The Most Magical Way to See Vietnam & Cambodia
One of the greatest advantages of exploring Southeast Asia by small river cruise ship is access: unlike large ocean vessels, intimate ships can navigate narrow waterways and dock in the heart of local communities, bringing you closer to daily life along the river.
With fewer passengers onboard, the experience feels more personal, relaxed, and immersive- more like traveling with a private group than being part of a crowd.
On this unique and inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia, you’ll be immersed in the cultures and ancient traditions as you sightsee and spend time with locals in the most fascinating places along the mighty Mekong River.
Trip highlights:
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. Take a walking tour of historic landmarks, including a stop at the Rex Hotel for a refreshing drink at the rooftop bar where the U.S. Military held the infamous “Five O’clock Follies” during the war. Then visit the War Remnants Museum featuring the history and relics of the Vietnam War before spending time in bustling Ben Thanh Market. For lunch, participate in a hands-on Vietnamese Cooking Class. Learn to prepare several local dishes and how to recreate them at home.
Drive out of the city for a guided visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels- an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length, used as a hideout and secret village by the Viet Cong. Explore these tunnels and learn what life was like living in these cramped spaces.
Your 7-night Saigon River cruise begins! Board a sampan to visit a local workshop in Vinh Long where you will see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candies are made. Then enjoy scenes of daily life on Cu Lao Gieng Island via sampan and local motor cart. Your guided excursion starts at a local workshop, where a skilled family hand-crafts sampan boats.
Visit the home of a local family that makes Vietnamese conical hats, or “Non la,” from materials available to them such as palm leaves and bamboo. These iconic hats are primarily used as protection from the sun and rain, but you may also see them used as a basket to carry home goods from the market.
In Chau Doc take a guided walk through the local market and absorb the atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. Then embark on a river excursion down the backwaters of the Mekong. Along the way, see traditional floating homes, speedboat merchants, religious sites, a market selling dried goods, and more.
Welcome to Phnom Penh! Take a city tour of this Cambodian capital by private cyclo to visit the Royal Palace with the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum featuring an outstanding display of Khmer artifacts. Visit the lively Central Market by tuk-tuk to see its unique Art Deco design.
Visit Wat Hanchey, a hilltop temple dating back to the 8th century. Climb or be driven to the top where you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area and partake in a traditional water blessing given by local monks. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour through the rural village of Angkor Ban. Here, you will visit a traditional Khmer house and interact with children at a local school.
Fly to Siem Reap, home to the Temples of Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on Earth! Begin your sightseeing tour by tuk-tuk to explore the temples. Start at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples: Angkor Wat. Featuring five trademark towers, it is the symbol of Cambodia. Then, visit Angkor Thom, where you will explore Bayon Temple with its 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas-relief sculptures.
Enjoy dinner and a private Apsara dance performance that brings ancient Khmer culture to life through music, song, and dance.
Trip details:
Date: you choose!
Duration: 13 days
Package price: starting at $5,324 per person
What‘s included:
Hotel stays
7-night stay at a stateroom of your choice aboard the Avalon Saigon
Daily a la carte breakfast and lunch including regional specialties
Four-course à la carte dinners
Complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, local beer/ spirits with all onboard meals
Complimentary wine with all onboard lunches & dinners
Vegetarian options available with all meals
Daily happy hour with cocktail of the day
Free Wi-Fi in the panorama lounge when available
Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides
Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment
English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
Behind-the-scenes galley tour
Headsets for all guided shore excursions
Onboard amenities such as library, Spa treatment room, Fitness room, etc.
This is far more than a cruise- it’s an invitation to experience Southeast Asia from a unique perspective, where every day reveals a new story, a new culture, and a deeper connection to the places you visit.
From discovering the contrasts of Vietnam to stepping into the timeless beauty of Cambodia, this journey offers the perfect balance of comfort, discovery, and meaningful travel. Enjoy this remarkable Mekong adventure and let the river lead you through two unforgettable countries, one extraordinary voyage at a time!