Advice regarding Mekong cruise or Cambodia/Vietnam visit?

[Guest]

Have any of you taken a cruise on the Mekong River, or done a Vietnam/Cambodia visit some other way? Is the cruise itself worthwhile, or would it be better to just fly around and take busses? Most of the cruises don't seem to include extensions to see other parts of Vietnam (such as Hanoi), so I'd have to probably arrange for an additional tour if I wanted to see Vietnam. The cruises can already take up 2 weeks, so that could end up being a pretty long trip. Here's an example of a cruise I found:

https://www.avalonwaterways.com/river-cruise/fascinating-vietnam-cambodia-the-mekong-river-southbound/WSHI/?season=2023

Edited April 25, 2022 by Unicorn

[Rod Hagen]

When I visited Vietnam I just flew from site to site.  Amanoi*, Saigon, Danang/Hoi An, Hanoi. From Hanoi, you have to take a @4-hour bus to get to Halong Bay.  Great country, have fun.

*https://www.aman.com/resorts/amanoi

 

 

[+ Lucky]

We took a boat ride from HCMC down the river. We stopped at  a few villages, but were not welcome at some where they didn't like Americans. It was an all day trip.

[+ WilliamM]

I spent a year near Saigon. Very hot to the point of being overwhelming.

[TumYum]

I studied and worked in Bangkok and rural Thailand... and on a university sponsored project in Cambodia.  Perhaps i can help?

[Guest]

We decided on only a brief portion with a cruise. Here's our itinerary:

Day 1

Thu 05-Jan-2023    Arrival - Ho Chi Minh City

 

Transfer via: Flight, arranged on your own

Accommodations: Booked on your own

On arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), our tour guide greets you at the airport with Odynovo Tours welcome sign and transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax, or head out into the city for a little adventure on your own.

Day 2

Fri 06-Jan-2023    Ho Chi Minh City

 

Meals: Lunch

Accommodations: Booked on your own

This morning set out for the incredible underground Cu Chi Tunnels, and then drive back to Ho Chi Minh City to visit the Ben Thanh market, War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace (the former Presidential Palace), Old Saigon Post Office and Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) absolutely nice choices for a free stroll.

Day 3

Sat 07-Jan-2023    Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho - Can Tho

 

Transfer via: Ho Chi Minh City - My Tho, Private vehicle, arranged by Odynovo(Drive from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho )
My Tho - Can Tho, Private vehicle, arranged by Odynovo

Meals: Lunch

Accommodations: Victoria Can Tho Resort(5 star), Superior Room

Today we head for a My Tho tour in Mekong Delta, after My Tho tour we drive to Can Tho. Check in and enjoy some leisure time on your own.

Day 4

Sun 08-Jan-2023    Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap

 

Transfer via: Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City, Private vehicle, arranged by Odynovo
Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap, Flight, Business Class, arranged by Odynovo(TBA, 00:00 - 00:00 )

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: Booked on your own

Today starts with a boat cruise along the endless waterway of mighty Mekong River. Visit the Cai Rang Floating Market where hundreds of boats are loaded with fruits, vegetables and fish jostling for trade, and the Bun Tau Noodle Factory. Afternoon go back to Ho Chi Minh City for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, our guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

Day 5

Mon 09-Jan-2023    Siem Reap

 

Meals: Lunch

Accommodations: Booked on your own

Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to South Gate of Angkor Thom, visit Bayon Temple and Elephant Terrace. After lunch at local restaurant, continue to visit Angkor Wat Temple, the heritage of the world, then continue to enjoy sunset view at Bakheng Hill (or at less crowded Pre Rup temple).

Day 6

Tue 10-Jan-2023    Siem Reap

 

Meals: Lunch

Accommodations: Booked on your own

If you want, you can take the Early morning trip to enjoy stunning sunrise of Angkor Wat. Breakfast either at hotel or take away is available. Start the day by visiting some local villages on the way to Banteay Srei Temples. Have lunch at local restaurant. Ta Prohm Temple and Ta Keo Temple are your next stops before some leisure time in the late afternoon.

Day 7

Wed 11-Jan-2023    Siem Reap - Luang Prabang

 

Transfer via: Flight, Economy Class, arranged by Odynovo(VN )

Meals: Lunch

Accommodations: Booked on your own

In the morning, you will embark to visit Khmer Village, then board on boat in Tonle Sap Lake. After that, transfer to airport for your afternoon flight to Luang Prabang. Upon your arrival, be met and escorted to your hotel for check-in and leisure for th rest of the day. If you want, walk around the Night Market on your own in the evening.

