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Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia

5.0/5 Based on 4 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor

Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia

5.0/5 Based on 4 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Fully Guided Locally Guided Coach River Cruise
River View
$8,541
Balcony
$9,412
Suite
$11,545
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
23 Days
 Cruise Starts
Hanoi
 Cruise Finishes
Ho Chi Minh City
23 Day Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Vietnam, Cambodia
 Cruise Length
23 Days
 Cruise Starts
Hanoi
 Cruise Finishes
Ho Chi Minh City
23 Day Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Vietnam, Cambodia
Ship
Departures
Passengers
84
Crew
40
Launched
2019
Cruise Code
EWHH-4
Ship
Departures
Passengers
84
Crew
40
Launched
2019
Cruise Code
EWHH-4

Overview

Discover the mighty Mekong River aboard the luxury Star-Ship Emerald Harmony, to uncover the region’s rich tapestry of history and culture, along with a treasure trove of traditions and customs. Begin your luxury river cruise in Hanoi before cruising the waterways of Halong Bay in a traditional junk boat. Reach Hoi An for a leisurely three-night stay, and venture to Siem Reap to witness Angkor Wat and attend a spectacular circus performance. You’ll learn about the sad history of Phnom Penh and its inspiring revival before finishing your cruise with an eventful stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
Discover the mighty Mekong River aboard the luxury Star-Ship Emerald Harmony, to uncover the region’s rich tapestry of history and culture, along with a treasure trove of traditions and customs. Begin your luxury river cruise in Hanoi before cruising the waterways of Halong Bay in a traditional junk boat. Reach Hoi An for a leisurely three-night stay, and venture to Siem Reap to witness Angkor Wat and attend a spectacular circus performance. You’ll learn about the sad history of Phnom Penh and its inspiring revival before finishing your cruise with an eventful stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Itinerary

Xin Chao and welcome to Hanoi. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to downtown Hanoi for your included one-night stay. Relax at the hotel, explore the city, or wander Hanoi’s romantic West Lake. This evening, meet your tour director for your welcome briefing. (D)

This morning after breakfast, leave Hanoi and travel to Halong Bay where you will board your elegant Au Co cruise ship. Cruise through the bays and islets enjoying the stunning scenery of this magnificent region. Enjoy the tours offered on board, learn more about the main livelihood of the locals in the area or simply choose to relax. Towards the end of the day, the ship anchors for the night in the Trinh Nu area among the karst formations where dinner will be served on board. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion A two-night Halong Bay cruise

Today, continue sailing further into the region’s more untouched areas towards Lan Ha Bay. From a smaller boat, enjoy swimming on quiet beaches and kayaking in Ho Ba Ham Lake. Then visit Cua Van fishing village by rowing boat. After a full day’s exploration, you’ll return to your cruise ship and after dinner, try your hand at squid fishing. (B/L/D)

Enjoy the sunrise and breakfast. Then cruise through breathtaking rock formations and visit Sung Sot Cave, before arriving back at port for your transfer to Hanoi.

On arrival back in Hanoi, you’ll visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter also known as the ‘36 Streets’. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities. Visit Hang Be Market, also located in the Old Quarter, before enjoying a walk around Hoàn Ki?m Lake located in central Hanoi. Here walk across the red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple located on the Jade Islet within the lake. Later, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique North Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of historical significance. As part of EmeraldPLUS, you'll enjoy dinner at KOTO (Know One Teach One), a unique restaurant set up to train and educate disadvantaged children. (B/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Dinner at KOTO Restaurant
  • Included Excursion Visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter
  • Included Excursion A traditional water puppet show

Begin your morning city tour and learn about ‘Uncle Ho’, Ho Chi Minh, regarded as the father of modern Vietnam. Admire the exterior of his imposing mausoleum, before continuing to the Ho Chi Minh Quarter to glimpse his humble stilt house and the small but iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Then explore the nearby Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established to educate Vietnam’s royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years, and its charming gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s storied past.

