Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in Hanoi
You'll arrive in Hanoi and head to the Grand Mercure, which sits near the Old Quarter. Later this evening, meet up with your local guide at a casual gathering to get oriented.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Grand Mercure Hanoi)
- Day 2
Hanoi to Sapa
Start early heading to Sapa, a mountain town near the Chinese border, with great views of rice terraces along the route. Walk through the local market with your guide to learn about Hmong and Dao communities. After dinner at a local spot, settle into your mountain resort for the night.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at a local restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sapa Mountain Resort Affiliated by Meliá)
Included Activities
- Guided walk around Sapa town
- Local market exploration and ethnic groups learning experience
Landmarks Sapa - Day 3
Sapa
Hike through the landscape to Ma Tra village, where Hmong and Dao families live and work the terraced rice fields. You'll get a real sense of how people live here. Have lunch (included) and then the afternoon is free to explore the area, do some shopping, or just relax.
- Meals
- Lunch
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sapa Mountain Resort Affiliated by Meliá)
Included Activities
- Leisurely hike to Ma Tra village
- Terraced rice fields exploration
Optional Activities
- Exploring
- Shopping
Landmarks Ma Tra Village - Day 4
Sapa to Hanoi
Drive back to Hanoi and have the afternoon open to wander around on your own. This evening, you'll have a multi-course Vietnamese dinner at your hotel.
- Meals
- Dinner (Multi-course Vietnamese dinner at hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Grand Mercure Hanoi)
- Day 5
Hanoi
Take a guided tour hitting Ba Dinh Square, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, Mural Street, and the Temple of Literature. You can choose between cycling through the Old Quarter or lunch at KOTO restaurant as your insider experience. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to do what you like, with optional activities available.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Grand Mercure Hanoi)
Included Activities
- Guided sightseeing tour of Hanoi
- Ba Dinh Square visit
- Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex
- Mural Street exploration
- Temple of Literature visit
Optional Activities
- Hanoi's Old Quarter by Cyclo
- Lunch at KOTO
- Folk Art Class at Vun Art Cooperative silk-weaving village
- Street Food Tour in Old Quarter
- Water Puppets and Street Food Style Dinner
- Cooking Workshop and Dinner
Landmarks Ba Dinh Square Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Temple of Literature Hoan Kiem Lake Vun Art Cooperative 
- Day 6
Hanoi to Ha Long Bay (Au Co)
Head out early to Tuan Chau and board the Au Co for a two-night Ha Long Bay cruise. Enjoy Vietnamese lunch as you sail past Trong Mai Islet, Ngon Tay Islet, and Con Coc Islet. Cycle or ride an electric cart through Viet Hai village on Cat Ba Island to see local life. Then join a cooking class to make banh cuon rice rolls before dinner. Optional: try Vietnamese rice wine or go squid fishing.
- Meals
- Lunch (Assortment of Vietnamese dishes), Dinner (Dinner on board)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ha Long Bay)
Included Activities
- Ha Long Bay cruise boarding on Au Co
- Bicycle or electric cart tour of Viet Hai village
- Hands-on banh cuon cooking class
- Dinner on board
Optional Activities
- Vietnamese rice wine tasting session
- Squid fishing on main deck
Landmarks Ha Long Bay Cat Ba Island Viet Hai Village Trong Mai Islet Ngon Tay Islet Con Coc Islet - Day 7
Ha Long Bay
Wake up early for tai chi as the sun rises over the UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a good breakfast, you'll kayak through the Trinh Nu area with its dramatic rock formations and emerald waters. Back on the ship, cruise to Cua Van Floating Village for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring by kayak or traditional boat. Return to the ship for sunset drinks and dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Hearty breakfast), Lunch (Special lunch at Cua Van Floating Village), Dinner (Dinner in onboard restaurant)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ha Long Bay)
Included Activities
- Tai Chi lesson
- Kayaking through Trinh Nu area
- Cruise to Cua Van Floating Village
- Floating village exploration by kayak or rowing boat
- Sunset views from deck
- Dinner on board
Landmarks Trinh Nu Area Cua Van Floating Village - Day 8
Ha Long Bay to Da Nang
After breakfast, pick between two options: tour Sung Sot Cave with its thousands of stalactites and stalagmites along a 500-metre pathway, or go to Titov Island for beach time or mountain hikes with panoramic views. Later you'll head back to the ship, then transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Da Nang. From there, transfer to Hoi An.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa)
Included Activities
- Sung Sot Cave exploration OR Titov Island visit
Landmarks Sung Sot Cave Titov Island - Day 9
Hoi An
Start at the Morning Glory Cooking School for a guided market tour and preparation of Vietnamese dishes, then taste what you've made. After that, the rest of your day in Hoi An is free to explore however you like.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa)
Included Activities
- Morning Glory Cooking School - guided market tour and cooking class
- Day 10
Hoi An
Hoi An is yours to explore at your own pace throughout the day. Several optional experiences are available if you want them. For dinner, you have select options for authentic Vietnamese food.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa)
Optional Activities
- Guided Eco Tour of Tra Que Vegetable Village - organic herb and vegetable cultivation, bamboo basket boat crafting and paddling
- Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills - cable car ride to 1,414 metre high Golden Bridge with coastal views
- Lune Theatre Show - acrobatics, contemporary dance, live music, and bamboo circus techniques
- Reau Restaurant dinner with traditional Vietnamese cuisine and views
- The Hoianian three-course dinner with contemporary Vietnamese and fusion flavours
Landmarks Tra Que Vegetable Village Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills Lune Theatre - Day 11
Hoi An to Hue
Travel over the Hai Van Pass with great views of Lang Co Beach, then arrive in Hue, the former Imperial capital on the Perfume River. You'll have the afternoon free to check out the city. This evening, enjoy regional cuisine.
