Travel like a local on this enthralling itinerary from the mountainous and humid North of Vietnam through to the wealthier colonial South then along the sultry Mekong Delta to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Encompassing 5 nights of cruising and 4 train journeys this tour covers all the iconic sights you would expect with the bonus of no internal flights.
Surrounded by the Mekong and Khan rivers, Laos' ancient cities are rich in history, culture and cuisine.
Depart on your overnight flight to Hanoi.
Dinner
You will be met on arrival by your guide who'll accompany you to your hotel. After some time to relax enjoy dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
A full day tour of this historic city begins with the Ho Chi Minh Complex where the father of modern day Vietnam declared the nation's independence in 1945. Visit sites including the Presidential Palace built by the French colonialists in the early 20th century, Ho Chi Minh's House of Stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda. After lunch, you will learn about Vietnam's ethnic groups in the Museum of Ethnology. Return to the lively Old Quarter to explore this bustling commercial centre on cyclo, a two-person cycle carriage. This evening watch a traditional Water Puppet Performance.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This memorable day marks the start of your two-night cruise around the awe-inspiring Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a vision of ethereal beauty. You'll explore these marvellous islands, intricate limestone rock formations and hidden wave-eroded grottoes on a luxury cruise boat. Enjoy lunch on board before sailing to the narrow arched Luon Cave and embark on a kayak or bamboo boat to get closer to this impressive formation which has a maximum height of 4 metres - depending on the tide! After, enjoy some swimming at Ti Top (Titov) beach. Back on board, finish your day with a local cookery demonstration before enjoying a delicious set dinner.
Depending on the weather and which beaches can be accessed, there is an opportunity to climb up the side of Titov Mountain and witness an impressive view over Halong Bay. There are roughly 450 steps to reach the top. This is optional and not a guaranteed activity, but if you do wish to do it, then please pack suitable shoes just in case.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin your day with some calming Tai Chi on the boat's deck or watch the sunrise from your cabin before setting off for a more active day on the water. Cruise to some of the bay's more untouched areas, making stops for swimming and sightseeing. In the afternoon, visit a Pearl Farm to experience the pearl-growing process on the bay. Spend the evening relaxing on board with a spa treatment (at a fee) or take part in some night-time squid fishing.
Brunch & Dinner
After breakfast, explore Sung Sot cave - one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay. The cave has some unique rock formations which couldn't be found anywhere else. Return back to port, and enjoy an early dinner back in Hanoi before boarding a sleeper train for an overnight journey to Hue.
Lunch & Dinner
Enjoy the morning view from your window as the train approaches its final destination. The first visit of the day is to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Complex of Hue Monuments, beginning with the Citadel of Hue, a large fortress built in the 18th century whose architectural style takes inspiration from both the Forbidden City in Beijing and the military principles of the French army. Then continue to the partially ruined Dien Tho Residence before visiting Thai Hoa Palace and finally to Thien Mu pagoda and the Imperial tomb of Emperor Minh Mang.
Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, you'll board the train for a trip along the Reunification Railway to Danang that links Hanoi to Saigon. The train glides through the world class scenic route that runs along the South China Sea, snaking between jungle-covered cliffs and past white beaches, finally heading through lush green mountains to reach Danang. You will make your way to Hoi An Town with a stop on the way to visit Marble Mountain. Take some time to relax at your hotel or explore the area before reconvening for dinner.
Breakfast & Lunch
Your morning in Hoi An will begin with a walking tour of the UNESCO listed ancient town, taking you past traditional Japanese merchant houses, ancient Chinese tea warehouses and finishes at the Pagoda Bridge, an early 17th-century Japanese temple that spans across the waterway. After lunch, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the myriad of silk and tailor shops or simply take in the views over a coffee at one of the many waterside cafes (at your own expense).
Breakfast
Following breakfast at your hotel, it's time to board the train for the day-long journey south to the coastal city of Nha Trang, widely considered to be home to one of the most beautiful bays in the word. Arrive in the late evening and check into your hotel.
Breakfast
Today is at leisure where you can take some time to kick back and relax on the beautiful beach in Nha Trang.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today you will enjoy a boat trip to a small beach off the coast of Nha Trang where you can swim and relax before lunch. In the afternoon visit Ponagar Tower, an impressive Cham Temple situated 2 km north of Nha Trang. After visiting the temple you will have dinner before boarding the overnight train to Saigon.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The train arrives into Saigon in the early hours so you'll be transferred straight to your hotel with time to enjoy breakfast. Spend the afternoon touring Saigon's highlights with a visit to the Reunification Palace as well as nearby Notre Dame Cathedral. Next travel to the French-style Saigon Post Office then finishes at the Ben Thanh Market, a symbol of the bustling city where colourful stalls are packed to the rafters with fresh fruit and tourist kitsch.
Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an impressive network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. This immense labyrinth of 75 miles in length once housed hospitals, weapon factories and living quarters. Return to Saigon for an afternoon and evening at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Leaving Saigon behind, embark on a three-night cruise along the fascinating network of rivers in the Mekong Delta that will journey all the way up to Phnom Penh in Cambodia. First visit Can Tho, the largest town on the Delta, cruising gently through picturesque canals and waterways, taking in the sultry scenery and daily activities of the Mekong people. Continue to Cai Be where there'll be a guided walk to a rural village, passing lush green orchards and the chance to meet the locals.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Depart early in the morning with an excursion on long rowing sampan boats allowing you to meander through the small canals of Tan Phong islet. This afternoon the boats will moor at the charming colonial town of Sa Dec. Famous for its beautiful flower gardens, the small, sleepy town is truly a hidden gem on the Mekong Delta. Return to the vessel for a sunset cruise and dinner on board.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Arrive at Cao Lanh in the morning and after breakfast disembark for a morning excursion to Tan Thuan Dong islet where you can enjoy a gentle cycle around the winding roads or simply explore the area by foot. As the boat manoeuvres through Cho Vam canal, you are invited to a sunset cocktail party on the top deck.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast you will be transferred to Phnom Penh by speedboat where you'll be met with the coach to begin your tour of the capital of Cambodia. Begin with a visit to the Royal Palace, built by King Norodom in 1866, and marvel at the ornately gilded Khmer roofs, beguiling throne hall, solid gold-encrusted Buddha and Silver Pagoda. Next visit the National Museum that houses a collection of Khmer art, notably sculptures, throughout the ages. Check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Breakfast & Dinner
This morning includes a guided tour of Toul Sleng Prison Museum and the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, both grim reminders of Cambodia's bloody past. These excursions may prove distressing for some but are important pieces of Cambodia's historical and cultural puzzle. Later this afternoon continue by coach to Siem Reap.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning you will have an early breakfast at your hotel before visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site Angor Wat. Continue to visit the fortified city of Angkor Thom. Start at the Southern Gate, flanked by a row of 54 stone figures on each side, followed by the Bayon and its beautifully crafted central towers. From here you visit Baphoun, Phimeanakas and the Elephant Terrace, once used as a giant viewing stand for public ceremonies. Lastly see Ta Prohm, undoubtedly the most atmospheric ruin at Angkor. That has been left to be swallowed by the jungle and is the perfect place to watch the sunset. Conclude the day with dinner and an Apsara dance performance.
Breakfast & Dinner
Fly to Luang Prabang. The rest of the day is at leisure and dinner is included in a local Laos Restaurant.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Visit the Royal Palace Museum before embarking on a cruise along the Mekong River. Visit Pak Ou Cave, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by pilgrims. On arrival back into the city visit the magnificent Temple of the Golden City. Enjoy a magical sunset before visiting the famous Night Market.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, ascend the 329 steps to the top of Phousi Hill for a panoramic view of Luang Prabang and the Mekong River. Then continue your journey to the stunning Khouangsi Waterfall, known for its turquoise pools and lush surroundings.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today, visit the Elephant Village to learn about elephant conservation and enjoy a unique encounter with these gentle giants. Afterwards, take a boat trip to the scenic Tad Sae Waterfall, where you can relax and explore the surrounding nature. In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Vientiane, enjoying the picturesque landscapes of Laos along the way.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast, visit the Buddha Park to admire its enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures set amid peaceful gardens. In the afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Vientiane, the charming capital of Laos, exploring its key landmarks and cultural highlights.
Breakfast
Enjoy a day of leisure before transferring to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Your flight lands back in the UK today.
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We were impressed by the level of support from our arrival in Vietnam to the end of our holiday. We were very well escorted. The Tour Guides were knowledgeable although some needed to be more succinct in the information they gave. Eating meals in local restaurants is a big bonus. Mercury has again proved to be very good value for Escorted Tours.
Clive Danks
27 May 24It was a pretty full-on tour but we enjoyed all of it. Even the night train was not as bad as we thought it would be. There will be some very early mornings but all worth the effort of getting up. Lovely helpful guides. Nothing too much for them especially Dinh our first guide from Hanoi. Make the most of every day and enjoy. Halong Bay and Hoi An were our favourite destinations.
Linda James
09 May 24We have never done an escorted tour before and thoroughly enjoyed it. The size of the group was just right with 18 in the group and all very good company and we all got on extremely well. All the hotels were excellent and in good locations to explore the areas.
Nicole Huxtable
12 Feb 24The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the regional flights within and between South-East Asian countries are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Vietnam visa requirements
A visa is not required for stays up to 45 days for British Passport holders, Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. Passports must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry and a minimum of 2 blank pages. However, we strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
Please note the exit point in Vietnam is Song Tien Landport.
Cambodia visa requirements
You will need to purchase a visa for Cambodia on arrival. The cost of this is approximately USD $37 per person, which will need to be paid in cash. Please note that you will need to have at least three completely blank pages in your passport for the Cambodian visa to be issued. Please note you cannot use an e-visa at the speedboat border crossing.
You must also fill out an e-arrival card if arriving by air. All travellers must complete and submit online within 7 days prior to arrival. Details should be entered on this link https://arrival.gov.kh/ . Upon successful completion, you'll receive a unique QR code that must be presented at immigration upon arrival. If arriving by boat you will fill out the traditional paper forms provided at the border crossing.