Bid farewell to Hanoi and transfer to Hanoi airport to board your flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. In Hue, take a boat trip to visit Thien Mu Pagoda before checking your hotel, Indochine Palace for the night. This evening, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, savour a traditional Vietnamese royal dinner menu. (B/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS A traditional Vietnamese royal dinner at a local restaurant
  • Included Excursion Hanoi’s City Tour, including the Temple of Literature
  • Included Excursion A boat tour on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda

This morning you will visit the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Enjoy a relaxing cyclo (bicycle-style rickshaw) ride from Dai Noi ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used to go to relax. Leaving Hue for Hoi An, drive past the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co and up and over H?i Vân Pass, known as the Ocean Clouds Pass before dropping down to Danang and then Hoi An. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your resort for your included three-night stay. Tonight join a DiscoverMORE excursion. (B)

  • DiscoverMORE Hoi An Memories Show (extra expense)
  • Included Excursion A visit to the Imperial Citadel
  • Included Excursion Cyclo ride from Dai Noi ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake

Today, start with our EmeraldPLUS visit to the Reaching Out Project. Reaching Out is an NGO (non-governmental organisation) established in 2000, which provides opportunities for people with disabilities to learn skills and gain meaningful employment. Visit the workshop and get a glimpse of how this NGO helps them to integrate fully with their communities and lead independent and fulfilling lives. After, enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An and see the old merchant’s houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Chinese Congregation. Tonight, after a dinner menu sampling the local style street food, the evening is yours free to wander the historical lantern lit streets and their many shops or bars. (B/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Reaching Out Project
  • Included Excursion A walking tour of Hoi An

Enjoy a day of leisure to explore Hoi An and its surroundings. Perhaps take the time to explore the Old Town and visit one of the many tailors Hoi An is known for, or take a cyclo (bicycle style rickshaw) to An Bang Beach. Alternatively venture out on one of our DiscoverMORE excursions. The choice is yours. (B)

  • DiscoverMORE My Son Historic Kingdom Tour (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Hoi An Rural Life (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Ba Na Hills & Golden Hands Bridge (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Thu Bon River Sunset Cruise (extra expense)

Today, transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Sous Sdei and welcome to Cambodia. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for your included three-night stay in Siem Reap. Today meet your Cambodian local guide to learn more about the days ahead. (B)

Today, start with a visit to Angkor Thom, not a single temple such as the historic sites it neighbours, but rather one of the most remarkable royal cities of the Angkor Period and an architectural wonder. As the last capital of the Khmer Empire, it was a fortified city, home to priests, officials of the palace, military and buildings for administering the kingdom. Afterwards, visit the sacred Temple of Ta Prohm. In an incredible standoff between human creation and nature, the jungle's root systems have reclaimed this spiritual location now enshrouded in wild vegetation. The backdrop to many Hollywood scenes, the incredible Ta Prohm is both a cinematic and contemplative location. This afternoon is free time to visit the markets or try a DiscoverMORE tour.

This evening as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, attend Phare, The Cambodian Circus, where a combination of acrobatics, music and dance tell a uniquely Cambodian story. (B/L)

  • EmeraldPLUS Phare Cambodian Circus performance.
  • Included Excursion Visit to Angkor Thom
  • Included Excursion Visit to Ta Prohm Temple
  • DiscoverMORE Vespa tour of Siem Reap (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Evening – Sunset Drinks Gondola Boat at Bayon (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Evening - Cambodian Street Food Discovery Tour (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Evening – Local Fare at Phare Circus (extra expense)

Rise early and witness the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Afterwards walk through this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site known for its elaborate decorations and intricate carvings throughout. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Siem Reap, or join a DiscoverMORE excursion. Later, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy an immersive evening and farewell dinner at Satcha Handicraft Centre, accompanied by an Apsara dance performance. (B/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Apsara dance performance and dinner show
  • Included Excursion Sunrise visit to Angkor Wat
  • DiscoverMORE Siem Reap Countryside by Vespa (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Banteay Srei Temple and APOPO (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Tonlé Sap (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Khmer Cooking Class (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Senteurs d’Angkor Workshop (extra expense)

Today, leave Siem Reap and venture to the town of Peam Chi Korng to embark your Emerald Cruises award-winning Star-Ship. En route, stop in Kampong Kdei and see the impressive Angkor Bridge, before having lunch at a local restaurant. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your captain and crew. Later, set sail to Angkor Ban whilst you enjoy your first dinner on board with your fellow guests. (B/L/D)