- Meals
- Dinner (Regional cuisine dinner)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Pilgrimage Village Boutique Resort & Spa)
Landmarks Hai Van Pass Lang Co Beach Perfume River 
- Day 12
Hue to Ho Chi Minh City
Explore the grand Imperial Citadel and wander through its monuments while learning about the former royal residents. After that, take an included flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the busy metropolis that was once called Saigon. Have dinner this evening.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ho Chi Minh City)
Included Activities
- Imperial Citadel exploration with guided tour
Landmarks Imperial Citadel - Day 13
Ho Chi Minh City
Visit the Cu Chi tunnels, built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. Learn how they were used as hiding spots, communication routes, hospitals and living quarters. You'll crawl through a section to experience how cramped conditions were. The afternoon and evening are free to explore independently or try optional activities.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ho Chi Minh City)
Included Activities
- Cu Chi tunnels visit
- Tunnel section crawl-through experience
Optional Activities
- Ho Chi Minh City by Foot walking tour - Saigon Opera House, People's Committee Building, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office
- History of Saigon tour - Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Burning Monk Memorial
- Shopping Tour by Coach
- Street Food Tour by Motorbike - three courses of street food, HOP Sky Bar
- Hoi An Sense restaurant experience with Vietnamese music and hospitality
- Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro - traditional Vietnamese cuisine with modern twist
Landmarks Cu Chi Tunnels Saigon Opera House People's Committee Building Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon Central Post Office Reunification Palace War Remnants Museum Burning Monk Memorial HOP Sky Bar - Day 14
Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho
Take a leisurely morning, then drive to My Tho to board the RV Lotus for a seven-night Mekong River cruise. Get settled into your suite with local-inspired design and balconies. As you cruise from My Tho to Cai Be, watch the river scenery and local activity. Enjoy a special Welcome Dinner on board with other travellers this evening.
- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome Dinner on board)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mekong River)
Included Activities
- RV Lotus boarding and check-in
- Cruise from My Tho to Cai Be
Landmarks Mekong River 
- Day 15
Cai Be to Tan Chau
Explore Cai Be by tender boat and see daily life along the river. Visit Cai Be Church with its tall bell tower. Stop at rice paper and coconut candy makers to watch production. Head to Sa Dec for a guided tour of colourful markets and the historic Huynh Thuy Le home. Back on ship, get a spa treatment or relax. As evening comes, cruise toward Tan Chau with dinner and entertainment.
