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16 Day Avalon Waterways River Cruise from Hanoi to Siem Reap 2025(WHSH)
Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Hanoi & Ha Long Bay
Starting from $5,809Ship(s): Avalon Saigon
River Cruise Description
On this inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia, you'll be immersed in the cultures and ancient traditions as you sightsee and spend time with locals in the most fascinating places along the mighty Mekong River.The best way to experience Vietnamese culture is with a tour of its fascinating capital of Hanoi. Go on a cyclo ride through the ancient streets of the Old Quarter and enjoy a water puppet performance. Travel through the peaceful countryside to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll cruise by its breathtaking limestone islands. In Ho Chi Minh City, see the famous landmarks and try your hand in the kitchen-Vietnamese-style, with a cooking class. On an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, walk through a section of the immense underground tunnel system used during the Vietnam War. Embark on your river cruise along the Mekong River and visit a vibrant market, the home of a local family making handcrafted sampans, and a workshop to learn how rice wine and traditional candies are made. In the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, tour the National Museum and Royal Palace with its striking Silver Pagoda. On a hilltop at the site of the 8th-century temple of Wat Hanchey, take in the stunning views before walking through the rural village of Angkor Ban to visit with welcoming schoolchildren.The grand finale of this memorable Southeast Asia river cruise vacation is a stay in Siem Reap, home to the phenomenal Temples of Angkor with an intricacy and architectural grandeur unmatched in the world. Visit famous Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the grandeur of the Bayon temple featuring some 200 mysterious faces carved in its many towers.Thanks for your interest!
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I'm sorry, but an error has occurred. Try Again| Departure Date | Ship | Priced From (per person) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 3, 2025 | Avalon Saigon | Waitlist | Call Us! |
| Jan 17, 2025 | Avalon Saigon | Waitlist | Call Us! |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Avalon Saigon | Waitlist | Call Us! |
| Mar 28, 2025 | Avalon Saigon | Waitlist | Call Us! |
| Apr 11, 2025 | Avalon Saigon | $6,989 | Call Us! |
| Aug 1, 2025 | Avalon Saigon | $5,809 | Call Us! |
| Aug 15, 2025 | Avalon Saigon | $6,489 | Call Us! |
| Aug 29, 2025 | Avalon Saigon | $6,759 | Call Us! |
| Sep 12, 2025 | Avalon Saigon | $6,759 | Call Us! |
| Sep 26, 2025 | Avalon Saigon | $6,989 | Call Us! |
| Oct 10, 2025 | Avalon Saigon | $6,989 | Call Us! |
| Oct 24, 2025 | Avalon Saigon | $8,089 | Call Us! |
| Nov 7, 2025 | Avalon Saigon | $8,529 | Call Us! |
| Nov 21, 2025 | Avalon Saigon | $8,529 | Call Us! |
Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:
Classic
Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You'll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.
Discovery
We've found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests — from cooking classes, to painting workshops — to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.
Active
Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go — from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.
- Plus independent exploration options and use of Avalon's exclusive AvalonGO APP.
River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1 HANOI, VIETNAM
Welcome to Vietnam!Day 2 HANOI
Historic Hanoi
This morning, your Guided Sightseeing takes a look at the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. First, visit the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda: One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” Also visit the ancient Temple of Literature, over 900 years old and Hanoi’s first university. Lunch is at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that teaches local street children restaurant skills for more stable employment opportunities. After lunch, enjoy an electric-cart ride through the fascinating Old Quarter, with 36 ancient streets where merchants trade as they have for centuries. An early dinner this evening is followed by a fascinating performance of Hanoi’s renowned water puppets, a traditional art form dating back to the 11th century.(B,L,D)
Day 3 HANOI–HA LONG BAY
Lush Countryside & Limestone Caves
Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, the bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes by the action of the water. Tunnels, caves, and weirdly shaped outcroppings with imaginative names can be found on many of the small islets sprinkled across the bay. Board a Cruise Excursion to explore the caves and admire the beauty and scale of this bay before stopping at one of the many secluded islands. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.(B,L,D)
Day 4 HA LONG BAY–HANOI–HO CHI MINH CITY
Hanoi Bound
This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight for Ho Chi Minh City. (B)
Day 5 HO CHI MINH CITY
Motorbikes, Monuments, and Mouth-watering 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 featuring the history and relics of the Vietnam War before spending time in 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!
(B,L,D)
Day 6 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. Explore these tunnels and learn what life was like living in these cramped spaces.
(B)
Day 7 HO CHI MINH CITY (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding
Transfer to the port in the heart of Ho Chi Minh 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
(B,L,D)
Day 8 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 available to them 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
(B,L,D)
Day 9 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, a sampan brings you to the village of Long Khanh A for a Cotton-Weaving Demonstration of a well-preserved artisan’s tradition.
EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH
(B,L,D)
Day 10 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.
(B,L,D)
Day 11 PHNOM PENH
A Dark History or 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.
AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO WAT HANCHEY
(B,L,D)
Day 12 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
(B,L,D)
Day 13 KONPONG LOUANG–KAMPONG TRALACH
Calm 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.
EVENING CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH
(B,L,D)
Day 14 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.
(B,L)
Day 15 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. Be sure to sample some of the freshly prepared noodles!
Discovery
This evening, enjoy dinner and a private Apsara Dance Performance brings ancient Khmer culture to life through music, song, and dance.
(B,D)
Day 16 SIEM REAP
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B)
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