25 Year Anniversary Classic Mekong

You will be met at Siem Reap in the arrivals hall by your Local Guide or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, travel to your hotel for check in.

Spanning from the 9th to 15th century, the Angkor complex was the capital of the thriving Khmer Empire, and home to over 1,000 temples. Begin at the city of

Angkor Thom, built by Jayavarman VII. Here, sights include the enigmatic Bayon, the Elephant Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. One of the most evocative

ruins here is to the temple of Ta Prohm, enveloped in a labyrinth of jungle.

This afternoon is devoted to the fascinating and awe- inspiring Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and nationally considered to be Cambodia’s spiritual heart. Later, relax on board a boat and view the sunset on Angkor Thom’s moat.



Destination Information

Angkor Thom – (lit. ‘Great City’) This was the last capital of the Khmer empire, established by Buddhist King Jayavarman VII in the 12th century. This walled city, covering an area of 9 square km, is flanked by

a row of 54 stone figures on each side, which leads you through a 23-metre imposing stone entrance gate to the various temples inside.



The Bayon – A rich, late 12th century state temple at the centre of Angkor Thom. Its beautifully-crafted central towers are decorated with four opposing faces representing Jayavarman. Bayon’s stone galleries display extraordinary bas-reliefs incorporating over 11,000 figures.



Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King - The Elephant Terrace is named for the carved elephant parade on its eastern side. Giant viewing platforms used for public ceremonies, which served as a base for the King's grand audience hall. To the north is the Terrace of the Leper King, named for a statue found there.



Ta Prohm –One of Angkor Thom’s most atmospheric ruins, half-swallowed by the jungle and tree roots, Ta Prohm has several towers, closed courtyards and narrow corridors to explore. Originally dedicated to Sri Jayarajacudamani, the mother of the king who established Angkor Thom, it was made famous by the film Tomb Raider.



Angkor Wat – This 12th century temple complex is the la

This morning, visit a small rural village and enjoy a glimpse into the personal life of a Khmer family. Learn about the village’s dynamics, lifestyle, and daily routines.

After lunch, visit the Tonle Sap lake for an insight into how local communities create floating homes on the water. Return to Siem Reap for dinner. The exact village

visited will depend on water levels at the time of your visit.

Fly to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital city. Check in at your hotel and relax before this evening's adventure - an orientation tour of Phnom Penh by tuk-tuk! Take in its various monuments before dinner.

After dinner, transfer to one of Phnom Penh's wonderful sky bars and sip a complimentary cocktail while enjoying views of the city's skyline.

If the local flight schedule allows for an early arrival, we will also visit the National Museum and a local temple, Wat Phnom.

Please note: The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Khmer royal family, and has been closed to visitors since the country’s first lockdown in 2020. No reopening date has been confirmed. If it should reopen in time for your departure, we will endeavour to include it in your itinerary.

Reflect on the history of the city with visits to the Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields, where you will learn about the suffering of the Khmer people under the brutal Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. The visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum involves 1 hour on foot. This museum is also the site of the former S21 prison used

by the Khmer Rouge, and commemorates the atrocities that occurred here during the regime of Pol Pot. The transfer south-west to the Killing Field orchards will take approximately half an hour. These visits are educational, but can be emotional; you will be given time to explore the orchards on your own.



After lunch, transfer to the ship's embarkation point in Phnom Penh (usually Sisowath Quay), where you will say goodbye to your National Escort and board the Victoria Mekong. Board your premium small ship cruise vessel, the Victoria Mekong. You’ll be joined by Wendy Wu, owner and founder of Wendy Wu Tours, throughout this VIP sailing. Relax with a welcome cocktail reception on deck as the sun sets.

Please note: Victoria Mekong requires a minimum number of cabins to sail. Depending on the size of our group, there may also be other clients on board with our group; however, you will be Wendy’s personal guests.

Drink inclusions: During your time on the Victoria Mekong, beer and soft drinks are included and available from the bar at your leisure. House wine is included with dinner, and a complimentary sundown cocktail is provided each day. A variety of spirits are available for purchase.

Depart Phnom Penh in the early morning and sail towards the border, passing into Vietnam in the early afternoon. The 7th longest river in Asia and the heart of Southeast Asia civilisation, there is no tapestry of river life as fascinating and varied as the Mekong. Spend a relaxed morning appreciating the passing scenery from the

loungers on the sun deck or in the privacy of your guaranteed balcony. Alternatively, choose from the onboard activities, such as a cocktail making competition or cooking class. After lunch, board local sampans and cruise into the Mekong’s smaller waterways to see floating fish farms and stilt houses, and stop to visit a colourful Taoist temple. Return to the ship, where we enjoy a thrilling lion dance performance before dinner. The ship continues to Vam Nao, where we anchor for the night.

Confront the reality of guerrilla warfare at the Cu Chi Tunnels. These cramped tunnels were central to some of the war’s strategic operations, including the famous 1968 Tet Offensive. The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters. Sightseeing here involves two hours on foot on uneven mud paths through the bush and, if you choose, crawling through a short section of the tunnels. You will also see recreations of some of the infamous bamboo traps of the VC. This afternoon, return to Saigon to explore its heady mix of local culture and colonial influences. See the Notre Dame Cathedral and visit the Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace and the emotive War Remnants Museum. This evening, enjoy a uniquely authentic experience: dine at the home of an English-speaking Vietnamese family! The family will introduce themselves before a short cooking demonstration. After dinner, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about their lives in Saigon. Later, ascend to the Sky Bar at Bitexco Financial Tower and enjoy a cocktail with panoramic views of the

city’s modern skyline

After breakfast, depart Saigon and fly 1h20 to Da Nang Airport.

Drive 45 minutes to Hoi An for lunch. This afternoon, enjoy a walking tour through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, visiting a Chinese temple, the Japanese

Covered Bridge. Enjoy a tour of a 200-year old merchant house, still owned by the descendants of the original merchant owners.

After breakfast, transfer to Danang and fly 1 hour and 20 minutes to the charming city of Hanoi. This afternoon, visit the serene Temple of Literature, Hanoi’s first university. Then take a cyclo tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Each cyclo takes one passenger and is operated by a cycle driver behind the carriage. Wrap up your ride with an opportunity to taste some traditional egg coffee and feel like a local on your plastic stool!

Discover the sights of Hanoi. First stop at the Ho Chi Minh Quarter and enjoy an external visit of Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, followed by the Humble House on Stilts and the One Pillar Pagoda. This evening, sit back and enjoy the Quintessence of Tonkin, a cultural celebration of northern Vietnamese history.

Please note: The performance schedule is subject to change; if the Quintessence of Tonkin is not operating, you will enjoy a similar artistic performance in Saigon or Hoi An.

You will be transferred 1 hour from the hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Any time before your flight is at leisure. You may arrive back Into Australia today or the following day.

Please note: Only breakfast is provided on the group’s day of departure.

Travel to the shores of Tonle Sap and visit the floating village of Kampong Phluk (Oct to Feb) or Chong Kneas (Mar to Sep). Stop at Chansar village for a glimpse at rural life before boarding an ox cart to ride to the home of a local Khmer family. This evening, sit down to a rollicking performance of the Phare Cambodian Circus.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning, take a tuk-tuk to join fellow chefs in a cooking class held in a traditional-style Cambodian house, visiting a fresh produce market to shop for your ingredients. This afternoon is at leisure before an evening dinner and an Apsara dance show.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Fly to Australia, arriving home the following day.

Breakfast