The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam (Northbound) 2024 - 18 Day River Cruise Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi

Call Us 800.528.9300

The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam (Northbound) 2024

18 Day River Cruise Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi



Tour Description:

This magical Southeast Asia river cruise along the Mekong River will take you through Vietnam and Cambodia, showing you the culture and local traditions of each country and the must-see sites along the way.

Your adventure begins in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where you’ll get a taste of the culture first-hand with a Vietnamese cooking class and go on a fascinating excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary network of tunnels used extensively during the war. Immerse yourself in the everyday life of locals with a stroll through a busy market, and visits to a family’s home for a cotton-weaving demonstration and a local workshop to see how rice wine and traditional candies are made.

Continue your journey into Cambodia where you’ll visit the famous sites, such as the temple of Wat Hanchey, providing spectacular views, and take part in a traditional water blessing with local monks. Enjoy an ox-cart ride around the Cambodian countryside and meet a local farmer to learn about his daily life. Siem Reap offers the magnificent Temples of Angkor. These ancient ruins are a display of architectural complexity and grandeur unlike anything else in the world. See the most famous temples here, such as Angkor Wat, dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu; and the Bayon temple, which features some 200 mysterious faces carved in its many towers. Enjoy an inspiring Aspara dance performance and other treasures of the city.

Fly to Hanoi and explore the famous sites, such as the Old Quarter, where peddlers have traded goods for centuries on its 36 ancient streets. Next, a remarkable 2-night cruise along Ha Long Bay will show you its beautiful Limestone Islands. You’ll visit the Cua Van Floating Village, spectacular caves, and even go for a swim at Ti Top Island. The perfect ending to an unforgettable Southeast Asia river cruise vacation!

Map for The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam (Northbound) 2024 - 18 Day River Cruise Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi
Click for larger view.

Dates & Pricing



Destination & Sightseeing

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City: Welcome to Vietnam
Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City: Walking tour; visit the famous Rex Hotel for a drink, War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market; cooking class
Day 3 Ho Chi Minh City: Cu Chi Tunnels excursion
Day 4 Ho Chi Minh City (Embarkation): Onboard welcome reception
Day 5 Vinh Long–Cu Lao Gieng: Visit a local workshop to see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candy are made in Vinh Long; interact with sampan-making and conical hat making families in Cu Lao Gieng
Day 6 Chau Doc–Long Khanh A–Cambodian Border Crossing: Visit a local market and the religious sites at Sam Mountain in Chau Doc; walking tour of Long Khanh A with cotton-weaving demonstration
Day 7 Phnom Penh: Sightseeing by private cyclo, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum; afternoon at leisure; show by children from a local orphanage
Day 8 Phnom Penh: Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and visit one of the Cambodian Killing Fields, or visit the lively central market
Day 9 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 10 Konpong Louang–Kampong Tralach: Visit the silversmith village of Konpong Louang; ox cart ride through the countryside, and visit a local farmer’s home in Kampong Tralach
Day 11 Phnom Penh (Disembarkation)–Siem Reap: Fly to Siem Reap; visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Bayon Temple
Day 12 Siem Reap: Visit Ta Prohm, Banteay Srei, and a noodle-making village; Apsara dance performance
Day 13 Siem Reap–Hanoi: Fly to Hanoi
Day 14 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 15 Hanoi–Ha Long Bay (Embarkation): Drive to Ha Long Bay; visit Cua Van floating village
Day 16 Ha Long Bay: Cruise the bay; visit Ti Top Island, Luon Cave, and Dark and Bright Cave; opportunity to explore by kayak
Day 17 Ha Long Bay (Disembarkation)–Hanoi: Visit Sung Sot Cave; drive to Hanoi
Day 18 Hanoi: End of vacation

ITINERARY

Day 1
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM Historic Ho Chi Minh Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in. HO-CHI-MINH-CITY-WELCOME.jpg

