Fly Stay Cruise - 19 Day Treasures & Temples of Vietnam & Cambodia
This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking at no additional cost.
Enjoy an exceptional-value holiday that seamlessly combines return flights, pre- and post-cruise hotels and/or tours with a cruise—removing the stress of planning so you can enjoy every moment from departure to return.
River cruises are a relaxed, informal way to travel - there are fewer passengers on board compared to an ocean cruise, which means ample opportunity to make lifelong friends. You will pass through the world's most loved cities and towns; disembark and enjoy a shore excursion or two, or simply wander around and explore on your own.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ Return international flights from Australia to Hanoi and from Siem Reap
✓ 1-night hotel stay in Hanoi
✓ 2-night luxury cruise in Halong Bay onboard Au Co Cruise
✓ 7-night luxury Mekong River cruise onboard Emerald Harmony
✓ Deluxe hotels throughout Vietnam & Cambodia
✓ 16 included excursions including UNESCO World Heritage sites
✓ 8 exclusive EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences
✓ 40 meals including all meals onboard Mekong cruise
✓ Complimentary wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner onboard
✓ Complimentary tea, coffee, bottled water & Wi-Fi onboard
✓ All transfers, port charges, tipping and taxes included
✓ Services of English-speaking guides and cruise director
Inspiring Value
Exclusive fly-stay-cruise journey through Vietnam & Cambodia
Luxury 7-night Mekong River cruise with premium inclusions
2-night Halong Bay cruise through a UNESCO-listed wonder
All meals, drinks, tipping and touring included
Authentic EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences throughout
Sail through the heart of Indochina on a luxury Mekong River cruise, explore the limestone karsts of Halong Bay, and witness sunrise over Angkor Wat—a seamless journey blending culture, history and breathtaking landscapes.
Xin Chao and welcome to Vietnam. On arrival in Hanoi, you’ll be transferred by coach to your 4-Star hotel for your included one-night stay. Relax at the hotel, explore the historic streets of this ancient city, or take a stroll around Hoàn Kiếm Lake. In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner and meet your Tour Director for a briefing on the days ahead.
After breakfast, travel by coach to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay. Board the elegant Au Co Cruise Ship for your two-night stay on board. Cruise through the bays, passing countless limestone karst islets and soak up the magnificent scenery. Explore the onboard facilities, relax on deck, and enjoy dinner as the ship anchors in the Trinh Nu area for the night.
Today, continue cruising into the quieter, untouched areas of Lan Ha Bay on the Au Co Cruise Ship. Swim in secluded coves and kayak in Ho Ba Ham Lake, then visit Cua Van fishing village by rowing boat to experience traditional life. Return to the ship for dinner, and try squid fishing with the crew.
Enjoy breakfast as you watch the sunrise over Halong Bay and cruise past spectacular rock formations. Explore Sung Sot Cave before returning to Hanoi by coach. Visit the historic Old Quarter, Hang Be Market, Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and Ngoc Son Temple. In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show and dinner at KOTO Restaurant.
Begin the day with a city tour in Hanoi, visiting Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, his stilt house, the One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. After the tour, fly to Ho Chi Minh City and transfer by coach to your 4-Star hotel.
Travel by coach from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels, exploring the historic network with a local guide. Return to Ho Chi Minh City for a traditional Pho lunch. The afternoon and evening are at leisure for independent exploration of the city.
After checkout, enjoy a guided city tour of Ho Chi Minh City, including Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House, Town Hall, and the Reunification Palace. Transfer by coach to the port to board the Emerald Harmony for your 7-night Mekong River Cruise. Meet your captain and crew before setting sail down the Saigon River to Cho Gao Canal, where you’ll anchor for the night. Dinner is served on board as your Cruise Director reviews the upcoming itinerary.
Cruise through the bustling Cho Gao Canal on Emerald Harmony, observing the heavy commercial traffic connecting Tien Giang Province with Ho Chi Minh City. In the afternoon, visit the Tan My floating community, local plantations, a mushroom farm, a fruit farm, and a honey farm to experience rural life in the Mekong Delta. Continue cruising to Sa Ðéc and anchor for the night.
Sail to Sa Ðéc, a charming provincial city in the Mekong Delta. Take a short sampan ride for a walking tour around the town, visiting the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel The Lover, and explore the central market. Return to Emerald Harmony by sampan and anchor for the night.
After breakfast, transfer ashore by sampan to explore My An Hung Village, known for its chilli production. Enjoy local folk singing during your visit. Return to Emerald Harmony for an afternoon cruise to Gieng Island.
Visit Cu Lao Gieng, Mango Island, by motorcycle rickshaw. Explore village life and local industries, including mango farming, boat construction, and incense production. In the afternoon, relax on board Emerald Harmony as you cruise to Tan Chau, enjoying a traditional Lion Dance performance on deck.
Take a sampan ride to Evergreen Island, walking through a local village to learn about Delta farming life. Return to Tan Chau for a visit to a Cao Dai Temple and ride in a Xe Loi, a local cycle taxi, before reboarding Emerald Harmony. Cruise toward the border between Vietnam and Cambodia.
Arrive in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. Visit the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the Central Market or relax on board Emerald Harmony. In the evening, enjoy a city tour by remork (local Tuk-Tuk) as the city lights up.
Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda in the morning before returning to Emerald Harmony. Enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation as you cruise further up the Mekong River to Angkor Ban.
Explore Angkor Ban, including historical rural wooden houses and the village temple. Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing from the resident monks before cruising to Peam Chi Korng further upstream on the Mekong River.
Disembark Emerald Harmony in the morning and travel by coach to Siem Reap for a three-night stay at your 4-Star hotel. In the evening, enjoy Phare, The Cambodian Circus, featuring acrobatics, music, and dance, with a special dinner included.