In historic Angkor Ban, visit the rural wooden houses that survived the Khmer Rouge and a classroom that teaches English to local students after regular school lessons. In the village, you’ll learn how to pray in a Buddhist pagoda and receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from the resident monks, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience. Afterwards, set sail for Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Known as the ‘Pearl of Asia,’ this city was almost entirely evacuated by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. Later, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy an evening remork ride through Phnom Penh, admiring the city lights. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS A traditional Buddhist Monk blessing
  • EmeraldPLUS Phnom Penh by night on a remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour
  • Included Excursion Walk around the historical village of Angkor Ban

Today, you’ll learn about the Khmer Rouge and the darkest days of Cambodia’s history. A short drive takes you to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, where you can walk through the fields and visit the memorial, understanding more about the country’s sombre chapter. Afterwards, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (infamously known as ‘S-21’), a former school converted to the Khmer Rouges’ main prison. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring our DiscoverMORE excursions, or relaxing on board. This evening, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Cultural Performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation
  • Included Excursion Killing Fields at Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
  • DiscoverMORE A silk farm tour at Koh Oknha Tei (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Craft Beer Adventure by remork (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Samai Rum Distillery visit (extra expense)

This morning, you’ll visit the majestic Royal Palace with its French-inspired gardens and Silver Pagoda. After returning on board and enjoying a Cambodian Street Fair lunch, enjoy a relaxed afternoon of cruising as you sail onwards to the Cambodian and Vietnam border. Upon entering Vietnam, you’ll sail to Tan Chau. Later this evening, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, you’ll delight in a traditional Lion Dance performance on board. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS A Lion Dance performance on board
  • Included Excursion A visit to the Royal Palace

In Tan Chau, embark on a sampan ride to Evergreen Island for a walk through a Mekong Delta farming village. Reboard your sampan to travel back to Tan Chau and as part of our EmeraldPLUS, experience, visit a local Cao Dai temple. Cao Dai is a syncretic, monotheistic religion established in Tây Ninh, southern Vietnam, in 1926. At the temple, learn more about this fascinating and complex religion. Afterwards, ride in a Xe Loi (local form of cyclo) back from the temple to your sampan, visiting enroute a Mekong fish farm, before reboarding Emerald Harmony and sailing onwards to An Long. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS A visit to a local Cao Dai Temple and Xe Loi ride, unique to the Mekong Delta
  • Included Excursion A visit to Evergreen Island

The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure on board or, if you prefer, partake in our DiscoverMORE excursion to Tràm Chim National Park, home to the Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary.

After lunch, sail to Gieng Island. Known as ‘Mango Island,’ Cu Lao Gieng is a small, scenic island untouched by tourism, located along the upper Mekong River. Travel by local motorcycle rickshaw through the island’s villages to visit families who work in local industries, including mango farming, boat construction and production of temple incense sticks.

Afterwards, reboard Emerald Harmony and sail to My An Hung Island. (B/L/D)

  • DiscoverMORE A visit to Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary in Tram Chim National Park (extra expense)
  • Included Excursion See the local industries in Gieng Island

Recognised as a cultural and historical destination, this small ‘Delta village specialises in cultivating red-hot chilli and peppers and is known for its Monkey Bridge. As part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy local folk singing, wander through coconut farms and immerse yourself in traditional village life.

Return to Emerald Harmony and, after lunch on board, you’ll arrive in Sa Ðéc, a Mekong Delta hidden gem. After a short sampan ride to Sa Ðéc, enjoy a walking tour around town with a stop at the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ celebrated novel L’Amant, and a stroll through Sa Ðéc’s bustling central market. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Listen to some local folk singing in My An Hung
  • Included Excursion A visit to the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le and the bustling Sa Dec Markets
  • Included Excursion A visit to My An Hung village and its Monkey Bridge

This morning, you’ll visit Tan My Floating community, followed by a ride through the local plantations to visit a mushroom farm, a fruit farm with sampling and a honey farm with local sweets. Later, you’ll reboard Emerald Harmony before sailing on to My Tho. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Visit the Thoi Binh hamlet and its farming and fishing communities, untouched by tourism

From My Tho, you’ll enter the Cho Gao canal, considered one of Vietnam’s major arterial canals that connects the Mekong Delta’s Tien Giang Province with Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll find it fascinating to watch the heavy commercial traffic navigate this important waterway, which sees upwards of 1,800 vessels transit each day. During your day of relaxation on board, soak up the everchanging passing scenery, enjoy a dip in the infinity pool, or indulge in a spa treatment (at additional cost). Tonight, you’ll dock in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, where you can admire the city lights; due to Vietnamese customs regulations, you'll not be permitted to venture ashore. (B/L/D)

After disembarkation, drive away from Ho Chi Minh City port to Cu Chi Tunnels, watching the city skyline fade into the distance as the road winds through rice paddies, villages and scenes typical to southern Vietnam. Spend a couple of hours walking around Cu Chi’s rugged grounds with a local guide. Upon your return, enjoy a traditional Pho (noodle soup) lunch then check in to your hotel for your included two-night stay. Tonight join a DiscoverMORE excursion. (B/L)

Enjoy a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City, starting with a visit to the city’s most iconic building, the Reunification, or Independence Palace. Formerly the South Vietnamese Presidential Palace, images of the building were seen around the world on 30 April 1975 when tanks stormed the gates as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. Then, stroll through Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way. Admire the beautiful architecture of the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and the old Saigon Post Office and listen to the stories about the glory days of French Indochina and how that era continues to influence aspects of modern Vietnamese culture. Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner with your fellow guests. (B/D)

  • Included Excursion An orientation tour of Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the Ho Chi Minh City airport to catch your onward or homebound flight.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. (B)

Xin Chao and welcome to Hanoi. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to downtown Hanoi for your included one-night stay. Relax at the hotel, explore the city, or wander Hanoi’s romantic West Lake. This evening, meet your tour director for your welcome briefing. (D)

This morning after breakfast, leave Hanoi and travel to Halong Bay where you will board your elegant Au Co cruise ship. Cruise through the bays and islets enjoying the stunning scenery of this magnificent region. Enjoy the tours offered on board, learn more about the main livelihood of the locals in the area or simply choose to relax. Towards the end of the day, the ship anchors for the night in the Trinh Nu area among the karst formations where dinner will be served on board. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion A two-night Halong Bay cruise

Today, continue sailing further into the region’s more untouched areas towards Lan Ha Bay. From a smaller boat, enjoy swimming on quiet beaches and kayaking in Ho Ba Ham Lake. Then visit Cua Van fishing village by rowing boat. After a full day’s exploration, you’ll return to your cruise ship and after dinner, try your hand at squid fishing. (B/L/D)

Enjoy the sunrise and breakfast. Then cruise through breathtaking rock formations and visit Sung Sot Cave, before arriving back at port for your transfer to Hanoi.

On arrival back in Hanoi, you’ll visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter also known as the ‘36 Streets’. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities. Visit Hang Be Market, also located in the Old Quarter, before enjoying a walk around Hoàn Ki?m Lake located in central Hanoi. Here walk across the red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple located on the Jade Islet within the lake. Later, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique North Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of historical significance. As part of EmeraldPLUS, you'll enjoy dinner at KOTO (Know One Teach One), a unique restaurant set up to train and educate disadvantaged children. (B/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Dinner at KOTO Restaurant
  • Included Excursion Visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter
  • Included Excursion A traditional water puppet show

Begin your morning city tour and learn about ‘Uncle Ho’, Ho Chi Minh, regarded as the father of modern Vietnam. Admire the exterior of his imposing mausoleum, before continuing to the Ho Chi Minh Quarter to glimpse his humble stilt house and the small but iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Then explore the nearby Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established to educate Vietnam’s royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years, and its charming gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s storied past.

Bid farewell to Hanoi and transfer to Hanoi airport to board your flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. In Hue, take a boat trip to visit Thien Mu Pagoda before checking your hotel, Indochine Palace for the night. This evening, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, savour a traditional Vietnamese royal dinner menu. (B/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS A traditional Vietnamese royal dinner at a local restaurant
  • Included Excursion Hanoi’s City Tour, including the Temple of Literature
  • Included Excursion A boat tour on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda

This morning you will visit the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Enjoy a relaxing cyclo (bicycle-style rickshaw) ride from Dai Noi ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used to go to relax. Leaving Hue for Hoi An, drive past the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co and up and over H?i Vân Pass, known as the Ocean Clouds Pass before dropping down to Danang and then Hoi An. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your resort for your included three-night stay. Tonight join a DiscoverMORE excursion. (B)

  • DiscoverMORE Hoi An Memories Show (extra expense)
  • Included Excursion A visit to the Imperial Citadel
  • Included Excursion Cyclo ride from Dai Noi ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake

Today, start with our EmeraldPLUS visit to the Reaching Out Project. Reaching Out is an NGO (non-governmental organisation) established in 2000, which provides opportunities for people with disabilities to learn skills and gain meaningful employment. Visit the workshop and get a glimpse of how this NGO helps them to integrate fully with their communities and lead independent and fulfilling lives. After, enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An and see the old merchant’s houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Assembly Hall of the Chinese Congregation. Tonight, after a dinner menu sampling the local style street food, the evening is yours free to wander the historical lantern lit streets and their many shops or bars. (B/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Reaching Out Project
  • Included Excursion A walking tour of Hoi An

Enjoy a day of leisure to explore Hoi An and its surroundings. Perhaps take the time to explore the Old Town and visit one of the many tailors Hoi An is known for, or take a cyclo (bicycle style rickshaw) to An Bang Beach. Alternatively venture out on one of our DiscoverMORE excursions. The choice is yours. (B)

  • DiscoverMORE My Son Historic Kingdom Tour (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Hoi An Rural Life (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Ba Na Hills & Golden Hands Bridge (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Thu Bon River Sunset Cruise (extra expense)

Today, transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Sous Sdei and welcome to Cambodia. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for your included three-night stay in Siem Reap. Today meet your Cambodian local guide to learn more about the days ahead. (B)

Today, start with a visit to Angkor Thom, not a single temple such as the historic sites it neighbours, but rather one of the most remarkable royal cities of the Angkor Period and an architectural wonder. As the last capital of the Khmer Empire, it was a fortified city, home to priests, officials of the palace, military and buildings for administering the kingdom. Afterwards, visit the sacred Temple of Ta Prohm. In an incredible standoff between human creation and nature, the jungle's root systems have reclaimed this spiritual location now enshrouded in wild vegetation. The backdrop to many Hollywood scenes, the incredible Ta Prohm is both a cinematic and contemplative location. This afternoon is free time to visit the markets or try a DiscoverMORE tour.

This evening as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, attend Phare, The Cambodian Circus, where a combination of acrobatics, music and dance tell a uniquely Cambodian story. (B/L)

  • EmeraldPLUS Phare Cambodian Circus performance.
  • Included Excursion Visit to Angkor Thom
  • Included Excursion Visit to Ta Prohm Temple
  • DiscoverMORE Vespa tour of Siem Reap (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Evening – Sunset Drinks Gondola Boat at Bayon (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Evening - Cambodian Street Food Discovery Tour (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Evening – Local Fare at Phare Circus (extra expense)

Rise early and witness the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Afterwards walk through this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site known for its elaborate decorations and intricate carvings throughout. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Siem Reap, or join a DiscoverMORE excursion. Later, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy an immersive evening and farewell dinner at Satcha Handicraft Centre, accompanied by an Apsara dance performance. (B/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Apsara dance performance and dinner show
  • Included Excursion Sunrise visit to Angkor Wat
  • DiscoverMORE Siem Reap Countryside by Vespa (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Banteay Srei Temple and APOPO (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Tonlé Sap (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Khmer Cooking Class (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Senteurs d’Angkor Workshop (extra expense)

Today, leave Siem Reap and venture to the town of Peam Chi Korng to embark your Emerald Cruises award-winning Star-Ship. En route, stop in Kampong Kdei and see the impressive Angkor Bridge, before having lunch at a local restaurant. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your captain and crew. Later, set sail to Angkor Ban whilst you enjoy your first dinner on board with your fellow guests. (B/L/D)

In historic Angkor Ban, visit the rural wooden houses that survived the Khmer Rouge and a classroom that teaches English to local students after regular school lessons. In the village, you’ll learn how to pray in a Buddhist pagoda and receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from the resident monks, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience. Afterwards, set sail for Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Known as the ‘Pearl of Asia,’ this city was almost entirely evacuated by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. Later, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy an evening remork ride through Phnom Penh, admiring the city lights. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS A traditional Buddhist Monk blessing
  • EmeraldPLUS Phnom Penh by night on a remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour
  • Included Excursion Walk around the historical village of Angkor Ban

