12 Day Exclusive Mekong River Cruise With Flights

Today you’ll depart Australia to begin your exclusive MyHoliday2 Mekong River cruise adventure. When you arrive in Siem Reap, you’ll be met at the airport by one of our friendly tour representatives and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your own pace.

NOTE: Depending on your flight schedule, you may need to depart Australia on Day 0.

MEALS: Nil

OVERNIGHT: Lotus Blanc Resort, 5 Star Hotel, Siem Reap

NOTE: This itinerary also runs in reverse, starting in Ho Chi Minh City, ending in Siem Reap. The Vietnam extension will be PRE-CRUISE should you wish to add this on. All inclusions remain the same.

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at 8:00am for a full-day guided tour of the incredible Angkor temples.

You’ll explore the highlights of the UNESCO-listed Angkor Archaeological Park, including the famous Angkor Wat, the jungle-covered Ta Prohm, and the impressive Bayon Temple at Angkor Thom. Your guide will share fascinating stories and explain the unique carvings and architecture throughout the temples.

NOTE: Entrance fee for Angkor Wat cannot be pre booked and is payable in cash of USD$39 upon arrival at Angkor Wat.

• Discover the world’s longest continuous stone carving (bas relief) at Angkor Wat
• See how the jungle has taken over parts of Ta Prohm, making it one of the most atmospheric temples
• Visit the ancient city of Angkor Thom and marvel at the giant stone faces of Bayon Temple

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Lotus Blanc Resort, 5 Star Hotel, Siem Reap

After checking out of your hotel, you’ll have the morning free to relax or explore at your leisure. At 1:00pm, you’ll be met and transferred across land to embark on the cruise boat on Koh Chen. The journey takes around 5–6 hours by coach, so sit back, relax and watch the Cambodian countryside roll by.

Once you arrive, you’ll settle into your cabin and get to know the crew during a welcome cocktail. Dinner will be served on board, and you’ll spend the night on the ship as your river adventure begins.

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou II

This morning, you’ll cruise towards Kampong Chhnang while enjoying lunch on board. In the afternoon, you’ll visit Kampong Chhnang – one of the largest fishing ports on Tonle Sap Lake, also known for its floating fish farms. The area is famous for its traditional pottery, where ancient techniques are still used today. (Fun fact: Chhnang means “pot” in Khmer!) You’ll enjoy a tasting of local products before heading back to the ship.

Optional Activity: If you’re feeling active, you can choose to go on a cycling tour along the riverside and visit the pottery village for a closer look at local life.

After the visit, you’ll return to the ship and begin cruising to Kampong Tralach. Dinner will be served on board and you’ll spend the night on the ship.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou II

After breakfast on board, you’ll travel to Udong, the former royal capital of Cambodia for over 250 years. You’ll visit the Vipassana Dhura Pagoda, a peaceful place for Buddhist meditation, located at the base of a hill dotted with historic stupas from the last Khmer kings.

Next, you’ll climb Oudong Hill. It’s a bit of a workout with many steps, but once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the countryside, rice fields, and Tonlé Sap Lake. After taking in the scenery, enjoy a relaxed walk through this historic site.

You’ll return to the ship for lunch on board.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Wat Kampong Tralach Leu Pagoda, a beautiful temple surrounded by rice fields. To get there, you’ll travel through the charming village of Kampong Tralach along a small country road. The pagoda, built in the early 20th century, features lovely murals and stands on the remains of an older temple.

Optional Activity: If you’re up for it, you can choose a mountain biking experience through the rice fields for a scenic return to the ship.

Later, you’ll cruise towards Phnom Penh. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Khmer music and dance performance, followed by dinner on board.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou II

After breakfast on board, you’ll set off on a guided tour of Phnom Penh’s top highlights.

First, you’ll visit the stunning Royal Palace, one of the most iconic examples of traditional Cambodian architecture, along with the Silver Pagoda, located within the palace grounds. From there, you’ll continue to the National Museum, home to an impressive collection of Khmer art and artefacts.

