Christmas on the Mekong
Celebrate Christmas with an unforgettable journey through Southeast Asia. Begin with the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor, then embark on a magical seven-night cruise along the Mekong River, waking on Christmas morning to a sunrise over the water. Continue your adventure through Vietnam, from the vibrant energy of Saigon to the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, before ending with a serene cruise through the emerald peaks of Halong Bay.
- 20 Dec 2026 – 07 Jan 2027
from $12,180 pp twin share * - 19 Dec 2027 – 06 Jan 2028
from $12,680 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Days 1-2 – Fly overnight to Siem Reap:
Fly overnight to bustling Siem Reap, the gateway to the temples of Angkor. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to soak up the local culture. - Day 3 – Explore Angkor:
Journey into the old city of Angkor Thom. At its heart is the enigmatic Bayon, an iconic temple of innumerable sculptural decorations. Admire the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King before continuing to the atmospheric Ta Prohm. The rest of the afternoon is dedicated to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent and best preserved of all of Angkor’s treasures. As the sun sets, float peacefully on the moat that surrounds Angkor Thom, soaking up the atmosphere. - Day 4 – Victoria Mekong:
This morning, transfer to Kampong Cham to embark on your next adventure – a seven-night cruise on our premium small ship, the Victoria Mekong. Begin your cruise with a complimentary cocktail on deck, watching the sun set. - Day 5 – Christmas Eve on the Mekong:
Explore the laid-back village of Angkor Ban with its wooden stilt houses. This afternoon, take a tuk-tuk to Silk Island to learn about the process of silk weaving from worm to loom. Return to the ship and begin your Christmas celebrations with a festive feast featuring a Cambodian twist. - Day 6 – Christmas on the Mekong:
Wake to Christmas on the Mekong. Enjoy a walking tour of Koh Chen village, where you’ll meet a local copper and silversmith, before continuing to the country’s former capital, Oudong. Arrive in Phnom Penh, and continue your Christmas day celebrations in style with a signature cocktail at Raffles Hotel Le Royal before returning to the ship for dinner. - Day 7 – Phnom Penh:
Begin the day exploring Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, before visiting the National Museum to admire Khmer treasures. After lunch, learn about Cambodia’s tragic past under the Khmer Rouge regime with a visit to the Killing Fields, then return to the ship for a captivating Apsara dance performance. - Day 8 – Tan Chau:
Enjoy onboard activities such as a ship’s tour or a minigolf tournament as the ship crosses the border into Vietnam. Enjoy lunch on board while cruising towards Tan Chau, followed by a visit to the Cao Dai Temple. This evening, experience a lion dance on the sky deck! - Day 9 – Phu Tan & Tiger Island:
Head ashore and visit a craft village famous for its handmade clay stoves. Return to the ship for lunch before visiting Tiger Island for a scenic walk through rice fields and learn about Mr. Tiger’s Temple. - Day 10 – Long Xuyen:
Take a tender boat through a fascinating floating market to reach Long Xuyen. After lunch, visit Dinh Yen village to see traditional straw mat weaving. Return to the ship and enjoy a traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music performance as you cruise towards Can Tho, the beating heart of the Mekong Delta. - Day 11 – Drive to Saigon:
After breakfast, disembark and drive to Saigon, Vietnam’s most evocative city. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. - Day 12 – Cu Chi Tunnels & NYE in Saigon:
This morning, visit the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels to learn the history of the Viet Cong and their guerrilla tactics during the Vietnam War. Return to Saigon, a vibrant, modern city with a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. See the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral, visit the Central Post Office, and the fascinating War Remnants Museum. Relax with a coffee break at one of Saigon’s popular coffee houses. - Day 13 – Discover Hoi An:
Fly from Saigon to Danang and transfer to the enchanting town of Hoi An. Head out on a walking tour, with visits including Chua Ong Pagoda, a historic merchant house, and the spectacular Japanese Covered Bridge. With its charming yellow buildings and vivid silk lanterns, a stroll through this traditional town feels like stepping back in time. - Day 14 – Tra Que Village:
Venture into the countryside to Tra Que. Soak up the lush landscape as you stroll through vibrant vegetable gardens, watch local farmers at work, and try your hand at traditional cultivation techniques. Then, take part in a hands-on cooking demonstration and savour the flavours of authentic local specialities before returning to Hoi An. - Day 15 – Historic Hanoi:
Fly to Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi. A fast paced yet graceful city, it is packed full of ancient and modern sights to discover. Begin exploring at the serene Temple of Literature before taking a cyclo tour through the Old Quarter’s atmospheric tangle of streets with a stop for local delicacy ‘ca phe trung’ (egg coffee) en route. - Days 16 – Explore Hanoi:
Today, head to the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, where you’ll pass ‘Uncle Ho’s’ monumental mausoleum and Stilt House, before seeing the One Pillar Pagoda. Tonight, attend one of Hanoi’s famously breathtaking artistic performances. - Day 17-18 – Halong Bay Cruise:
Travel to Halong City, board a cruise boat and set sail on the tranquil blue-green waters of Halong Bay. With its 1,600 island and islets, the bay was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. As you explore, you’ll make excursions to mysterious caves and enjoy delicious seafood onboard. After a night anchored out on the water, rise early to see the sun come up before cruising back to port. Return to Hanoi for an afternoon at leisure ahead of this evening’s farewell dinner. - Days 19-20 – Depart Hanoi to Australia:
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Highlights
- Admire the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor.
- Cruise the Mekong River, waking to a Christmas morning sunrise.
- Discover the vibrant cities and charming towns of Vietnam.
Celebrate Christmas with an unforgettable journey through Southeast Asia. Begin with the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor, then embark on a magical seven-night cruise along the Mekong River, waking on Christmas morning to a sunrise over the water. Continue your adventure through Vietnam, from the vibrant energy of Saigon to the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An, before ending with a serene cruise through the emerald peaks of Halong Bay.
Inclusions
- Celebrate Christmas on the Mekong.
- Admire the temples of Angkor.
- Marvel at lantern-lit Hoi An.
- Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Explore bustling Saigon & Hanoi.
- Cruise spectacular Halong Bay.
FAQs
- Lotus Blanc Resort
- Victoria Mekong
- Muong Thanh Luxury Saigon Hotel
- Little Residence Boutique Hotel & Spa
- The Ann Hanoi Hotel & Spa
- Bhaya Classic
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 20 days and 17 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 20 Dec 2026 and 06 Jan 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: Wendy Wu ToursFine Print
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