The Mekong, Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Fairmont Hanoi. A transfer from Noi Bai International Airport to your hotel, Fairmont Hanoi, is included. Please join us this evening to meet your Tauck Director and your fellow travelers at our welcome cocktail reception and dinner.

Your day begins with a buggy ride through the Old Quarter's labyrinth of narrow streets and generations-old shops. Visit Ba Dinh Square, site of Vietnam's 1945 Declaration of Independence, and explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, where "Uncle Ho's" modest stilt house and the lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda reflect Vietnam's enduring humility and faith. Continue to the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 as the first university of Vietnam. Within its serene walled gardens, carved stone turtles bear the weight of the turtle steles that once commemorated Confucian scholars. Enjoy the afternoon and dinner at leisure.

This morning, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – offering a glimpse into the intricate weave of Vietnam's 54 officially recognized ethnic groups, each with its own art, architecture, and ancestral stories. Fly to Luang Prabang, where saffron-robed monks pass golden temples and the Mekong River curls around jungle hillsides. Enjoy some time to settle into your hotel before dinner this evening.

Begin the day exploring Luang Prabang's royal and religious heritage with visits to the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum, and Wat Mai, one of the city's most revered Buddhist temples. Then embark on a private boat cruise along the Mekong River, whose waters have sustained communities throughout Southeast Asia for centuries. Pass villages and lush hillsides before disembarking for a visit to Kuang Si Falls, where cascading waterfalls and turquoise pools create one of Laos's most beautiful natural settings. Return to Luang Prabang, with the evening at leisure.

Rise early if you wish to witness the sacred daily procession of monks receiving alms from the faithful – an ancient expression of spiritual devotion and communal continuity. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, one of Luang Prabang's most celebrated temples, before returning to your hotel for breakfast. Later, cross the river by boat to an elephant conservation center, where you'll learn about efforts to protect Laos's elephants and their natural habitat. After lunch, choose between a guided visit to Ock Pop Tok – a textile center preserving traditional Lao weaving and dyeing techniques – or an afternoon at leisure.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Luang Prabang, with time to explore the town's inviting streets, browse local shops and markets, or simply enjoy the amenities of your hotel before departing for the airport. A flight takes you to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway to the extraordinary temples of Angkor and the legacy of the ancient Khmer Empire. Your home for the next two nights is Park Hyatt Siem Reap, a luxurious retreat in the heart of the city, where contemporary elegance meets traditional Khmer-inspired design. Settle into your beautifully appointed accommodations and enjoy the hotel's sophisticated atmosphere and gracious hospitality before gathering for dinner this evening.

Step back in time to the days of Cambodia's ancient Khmer Empire as you explore the extraordinary temples of Angkor, one of Southeast Asia's most remarkable archaeological treasures. Begin at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple and later transformed into a Buddhist place of worship. Marvel at its soaring towers, intricate bas-reliefs, and galleries of stone carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and Khmer history. Continue to Ta Prohm, where the enormous roots of centuries-old trees intertwine with ancient walls and doorways, creating an unforgettable scene of nature and architecture. Explore Angkor Thom, the great walled city established by King Jayavarman VII, where the Terrace of the Elephants once served as a grand viewing platform for royal ceremonies. At Bayon Temple, discover the monumental stone faces gazing out from its towers, among the most recognizable images of Cambodia's extraordinary past. Return to your hotel this afternoon, with the evening free to enjoy as you wish.

Travel overland through the Cambodian countryside to Phnom Penh, the nation's riverside capital, passing small towns, rural villages, rice fields, and scenes of everyday life along the way. Once known as the "Pearl of Asia," Phnom Penh is a fascinating blend of old and new, where French colonial architecture, broad boulevards, bustling markets, and modern buildings reflect the city's changing character. Situated at the confluence of the Mekong, Tonlé Sap, and Bassac rivers, the capital has long been an important center of commerce and Cambodian culture. Arrive this afternoon and settle into the luxurious Rosewood Phnom Penh, occupying the top 14 floors of the landmark Vattanac Capital Tower, with sweeping views of the city and the Mekong River. Enjoy some free time to relax and take in the surroundings before dinner at the hotel this evening.

