• New
  • Escorted Tour

Mekong River Cruise

Including Cambodia and Vietnam

A Mekong River cruise on our luxurious ship the Avalon Saigon is a captivating way to explore Southeast Asia, offering a unique blend of culture, nature, and history. Our new escorted tour offers a fascinating  journey through the heart of Southeast Asia, weaving through diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories.  Explore the ancient temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the  bustling floating  markets of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta and the vibrant city of Ho Chi  Minh City and Cu Chi Tunnels. Experience traditional village life,  vibrant cities, serene landscapes, jungles and riverbanks. See gorgeous silks and flowers, motor scooters,  a recent history of war and a friendly and welcoming people.

Your travel itinerary

Sunday 23 November

Auckland - Singapore

Depart Auckland on Singapore Airlines with a late evening arrival in Singapore. Overnight at the Airport Hotel.

Monday 24 November

Singapore - HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

Dinner iconDinner

A leisurely start with a midday flight to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. Welcome dinner tonight.

 

Tuesday 25 November

HO CHI MINH CITY

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This morning we enjoy a walking Tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s historic landmarks, including a stop at the Rex Hotel for a refreshing drink at the rooftop bar where the U.S. Military held the infamous “Five O’clock Follies” during the war. Then visit the War Remnants Museum featuring the history and relics of the Vietnam War, before spending time in bustling Ben Thanh Market.

Participate in a hands-on Vietnamese Cooking Class before free time this afternoon. This evening dinner is at a local restaurant. 

Wednesday 26 November

HO CHI MINH CITY

Breakfast iconBreakfast

Our morning begins with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels constructed during the Vietnam War. This is a unique experience to feel what life was like underground for the Viet Cong during the war years as well as seeing the countryside. We return to Ho Chi Minh and enjoy free time.

Thursday 27 November

HO CHI MINH CITY (EMBARKATION)

Breakfast iconBreakfast Lunch iconLunch Dinner iconDinner

Today we transfer to the local port on the Saigon River for embarkation on the Avalon Saigon. Get acquainted with the ship as we begin our cruise to Vinh Long before our welcome reception this evening. 

Friday 28 November

VINH LONG-CU LAO GIENG

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This morning board a sampan ( flat bottomed wooden boat ) to visit a local workshop where you will see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candies are made. This afternoon, enjoy scenes of daily life on Cu Lao Gieng Island. Our experience includes a local workshop and the home of a family that makes Vietnamese conical hats, or “Non la,” from materials available to them such as palm leaves and bamboo. Late afternoon we continue our cruise to  Chau Doc. 

Saturday 29 November

CHAU DOC – Phnom Penh, CAMBODIA

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This morning enjoy a guided walk through the local market and absorb the atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. Then embark on a river excursion down the backwaters of the Mekong. Along the way, see traditional floating homes, speedboat merchants, religious sites and more. After lunch explore the village of Long Khanh A for a Cotton-Weaving demonstration before an evening cruise to Phnom Penh.

Sunday 30 November

PHNOM PENH

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Today we enjoy a City Tour by private cyclo to visit the Royal Palace with the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum featuring an outstanding display of Khmer artifacts. Afternoon at leisure. Consider a Guided Optional Tour of a local brewery with free-flowing local beer!

Monday 01 December

PHNOM PENH

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This morning, a choice between visiting the Genocide Museum or a visit to the lively Central Market by tuk-tuk to see its unique Art Deco design. After lunch, depart Phnom Penh and enjoy some time at leisure onboard.

Tuesday 02 December

WAT HANCHEY-ANGKOR BAN

Breakfast iconBreakfast Lunch iconLunch Dinner iconDinner

Visit Wat Hanchey, a hilltop temple dating back to the 8th century. After lunch, enjoy a Walking Tour through the rural village of Angkor Ban. Here, you will visit a traditional Khmer house and interact with children at a local school.

Wednesday 03 December

KONPONG LOUANG - KAMPONG TRALACH

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We start our day at the silversmith village in Konpong Louang. Here, see talented craftsmen use age-old techniques to turn pure silver into works of art. In Kampong Tralach, board an ox cart for a ride through the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, stop to meet a local farmer and learn about his daily life.

 

Thursday 04 December

PHNOM PENH (DISEMBARKATION) - SIEM REAP

Breakfast iconBreakfast Lunch iconLunch

This morning we disembark the ship and fly to Siem Reap. After lunch a special tour of Angkor Wat, the UNESCO site built in the 12th century and last capital of the Khmer Empire. The complex looks much the same as it would have done when the French explorers came here 140 years ago – shrouded in undergrowth with huge roots of old Banyan trees growing over and down the ruins. The Southern Gate is guarded by giant carvings of gods and demons all preserved in time. 