In the afternoon, enjoy an authentic tuk-tuk tour through the city. You’ll stop at the beautifully restored Art Deco Central Market (Phsar Thmei), a buzzing hub for shopping, where you can browse for clothes, local snacks, souvenirs, and more.

After the market, take a walk through some of Phnom Penh’s lesser-known back streets and alleyways. This is a great opportunity to get a real feel for local life—see people playing traditional Cambodian-style chess, sipping coffee, and selling street food in a truly authentic setting.

Next, visit the historic Wat Phnom, the city’s namesake pagoda, built in 1373 to house sacred relics believed to have come from the river. Finally, enjoy a short walk through the French Quarter, where you’ll see elegant colonial buildings and Art Deco architecture dating back to the French Protectorate era.

You’ll return to the ship for dinner and begin cruising towards Vietnam in the evening.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou II

After breakfast on board, you’ll arrive at the Vinh Xuong border where the crew will take care of customs and entry formalities as you officially enter Vietnam.

Your first stop is Chau Doc, a lively town on the Cambodian–Vietnamese border known for its fishing and fish farming. From there, you’ll transfer to the stunning Tra Su Forest, where you’ll explore the area by small local boat. It’s a peaceful and scenic journey through lush greenery, filled with birdlife and unique plants.

You’ll return to the ship for lunch on board.

In the afternoon, get ready for a memorable experience as you take a cable car ride up Sam Mountain. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the countryside as you ascend. At the top, you’ll visit the Ba Chua Xu Temple, an important local pilgrimage site with great cultural significance.

Afterwards, you’ll return to the ship and begin sailing towards Sa Dec. Enjoy dinner on board, and spend the night on the cruise ship.

NOTE: Visas cannot be obtained when crossing the border by boat in either direction, therefore must be organised prior to arrival.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou II

After breakfast on board, you’ll hop on a local boat for a short scenic tour of Sa Dec, a charming town known for its authentic atmosphere and riverside markets. You’ll stroll through the bustling Sa Dec Market and visit the former home of Huynh Thuy Lê, the man who inspired Marguerite Duras’ famous novel The Lover.

Later in the morning, the ship will cruise towards Cai Be.

Once you arrive in Cai Be, you’ll take another local boat to explore the area. Visit a traditional craft village and see how local products are made using age-old techniques. Continue on to a fruit orchard, where you can try a variety of tropical fruits like jackfruit, durian, guava, rambutan, and longan. Sip hot tea, enjoy fresh fruit, and relax to the sounds of live traditional music.

Next, head to a local restaurant where you’ll take part in a fun cooking class led by a local chef. Afterwards, sit down to enjoy the lunch you helped prepare.

In the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax before joining a kayaking adventure along the peaceful Mekong waterways. Don’t worry if it’s your first time kayaking—it’s easy to pick up and offers a special view of the natural surroundings. You’ll also have the option to explore the countryside by mountain bike, giving you another way to experience the beauty of the Mekong Delta.

In the evening, return to the ship and begin cruising towards My Tho. Enjoy dinner on board and spend the night on the ship.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou II

After breakfast on board, you’ll begin your day with a local boat trip from My Tho to Thoi Son Island. Here, you’ll experience everyday life in the Mekong Delta—wander through the village, enjoy seasonal tropical fruits, and take a relaxing sampan ride through the peaceful canals for a closer look at the region’s unique landscape.

You’ll then hop on a bike ride to explore more of the island, passing through local villages and fruit orchards. This is a great chance to connect with locals and see how they live in this beautiful part of Vietnam.

Return to the ship for lunch on board, and spend the afternoon cruising along the Chao Gao Canal, the gateway to Ho Chi Minh City. This canal is full of life—boats, barges, and daily activity—offering a vibrant and fascinating look at riverside life. MyHoliday2 is proud to be one of the only cruise lines to include this stunning waterway.

You’ll arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) in the afternoon.

After dinner, you may want to join the optional “Saigon After Dark” excursion (surcharges apply).

