The Magnificent Routes Of 2025 Take You On A Fascinating Journey With sisterhoodwomenstravel : Magical Mekong Cruise And Beyond / sisterhoodwomenstravel

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Itinerary

Day 1 – Saturday 8 February 2025

Melbourne – Siem Reap (Meals in Flight, D )

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel,  Meet your tour hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport for your flight to Cambodia.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment as we head towards our next adventure.

Welcome to Cambodia!  Upon arrival into Seim Reap, we’ll transfer to the hotel for our three night stay.

Tonight we will enjoy a welcome dinner

Overnight: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas (or similar)

Day 2 – Sunday 9 February 2025

Siem Reap (B,D)

With the morning at leisure, this afternoon we head to the temple of Ta Prohm the jungle temple entwined by trees and vines, commonly referred to as the Tomb Raider temple having featured in the movie starring Angelina Jolie. A range of Insider Experiences proves an exceptional start to our holiday.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Visit Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA) which supports local underprivileged children, a OneTomorrow partner.  Meet local children living in Siem Reap’s remote villages. You’ll visit the organisation that supports them by providing free education with the aim to improve future employment opportunities.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Dine on tantalising Khmer cuisine and watch a private Apsara performance.  This performance of traditional Khmer classical dance is a genre that was almost extinguished after the Khmer Rouge.

Overnight: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas (or similar)

Day 3 – Monday 10 February 2025

Siem Reap (B)

After breakfast, we set off early to explore some of the breathtaking Khmer architecture and sites at the World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park. Delve deeper into the history and significance of Angkor Wat as we wander inside the vast temple complex. Continue to Angkor Thom, which was built in the 12th century and was the last and most enduring capital, and head to the intriguing Bayon Temple, with its carved stone smiling faces. Visit the Terrace of Elephants, which used to be the base for the king’s grand audience hall, and the Terrace of the Leper King, which housed the royal crematorium.

This afternoon, we explore Siem Reap at our own pace or choose from one of the select experience options. Later take in a truly unforgettable Insider Experiences.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Witness an awe-inspiring sunset at the magnificent Angkor Wat.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Take your seat at Phare Circus and be wowed by the skills of the performers. This acclaimed show blends modern Khmer tales with music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts, and contortion. 

Dinner is own arrangements tonight

Overnight: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas (or similar)

Day 4 – Tuesday 11 February 2025

Siem Reap, Kampong Cham, Embark Ship, Angkor Ban (B,L,D)

This morning enjoy an early drive through picturesque countryside and remote villages eventually bringing us to Kampong Cham to join our Mekong River cruise. Step aboard the RV Apsara, our boutique river ship and home for the next seven nights. Spend the afternoon enjoying an Insider Experience. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board with as our Mekong River cruise begins.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Hop on a  tuk tuk and explore the agricultural island of Koh Pen. Travel along the shaded lanes and past wooden stilted houses, tucked amongst palm and sandalwood trees.

Overnight: Seven nights  Mekong River, RV Apsara

Day 5 – Wednesday 12 February 2025

Angkor Ban, Oknha Tey, Phnom Penh (B,L,D)

We start our day with a tour of Angkor Ban by foot and see one of the few rural villages in Cambodia that escaped destruction from the Khmer Rouge regime.

Return to the ship and continue sailing towards Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island renowned for its silk manufacturing traditions, preserved over centuries. Hop in a local tuk tuk for a village tour, pass rice fields and get a glimpse into rural life.

Stroll amongst the still houses and gain an insight into the traditional silk weaving process. Watch as the village women create the beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms. Back on board, we start sailing towards the capital, Phnom Penh.

Overnight: Mekong River, RV Apsara

Day 8 – Saturday 15 February 202

Phnom Penh, Vietnam Border Crossing, Tan Chau (B,L,D)

Spend today on board as our ship cruises to the Vietnamese border. While border formalities are carried out, sit down and enjoy the onboard activities and presentations. Cross into Vietnam and cruise towards the small town of Tan Chau.

Overnight: Mekong River, RV Apsara

Day 9 – Sunday 16 February 2025

Tan Chau, Sa Dec (B,L,D)

After breakfast, transfer to a small boat and travel along the Mekong’s tiny tributaries, observing the stilt house villages. Go ashore for a tour of Tan Chau by rickshaw. Known as one of the largest silk-weaving centres of Vietnam, visit the fascinating local artisan workshops to learn more about the history of the craft.

Later, step back in time during a visit to Vinh Hoa, also known as Evergreen Island. Take the opportunity to see traditional Vietnamese farming, where the land is ploughed by water buffalo and where you will see authentic rural Mekong life. Settle back in and watch the passing scenery as you continue cruising towards Sa Dec.

Overnight: Mekong River, RV Apsara

Day 10 – Monday 17 February 2025

Sa Dec, Cai Be, My Tho (B,L,D)

Take a boat ride to the charming colonial town of Sa Dec and explore the colourful markets on foot. Visit the former home of Huynh Thuy Le. Here Le’s one-time lover, French writer Marguerite Duras penned her best-selling novel, The Lover, about their affair.

After lunch, step aboard a local boat and journey to Cai Be to see the French Gothic cathedral. Go ashore to visit a local rice paper manufacturer to learn how rice paper is made.

Afterwards, visit a coconut candy factory to see how the local sweet is created. Enjoy a final dinner on board our ship as we cruise to My Tho our last stop.

Overnight: Mekong River, RV Apsara

Day 11 – Tuesday 18 February 2025

My Tho, Disembark Ship, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City (B,L)

Disembark at My Tho and bid farewell to the crew and travel by coach to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a tunnel network built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. Listen to stories of the history of the Vietnam-American war, the ingenuity of the Cu Chi residents and the daily activities of the people.

