Itinerary Map
Click HERE to view itinerary map
Highlights
Four nights in Historic Hoi An
Afternoon half day tour of Hoi An
Cooking class at the Red Bridge Cooking School Hoi An
Free time for exploring Hoi An
Free time for shopping and exploring Ho Chi Minh City
Tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels
Guided walk of Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon After Dark Vespa Tour Seven-night Mekong River cruise aboard the RV Lotus, featuring all suites with twin balconies
Receive a traditional Buddhist blessing by monks in Oudong
See an Apsara performance, a traditional Khmer dance
Witness the sunset over the magnificent Angkor Wat temples
Watch a mesmerising performance of Cambodia’s Phare Circus
Visit Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA) which supports local underprivileged children
Explore Angkor Archaeological Park
Tuk tuk ride to explore the agricultural island of Koh Pen.
Tour of Angkor Ban by foot
Local tuk tuk ride for a village tour in Oknha Tey
Explore the open-air copperware workshops of Koh Chen
Visit the Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh
Tour to visit the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh
Small boat tour of the Mekong's tiny tributaries
Visit to Vinh Hoa, also known as Evergreen Island
Boat ride to the charming colonial town of Sa Dec and its colourful markets
Visit the former home of Huynh Thuy Le.
Local boat and journey to Cai Be to see the French Gothic cathedral.
Visit a local rice paper manufacturer to learn how rice paper is made.
Visit a coconut candy factory
Relax at the stylish Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas
Inclusions
Fully Escorted by a Sisterhood Womens Travel Tour Hostess who is on hand to assist with making your holiday a memorable one
Return Economy airfares ex Melbourne including taxes (other departure cities available on request)
Seven-night Mekong River cruise aboard the RV Lotus, featuring all suites with twin balconies
English speaking guides at each destination
All transportation as per Itinerary
Meals as per itinerary (B,L,D) = Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Select international wine and local beer included with lunch and dinner on board the Mekong River cruise
4 Star accommodation with private facilities with king or twin bedding
All sightseeing as per Itinerary
Willing to Share option (subject to availability)
Meet and Greet prior to departure via Zoom
Local tipping is customary in Vietnam & Cambodia. Sisterhood Womens Travel tipping system on all group tours involves passengers contributing to a kitty which is paid to the tour hostess at the beginning of the tour. She then distributes it daily to service providers on your behalf. This avoids the need to consider individual tipping situations daily throughout your trip. The estimated amount for your tour is USD$70 and this will be confirmed in your final documentation.
Notice
Visa Information
Vietnam Visa to be obtained prior to departure on the e-visa portal - https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/
The above information can change at any time. For more detailed information on Vietnam please click the following link - https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/vietnam
Cambodia Visa can be obtained prior to departure on the e-visa portal - https://www.evisa.gov.kh/
The above information can change at any time. For more detailed information on Cambodia please click the following link - https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/cambodia
We recommend VINA Visas to assist with any visa processing requirements for your intended destination.
VINA Visas obtain travel visas on your behalf by submitting a completed travel visa application, and other required documents, to embassies or consulates.
INSTRUCTIONS:
When you are ready to proceed, start by clicking on the red start lodgement button. Complete the required fields for your visa.
To add more than one passport, click on "Number of passports" and select the required number of passports on the list.
Once you have submitted, you will receive 2 emails, one is a lodgement confirmation and another email with your account details to log back in to download the form and upload your documents.
If you have trouble uploading you can also email it to us to upload.
Follow the instructions and complete the evisa form given on the lodgement.
Sisterhood Central is available to assist with any visa applications by appointment (in person) – fees will apply.
Cabin Categories
Your onboard accommodation provides uncompromising comfort and style. Relax in your Twin Balcony Suites which features a Panoramic Balcony and an Outside Balcony where you'll have ample viewpoints to sit back and enjoy the passing scenery. Featuring King or twin bedding. View deck plan and cabins CLICK HERE
Ship Overview
Step aboard the RV Lotus and cruise the Mekong River in comfort and style between Vietnam and Cambodia to embrace authentic local life.
Discover highlights and hidden treasures along the Mekong’s tributaries, like rural villages Tan Chau and Koh Chen which specialise in silk and copper production.
Offering amazing views, reclining loungers, a swimming pool and cold drinks from the bar, the Sun Deck is a relaxing place to soak up the sights.
Every suite aboard the RV Lotus features private indoor and outdoor balconies, so you can enjoy views along the Mekong River throughout your cruise.
