Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand | Oct 29/30 – Nov 18

Oct 29 or 30 | US to Vietnam

Today board you overnight flight bound for Hanoi. Depending on your air schedule, you will be leaving the US on the 29th or 30th for your flight bound for Vietnam.

Oct 31 | Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam

Today, you will be met by your Universal Travel representative and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi.

Overnight: Lotte Hotel Hanoi or similar

Nov 1 | Hanoi – Historic Hanoi

This morning, your guided sightseeing takes a look at the life of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. First, visit the  mausoleum and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho” ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda: One Pillar Pagoda, the Presidential Palace, and the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” Also visit the ancient Temple of Literature, over 900 years old and Hanoi’s first university. Lunch is at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program that trains local street children in restaurant skills they can use to find a job and build a stable life. After lunch, enjoy an electric cart ride through the fascinating Old Quarter, with 36 ancient streets where peddlers trade as they have for centuries. An early dinner this evening is followed by a fascinating performance of Hanoi’s renowned water puppets, a traditional art form dating back to the 11th century.

Overnight: Lotte Hotel Hanoi or similar                    (B,L,D)

Nov 2 | Hanoi to Ha Long Bay – Caves and Islands

Travel from Hanoi through the fertile countryside to Hon Gai, gateway to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, the bay is dotted with more than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes by the action of the water. Tunnels, caves, and weirdly shaped outcroppings with imaginative names can be found on many of the small islets sprinkled across the bay. Board a cruise excursion to explore the caves and admire the beauty and scale of this bay before stopping at one of the many secluded islands. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening.

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long                              (B,L,D)

Nov 3 | Ha Long Bay, Vietnam to Siem Reap, Cambodia

This morning, drive to Hanoi and board your flight for Siem Reap. Welcome to Siem Reap, home to the Temples of Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular  architectural  ruins  on Earth!  Hotel  rooms  are  available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Overnight: Park Hyatt Siem Reap or similar                 (B)

Nov 4 | Siem Reap – The Tranquil Temples of Angkor and Joyful Dances

Explore the temples by tuk-tuk. Start at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples: Angkor Wat. Featuring five trademark towers, it is the symbol of Cambodia. Then, continue your guided excursion to visit Angkor Thom, where you will explore Bayon Temple with its 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas relief sculptures. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore Siem Reap’s shops for local artisan crafts. This evening, enjoy dinner and a  private Apsara Dance Performance brings ancient Khmer culture to life through music, song, and dance.

Overnight: Park Hyatt Siem Reap or similar         (B,L,D)

Nov 5 | Siem Reap – Root-Covered Ruins and Native Noodles

Continue your Sightseeing Tour of the Angkor  temples at Ta Prohm. Tree roots cover the ruin walls, allowing you to experience the temple with the same wonder as early explorers. Then visit Banteay Srei, a unique temple built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. En route, stop at a village famous for making Khmer noodles by hand. Spend the afternoon at your leisure.

Overnight: Park Hyatt Siem Reap or similar                 (B)

Nov 6 | Siem Reap – Embarkation

Fly to Phnom Penh and transfer to the port where the M/S Avalon Saigon ship’s crew will be waiting to welcome you onboard. Get acquainted with the ship and enjoy an afternoon/evening cruise to Wat Hanchey.                     (B,L,D)

Nov 7 | Wat Hanchey to Angkor Ban | Water Blessings and Back-to-School Adventures

Visit Wat Hanchey, a hilltop temple dating back to the 8th century. Climb or be driven to the top where you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area and partake in a traditional water blessing given by local monks. After lunch, enjoy a walking  tour  through  the  rural  village of Angkor Ban. Here, you will visit a traditional Khmer house and interact with children at a local school. This evening, your ship sets sail for an overnight cruise to Kampong Tralach.          (B,L,D)

Nov 8 | Kampong Tralach to Konpong Louang to Phnom Penh – Calm in the Cambodian Countryside

Your guided sightseeing starts in Kampong Tralach with an Ox-Cart Ride through the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, stop to meet a local farmer and learn about his daily life. At the silversmith village in Konpong Louang, see talented craftsmen use old-age techniques to turn pure silver into works of art. In the afternoon you’ll set sail to the capital city of Phnom Penh. Upon arrival you have the choice of either a  visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and one of the killing fields provides a glimpse into the atrocities inflicted on the Cambodian people by the Khmer Rouge regime, OR: a visit the lively Central Market with its unique Art Deco design by tuk-tuk. This evening, spend some free time exploring the city on your own.                            (B,L,D)

