River Cruise Itinerary

This inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise vacation begins in vibrant Bangkok, Thailand. A boat ride on the klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals, is the perfect way to start your sightseeing. Continue at the Grand Palace featuring the Temple of the Emerald Buddha followed by the Temple of the Reclining Buddha—the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in the city. Fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, where you’ll see the magnificent Temples of Angkor. The famous temples here, such as Angkor Wat and the Bayon temple, featuring some 200 mysterious faces carved in its many towers, are a display of intricacy and architectural grandeur unmatched in the world. Next, board your ship and begin your cruise along the mighty Mekong River. Visit the capital city of Phnom Penh, with the magnificent Royal Palace featuring its striking Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. Take in the stunning views at the 8th-century temple of Wat Hanchey before walking through the rural village of Angkor Ban to visit with welcoming schoolchildren. Continue your cruise into Vietnam and stop in the villages for interactions with locals, such as a visit to the home of a skilled family who make handcrafted sampans for a living. Go on an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the unbelievable network of tunnels used extensively during the war. In exciting Ho Chi Minh City, enjoy a walking tour of the famous landmarks and try your hand in the kitchen with a Vietnamese cooking class. Disembark your cruise ship and fly to Hanoi, where you’ll explore the famous Old Quarter with peddlers trading goods among its 36 ancient streets. From here, travel to Ha Long Bay in the Gulf of Tonkin, where you’ll be amazed at the more than 3,000 limestone islands of varying shapes. Enjoy a 2-night cruise along the bay with visits to the Cua Van Floating Village, fascinating caves, and a chance to swim at Ti Top Island. The beautiful scenery, ornate temples, and interactions with locals make this Southeast Asia river cruise vacation one you won’t soon forget!

1. Day 1
   BANGKOK, THAILAND

   Fri, Aug 11, 2023

   Welcome to Thailand!
2. Day 2
   BANGKOK

   Sat, Aug 12, 2023

   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)
3. Day 3
   BANGKOK

   Sun, Aug 13, 2023

   Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (B)
4. Day 4
   BANGKOK–SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

   Mon, Aug 14, 2023

   Today, fly to Siem Reap, your base during your visit to Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on Earth!(B)
5. Day 5
   SIEM REAP

   Tue, Aug 15, 2023

   The Tranquil Temples of Angkor and Joyful DancesCLASSIC Explore the temples by tuk-tuk. 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, continue your Guided Excursion to visit Angkor Thom, where you will explore Bayon Temple with its 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas relief sculptures, OR:ACTIVE Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Bayon Temple by bike.Enjoy some time at your leisure this afternoon to explore Siem Reap’s shops for local artisan crafts.DISCOVERY This evening, a private Apsara Dance Performance brings ancient Khmer culture to life through music, song, and dance.(B,L,D)
6. Day 6
   SIEM REAP

   Wed, Aug 16, 2023

   Root-Covered Ruins and Native NoodlesCLASSIC Continue your Sightseeing Tour to 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 village famous for making Khmer noodles by hand.Spend the afternoon at your leisure. (B)
7. Day 7
   PHNOM PENH (EMBARKATION)

   Thu, Aug 17, 2023

   Your Intimate Suite Ship® Awaits! Fly to Phnom Penh and transfer to the port where your ship’s crew will be waiting to welcome you onboard. Get acquainted with the ship and relax before your welcome reception this evening. AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO WAT HANCHEY(B,L,D)
8. Day 8
   WAT HANCHEY–ANGKOR BAN

   Fri, Aug 18, 2023

   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 KAMPONG TRALACH (B,L,D)
9. Day 9
   KAMPONG TRALACH–KONPONG LOUANG

   Sat, Aug 19, 2023

   Calm in the Cambodian CountrysideDISCOVERY Your Guided Sightseeing starts in Kampong Tralach with an Ox Cart Ride through the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, stop to meet a local farmer and learn about his daily life. At the silversmith village in Konpong Louang, see talented craftsmen use age-old techniques to turn pure silver into works of art.Sail to the capital city of Phnom Penh this afternoon. PHNOM PENHA Dark History or Market DynamicsCLASSIC After lunch, a Visit to 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 with its unique Art Deco design by tuk-tuk.This evening, spend some free time exploring the city on your own. Perhaps follow the riverfront promenade to the historic Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC).(B,L,D)
10. Day 10
    PHNOM PENH

    Sun, Aug 20, 2023

    The Royal Treatment CLASSIC Join a Guided Tour of the city by private cyclo with visits to 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 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.EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO VIETNAM/CAMBODIA BORDER(B,L,D)
11. Day 11
    BORDER CROSSING–CHAU DOC, VIETNAM

    Mon, Aug 21, 2023

    Good Morning, Vietnam! DISCOVERY Take a Village Walk through the Chau Doc market, and absorb the atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. After lunch, embark on a Guided 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.EVENING CRUISE TO LONG KHANH A(B,L,D)
12. Day 12
    LONG KHANH A–CU LAO GIENG

    Tue, Aug 22, 2023

    Cotton Weaving, Conical Hats, and Handcrafted SampansDISCOVERY This morning, a sampan brings you to the village of Long Khanh A, for a Cotton-Weaving Demonstration of this well-preserved tradition.DISCOVERY This afternoon, enjoy scenes of daily life on Cu Lao Gieng Island via sampan and local motor cart. Your Guided Excursion starts with a stop at one of Vietnam’s oldest Catholic churches. 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, visit a local workshop where a skilled family hand-crafts sampan boats.EVENING CRUISE TO VINH LONG(B,L,D)
13. Day 13
    VINH LONG

    Wed, Aug 23, 2023

    Sweets and Rice Treats 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.This afternoon, enjoy time on board the ship as we sail to exciting Ho Chi Minh City.AFTERNOON CRUISE TO HO CHI MINH CITY(B,L,D)
14. Day 14
    HO CHI MINH CITY (DISEMBARKATION)

    Thu, Aug 24, 2023

    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 and 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!Enjoy time at your leisure this afternoon and evening for independent exploration. Maybe stop for a drink at the famous rooftop bar at the Caravelle Hotel. (B,L)
15. Day 15
    HO CHI MINH CITY. EXCURSION TO CU CHI TUNNELS

    Fri, Aug 25, 2023

    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 the city further during free time this afternoon. This evening, join your traveling companions for a special dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)
16. Day 16
    HO CHI MINH CITY–HANOI

    Sat, Aug 26, 2023

    Today, transfer to the airport and fly to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the night. (B)
17. Day 17
    HANOI

    Sun, Aug 27, 2023

    Historic Hanoi and Water Puppets CLASSIC First, join a Guided Visit of the mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next, see iconic sites, including One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” Lastly, visit the 900-year-old Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s first university.Enjoy lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that teaches local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. CLASSIC After lunch, enjoy an Electric Cart Ride through the fascinating Old Quarter—with its 36 ancient streets where merchants trade as they have for centuries.DISCOVERY An early dinner this evening is followed by a fascinating Live Performance of Hanoi’s renowned water puppets, a traditional 11th-century artform.(B,L,D)
18. Day 18
    HANOI–HA LONG BAY

    Mon, Aug 28, 2023

    Island Shapes and a Floating VillageTravel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes. Board the luxurious Paradise Elegance for a 2-Night Cruise on the bay. DISCOVERY Visit the Cua Van Floating Village, home to more than 700 people, by bamboo raft, OR: ACTIVE Take a Kayak Ride to visit Cua Van Village.Enjoy scenic sailing for the remainder of the day before anchoring for the night. (B,L,D)
19. Day 19
    HA LONG BAY

    Tue, Aug 29, 2023

    Caves, Kayaks, and Scenic Climbs DISCOVERY Visit Ti top Island, for a Guided Excursion for a swim, or climb 400 steps to the top of the island for stunning views. You can also visit Luon Cave by boat, and explore Dark & Bright Cave by bamboo raft, OR: ACTIVE Explore Luon Cave and Dark & Bright Cave by Kayak Ride.After a day of exploring, consider a spa treatment or simply relax for happy hour prior to dinner!(B,L,D)
20. Day 20
    HA LONG BAY–HANOI

    Wed, Aug 30, 2023

    Surprising and Amazing Beauty This morning, relax onboard your ship, or visit Sung Sot Cave, considered one of the most beautiful in the area with its magnificent formations. Afterwards, return to Hanoi and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to spend at your leisure.(B)
21. Day 21
    HANOI

    Thu, Aug 31, 2023

    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Inclusions

Gratuities for Local Guides & drivers are included (excludes extensions which are to be paid locally).

Avalon offers the opportunity for solo travelers to sail with no single supplement (subject to availability).

Health and Safety Protocols for Avalon Waterways

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers

How It Works

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