I flew with Vietnam airlines into Ho Chi Minh City (previously Saigon) we were met and transferred to our wonderful and then enjoyed some free time to explore the city.
Next day we did a short walking tour taking in the main sites of Reunification Palace, Post Office and the Ben Than Markets followed by a wonderful lunch. That afternoon we arranged a tour of the Cu Chi tunnels – this is a must for all travellers.
I would recommend having at least 3 nights in Ho Chi Minh to have time to take everything in as there is so much to see, do and eat!
Day 3 we boarded our River Boat - home for the next week. We cruised via fishing villages, and local villages out of the Mekong Delta and into the main part of the Mekong – just such a beautiful and very relaxing way to see 2 amazing countries.
We moored at night and cruised during the day. After breakfast most days we had a land tour to visit an exciting site included in our package and then back to the ship for lunch and to set sail again. The river boat would dock again in the afternoon where you could go on land again if you wish or just sit back, relax, read a book and have a drink- which is included in the cruise cost!
Please be aware of the water level at different times of the year this does change the itinerary and where the ship can get to.
A tour highlight was a visit to an orphanage. Prior to this our guide took us to a marketplace and we all chipped in and bought items from shampoo to books and pencils and of course some lollies to give to the children, which was a wonderful experience.
After this fabulous and very relaxing 7-night cruise we finished in Siem Reap. Wow what a beautiful place! Made famous by the magical Angkor Wat and more recently the movie Tomb Raider with Angelina Jolie.
I would suggest having at least 2-3 nights here as there is plenty to see with amazing temples and great shopping!
The River Cruise package included cruise, meals, drink as well as tips which is fantastic for us Aussies. This was a very relaxing way to tour this part of the world. Unpack once yet see many different areas.