Visit Angkor Thom, one of the most remarkable royal cities of the Angkor Period, and explore the sacred Temple of Ta Prohm, where jungle roots intertwine with ancient architecture. The evening is free to explore Pub Street or relax at your hotel.
Witness a sunrise over Angkor Wat and enjoy a guided walk through this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring the town. In the evening, enjoy an immersive dinner accompanied by an Apsara dance performance.
After breakfast, transfer by coach to Siem Reap airport for your onward or homebound flight.
Emerald Harmony
Sail the Mekong River in style onboard Emerald Harmony, a contemporary Star-Ship designed for comfort and immersive exploration.
Enjoy spacious suites, an infinity-style pool, sun deck, wellness facilities and exceptional dining. With included excursions, premium drinks and personalised service, your journey offers a relaxed yet enriching way to discover Vietnam and Cambodia.
Guaranteed Cabin – What This Means for You
Your cabin is booked on a Guaranteed basis. This means you’re confirmed in your selected cabin category (or higher), however your specific cabin number will be allocated by the cruise line closer to departure.
You may receive an upgrade at no additional cost, but cabin location and deck cannot be requested. Rest assured, you’ll enjoy all the features and inclusions of the category you’ve chosen — the exact cabin details will simply be revealed a little later.
Guaranteed Cabin – What This Means for You
Your cabin is booked on a Guaranteed basis. You’ll be confirmed in your selected category (or higher), with cabin number allocated closer to departure.
Included Cabin Type – Stateroom / Suite
Stylish suites feature comfortable bedding, ensuite bathroom, air conditioning and oceanview views. These suites are on the lower deck of the vessel and do not have opening windows.
Upgrades Available:
Higher deck balcony suites and premium upgrades available
Balcony Cabin – from $1,715.00 per person, twin share. Solo fare on application.
Balcony cabins offer your own private outdoor space where you can relax and take in breathtaking coastal scenery and ocean views. Inside, enjoy a spacious layout with comfortable bedding, sitting area and modern bathroom facilities.
Payment Information
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
Cooling Off Period
This product is not eligible for a cooling-off period.
Terms and conditions
Please note that this package is a Cruises by Inspiring Vacations package. Please review the terms and conditions here: https://cruises.inspiringvacations.com/au/terms-and-conditions
Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty.
Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Note: if you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination.
Arrival Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the airport to the hotel will be comfortable and hassle-free.
To make your way to your hotel from the airport, there are various connections by express train or limousine bus. The airport information desks can provide helpful advice, too.
Optional Airport Transfers - Transfer Portal
Depending on the package purchased, you may have the option to add airport transfers to your booking and you can do so through your Traveller Hub account. We partner with an online marketplace where travellers can compare and select the transfer of their choice.
Inspiring Vacations acts as an agent on behalf of our transfer service partner and any service is delivered by the provider. Inspiring Vacations cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from the transfer service provided. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure any transfer booked meets the requirements of any other travel arrangements. Likewise, your tour leader or any of our on-ground representatives cannot be held responsible for the service of your transfer nor are they in a position to assist with amending your reservation. Any transfer booking is separate from any other booking with Inspiring Vacations, regardless of whether purchased with regards to the same travel journey.
When you make your transfer service booking, you will receive a confirmation email and this will include your meeting instructions, as well as direct contact details. Please ensure you print and bring this with you as you will need to ensure you can make direct contact with your transfer service provider.
Airport transfers are included as part of your package.
On arrival look out for a representative holding a sign with your name after you have collected your baggage and exited customs. If you cannot find them, try to avoid wandering around and instead stay in one place and call the emergency contact number on your documentation.
In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it's essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative. This ensures they can take immediate action to address the problem and mitigate any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.
We understand that there may be instances where your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. In such cases, we encourage you to request that the tour leader or local representative escalate the matter to their direct manager for further assistance.
When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour.
Finishing Point
Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking.
Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost payable directly.
Departure Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the hotel to the airport will be comfortable and hassle-free.
As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub. We recommend you wait until you receive your final documentation to book transfers as your start and end hotels will only be confirmed at this point. Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.
To make your way to the airport, there are various connections by train or limousine bus. Most destinations offer ride-share services, such as Uber or Didi. If you're having any problems, you can speak to hotel reception before your departure.
Airport transfers are included as part of your package, at a suitable time you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport.
Accommodation
All hotels listed are subject to change; any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding requests cannot be guaranteed and are always on a request basis with the hotel.
Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional 9530.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire tour.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with them and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Itinerary Changes
Please note that as part of our commitment to constantly improving our passenger experience, there may be itinerary changes between the time of booking and when you travel. These changes are always made with your experience in mind and will be clearly communicated in advance if they affect your booking.
Trusted Travel Partner Tour
Your chosen tour will be operated by one of our trusted travel partners. These are meticulously crafted tours designed by established travel partners we know and trust. These tours offer a unique and exciting way to explore the world, packed with incredible sights and experiences
Documentation
Travel documentation is sent digitally 30 days before departure. No postal documents are issued. You must complete your cruise personaliser directly with the cruise line. We cannot complete this on your behalf. Visit the Know Before You Go section for guidance, and you will receive an email reminder when it is time to complete this.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your tour and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your tour. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here:
https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.
We need your passport information to get everything ready for your tour so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-tour cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider.
We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international tours, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.
If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.
Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it.
Official Travel Advice
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:
Here is a help link to get you started:
In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:
By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.
Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability.
Terms and Conditions
For the full terms and conditions for Cruises by Inspiring Vacations, please see HERE.
This is a flight inclusive package.
This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking at no additional cost. Select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’.
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.