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Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River 2013
(Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City)


14 days with Globus   Rating: Deluxe

Book this Trip Now and Save!

  • Military members save $50 to $100 off the cruise/land price of select itineraries when you book by December 31, 2013. Click here for eligible departures.
  • Globus Journeys Club members save 5% off the land price. Click here for eligible departures.

Offers subject to change or withdrawal, availability is limited. Some discounts are not combinable.


800-510-4002 800-510-4002 Itinerary
Click for Dates and Prices Day 1 Arrive Bangkok
Welcome to Bangkok! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2 Bangkok–Siem Reap, Cambodia
Today, fly to Siem Reap, your base during your visit to Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on earth! This evening, enjoy a PRIVATE APSARA DANCE PERFORMANCE, where the ancient Khmer culture is brought to life by talented dancers, singers, and musicians.(B,D)

Day 3 Siem Reap
This morning, start your sightseeing of the TEMPLES OF ANGKOR. Constructed between the 9th and 13th centuries, the temples were built around the Khmer interpretations of Indian religious and political beliefs that, ultimately, evolved from Hinduism to Buddhism. The complex architectural grandeur of the Angkor temples is arguably unmatched among ancient ruins anywhere in the world. First, visit ANGKOR THOM to see the BAYON TEMPLE. One of the few Buddhist temples in Angkor, it features some 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas reliefs. Next stop is the best preserved and most famous of all the temples: ANGKOR WAT, honoring the Hindu god Vishnu. Featuring five trademark towers and stunning bas reliefs, it has become a symbol of Cambodia. Here you will be joined by an ARCHAEOLOGIST from the APSARA Authority, which was created to protect Angkor, for a special guided tour of the ruins. This evening is at leisure to explore charming Siem Reap—or stay to witness sunset at Angkor Wat! (B,L)

Day 4 Siem Reap
Today, continue your sightseeing of the Angkor temples. Unlike the other temples, TA PROHM has been left relatively untouched. Tree roots grow over and through the ruin walls, allowing you to experience the temple with the same wonder as the early explorers who discovered it. Then, visit BANTEAY SREI, a unique temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Unlike other temples, it is built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. Then, stop at LES ARTISANS D’ANGKOR, a development project that teaches young adults traditional handicraft techniques. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.(B,D)

Day 5 Siem Reap (Embarkation)
Enjoy the morning at leisure in Siem Reap before boarding your river cruise vessel for your CRUISE down the Mekong through Cambodia and Vietnam. This afternoon, enjoy time on board the ship as you cruise through Tonle Sap (Great Lake). After the rainy season, this massive body of water can cover around 10,000 square miles and provides the perfect breeding ground for fish, which provide food for people living on the lake. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception.(B,L,D)

Day 6 Cruising: Prek Dam–Udong–Kampong Tralach
Today, dock at Prek Dam, then transfer by motorcoach to the village of Udong, former capital of Cambodia. Upon arrival, visit a MONASTERY for an in-depth LECTURE ON BUDDHISM. Continue on to Kampong Tralach for an OX CART RIDE past rice paddy fields and the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at leisure to relax on board.(B,L,D)

Day 7 Cruising: Wat Hanchey–Kampong Cham
This morning, visit WAT HANCHEY, a temple dating back to the 8th century and the Chenla Empire. Located on a hilltop, enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area and partake in a TRADITIONAL WATER BLESSING given by local monks. After lunch, travel by motorcoach to see the twin holy mountains of PHNOM PROS and PHNOM SREY (man and woman hill), where you will see the beautiful stupa as well as two huge Buddha statues, both measuring over 30 feet long or tall. You will also stop NOKORBACHEY, an Angkorian temple complex featuring several original statues of Buddha. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 

NOTE: The climb to Wat Hanchey features a steep incline. If you feel you are unable to make the climb you will be driven to the top by car.