- Meals
- Lunch (Delicious lunch on board with select international wine and local beer included), Dinner (Dinner on board with select international wine and local beer included)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mekong River)
Included Activities
- Tender boat exploration of Cai Be
- Cai Be Church visit
- Rice paper manufacturer visit
- Coconut candy manufacturer visit
- Guided tour of Sa Dec town
- Sa Dec market visit
- Huynh Thuy Le home visit
- Cruise to Tan Chau
- Dinner on board
Optional Activities
- Spa treatment on board
- Evening entertainment in Saigon Lounge
- Cocktail in Saigon Lounge
Landmarks Cai Be Church Sa Dec Huynh Thuy Le House 
- Day 16
Tan Chau to Cambodian Border
Take a small boat along narrow tributaries around Tan Chau, then do a rickshaw tour and visit a rattan weaving workshop. After lunch, explore Evergreen Island by small boat to see traditional farming with water buffalo. Spend downtime watching the Mekong scenery as the ship heads toward the Cambodian border. While border procedures happen, participate in onboard activities. Cross into Cambodia and cruise overnight toward Phnom Penh.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mekong River)
Included Activities
- Rickshaw tour of Tan Chau
- Rattan weaving workshop visit
- Small boat journey to Evergreen Island
- Evergreen Island rural life observation
- Cruise across Cambodian border to Phnom Penh
Optional Activities
- Onboard activities and presentations during border formalities
Landmarks Tan Chau Evergreen Island - Day 17
Phnom Penh
Learn about the Khmer Rouge at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields with its Memorial Stupa. Have lunch back on the ship, then visit the striking Royal Palace with white and gold architecture and the Silver Pagoda. The afternoon is free to browse local markets for souvenirs, try local fried tarantula, or relax on board.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mekong River)
Included Activities
- Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum visit
- Killing Fields visit
- Memorial Stupa visit
- Royal Palace visit
- Silver Pagoda visit
Optional Activities
- Local market shopping
- Fried tarantula tasting
- Onboard relaxation
Landmarks Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum Killing Fields Memorial Stupa Royal Palace Silver Pagoda - Day 18
Phnom Penh to Oudong
Start with an excursion to Oudong, Cambodia's former royal capital from the 17th to 19th centuries. Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing with resident monks at a monastery. On the way back to Phnom Penh, walk through Koh Chen village known for copperware, visit family workshops and pick up souvenirs. The afternoon is free for independent exploration or optional experiences.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mekong River)
Included Activities
- Road excursion to Oudong
- Buddhist blessing ceremony at monastery
Optional Activities
- Leisurely walk through Koh Chen village
- Copperware workshop visits
- Hands-On Cooking Workshop - market ingredient selection and Khmer dish preparation
- Phnom Penh by Cyclo tour
- Phnom Penh by Tuk Tuk tour
Landmarks Oudong Koh Chen Independence Square Wat Phnom Phnom Penh Post Office U.S. Embassy Raffles Hotel Royal Railway Station Central Market Independence Monument NagaWorld Sisowath Quay - Day 19
Silk Island
Rise early as the ship moves along the Mekong banks to Oknha Tey, also called Silk Island, known for centuries-old silk making. Travel by tuk tuk past rice fields for a look at rural life. Walk among stilt houses and watch village women weaving fabrics on traditional looms. Return to the ship for lunch as you continue to Angkor Ban. The afternoon is free to swim, read on deck, or take in the scenery.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch on board), Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mekong River)
Included Activities
- Tuk tuk ride through rice fields
- Silk Island stilt house exploration
- Traditional silk weaving observation
Optional Activities
- Pool swim
- Sun Deck relaxation
Landmarks Oknha Tey (Silk Island) - Day 20
Angkor Ban to Kampong Cham
Take a guided walk through Angkor Ban, a village and cultural heritage site that survived the Khmer Rouge. Called the 'Lucky Village', you'll stroll through traditional stilted homes and visit a Khmer pagoda. After lunch, the ship docks at Kampong Cham for a tuk tuk tour of agricultural Koh Pen island. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board with fellow travellers.
- Meals
- Lunch, Dinner (Farewell Dinner on board)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Mekong River)
Included Activities
- Guided walk of Angkor Ban village
- Stilted houses viewing
- Khmer-style pagoda visit
- Tuk tuk tour of Koh Pen
Landmarks Angkor Ban Koh Pen - Day 21
Kampong Cham to Siem Reap
Say goodbye to the RV Lotus crew and disembark. Travel to Siem Reap through countryside and remote villages. Have lunch at the hotel, then head to Ta Prohm jungle temple, known as the 'Tomb Raider Temple' from the Angelina Jolie film. You'll have two insider experiences: visit a local charity for disadvantaged children and check into Shinta Mani Angkor resort. There's an optional circus performance this evening.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Siem Reap)
Included Activities
- Transfer to Siem Reap
- Lunch at hotel
- Ta Prohm jungle temple visit
- Local charity visit - Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA)
Optional Activities
- Phare Circus Performance
Landmarks Ta Prohm Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA) Phare Circus 
- Day 22
Siem Reap
Wake early for a sunrise experience at Angkor Wat with an included seat and refreshments. After hotel breakfast, explore Angkor Wat with a guide. Then journey through Angkor Thom and the Bayon temple, built by King Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century, where you'll see the mysterious serene faces on the temple's towers. Optional activities include local shops, markets, landmine museum, horse-drawn carts, or quad bikes.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Siem Reap)
Included Activities
- Sunrise at Angkor Wat experience with seat and refreshments
- Guided exploration of Angkor Wat
- Angkor Thom exploration
- Bayon temple visit
Optional Activities
- Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance
- Local Boutiques and Markets tour - Angkor Handicraft Association, Angkor Artwork, Phsar Chas market
- APOPO HeroRATs Tour and Landmine Museum
- Horse-Drawn Cart Ride through Cambodian countryside
- Quad Bike Adventure through rice fields, forests and villages
Landmarks Angkor Wat Angkor Thom Bayon Angkor Handicraft Association Angkor Artwork Phsar Chas APOPO Landmine Museum - Day 23
Departure from Siem Reap
Your Vietnam and Cambodia trip wraps up after breakfast. Transfer to Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport for your onward flight.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast before departure
