This inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise vacation begins in vibrant Bangkok, Thailand. A boat ride on the klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals, is the perfect way to start your sightseeing. Continue at the Grand Palace featuring the Temple of the Emerald Buddha followed by the Temple of the Reclining Buddha—the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in the city.Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, where you’ll see the magnificent Temples of Angkor. The famous temples here, such as Angkor Wat and the Bayon temple, featuring some 200 mysterious faces carved in its many towers, are a display of intricacy and architectural grandeur unmatched in the world. Next, board your ship and begin your cruise along the mighty Mekong River. Visit the capital city of Phnom Penh, with the magnificent Royal Palace featuring its striking Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. Take in the stunning views at the 8th-century temple of Wat Hanchey before walking through the rural village of Angkor Ban to visit with welcoming schoolchildren. Continue your cruise into Vietnam and stop in the villages for interactions with locals, such as a visit to the home of a skilled family who make handcrafted sampans for a living. Go on an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the unbelievable network of tunnels used extensively during the war. In exciting Ho Chi Minh City, enjoy a walking tour of the famous landmarks and try your hand in the kitchen with a Vietnamese cooking class. Disembark your cruise ship and fly to Hanoi, where you’ll explore the famous Old Quarter with peddlers trading goods among its 36 ancient streets. From here, travel to Ha Long Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin, where you’ll be amazed at the more than 3,000 limestone islands of varying shapes. Enjoy a 2-night cruise along the bay with visits to the Cua Van Floating Village, fascinating caves, and a chance to swim at Ti Top Island. The beautiful scenery, ornate temples, and interactions with locals make this Southeast Asia river cruise vacation one you won’t soon forget!
Bangkok:JW Marriott Hotel BangkokSiem Reap:Park Hyatt Siem ReapHo Chi Minh City:Park Hyatt SaigonHanoi:Lotte Hotel HanoiHa Long Bay:Paradise Elegance
- Day 1 Bangkok: Welcome to Thailand
- Day 2 Bangkok: Boat ride on klongs; visit the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha
- Day 4 Bangkok–Siem Reap: Fly to Siem Reap
- Day 3 Bangkok: Day at leisure
- Day 5 Siem Reap: Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Bayon Temple; Apsara dance performance
- Day 6 Siem Reap: Visit Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, and a noodle-making village
- Day 7 Siem Reap–Phnom Penh (Embarkation): Fly to Phnom Penh; onboard welcome reception
- Day 8 Wat Hanchey–Angkor Ban: Visit Wat Hanchey and partake in a traditional water blessing by local monks; walking tour in Angkor Ban with school visit
- Day 9 Kampong Tralach–Konpong Louang–Phnom Penh: Ox-cart ride through the countryside and visit a local farmer’s home in Kampong Tralach; visit the silversmith village of Konpong Louang; visit the Tuol Sleng Museum and one of the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh, or visit the lively central market
- Day 10 Phnom Penh: Sightseeing by private cyclo, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum; show by children from local orphanage
- Day 11 Border Crossing–Chau Doc: Visit a local market and the religious sites at Sam Mountain in Chau Doc
- Day 12 Long Khanh A–Cu Lao Gieng: Walking tour of Long Khanh A with cotton-weaving demonstration; interact with sampan-making and conical hat making families in Cu Lao Gieng
- Day 13 Vinh Long: Visit a local garden and a local workshop to see how rice wine and traditional candy are made
- Day 14 Ho Chi Minh City (Disembarkation): Walking tour; visit the famous Rex Hotel for a drink, War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market; cooking class
- Day 15 Ho Chi Minh City: Cu Chi Tunnels excursion
- Day 16 Ho Chi Minh City–Hanoi: Fly to Hanoi
- Day 17 Hanoi: Visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature; lunch at Koto; electric cart ride through the Old Quarter; water puppets performance
- Day 18 Hanoi–Ha Long Bay (Embarkation): Drive to Ha Long Bay; visit Cua Van floating village
- Day 19 Ha Long Bay: Cruise the bay; visit Ti Top Island, Luon Cave, and Dark and Bright Cave; opportunity to explore by kayak
- Day 20 Ha Long Bay (Disembarkation)–Hanoi: Visit Sung Sot Cave; drive to Hanoi
- Day 21 Hanoi: End of vacation