Day 2
HO CHI MINH CITY Motorbikes, Monuments, and Mouthwatering Cuisine CLASSIC Take a Walking Tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s 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 and bustling Ben Thanh Market. DISCOVERY For lunch, participate in a hands-on Vietnamese Cooking Class. Learn to prepare several local dishes and how to recreate them at home. Last, but not least, sample your delicious creations! Explore the city further during free time this afternoon. This evening join your traveling companions for a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant. HO-CHI-MINH-CITY-FOOD.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 3
HO CHI MINH CITY. EXCURSION TO CU CHI TUNNELS Secret Passageways and Underground Hideouts CLASSIC 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. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. Consider stopping for a drink at the famous rooftop bar at the Caravelle Hotel. HO-CHI-MINH-CITY-CU-CHI-TUNNELS.jpg
Meal Icon Breakfast

Day 4
HO CHI MINH CITY (EMBARKATION) Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding Transfer to the port on the Saigon River for embarkation. Get acquainted with the ship and relax before your welcome reception this evening. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO VINH LONG HO-CHI-MINH-CITY-SKYLINE.jpg

Day 5
VINH LONG–CU LAO GIENG Sweets, Sampans, and Sun Hats DISCOVERY Board a sampan this morning to visit a local workshop in Vinh Long where you will see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candies are made. DISCOVERY This afternoon, 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. Then, visit the home of a local family that makes Vietnamese conical hats, or “Non la,” from materials 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. Lastly, stop at one of Vietnam’s oldest Catholic churches. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO CHAU DOC CU-LAO-GIENG-HAT-MAKING.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 6
CHAU DOC–LONG KHANH A–BORDER CROSSING, CAMBODIA Colorful markets, Charming Locals, and Cotton Weavers DISCOVERY 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. DISCOVERY After lunch, take a sampan Ride to the village of Long Khanh A for a Cotton-Weaving Demonstration in this well-preserved artisan’s tradition. Return to the ship and head for the Cambodian border. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH LONG-KHANH-A-WEAVING.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 7
PHNOM PENH The Royal Treatment CLASSIC Take a City Tour by private cyclo to visit the Royal Palace with the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum featuring an outstanding display of Khmer artifacts. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the city at your leisure. Just before dinner, children from a local orphanage will perform a show featuring local song and dance. PHNOM-PENH-ROYAL-PALACE.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 8
PHNOM PENH A Dark History and Bright Markets CLASSIC This morning, a Guided Visit of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and one of the Killing Fields offers a glimpse into the atrocities inflicted on the Cambodian people by the Khmer Rouge regime, OR: DISCOVERY Visit the lively Central Market by tuk-tuk to see its unique Art Deco design. After lunch, depart Phnom Penh and enjoy some time at leisure on the ship. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO WAT HANCHEY PHNOM-PENH-CENTRAL-MARKET.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 9
WAT HANCHEY–ANGKOR BAN Water Blessings and Back To School Adventures DISCOVERY 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. DISCOVERY 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. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KONPONG LOUANG WAT-HANCHEY.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 10
KONPONG LOUANG–KAMPONG TRALACH Calm in the Cambodian Countryside DISCOVERY Start your Guided Sightseeing at the silversmith village in Konpong Louang. Here, see talented craftsmen use age-old techniques to turn pure silver into works of art. In Kampong Tralach board an ox cart for a ride through the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, stop to meet a local farmer and learn about his daily life. This afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising on the Tonle River. EVENING CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH KAMPONG-TRALACH-OX-CART.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 11
PHNOM PENH (DISEMBARKATION)–SIEM REAP A Pilgrimage of Inspirational Beauty Fly to Siem Reap, home to the Temples of Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on Earth! CLASSIC After lunch, 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. The evening is yours to explore charming Siem Reap, stay to witness the sunset at Angkor Wat, or consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the Cambodian circus SIEM-REAP-ANGKOR-WAT.jpg