Day 8 Cruising: Angkor Ban–Prek Bang Kong
Today, start with a WALKING TOUR through the rural village of Angkor Ban. Here you will visit TRADITIONAL KHMER HOUSES, a LOCAL SCHOOL, and a BUDDHIST MONASTERY, where you will meet with the local monks. After lunch, enjoy a visit to the village of PREK BANG KONG, where silk-weaving is a well-preserved tradition. Spend time exploring the many houses in the village to see the weaving and to learn more about the how silk is produced.(B,L,D)

Day 9 Cruising: Phnom Penh
The capital city of Phnom Penh retains its French charm to this day. Sightseeing this morning provides a glimpse of the atrocities inflicted on the Cambodian people by the Khmer Rouge regime. Visit the TUOL SLENG GENOCIDE MUSEUM, a former high school that housed over 17,000 prisoners. Of this number, it is believed that less than 15 survived the torture and avoided being sent to the Killing Fields. You will also visit one of the KILLING FIELDS, where over 200,000 people were killed by the Khmer Rouge. After lunch on the ship, enjoy a sightseeing tour by private cyclo with visits to the ROYAL PALACE with the spectacular SILVER PAGODA and the NATIONAL MUSEUM, featuring an outstanding display of Khmer artifacts. This evening, you may want to enjoy some of Phnom Penh’s lively nightlife.(B,L,D)

Day 10 Cruising: Cambodia–Vietnam Border Crossing, Chau Doc, Vietnam
Enjoy the morning at leisure as you cross the border into Vietnam. After lunch on the ship, cruise down the backwaters of the Mekong to Chau Doc. Along the way you will see traditional Vietnamese floating markets and villages. Upon arrival, learn about some of the different species of fish living in the Mekong at a LOCAL FISH FARM. Then, enjoy a WALKING TOUR of the bustling outdoor market. Last stop is at the religious sites at the base of SAM MOUNTAIN.(B,L,D)

Day 11 Cruising: Sa Dec–Cai Be
This morning, board a sampan and enjoy scenes of daily life along the river en route to Sa Dec. Stop at a BRICK FACTORY to see workers forming the clay bricks that fill the local landscape. Also stop at the adjacent RICE FACTORY for insight into the various types of rice produced in the region and to learn about the importance of the rice husk in fueling the brick kilns. Next, ride through the LOCAL MARKET and absorb the atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. Your final stop today is the ancient HOUSE OF MR. HYUNH THUY LE, the “lover” of Marguerite Duras, famous French novelist, and inspiration for the film L’Amant (The Lover), directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud. Return to the ship for lunch. This afternoon, board a sampan for a scenic cruise though Cai Be Harbor, passing the city’s beautiful French Gothic cathedral. Once on land, tour AN KIET HOUSE and its surrounding gardens, which feature several types of fruit indigenous to the area. Next, stop at a local establishment to see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candy are made. Visit the beautiful CATHEDRAL on the waterfront before returning to the ship.(B,L,D)

Day 12 Cruising: Ho Chi Minh City (Disembarkation)
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. This morning, enjoy a WALKING TOUR of the city’s famous and historic landmarks as you stroll through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) past the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal Theatre, the Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Next, visit REUNIFICATION PALACE (formerly the Presidential Palace) and the WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM. For lunch, participate in a hands-on VIETNAMESE COOKING CLASS. The lesson starts with a walking tour of BEN THANH MARKET with a local chef, where you will learn how different fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood are used in Vietnamese cuisine. Afterward, head into the classroom to prepare different dishes and learn how to recreate them once you return home. Last but not least, sample your delicious creations! The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at your leisure to explore this lively city.(B,L)

Day 13 Ho Chi Minh City. Cu Chi Tunnels Excursion
This morning, leave the city and drive through vast expanses of rice paddies to visit the CU CHI TUNNELS, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length that was used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village during the war. Here you will be joined by a Viet Cong veteran and an expert Local Guide to learn about how the tunnels were constructed and for a chance to walk through a section to experience what life would have been like underground. Make a quick stop at a RUBBER PLANTATION to learn more about this industry before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch. Enjoy some time at leisure before a special farewell dinner hosted by your Cruise Director.(B,L,D)

Day 14 Ho Chi Minh City
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
800-510-4002 800-510-4002 Map
800-510-4002 800-510-4002 All This Included
Step back in history as you explore Cambodia and Vietnam on this amazing cruise vacation. Enjoy a 7-night cruise along the Mekong River, discover the ancient ruins of Angkor, visit some of the countries’ historical treasures, behold spectacular scenery, and learn about different cultures. This is a journey like no other!