Today, you’ll learn about the Khmer Rouge and the darkest days of Cambodia’s history. A short drive takes you to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, where you can walk through the fields and visit the memorial, understanding more about the country’s sombre chapter. Afterwards, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (infamously known as ‘S-21’), a former school converted to the Khmer Rouges’ main prison. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring our DiscoverMORE excursions, or relaxing on board. This evening, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Cultural Performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation
  • Included Excursion Killing Fields at Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
  • DiscoverMORE A silk farm tour at Koh Oknha Tei (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Craft Beer Adventure by remork (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Samai Rum Distillery visit (extra expense)

This morning, you’ll visit the majestic Royal Palace with its French-inspired gardens and Silver Pagoda. After returning on board and enjoying a Cambodian Street Fair lunch, enjoy a relaxed afternoon of cruising as you sail onwards to the Cambodian and Vietnam border. Upon entering Vietnam, you’ll sail to Tan Chau. Later this evening, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, you’ll delight in a traditional Lion Dance performance on board. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS A Lion Dance performance on board
  • Included Excursion A visit to the Royal Palace

In Tan Chau, embark on a sampan ride to Evergreen Island for a walk through a Mekong Delta farming village. Reboard your sampan to travel back to Tan Chau and as part of our EmeraldPLUS, experience, visit a local Cao Dai temple. Cao Dai is a syncretic, monotheistic religion established in Tây Ninh, southern Vietnam, in 1926. At the temple, learn more about this fascinating and complex religion. Afterwards, ride in a Xe Loi (local form of cyclo) back from the temple to your sampan, visiting enroute a Mekong fish farm, before reboarding Emerald Harmony and sailing onwards to An Long. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS A visit to a local Cao Dai Temple and Xe Loi ride, unique to the Mekong Delta
  • Included Excursion A visit to Evergreen Island

The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure on board or, if you prefer, partake in our DiscoverMORE excursion to Tràm Chim National Park, home to the Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary.

After lunch, sail to Gieng Island. Known as ‘Mango Island,’ Cu Lao Gieng is a small, scenic island untouched by tourism, located along the upper Mekong River. Travel by local motorcycle rickshaw through the island’s villages to visit families who work in local industries, including mango farming, boat construction and production of temple incense sticks.

Afterwards, reboard Emerald Harmony and sail to My An Hung Island. (B/L/D)

  • DiscoverMORE A visit to Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary in Tram Chim National Park (extra expense)
  • Included Excursion See the local industries in Gieng Island

Recognised as a cultural and historical destination, this small ‘Delta village specialises in cultivating red-hot chilli and peppers and is known for its Monkey Bridge. As part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy local folk singing, wander through coconut farms and immerse yourself in traditional village life.

Return to Emerald Harmony and, after lunch on board, you’ll arrive in Sa Ðéc, a Mekong Delta hidden gem. After a short sampan ride to Sa Ðéc, enjoy a walking tour around town with a stop at the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ celebrated novel L’Amant, and a stroll through Sa Ðéc’s bustling central market. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Listen to some local folk singing in My An Hung
  • Included Excursion A visit to the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le and the bustling Sa Dec Markets
  • Included Excursion A visit to My An Hung village and its Monkey Bridge

This morning, you’ll visit Tan My Floating community, followed by a ride through the local plantations to visit a mushroom farm, a fruit farm with sampling and a honey farm with local sweets. Later, you’ll reboard Emerald Harmony before sailing on to My Tho. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Visit the Thoi Binh hamlet and its farming and fishing communities, untouched by tourism

From My Tho, you’ll enter the Cho Gao canal, considered one of Vietnam’s major arterial canals that connects the Mekong Delta’s Tien Giang Province with Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll find it fascinating to watch the heavy commercial traffic navigate this important waterway, which sees upwards of 1,800 vessels transit each day. During your day of relaxation on board, soak up the everchanging passing scenery, enjoy a dip in the infinity pool, or indulge in a spa treatment (at additional cost). Tonight, you’ll dock in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, where you can admire the city lights; due to Vietnamese customs regulations, you'll not be permitted to venture ashore. (B/L/D)

After disembarkation, drive away from Ho Chi Minh City port to Cu Chi Tunnels, watching the city skyline fade into the distance as the road winds through rice paddies, villages and scenes typical to southern Vietnam. Spend a couple of hours walking around Cu Chi’s rugged grounds with a local guide. Upon your return, enjoy a traditional Pho (noodle soup) lunch then check in to your hotel for your included two-night stay. Tonight join a DiscoverMORE excursion. (B/L)