Day 12
SIEM REAP Roots Carved in Stone and Celebrated in Dance CLASSIC Continue your Guided Sightseeing of the Angkor Temples at Ta Prohm. Tree roots cover the ruin walls, allowing you to experience the temple with the same wonder as early explorers. Then visit Banteay Srei, a unique temple built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. En route stop at a local village famous for making Khmer noodles by hand. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. You may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to further explore Siem Reap or the temple complex by tuk-tuk. DISCOVERY This evening, a private Apsara Dance Performance brings ancient Khmer culture to life through music, song, and dance. SIEM-REAP-ANGKOR-WAT-TEMPLE.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastMeal Icon Dinner

Day 13
SIEM REAP–HANOI Hanoi Bound Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. HANOI-CITY-VIEW.jpg
Meal Icon Breakfast

Day 14
HANOI Historic Hanoi and Water Puppets CLASSIC First, join a Guided Visit of the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next, see iconic sites, including One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” Lastly, visit the 900-year-old Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s first university. Enjoy lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that teaches local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. CLASSIC After lunch, enjoy an Electric-Ride through the fascinating Old Quarter—with its 36 ancient streets where merchants trade as they have for centuries. DISCOVERY An early dinner this evening is followed by a fascinating Live Performance of Hanoi’s renowned water puppets, a traditional 11th-century art form. HANOI-ONE-PILLAR-PAGODA.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 15
HANOI–HA LONG BAY Island Shapes and a Floating Village Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes. Board the luxurious Paradise Elegance for a 2-Night Cruise on the bay. DISCOVERY Visit the Cua Van Floating Village, home to more than 700 people, by bamboo raft, OR: ACTIVE Take a Kayak Ride to visit Cua Van Village. Enjoy scenic sailing for the remainder of the day before anchoring for the night. HA-LONG-BAY.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 16
HA LONG BAY Caves, Kayaks, and Scenic Climbs DISCOVERY Visit Ti Top Island, for a Guided Excursion to take a swim, or climb 400 steps to the top for stunning views. You can also visit Luon Cave by boat, and explore Dark & Bright Cave by bamboo raft, OR: ACTIVE Explore Luon Cave and Dark & Bright Cave by Kayak Ride. After a day of exploring, consider a spa treatment or simply relax for happy hour prior to dinner! HA-LONG-BAY.jpg
Meal Icon BreakfastLunchMeal Icon Dinner

Day 17
HA LONG BAY–HANOI Surprising and Amazing Beauty This morning, relax onboard your ship, or visit Sung Sot Cave, considered one of the most beautiful in the area with its magnificent formations. Afterwards, return to Hanoi and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. HA-LONG-BAY-SUNG-SOT-CAVE.jpg
Meal Icon Breakfast

Day 18
HANOI Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. HANOI-FLOWER-VENDOR.jpg
Meal Icon Breakfast

Accommodations

Ho Chi Minh CitySiem ReapHanoiHa Long Bay
Park Hyatt Saigon
Deluxe



2 Lam Son Square Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

Discover urban luxury with a combination of sophisticated design, handcrafted details, and modern-day comforts at Park Hyatt Saigon. Enjoy world-class dining, tranquil spa, and refreshing pool all on site. French-colonial inspired room rooms combine elegant, traditional comfort with the latest technology and desired amenities.
Check Mark Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.

FAQ Avalon Cruises Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Pavlus Travel tells you there's a wide World out there just waiting to be explored on river cruises by you, and Avalon Waterways like Pavlus Travel knows there is more than a river cruise for you and your family to see it all. Why not experience local cities, villages, and countrysides your way with a wide selection of active excursions and activities brought to you by Avalon River Cruises that put you right in the middle of it all. Borrow a bike to ride through the streets of Amsterdam, grab a Nordic walking stick to capture the castle with a hike up the vineyard off the Rhine River, or paddle a canoe along Austria’s river shores. Pavlus makes it easy to turn sightseeing into doing your adventure in real time. You’ll find all the guidance and gear you from Avalon Waterways staff to embark on an expedition of your own. From a complimentary yoga class aboard your Avalon River Cruise to a jogging tour of Vienna or an optional kayaking excursion. Know that Pavlus Travel discounts Avalon River Cruises be they in Europe or the Far East. You'll enjoy every Avalon River Cruises Ship.