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Explore Essential Vietnam and Cambodia Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap (2025) for 12 days with APT and discover unforgettable experiences - Photo 2

Essential Vietnam and Cambodia Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap (2025)

Country:

Vietnam

Flight:

Not included

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Tour id:

277281

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  • Operator:

    APT

  • Length:

    12 days

  • Group size:

    200 pax

  • Age:

    8 to 99

  • Difficulty:

    Difficulty levels:
    • Relaxing
    • Easy
    • Moderate
    • Serious
    • Heart-pumping
  • 11.01-22.01.26 scheduled icon
  • 25.01-05.02.26 scheduled icon
  • 08.02-19.02.26 scheduled icon
  • 22.02-05.03.26 scheduled icon
  • 08.03-19.03.26 scheduled icon
  • 22.03-02.04.26 scheduled icon

Itinerary

12 days, 27 meals. Experience authentic delights and receive a Buddhist blessing by monks in Oudong, see a traditional performance by Khmer dancers and take in the rich cultural history of these regions. Cruise the Mekong River and discover the remote villages that line its banks and its tributaries. Take in the stunning scenery and landscapes from your private balcony. . Visit the capital city of Phnom Penh for a fascinating insight into Cambodian history.

Tour program

Day 1

Arrive Ho Chi Minh City

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.
Day 2

Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City

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.
Day 3

Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Embark Ship, Cai Be

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.

Set sail from My Tho and soak in the scenery as you cruise towards Cai Be where you anchor overnight. Settle in and familiarise yourself with your suite or relax up on the Sun Deck and watch life along the river. Tonight, enjoy your special Welcome Dinner on board with your fellow travellers.

Day 4

Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau

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.

Board your small tender boat, a traditional sampan for your first excursion on the banks of the Mekong. See the colonial port filled with crumbling colonial buildings and flowering gardens. Step ashore to visit the French Catholic cathedral, the tallest church in the Mekong Delta with its impressive bell tower. Afterwards, visit a rice paper and coconut candy manufacturer and learn how these tasty Vietnamese favourites are made.

Head back to the ship and sit down to lunch whilst cruising to the quaint town of Sa Dec. Upon arrival, explore Sa Dec by foot and meet some sellers at the market. From fish to leafy vegetables and mangoes the markets are a riot of colour and activity. Continue past crumbling waterside mansions to the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le who inspired the French writer Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant (The Lover). Hear the stories of this Vietnamese Chinese tragic love story retold by your local guide.

Return to the ship to unwind or relax with a rejuvenating treatment from the spa. As the sun sets the RV Apsara sets sail for Tan Chau. Dine in the restaurant and later spend time in the lounge enjoying the evening entertainment or sip on a late-night cocktail.

Day 5

Tan Chau, Cambodia Border Crossing, Phnom Penh

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.

Later, step back in time during a visit to Vinh Hoa, also known as Evergreen Island. Take the opportunity to see traditional Vietnamese farming, where the land is ploughed by water buffalo and where you will see authentic rural Mekong life.

Appreciate some down time and watch the scenery of the Mekong River pass as the RV Apsara spends the afternoon cruising towards the Cambodian border. While border formalities are carried out sit down and enjoy the onboard activities and presentations. Cross into Cambodia and cruise overnight towards the capital Phnom Penh.

Day 6

Phnom Penh

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.

After lunch visit the Royal Palace built in 1866 and admire its Khmer architecture. Head inside the Silver Pagoda - named after its floors, which are designed with 5,000 silver tiles. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to head to the Russian Market for souvenirs, the Central Market where you can try the local snacks or relax on board.

Day 7

Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh

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.

Enjoy a free afternoon or choose one of our Enhance Your Journey options.

Day 8

Phnom Penh, Oknha Tey, Angkor Ban

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.

Enjoy lunch on board as you sail towards Angkor Ban. In the afternoon take a dip in the pool, take in the passing scenery from the Sun Deck.

Day 9

Angkor Ban, Koh Pen, Kampong Cham

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.

This afternoon, your cruise docks at its final location, Kampong Cham. After lunch, jump in a tuk tuk for your Insider Experience.

This evening, savour a final dinner on board and reminisce about your Mekong River cruise.

Day 10

Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Siem Reap

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.
Day 11

Siem Reap

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.

