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Vietnam and Cambodia River Cruise with Emerald Cruises
Embark on an unforgettable Vietnam and Cambodia river cruise and journey along the majestic Mekong River with Emerald Cruises. This 13-day adventure blends cultural discovery with luxury cruising aboard Emerald Harmony, offering a seamless experience from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap.
From exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels and the ancient wonders of Angkor Wat to cruising through traditional Vietnamese floating villages, this itinerary showcases the diverse landscapes and history of Southeast Asia.
Discover Vietnam & Cambodia in Luxury
This unique Vietnam and Cambodia river cruise begins with two nights in Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll explore the city’s bustling streets and historic landmarks. Then, board Emerald Harmony, a state-of-the-art river ship designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and style.
After seven nights cruising the Mekong, discover the wonders of Phnom Penh, before ending your adventure with a three-night stay in Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat.
Your Emerald Cruises Experience
Emerald Harmony is custom-built for the Mekong, offering an intimate and luxurious experience with only 84 guests onboard.
What’s Included?
• 7-night luxury cruise aboard Emerald Harmony
• 2-night stay in Ho Chi Minh City and 3-night stay in Siem Reap
• 10 included excursions exploring UNESCO-listed sites and cultural highlights
• All meals included: 12 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 9 dinners
• Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and tea & coffee on board
• Exclusive EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences
• First-class service from expert guides and crew
• All tips, taxes, and port charges included
Itinerary Highlights
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a historic network of war-era tunnels, before embarking on your Mekong River cruise.
• Sa Dec & My An Hung, Vietnam – Explore traditional floating markets and farms. Enjoy an EmeraldPLUS folk music performance.
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Learn about the country’s past at the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, followed by a remork (tuk-tuk) tour of the city by night.
• Oudong & Prek K’Dam, Cambodia – Experience a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony at a monastery.
• Siem Reap, Cambodia – Witness sunrise at Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most famous temples, and explore the mystical ruins of Ta Prohm.
Life On Board Emerald Harmony
Designed to seamlessly navigate the Mekong River, Emerald Harmony brings boutique luxury to river cruising.
Accommodation Options:
• Owner’s One-Bedroom Suite – Featuring a private terrace with a hot tub and spacious lounge area.
• Grand Balcony Suite – Includes a private indoor balcony and an open-air drop-down window.
• Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite – Stylish stateroom with an indoor private balcony and luxurious furnishings.
• Emerald Stateroom – A comfortable retreat with porthole views of the Mekong.
Onboard, enjoy local entertainment, fine dining, and exclusive cultural activities designed to enhance your journey through Vietnam and Cambodia.
Summary of Your Trip
This Vietnam and Cambodia river cruise with Emerald Cruises offers an extraordinary blend of history, culture, and luxury. Whether you’re exploring the majestic temples of Angkor, learning about Vietnam’s war history, or cruising through traditional villages along the Mekong, this fully immersive journey promises once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Secure your luxury Mekong adventure with Glen Travel. Contact us today to customise your itinerary, upgrade your cabin, or add additional experiences.
Offer based on 2 adults flying from Glasgow.
Itinerary
UK - Ho Chi Minh City
Fly from the UK to Ho Chi Minh City. Xin Chao and welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! On arrival, you will be met by your Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your hotel, situated in downtown District 1, for a two-night stay. After checking in, you will be free to explore the city before meeting your tour director for your welcome briefing and dinner at a local restaurant.
Fly from the UK to Ho Chi Minh City. Xin Chao and welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! On arrival, you will be met by your Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your hotel, situated in downtown District 1, for a two-night stay. After checking in, you will be free to explore the city before meeting your tour director for your welcome briefing and dinner at a local restaurant.
Ho Chi Minh City
Drive away from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels, watching the city skyline fade into the distance as the road winds through rice paddies, villages and scenes typical to southern Vietnam. Spend a couple of hours walking around Cu Chi’s rugged grounds with a local guide. Upon your return to Ho Chi Minh City, enjoy a Pho lunch with remainder of the afternoon and evening yours to enjoy at leisure or venture out on one of our DiscoverMORE excursions.
Included Excursion
Cu Chi Tunnels
DiscoverMORE
An evening Saigon Street Food walking tour (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
One Night in Saigon (extra expense)
Drive away from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels, watching the city skyline fade into the distance as the road winds through rice paddies, villages and scenes typical to southern Vietnam. Spend a couple of hours walking around Cu Chi’s rugged grounds with a local guide. Upon your return to Ho Chi Minh City, enjoy a Pho lunch with remainder of the afternoon and evening yours to enjoy at leisure or venture out on one of our DiscoverMORE excursions.
