Example Itinerary
One River, Two Countries: Saigon to Phnom Penh by Mekong
- Duration
- 6 days / 5 nights
- Price Per Person
-
Terms & Conditions
Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.
- Interests
- Heritage
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
MapSaigon
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
MapSaigon
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.

Day 3
MapCan 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
MapChau 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

Day 5
MapPhnom 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

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.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
The Nam Hai’s Blaise Claude Montandon on Travel in Post-COVID Vietnam
- Author
- Travelogues
Travelogues speaks with the Nam Hai’s general manager Blaise Claude Montandon on the future of travel in Vietnam.
Spotlight on Vietnam: Favorite Remote Lands Journeys
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As Vietnam looks to resume international flights in the near future, Remote Lands features a few favorite journeys to get you started.
Vietnam War History Expedition
- Author
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The history of Vietnam is complex, rich and at times very troubling. A country often divided and fighting for its independence, the Vietnam of today is making a name for itself as an “it” tourism destination, with its delicious food, gorgeous beaches, fascinating cities and welcoming people.
What Others Say
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A couple from Guangzhou, China - Aman Jet Expedition 2017
We will still remember every beautiful and remarkable moment you created for us during the trip for years to come.