G Adventures
Save 20%Epic Southeast Asia: River Cruises & Karst Mountains
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand · 40 days · Moderate
fromCAD 3,935
Next: 21 JunThe adventure
With so many incredible coastal sights to experience in Cambodia and Vietnam, we take to the water on this 19-day river experience. Stay overnight on a traditional junk boat at Ha Long Bay harbour, visit floating markets in Cai Be, and see old colonial houses along the Mekong Delta. We've saved one of the most memorable bucket list destinations on Southeast Asia for last — a guided tour through the incredible, ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat at sunrise.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Vietnam & Cambodia
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities today until an evening welcome meeting. After the meeting, opt for dinner out with the group.
There are no planned activities today until an evening welcome meeting. After the meeting, opt for dinner out with the group.
Day 2Enjoy a Ha Long Bay cruise…Drive to Bai Chay harbour, the jumping off point for Ha Long Bay. Thousands of islands with intricate cave systems rise dramatically from the waters. Sail past limestone karst mountains in the junk boat and stop to visit some of the islands and caves. In the evening, devour a seafood dinner, then opt to enjoy a drink on deck under the stars.
Drive to Bai Chay harbour, the jumping off point for Ha Long Bay. Thousands of islands with intricate cave systems rise dramatically from the waters. Sail past limestone karst mountains in the junk boat and stop to visit some of the islands and caves. In the evening, devour a seafood dinner, then opt to enjoy a drink on deck under the stars.
Day 3Cruise back to the port and take…HanoiEnjoy breakfast on board before a morning sail back to the port. Drive back to Hanoi for a little more time to enjoy the city before boarding an overnight train.
HanoiEnjoy breakfast on board before a morning sail back to the port. Drive back to Hanoi for a little more time to enjoy the city before boarding an overnight train.
Day 4Guided tour of the Imperial CitadelArrive early to Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam. Start the day with a visit to the Tien Mu Pagoda followed by a visit to the tomb of one of Vietnam’s former emperors. After, opt for a vegetarian lunch at a local nunnery. While in the city, try some local Hue specialties such as banh khoai (Hue savoury pancakes), and banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp). Wash it all down with a Hue beer.
Arrive early to Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam. Start the day with a visit to the Tien Mu Pagoda followed by a visit to the tomb of one of Vietnam’s former emperors. After, opt for a vegetarian lunch at a local nunnery. While in the city, try some local Hue specialties such as banh khoai (Hue savoury pancakes), and banh bot loc boc tom thit (thin rice paper filled with meat and shrimp). Wash it all down with a Hue beer.
Day 5Drive the Hai Van passCross the Hai Van Pass (weather permitting), with fantastic views in all directions, before arriving to Hoi An in the afternoon. With three nights here, there's plenty of time to explore all this charming town has to offer.
Cross the Hai Van Pass (weather permitting), with fantastic views in all directions, before arriving to Hoi An in the afternoon. With three nights here, there's plenty of time to explore all this charming town has to offer.
Day 6Spend two full days exploring all Hoi…
Spend two full days exploring all Hoi An has to offer. Dive into the culture, hang out on the beach or get clothes tailor-made in one of the many shops around town. Enjoy a noodle making demonstration and lunch at Oodles of Noodles, a G Adventures-supported project.
Day 7Spend a free day exploring all Hoi An has to offer
Spend a free day exploring all Hoi An has to offer.
Day 8Fly from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh…Drive to Da Nang for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, once the capital of South Vietnam and the country’s commercial centre. Start exploring the small alleys and busy streets, keeping an eye out for laquerware shops and delicious local food stalls.
Drive to Da Nang for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City, once the capital of South Vietnam and the country’s commercial centre. Start exploring the small alleys and busy streets, keeping an eye out for laquerware shops and delicious local food stalls.
Day 9Enjoy a guided tour of the Cu Chi…With some free time in the city, opt to visit the Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas and stroll through the immense Ben Thanh Market. Also well worth a visit are the Reunification Palace (the residence of South Vietnam presidents before 1975), the city's Chinese quarter of Cholon, and the War Remnants Museum.
With some free time in the city, opt to visit the Thien Hau and Giac Vien pagodas and stroll through the immense Ben Thanh Market. Also well worth a visit are the Reunification Palace (the residence of South Vietnam presidents before 1975), the city's Chinese quarter of Cholon, and the War Remnants Museum.
Day 10Transfer to the pier for the start…
Transfer to the pier for the start of the riverboat journey. Embark, settle in, and get to know the crew as the adventure begins. Sail towards My Tho.
Day 11Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda with a short tour…
Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda with a short tour of My Tho town en route. Take local boats to Thoi Son Island to see a coconut product manufacturer, taste some local fruit and honey and meet traditional musicians. Continue on to Cai Be and enjoy a visit to the floating market. Opt to wander the small paths through local communities on the island and visit a Rice Popping cottage industry. Continue by local boat to Vinh Long to meet the vessel. Embark for the evening sail to Sa Dec.
Day 12Visit the Kien An Cung Pagoda in Sa…
Visit the Kien An Cung Pagoda in Sa Dec and stroll through the market along the river. View the old colonial houses by the delta. Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board as you cruise the Mekong. Arrive at Chau Doc and visit Sam Mountain for sunset. Gaze out over the rice paddies or relax in a hammock. Visit some temples and pagodas along the way. Opt for dinner in town.
Day 13Cross the border into Cambodia and continue…
Cross the border into Cambodia and continue on to Phnom Penh. Enjoy an evening in the capital city starting with a cyclo tour to see the city from a new perspective. Opt to finish up at the Foreign Correspondents Club for Happy Hour overlooking the river or dinner in town.
Day 14Visit the sobering S21 Museum and the Killing…
Visit the sobering S21 Museum and the Killing Fields with a local guide. After lunch, use free time to visit sights like the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, the National Museum, or the Russian Market.
Day 15Continue to Kampong Tralach and visit the local…
Continue to Kampong Tralach and visit the local vihara (Buddhist monastery) and Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. Opt to cycle, or ride in a tuk tuk or buffalo cart, through the village and past rice paddies to reach the monastery.
Day 16Sail on to Kampong Chhnang
Sail on to Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonle Sap RIver. Learn more about the fish farming, pottery and sugar palm production in the area. Wander through the local market then opt to cycle to visit the local industries. Enjoy lunch back on the ship en route to Koh Chen, an island in the river. Visit silver and copper workshops and meet a Khmer Rouge survivor eager to tell his story. Enjoy an evening cocktail and the Captain's farewell dinner.
Day 17Enjoy last breakfast before traveling to Siem ReapEnjoy one last breakfast on board the riverboat, then say goodbye to the crew of the Toum Tiou II. Hop into a private vehicle for an included transfer to Siem Reap. Visit the G Adventures-supported New Hope project for dinner and learn more about the important work being done here.
Siem ReapEnjoy one last breakfast on board the riverboat, then say goodbye to the crew of the Toum Tiou II. Hop into a private vehicle for an included transfer to Siem Reap. Visit the G Adventures-supported New Hope project for dinner and learn more about the important work being done here.
Day 18Sunrise at the Angkor Wat temple complexRise early to catch the sunrise at the Angkor Wat temple complex. Explore for a couple of hours before returning to the hotel for breakfast and checkout. Head back to the complex and continue exploring. Return to the hotel at midday where the tour ends.
Angkor WatRise early to catch the sunrise at the Angkor Wat temple complex. Explore for a couple of hours before returning to the hotel for breakfast and checkout. Head back to the complex and continue exploring. Return to the hotel at midday where the tour ends.
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