Book the Essential Vietnam & Cambodia cruise from APT River Cruises through Cruise1st UK any time in October, and you’ll receive a free upgrade to a balcony cabin and the amazing, all-inclusive drinks package. The two-week cruise aboard the RV La Marguerite journeys from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh, exploring some of Asia’s most beautiful towns, cities and regions, and you can do it in style when booking with Cruise1st UK.

This amazing deal starts at just £2,569 per person, providing an exceptional way to explore one of the world’s most enigmatic and enchanting regions in absolute luxury. The RV La Marguerite is renowned for its majesty, self-styled as a boutique five-star floating hotel. With more than a little French flair (and a very French name), the RV La Marguerite combines the traditional cultures of Vietnam with the colonial European architecture still sitting in the nation’s cities.

Vietnam and Cambodia Cruise with Upgraded Cabin and Drinks Package

Cruising down the mighty Mekong River, this amazing itinerary gives you the chance to explore the delightful cultures of Vietnam and Cambodia, offering a selection of overnight stays in the region’s most captivating cities.

Upon arriving in Cambodia, you’ll spend the first three nights of the tour staying in Siem Reap, the delightful resort town known as the gateway to the ruins of Angkor, the awe-inspiring former capital of the Khmer Empire. During the three nights spent in Siem Reap (accommodated in the prestigious Shinta Mani Resort), you’ll have the chance to visit the Angkor Archaeological Park, and bask in the glory of its mighty temple ruins. At the centre of these is the Angkor Wat, one of Asia’s most esteemed sites, and you’ll be given the opportunity to witness a spectacular sunset over this iconic temple.

The following day, you’ll make your way to the RV La Marguerite to set sail down the Mekong for the first time. After checking into your upgraded cabin, you’ll have a chance to enjoy the wonderful scenery flanking the river before enjoying a special Welcome Dinner in the on-board restaurant. Both local and western food will be on the menu, ideal whether you’re interested in sampling the local fare or would rather stick to something a little more familiar.

After a good night’s sleep, the following day’s itinerary takes you aboard a smaller ship, enjoying an excursion through the Kampong Chhnang wetlands. Sample real Cambodian life as your ship navigates past small fishing villages where the locals are hard at work fishing and trawling the waters.

Day eight of the river cruise sees you enter the busy capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. A unique blend of Khmer and French colonial influences, the city earned the nickname ‘Pearl of Asia’ due to the outstanding beauty of the public areas and architecture. The city is lined with exceptional buildings, demonstrating the wealth of the former centre of the Khmer Empire.

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During your overnight stay in Phnom Penh, you’ll have a chance to join an excursion to the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. This profoundly sombre and sobering experience explores the infamous genocide, in which more than one million people were killed and buried across numerous sites by the Khmer Rouge regime between 1970 and 1975. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum chronicles the Cambodian genocide, paying respects to the victims.

The afternoon’s excursion is slightly less sombre, taking you to Phnom Penh’s magnificent Royal Palace. This 19^th-century palace is home to the King of Cambodia, offering perhaps the world’s most incredible example of Khmer architecture with just a few French flourishes.

On day nine of the cruise, the ship passes the border into Vietnam, giving you a chance to enjoy the on-board amenities or reflect on the beautiful scenery from your upgraded balcony with an all-inclusive drink in hand.

The following day, you’ll have the chance to fully immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture, after transferring again to a smaller boat and sailing the tiny tributaries of the Mekong. After passing the sleepy fishing villages made up of houses on stilts, you can make your way onto dry land and enjoy a tour of Tân Châu on an authentic rickshaw, enjoying the lush greenery of the region.

The cruise is completed with a two-night stay in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), where a host of great excursions and activities are planned for cruise guests. Explore the Củ Chi Tunnels, a labyrinthine network of underground trails developed by Viet Cong fighters to resist, ambush and attack American soldiers during the Vietnam War. The tunnels have been largely preserved to this day as a reminder of the conflict which lasted until the mid-70s. A 75-mile stretch of the tunnels has been preserved for visitors to explore, complete with preserved conference rooms, where visitors can today enjoy an authentic meal the Viet Cong fighters would have eaten at the time.

Finally, the last full day of the river cruise gives you time to explore the enchanting Ho Chi Minh City, whether you wish to explore the Independence Palace, the illustrious museums or take in the amazing local food markets. Bến Thành Market, in particular, is great for picking up delicious local snacks or treating yourself to a beautiful Vietnamese piece for your wardrobe.

The package includes an almost endless list of bonuses and benefits. Aside from the cabin upgrade and the all-inclusive drinks package, the package includes all transfers, hotel stays, port taxes and even the on-board gratuities. This means you can concentrate on enjoying this most beautiful part of the world, and the wonderful countries of the mighty Mekong River.

Full Cruise Details:

Essential Vietnam & Cambodia – Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh

Date: Selected sailings between April 2017 and April 2018

Nights: 14

Ship: RV La Marguerite

Deal Reference Number: RVM1

Price: From £2,569

If you would like to explore the majesty and beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia, and benefit from a range of great upgrades aboard the Essential Vietnam & Cambodia cruise from APT River Cruises, book now with Cruise1st UK by calling 0808 2746 777 and quoting Reference Number RVM1.