Part of a larger network, the tunnels were used by Viet Cong guerrillas as hiding spots during combat. Crawl through a section for a firsthand experience of what it was like for the soldiers who lived and fought here.

Later transfer to our accommodation and enjoy time at leisure in Ho Chi Minh City, a bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon. For dinner, choose one of the select experiences. or own arrangements

Overnight: Three Nights, Le Meridien Saigon (or similar)

Day 12 – Wednesday 19 February 2025

Ho Chi Minh City (B,D)

Today we begin with an early morning guided walk then return to our hotel for breakfast. Later we have free time to further explore Ho Chi Minh City .  Tonight, gather for a sumptuous Vietnamese Dinner.

Overnight:  Le Meridien Saigon (or similar)

Day 13 – Thursday 20 February 2025

Ho Chi Minh City (B)

Another free day to further explore Ho Chi Minh City.

This evening we’ll be collected from the hotel to enjoy our Saigon After Dark Vespa Tour one of the most popular tours in Saigon.

We’ll experience the local nightlife and enjoy tasty food and live music whilst riding pillion on vintage Vespas along the busy streets of this vibrant city. 

See Saigon come alive at night on this after-dark adventure!  Immerse yourself into the cosmopolitan nightlife of this busy city by night.  Soak up the energy of this urban metropolis at a top-ranking stylish venue of Saigon in the central city location when you sip on your first drinks and try out some tasty snacks while watching the sunset over Saigon. 

The expert driver will then zoom through the busy streets of Saigon so you can see some of the famous highlights in this bustling city. Feel like a local whilst feasting on authentic, fresh seafood dishes, eating streetside and then enjoy the local favourite that is the delicious Banh Xeo, a traditional Vietnamese savoury pancake.

 Then ride off into the night again to experience live music at a live music venue where a new generation of Vietnamese flaunt their style.

Bring a healthy appetite and a sense of adventure as the guides show us their city by night.

Overnight:  Le Meridien Saigon (or similar)

Day 14 – Friday 21 February 2025

Ho Chi Minh City – Hoi An (B,L)

This morning we transfer to the Ho Chi Minh Airport for our flight to Danang.

Upon arrival at the Danang Airport we will meet and transferd to Hoi An area. We will enjoy lunch at local restaurant before checking into our hotel.

This afternoon enjoy a half day tour of Hoi An, walk along the ancient streets to discover the Japanese Bridge: One of the most photographed bridges in Vietnam, Tian Hou Pagoda: a gorgeous 19th-century temple dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau, Tan Ky old house: A well-preserved 18th-century merchant’s house, visit some Hoi An handicraft workshops and finally enter the Museum of History-Culture.

Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight – Hoi An Historic Hotel, Hoi An (or similar)

Day 15 – Saturday 22 February 2025

Hoi An (B,L)

This morning, after breakfast we will start the day with a drink at Hai Scout Café, we then continue on to visit Hoi An’s colourful market and experience the amazing sights, sounds and aromas of this busy market. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers and purchase some of the ingredients to be used in the cooking lesson later.

We board the Red Bridge boat for a leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. This is a chance to view local river life, so make sure your camera is handy. On arrival, we explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s well-known dishes.

The cooking lesson runs for about 2 hours – each dish is first demonstrated by the Red Bridge chef’s, before we prepare the same dish ourselves. Included in the class is a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (plate decoration). After the lesson, we sit down and eat what we have cooked.

Dinner at leisure tonight.  Watch as the sun sets, the ancient old town comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colorful lanterns.

Overnight – Hoi An Historic Hotel, Hoi An (or similar)

Day 16 – Sunday 23 February 2025

Hoi An (B)

Today is at leisure to explore Hoi An on our own. Take one of the complimentary push bikes from the hotel to enjoy mingling with the locals in the Old Town where no cars are allowed.  There is so much to see and do in Hoi An, now’s your chance to discover all that’s on offer.  Tailors, shoemakers, optometrists, souvenirs galore and a massive range of cafes and restaurants to enjoy.

Dinner tonight at leisure.

Overnight – Hoi An Historic Hotel, Hoi An (or similar)

Day 17 – Monday 24 February 2025

Hoi An (B)

Another day free to continue to explore Hoi An.

Or if you’re keen to venture further out, why not enjoy the optional Full Day Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hill Tour.   Please advise at the time of booking.

Located in the Truong Son mountain range, 25 km to the south-west of Danang at an altitude of 1,487 metres, Ba Na Hills is a great destination for a day out of diverse experiences. This attraction is home to a fully-fledged French replica village of epic proportions.  To reach this spectacular village, ride cable cars that hold two Guinness Records – for being both the longest and highest cable car in the world.  Travelling from Asia to Europe in little over half-an-hour, the views alone are spectacular and the ride up is breathtaking.  You really do feel like you’re being carried away to somewhere quite magical.

When you get off the cable car you feel the temperature change – it’s so much cooler up here. Time at leisure to roam the beautifully manicured gardens with their giant chess pieces and pagodas; there’s a 27-metre tall Buddha; and the new addition of the Golden Bridge with giant hands holding the bridge itself up, providing an unforgettable panoramic view of the valley below.

Dinner tonight at leisure.

Overnight – Hoi An Historic Hotel, Hoi An (or similar)

Day 18 – Tuesday 25 February 2025

Hoi An – Melbourne (B, Meals In Flight)

Today is at leisure until our afternoon transfer to the Airport for the return flight to Australia.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of our airline as we head home.