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Explore Spiritual Cambodia and the Mekong Ho Chi Minh City → Siem Reap (2025) for 11 days with APT and discover unforgettable experiences - Photo 2

Spiritual Cambodia and the Mekong Ho Chi Minh City → Siem Reap (2025)

Country:

Vietnam

Flight:

Not included

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Tour id:

275138

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  • Operator:

    APT

  • Length:

    11 days

  • Group size:

    200 pax

  • Age:

    8 to 99

  • Difficulty:

    Difficulty levels:
    • Relaxing
    • Easy
    • Moderate
    • Serious
    • Heart-pumping

Itinerary

Embark on the luxury Mekong Serenity for a seven-night Mekong River cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia. Experience a Buddhist blessing, visit Phnom Penh and discover charming islands and riverside towns. Explore Siem Reap and World Heritage Angkor Archaeological Park, watching the sun rise at Angkor Wat.

Tour program

Day 1

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

On arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, receive Fast track Service before being met and transferred to a centrally located hotel for ship registration formalities. Journey to My Tho and embark your ship. Set sail from My Tho and soak up the scenery during your cruise towards Cai Be. Tonight, a Vietnamese welcome dinner awaits, showcasing the diverse flavours from the region.

Signature Experience – VIP Fast Track Service

Start your holiday as soon as possible when you receive Fast Track Service for a seamless arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Be whisked through immigration and customs, before meeting your APT representative, who will transfer you to your accommodation.

Day 2

Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau

Board your traditional sampan for your first excursion on the banks of the Mekong. Step ashore to visit French gothic Cai Be Church, built in the Roman architectural style, as well as the colourful port area filled with crumbling colonial buildings and flowering gardens. The church’s bell tower, with its set of four bells cast in France in 1931, is the tallest bell tower in the Tien Giang Province. Afterwards, you’ll visit rice paper and coconut candy manufacturers and learn how these Vietnamese staples are made.

Head back to the ship to refresh before sitting down to savour a delicious lunch whilst continuing to cruise to the quaint town of Sa Dec. Upon arrival, explore Sa Dec by foot and meet some of the sellers at the colourful market. Continue to where French writer Marguerite Duras met her Vietnamese-Chinese lover, Huynh Thuy Le. Tour his former home and learn the story behind Duras’ best-selling novel, ‘The Lover’. After, visit a traditional Cao Dai temple. Watch visitors and pilgrims come and go and appreciate the beauty of the colourful building. Sail towards Tan Chai as dinner is served.

Day 3

Tan Chau, Evergreen Island, Border Crossing, Phnom Penh

Transfer to a small boat to cruise the tiny tributaries around the town of Tan Chau. Disembark for a rickshaw tour and visit a local silk and rattan weaving workshop. Then, explore Evergreen Island to see authentic rural Mekong life. This afternoon, appreciate some downtime and watch the scenery pass as the Mekong Serenity cruises towards the Cambodian border.

Day 4

Phnom Penh

Enjoy your Freedom of Choice activity then spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. You may wish to head ashore and explore more of Phnom Penh independently or simply relax on board.

Freedom of Choice – Killing Fields and Genocide Museum 

On this sombre excursion, learn about a confronting part of Cambodian history during a sobering visit to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. 

Freedom of Choice – Cyclo Ride 

Explore Phnom Penh by what was the most popular form of transportation throughout Southeast Asia in the 1960s, the cyclo. Weave past some of the city’s most iconic sites. 

Freedom of Choice – Visit the National Museum 

Accompanied by your private museum guide, discover the most important pieces within the National Museum of Cambodia. The collection includes the world’s finest display of Khmer sculptures, art and relics. 

Freedom of Choice – Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda 

Discover Cambodia’s Royal Palace, the official residence of the King. Completed in 1870, the palace is a fine example of Khmer architecture with elements of French influence. The palace also houses the Silver Pagoda. 

Day 5

Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen, Oknha Tey

Journey to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience. Following the visit, return via Koh Chen village and visit local copperware workshops. Back on board, cruise to Oknha Tey, known for its silk weaving traditions. Stroll among the stilt houses and gain an insight into the traditional silk weaving process. Watch as the village women create beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms.

Signature Experience – Buddhist Blessing Ceremony

Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony for good luck, health and safe journey, with resident monks at a monastery in Oudong.

Day 6

Oknha Tey, Angkor Ban, Wat Hanchey

Sail to Angkor Ban, where you'll disembark and enjoy a captivating walking discovery of this historic village. Remarkably, Angkor Ban stands as one of the rare Cambodian villages that remained unscathed during the tumultuous Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Here, people still live in traditional wooden homes and keep ancient cultural traditions alive. This afternoon, your ship continues sailing upstream to Wat Hanchey. 

Day 7

Wat Hanchey, Kampong Cham, Koh Pen

If you are feeling active this morning, walk to the hilltop pagoda of Wat Hanchey for expansive views over the Mekong. Here, you may find some novice monks along with many temples, pagodas, and stupas, some built this century while others date back to the eighth century. Savour lunch on board before enjoying a Signature Experience. Celebrate with a farewell dinner on board this evening.

Signature Experience – Tuk Tuk Tour of Koh Pen

Journey by local tuk tuk around a riverside village and gain an insight into village life. Travel along the shaded lanes past stilted houses and see a varying range of crops growing.

