Avalon Siem Reap Expedition – 8 Days of UNESCO Temples, Mekong Markets & Heritage Travel

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights (also available in 4–5 night shorter variants)
Route: Siem Reap ↔ Phnom Penh ↔ Chau Doc ↔ Ho Chi Minh City
Vessel: Sophisticated all-suite river ship with just 18 cabins and maximum 36 guests
Ideal For: Culture seekers, heritage travelers, boutique cruise lovers, small-group explorers

🌿 Why Choose Avalon Siem Reap?

Intimate onboard experience—just 18 spacious suites, each boasting panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto a French balcony. The wide layout allows the ship to glide into remote Mekong tributaries that larger ships can’t reach. Pavlus Travel+12Avalon Waterways+12In The Loop Travel+12Architectural Digest+2CruiseMapper+2CruiseMapper+2
Elegant colonial ambiance—contemporary interiors while preserving Vietnam–Cambodia charm. Public areas include an air-conditioned Panorama Lounge, shaded observation deck at the bow, spa room, small gym, and library. Global River Cruising+4In The Loop Travel+4CruiseMapper+4
Accessible sightseeing—smoothly sails full-route between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City without tedious bus transfers. Each lounge offers forward-facing, uninterrupted river views. Pavlus Travel+6CruiseMapper+6CruiseMapper+6

🗓 Sample 8-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Siem Reap — Temples & Welcome

Begin in Siem Reap with guided temple visits including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, and Ta Prohm. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance before boarding the ship.

Day 2: Siem Reap → Phnom Penh — Monasteries & Villages

Disembark for scenic excursions to hilltop Wat Hanchey and walk through Angkor Ban village, where children and locals share stories. Sail to Phnom Penh in the afternoon.

Day 3: Phnom Penh — Royal Palaces & Heritage Museums

Explore the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, and optional visits to the Killing Fields or Central Market. Evening entertainment features local dance, music, or orphanage performances.

Day 4: Phnom Penh → Border Crossing → Chau Doc

Cross into Vietnam via the Mekong, with stops at border villages and sampling local fare. Cruise on to Chau Doc, enjoying the riverbank scenery as dusk falls.

Day 5: Chau Doc → Long Khanh A → Cu Lao Gieng

Experience rural life—visit floating markets, religious sites, and cotton weaving workshops. Enter Cu Lao Gieng to observe traditional sampan building and conical hat making.

Day 6: Cu Lao Gieng → Vinh Long → Departure to Saigon

Enjoy visits to local workshops producing rice wine, traditional candy, and rice paper. Late afternoon arrival in Saigon marks the end of the cruise. CruiseMapper+8Pavlus Travel+8Pavlus Travel+8Vietlong Travel+6Vietnam Travel+6Pavlus Travel+6Cruise Critic+1Global River Cruising+1

(Shorter 4–5 day versions start in either Siem Reap or Phnom Penh and end in Cambodia or Vietnam.)

🛏 Accommodation & Onboard Perks

Spacious suites (approx. 23 m²): Each features twin or king-size beds facing the river, wall-to-wall panoramic windows with sliding doors, luxury linens, and ensuite bathroom with full shower. Global River Cruising+1CruiseMapper+1
Deck & Amenities: The Panorama Lounge and bar, open-air bow lounge, spa treatment room, exercise space, and board areas offer relaxation and quiet views without overcrowding. Wi‑Fi access is included in public zones. Avalon Waterways+3Global River Cruising+3CruiseMapper+3

✅ What’s Included

Accommodation in an all-suite river cabin with daily housekeeping and turn-down service
Full board meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner—including local specialties paired with complimentary house wines and soft drinks
Daily guided excursions: temple tours, floating markets, village visits, artisan workshops, and immersive cultural stops
Evening enrichment: folk performances, lectures, movies, and interactive demonstrations
Transfers at embarkation/disembarkation, all river taxes and port fees, and travel insurance

❌ Not Included

Flights and airport transfers
Optional Angkor or city tours beyond cruise
Spa treatments, premium drinks, special in-suite dining, and gratuities
Visa fees or personal travel insurance beyond included coverage

💵 Pricing Guide

8 Night Siem Reap → Saigon: From approximately US $2,690 per person (double occupancy, all-inclusive). Global River Cruising+1Avalon Waterways+1The TimesCruiseMapper+1CruiseMapper+1
4–5 Night Cambodia-only or Vietnam-only cruises: Available from US $1,900–2,500 per person, depending on season and suite category.

🌍 Highlights Snapshot

Wake up in your suite with panoramic river scenes visible through vast windows
Visit UNESCO Angkor temples, Phnom Penh palaces, rural floating villages, and artisan communities
Experience seamless itineraries without bus transfers—gliding from point A to B on the Mekong
Small-group intimacy means personalized service and real connections with staff and fellow travelers

📰 Traveler Insight

Recent passengers praise the knowledgeable guides, artistic surroundings, and immersive itinerary. While Wi‑Fi can be patchy in rural stretches, many see it as an opportunity to disconnect and enjoy the journey fully.