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou II

OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Saigon After Dark

Saigon After Dark is a night tour that combines exploring the city and street food. Participants discover Saigon’s nightlife like the locals, riding on a vintage Vespa scooter.

Itinerary of the tour:

• Stop for a cocktail and an appetizer on the rooftop of a bar.
• Seafood tasting with a refreshing drink at a local restaurant.
• Stop at a Vietnamese pancake restaurant – Bánh Xèo, a Saigon specialty loved by the locals.
• The tour then takes you to a venue where you can enjoy live music while sipping a drink.

Throughout the stops, you will discover the vibrant nightlife of this city while admiring its iconic landmarks.

NOTE:

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Start your day with a tasty breakfast on board before heading into Ho Chi Minh City for a guided tour.

You’ll take a short drive downtown, then set off on a walking tour of the city’s most iconic sights. You’ll stop for photos at landmarks like the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Municipal Post Office, City Square, and the Opera House—all influenced by French colonial architecture from the 19th century.

As you explore, you’ll also stroll through some of the city’s beautiful green spaces—offering a peaceful contrast to the city’s hustle and bustle. You’ll also experience Vietnam’s famous coffee culture with a stop to enjoy a local brew in one of the city’s many coffee shops.

After the tour, return to the ship for lunch on board.

In the afternoon, you’ll discover Chinatown, where you’ll see everyday life unfold in the busy streets. You’ll visit the Giac Lam Pagoda, the oldest in Ho Chi Minh City, dating back over 300 years. Next, enjoy a short walk through the Flower Market and Binh Tay Market, where locals shop for fresh produce and traditional goods.

In the evening, return to the ship for a special farewell cocktail and dinner on board. The ship will stay docked overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou II

After enjoying breakfast on board, it’s time to disembark the ship and continue your journey on land.

You’ll visit the War Remnants Museum, where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s complex history through powerful exhibits and displays.

Afterwards, you’ll transfer to the Liberty Riverside Hotel and enjoy lunch upon arrival.

Following lunch, you’ll check in to your hotel and have the rest of the day free at leisure to relax, explore, or do a bit of shopping.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

OVERNIGHT: Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel, 4 Star Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.

If you’re not quite ready to leave, why not add an optional extend your holiday and explore more of Vietnam?

NOTE: Depending on flight schedules you might arrive on day 13

MEALS: Breakfast

NOTE: This itinerary also runs in reverse, starting in Ho Chi Minh City, ending in Siem Reap. The Vietnam extension will be PRE-CRUISE should you wish to add this on. All inclusions remain the same.

After breakfast at the hotel, your day begins with a transfer to the airport for your domestic flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang. Our driver will collect you from the hotel and ensure you arrive at the airport in good time for your early flight.

Upon arrival at Da Nang Airport, you’ll be met by our local driver and transferred directly to your hotel in Hoi An. The rest of the day is free to relax or begin exploring the charming streets of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed town at your leisure.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Hoi An Delicacy, 4 Star Hotel, Hoi An

NOTE: This itinerary also runs in reverse, starting in Ho Chi Minh City, ending in Siem Reap. The Vietnam extension will be PRE-CRUISE should you wish to add this on. All inclusions remain the same.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace in the charming town of Hoi An. Relax by the pool, explore the lantern-lit streets, or unwind at one of the many riverside cafés. For those seeking adventure, we offer two exciting optional tours: the ancient ruins of My Son Holy Land or the breathtaking Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Hoi An Delicacy, 4 Star Hotel, Hoi An

OPTIONAL EXCURSION: My Son Holy Land

Departing at 8:00 AM, this full-day tour takes you 40km southwest to the UNESCO-listed My Son Sanctuary. Often compared to Bagan in Myanmar, this ancient site was the spiritual centre of the Cham civilisation from the 7th to 13th centuries. Explore the impressive ruins with an English-speaking guide and learn about their cultural significance. Enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Hoi An in the afternoon. Tour includes transport, guide, entrance fees, lunch, and refreshments.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Ba Na Hills & Golden Bridge

Begin your full-day adventure at 8:00 AM with a scenic cable car ride to Ba Na Hills. Soar above lush jungle to reach Le Jardin and the remains of colonial-era French villas. Continue to the Fantasy Park, one of the world’s largest indoor amusement parks, where select games are included. Enjoy a buffet lunch before reaching the summit of Chua Mountain at 1,487m for sweeping views of Da Nang. The highlight is the stunning Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands. Tour includes transport, guide, cable car tickets, entrance fees, lunch, and refreshments.