Day 8

Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Siem Reap

Bid farewell to the crew and disembark the Mekong Serenity early at Kampong Cham. Travel to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, passing through picturesque countryside and remote villages, where you can observe rural life. On arrival at your hotel, enjoy a light lunch and some relaxation time before a Signature Experience. Later, indulge in another captivating Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Local Charity Visit

Visit Opportunities of Development through Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner. ODA provides free English education and an introduction to computer skills to children living in Siem Reap’s remote villages, with the aim to improve future employment opportunities.

Signature Experience – VIP Circus Show and Backstage Visit

Be welcomed backstage at Phare Circus to meet some of the performers and enjoy light canapés before the show. Then, settle in to your VIP seats for a mesmerising performance that blends captivating acrobatics, theatre and storytelling. This unforgettable spectacle showcases Cambodia’s rich culture and extraordinary talent.

Day 9

Siem Reap

Wake early this morning to witness sunrise at the magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument. As the sun rises, soak up the atmosphere as you marvel at this ancient wonder. After the sun has risen, delve into the history and significance of this sacred site with a guided tour inside the vast temple complex and the sprawling grounds before returning to the hotel for a late breakfast.

Continue your exploration of the World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park with a visit to Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. Built during the heyday of the Empire in the 12th century, this is an extraordinary complex of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Head to the intriguing Bayon temple, with its carved stone smiling faces of gods, goddesses and other mythological beings. 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 crematory.

Journey to Ta Prohm, known for the thick jungle of fig trees and vines that have enveloped the structure, creating a feeling akin to stepping into a lost world. Ta Prohm is commonly referred to as the 'Tomb Raider Temple' due to it being used as a location in the blockbuster 2001 film ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’, which starred Angelina Jolie. The temple offers a captivating glimpse into the past and is a testament to a bygone era. Tonight, enjoy your Freedom of Choice dinner.

Signature Experience – Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Visit Angkor Archaeological Park to witness a spectacular sunrise at the magnificent Angkor Wat. Observe the iconic temple complex shimmer in the reflective ponds in front of this World Heritage-listed monument, while brilliant shades of orange and pink light up the sky.

Freedom of Choice – Sokkhak River Restaurant

Feast on a fusion of classic French recipes and modern Khmer dishes in beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking the river. At Sokkhak River Restaurant, the chefs add a modern twist to Cambodian classics.

Freedom of Choice – Mouhot’s Dream

Sit down to dinner at Mouhot’s Dream in the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Set beside the tranquil Sala Lake, the restaurant pays homage to renowned French explorer Henri Mouhot.

Freedom of Choice – Malis

Be treated to a delightful ambience in a stunning garden setting overlooking the Siem Reap River. Offering exquisite Cambodian cuisine, Malis restaurant has created a menu of traditional dishes adapted to the present.

Freedom of Choice – Butterfly Pea

Dine in an intimate traditional Khmer house, one of the few remaining in Siem Reap. Dining is also available in the tropical garden. Delight in authentic Cambodia cuisine mixed with Thai and Chinese influences.

Freedom of Choice – Fellini

Savour authentic Italian

Day 10

Siem Reap

Embark on your selected activity today. Tonight, your Signature Experience awaits. Set amid a stunning garden, this promises to be an enchanting and memorable evening.

Signature Experience – Gallery Visit with Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance

Treat yourself to a private visit to Theam's Gallery and discover this talented Cambodian artist, known for his unique sculptures, paintings, and intricate crafts. Indulge in a tantalising five-course Khmer dinner while enjoying a traditional Apsara dance performance accompanied by live musicians.

Freedom of Choice – Tuk Tuk Ride to Senteurs d’Angkor

Enjoy an exciting tuk tuk ride to the Senteurs d’Angkor workshop, a handicraft centre where you can observe the artisans in their workshops and gain an appreciation for their ancient crafts. Discover how they integrate contemporary designs inspired by Khmer know-how.

Freedom of Choice – Quad Bike Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating quad biking experience in the Cambodian countryside outside Siem Reap. Venture along quiet off-road tracks, see rice fields, forgotten temples and local communities.

Freedom of Choice – Horse and Cart Ride

Climb aboard a hand-made horse cart and set off on an authentic journey into the heart of rural Cambodia. Travel off the beaten path, navigating a variety of terrain through the beautiful countryside.

Freedom of Choice – Khmer Cooking Class

Travel to a market and meet your Khmer chef. Then, continue to Lum Orng, Cambodia’s first farm-to-table restaurant, which is famed for its New Mekong cuisine. Here, prepare a selection of dishes to taste.

Freedom of Choice – Siem Reap Shopping Adventure

Explore Siem Reap’s vibrant arts and crafts scene, starting at the Angkor Handicraft Association. This Fair-Trade Village is home to a wide variety of artisans who produce handmade goods using traditional techniques.

Freedom of Choice – Khmer Massage

Let your cares melt away and be rejuvenated by the healing powers of traditional Khmer massage. This oil-free 60-minute massage uses firm acupressure and muscular stretching to rebalance your energy.

Day 11

Depart Siem Reap

After breakfast, 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

Seven Nights, Mekong River, Mekong Serenity

Three Nights, Siem Reap, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

Transport

Mekong Serenity

Coach 

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

Experiences in 12 destinations

Freedom of Choice inclusions in two locations

Experience the sun rising above Cambodia’s Angkor Wat

Receive a traditional Buddhist blessing at a local monastery in Oudong

Jump in a tuk tuk and explore the charming island of Koh Pen

Additional Services

Other activities and services are not included. 

Meals

Locally inspired dining - a total of 27 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages

Indulge in a tantalising multi-course Khmer dinner while enjoying a traditional Apsara dance performance in the gardens of a private gallery

Guide

Tour director 

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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