Vietnam & Cambodia: A Refined Journey of Land & River
Experience a thoughtfully designed 17-day luxury journey through Vietnam and Cambodia, seamlessly combining cultural discovery, quiet countryside stays and a seven-night Mekong River cruise.
Begin in Hanoi and continue to the limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh, with two nights at Nham Village offering a peaceful retreat in the countryside. Fly south to Ho Chi Minh City before boarding The Jayavarman for a seven-night voyage through the Mekong Delta and Cambodia, discovering riverside towns, traditional villages and historic Phnom Penh along the way.
Conclude your journey in Siem Reap with a stay at Park Hyatt Siem Reap and a relaxed exploration of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat.
For those with more time, a Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay luxury cruise can be added as a private extension.
Luxury Travel
Luxury Cruises
Heritage & Culture
Couples
Small private groups
- Hanoi: Discover the charm of Vietnam’s capital through its rich history, French-colonial architecture, and tree-lined avenues.
- Ninh Binh: Enjoy two peaceful nights at Nham Village Resort, surrounded by limestone karst landscapes and quiet countryside.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Explore the city’s historic landmarks, local character, and rich culinary scene.
- Mekong Delta & Cambodia: Embark on a seven-night Mekong River cruise aboard The Jayavarman, discovering riverside towns, traditional villages, and historic Phnom Penh.
- Siem Reap & Angkor: Explore Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Wat at a relaxed pace, with a stay at Park Hyatt Siem Reap.
Price and booking
| Tour & packages | 2- 3 pax | 4 - 6 pax | From 7 pax | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Tour | 2- 3 pax$7,365 | 4 - 6 pax$7,206 | From 7 pax$6,985 | Send inquiry |
What’s Included & What’s Not Included
- VIP Airport Fast-Track: VIP Fast-Track service on arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.
- Private Transfers: Door-to-door transfers with professional private drivers throughout the journey.
- Luxury Accommodations: Carefully selected 5-star hotels and Mekong Cruise
- Private Local Guides: Experienced English-speaking private guides for sightseeing and cultural experiences.
- Domestic Flight: Economy-class flight from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. Business-class upgrade is available upon request.
- Meals: Lunches and dinners as specified in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner).
- Sightseeing & Experiences: All entrance fees, private boat and sampan excursions, and activities included in the itinerary.
- Personalized Concierge Service: Dedicated travel consultant, single point of contact, and 24/7 assistance throughout your journey.
- Taxes & Service Charges: All applicable government taxes and service charges.
- International Flights: International airfares to Hanoi and from Siem Reap.
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, telephone charges, shopping, and other personal or incidental expenses.
- Beverages: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages during meals on land, unless specifically included in the itinerary.
- Seasonality & Holiday Surcharges: Peak-season, public holiday, or compulsory festive gala dinner surcharges, including Christmas and New Year, if applicable.
- Tips & Gratuities: Tips for private guides, drivers, cruise crew, and local service staff, at your discretion.
- Other Services: Services or expenses not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, enjoy VIP Airport Fast-Track service before meeting your private driver for the transfer to Hanoi.
Check in at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, the city's iconic heritage hotel, located in the heart of the French Quarter near the Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake.
After check-in, the rest of the day is free to relax at the hotel or explore Hanoi at your own pace. Take a leisurely walk through the nearby Old Quarter, enjoy a coffee by Hoan Kiem Lake, or simply settle into the elegant surroundings of the Metropole after your journey.
Overnight: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
After breakfast, meet your private guide for a relaxed exploration of Hanoi. Start at historic Ba Dinh Square and the Ho Chi Minh Complex, followed by the peaceful courtyards of the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university and one of the city’s most revered cultural landmarks.
Continue to Chau Long Market, where everyday local life unfolds away from the main tourist paths. Browse the stalls with your guide and take in the sights, sounds and aromas of a traditional Hanoi neighborhood.
From here, take a leisurely stroll along Nguyen Truong To Street towards Hang Than Street, known for its traditional wedding pastries. Stop to sample Banh Com, a green sticky rice cake traditionally associated with Vietnamese weddings, while learning about some of the customs surrounding this important family celebration.