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will collect you for your transfer to Da Nang Airport. From here, you’ll board your flight to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure—relax at the hotel or start exploring the lively streets and rich culture of Hanoi on your own.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Hanoi Pearl, 4 Star Hotel, Hanoi

Start the day with an early morning pickup from your hotel for the journey through the scenic Vietnamese countryside to the breathtaking Ha Long Bay. Famous for its emerald waters and limestone karsts, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers some of the most iconic views in Vietnam.

Upon arrival, board your traditional junk boat and enjoy a delicious seafood lunch as you begin cruising through the bay, surrounded by hundreds of towering islets. In the afternoon, take part in a variety of water activities such as swimming, kayaking, or a peaceful rowing boat ride to explore hidden caves and spot playful monkeys on the rocky cliffs.

As the sun sets, unwind with optional squid fishing, stargazing from the deck, or simply relax with fellow travellers over a cold drink. Spend the night onboard in your comfortable private cabin, immersed in the tranquillity of Ha Long Bay.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Le Journey Cruise, 4 Star Cruise

This morning, continue your cruise through the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay. One of the highlights is a guided visit to the impressive “Amazing Cave,” filled with striking stalagmites and stalactites that create a natural masterpiece.

After the cave visit, return to the boat and enjoy a final buffet lunch on board as you sail back to the harbour. From there, begin the return journey to Hanoi by road, arriving in the late afternoon at approximately 5:00 PM.

The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. Take the opportunity to explore Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter, browse the markets, or sample local street food for dinner.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch

OVERNIGHT: Hanoi Pearl, 4 Star Hotel, Hanoi

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day at your own pace to explore Hanoi. Wander through the bustling Old Quarter, visit museums, or relax at a local café soaking up the city’s unique charm.

For those interested in a deeper cultural experience, an optional **Hanoi City Tour** is available. This guided tour offers insight into the city’s rich history, including key landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the famous One Pillar Pagoda.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Hanoi Pearl, 4 Star Hotel, Hanoi

OPTIONAL EXCURSION: Hanoi City Tour

Enjoy a full-day guided tour of Hanoi, starting with a free pick-up from your hotel at 8:00 AM. Begin your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where you can learn about the historical and architectural significance of Uncle Ho’s final resting place. Nearby, explore Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a cultural symbol of Hanoi dating back to 1049. Continue your morning with a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, located by the serene West Lake and recognised as one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the tour includes a visit to Bat Trang Pottery Village, renowned for its traditional ceramics.

Enjoy lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant before proceeding to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (included on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays), offering fascinating insights into Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups. The afternoon continues with a stop at the Temple of Literature and Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam’s first national university built in 1070, where you can admire its peaceful gardens and traditional architecture. Then take a scenic drive past Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the Ngoc Son Temple before concluding the day with free time to explore and shop in Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter. The tour finishes around 3:30–4:00 PM, after which you’ll return to your hotel.

Breakfast will be provided at your hotel, with lunch included at a local restaurant. Dinner is at your own expense. The tour includes transport by minivan, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, bottled water, and a refreshing towel.

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will transfer you to the airport for your return flight home.

NOTE: Depending on your flight schedule, you may arrive at your final destination on Day 19.

MEALS: Breakfast

NOTE: This itinerary also runs in reverse, starting in Ho Chi Minh City, ending in Siem Reap. The Vietnam extension will be PRE-CRUISE should you wish to add this on. All inclusions remain the same.