Mekong Experience

This comprehensive tour of Cambodia and Vietnam features ancient ruins and impressive landscapes, bustling cities and historic towns, and rural life along the Mekong River.

Begin with a two-day exploration of Angkor—the ruins of the ancient Khmer empire. Visit Angkor Wat, an enormous temple city built as a model of the Hindu universe in stone. Nearby is Angkor Thom, a former capital believed to have once housed a population of approximately one million people around its Bayon, Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King. See how the jungle grows over and through Ta Prohm, and stop at the serene Preah Khan, originally a monastery and teaching center. Drive through the countryside to the popular Banteay Srei (“citadel of the women”), a petite temple with elaborate carvings in pinkish sandstone. Cruise by the floating villages of Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and an ecological wonder. Watch the sun set over Angkor from atop Phnom Bakheng. Observe local students learning traditional Cambodian arts at Artisans d’Angkor.

Next, fly to Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. At the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, see a Buddha made of Baccarat crystal and another of gold and diamonds. At the National Museum, view the world’s premier collection of ancient Khmer sculpture and artifacts. Explore the city’s markets and shop for local textiles and silver. And there will also be time to enjoy Phnom Penh’s vibrant cafés and have a drink at the Foreign Correspondents Club—a local institution.

Cruise the Mekong River by speedboat and cross into Vietnam. Stay at Chau Doc, a trading town in the Mekong Delta whose rural life is inflected by the traditions of Cham and Khmer minorities, and of the Hoa Hao religion. Continue downstream to Can Tho, exploring vibrant floating markets, lush fruit orchards and other aspects of life on the river.

Transfer by private car to dynamic Saigon, the country’s bustling commercial center. With your own expert guide and driver, experience the city's most interesting neighborhoods, historic attractions, museums, art galleries and shops, markets, and excellent restaurants. One day, take a private riverboat ride to see villages and markets in the countryside en route to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Next, fly to Hue, the former imperial capital, in central Vietnam. Visit royal tombs, the imperial Citadel the Forbidden Purple City, and take a cruise along the Perfume River. Meet with monks at an ancient pagoda and learn about Buddhism and life as a monk. Visit markets, sample Hue's vegetarian cuisine, and dine at a private home that once belonged to the royal family.

Continue on a coastal drive to atmospheric Hoi An, a UNESCO-listed riverfront town with colorful historic homes, charming cafes, and bustling silk and fish markets. With your guide, explore the beautiful backstreets, visit local villages, and enjoy a sunset boat ride on the river. Nearby, also see ancient Cham sculptures and tour Buddhist cave temples in the mountains.

Wrap up in Hanoi, Vietnam’s artistic and intellectual capital. With your guide, ride cyclos around the lake to see the city's most beautiful French colonial architecture. Explore the fascinating Old Quarter and its hundreds of specialty shops selling silk clothing, lacquerware, embroidered linens, furniture, bamboo, cooking utensils, ceremonial objects and more. Attend an evening Water Puppet Theater performance. Meet with a renowned local scholar (and true local character!) who will provide an inside perspective on Hanoi and how it has changed over the decades. Visit ancient temples, excellent art and culture museums, and the city's best contemporary Vietnamese art galleries. Each night, reservations will be made at Hanoi's most recommended restaurants, many of which are housed in restored French colonial villas. Spend one day cruising among the beautiful limestone islands in Halong Bay.