Mekong and Beyond Trip 18 Days 17 Nights

Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The rest of the day is at your leisure to rest or explore. Saigon is known for its French colonial landmarks, bustling markets, and dynamic street life.

After breakfast, depart from Ho Chi Minh City for My Tho to board your luxurious floating home on the Mekong River. Settle into your stateroom aboard the Jahan Cruise. The vessel sets sail while you enjoy lunch on board. In the afternoon, relax on your private balcony or enjoy tea at the open-air bar as the ship glides toward Cai Be. As twilight descends, anchor near this charming riverside town famous for its French church and artisanal traditions.

Begin your day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by breakfast. Explore Cai Be’s floating market and visit workshops producing rice paper, coconut candies, and other traditional crafts. Cruise onward to Sa Dec, where you’ll tour Binh Thanh Island by sampan. Learn about water hyacinth weaving and meet local villagers. Back onboard, unwind with a spa treatment or attend a presentation on Mekong Delta life. Cruise to Tan Chau, where the vessel anchors midstream.

Explore Tan Chau by xe loi (local rickshaw), visiting vibrant markets and floating fish farms. Learn about the area’s multicultural communities. Afterward, cruise toward the Vietnamese-Cambodian border. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure with options including spa treatments, sunbathing, or joining a culinary class. Arrive in Phnom Penh in the evening, where you can stroll the riverside promenade or enjoy a drink at a local bar.

Today begins with a lecture on Cambodia’s modern history. Visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum to admire Khmer art and architecture. After lunch, take a sobering but important visit to the Genocide Museum and Killing Fields. In the evening, enjoy cocktails on the sundeck followed by an Apsara dance performance and BBQ dinner under the stars.

Cruise through the scenic Tonle River to Kampong Chhnang. Visit Aundaung Russey to witness Khmer pottery and floating houses. Explore the silversmith village of Koh Chen before returning to the ship. The day concludes with the vessel mooring near Phnom Penh.

Depart Phnom Penh early and visit Chong Koh silk village. Later, tour the timeless Angkor Ban village where wooden houses and warm hospitality reflect a bygone era. Interact with locals and experience daily village life before cruising onward to Kampong Cham.

Visit Wat Hanchey by climbing 291 steps or taking a motor-taxi. Engage with monks and witness a blessing ceremony. Swim in the Mekong River before visiting Wat Nokor and a local orphanage. Cross the rickety bamboo bridge and return to the ship.

After breakfast, disembark the Jahan Cruise and transfer by coach to Siem Reap, arriving in the early afternoon. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Begin your day with sunrise at Angkor Wat. Explore the grand temples of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphuon, and Ta Prohm. After lunch, return to Angkor Wat and enjoy sunset at Pre Rup temple. Return to your hotel for a restful evening.

Travel to Beng Mealea, a hidden jungle temple. After exploring, return to Siem Reap for your flight to Danang. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed heritage town with a rich trading history and multicultural architecture.

Experience local life as you visit rice paddies and join in farming tasks. Cruise the river to meet fishermen, try traditional net casting, and paddle a basket boat through water coconut groves. After lunch, explore Hoi An Ancient Town and visit landmarks such as the Japanese Bridge and Tan Ky House.

Enjoy the morning at leisure before visiting the Marble Mountains en route to Danang Airport. Fly to Hanoi where a private transfer will take you to your hotel. Spend the evening exploring the capital’s lively Old Quarter.

Join locals at Hoan Kiem Lake for morning exercises, then sample pho and egg coffee. Tour Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Museum of Ethnology, and the Temple of Literature. Enjoy street food, local beer, and warm encounters with Hanoians.

Drive to Ninh Binh to explore Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, and visit its temples. Continue to Tam Coc for a boat ride through limestone karsts and caves. In the afternoon, discover Thung Nham Bird Valley before returning to your resort.

Travel to Ha Long Bay and board the Paradise Peak cruise. Enjoy lunch while cruising past limestone islands. Visit Sung Sot Cave or kayak near Luon Area, then participate in a spring roll cooking demo and relax with cocktails on deck before dinner.

Board the Paradise Explorer to visit Titov Island, Bo Hon’s Trong Cave, and Cua Van Floating Village. Enjoy kayaking and witness floating life. Return to the main cruise for sunset cocktails, dinner, and another relaxing night onboard.

Start with sunrise Tai Chi, then enjoy breakfast as the cruise returns to port. Disembark and drive back to Hanoi for your onward flight. Tour ends.