Included Excursion
Cu Chi Tunnels
DiscoverMORE
An evening Saigon Street Food walking tour (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
One Night in Saigon (extra expense)
Ho Chi Minh City – 7 Night Mekong Cruise
After checkout, enjoy a tour of the city, visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House and Town Hall. Then, visit the Reunification Palace before transferring to the port where you will board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, Emerald Harmony. You’ll be welcomed on board by your captain and crew before setting sail after lunch down the Saigon River to Cho Gao canal where you will anchor for the night. This evening, enjoy your first dinner on board with your fellow travellers. Your Cruise Director will conduct a port talk to review the activities and itinerary for the days ahead.
Included Excursion
An orientation tour of Ho Chi Minh City
After checkout, enjoy a tour of the city, visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House and Town Hall. Then, visit the Reunification Palace before transferring to the port where you will board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, Emerald Harmony. You’ll be welcomed on board by your captain and crew before setting sail after lunch down the Saigon River to Cho Gao canal where you will anchor for the night. This evening, enjoy your first dinner on board with your fellow travellers. Your Cruise Director will conduct a port talk to review the activities and itinerary for the days ahead.
Included Excursion
An orientation tour of Ho Chi Minh City
Ben Tre
This morning travel through the bustling Cho Gao. The Cho Gao canal is one of the major arterial canals of Vietnam connecting Tien Giang Province in the Mekong Delta with Ho Chi Minh City. Today is a fascinating morning watching the heavy commercial traffic navigate this important waterway which can see upwards of 1,800 vessels transit each day. This afternoon once on the Mekong River, you’ll visit the Tan My Floating community followed by a ride through the local plantations to visit a mushroom farm, a fruit farm with samplings and a honey farm with local sweets before returning to Emerald Harmony to sail onwards to Sa Ðéc, a hidden gem on the Mekong Delta.
Included Excursion
Visit the Thoi Binh hamlet and its farming and fishing communities, untouched by tourism
This morning travel through the bustling Cho Gao. The Cho Gao canal is one of the major arterial canals of Vietnam connecting Tien Giang Province in the Mekong Delta with Ho Chi Minh City. Today is a fascinating morning watching the heavy commercial traffic navigate this important waterway which can see upwards of 1,800 vessels transit each day. This afternoon once on the Mekong River, you’ll visit the Tan My Floating community followed by a ride through the local plantations to visit a mushroom farm, a fruit farm with samplings and a honey farm with local sweets before returning to Emerald Harmony to sail onwards to Sa Ðéc, a hidden gem on the Mekong Delta.
Included Excursion
Visit the Thoi Binh hamlet and its farming and fishing communities, untouched by tourism
Sa Dec – My An Hung
After a short ride on a sampan to Sa Dec enjoy a walking tour around town with stops at the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant, and enjoy a walk through the central market to peruse its varied produce.
Return to Emerald Harmony by sampan and sail to My An Hung Island. Recognised as a cultural and historical destination, this small village in rural Vietnam specialises in red-hot chilli and peppers. As part of our EmeraldPLUS programme, enjoy some local folk singing during the visit.
EmeraldPLUS
Listen to some local folk singing in My An Hung
Included Excursion
A visit to the bustling Sa Dec Markets
Included Excursion
A visit to My An Hung village and its Monkey Bridge
After a short ride on a sampan to Sa Dec enjoy a walking tour around town with stops at the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant, and enjoy a walk through the central market to peruse its varied produce.
Return to Emerald Harmony by sampan and sail to My An Hung Island. Recognised as a cultural and historical destination, this small village in rural Vietnam specialises in red-hot chilli and peppers. As part of our EmeraldPLUS programme, enjoy some local folk singing during the visit.
EmeraldPLUS
Listen to some local folk singing in My An Hung
Included Excursion
A visit to the bustling Sa Dec Markets
Included Excursion
A visit to My An Hung village and its Monkey Bridge
Gieng Island - An Long
On Gieng Island you can travel through the island’s villages to visit families who work in a variety of local industries including boat building of different types and creating incense sticks for temples. Also visit Vietnam’s oldest church.
he afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure on board, or alternatively, partake in a DiscoverMORE excursion to the Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary in An Long. As part of our EmeraldPLUS experience, you’ll delight in a traditional Lion Dance performance on board.
Included Excursion
See the local industries in Gieng Island
DiscoverMORE
A visit to Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary in Tram Chim National Park (extra expense)
EmeraldPLUS
A Lion Dance performance on board
On Gieng Island you can travel through the island’s villages to visit families who work in a variety of local industries including boat building of different types and creating incense sticks for temples. Also visit Vietnam’s oldest church.
he afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure on board, or alternatively, partake in a DiscoverMORE excursion to the Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary in An Long. As part of our EmeraldPLUS experience, you’ll delight in a traditional Lion Dance performance on board.