Later explore Siem Reap at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience options. Cap off your visit to Siem Reap and celebrate your unforgettable journey with your Insider Experiences.

Day 12

Depart Siem Reap

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

Changes or Additions to Your Holiday - If you want to change any part of your holiday arrangements after the invoice has been issued, we will do our best to make the change, but it may not be possible. Any request for changes must be made in writing by the person who made the original booking, or his or her travel agent. If it is possible to make the change, it will be subject to an administration charge and payment of any further costs incurred as a result of the change.

Cancellation Policy - For all holiday packages the following APT cancellation fees apply:
Days of Notice:            Fee Per Person
100 days or more       Loss of deposit
99-61 days                  50% of holiday package price
60 days or less         100% of holiday package price
All cancellations must be received in writing by APT and are not effective until this notification has been received. If your holiday has commenced, 100% of the full holiday package price is charged. There is no refund for unused services or if portions of the holiday package are missed.
Additional cancellation fees may also be charged in respect of accommodation reserved outside the holiday package dates. These cancellation fees are in addition to any fees that may be levied by APT and your travel agent (if any). You acknowledge that the amounts estimated under the Cancellation Policy are reasonable and represent a genuine pre-estimate of APT’s loss. If you request changes after APT has issued your documents, APT may charge you a fee of AUD$70 per person in addition to any applicable cancellation fees.

Cancellation of Airfares - An APT cancellation fee of $50 per person applies for ticketed airfares, in addition to any airline cancellation fees that are applicable.

Changes to Ticketed Airfares - If you wish to amend the date or routing on your ticketed air booking, an APT amendment fee of $30 per person for the first change and $85 for any subsequent changes will be charged in addition to airline change fees and additional taxes that are applicable. If you wish to amend an already issued Singapore Stopover package (where applicable), a $30 per person APT change fee will apply along with any applicable airline fees. If, for any reason, a name change to a ticketed Airfare is required, a $125 per person name change fee will apply for every change in addition to any applicable airline fees.

IF WE WANT TO CHANGE OR CANCEL YOUR HOLIDAY

Website and Brochure Accuracy - APT has endeavoured to ensure that the information given on this website and in our brochures about accommodation, itineraries etc., is correct to the best of its knowledge at the time of going to print. However, advertised descriptions and facilities and prices may change. We recommend that you confirm the details of your chosen holiday package at the time of booking. Additionally, flight times, carriers and routes in the brochure are given for guidance only as there may be changes. Final details will be shown on your tickets. Holiday package or excursion itineraries may change or be different from those described as a result of local conditions, weather conditions, annual events. APT will endeavour to notify you of any significant changes prior to your departure.

Flight Changes - The flight timings shown in our brochure, on our website and detailed on your confirmation invoice are for guidance only and are subject to alteration and confirmation. Flight timings are set by airlines and affected by events outside our control. Scheduled and charter flight timings, and days of operation are also subject to change. APT will advise you of any significant changes as soon as it is informed by the airline. Minor timing changes will be shown on your flight tickets,. Any change in the identity of the airline, flight timings or aircraft type (if advised) will not entitle you to cancel or change to other arrangements without paying any applicable cancellation fees except where specified in these booking conditions.

If We Change or Cancel Your Holiday Before Your Departure - APT endeavours to provide you with all the services confirmed to you at the time of your booking. However, we plan arrangements a long time in advance of your departure date using independent suppliers such as airline, hotels etc., over whom we have no direct control. On occasions changes do have to be made, and APT reserves the right to cancel or amend holiday packages/excursions accordingly.

Force Majeure - Force Majeure means the occurrence of an event that is beyond APT’s reasonable control and which could not have been reasonably prevented by APT, which includes, but is not limited to: (a) war, armed conflict, criminal damage, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity or the threat of any such acts; (b) natural disaster (including but not limited to flooding, fire, earthquake, landslide), adverse weather conditions, high or low water levels; (c) nuclear or other industrial accident causing environmental pollution or contamination; or (d) change in law, meaning, enactment, amendment (including repeal) in the law or administration of any law in Australia or any jurisdiction or territory relevant to the booking contract, which includes changes in statute, regulation, determination, by-law, declaration, licence and the common law as applicable from time to time.

