Mekong Explorer

Tour Highlights

Royal Dining in Hue

Golden Bridge

Victoria Mekong

Phare Circus

Royal Dining in Hue

Meet Mr Vinh at Tha Om Garden House and learn of its history with a royal dinner.

Golden Bridge

Stroll through the clouds on the Golden Bridge, held by stone hands.

Victoria Mekong

Spend 4 nights cruising on the deluxe Victoria Mekong

Phare Circus

Watch a performance by the NGO that assists street children.

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. 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. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

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Additional Price Information

Based on London Heathrow departures

Regional UK departures available

Flight upgrades available on request

Land only from ￡3590 (Hanoi - Siem Reap)

Single room from ￡990

Tipping paid locally US$85

Price listed is based on new bookings only

Mekong Explorer - Tour Itinerary

DAYS 1-2 FLY TO HANOI

Fly overnight to Hanoi. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

DAY 3 DISCOVER HANOI

Spend the morning exploring the sights of Hanoi today, with the Ho Chi Minh quarter, 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 4 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 5 TRAVEL TO HUE

Rise early to watch the sun rise over the bay, and enjoy an invigorating session of Tai Chi. Transfer back to Hanoi and fly to Hue, Vietnam's imperial capital.

DAY 6 IMPERIAL HUE

This morning visit the imposing Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City at the heart of Hue, once the home of Vietnam's emperors. Cruise on the picturesque Perfume River and admire the Thien Mu Pagoda. Later, see the magnificent tomb of Minh Mang before heading to Zen house where you learn about architecture and spiritual meaning of this beautiful place. Finally, visit Tha Om Garden house to learn of the 19th century heritage of Mr Vinh, its owner.

DAY 7 GOLDEN BRIDGE

Leave Hue for Hoi An, taking a scenic route over the Hai Van Pass. Stop en-route at Ba Na Hills and journey up to 1,400m by cable car to visit the Golden Bridge, a beautiful bridge held by gigantic stone hands with panoramic views.

DAY 8 EXPLORE HOI AN

Head out into Hoi An's verdant surroundings to Tra Que, where you'll see the local farmers at work, tending lush gardens of vegetables and herbs. Join a local family for lunch and a cooking demonstration. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of this charming town. Visit the Japanese Bridge, the colourful market and Chinese temple. Stop en route to visit Reaching Out, a social enterprise craft workshop, and watch the artisans at work.

DAY 9 TRAVEL TO SAIGON

Fly to Saigon, with the rest of your day at leisure.

DAY 10 SIGHTS OF SAIGON

The exuberant city of Saigon is driving Vietnam forward into the modern world, but it is also a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. See the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, and the chilling War Remnants Museum.

DAY 11 CU CHI TUNNELS

Head out of the city to the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground passageways used by the Viet Cong during the war. After an afternoon at leisure, enjoy dinner in the dark at Noir, a restaurant supporting Saigon's visually impaired.

DAY 12 EMBARK THE VICTORIA MEKONG

After breakfast, transfer to the meeting point in Saigon, where you will say goodbye to your National Escort and be picked up for your cruise by your local guide from Victoria Mekong. Dine on delicious local cuisine at the welcome dinner and enjoy a traditional music show as you cruise upstream. Later, retire to your comfortable stateroom for the night.

DAY 13 TIGER ISLAND

Tender ashore to Tiger Island, where you will enjoy an exploration of local industries such as net weaving, incense making and banh in (rice cakes) making. Sit down to dinner and evening entertainment before retiring to your cabin. Tonight, the ship will drop anchor at Vam Nao.

DAY 14 TAN CHAU

Continue your cruise with excursions around Tan Chau, including a stop at a Cao Dai temple, a silk village and the option of a visit to the submerged Tra Su Forest. In the evening, enjoy a thrilling lion dance performance on board.

DAY 15 BORDER CROSSING

Cross over into Cambodia, taking in the passing scenery. Onboard activities such as cocktail making will be available. In the late afternoon, dock at Sisowath Quay for a traditional Apsara performance and a farewell dinner.

DAY 16 DISEMBARK THE VICTORIA MEKONG

Enjoy breakfast in the restaurant before disembarking and bidding farewell to the Victoria Mekong and meeting your Cambodian National Escort. Board a cyclo into the heart of Phnom Penh, where you will visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum. After a final stop at Wat Phnom, enjoy a local beer beside the river.

DAY 17 PHNOM PENH'S HISTORY

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 today, fly to Siem Reap.

DAY 18 TEMPLES OF ANGKOR

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 breathtaking temple of innumerable sculptural decorations. Also admire the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Continue to Ta Prohm. The rest of the day is dedicated to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent and best preserved of all of Angkor's treasures. Later, relax on a boat as you watch the sunset from Angkor's moat.

DAY 19 TONLE SAP LAKE

In the 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. In the low water season (Mar to Jul), visit Chong Kneas floating village. Return to Siem Reap to enjoy a rollicking performance of the Phare Cambodian Circus.

DAY 20 CAMBODIAN COOKING

Travel by tuk tuk to a cooking lesson, where you will learn to prepare traditional Khmer dishes. The chef will teach you all about what goes into the local cuisine, as you create a delicious meal!