Nov 9 | Phnom Penh – The Royal Treatment

Join a guided tour of the city by private cyclo with visits to the Royal Palace with the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum featuring an outstanding display of Khmer artifacts. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Tonight, just before dinner, children from a local orphanage will perform a show, featuring local song and dance. Later this evening, the ship sets sail to the Cambodia/Vietnam border.                             (B,L,D)

Nov 10 | Border Crossing into Vietnam to Chau Doc – Good morning Vietnam

Take a village walk through the Chau Doc market and absorb the atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. After lunch, embark on a guided excursion down the backwaters of the Mekong. Along the way, see traditional floating homes, speedboat merchants, religious sites, a market selling dried goods, and more. This evening, the ship sets sail to Long Khanh A.                              (B,L,D)

Nov 11 | Long Khanh A to Cu Lao Gieng – Cotton Weaving, Cinical Hats, and Handcrafted Sampans

This morning, a sampan brings you to the village of Long Khanh for a cotton-weaving demonstration of this well-preserved tradition. This afternoon, enjoy scenes of daily life on Cu Lao Gieng Island via sampan and local motor cart. Your guided excursion starts with a stop at one of Vietnam’s oldest Catholic churches. Then, visit the home of a local family that makes Vietnamese conical hats, or “Non la,” from materials available to them such as palm leaves and bamboo. These iconic hats are primarily used as protection from the sun and rain but you may also see them used as a basket to carry home goods from the market. Lastly, visit a local workshop where a skilled family hand-crafts sampan boats. This evening, your ship sets sail to Ving Long.                            (B,L,D)

Nov 12  | Vingh Long – Sweets and Rice Treats

Board a sampan this morning to visit a local workshop in Vinh Long where you will see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candies are made. This afternoon, enjoy time on board the ship as you sail to exciting Ho Chi Minh City.                                      (B,L,D)

Nov 13 | Ho Chi Minh City | Disembarkation – Motorbikes, Monuments, and Mouth-watering Cuisine

Take a walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s historic landmarks, including a stop at the Rex Hotel for a refreshing drink at the rooftop bar where the U.S. Military held the infamous “Five O’clock Follies” during the war. Then, visit the War Remnants Museum and bustling Ben Thanh Market. For lunch, participate in a hands-on Vietnamese Cooking Class. Learn to prepare several local dishes and how to recreate them at home. Last, but not least, sample your delicious creations! Enjoy time at your leisure this afternoon and evening for independent exploration. Maybe stop for a drink at the famous rooftop bar at the Caravelle Hotel.

Overnight: Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City                                 (B,L)

Nov 14 | Ho Chi Minh City | Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels – Secret Passageways and Underground Hideouts

Drive out of the city for a guided visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels – an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length – used as a hideout and secret village by the Viet Cong. Explore Ho Chi Minh City further  during free time this afternoon. This evening, join your traveling companions for a special dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight: Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City                           (B,D)

Nov 15 | Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok, Thailand

This morning, fly to Bangkok. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to your hotel for a relaxing 3-night stay.

Overnight: JW Marriott Hotel, Bangkok                        (B)

Nov 16 | Bangkok – Sacred Sights of Thailand

This morning, your guided sightseeing begins with a boat ride on the Klongs, Bangkok’s famous canals. Stop at the stunning Grand Palace featuring the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight: JW Marriott Hotel, Bangkok                    (B,L)

Nov 17 | Bangkok – Bold Colors of Bangkok

Enjoy a full day at your leisure exploring Bangkok on own, or take an optional excursion to one of the famous sandy beaches (approx. 2-hours away from Bangkok).

Overnight: JW Marriott Hotel, Bangkok                        (B)                 

Nov 18 | Bangkok – Flight back Home

After breakfast you transfer to the airport.                  (B)          