Termination of Booking Contract or Change of Travel Arrangements Due to Force Majeure - If APT, in its reasonable opinion, considers that any Force Majeure event prevents APT (whether directly or through its employees, contractors, subcontractors and agents) from lawfully or safely providing any products or services subject of the booking contract with you, APT may immediately by written notice: (a) terminate the booking contract (in whole or in part); or (b) change your travel arrangements as reasonably practicable to ensure your safety and invoice you for any additional costs.

Limitation of Liability in the Event of Force Majeure - In the event of a force majeure event making it impossible or unsafe for APT to deliver all or part of the Holiday Package, APT will refund the customer for the unperformed part of the Holiday Package less any reasonable losses incurred before cancellation. Losses may amount to a substantial proportion of the booking price. APT will use reasonable endeavours to minimise losses incurred by customers.
Customers must take out travel insurance to protect themselves against loss in the circumstances. 

ON HOLIDAY

For more detailed information, please refer to the General Information and Conditions within the brochure which contains your specific itinerary.

Noise & Vibration -  APT takes reasonable steps to minimise noise and vibrations on its river cruise ships. You acknowledge and accept that some noise and vibration may be experienced on vessels and that APT is not liable to you for any such noise or vibration.

Docking Position - During port stops river cruise ships may dock side by side, obstructing views and requiring you to pass through other ships to embark or disembark.

Local Purchases - APT is not responsible for any items you may purchase locally i.e. jewellery/furniture etc. You acknowledge that you are solely responsible for any import duty or freight costs.

Personal Belongings and Lost Items - For security reasons valuables should be kept to a minimum and packed in your hand luggage along with your medicines, camera, film, electrical or battery-operated appliances, as well as basic essentials such as a change of clothing and toiletries. It is your responsibility to look after your property at all times and you must ensure you are adequately covered by comprehensive travel insurance in the event of any loss.

Disruption to Cruising and Itinerary Arrangements - Itineraries are intended as a guide only and are subject to alteration without notice. Alternations may be necessary for various reasons including, without limitation, road, river or weather conditions, strikes or other reasons beyond APT’s control. If conditions render any routes unsafe for navigation, APT reserves the right to provide alternative services including, but not limited to, accommodation on the docked ship or substitute land arrangements.
Under normal river conditions, itineraries will operate as far as possible as detailed on this website. However, sometimes for reasons beyond our control, it may be necessary to make alterations to your itinerary. For example, without limitation, if there is a water level problem on a river or canal, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by coach and alternative sightseeing may be included. APT will not be liable for any direct or indirect costs that you incur as a result of any event or other factor beyond our control which necessitates a change in your itinerary. Additionally, you are not entitled to any refund for any alterations to your itinerary that are caused or contributed to by any flood or water level events or such other events which are beyond our control. Where disembarkation is necessary, services such as Wi-Fi and complimentary all-day beverages cannot be provided. Complimentary beverages are guaranteed during evening meals.
APT cannot guarantee exact arrival and departure times for carriers and operators used by APT and APT will not be liable for failure to make connections with any other services or attractions beyond its control.

