Timeless wonders of the Mekong with Uniworld

Enjoy included UK airport lounge access before your overnight flight to Ho Chi Minh City

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to the elegant Park Hyatt Saigon. After settling in, take time to explore the city’s lively streets, where scooters weave past colonial architecture and fragrant food stalls. Perhaps visit Ben Thanh Market for a taste of local life or enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking the Saigon River. In the evening, indulge in fine dining at your hotel or venture out to sample authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a chic local restaurant. Your adventure begins with a perfect balance of relaxation and cultural immersion.

Discover the city’s fascinating history on a guided tour of its most iconic landmarks. Visit the Reunification Palace, a symbol of Vietnam’s turbulent past, and admire the French colonial elegance of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Stroll past the Opera House and City Hall before heading to a traditional lacquer workshop to learn about this intricate art form. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure—perhaps wander through boutique shops or relax by the hotel pool. In the evening, enjoy the vibrant nightlife or a serene dinner.

Travel to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary network used during the Vietnam War. Gain insight into the resilience and ingenuity of those who lived and fought here. After lunch, transfer to the Mekong Jewel, your luxurious floating sanctuary. As you settle into your suite, the ship sets sail along the Mekong River. Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring Vietnamese specialties, paired with fine wines, as you watch the riverbanks drift by under a starlit sky—a magical introduction to life on the water.

Stay: Mekong Jewel (Deluxe)

Wake to the gentle rhythm of the Mekong and embark on a sampan excursion through tranquil waterways. Visit Tien Loi, where you’ll meet local artisans crafting traditional textiles and tending bonsai gardens. Continue to Vinh Long to observe rural life and vibrant markets brimming with exotic produce. In Sa Dec, wander through narrow canals and visit a historic house immortalised in Marguerite Duras’ novel The Lover. Return to the ship for a sumptuous dinner as the Mekong glows in the evening light.

Stay: Mekong Jewel (Deluxe)

Explore Sa Dec’s colourful streets and visit the Cao Dai temple, a fascinating blend of spiritual traditions. Step inside Huynh Thuy Le’s house, a romantic relic of colonial times. Later, sail to Gieng Island to witness the making of conical hats and incense sticks—symbols of Vietnamese culture. Continue to Hong Ngu, where you’ll meet families weaving delicate scarves and learn about their way of life. Back onboard, savour a multi-course dinner as the ship glides towards Cambodia.

Stay: Mekong Jewel (Deluxe)

Spend the morning in Hong Ngu, visiting a Hòa Hảo temple and engaging with locals in their homes. Gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s spiritual traditions and rural customs. After lunch, the ship approaches the Cambodian border. Watch as the landscape subtly transforms, and enjoy an afternoon of relaxation on deck or in the spa. In the evening, toast to new adventures as you cross into Cambodia, where rich history and cultural treasures await.

Stay: Mekong Jewel (Deluxe)

Arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital. Explore the Royal Palace with its glittering Silver Pagoda and admire Khmer art at the National Museum. Travel by tuk-tuk through lively streets, soaking up the city’s energy. After lunch onboard, enjoy free time to stroll along the riverfront or browse local markets for silk and handicrafts. As night falls, Phnom Penh’s skyline sparkles—a perfect backdrop for dinner on the ship.

Stay: Mekong Jewel (Deluxe)

Today’s excursion offers a poignant glimpse into Cambodia’s past. Visit the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, sites that bear witness to the country’s tragic history. These experiences are deeply moving, offering insight into resilience and hope. Return to the ship for a reflective afternoon and a gourmet dinner, accompanied by traditional Cambodian music.

Stay: Mekong Jewel (Deluxe)

Journey to Angkor Ban, a village untouched by time, where wooden houses and smiling faces reveal a way of life unchanged for generations. Continue to Kampong Cham to visit Wat Hanchey, perched high above the Mekong. Participate in a water blessing ceremony led by Buddhist monks—a serene and spiritual experience. Back onboard, celebrate with a festive Cambodian dinner as the cruise nears its end.

Stay: Mekong Jewel (Deluxe)

Bid farewell to the Mekong Jewel and travel to Siem Reap, gateway to the temples of Angkor. Check into the luxurious Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra and enjoy an orientation tour by remork (Cambodian tuk-tuk). Visit Artisans Angkor to see traditional crafts being preserved. The evening is yours to relax or explore Siem Reap’s lively night markets.

Stay: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

Spend the day discovering Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Marvel at its intricate carvings and learn about its symbolic design, which reflects Hindu cosmology. As the sun sets behind the temple’s towers, experience a moment of pure wonder – a highlight of your journey.

Stay: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

The next day, return to the temple complex to explore the ancient city of Angkor Thom, home to the enigmatic faces of Bayon Temple and the grand Terrace of Elephants. Visit Baphuon and Ta Prohm, where tree roots entwine with stone walls in a hauntingly beautiful embrace. In the evening, enjoy an Apsara dance performance and a traditional Khmer dinner – a cultural feast for the senses.

Stay: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort

Fly to Hanoi and transfer to the Sofitel Legend Metropole, an icon of colonial elegance. Spend the afternoon exploring at leisure or opt for an adventurous quad-bike ride through rural landscapes. In the evening, sample Hanoi’s vibrant street food or dine in style at your hotel.

The next day, delve into Hanoi’s rich heritage with visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. Explore Hoa Lo Prison, known as the Hanoi Hilton, and gain insight into Vietnam’s complex history. The afternoon is free for shopping or strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake before a final evening of relaxation.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the Metropole before your overnight flight home. For those wishing to extend their adventure, consider a cruise on Ha Long Bay—an idyllic finale to your South-East Asian odyssey.