Spiritual Cambodia and the Mekong
with APT Luxury Travel
- 7 nights aboard APT's new luxury river ship Mekong Serenity
- Locally inspired dining and a wide range of onboard beverages
- Witness the sun rising above Cambodia’s Angkor Wat
- Save up to $1400 per couple^
Experience the history of Cambodia and Vietnam on this River Cruise. Venture to Angkor Wat, cruise along the Mekong River and explore the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
Connecting the two countries, the mighty Mekong River peacefully meanders past villages as it flows through the stunning countryside — a region perfectly suited to river cruising.
Highlights
- Witness the sun rising above Cambodia's Angkor Wat.
- Be welcomed by monks into a traditional Buddhist Blessing.
- Jump in a tuk tuk and explore the charming island of Koh Pen
- Indulge in a tantalising five-course Khmer dinner, while enjoying a traditional Apsara dance performance accompanied by live musicians in the gardens of a private gallery
Inclusions
- Experiences in 12 destinations
- Freedom of Choice Inclusions in two locations
- Locally inspired dining – a total of 26 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
- Seven-night cruise aboard APT's new luxury river ship the Mekong Serenity
Please note, this itinerary operates in Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City and vice versa direction. Please enquire with your local RAC travel consultant for departure dates, direction of cruise and current availability as well as pricing.
Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap
Be met on arrival and transfer to your luxurious hotel in the heart of the city. Once you’ve settled in, enjoy the day at your leisure. Tonight, savour dinner with your fellow travellers.
Stay: Three Nights, Siem Reap, Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort
Daily: Dinner
Day 2: Siem Reap
Begin your exploration of the World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park with a visit to Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital of the Khmer Empire. Built during the heyday of the Empire in the 12th century, this is an extraordinary complex of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Head to the intriguing Bayon Temple, with its carved stone smiling faces of gods, goddesses, and other mythological beings. Visit the Terrace of Elephants, which used to be the base for the king's grand audience hall and the Terrace of the Leper King, which housed the royal crematory.
Journey to Ta Prohm, known for the thick jungle of fig trees and vines that have enveloped the structure, giving it a lost-world feel. Ta Prohm is commonly referred to as the 'Tomb Raider Temple' due to it being used as a location in the film ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’, which starred Angelina Jolie. The temple offers a captivating glimpse into the past and is a testament to a bygone era. En route to the hotel, enjoy your Signature Experience. Later this evening, delight in another captivating Signature Experience.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE - Local Charity Visit
Visit Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner. ODA provides free English education and an introduction to computer skills to children living in Siem Reap’s remote villages, with the aim to improve future employment opportunities.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE - VIP Circus Show and Backstage Visit
Be welcomed backstage at Phare Circus to meet some of the performers and witness a mesmerising performance from your VIP seats. This unforgettable spectacle showcases the country’s rich culture and talent by combining captivating acrobatics, theatre, and storytelling.
Daily: Breakfast
Day 3: Siem Reap
Wake early this morning and travel back to Angkor Archaeological Park for a special Signature Experience. Afterwards, join a guided exploration of this well-preserved temple, then return to your hotel for breakfast. This afternoon, step out on your chosen Freedom of Choice activity. Tonight, your Signature Experience awaits. Set amid a stunning garden, this promises to be an enchanting and memorable evening.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE - Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Visit Angkor Archaeological Park to witness a spectacular sunrise at the magnificent Angkor Wat. Observe the iconic temple complex shimmer in the reflective ponds in front of this World Heritage-listed monument, while brilliant shades of orange and pink light up the sky.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE - Gallery Visit with Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance
Treat yourself to a private visit to Theam's Gallery and discover this talented Cambodian artist, known for his unique sculptures, paintings, and intricate crafts. Indulge in a tantalising five-course Khmer dinner while enjoying a traditional Apsara dance performance accompanied by live musicians.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Tuk Tuk Ride to Senteurs d’Angkor
Perhaps enjoy an exciting tuk tuk ride to the Senteurs d’Angkor workshop, a handicraft centre where you can observe the artisans in their workshops and gain an appreciation for their ancient crafts. Discover how they integrate contemporary designs inspired by Khmer know-how.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Quad Bike Adventure
Embark on an exhilarating quad biking experience in the Cambodian countryside outside Siem Reap. Venture along quiet off-road tracks and see rice fields, forgotten temples and local communities.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Bicycle Tour
Journey to the countryside villages next to Siem Reap. Surrounded by rice paddies and ancient ponds, you’ll cycle along quiet back trails to experience local rural life at its most picturesque. Observe daily farming activities.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Horse and Cart Ride
Climb aboard a hand-made horse cart and set off on an authentic journey into the heart of rural Cambodia. Travel off the beaten path, navigating a variety of terrain through the beautiful countryside.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Khmer Cooking Class
Travel to a market and meet your Khmer chef. Then, continue to Lum Orng, Cambodia’s first farm-to-table restaurant, which is famed for its New Mekong cuisine. Here, prepare a selection of dishes to taste.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Siem Reap Shopping Adventure
Explore Siem Reap’s vibrant arts and crafts scene, starting at the Angkor Handicraft Association. This Fair-Trade Village is home to a wide variety of artisans who produce handmade goods using traditional techniques.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Khmer Massage
Let your cares melt away and be rejuvenated by the healing powers of traditional Khmer massage. This oil-free 60-minute massage uses firm acupressure and muscular stretching to rebalance your energy.
Daily: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Embark Ship, Koh Pen, Angkor Ban
Journey through remote Cambodian villages to Kampong Cham, where you'll board the Mekong Serenity, your home for the next seven nights. Following lunch on board, discover the island of Koh Pen with its wooden stilt houses and local farming culture during your Signature Experience. Tonight, a welcome dinner awaits, showcasing the diverse flavours from the region
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE - Tuk Tuk Tour of Koh Pen
Journey by local tuk tuk around a riverside village and gain an insight into village life. Travel along the shaded lanes past stilted houses and see a varying range of crops growing.