ON RETURN FROM YOUR HOLIDAY

Data Protection Policy - Your personal data will be passed on by APT to any relevant independent suppliers connected with your holiday package who need to know it so that your holiday can be provided and may also be provided to government/public authorities such as customs, immigration and the security services if required.
All personal data you give us (including sensitive personal data) will be kept. We will use only names and contact details for marketing purposes unless you notify us that you do not wish to receive future marketing material by writing to APT, Level 4/ 1230 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham, Victoria, 3192. By providing personal or sensitive information to us, you are agreeing to the terms of our Privacy Policy.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Limitation of Liability - 1. Our holiday packages include the services of independent providers, such as hoteliers, airlines, cruise companies and other operators, who are not agents, servants or employees of APT. Although we take care in selecting the independent service providers and the optional excursions conducted by some independent service providers, APT is not responsible for the conduct of the independent service providers, their servants and agents or for any ramifications of that conduct. Optional excursions may, depending on your holiday package, include activities such as climbing, exploring, bike riding, swimming and snorkelling. You accept and assume the risk involved with these activities.
2. If, in the opinion of any representative of APT, your mental or physical condition, or general behaviour is such as to affect your own health and safety, render you incapable to care for yourself, cause you to became a hazard to yourself or other passengers or result in you becoming objectionable to other passengers or staff, you will not be permitted to embark or continue on the whole or any part of the holiday package. Abuse or harassment of any kind toward crew, contracted suppliers or other guests may result in immediate removal from the tour or cruise. APT is not liable to you for any costs associated with such decision and you will not be refunded for any part of the holiday package.
3. APT accepts no responsibility for any death, injury, illness, loss (including loss of enjoyment), damage, detention, delay (including mechanical breakdown) beyond its control.
4. Any term, condition or warranty express or implied by statute or otherwise in respect of the holiday packages contained on this website or in brochures are excluded to the full extent permitted by law. Nothing in these booking conditions excludes, restricts or modifies the application of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) as amended, consolidated, supplemented or replaced.
5. To the full extent permitted by law, APT’s liability arising under or in connection with these booking conditions: (a) is limited to the re-supply of the products or services or the payment of the cost of re-supply of the products or services to you; and (b) excludes liability for any indirect or consequential losses suffered by you or any third party, howsoever caused, including but not limited to pure economic loss or any special, extraordinary or punitive damage to you or any other party.
6. Your travel agent will forward deposits and other payments to us on your behalf, but your travel agent is not our agent for the purpose of receipt of monies. Receipt of deposits and subsequent payments by the travel agent does not constitute receipt of those monies by us and the travel agent has no authority expressed or implied to receive monies on our behalf. There is no liability on the part of APT in respect to any monies paid to your travel agent unless and until APT notifies you (by way of a booking confirmation advice or payment receipt advice) that monies have been received by APT. APT reserves the right to cancel any ticket or booking or refuse to carry any passenger where payment has not been received by APT within the specified time.

Responsible Service of Alcohol - Our staff are trained in the Responsible Service of Alcohol and are obligated by law to refuse service to any guest who is intoxicated or behaves in an aggressive or offensive manner.

Medical Assistance - APT does not employ medical staff. If you require medical attention. Local medical services can be contacted immediately. You are responsible for the type or quality of the medical services you may require.

APT Club - APT’s new Platinum, Gold and Silver loyalty programme was introduced in February 2012. Details including the range of benefits are available on this website.

Smoking - For other passengers’ comfort there is no smoking on coaches or river cruise ships, except in designated areas.

Service Enquiries - If a problem occurs during your holiday you should, in your own interests, advise your tour/cruise director so that steps can be taken to resolve the matter. If you remain dissatisfied, any complaint must be made in writing to APT within 30 days.

Luggage Limits - Each passenger is entitled to take one piece of luggage that does not exceed 160 cm (63 inches), or weigh more than 20 kg (44 pounds). Dimensions for checked baggage are calculated by adding together the width, height and depth of the piece of baggage. An extra charge will be imposed to cover porterage handling of any additional luggage. Your tour/cruise director will advise you of the exact additional charge.

Seat Rotation on Coach Tours - To ensure all passengers enjoy forward and window facing seats, we have incorporated a daily seat rotation system.

Tour Details

Accommodation

Four nights in premium accommodation

Seven-night Mekong River cruise aboard the RV Apsara, featuring all suites with twin balconies

Two Nights, Ho Chi Minh City, Le Meridien Saigon

Seven Nights, Mekong River, RV Apsara

Two Nights, Siem Reap, Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas

Transport

RV Apsara

Insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

Optional

Other activities and services are not included. 

Flights

Flights are not included.

Additional Services

Receive a traditional Buddhist blessing by monks in Oudong

See an Apsara performance, a traditional Khmer dance

Relax at the stylish Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas

Watch a mesmerising performance of Cambodia’s Phare Circus

Additional Services

Other activities and services are not included. 

Meals

27 meals - 11 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 9 dinners, plus select international wine and local beer included with lunch and dinner on board your Mekong River cruise

Guide

Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Leader and expert English-speaking local guides

Good to know

Currency

VND

Dong

Vietnam

Plugs and adapters

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Plug type G

Customer reviews

Operator

4.1

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?
You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.
Which payment options are available?
We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.
Can I change or cancel my reservation?
Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.
What documents are required to participate in the tour?
You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.
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