Essential Vietnam and Cambodia

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon. Meet your Travelmarvel representative and transfer to your hotel. Tonight, feast on a delicious Welcome Dinner showcasing the distinctive flavours of Vietnamese cuisine. Stay Two Nights: Ho Chi Minh City, Le Meridien Saigon (D)

Insider Experience: Relax in comfort and soak in the Saigon River views from your well-appointed room at Le Meridien Saigon.

Take a step back in time and travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, built by Vietnamese resistance fighters. Listen to stories of the history of the Vietnam-American war, the ingenuity of the Cu Chi residents and the daily activities of the people. Part of a larger network, the tunnels were used by Viet Cong guerrillas as hiding spots during combat. Crawl through a section for a firsthand experience of what it was like for the soldiers who lived and fought here. Return to the city and enjoy the afternoon to explore at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options. (B)

Begin with your Insider Experience then return to your hotel for breakfast. Drive to My Tho and board the RV Apsara, your boutique river ship and home for the next seven nights. Exuding a true Asian ambience, the ship offers twin balconies with every suite to ensure a unique and scenic perspective on your Mekong River cruise. Stay Seven Nights: Mekong River, RV Apsara (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Step out on an early morning guided walk to watch the busy streets come to life and gain a deeper understanding of what drives this urban centre.

Early risers can witness the sunrise from the Sun Deck and enjoy coffee and freshly baked pastries in the Saigon Lounge. Keep an eye open for the wholesalers pedalling their tropical fruits and vegetables at the floating market. (B/L/D)

Transfer to a small boat for a cruise along the tiny tributaries that snake around Tan Chau, the last stop before the border. Step ashore for a rickshaw tour and weave through rambling laneways past shops and friendly locals and stop to visit a local silk and rattan weaving workshop. (B/L/D)

Start the day with a sobering excursion to the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Learn about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime as well as the resilience of the Cambodian people. Spend a moment to pay your respects at the Memorial Stupa, a monument erected in memory of the thousands of people who lost their lives. (B/L/D)

Begin your morning with an excursion by road to Oudong, Cambodia's former royal capital from the early 17th until the 19th century. While here, enjoy your memorable Insider Experience. En route back to Phnom Penh, take a leisurely walk to explore Koh Chen, a village specialising in the manufacture of copperware. Here you'll visit some small family workshops and have the opportunity to buy some souvenirs. (B/L/D)

Rise early as you cruise towards Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island renowned for its silk manufacturing traditions, preserved over the centuries. Travel by tuk tuk, pass rice fields and get a glimpse into rural life. Stroll amongst the stilt houses and gain insight into the traditional silk weaving process. Watch as the village women create the beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms. (B/L/D)

Start your day with a tour of Angkor Ban by foot. Nicknamed the 'Lucky Village', Angkor Ban is one of the few rural villages that escaped destruction from the Khmer Rouge. Stroll through town and see traditional wooden houses, some over a century old, and a Khmer style pagoda surrounded by stupas dedicated to Buddha. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience: Embark on a tuk tuk ride around the island of Koh Pen. Travel along the shaded lanes and past wooden stilted houses, tucked amongst palm and sandalwood trees.

Bid farewell to the crew and disembark the RV Apsara. Travel to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, passing through picturesque countryside and remote villages. Take a break before heading to the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, commonly referred to as the Tomb Raider temple having featured in the movie starring Angelina Jolie. En route to the hotel enjoy your Insider Experiences. Stay Two Nights: Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas (B)

Insider Experience: Visit Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA) which supports local underprivileged children, part of OneTomorrow. Take your seat at Phare Circus and be wowed by the skills of the performers. Unwind at the Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas.

Set off early to explore some of the breathtaking Khmer architecture and sites at the World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park. Delve deeper into the history and significance of Angkor Wat as you wander inside the vast temple complex. Continue to Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital, built in the 12th century and head to the intriguing Bayon Temple, with its carved stone smiling faces. Visit the Terrace of Elephants, which used to be the base for the king's grand audience hall and the Terrace of the Leper King, which housed the royal cremator. (B/D)

Insider Experience: Witness an awe-inspiring sunset at the magnificent Angkor Wat. Dine on tantalising Khmer cuisine and watch a private Apsara performance.

Your Vietnam and Cambodia journey comes to an end after breakfast with a transfer to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport for your onward flight. (B)