Included Excursion
See the local industries in Gieng Island
DiscoverMORE
A visit to Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary in Tram Chim National Park (extra expense)
EmeraldPLUS
A Lion Dance performance on board
Tan Chau - Vietnam/Cambodia Border Crossing
Embark on a sampan to Evergreen Island for a walk through a local village to get a glimpse into the lives of the local farming community. Reboard your sampan to travel back to Tan Chau and as part of our EmeraldPLUS programme, visit the recently renovated Cao Dai temple. The religion of Cao Dai is a syncretic, monotheistic religion established in southern Vietnam in the city of Tây Ninh in 1926. Here, you will learn more about the mix of ideas that form the basis of this fascinating religion. Afterwards ride in a Xe Loi (local form of cyclo) from the temple back to your sampan before returning to Emerald Harmony.
Back on board your luxury Star-Ship, cruise to the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. Tonight, celebrate crossing the border with a Cambodian-style family dinner.
EmeraldPLUS
A visit to a local Cao Dai Temple
Included Excursion
A visit to Evergreen Island
Included Excursion
Experience a Xe Loi ride, unique to the Mekong Delta
Embark on a sampan to Evergreen Island for a walk through a local village to get a glimpse into the lives of the local farming community. Reboard your sampan to travel back to Tan Chau and as part of our EmeraldPLUS programme, visit the recently renovated Cao Dai temple. The religion of Cao Dai is a syncretic, monotheistic religion established in southern Vietnam in the city of Tây Ninh in 1926. Here, you will learn more about the mix of ideas that form the basis of this fascinating religion. Afterwards ride in a Xe Loi (local form of cyclo) from the temple back to your sampan before returning to Emerald Harmony.
Back on board your luxury Star-Ship, cruise to the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. Tonight, celebrate crossing the border with a Cambodian-style family dinner.
EmeraldPLUS
A visit to a local Cao Dai Temple
Included Excursion
A visit to Evergreen Island
Included Excursion
Experience a Xe Loi ride, unique to the Mekong Delta
Phnom Penh
Wake up in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. The city, known as the “Pearl of Asia”, was almost entirely evacuated by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. This morning, you will learn more about the Khmer Rouge and the darkest days of the country’s history. A short drive will take you to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. Here you will have the opportunity to walk through the fields, visit the memorial and learn about this sad historic chapter.
Afterwards visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S-21). This is a former school that was converted to the main prison and torture headquarters of the Khmer Rouge. Spend the afternoon as you please exploring our DiscoverMORE excursions or simply relaxing on board Emerald Harmony. In the evening, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme you will have a chance to experience an evening remork (local Tuk-Tuk) ride through Phnom Penh to enjoy the city lights.
EmeraldPLUS
Phnom Penh by night on a remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour
Included Excursion
Killing Fields at Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
DiscoverMORE
A silk farm tour at Koh Oknha Tei (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Craft Beer Adventure by remork (extra expense)
Wake up in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. The city, known as the “Pearl of Asia”, was almost entirely evacuated by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. This morning, you will learn more about the Khmer Rouge and the darkest days of the country’s history. A short drive will take you to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. Here you will have the opportunity to walk through the fields, visit the memorial and learn about this sad historic chapter.
Afterwards visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S-21). This is a former school that was converted to the main prison and torture headquarters of the Khmer Rouge. Spend the afternoon as you please exploring our DiscoverMORE excursions or simply relaxing on board Emerald Harmony. In the evening, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme you will have a chance to experience an evening remork (local Tuk-Tuk) ride through Phnom Penh to enjoy the city lights.
EmeraldPLUS
Phnom Penh by night on a remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour
Included Excursion
Killing Fields at Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
DiscoverMORE
A silk farm tour at Koh Oknha Tei (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Craft Beer Adventure by remork (extra expense)
Phnom Penh – Oudong – Prek K’Dam
Located north of Phnom Penh, Oudong was the former royal capital of Cambodia up until it moved to Phnom Penh in 1866. Important remnants on the temple site include the burial sites of Khmer kings as well as religious artefacts dating back more than a hundred years. In the main temple of the Oudong Monastery, receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from the temple’s resident monks as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme. In the afternoon, you will visit the majestic Royal Palace with its gardens, followed by the Central Market located in the heart of the city. Back on board, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children's Organisation. Afterwards set sail, gliding past the illuminated Phnom Penh at night for a short sail to Prek K’Dam
EmeraldPLUS
A traditional Buddhist Monk blessing
EmeraldPLUS
Cultural Performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation
Included Excursion
A visit to the Royal Palace and Central Market
Located north of Phnom Penh, Oudong was the former royal capital of Cambodia up until it moved to Phnom Penh in 1866. Important remnants on the temple site include the burial sites of Khmer kings as well as religious artefacts dating back more than a hundred years. In the main temple of the Oudong Monastery, receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from the temple’s resident monks as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme. In the afternoon, you will visit the majestic Royal Palace with its gardens, followed by the Central Market located in the heart of the city. Back on board, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children's Organisation. Afterwards set sail, gliding past the illuminated Phnom Penh at night for a short sail to Prek K’Dam
EmeraldPLUS
A traditional Buddhist Monk blessing
EmeraldPLUS
Cultural Performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation
Included Excursion
A visit to the Royal Palace and Central Market
Prek K’Dam Disembarkation – Siem Reap
Disembark Emerald Harmony in the morning and continue by road to Siem Reap for your included three-night stay. Stay at the beautiful Shinta Mani, a deluxe boutique property of world-class design that takes great care in honouring the environment and paying homage to the traditional and local aesthetics. This evening as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, attend Phare, The Cambodian Circus, where a combination of acrobatics, music and dance tell a uniquely Cambodian story.
