Classic Mekong

Physical Rating - Level1

Group Tour

fully inclusive

Embark on a glorious adventure, starting amongst the magnificent temples of Angkor before boarding a three-night deluxe river cruise down the Mekong. With shore excursions designed to give you an authentic glimpse of local life, cross into Vietnam to discover its many treasures. Explore vibrant Saigon, charming Hoi An and historic Hanoi and sail the waters of Halong Bay.

Tour Highlights

VICTORIA MEKONG

SUNSET ON ANGKOR'S MOAT

COOKING IN HOI AN

THE QUINTESSENCE OF TONKIN

VICTORIA MEKONG

Spend 3 nights cruising on the deluxe Victoria Mekong

SUNSET ON ANGKOR'S MOAT

Drift along the moat as you watch the sun set over Angkor

COOKING IN HOI AN

Learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes

THE QUINTESSENCE OF TONKIN

What's Included

18 Day Classic Mekong Tour Itinerary

Our Classic Mekong itinerary has been intricately designed for those who wish to see iconic sites and magnificent treasures. You'll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of, with international flights, accommodation and all the touring listed below. You will be accompanied by our industry-leading National Escorts whose unparalleled knowledge and talent will turn your tour into an unforgettable experience.

Day 1-2: Fly to Siem Reap

You will be met at Siem Reap in the arrivals hall by your Local Guide or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time travel to your hotel for check in.

DAY 3: TEMPLES OF ANGKOR

Rising early, journey to the old city of Angkor Thom and pass through the magnificent South Gate flanked by 54 gods and demons. At Angkor Thom's centre is the enigmatic Bayon, a breath-taking temple of innumerable sculptural decorations. Also admire the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm before the rest of the day is dedicated to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent, and best preserved of all of Angkor's treasures.

DAY 4: TONLE SAP LAKE

High Water Season (Aug to Feb) Enjoy a morning cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong Phluk and observing the way of life of these lake communities. Low Water Season (Mar to Jul) Visit Chong Kneas floating village.

DAY 5: FLY TO PHNOM PENH

Fly to Phnom Penh and explore by cyclo, with stops at the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. Finally, visit Wat Phnom before experiencing how traditional arts are preserved with a Cambodia Living Arts tour.

DAY 6: EMBARK THE VICTORIA MEKONG

Reflect on the history of the city with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing Fields, locations that provide chilling reminders of the Khmer Rouge regime. Later on, travel to the pier to board the Victoria Mekong and cast off into the waters of the Delta. Dine on delicious local cuisine at the welcome dinner and enjoy a traditional music show as you cruise upstream.

DAY 7: VAM NAO

Cross over into Vietnam, taking in the passing scenery. There will be onboard activities available such as cocktail making, and once you have docked at Vam Nao, there will be shore excursions available, with a sampan ride to visit traditional cottage industries.

DAY 8: TAN LOC

Continue downstream, visiting a floating market and local museum. After lunch, arrive at Tan Loc island, and choose to explore an Ancient House and gardens by electric bike, or ride to a plum wine farm by truck. Sail on to Can Tho for a farewell dinner accompanied by a traditional music performance.

DAY 9: DISEMBARK THE VICTORIA MEKONG

Leave the ship behind this morning, and travel onto Saigon via Cai Be. This evening, enjoy dinner in the dark at Noir, a restaurant supporting Saigon's visually impaired.

DAY 10: DISCOVER SAIGON

Get to grips with the horrors of guerrilla warfare at the astonishing Cu Chi Tunnels, used by the Viet Cong during the war. Return to Saigon to explore the iconic sights, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace and Central Post Office.

DAY 11: JOURNEY TO HOI AN

Fly to Danang, and continue by road to Hoi An. Enjoy a walking tour of this charming town – a wonderfully laidback and wilfully traditional place, whose streets are a delight to wander. Visit Quan Cong Temple, the elaborate Japanese Bridge and the bustling market. Stop en route to visit Reaching Out, a social enterprise craft workshop, and watch the artisans at work.

DAY 12: TRA QUE VILLAGE

Head out into the countryside to Tra Que, a small farming community that supplies many hotels and restaurants in the area with vegetables and herbs. Here you can enjoy the lush green countryside and stroll through the gardens to see the farmers at work. Later spend the afternoon at leisure back in Hoi An.

DAY 13: FLY TO HANOI

After breakfast, fly to Hanoi to explore the Old Quarter by cyclo. Also stop by the Temple of Literature and make sure to try a traditional egg coffee on the way!

DAY 14: EXPLORE HANOI

Discover the rest of Hanoi's sights today, with the Ho Chi Minh quarter and Mausoleum, Humble House on Stilts, One Pillar Pagoda and more. In the evening, attend The Quintessence of Tonkin, a beautiful open-air performance on a lake.

DAY 15: HALONG BAY

Stay overnight on a traditionally designed boat on Halong Bay, cruising amongst the karst peaks on the tranquil green waters. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vision of awe-inspiring beauty, it isn't hard to see why it is one of Vietnam's most popular destinations. A fresh seafood meal is included during your voyage.

DAY 16: Hanoi

Spend the morning sailing through Halong Bay. After an early lunch (or brunch meal) disembark your cruise and return to Hanoi.

DAY 17-18: FLY HANOI TO NEW ZEALAND

You will be transferred 1 hour from the hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will arrive back in New Zealand the following day.

Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. Our tour prices are from prices based on per person, twin share and are subject to the availability of specific economy class fare levels. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal.

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Additional Price Information

Above prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Subject to change.

Upgrades to upper deck cabins and suites aboard Victoria Mekong available.

Standard itinerary departs AKL, WLG, CHC. Regional NZ departures available-please contact us for details

Single supplement from $1,480

Customary tipping of approximately US$66 is paid locally in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Useful Information

Visas

Most nationalities require a visa when travelling to Vietnam. Travellers should arrange visas well in advance of departure. Unlike many other tour operators, we include your visa in the price of your tour. We handle the entire application process – all you need to do is complete the paperwork and send your passport to us eight weeks prior to departure. We are always on hand to help you with any queries you may have while completing the application form.

Communication

While travelling overseas, the Wendy Wu Tours contact number during business hours is +64 9 975 8117. Emergency Assistance (24-hours) is 0044 1888 288 288. You will find mobile phone coverage to be quite high throughout Asia. We recommend contacting your mobile carrier if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated call and data costs before you leave New Zealand. Some hotels may have Wi-Fi, which usually comes at a cost.

Tipping

Tipping is an expected element in the tourism industry today and Southeast Asia is no exception. We have established a tipping system whereby every passenger gives a set amount to the National Escort who will distribute the amount appropriately. On multi-country tips, this amount will be paid in stages on arrival in each country. If there is no National Escort, you will need to give your money to your Local Guides and tipping amounts for each city will be shown in your final itinerary. The amount is calculated for each tour. We will indicate the tipping amounts in your final documents for guidance.

Shopping

Shopping is a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure. In keeping with most people’s interests while on holiday, your tour includes a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs. Included are visits to establishments that provide locally produced goods, unique to your destination. Witness the creation of these products, and see first-hand how their production supports the local economy. As most travellers like to take home souvenirs, we ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty, and authenticity.

Food

We aim to cater to the tastes of the majority of people and so the food is not too spicy or too unusual. Breakfast at your hotel includes local and western dishes. In remote areas, we suggest embracing local specialities. Lunch and dinner consists of shared dishes. Meals generally finish with fruit to clean the palate. Drinks such as beer, soft drinks or bottled water are at your own expense locally.