Enjoy a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City, starting with a visit to the city’s most iconic building, the Reunification, or Independence Palace. Formerly the South Vietnamese Presidential Palace, images of the building were seen around the world on 30 April 1975 when tanks stormed the gates as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. Then, stroll through Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way. Admire the beautiful architecture of the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and the old Saigon Post Office and listen to the stories about the glory days of French Indochina and how that era continues to influence aspects of modern Vietnamese culture. Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner with your fellow guests. (B/D)

  • Included Excursion An orientation tour of Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the Ho Chi Minh City airport to catch your onward or homebound flight.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. (B)

Life Onboard Emerald Harmony

Emerald Harmony
Emerald Harmony

Enjoy inspired luxury infused with Asian design and flavours when you cruise the Mekong. Read more

You're Invited
You're Invited

Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more

Emerald Cruises Excursions
Emerald Cruises Excursions

A range of complimentary excursions and options to Discover More at cost showcase Mekong life. Read more

The Flavours of Asia
The Flavours of Asia

Savour an impressive menu from breakfast to dinner in the relaxed ambience of the Reflections Restaurant. Read more

Pool Deck
Pool Deck

Witness river life pass by as you take a refeshing dip in the pool at the ship's stern. Read more

Sundeck
Sundeck

Head to the open Sun Deck at the top of the ship to relax outdoors. Read more

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Trip Reviews (4) Most Recent 'Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia' Reviews

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
4 Reviews
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Slowly down the Mekong   2 , NSW, Australia, Feb 2024
Wonderful experience on the Emerald Harmony . Lovely crew and delicious food on board, plenty to do or as little as you want. Highlight was experiencing Siem Reap and Angkor, much changed after 20 years since last here, as was Phnom Penh and Bustling Saigon, made more colourful by being there in Chinese NY and TET.
Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong 3 , QLD, Australia, Nov 2023
Firstly I would like to thank Tracey, my travel consultant at Global Journeys, for all the help she gave to me in booking and processing this tour. This Emerald Cruises tour was the best trip I have been on for a long time. From day 1 arriving in Ho Chi Minh City to the end in Siem Reap the Tour Directors and their support staff along with the staff ...read more and crew on the Emerald Harmony were absolute professionals and the service provided by all was excellent.

The Emerald Harmony was a beautiful and comfortable ship and the food provided was beyond amazing, a great chef and his staff provided some of the most enjoyable meals I have experienced. The tours were short but interesting, taking into account the humidity still rather high in November. I had an amazing look into Vietnamese and Cambodian life and culture. The hotels in Ho chi Ming City and Siem Reap were excellent and very comfortable. I applaud Emerald for the support they give to various organisations, the dancing troupe, Satcha Cambodian handicrafts etc. I am highly recommending Emerald cruises and this tour and hopefully will be able to return to Vietnam and Cambodia in the future.
Vietnam and Cambodia by river 1 , Christchurch, New Zealand, Sep 2023
We have just returned from an amazing cruise on board the Emerald Harmony. Our only other river cruise was in Europe in the winter (Emerald also) so we were not sure what to expect on hot steamy days in South East Asia. From the Cruise director, AB, to the cabin staff and all in-between we were treated like VIPs and always knew what, where and why things ...read more were happening.
Sampan rides, tuktuk rides, rickshaws - all safely navigated.

The cultural events on board were worth attending and were given with passion by the people of the culture. Our new cruise friends were great fun but we also were able to find a quiet place if needed. The transfer and hotel service provided by Emerald made everything so easy so I really could relax for the whole journey. The cabins were all that was needed and were super clean and comfy.
A wonderful insight to the history of Vietnam and Cambodia 4 , VIC, Australia, Dec 2022
This was our first river cruise and was a wonderful experience. Thanks to Hannah at Global Journeys and the helpful, attentive and friendly guides and crew. Oh so much better than a large cruise ship. The itinerary was varied and encompassed some truly magical spots, the varied cultures and history of the region, even if it was confronting from time ...read more to time. Top marks to Emerald!

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Asia River Cruising

Emerald Asia River Cruising (2024-25)

Uncover the exotic beauty of Southeast Asia and the might of the Mekong River aboard our custom-built Star-Ship, Emerald Harmony. Across the nations of Cambodia and Vietnam, our immersive onshore excursions encourage you to lose yourself in local life, delving into the customs, traditions, and regional delicacies of Southeast Asia.

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Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Emerald Cruises. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Emerald Cruises. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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