DAYS 21-22 FLY SIEM REAP TO UK

Board an overnight flight, arriving home the following day.

Useful Information

Visas

UK citizens will not need a visa to enter Vietnam for a single entry stay of up to 15 days. Entry visas for Vietnam are required for stays longer than 15 days or for multiple entries into Vietnam within a 30 day period. To allow for unforeseen circumstances if your tour includes a stay of 15 days or more in Vietnam the standard visa processing service is included in your tour cost. 

A visa is required for entry into Cambodia. Standard visa processing service is included in your tour cost.

Tipping

Tipping is an expected element in the tourism industry today and Bhutan 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.

Communication

To call the UK the international access code is 0044 then the number. To call Wendy Wu Tours it is 00 44 207 403 7860. Emergency 24 hour telephone (out of office hours) is 00 44 7984 041 625. Mobile Phones Mobile phones are growing in popularity and you will find high quality coverage. We recommend that you contact your mobile supplier if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated costs before you leave the UK.Some hotels may have Wi-Fi which usually comes at an additional cost.

Food

The cost of all meals is included in your group tour cost. Breakfast is served in the hotel and usually includes western dishes. We aim to cater to the tastes of the majority of people and so the food is not too spicy or unusual in taste. Any food/diet requests MUST be specified at the time of booking and you should mention it again to the National Escort/ Local Guides when you meet them – they will do their utmost to cater for any special requests, such as vegetarian meals or food to be avoided in case of allergies.

Shopping

Shopping can be a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure. In keeping with most people’s interests whilst on holiday, your tour will include a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs. We have included visits to establishments that not only provide an opportunity to purchase a locally produced, but you’ll witness first-hand how these local products are made, their history and how they support the economy. We are aware that people like to take home souvenirs, so we ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty, and authenticity.

Sample Tour Hotels

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

• Muong Thanh Hanoi Centre

  In the atmospheric area around Hoan Kiem Lake, the Muong Thanh offers stylish and comfortable accommodation in a great location. Surrounded by shops, restaurants and street food, the hotel has free Wi-Fi, a spa, bar and restaurant serving local dishes. Bright and spacious rooms come with city views, an en suite bathroom with bath or shower, plus air-conditioning, safe, television, minibar and tea and coffee making facilities.

• Bhaya Classic

  Aboard a traditional-style junk, refurbished in 2015, a Bhaya Classic cruise offers a convivial atmosphere and classic oriental style. There is a sundeck for admiring the scenery and a spa and jacuzzi for relaxing whilst the restaurant serves freshly prepared Vietnamese and international cuisine. Onboard activities as you cruise include Tai Chi and cooking classes. Cabins are cosy and comfortable with big windows for beautiful views, a fridge and a bathroom with walk in shower.

• Mondial Hotel

  Excellently located close to the Perfume River and Hue’s Imperial Citadel, the Mondial Hotel has 106 rooms and plenty of facilities. Make use of the swimming pool and three dining options before relaxing in the Lobby Lounge with a drink. Rooms offer city, pool or mountain views, have large, modern bathrooms with shower and/or bath and robe and slippers.

• Vinh Hung Old Town

  Vinh Hung Old Town Hotel is the perfect base to discover the heritage town, at only a 6 minute walk away. With 33 rooms, all rooms have high standard amenities with free wifi, air conditioning, mini bar, hair dryer and more. Home to a swimming pool, pool bar and in house dining, this hotel won a TripAdvisor traveller’s choice award in 2018 and is sure to offer the perfect place to relax after exploring Hoi An.

• Muong Thanh Saigon Centre

  Muong Thanh Saigon Centre Hotel is situated in District 1. Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and have a private bathroom fitted with a bath or shower. For your comfort, you will find bath robes, slippers and a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar, indoor swimming pool and free WiFi.

• Victoria Mekong

  The Victoria Mekong is a four star river cruise ship offering superior service and elegance. Offering 3-4 night luxury cruising itineraries between Vietnam's Mekong Delta and Cambodia's capital Phnom Penh, there is no better way to experience the beauty of the Mekong. Furnished with 33 spacious deluxe cabins, all with private balconies, the ship is also home to a cocktail bar and pool, games room, lounge area and treatment spa.

• Queen Grand Boutique Hotel and Spa

  Queen Grand Boutique Hotel and Spa is centrally located in the heart of Phnom Penh, close to a number of the city's major monuments. Featuring an onsite spa offering Khmer massage, a rooftop Jacuzzi, and a sky bar, this modern boutique hotel offers a number of options for relaxation. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available.

• Lotus Blanc Resort

  Perfectly combining a French and Khmer aesthetic, the Lotus Blanc is a 10 minute tuk tuk ride from the lively heart of Siem Reap. Stately but chic, there is a large pool, fitness centre, spa, 3 bars and 3 restaurants serving a variety of local and international dishes. Rooms are expansive, bright and minimalist and boast a balcony, bathroom with rain shower, television, tea and coffee making facilities, safe, armchairs and air-conditioning.