Since first taking her maiden voyage on the Mekong River, the Avalon Saigon has been praised for delivering an intimate cruise experience as part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships®. Named "Best New River Cruise Ship" by Travel Age West, the Saigon sails with a maximum of just 36 guests, delivering all the modern features you expect from Avalon Waterways, while incorporating the unique character and charm of Southeast Asia. The Avalon Saigon is designed to venture easily into areas where other cruise ships cannot, while measuring as wide and long as ships carrying twice the number of our just 36 guests. Cruising uninterrupted from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh (or vice versa), the Saigon eliminates hours of motorcoach travel time associated with other river cruise ship itineraries. The Avalon Saigon Suite Ship incorporates the classic colonial charm befitting the Vietnam and Cambodia experience with the modern features you expect from Avalon. Each Panorama Suite features 245-square-feet of living space with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows to create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With luxurious beds that face the window, you'll never miss a fascinating view on the Mekong. You'll also find ample room to roam on board, while never feeling crowded. From the air-conditioned Panorama Lounge to the open-air observation lounge, you'll find plenty of seating and inviting spots to relax. With lounges located at the front of the ship, you'll always have a great forward-focused view no matter where you sit. Our crew embodies Avalon's "you first" spirit from start to finish. From the reception staff and bartender to wait staff and room attendant, you'll experience exquisite service with a relaxed luxury that's come to encompass the Avalon difference.

Lotte Hotel Hanoi

Conveniently located near Hanoi’s Old quarter, Lotte Hotel Hanoi connects the rich cultural history of the past with today and sets a new standard of luxury in  Hanoi. Spacious rooms offer a touch of Vietnamese elegance with panoramic views over the city.

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long

The first & only resort in the North of Vietnam located on its own private island, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long is the perfect base to explore all Ha Long Bay has to offer. With a pool, spa, gym, garden, three private beaches, and several dining options the resort is a destination, in and of itself.

Park Hyatt Siem Reap

The Park Hyatt, Siem Reap is the city's most prestigious address and perfect base to explore the Temples of Angkor. Located in the heart of the city, this award winning hotel blends an elegant and contemporary design to create an enlivening resort and residential feel. From the second you arrive you will be welcomed by true Cambodian hospitality and superb service. The stylish guestrooms offer a refined home away from home with all the amenities one would expect from a deluxe hotel.

Park Hyatt Saigon

Discover urban luxury with a combination of sophisticated design, handcrafted details, and modern-day comforts at Park Hyatt Saigon. Enjoy world-class dining, tranquil spa, and refreshing pool all on site. French-colonial inspired room rooms combine elegant, traditional comfort with the latest technology and desired amenities.

JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok

Step into a 5-star urban oasis graced with luxury amenities that pamper and inspire, with multilingual associates providing signature Marriott service at every moment. Unwind with indulgent spa treatments, lounge in a designer chaise by the palm-tree-framed tile pool or invigorate in our hotel's modern fitness center.

Inclusions:

• Roundtrip international air Hanoi, and back from Bangkok to
• 6-night accommodations at 5-star hotels prior your Mekong River cruise (two in Hanoi, one in Ha Long Bay, three in Siem Reap
• 5-night accommodations at 5-star hotels after your Mekong River cruise
• 7-nights onboard the M/S Avalon Saigon in your deluxe All-Suites accommodations
• One way air from Hanoi to Siem Reap
• One way air from Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok
• Luxury transportation throughout the itinerary
• Included meals while on the Land program:

Daily breakfast, 5-Lunches, and 4-Dinners

• Included meals/ drinks while on the Cruise program:

Complimentary specialty coffees including espresso and cappuccino, tea, and soft drinks

Complimentary juices with breakfast

Daily cocktail hour serving hot and cold hors  d’oeuvres and a cocktail of the day

Complimentary water stations

Bar serving from 6am to 11pm complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, and local beer/spirits through out the day at the bar and with meals (excludes premium spirits)

Daily a la carte lunch including regional specialties, healthy fresh options, classic dishes, and seasonal recipes featuring the freshest local ingredients Vegetarian options available with all meals

Four-course à la carte dinners with choice of salads, soups, entrées, dessert or cheese

Complimentary wine with all onboard lunches & dinners

Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites

• Free Wi-Fi when available
• Air-conditioned Panorama Lounge
• Open-air observation lounge with shade system & premium lounge chairs
• Sightseeing with Expert Local Guides
• Onboard lectures, activities & entertainment
• English-speaking friendly crew, staff & professional Cruise Director
• Choice of Classic, Active or Discovery excursions while on the cruise
• Behind-the-scenes galley tour
• Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 50 free movie options
• Headsets for all guided shore excursions
• Tourist Visa for Vietnam and Cambodia (not required for Thailand)
• Service of a Universal Travel Representative
• All gratuities for drivers, guides, step-on guides, cruise personal and cruise/tour director

$1,250.00 non-refundable deposit is required at reservation, and is due at the time of signing up. An additional $750.00 non-refundable deposit is due for Single occupancy.

Final payment due June 7, 2025

50% non-refundable June 10, 2025

100% non-refundable July 20, 2025