There can be no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as the River Mekong. Indeed there can be no more striking a cultural contrast as that between the bustling Vietnam delta and the tranquility of Cambodia. We pass from the vibrant French colonial port of Saigon, through the vast delta so rich in human life and endeavour, to travel along the main channel into the rich countryside of Cambodia.
Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to hotel for check in.
Today we spend a full day exploring Ha Noi, the city’s cultural heart that bears traces of centuries’ old dynasties. We visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the city. Driving through the Hanoi French Quarter we pass by the Opera house, Hoan Kiem Lake. Visit Van Mieu, known as the Temple of Literature containing historical artifacts and Vietnam’s first university. Then enjoy a traditional cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. There are many varieties of flowers arranged for sale. Many delicious confections are on display along the street. Lunch will be served at a an authentic Vietnamese restaurant. Continue to observe the daily lives of the locals and stop at a popular local coffee shop and enjoy sips of Vietnamese coffee dripping from the filter. Return to the hotel and the rest of the evening is free at leisure.
In the morning, you will take a scenic drive to Hai Phong and transfer by tender to the Orchid Cruise. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink on board and have cruise briefing and safety instructions. Start cruising and explore Lan Ha Bay. Proceed to Da Chong Islet, where you can see a lighthouse built by the French over 100 years ago. We have lunch before continuing journey via the islets of Con Vit. These amazing limestone karst formations rise up out of the sea in an impressive manner. This area is untouched, as not many cruise ships use the route via the Cat Ba Island – Thoi Quyt area – Coc Ngoi islet – through Gia Luan area where is belong to Cat Ba National Park. Then we progress by bus to Trung Trang cave which is located in the middle of Cat Ba National Park with Kim Giao forest around the cave. Unlike the main Ha Long Bay, the islands of Lan Ha Bay are forested, and most are small in stature. You can kayak or simply just enjoy swimming. This is an unforgettable experience, immersed in the crystal clear waters of the Tra Bau area. Returning to the Orchid Cruise you can watch the spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. You may join cooking class. Dinner is served at 19:30. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served by our wonderful onboard catering staff. This is a delightful meal in an intimate romantic setting. After dinner, enjoy the landscape of the bay up on the top deck. Relax while enjoying drinks from the bar. Join squid fishing at night or watch a movie.
Rise early to witness the bay at its very best while enjoying an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck. After breakfast head to explore the bay in the area where Ao Ech is situated. Enjoy kayaking and discover the hidden charm of Lan Ha Bay. Back to cruise for checkout procedures. While cruising back you can enjoy a delightful brunch. Joining tea ceremony with crews team. Disembark at 11:35 at Hai Phong. Drive back to Hanoi airport for a flight to Danang. Arrive in Danang, you have warm welcome and transfer to your hotel in Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.
In the morning we take a biking tour to Cam Thanh village, passing rice paddy fields and enjoy learning about methods of rice production. You will be amazed by the characteristic coconut houses and furniture handcrafted from water coconut and bamboo. You will experience the friendliness of the local people as they greet you along the way. Later you will engage with local fishermen and enjoy the hands-on experience of traditional net fishing. You will also experience paddling the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats. It will be an unforgettable experience. Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we take a walking tour along Hoi An’s waterfront from the Japanese Covered Bridge to the main market, stopping at the ancient house Tan Ky, the ornate Fu Kien Chinese temple and then down to Hoi An local market.
Transfer to the airport for flight to Saigon. Arrive Saigon, you will be welcomed by your guide and transfer to hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Today, we will join “Grain by Luke Nguyen Cooking Class”. Grain studio has its own fresh market on site. You will enjoy cooking a hands on 4-course meal that will help to demystify Vietnamese cuisine and give you new-found confidence inspiring you to cook more at home. Lunch will be your own preparation and served at the cooking class. It will be a very interesting Vietnamese cultural and culinary experience. Then we visit Reunification Palace, Central Post office, passing by the Hotel de Ville (City Hall), the colonial quarter Opera House. Then stop at Ben Thanh Market before transfer back to hotel.
Transfer from the meeting point in Saigon to My Tho Port. After boarding your Pandaw we sail downstream to Ben Tre and anchor midstream.
After Lunch we travel by local Sampans through mangroves and bamboo groves to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre. In these local artisans are at work and are invite visitors into their homes for tea, fruit and honey products made from their own honey. This is an area rich in bird life and on our return journey we travel by horse cart through the lush countryside.
In the evening, there is a lecture on Vietnamese life on the Mekong Delta. During cocktail hour passengers will meet the key crew members.
After a short cruise upstream, we take a short coach trip where we visit Gao Giong ‘green oasis’ with its bird sanctuary. Here a diverse selection of water birds and egrets that gather in the tens of thousands across the Duong Tharp Muoi or ‘Plain of Reeds’. Rowing boats traverse the canals to take us to see the principal nesting areas.
In the afternoon we visit the Island of Con Phuoc Island and go ashore to explore the island by tuk-tuk seeing basket production and visiting a 100-year old Catholic Church and local woodworking artisans.
In the morning, explore the labyrinthine canal system around Tan Chau to visit a Taoist temple where the monks will read fortunes. Continue through local villages by Xe Loi stopping off to help locals tend their fields before stopping off to visit a fish farm and earn merit by releasing fish back into the Mekong. Afternoon sail to the Vietnam border for formalities and during this stationary period there is an optional tour of the working ship and fruit carving classes on deck.
Disembark in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, after breakfast.
Meet our guide at cruise meeting point and transfer to you hotel check in.
In the morning, after check out, we visit Wat Phnom, the capital of Cambodia was named after Lady Penh, who founded a sanctuary on the hill in 1917 were the grand stupa still stand today. You also visit the Royal Palace, one of the capital’s premier tourist attractions, constructed between 1866-1870 in the reign of king Norodom. The Silver Pagoda, well known for its 5000 silver tiled floor & National Museum for an appreciation of the splendor of Khmer history. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch, transfer to the airport for flight to Siem Reap. Arrive in Siem Reap, meet our guide and transfer to hotel check in.
In the morning, visit the National Angkor Museum for an overview of the Angkor history before heading to the famous Angkor Wat, the world’s largest temple with the longest intricately carved bas-relief panels. Explore this 3-tier pyramidal structure with massive galleries of thousand Buddha, interior walls and niches decorated with stone aspires (celestial dancers) and devatas (goddesses). Take a walk around the top terrace for a great view of Angkor. After lunch, visit Angkor Thom means the “Great City” in Khmer. The 12th-century royal Buddhist city especially famed for its grand Bayon temple. Also including the South Gate, Bapoun, the Terrace of the Elephant, and the Terrace of the Leper King. The tour ends with a hike up Phnom Bakheng for spectacular sunset views of Angkor Wat. Evening is free on your own activities. You may explore the Siem Reap market.
In the morning, we will drive to Banteay Srei, the Citadel of Women with its very attractive carvings, the royal bathing place – Srah Srang, and the unique brick sculptures in Prasat Kravan. Then we will visit Ta Prohm – the 12th century temple that has been left largely un-restored in its natural state surrounded by jungle and enveloped by stone like tentacles of massive banyan roots. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. After lunch, Return back to Siem Reap and visit Les Artisan D’Angkor and Siem Reap Market.The evening is free at leisure.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Have a safe trip!
B: Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner
