Example Itinerary

One River, Two Countries: Saigon to Phnom Penh by Mekong

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Heritage
Destinations
Cambodia, Vietnam

This 6-day luxury itinerary gives you the highlights of French colonial Vietnam, stopping at fascinating historical sites, visiting ornate Buddhist temples and exploring the waterways of the mighty Mekong Delta. This trip includes visits to various markets around Vietnam, giving you the opportunity to engage in some spirited haggling for local handicrafts.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

• River Cruising: The Mekong is the main artery of Southeast Asia, pumping through China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, before it reaches Vietnam. A cruise around Ben Tre sees travelers explore where the Mekong Delta blends into the South China Sea.

• War History: One of the country's most fascinating war remnants is the Cu Chi Tunnel complex, an extensive network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong in their resistance during the American War.

• Lively Markets: A visit to the Cai Rang floating market is an almost overwhelming experience, as hundreds of boat vendors compete to sell fruit, vegetables, and hot food.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Saigon

On your first day in Saigon, you'll get to know this beautiful city by taking a colonial walking tour that takes in early-20th century architecture such as the Opera House, Ho Chí Minh City Hall and the Continental Hotel. In the afternoon, check out Ben Thanh Market downtown and haggle over local sweets or silks.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This elegant property is centrally located, mere steps from heritage museums, iconic landmarks, charming cafes, and contemporary art galleries.

Design: The Reverie’s over the top lavish design makes an attention-grabbing statement in a rapidly developing city.

Food: The Reverie brings world-class fare to the plate, serving artful culinary work, from casual to sophisticated, that caters to all diners.

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The Reverie Saigon Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Saigon

The Cu Chi Tunnels, 2 hours from Saigon, are a fascinating remnant of the Vietnam War. Today, you'll get the chance to explore these tunnels – now preserved as a war memorial – with the guidance of a local expert. Chinatown – Cholon – is your next destination, with the Bình Tay Market the main attraction. This huge market is where local vendors purchase their goods – it's here you can enjoy a truly authentic market experience. In the evening, enjoy fine dining in your luxury hotel.

Saigon
Saigon

Day 3

Can Tho

The Mekong is Southeast Asia's most important river and today you'll travel to Can Tho, the Mekong Delta's largest city. Today, you'll take a full-day cruise through the waterways of Ben Tre province, past lush countryside, islands and peaceful river towns. A

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

A Diner’s Dream: One can experience culinary samplings from around the world without even stepping off the hotel property. Moreover, traditional Vietnamese fare can be found in the nearby Can Tho.

Aesthetics: Light-earth tones and carefully sourced natural materials, inspires a sense of calmness and tranquility at the Azerai, bolstered by breathtaking views across the surrounding waters.

Destination: The rural charm and bustling happenings of the surrounding Mekong Delta make Azerai in Can Tho an ideal base for experiencing the sights, smells, and sounds of Vietnam.

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Azerai in Can Tho Preferred Hotel

Day 4

Chau Doc

The city of Chau Doc is a former trade hub, sporting a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese and Khmer influences. Here the main attraction is the bewilderingly large Cai Rang floating market – a must-see attraction on any Vietnam trip. Today you'll visit the market, visit a Khmer Buddhist temple, and embark on a leisurely floating village cruise. In the evening, enjoy the luxurious surrounds of the Victoria Chau Doc Hotel, a lovely old French mansion on the river.

Hotel Options
About

The Victoria Chau Doc hotel sits on the banks of the Bassac River in a region famed for its unique floating markets, villages and fish farms. Deep in the Mekong Delta, the elegant Victoria has 92 rooms and four junior suites with views of the fascinating river life.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Chau Doc
Chau Doc

Day 5

Phnom Penh

After an early morning  breakfast at the hotel, you'll transfer to Phnom Penh by speedboat. Enjoy a delightful journey down the Bassac River to the Mekong, taking in serene countryside, spotting temples and observing the ins and outs of local river life on the way to Phnom Penh.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Heritage: Although the Rosewood Phnom Penh comprises part of the world-renowned Rosewood family, the luxurious hotel is also dotted with aesthetics inspired by local Cambodian culture and roots.

Wellbeing: After a workout in the state-of-the-art gym and dip in the pool, the spa’s treatments, inspired by ancient and modern wellness techniques, are certain to leave the minds and bodies of guests feeling relaxed and healthy.

Cuisine: The exciting mix of interactive and immersive dining experiences offered promises to excite even the most discerning of guests.

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Rosewood Phnom Penh Preferred Hotel

Day 6

Departure

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and a private transfer will take you to the airport for your journey onward, whether home or another adventure in Asia. 

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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