RACV Logo
Members save more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide
Unlock savings
Unlock member discounts
Unlock exclusive discounts and inclusions
Members only pricing
Bonus hand-picked inclusions
Continue as guest
Your member number is located on your membership card, membership renewal notice, club account statement or payment advice.

Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong River With Hanoi, Ha Long Bay & Bangkok

package saved
click to save
Operated by Avalon Waterways
Tripcode: WHSN
Overview
Destination:
Thailand
Vietnam
Start:Hanoi, Vietnam
Finish:Bangkok, Thailand
Duration:19 days
Type:Group tour (max 90)
Style:
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
August 2025 - November 2026
On this inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, you’ll be immersed in the cultures and ancient traditions in the most fascinating places along the mighty Mekong River.

Experience Vietnamese culture with a tour of the captivating capital of Hanoi. Go on a cyclo ride through the ancient streets of the Old Quarter and enjoy a water puppet performance. In Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll cruise through its breathtaking limestone islands. See the famous landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City and try your hand in the kitchen—Vietnamese-style, with a cooking class. On an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, walk through a section of the immense underground tunnel system used during the Vietnam War.

Embark on your river cruise along the Mekong River and visit a vibrant market, the home of a local family making handcrafted sampans, and a workshop to learn how rice wine and traditional candies are made. In the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, tour the National Museum and Royal Palace with its striking Silver Pagoda. On a hilltop at the site of the 8th-century temple of Wat Hanchey, take in the stunning views before walking through the rural village of Angkor Ban to visit with welcoming schoolchildren. In Siem Reap, you’ll see the phenomenal Temples of Angkor with an intricacy and architectural grandeur unmatched in the world. Visit famous Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the grandeur of the Bayon temple featuring some 200 mysterious faces carved in its many towers.

Your Southeast Asia adventure concludes in enchanting Bangkok, Thailand, where you’ll visit its most renowned temples, including the Temple of the Reclining Buddha—the oldest and largest of its kind. You’ll also have plenty of leisure time to explore the “Venice of the East”—a perfect ending to this remarkable journey!