Day 8

Thu 12-Jan-2023    Luang Prabang

 

Meals: Lunch

Accommodations: Booked on your own

After breakfast, enjoy a cultural excursion of the city, visit the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Sene, and the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, the largest and most splendid one. Then board a cruiser upstream in the Mekong River, get a panoramic view of the tranquil countryside and explore the mysterious Pak Ou Cave, which is crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way visit Ban Xanghai Village and Ban XangKhong Village.
In the afternoon, it's an easy city tour to the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham and Wat Mai.

Day 9

Fri 13-Jan-2023    Luang Prabang

 

Meals: Lunch

Accommodations: Booked on your own

If you like, observe the morning alms-giving ritual in the early morning at 5:40am, and then have a short visit to the Morning Market. After that, go back to hotel for breakfast and the rest of the morning is yours to recover from the early get-up or explore the city on your own.
Our guided tour for the afternoon starts with some local villages of Lao minority groups at Ban Na Ouane Village. Then transfer to the beautiful Khouang Si Waterfalls where you can splash around in the turquoise pools or walk along the forest trails. Return to the city by late afternoon to catch the sunset at Wat Phabath.

Day 10

Sat 14-Jan-2023    Luang Prabang - Hanoi

 

Transfer via: Flight, Economy Class, arranged by Odynovo

Accommodations: Booked on your own

Enjoy your leisure time before to be escorted to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. On arrival, you will be met and driven to the hotel for check-in and settle in for the night.

Day 11

Sun 15-Jan-2023    Hanoi

 

Meals: Lunch

Accommodations: Booked on your own

In the morning, explore Hanoi by touring some major historic sites, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh House on Stilt, One Pillar Pagoda, Hoa Lo prison and Temple of Literature.
In the afternoon, we visit Museum of Ethnology and cycle through the Old Quarter of Hanoi (by Rickshaw) (about 1hr), last stop is Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and enjoy a Water Puppet Show to learn more about Vietnamese traditional culture.

Note:
Please note that the HCM Mausoleum is closed on Fridays and Mondays and Museum of Ethnology is closed on Mondays.

Day 12

Mon 16-Jan-2023    Hanoi - Halong Bay

 

Transfer via: Private vehicle, arranged by Odynovo

Meals: Lunch, Dinner on ship

Accommodations: Bhaya Classic Premium(5 star), Premium Balcony Cabin

09:00: Transfer from Hanoi to Halong.
12:30 Arrived at Bhaya Cruise Center, located within the Tuan Chau International Marina.
12:45 Board the Bhaya Classic and inspect your cabin before heading to the restaurant for a safety briefing. Enjoy the welcome drink while meeting the Cruise Manager and the crew.
13:00 Try an assortment of Vietnamese dishes during a buffet lunch as the Bhaya Classic cruises towards the southeast of Halong Bay, passing Trong Mai Islet,Ngon Tay Islet, Con Coc Islet, Cua Van Floating Culture Center.
15:30 Visit Trinh Nu Cave - one of the finest sunlight-filled cave in Halong Bay covering an area of 2,000m 2 with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Trinh Nu Cave is an exclusive destination for Bhaya Cruises’ passengers.
15:45 Take a swim or sunbathe or kayak on Trinh Nu area’s beautiful private beach.
17:00 Return to Bhaya Classic and freshen up for the evening’s activities. Bar opens for Happy Hour for buy one get one free on a selection of drinks with complimentary snacks.
17:30 Join the exciting Master Chef “Halong Bay Edition” Competition and fruit carving demonstration on the sundeck (or in the restaurant, depending on the weather). Try your hand at creating authentic Vietnamese dishes, with the winner of the competition awarded with surprising gifts. Don’t miss out on admiring the sunset over enchanting Halong Bay as Bhaya Classic anchors for an overnight stay.
19:30 Savor the delicious set-menu dinner in the restaurant.
21:00 Free time to enjoy a drink at the bar or stargaze on the sundeck.