Continue through the nearby Hang Cot area, once known for its traditional mat-weaving craft, before taking a break at a local café with a cup of Vietnamese coffee.
In the evening, enjoy VIP seats at a traditional Water Puppet Show, a distinctive Northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes of rural life, folklore and historical legends.
Overnight: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
After breakfast, the day is yours to enjoy Hanoi at your own pace. Wander through the leafy avenues of the French Quarter, discover private art galleries and local boutiques, or simply relax at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and enjoy some quiet time in the heart of the city.
Overnight: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
After breakfast, leave Hanoi by private transfer for Ninh Binh. Your first stop is Hoa Lu, the 10th-century capital of Vietnam, where you will explore the historic temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties, set among the limestone mountains of the former royal capital.
Continue to Tam Coc for a leisurely lunch, with time to savor local specialties in a relaxed setting.
In the afternoon, board a private sampan along the Ngo Dong River, gliding past rice fields, limestone cliffs and the three natural caves that give Tam Coc its name. The pace is gentle, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and the quiet countryside.
Later, continue to Nham Village and check in to your villa. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure—take a gentle walk through the nearby village lanes, enjoy the surrounding countryside, or simply relax at your villa.
As evening falls, enjoy dinner at Nham Village before settling into a quiet evening in the countryside.
Overnight: Nham Village
After breakfast, set out by bicycle from Nham Village to explore the quiet countryside of Ninh Binh. Follow small village lanes through rice paddies and traditional hamlets, with limestone peaks rising around you.
Cycle towards Bich Dong Pagoda, a historic cave temple built into the mountainside. Cross the stone bridge and follow the steps through its three levels, each offering a different view of the surrounding landscape.
Continue to a local family home for lunch and a closer look at everyday life in rural Ninh Binh before cycling back to Nham Village.
The afternoon is entirely yours to enjoy at leisure. Relax at your villa, take a stroll around the lotus ponds, or simply unwind in the peaceful surroundings of Nham Village.
Overnight: Nham Village
After a relaxed breakfast at Nham Village, meet your private driver for the transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your domestic flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. The remainder of the day is free to unwind after the journey, enjoy the hotel, or take a gentle stroll through the nearby streets at your own pace.
Overnight: Park Hyatt Saigon
Enjoy a full day at your own pace, with time for relaxed sightseeing or simply enjoying the city. You may join your private guide for a morning exploration of Saigon’s historic landmarks, visit local art galleries, or browse boutiques around Le Loi Boulevard, Ben Thanh Market and Saigon Centre.
For a different way to experience Saigon, choose an optional half-day private vintage Vespa ride through local neighborhoods, with stops for traditional Vietnamese coffee and selected local specialties along the way.
Alternatively, keep the day completely free. Relax by the pool, enjoy a wellness treatment at your hotel, or take your time over lunch or dinner at one of the city’s elegant restaurants.
Overnight: Park Hyatt Saigon
Please note that the 8-day cruise itinerary may vary depending on river water levels and local conditions. The following is a sample itinerary and may be adjusted by Heritage Line accordingly.
In the morning, meet your private driver for the transfer to the meeting point in Saigon. Relax at the welcome lounge with a fresh cup of coffee before travelling by coach to My Tho, where you will embark on The Jayavarman by Heritage Line.
Upon boarding, the crew will welcome you and escort you to your stateroom, followed by a brief introduction to the ship and its amenities. Once settled in, enjoy a welcome lunch in the restaurant before joining the cruise director for an introductory briefing.
As the afternoon unfolds, The Jayavarman begins its journey along the Mekong River. Relax on the sundeck and watch the changing river scenery and everyday life along the banks. Later, join the cruise director on deck for a sunset gathering with prosecco and canapés, a relaxed opportunity to meet fellow guests.
Dinner is served in the restaurant as the ship anchors midstream near Tan Phong Island. After dinner, spend a quiet evening on deck under the stars or join an evening film screening in the air-conditioned lounge.
Overnight: Aboard The Jayavarman
Begin your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sun deck as the sun rises over the Mekong Delta, followed by breakfast.
Board a local boat to Cai Be, where you will visit a traditional workshop and see how local specialties such as rice paper and coconut candy are made. Continue to Tan Phong Island, exploring its fruit orchards and village paths by motorized buggy. Visit a local family and taste seasonal tropical fruits before meeting another family who handcrafts decorative items from water hyacinth.
