Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Bangkok (Southbound)

Summary

On this unique and inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise through Cambodia and Vietnam—including a stay in Bangkok, Thailand—you’ll be immersed in the cultures and ancient traditions as you sightsee and spend time with locals in the most fascinating places along the mighty Mekong River.

Begin in fascinating Siem Reap, Cambodia, to see the phenomenal Temples of Angkor with an intricacy and architectural grandeur unmatched in the world. Be amazed at famous Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and the splendid Bayon temple featuring some 200 mysterious faces carved in its many towers. Enjoy an inspiring Aspara dance performance and tour the other gems of the city before embarking on your river cruise. In the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, tour the National Museum and Royal Palace with its striking Silver Pagoda. On a hilltop at the site of the 8th-century temple of Wat Hanchey, take in the stunning views before walking through the rural village of Angkor Ban to visit with welcoming school children.

Continue your cruise into Vietnam and visit a vibrant market, the home of a local family making handcrafted sampans, and a workshop to learn how rice wine and traditional candies are made. In bustling Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll visit the famous landmarks and try your hand in the kitchen—Vietnamese-style, with a cooking class. On an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, you’ll walk through a section of the immense underground tunnel system used extensively during the Vietnam War.

Your Southeast Asia adventure concludes in Bangkok, the enchanting capital of Thailand, where you’ll get up close to its most renowned temples, including the Temple of the Reclining Buddha—the oldest and largest of its kind. You’ll also have plenty of leisure time to explore the “Venice of the East”—a perfect ending to this remarkable and cultural journey!