Cambodia and Vietnam have a long history and on this tour, you’ll see some of the historical sites, including the Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam—a network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong—and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Cambodia—a former high school that housed over 17,000 prisoners. Learn about the culture with a private Apsara dance performance in Siem Reap, a lecture on Buddhism in Udong, an opportunity to partake in a traditional water blessing given by local monks in Kampong Cham, and a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City.

A highlight of this tour is a visit to the temples at Angkor in Cambodia. These ancient temples, built between the 9th and 13th centuries, are unmatched among ancient ruins anywhere in the world. See many of the temples, including spectacular Angkor Wat, built in the 12th century. Words and photos simply cannot describe these amazing structures. They must be visited in person!

Ancient ruins, historic sites, and an opportunity to learn about new cultures, activities, and religions—this cruise vacation has it all!
  • American breakfast daily, 10 lunches, 10 dinners, including a welcome dinner in Siem Reap and a farewell dinner Ho Chi Minh City
  • Intimate cruise experience with maximum capacity of 32 people
  • More cruising! Avalon has eliminated 7 hours of motorcoach travel time
  • Shore excursions with Local Guide
  • Headsets for shore excursions
  • Bottled water on all shore excursions
  • Fresh fruit & tea after all shore excursions
  • Highest-quality craftsmanship
  • 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, local beer/spirits
  • Bar serving premium spirits
  • Daily early riser coffee & tea
  • Full buffet breakfast
  • Full breakfast buffet
  • Chef-inspired regional recipes
  • Four-course lunches and dinners with open seating
  • Nightly option of entree
  • Complimentary wine, local beer/spirits, soft drinks, coffee & tea at dinner
  • Remarkable service throughout the cruise
  • English-speaking crew
  • Non-smoking interior
  • Comfort Collection BedsSM, featuring premium mattress covers
  • Large bathrooms with premium bath amenities
  • Closet and armoire for storage
  • Bathrobes & slippers
800-510-4002 800-510-4002 Highlights
  • CRUISE: Deluxe 7-night cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
  • SIEM REAP: Apsara dance performance; sightseeing with a Local Guide; visit Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Banteay Srei; Les Artisans d’Angkor
  • UDONG: Visit a monastery; lecture on Buddhism
  • KAMPONG TRALACH: Ride on a traditional ox cart through the countryside
  • KAMPONG CHAM: Visit Phnom Pros, Phnom Srey, Nokorbachey, and Wat Hanchey; partake in traditional water blessing by local monks
  • ANGKOR BAN: Walking tour through the village
  • PREK BANG KONG: Walking tour through the village to see silk weaving
  • PHNOM PENH: Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and one of the Killing Fields; sightseeing by private cyclo, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum
  • CHAU DOC: Visit a local fish farm and the religious sites at Sam Mountain; walking tour of a local market
  • SA DEC: Visit a brick factory, rice factory, local market, and the ancient house of Mr. Hyunh Thuy Le
  • CAI BE: Visit An Kiet House and a cathedral; see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candy are made
  • HO CHI MINH CITY: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; walking tour of the city’s landmarks; visit the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market; cooking class; Cu Chi Tunnels excursion; visit a rubber plantation; farewell dinner
800-510-4002 800-510-4002 Accommodations
Bangkok: InterContinental Bangkok (D)
Siem Reap: Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa (D)
Cruising: Cabin onboard Avalon Angkor
Ho Chi Minh City: InterContinental Asiana Saigon (D)

To see our key for hotel ratings, click here.

800-510-4002 800-510-4002 Pre and Post Add-ons
Extra nights per person in Bangkok:
in single room $249; in twin room $130

Extra nights per person in Ho Chi Minh City:
in single room $249; in twin room $130

800-510-4002 800-510-4002 Notes
  • Cabin upgrades available.
  • Port charges of $65 are not included.
  • Intra-vacation air segments are not included in the prices shown above.
  • Triple accommodations not available.
  • Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.
800-510-4002 800-510-4002 Terms and Conditions

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.