Standard inclusions
  • 18 breakfasts.
  • 12 lunches.
  • 11 dinners.
Already with RACV?
Tell us your Member details to unlock discounts.
Unlock
Itinerary
Expand all Collapse all
Day 1 - HANOI, VIETNAM
Welcome to Vietnam!
Day 2 - HANOI
Historic Hanoi This morning, your Guided Sightseeing takes a look at the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. First, visit the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which "Uncle Ho" ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda: One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the infamous "Hanoi Hilton." Also visit the ancient Temple of Literature, over 900 years old and Hanoi's first university. Lunch is at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that teaches local street children restaurant skills for more stable employment opportunities. After lunch, enjoy an electric-cart ride through the fascinating Old Quarter, with 36 ancient streets where merchants trade as they have for centuries. An early dinner this evening is followed by a fascinating performance of Hanoi's renowned water puppets, a traditional art form dating back to the 11th century. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - HANOI-HA LONG BAY
Lush Countryside & Limestone Caves Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, the bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes by the action of the water. Tunnels, caves, and weirdly shaped outcroppings with imaginative names can be found on many of the small islets sprinkled across the bay. Board a Cruise Excursion to explore the caves and admire the beauty and scale of this bay before stopping at one of the many secluded islands. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - HA LONG BAY-HANOI-HO CHI MINH CITY
Hanoi Bound This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight for Ho Chi Minh City. (B)
Day 5 - HO CHI MINH CITY
Motorbikes, Monuments, and Mouthwatering Cuisine CLASSIC - Take a Walking Tour of Ho Chi Minh City's historic landmarks, including a stop at the Rex Hotel for a refreshing drink at the rooftop bar where the U.S. Military held the infamous "Five O'clock Follies" during the war. Then visit the War Remnants Museum featuring the history and relics of the Vietnam War before spending time in bustling Ben Thanh Market. DISCOVERY - For lunch, participate in a hands-on Vietnamese Cooking Class. Learn to prepare several local dishes and how to recreate them at home. Last, but not least, sample your delicious creations! Explore the city further during free time this afternoon. This evening join your travelling companions for a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - HO CHI MINH CITY. EXCURSION TO CU CHI TUNNELS
Secret Passageways and Underground Hideouts CLASSIC - Drive out of the city for a Guided Visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels-an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length- used as a hideout and secret village by the Viet Cong. Explore these tunnels and learn what life was like living in these cramped spaces. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. Consider stopping for a drink at the famous rooftop bar at the Caravelle Hotel. (B)
Day 7 - HO CHI MINH CITY (EMBARKATION)
Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding Transfer to the port on the Saigon River for embarkation. Get acquainted with the ship and relax before your welcome reception this evening. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO VINH LONG (B,L,D)
Day 8 - VINH LONG-CU LAO GIENG
Sweets, Sampans, and Sun Hats DISCOVERY - Board a sampan this morning to Visit a local workshop in Vinh Long where you will see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candies are made. DISCOVERY - This afternoon, enjoy scenes of daily life on Cu Lao Gieng Island via sampan and local motor cart. Your Guided Excursion starts at a local workshop, where a skilled family handcrafts sampan boats. Then, visit the home of a local family that makes Vietnamese conical hats, or "Non la," from materials available to them such as palm leaves and bamboo. These iconic hats are primarily used as protection from the sun and rain, but you may also see them used as a basket to carry home goods from the market. Lastly, stop at one of Vietnam's oldest Catholic churches. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO CHAU DOC (B,L,D)
Day 9 - CHAU DOC-LONG KHANH A-BORDER CROSSING, CAMBODIA
Colourful markets, Charming Locals, and Cotton Weavers DISCOVERY - In Chau Doc take a Guided Walk through the local market and absorb the atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. Then embark on a River Excursion down the backwaters of the Mekong. Along the way, see traditional floating homes, speedboat merchants, religious sites, a market selling dried goods, and more. DISCOVERY - After lunch, a sampan brings you to the village of Long Khanh A for a Cotton-Weaving Demonstration of a well-preserved artisan's tradition. Return to the ship to set sail for the Cambodian border. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH (B,L,D)
Day 10 - PHNOM PENH
The Royal Treatment CLASSIC - Take a City Tour by private cyclo to visit the Royal Palace with the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum featuring an outstanding display of Khmer artifacts. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the city at your leisure. Consider a Guided Optional Tour of a local brewery with free-flowing local beer! Just before dinner, children from a local orphanage will perform a show featuring local song and dance. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - PHNOM PENH
A Dark History or Market Dynamics CLASSIC - This morning, a Guided Visit of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and one of the Killing Fields offers a glimpse into the atrocities inflicted on the Cambodian people by the Khmer Rouge regime, OR: DISCOVERY - Visit the lively Central Market by tuk-tuk to see its unique Art Deco design. After lunch, depart Phnom Penh and enjoy some time at leisure on the ship. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO WAT HANCHEY (B,L,D)
Day 12 - WAT HANCHEY-ANGKOR BAN
Water Blessings and Back-To-School Adventures DISCOVERY - Visit Wat Hanchey, a hilltop temple dating back to the 8th century. Climb or be driven to the top where you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area and partake in a traditional water blessing given by local monks. DISCOVERY - After lunch, enjoy a Walking Tour through the rural village of Angkor Ban. Here, you will visit a traditional Khmer house and interact with children at a local school. EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KONPONG LOUANG (B,L,D)
Day 13 - KONPONG LOUANG-KAMPONG TRALACH
Calm in the Cambodian Countryside DISCOVERY - Start your Guided Sightseeing at the silversmith village in Konpong Louang. Here, see talented craftsmen use age-old techniques to turn pure silver into works of art. In Kampong Tralach, board an ox cart for a ride through the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, stop to meet a local farmer and learn about his daily life. This afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising on the Tonle River. EVENING CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH (B,L,D)
Day 14 - PHNOM PENH (DISEMBARKATION)-SIEM REAP
A Pilgrimage of Inspirational Beauty Fly to Siem Reap, home to the Temples of Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on Earth! CLASSIC - After lunch, begin your Sightseeing Tour by tuk-tuk to explore the temples. Start at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples: Angkor Wat. Featuring five trademark towers, it is the symbol of Cambodia. Then, visit Angkor Thom, where you will explore Bayon Temple with its 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas-relief sculptures. The evening is yours to explore charming Siem Reap, stay to witness the sunset at Angkor Wat. (B,L)
Day 15 - SIEM REAP
Roots Carved in Stone and Celebrated in Dance CLASSIC - Continue your Guided Sightseeing of the Angkor Temples at Ta Prohm. Tree roots cover the ruin walls, allowing you to experience the temple with the same wonder as early explorers. Then visit Banteay Srei, a unique temple built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. En route, stop at a local village famous for making Khmer noodles by hand. Be sure to sample some of the freshly prepared noodles! Spend the afternoon at your leisure. You may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to further explore Siem Reap or the temple complex by tuk-tuk. DISCOVERY - This evening, a private Apsara Dance Performance brings ancient Khmer culture to life through music, song, and dance. (B,D)
Day 16 - SIEM REAP-BANGKOK, THAILAND
Bangkok Bound Today, fly to Bangkok. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day 17 - BANGKOK
Klongs, Canals, and Timeless Temples This morning, your Guided Sightseeing begins with a boat ride on the klongs, Bangkok's famous canals. Stop at the stunning Grand Palace featuring the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Also, Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B,L)
Day 18 - BANGKOK
Bold Colours of the City Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (B)
Day 19 - BANGKOK
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Departure dates

Select your preferred date or enquire

Enquire now

Travellers

Operator
Avalon Waterways

Designed from the bottom up for comfort, space, and room to dream, each Avalon Suite Ship consists of 80% Panorama Suites—offering the widest view in river cruising. Larger suites result in fewer passengers, so you’ll never feel crowded anywhere on board. From reclining on the open-air Sky Deck, relaxing in the spacious Panorama Lounge, or feeling the wind over the bough In the Observation Lounge, there’s never a shortage of comfortable spots to stretch out, day dream, or just watch the world go by. From our inception, Avalon Waterways has cast a light on the world’s most fascinating places and people – inviting wayfarers and wanderers like you to bask in their glory, intrigue and wonder. Along the way, we’ve helped travellers uncover ancient traditions while meeting the locals dedicated to preserving them; to meander historic hallways while giving back to the societies that safeguard them; and to put down the guidebooks and pick up a greater understanding of the world and its people.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
Book now
Need help?
Price from
$12,239 $11,628 *
Member price from
$11,628*
per person
18 nights
Check departures
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Get in touch with our friendly Travel Consultants.
Speak to one of our friendly consultants, available during business hours.
Mon to Fri · 9am - 5pm AEST
Speak to an expert in-store
Prefer to plan in person? Make an appointment at our Travel Store to speak with one of our experts
You might also like
e04f0585b907090aced6796029429d42