Optional: An active cycling tour or a local Jackfruit Leaf Cake cooking experience can be arranged as an alternative morning excursion.
Return to The Jayavarman for lunch as the ship continues upstream towards Sa Dec. In the afternoon, step ashore to explore this historic riverside town, closely associated with Marguerite Duras’ The Lover. Visit the lively local market, the historic Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, and Kien An Cung Pagoda, known for its Chinese heritage architecture.
Return to the ship in the late afternoon and enjoy some time at leisure on your private balcony or at the bar as The Jayavarman continues towards Gieng Island.
Overnight: Aboard The Jayavarman
Begin your morning with a relaxing Tai Chi session on the sun deck as the ship sails along the Mekong, followed by breakfast.
Step ashore at Gieng Island (locally known as Mango Island), shaded by mango groves and quiet village paths. Stroll through the island to visit a traditional boat-building yard, where local craftsmen construct wooden river vessels. Stop at a small family workshop to see how fragrant incense sticks are made by hand, before visiting a century-old island home to enjoy freshly picked mangoes and local tea with the host family.
Optional: A 15km guided bicycle ride through the mango orchards or a hands-on “Banh In” traditional rice flour cake workshop can be selected as an alternative morning excursion.
Return to The Jayavarman for lunch as the ship continues towards the Cambodian border. Spend the afternoon at your leisure—join an onboard Vietnamese cooking demonstration, enjoy a spa treatment, or simply relax on the sun deck as the landscape gradually changes.
Complete the border formalities on board before continuing overnight towards Phnom Penh.
Overnight: Aboard The Jayavarman
After breakfast, set out on a traditional cyclo ride through the city center to visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Continue to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21) to learn about one of the darkest chapters in Cambodia’s modern history under the Khmer Rouge regime. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant in town.
In the afternoon, discover Cambodia’s artistic traditions with a visit to a local arts academy. Watch young students practise the graceful movements of traditional Apsara dance, with an opportunity to learn a few basic hand gestures under guidance. Conclude your city exploration with a stroll through the French Quarter and a visit to historic Wat Phnom.
Return to The Jayavarman in the late afternoon. Before dinner, gather in the lounge for a conversation with Mr. Sum Rithy, a survivor of S-21 who later took part in the Khmer Rouge Tribunal. His personal experience offers a rare perspective on this difficult period of Cambodian history.
In the evening, enjoy an open-air barbecue gala dinner on the sun deck accompanied by an Apsara dance performance. After dinner, you may choose to explore Phnom Penh’s riverside promenade at your own leisure.
Overnight: Aboard The Jayavarman
Early in the morning, The Jayavarman sets sail along the Tonle River. Enjoy breakfast as the ship passes seasonal floodplains and peaceful rural villages along the riverbanks.
Step ashore at Kampong Tralach for a traditional ox-cart ride through rice paddies to a small local village. Visit an ancient 300-year-old temple with historic Buddha shrines and learn about local community education projects.
Optional: A 14km guided cycling tour through the countryside, including visits to the historic site of Longvek and the Jade Buddha Temple, can be selected as an alternative morning excursion.
Return to the ship for lunch as the journey continues upstream. In the early afternoon, join the crew in the lounge for a presentation on traditional Khmer garments and ceremonial dress.
Later in the afternoon, arrive at Kampong Laeang, a quiet rural community opposite the pottery town of Kampong Chhnang. Explore the village by open-air tuk-tuk, observe traditional pottery-making techniques, visit an ancient pre-Angkorian sanctuary, and take in views across the surrounding rice fields.
Optional: A 17km guided cycling ride through palm-sugar villages or a hands-on Nom Kruak traditional rice cake cooking workshop with a local family can be arranged as alternative afternoon activities.
Return to The Jayavarman in the late afternoon and enjoy some time at leisure as the ship sails towards Kampong Luong, where it anchors for the night.
Overnight: Aboard The Jayavarman
Begin your morning with breakfast on board as the ship anchors near Kampong Luong, a village known for its traditional silver and metal craftsmanship. Step ashore to stroll through the village and observe local artisans handcrafting jewellery and decorative pieces from silver, copper and brass. Continue to Wat Prang, a historic royal Buddhist temple, for a quiet visit and an opportunity to meet the resident monks.
