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

Map

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

Day 2

Map

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

Map

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

Day 4

Map

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
Chau Doc
Chau Doc

Day 5

Map

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

Day 6

Map

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.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, 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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