Laos visa requirements
A visa is required for entry into Laos and this can be purchased on arrival at the airport in Luang Prabang. The cost of this is approximately USD $40 per person and you will need to bring the money in cash in order to apply for your visa on arrival into Laos. Please note you will need 2 passport sized photos. Passports must have at least 6 months validity from your date of entry and a minimum of 2 blank pages. However, we strongly advise you check your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity.
Please note your final documentation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.
IMPORTANT: A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.
Instructions for connecting between International and Domestic flights at Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City Airport:
After clearing immigration, collect all your checked luggage and proceed through customs. Once you’ve passed customs, hand your checked luggage to the airport staff, who will assist with transferring it to your domestic flight. You will then walk from the international terminal to the domestic terminal to continue your journey. For more details, please visit https://www.vietnamairlines.com/vi/sites/EZconnection.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights, climb stairs and get on and off coaches and boats. The tour pace of Vietnam and Cambodia Odyssey is rated as Active. A good level of fitness is required as you may be on your feet for approximately four hours in a day, though this will be interspersed with regular breaks and will vary from day to day. You will be walking around the sights, getting on and off coaches, boats and climbing steps which may be irregular. You will stay in a variety of hotels throughout the tour. Our guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater to customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.
The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong, known as VND. You can exchange your currency in Vietnam, however, US Dollars are widely accepted in Vietnam should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in local currency. Money can be exchanged at the airport or branches of government banks. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels and some shops and restaurants.
The currency in Cambodia is the Cambodian Riel (KHM). We recommend that you take some US Dollars (USD) with you and exchange this currency whilst you are travelling. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in local currency.
The currency in Laos is the Lao kip (LAK). No coins are currently in use in Laos as they use notes only. US Dollars are widely accepted in Laos should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in local currency.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any dinners where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £600-£700 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour.
Tipping is not compulsory and is at your discretion. However, Should you wish to tip we recommend you tip your guide approx. USD $4 per person per day and your driver approx. USD $2 per person per day. Please note tips on the cruise ships are not included either and would recommend USD $2 per person per day. Additionally, if you want to tip your bell boy, porter, boat crew etc this is at your discretion.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 28. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
This is an escorted tour, meaning that you will have the services of an English speaking guide during each excursion ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Private Tour: If you have booked a private tour then you will be accompanied by a Driver Guide or a Driver and Local Guides. These will be available to you during all scheduled sightseeing. Private Tours can depart on any day of the week depending on flight and train schedules and the opening days of the attractions. They will follow the itinerary as described in the brochure unless you have been advised otherwise and you will still have all of the same meals, sightseeing and local excursions included.
This is a fully escorted tour extension, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
Boats
During this tour you will be boarding various vessels. Cabins come with en suite facilities and air conditioning. However room size can be restrictive, If you would like to take a smaller overnight bag on to the ships this can be arranged by leaving your larger luggage on your tour bus overnight at your own risk. There will also be a trip on a motor boat to cross the Cambodian border. Please note this is a shared boat which is open at the back, it does not have air conditioning and usually holds 1 toilet for passengers. The Border crossing can take up to 2 hours.
Trains
During your tour you will have some day trains and overnight trains. Please note, that these are local trains and should not be compared to European standards and quality. Overnight trains are booked 2 customers per cabin, all cabins come with air conditioning but there is no private toilet, these will be located at the end of the carriage. Beds usually come with a pillow, bed sheet and blanket. Please bring toilet roll and hand sanitiser. When travelling during the day on trains you will be booked into a soft seat train carriage where seats are comfortable and the carriage is air-conditioned.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs. If you have booked a triple share please note that your room will be a twin room with a rollaway bed or sofa bed added. This may limit the floor space in the room. Due to your flights landing early in the morning on arrival day we have arranged an early check in for you so you can freshen up before your tour commences.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information. Vegan, vegetarian options are available, all meal requests need to be sent over to our suppliers before travel.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way, so to ensure your comfort and well-being, two bottles of drinking water will be provided on touring days.
If you are travelling within the below Vietnamese and Cambodian Public Holidays, please note that celebrations can last several days and during these times some businesses will be closed. Coach, air, and train travel may also be affected. Tourist attractions will generally remain open but may be crowded. In Vietnam, key holidays include Tet Holiday (between January and February), International Labour Day (1st May), Reunification Day (30th April), and National Independence Day (2nd September). In Cambodia, major public holidays include Khmer New Year (typically in April), Pchum Ben (usually in September or October), and the Water Festival (held in November). During these times, the atmosphere can be lively with various cultural celebrations taking place across both countries.
During visits to Churches/Temples please note both men and women need to wear long trousers or skirts to cover knees, tops with sleeves should be worn to cover shoulders.
On your arrival in Hanoi you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Lac Viet (LV) Travel, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury holidays/Vietnam Travel Service representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries.
Please find below the emergency contact details for LV Travel head office, Hanoi.
Contact Telephone number: Anna Hanh Office: 0084 865 016 939, Mr Len Office: 0084 989 200 116, Emergency cases: 0084 888713289
24 hour e-mail: operation@lvtravel.vn or len@lvtravel.vn