Day 13

Tue 17-Jan-2023    Halong Bay - Hanoi - Hue

 

Transfer via: Halong Bay - Hanoi, Private vehicle, arranged by Odynovo
Hanoi - Hue, Flight, Economy Class, arranged by Odynovo(TBA )

Meals: Breakfast on ship

Accommodations: Indochine Palace(5 star), Palace Deluxe Room

06:15 Don’t miss out the sunrise Tai Chi lesson this morning as complimentary tea and coffee is served.
07:00 A light breakfast is served in the restaurant while Bhaya Classic cruises towards the center of Halong Bay.
07:30 Explore Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave inside Halong Bay with 10,000 square meters of space hold thousands of stalactites and stalagmites and are threaded by a 500-meter paved passageway.
08:30 Return to Bhaya Classic and prepare to check out.
09:30 Enjoy the brunch buffet as Bhaya Classic cruises back to the port, passing Lom Bo Island, Trong Mai Islet and Ba Hang Fishermen Village.
10:30 Disembark from Bhaya Classic at Tuan Chau International Marina. 06:30 Practice one of the oldest traditions of East Asia: Tai Chi – A beautiful and relaxing experience on the open deck. Tea and coffee are served.

Our guide and driver will await you at the pier. Then drive to Hanoi Airport (around 3 hours) for late afternoon flight to Imperial City – Hue City. Upon arrival, hotel checks in and free at leisure in the evening.

Day 14

Wed 18-Jan-2023    Hue

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: Indochine Palace(5 star), Palace Deluxe Room

After breakfast, you will first visit the Royal Tomb of King Ming Mang. Then sail on the Perfume River by Royal Dragon Boat to the seven-storey Thien Mu Pagoda. Transfer to visit Imperial Citadel with cobbled paths and tour the Forbidden Purple City. Later on, absorb the energy, sounds and odors of the bustling Dong Ba Market.

Day 15

Thu 19-Jan-2023    Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An

 

Transfer via: Hue - Da Nang, Private vehicle, arranged by Odynovo
Da Nang - Hoi An, Private vehicle, arranged by Odynovo

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: Allegro Hoi An – Little Luxury Hotel & Spa(5 star), Junior Suite

After a relaxing breakfast we head for Hoi An. On the way, we stop to visit Hai Van Pass, Non Nuoc Beach, Cham Museums, Marble Mountain. Have lunch at local restaurant. Arrive in Hoi An in the afternoon, check in to hotel and have some free time on your own.

Day 16

Fri 20-Jan-2023    Hoi An

 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: Allegro Hoi An – Little Luxury Hotel & Spa(5 star), Junior Suite

Today starts with an Fisherman Eco tour - drive to the fishing village, board a join-in Hoi An eco-tour boat cruising on the Cua Dai River, learn hands-on experience of casting fishing net from local fishermen, then paddle the private Vietnamese bamboo basket boat to have unprecedented fun. Return to the join-in boat for refreshment and lunch. In the afternoon, you'll get a real feel for this tiny town by taking a light excursion to Japanese Bridge, Chinese Temple and Vietnamese former merchants houses. Our guide will tell you all the stories behind these historical relics.

Day 17

Sat 21-Jan-2023    Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City - Exit

 

Transfer via: Hoi An - Da Nang, Private vehicle, arranged by Odynovo
Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City, Flight, Economy Class, arranged by Odynovo(noon flight )
Ho Chi Minh City - Exit, Flight, arranged on your own

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City to connect your departure flight back home.

[mike carey]

@Unicorn that looks good! I assume that the tour company is giving you advice about requirements for Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian visas.

[Guest]

24 minutes ago, mike carey said:

@Unicorn that looks good! I assume that the tour company is giving you advice about requirements for Vietnamese, Cambodian and Laotian visas.

Yes--a visa on arrival is available for all 3 countries for US citizens, but since we'll have two entries into Vietnam, I think I'm going to just get a regular visa sticker for a multiple-entry visa from the consulate in San Francisco (mailing in the passport, of course). No consulate in Los Angeles. 

 

Things are bound to change in the coming months, but Laos finally opened up fully. You don't even need any testing prior to entry now. Only Japan and China are staying loony for now:

 

Edited May 11, 2022 by Unicorn

[Guest]

"This morning set out for the incredible underground Cu Chi Tunnels..."

My partner and I are fans of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical. Those tunnels got us thinking of one of its songs...

 

You're my little chu-chi face
My cu-chi, cu-chi, woo-chi little chu-chi face
Every time I look at you I sigh

...

Together we're a chu-chi woo-chi, ooo-chi cu-chi
Chu-chi, Woo-chi, Ooo-chi, Cu-chi pair
Chu-chi
Woo-chi
Ooo-chi
Cu-chi pair

🎵

Edited May 11, 2022 by Unicorn