornate tombs of former emperors, and discover a local market overflowing with produce. Tonight expect the royal treatment as you sit down to an imperial feast.
Hotel: Ana Mandara Hue
Day 6 – Hai Van Pass & Hoi An
A three-hour drive takes you through some stunning rural and coastal scenery, including the dramatic Hai Van Pass to Hoi An. On arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a delicious lunch of local specialties. Hoi An is easily explored on foot, and this afternoon, we embark on a short walking tour.
Hotel: Life Heritage Resort Hoi An
Day 7 – Hoi An
Spend a day cycling the small villages and river islands surrounding Hoi An and tonight enjoy a cooking demonstration and dinner at the delightful riverside Red Bridge restaurant.
Hotel: Life Heritage Resort Hoi An
Day 8 – Hoi An
Spend the morning relaxing then transfer to Danang airport for your flight south. On arrival in Saigon, transfer to your hotel. Tonight get your first taste of the city’s cuisine.
Hotel: Caravelle
Day 9 – Saigon & Cu Chi Tunnels
Today, experience the very best of Saigon on a half-day city tour. Soak up the history of Dong Khoi Street on a walking tour, visit the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum, and the city’s biggest wholesale market in Chinatown. This afternoon, discover the Cu Chi Tunnels on the city’s outskirts.
Hotel: Caravelle
Day 10 - Saigon
Transfer to My Tho where you will board the Jayavarman. Enjoy a welcome drink then settle into your cabin as you leave Saigon behind and cruise deep into the Mekong Delta.
Day 11 – Cai Be & Sa Dec
You may wish to begin your day with Tai Chi on the deck, then embark on a sampan tour of the colourful Cai Be floating markets. Visit some local orchards and traditional country homes before cruising to Sa Dec, where there is the chance to take another sampan tour and witness rattan making.
Day 12 – Chau Doc & Border Crossing
Cruise to the town of Chau Doc, rich in French-colonial architecture, and see its bustling market flooded with tropical fruits. Observe beautiful textiles being woven on old wooden looms before continuing on towards the Cambodian border.
Day 13 – Phnom Penh
Keep cruising upriver to Phnom Penh, a fascinating city with a wealth of sights to explore. Tonight enjoy a traditional Khmer dance performance on board and an al fresco barbecue dinner.
Day 14 – Kampong Cham
Depart before dawn for vibrant Kampong Cham, stopping en route at a seldom-visited silk weaving village. Another stop gives you a chance to revel in traditional village life, with the opportunity to join in some daily activities.
Day 15 – Wat Hanchey
In the early hours, set off for the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Located at the top of a hill overlooking the river, it offers some of the best views in Cambodia. Depending on the season, there may be a chance to take a Zodiac boat ride to a beach for some Mekong River swimming.
Day 16 – Kampong Chnang & Kampong Louang
Embark for Kampong Chhnang on the Tonle Sap River, then take a walk through Kampong Louang, one of the last silversmith villages, to see the entire community involved in making various silver items to sell.
Day 17 – Tonle Sap & Siem Reap
Experience the natural wonder of Tonle Sap Lake, with its floating villages and abundant bird life, before travelling to Siem Reap. Transfer to to your hotel and this afternoon, take your first foray to the temples of Angkor, witnessing beautiful Angkor Wat as the sun sets. Tonight enjoy some excellent cuisine at one of the town’s top eating spots.
Hotel: Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor
Day 18 – Siem Reap & Temples of Angkor
Spend an incredible day touring the ancient and mysterious Temples of Angkor, starting with the most famous, Angkor Wat. Also visit the Bayon, and atmospheric tree-covered Ta Prohm and Preah Kahn before heading out for a farewell meal.
Hotel: Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor
Day 19 – Siem Reap
Your stay ends with an airport transfer.
