Classic Mekong River Cruise: Cambodia & Vietnam

On arrival at Siem Reap airport you will be met by Goway's local representative and transfered to the hotel.

The balance of the day is at your leisure to relax or begin exporing the city at your own pace.

This morning, you will have the opportunity to explore the impressive grandeur of Angkor Thom, which served as the final capital of the great Khmer Empire. During your visit, you will discover the sprawling Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the enchanting Bayon. This 12th-century masterpiece sits at the very heart of Angkor Thom City and represents an extraordinary feat of symmetry and grandeur. The exterior gallery walls feature extensive bas-reliefs, but the towers are the main attraction, each adorned with three or four gently smiling faces, totaling over 200. Described by PJ de Beerski as "godliness in the majesty and the size, mystery in the expression," the towers are truly awe-inspiring.

Continue your explorations of temples at Ta Prohm, a temple that has remained mostly untouched since its rediscovery by French explorers. Surrounded by jungle, the temple's labyrinthine stone hallways are now overtaken by the roots and limbs of massive banyan trees, creating a remarkable visual spectacle. One of the largest temples at Angkor, Ta Prohm was dedicated in 1186 and has been noted by historians for its mystical charm. Have your lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will visit Angkor Wat, which is widely regarded as the world's largest religious structure. Its massive stone volume is said to be equivalent to that of Egypt's Cheops pyramid. What sets it apart from other Khmer temples is its Western orientation and its inspiration from 12th-century Hinduism. The symmetrical towers of Angkor Wat have become a stylized feature of the modern Cambodian flag. The temple, which was envisioned by Suryavarman II, took an estimated 30 years to complete and is believed to have been built as a funeral temple for the king. Despite its age, the temple has been continuously occupied by Buddhist monks and has remained remarkably well-preserved. One of the temple's most notable features is the intricate bas-reliefs that adorn its four sides, each of which tells a unique story. Among these, the Churning of the Sea of Milk, located on the eastern wing, is the most celebrated and your guide will provide a mystical explanation of its significance. Enjoy the sunset at the end of the tour.

This morning enjoy a half day cooking class - start with a hotel pick up by Remok, followed by a visit to one of the busiest local markets in Siem Reap for supplies then on to the restaurant for the cooking class. It can be hot work in the markets, so a cold welcome drink is served on arrival. The owner then provides a full introduction of all ingredients in their raw form and then usually we produce 2-3 dishes during the cooking class, followed by Lunch.

Travel by coach from Siem Reap to Kampong Cham for embarkation. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong and meet your crew for the next 7 nights.

In the morning we visit Angkor Ban and a local Cambodian school where the local library was built with the support of Pandaw and our guests. Guests are encouraged to bring books to donate to the library for children to read. After lunch, study the entire silk making process from worms to weavers with a visit to 'Silk Island'. After learning about the silk process there will be a demonstration of the ancient Khmer martial art of Bokator.

In the morning, travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong. On the way stop to visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre before taking a drive around the city. Rejoin your ship in Kampong Tralach for lunch onboard. In the afternoon travel by ox-cart around the river-side villages, markets and temples. In the evening cocktails are around a village fire pit where you will be joined by village folk excited to show their traditional dancing and delightful Khmer culture.

Morning orientation of Phnom Penh by cyclo visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda followed by the National Museum with its marvelous collection of Angkorian statuary. In the afternoon visit the Killing Fields and Genocide museum to learn more about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. Overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants and night life.

Anchor early morning and cruise downstream along the Mekong River to the Vietnam border for immigration formalities. Go alongside at the picturesque border town of Long Thuan and visit the floating fish farms by sampan. Make a stop at a Taoist temple where you will meet a local fortuneteller before continuing by Xi Loi through the riverside village and their various farms. Before heading back to the ship, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese Lion dance onshore.

Sailing through the delta offers a real insight into life along this vast waterway. Pass through a small canal and head ashore to Con Phuoc Island where to visit local craftspeople weaving bamboo baskets in the traditional way. After a demonstration, try your hand at making your own. Afterwards take a local tuk tuk for a drive through this peaceful village, stopping at a 100 year old church and meeting more of the friendly local community.

After lunch, journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre. This is an area rich in birdlife which you will explore via local transport before transferring to a local rowboat. Journey slowly through the bamboo covered canals before arriving at a village specialising in making local products. In the evening you will be entertained by a Vietnamese dance troupe on deck.

Morning disembarkation and travel by coach from My Tho to Ho Chi Minh City.

The balance of the day is yours to relax or explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own.

Starting the city tour with a visit to the historic former Presidential Palace. This landmark gained its place in history as the first North Vietnamese tanks passed by, signifying the end of the Vietnam War. Take a walk along Book Street, passing by the Notre Dame Cathedral, and stop by one of the local stands to purchase a Saigon postcard. Then visit the colonial-era Post Office, featuring classic Gothic, Renaissance, and French colonial designs. Take the opportunity to admire the stunning architecture of a bygone era and send a postcard to your family back home. Next, either walk or drive to the War Remnants Museum, primarily focuses on the Vietnam War but also showcases exhibits dating back to the French colonialist period and the first Indochina War.

After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, experience the vibrant district of Cholon, the heart of Saigon's Chinese community. Begin your exploration with a visit to FITO - the first museum on traditional herbal medicine, offering fascinating insights into traditional Vietnamese everyday life and medical development over the centuries.

Next, head to the Thien Hau temple, dedicated to the Lady of the Sea, who is believed to be able to locate and rescue those in trouble on the high seas. Enjoy a guided walk through the bustling trading areas, watch skillful craftsmen at work on Scissors Street. Along this former Rue de Canton, admire the ancient fusion French and Chinese architecture and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere of this unique district.

Then discover traditional herbal medicine quarter, just by standing on the street, you can inhale the typical smell of herbs spreading through the air. If time permits, stroll through the side road of the age-old Dai Quang Minh market. Don't get lost in the colorful world of stalls selling apparel and garment accessories from buttons, buckles to ribbons!

The A O Show (pronounced Ahhh! Ohhh!) has been performing to rapturous acclaim since February 2013. The 60-minute production depicts the transformation of modern Vietnamese society, taking the audience from the serenity and peacefulness of rural village life to the mayhem and frenzy of city dwelling through the medium of dance and music. Using acrobats, contemporary dancers, jugglers and martial arts experts, the performance is accompanied by an ensemble of harmonious instruments, some of which are rare these days and played only by a handful of musicians. Performed in the French colonial-era Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, commonly known as Saigon Opera House, the show is essential viewing for anyone with an interest in performing arts.

Following breakfast, you will be transfered to the airport for your onward flight.