Discover the history and royal heritage of Phnom Penh this morning as you travel through the Cambodian capital aboard traditional cyclos, taking in its broad boulevards, French colonial architecture, and lively streets along the way. Visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of Cambodia's king, where graceful Khmer architecture, gilded rooftops, and beautifully maintained gardens reflect the country's royal traditions. Within the palace complex, explore the Silver Pagoda, named for the thousands of silver tiles that cover its floor and home to an extraordinary collection of Buddhist treasures. Following lunch, embark Aqua Mekong, your luxurious river vessel designed especially for exploring the waterways and communities of the Mekong River. Settle into your beautifully appointed accommodations and discover the ship's inviting public spaces, including its observation deck, offering wonderful views of life along the river. This evening, enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance, an elegant expression of Cambodia's classical dance heritage, followed by dinner aboard as you begin your three-night journey along the Mekong.

Your journey aboard Aqua Mekong brings you into Vietnam this morning, where the waterways of the Mekong Delta reveal a fascinating world of riverside communities, bustling markets, and traditions shaped by life along the river. Arriving near Tan Chau, travel to the lively border town of Chau Doc for a ride aboard a traditional xe loi rickshaw, taking in the sights and sounds of daily life as you make your way through its busy streets. Continue to Long Son Pagoda, perched on Sam Mountain, where sweeping views of the surrounding countryside provide a beautiful backdrop for a visit with resident Buddhist monks. Learn about their Mahayana Buddhist traditions and the important role of the pagoda in local spiritual life before returning to Aqua Mekong for lunch. This afternoon, venture into the heart of the Mekong Delta to visit My An Hung, a village surrounded by lush orchards and tropical vegetation. Here, a warm welcome awaits at a local home, where you'll sample fresh tropical fruits and enjoy traditional Vietnamese folk music performed by village artists. Explore the village on foot, discovering a way of life closely connected to the land and waterways, or choose a bicycle excursion through the surrounding countryside, passing rice paddies and scenes of rural life. Return to your riverboat for dinner this evening.

Step ashore to explore the lively market in Sa Dec with a chef and visit the historic house associated with Marguerite Duras's novel The Lover, or choose a bicycle ride through the countryside of Binh Thanh Island. Return to the ship for a cooking demonstration, then savor a lunch inspired by the region's culinary traditions. In the afternoon, cruise to Cai Be and board a traditional sampan to Tan Phong Island, where you can explore by bicycle, kayak, or on foot.

Bid farewell to Aqua Mekong this morning and travel through the fertile landscapes of southern Vietnam toward Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately called Saigon by many locals. Along the way, stop to visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, an impressive Buddhist temple known for its distinctive blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and European architectural influences, ornate decorative details, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Continue to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest metropolis, where historic French colonial buildings stand alongside modern skyscrapers and bustling streets reflect the energy of a city constantly on the move. Following lunch, enjoy an introduction to the city's landmarks and neighborhoods before arriving at the elegant Park Hyatt Saigon, your home for the next two nights. This evening, discover another side of the city on a memorable Vespa tour through Saigon after dark. Riding behind an experienced local driver, make your way through lively streets and neighborhoods, stopping along the way to sample authentic Vietnamese specialties at local eateries. Experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of the city as evening unfolds, offering a wonderful glimpse into Saigon's vibrant food culture and the everyday life of its residents.

Discover more of Ho Chi Minh City's fascinating history and vibrant character this morning as you explore some of its most celebrated landmarks. Visit Reunification Hall, formerly the Presidential Palace of South Vietnam, where the events of April 1975 marked a turning point in the country's history. Continue to the grand Central Post Office, a striking example of French colonial architecture, and nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral, whose red-brick façade and twin bell towers have long been familiar features of the city's skyline. Experience another side of Saigon at Ben Thanh Market, where colorful stalls overflow with local handicrafts, textiles, spices, and Vietnamese specialties, offering a lively glimpse into the city's everyday commerce. Your afternoon is free to explore further as you wish, perhaps browsing the shops and cafés, discovering more of the city's distinctive neighborhoods, or enjoying the amenities of the Park Hyatt Saigon. This evening, gather with your Tauck Director and fellow travelers for a farewell reception and dinner at the hotel, sharing memories of the remarkable places, people, and experiences that have made your journey through Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia so memorable.

Tour ends: Ho Chi Minh City. A transfer is included from Park Hyatt Saigon to Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Please allow three hours for flight check-in.