Stay: Seven Nights, Mekong River, Mekong Serenity
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Angkor Ban, Oknha Tey, Phnom Penh
Join a walking discovery of Angkor Ban, one of the few villages in Cambodia not destroyed under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Later, your ship glides between the lush banks of the Mekong to Oknha Tey, which is renowned for its silk weaving traditions. Stroll among the stilt houses and learn about the traditional silk weaving process. Watch as the village women create beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Phnom Penh
Today presents a wealth of included sightseeing choices. After lunch back on board, you may wish to explore Phnom Penh independently or simply relax.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Killing Fields and Genocide Museum
Learn about a confronting part of Cambodian history during a sobering visit to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Cyclo Ride
Explore Phnom Penh by what was the most popular form of transportation throughout Southeast Asia in the 1960s, the cyclo. Weave past some of the city’s most iconic sites.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Visit the National Museum
Accompanied by your private museum guide, discover the most important pieces within the National Museum of Cambodia. The collection includes the world’s finest display of Khmer sculptures, art and relics.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda
Discover Cambodia’s Royal Palace, the official residence of the King. Completed in 1870, the palace is a fine example of Khmer architecture with elements of French influence. The palace also houses the Silver Pagoda.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh
Disembark in Phnom Penh and discover Oudong, a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians. While here, enjoy a Signature Experience. On the way back to your ship, take a leisurely stroll through the village of Koh Chen and visit some home workshops that make copperware. The afternoon is yours to explore Phnom Penh as you wish.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE - Buddhist Blessing Ceremony
Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony for good luck, health and safe journey, with resident monks at a monastery in Oudong.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Phnom Penh, Border Crossing, Tan Chau
Spend the day cruising towards the Vietnamese border. While border formalities are carried out, enjoy the onboard activities, which could include a lively presentation from your local guides, a fruit-carving demonstration, or even a cooking workshop where you will learn the art of creating Vietnamese spring rolls. Alternatively, relax your body with a rejuvenating treatment from the Spa and Wellness Centre. Cross into Vietnam and cruise to the riverside town of Tan Chau, the first stop after the border.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Tan Chau, Evergreen Island, Sa Dec
Transfer to a small boat for a journey along the tiny tributaries that snake around the riverside town of Tan Chau. Cruise past a floating fish farm, then step ashore for a rickshaw tour of Tan Chau. On board your rickshaw, you’ll glide past small shops and meet locals who are always eager to say hello. Stop to pay a visit to a local silk and rattan weaving workshop. Later, step back in time during a visit to Evergreen Island, where you’ll experience authentic rural Mekong life. The remainder of today is left free for you to relax and take a moment to watch local life gently glide by as you cruise towards Sa Dec.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Sa Dec, Cai Be, My Tho
Journey by small tender boat past floating fish farms to Sa Dec, where French writer Marguerite Duras met her Vietnamese-Chinese lover, Huynh Thuy Le. Tour his former home and learn the story behind Duras' best-selling novel, ‘The Lover’. After, visit a traditional Cao Dai temple. Return to the ship and sit down to a delicious lunch while you cruise towards Cai Be. Board your tender boat, where you'll visit Cai Be Church and the port area. Then, visit a rice paper manufacturer to learn how this Vietnamese staple is made.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: My Tho, Disembark Ship, Ho Chi Minh City
Bid farewell to the crew and disembark your ship at My Tho. Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, then to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.
Daily: Breakfast
Departures: Available January - February 2025 and July 2025 - April 2026 (seasonal surcharges apply)
Cabin category | Price per person, twin share* |
---|---|
Category E- Panoramic Balcony, Outside Balcony | From $6395 |
*Prices are per person, twin share. Advertised price based on 25 July 2025 departures and includes maximum advertised saving. Other dates are available at seasonal surcharge. Prices and availability are subject to change. Please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for available departure dates and current pricing.
*Terms & Conditions apply. Prices are per person (pp), AUD, twin share and subject to change. Advertised price is based on 25 July 2025 departure, includes maximum saving and is based on Cat. E cabin. Information correct as at 26 November 2024 but may fluctuate due to changes in surcharges, taxes or currency.
^Save up to $1400 per couple: Strictly limited. Save up to $1400 per couple ($700 per person) when you book any APT Vietnam & Cambodia 11 day tour. Save amount includes dollar saving of $1000 per couple ($500 per person) and is valid until 31 March 2025 or until sold out, and Bonus Saving of $400 per couple ($200 per person) on July and August 2025 dates. A $1,000 per person non-refundable deposit must be paid within 7 days of booking. Discount is combinable with Travel with Friends Discount where applicable.
General Information and Conditions: All pricing and amounts shown are in Australian Dollars. Information and offers are correct as of 26 November 2024 but may fluctuate due to changes in availability, surcharges, fees, taxes or exchange rates. A limited number of offers are available until sold out, are subject to availability and are only available on new bookings. Offers are not transferable nor redeemable for cash and may be withdrawn at any time. Not valid in conjunction with any other offers unless specified. A non-refundable deposit of $1000 per person is required within seven days of booking. Full payment is required 100 days prior to departure.
Travel with Friends Discount: Save $300 per couple ($150 per person) when you book any APT Vietnam & Cambodia tour of 8-11 touring days in duration departing July-December 2025. Available when six or more people book at the same time and travel together on the same escorted tour and departure date. Not combinable with any other group discount. This offer is combinable with applicable dollar saving and Early Payment Discount.
General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.