 

Friday 05 December

SIEM REAP

Breakfast iconBreakfast Dinner iconDinner

After breakfast we return to Angkor Wat to complete our experience with an afternoon at your leisure.  This evening enjoy a private Apsara Dance Performance which brings ancient Khmer culture to life through music, song, and dance. 

 

Saturday 06 December

SIEM REAP – Singapore

Breakfast iconBreakfast

Today we transfer to the airport and fly to Singapore. Change planes and fly overnight to Auckland.

Sunday 07 December

Singapore – Auckland

Arrive Auckland

 

Inclusions

• Economy class flights - Auckland – Singapore –Ho Chi Minh City // Siem Reap - Singapore – Auckland

• Domestic flight Phnom Penh to Siem Reap

• English speaking guides in Vietnam and Cambodia

• All hotel accommodation is 4 star with private facilities.

• Meals as specified

• All international transfers and transport as outlined

• All lunches on land include water, tea/coffee and up to two soft drinks

• All dinners on land include water, tea/coffee and a choice of two beverages including house wine, local beer or soft drinks

• 1 night Singapore

• 3 nights Ho Chi Minh City

• 2 nights Siem Reap

• 7 night all-inclusive cruise on Avalon Saigon

• Onboard the ship complimentary soft drinks, local beer/spirits and wine with lunch and dinner

• Onboard the ship complimentary soft drinks, local beer/spirits available throughout the day

• Complimentary WIFI in the Panorama Lounge and Open-Air Lounge

• All shore excursions included

• All gratuities included

• Port charges included

• Pukekohe Travel tour escort subject to 15 people travelling

 

Cost

ESTIMATED Cost Per Person * 

Auckland - Auckland
Twin ShareSingle 
 Panorama Suite ( French Balcony )  $12,740 $19,497
Business Class Upgrade

T.B.A

Premium Economy Class Upgrade

T.B.A

Early Booking Discount ( 01 March 2025 ) $150
Previous International Pukekohe Travel Tour Discount $100

*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment

Exclusions

• Travel Insurance - please ask us for a quote

• Airline and Government taxes (approx. NZD230)

• Vietnamese e-Visa Fee (approx. NZD50)

• Cambodian e-Visa Fee (approx. NZD65)

• Items of a personal nature

Booking Conditions

• A non-refundable deposit of $2,500 per person secures a place on the tour

• Full payment is due no later than 05 May 2025

Cancellations

• From date of booking until 05 May 2025 – loss of deposit

• After 05 May  2025– no refund

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is essential. Please feel free to contact us for a quote.

General Information

Documentation

• Travel insurance is compulsory – please ask us for a quote

• A current passport is required – valid six months beyond return date of travel

• All other passports – please ask

• A Vietnamese e-Visa is required and Pukekohe Travel will assist in obtaining this (NZD50) 

• Cambodian e-Visa (approx. NZD65) each

Climate / Temperatures

November in the Mekong will be hot most of the time – max 28°c. It is the beginning of the dry season but occasional showers are possible.

The hotels, coaches and the Avalon Saigon are all air conditioned.

Clothes

Lightweight, comfortable clothes are the order of the day.  Hats, sunglasses and comfortable sandals are a must. A scarf or pareu is handy for temples etc. or for sun protection.

A small umbrella is great for rain showers or sunshade.

Food

Fruit and vegetables are plentiful.  Due to the colonial influence, bread is of very good quality.  Beer is the best alcohol option, local and international brands are available 

Currency / Money

Vietnam - the Dong

Cambodia – Riel (Tourists only use USD) These currencies are not available outside the countries. US Dollar cash is widely used and the currency to travel with. ATM’s in Cambodia dispense USD

Shopping

The scope is huge: silk, linen, lacquer-ware, tailor made clothes, children’s clothes, shoes to name a few. Remember to leave home with no more than 12 to 15 kg of luggage!!

Hawkers are everywhere, follow the guide’s advice and be prepared to bargain or ignore.

Cultural

Photographic opportunities are plentiful – respect the local people and ask before taking photos.

 

Health and Mobility

A good standard of health and fitness is required, along with the ability to walk unaided on uneven and fairly steep surfaces is essential.

 

Ship Information

Avalon Saigon ( 2018 )

• 36 passengers

• 24 crew members

• Airconditioned

• Open Air observation lounge

• Open seating dining room

• Spa treatment room

Panorama Suites 245 Square feet

• Wall to wall panoramic window creating an open air balcony

• Complimentary water

• Large private bathroom with full shower

• Hairdryer

 

Terms and Conditions

For full terms and conditions please visit our website Terms and Conditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy.


Note: Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change

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