Classic Mekong

Fly overnight to bustling Siem Reap, the gateway to the temples of Angkor. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to soak up the local culture. This evening, join your group for dinner and a welcome briefing with your National Escort. (D)

Journey into the old city of Angkor Thom. At its heart is the enigmatic Bayon, an iconic temple of innumerable sculptural decorations. Admire the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King before continuing to the atmospheric Ta Prohm. The rest of the afternoon is dedicated to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent and best preserved of all of Angkor's treasures. As the sun sets, float peacefully on the moat that surrounds Angkor Thom, soaking up the atmosphere. (B/L/D)

Travel to the shores of Tonle Sap Lake and visit the floating village of Kampong Phluk (Oct to Feb) or Chong Kneas (Mar to Sep). Stop at Chansar village for a glimpse at rural life before visiting the home of a local Khmer family. (B/L/D)

Fly to Cambodia's charming capital, Phnom Penh. Board a cyclo and head into the heart of the city to visit the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. (B/L/D)

Reflect on the history of the city with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing Fields, locations that provide chilling reminders of the Khmer Rouge regime.

Afterwards, you will say goodbye to your National Escort and be picked up by a local guide from the Victoria Mekong. Board the Victoria Mekong for a welcome briefing and cast off into the waters of the Delta. Dine on delicious local cuisine at the welcome dinner and enjoy a traditional music show as you cruise downstream. (B/L/D)

The ship departs this morning, with plenty of onboard activities available. Alternatively, spend the morning relaxing in the pool. Sail into Vietnam around lunchtime, anchoring near Tan Chau. Tender ashore to visit a Taoist temple and see the intriguing stilt houses. Return to the ship in time for an exciting lion dance performance on the Sky Deck as the sun sets. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, tender ashore in Phu Tan to visit a craft village famed for its handmade clay stoves. After lunch, anchor at Tiger Island and head ashore to explore, learning about local industries such as ceramics and incense making. Return to the ship for dinner and the evening's entertainment. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Long Xuyen and hop on a tender to visit the bustling floating market. Stop in town to visit a museum with exhibits on ancient cultures of the region before returning to the Victoria Mekong. Enjoy lunch as the ship continues downstream to Dinh Yen, where you'll see the villagers weaving colourful straw mats and meet a family who specialise in making sheets of beancurd. This evening, the ship continues to Can Tho. (B/L/D)

Bid farewell to the Victoria Mekong and drive from Can Tho to Saigon, stopping en route in Cai Be for a delicious local lunch. Dinner this evening will be at Noir, a restaurant that supports Saigon's visually impaired, for a sensory 'dining in the dark' experience. (B/L/D)

This morning, visit the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels to learn the history of the Viet Cong and their guerrilla tactics during the Vietnam War. Return to Saigon, a vibrant, modern city with a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. See the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral, visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace and the poignant War Remnants Museum. (B/L/D)

Fly to Danang Airport and transfer to Hoi An. Head out an a walking tour, with visits including Chua Ong Pagoda, a historic merchant house and the spectacular Japanese Covered Bridge. With its charming yellow buildings, shimmering river, and vivid silk lanterns, a stroll through this traditional town feels like stepping back in time. (B/L/D)

Head out into Hoi An's peaceful countryside to visit an organic farming community. Here you can enjoy the lush green landscapes and stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work. You'll even have an opportunity to try the techniques for yourself! The afternoon is at leisure to head to the beach or explore the Old Town's charming shops and boutiques. (B/L/D)

Fly to Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi. A fast-paced yet graceful city, it is packed full of ancient and modern sights to discover. Begin exploring at the serene Temple of Literature before taking a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter's atmospheric tangle of streets with a stop for local delicacy 'ca phe trung' (egg coffee) en route. (B/L/D)

Discover the rest of Hanoi's sights today, with the Ho Chi Minh Quarter and Mausoleum, Humble House on Stilts, One Pillar Pagoda and more. Tonight, attend one of Hanoi's famous theatre performances. (B/L/D)

Travel to Halong Bay, board a cruise boat and set sail on the tranquil blue-green waters of Halong Bay. With its 1,600 islands and islets, the bay was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

After a night anchored out on the water, rise early to see the sun come up before cruising back to port. Return to Hanoi where, this evening, there will be a farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day. (B)