Dine in the Mekong Restaurant, relax with a drink in the Saigon Lounge or an espresso in Le Viet Nam Cafe. Enjoy complimentary international wines and local beers with lunch and dinner.
Attend lecutres by local guides on Cambodian and Vietnamese culture and history
Guest to staff ratio of 2:1
Onboard spa where you can enjoy relaxing treatments
Moderate Fitness Rating - A moderate level of fitness will be required for these tours due to the length and/or overall physicality of our tour itinerary. You can expect to walk more than 10,000 steps daily on more challenging terrain and longer periods. You must be capable of boarding and disembarking coaches, trains and boats unaided and at times handle your luggage.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Tuesday 3 February 2026
Melbourne - Danang (Meals in Flight, L, D)
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel, Meet your tour hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport for your flight to Vietnam. Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment as we head towards our next adventure.
Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival into Danang, we'll transfer to the hotel in Hoi An for our four night stay. We will enjoy lunch at local restaurant before checking into our hotel.
Tonight we will enjoy a welcome dinner
Overnight: Hoi An Historic Hotel, Hoi An (or similar)
Day 2 -Wednesday 4 February 2026
Hoi An (B)
A morning at leisure to explore Hoi An.
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 3 - Thursday 5 February 2026
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 4 - Thursday 5 February 2026
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 5 - Friday 6 February 2026
Hoi An (B)
Another free day 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 ($250.00). 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 6 - Saturday 7 February 2026
Danang - Ho Chi Minh City (B,D)
Today we transfer to the Da Nang Airport for our short fligt to HoChi Minh.
Upon arrival into Ho Chi Minh, we'll transfer to our hotel for a three night stay.
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 7 - Sunday 8 February 2026
Ho Chi Minh City (B,D)
Today 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 8 - Monday 9 February 2026
Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City (B,L)
This morning we visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were used as hiding spots during combat, and they also served as communication and supply routes, hospitals and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters. Take the opportunity to crawl through a section to understand first-hand what it was like for the soldiers who lived and fought here. The afternoon and evening have been left free to explore or choose a select Enhance Your Journey experience (extra cost).
Enhance Your Journey – Ho Chi Minh City by Foot
Explore the bustling city on this walking tour, passing the Saigon Opera House People’s Committee building, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office.
Enhance Your Journey – History of Saigon
Delve deeper into Ho Chi Minh City’s turbulent history. Start at the Reunification Palace, visit the War Remnants Museum and see the Burning Monk Memorial.
Enhance Your Journey – Shopping Tour by Foot
Seek out the city's boutiques as only a local knows and discover locally made and produced items such as clothing, mementos and jewellery.
Enhance Your Journey – Hoi An Sense
Indulge in authentic Hoi An delicacies, complemented by warm hospitality and rich cultural charm.
Enhance Your Journey – Le Corto
Dine on a three-course French fusion-inspired menu with a dining experience like no other.
Enhance Your Journey – Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro
Savour the delights of this Vietnamese bistro, where the walls are adorned with locally crafted propaganda posters offering food-oriented advice.
Overnight: Le Meridien Saigon (or similar)
Day 9 - Tuesday 10 February 2026
Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Embark Ship, Cai Be (B,L,D)
Today we begin with an early morning guided walk, step out to watch the busy streets come to life and gain a deeper understanding of what drives this urban centre. We then return to our hotel for breakfast. Later drive to My Tho and board the RV Lotus, our boutique river ship for the next seven nights. The ship, with its locally inspired ambience and twin balconies in every suite, offers a unique perspective on your Mekong River cruise. Sail from My Tho to Cai Be, soaking in the scenery. Settle into our suites or relax on the Sun Deck, observing river life. This evening, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner on board with our fellow travellers.
Overnight: Mekong River, RV Lotus
Day 10 - Wednesday 11 February 2026
Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau (B,L,D)
Today we explore Cai Be and its surrounds by tender boat as we view local life on the river and along its banks. Go ashore to see the Cai Be Church, the tallest church in the Mekong Delta with its impressive bell tower, and visit manufacturers of rice paper and coconut candy to learn how they're made. Head back to the ship and sit down to a delicious lunch while cruising to Sa Dec. Afterwards, take a boat ride to the charming town of Sa Dec for a guided tour. Stroll through the colourful markets and continue by foot to the home of Huynh Thuy Le, once the lover of French writer, Marguerite Duras, who penned her best-selling novel, The Lover, about their affair. Back on board, unwind or or perhaps relax with a rejuvenating treatment from the spa (extra cost). As the sun sets, the RV Lotus sets sail for Tan Chau. Enjoy dinner and later, head up to the Saigon Lounge for evening entertainment or a cocktail.