Return to The Jayavarman for lunch. In the early afternoon, enjoy a presentation by the crew in the lounge on traditional Cambodian attire and ceremonial dress.
Later in the afternoon, arrive at Prek Bangkong, a historic silk-weaving village near the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers. Observe the silk-making process from thread preparation to hand-weaving, and visit the preserved heritage residence of H.E. Sam-El, a former architect to the Cambodian royal family.
Optional: A 14km guided bicycle ride through the countryside, with visits to the former royal site of Lavea Em, local pagodas and silk workshops, can be arranged as an alternative afternoon excursion.
In the late afternoon, The Jayavarman continues upstream along the Mekong River towards Angkor Ban. Unwind with a poolside sundowner on the sun deck before dinner, followed by an evening film screening in the lounge.
Overnight: Aboard The Jayavarman
Early risers may join a Tai Chi session on the sun deck as the sun rises over the river, followed by breakfast.
Step ashore at Angkor Ban, one of the few traditional villages in Cambodia to have remained largely intact through the Khmer Rouge era. Stroll through the village to see its century-old stilt houses, visit the local monastery, and meet villagers and resident monks during their morning routines.
Optional: A 10km guided bicycle ride through vegetable fields and local villages, or a Samlor Korko traditional soup cooking experience with a local family, can be selected as an alternative morning excursion.
Return to The Jayavarman for lunch as the ship continues towards Kampong Cham. Enjoy your final full afternoon on board at your own leisure—relax with a spa treatment, spend some time on the open deck, or visit the ship’s bridge to meet the captain. A Khmer culinary workshop is also available for those interested in learning more about local cuisine.
In the late afternoon, The Jayavarman makes its final approach to Kampong Cham and anchors mid-river. Gather for a farewell cocktail and celebration dinner with the crew and fellow travelers.
Overnight: Aboard The Jayavarman
Enjoy your final breakfast on board as The Jayavarman anchors in Kampong Cham. Bid farewell to the crew and disembark, where your private driver and guide will be waiting to escort you on the approximately four-hour journey through the Cambodian countryside to Siem Reap.
Arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon and check in to Park Hyatt Siem Reap. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure—relax by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, or take a leisurely stroll through the nearby streets and boutiques.
Overnight: Park Hyatt Siem Reap
Enjoy a restful morning at Park Hyatt Siem Reap, with time to sleep in and savour a leisurely breakfast at your own pace.
At 9:00 AM, meet your private guide and driver to begin your exploration of the Angkor Complex, starting with the ancient walled city of Angkor Thom. Visit Bayon Temple, known for its monumental stone faces, then continue to the Terrace of the Elephants and Ta Prohm, where large tree roots have grown into the ancient temple structures.
After a relaxed lunch at a carefully selected local restaurant, continue to Angkor Wat, the most iconic temple of the Angkor Complex. Explore its grand galleries, detailed bas-reliefs and quiet courtyards as the afternoon light falls across the ancient stone towers.
As the day draws to a close, enjoy a sunset experience around Angkor Wat, taking in the changing light and reflections across the surrounding ponds before returning to Siem Reap.
In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner at a fine-dining restaurant in Siem Reap, marking the final evening of your journey through Vietnam and Cambodia.
Overnight: Park Hyatt Siem Reap
Enjoy your final breakfast at Park Hyatt Siem Reap. Depending on your flight schedule, spend the remaining time at leisure before meeting your private driver for the transfer to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI).
At the appointed time, your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight home.
Thank you for travelling with us. We hope to welcome you back to Vietnam and Cambodia again in the future.
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Accommodation
- Hanoi: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
- Ninh Binh: Nham Village Resort
- Ho Chi Minh City: Park Hyatt Saigon
- Siem Reap: Park Hyatt Siem Reap
- Mekong & Cambodia: The Jayavarman Cruise (or your preferred Mekong vessel)
Note: A curated selection of luxury Mekong cruises operates between Vietnam and Siem Reap. We can tailor this journey with the cruise that best matches your travel style, preferences, and schedule.