EmeraldPLUS
Phare Cambodian Circus performance
DiscoverMORE
Dinner at Phare Circus (extra expense)
Disembark Emerald Harmony in the morning and continue by road to Siem Reap for your included three-night stay. Stay at the beautiful Shinta Mani, a deluxe boutique property of world-class design that takes great care in honouring the environment and paying homage to the traditional and local aesthetics. This evening as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, attend Phare, The Cambodian Circus, where a combination of acrobatics, music and dance tell a uniquely Cambodian story.
EmeraldPLUS
Phare Cambodian Circus performance
DiscoverMORE
Dinner at Phare Circus (extra expense)
Siem Reap
Today, start with a visit to Angkor Thom, not a single temple such as the historic sites it neighbours, but rather one of the most remarkable royal cities of the Angkor Period and an architectural wonder. As the last capital of the Khmer Empire, it was a fortified city, home to priests, officials of the palace, military and buildings for administering the kingdom. Afterwards, visit the sacred Temple of Ta Prohm. In an incredible standoff between human creation and nature, the jungle's root systems have reclaimed this spiritual location now enshrouded in wild vegetation. The backdrop to many Hollywood scenes, the incredible Ta Prohm is both a cinematic and contemplative location. This evening is free to visit ‘Pub Street’ or try a DiscoverMORE option this evening.
Included Excursion
Visit to Angkor Thom
Included Excursion
Visit to Ta Prohm Temple
DiscoverMORE
Evening – Sunset Drinks Gondola Boat at Bayon (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Evening - Cambodian Street Food Discovery Tour (extra expense)
Today, start with a visit to Angkor Thom, not a single temple such as the historic sites it neighbours, but rather one of the most remarkable royal cities of the Angkor Period and an architectural wonder. As the last capital of the Khmer Empire, it was a fortified city, home to priests, officials of the palace, military and buildings for administering the kingdom. Afterwards, visit the sacred Temple of Ta Prohm. In an incredible standoff between human creation and nature, the jungle's root systems have reclaimed this spiritual location now enshrouded in wild vegetation. The backdrop to many Hollywood scenes, the incredible Ta Prohm is both a cinematic and contemplative location. This evening is free to visit ‘Pub Street’ or try a DiscoverMORE option this evening.
Included Excursion
Visit to Angkor Thom
Included Excursion
Visit to Ta Prohm Temple
DiscoverMORE
Evening – Sunset Drinks Gondola Boat at Bayon (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Evening - Cambodian Street Food Discovery Tour (extra expense)
Siem Reap
Rise early and witness the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Afterwards walk through this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site known for its elaborate decorations and intricate carvings throughout. This afternoon is free time to visit the town and markets or try a DiscoverMORE tour. Later this evening, enjoy your farewell dinner as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, accompanied by an Apsara dance performance.
EmeraldPLUS
Apsara dance performance and dinner show
Included Excursion
Sunrise visit to Angkor Wat
DiscoverMORE
Vespa tour of Siem Reap (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
A visit to Banteay Srei and Apopo Visitor Centre (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
A visit to Tonlé Sap (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Khmer Cooking Class (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Senteurs d’Angkor Workshop (extra expense)
Rise early and witness the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Afterwards walk through this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site known for its elaborate decorations and intricate carvings throughout. This afternoon is free time to visit the town and markets or try a DiscoverMORE tour. Later this evening, enjoy your farewell dinner as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, accompanied by an Apsara dance performance.
EmeraldPLUS
Apsara dance performance and dinner show
Included Excursion
Sunrise visit to Angkor Wat
DiscoverMORE
Vespa tour of Siem Reap (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
A visit to Banteay Srei and Apopo Visitor Centre (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
A visit to Tonlé Sap (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Khmer Cooking Class (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Senteurs d’Angkor Workshop (extra expense)
Siem Reap - UK
After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the Siem Reap airport for your flight to the UK.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above.
After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the Siem Reap airport for your flight to the UK.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above.
Photos