Overnight: Mekong River, RV Lotus
Day 11 - Thursday 12 February 2026
Tan Chau, Cambodia Border Crossing, Phnom Penh (B,L,D)
Today we transfer to a small boat for a journey along the tiny tributaries that snake around Tan Chau. Embark on a rickshaw tour and weave through the tiny laneways of this sleepy town, almost untouched by tourism. Home to one of the largest silk-weaving centres in Vietnam, you can observe how silk is woven in the local workshops. After lunch, take a small boat to discover rural life on Evergreen Island. Observe the traditional Vietnamese farming techniques, where the land is ploughed by water buffalo and where we can see authentic rural Mekong life. Later, appreciate some down time and watch the scenery of the Mekong River pass as the RV Lotus cruises towards the Cambodian border. While border formalities are carried out, sit down and enjoy the onboard activities and presentations. Cross into Cambodia and cruise overnight towards the capital, Phnom Penh.
Overnight: Mekong River, RV Lotus
Day 12 - Friday 13 February 2026
Phnom Penh (B,L,D)
Today, learn of the atrocities inflicted upon Cambodians during Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, where you'll find the Memorial Stupa, a glass monument erected in memory of the thousands of Cambodians who lost their lives. After lunch on board, visit the spectacular Royal Palace, delighting in its dazzling white and gold architecture. Then, head to the glorious Silver Pagoda, set on the southern side of the palace complex. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Head to the local markets for souvenirs or perhaps to taste the local delicacy of fried tarantula. Alternatively, relax on board and enjoy the facilities and service.
Overnight: Mekong River, RV Lotus
Day 13 - Saturday 14 February 2026
Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh (B,L,D)
Today we begin our morning with an excursion by road to Oudong, Cambodia’s royal capital from the early 17th until the 19th centuries. Here, enjoy a memorable Buddhist Blessing Ceremony Insider Experience where we take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony for good luck, health and safe journey, with resident monks at a monastery in Oudong. En route back to Phnom Penh, take a leisurely walk to explore Koh Chen, a village specialising in the manufacture of copperware. Visit some small family workshops. Here is the option to purchase some souvenirs. Later enjoy a free afternoon or choose one of the select Enhance Your Journey experience options (extra cost)
Enhance Your Journey – Hands-on Cooking Workshop
Meet your chef, visit a local market and select fruits, spices and more local ingredients to prepare Khmer dishes.
Enhance Your Journey – Phnom Penh by Cyclo
Explore Phnom Penh by cyclo, taking in sights such as Independence Square, the Royal Palace, trendy cafes, boutiques, local markets, and pagodas.
Enhance Your Journey – High Tea in the Clouds
Savour unobstructed panoramic views of the city, Central Market, and the legendary Mekong River from the iconic Rosewood Phnom Penh while indulging in a delightful afternoon tea experience. Enjoy fine TWG teas in the Living Room lounge, accompanied by delicious sweets and savouries made with local ingredients and crafted under the expert eye of the pastry chef.
Overnight: Mekong River, RV Lotus
Day 14 - Sunday 15 February 2026
Phnom Penh, Oknha Tey, Angkor Ban (B,L,D)
Rise early as our ship glides along the lush banks of the Mekong to Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island renowned for its silk manufacturing traditions, preserved over centuries. We travel by tuk tuk, past rice fields and get a glimpse into rural life. Stroll among the stilt 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. Later return to our river ship and enjoy lunch on board as the ship sets sail for Angkor Ban. In the afternoon as we cruise up the Mekong River, enjoy time at leisure. Have a dip in the pool or sit and read a book on the Sun Deck while soaking in the scenery.
Overnight: Mekong River, RV Lotus
Day 15 - Monday 16 February 2026
Angkor Ban, Koh Pen, Kampong Cham (B,L,D)
We start our morning with a guided walk of Angkor Ban, a village awash with stories of Cambodia's cultural history, and one of the few traditional villages that survived the Khmer Rouge regime. Nicknamed the 'Lucky Village', stroll through town, see traditional stilted houses and a Khmer-style pagoda. After lunch, our cruise docks at its final location Kampong Cham where we can enjoy our Tuk Tuk Tour of Koh Pen 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. . This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board with our fellow travellers as we reminisce about your Mekong River cruise adventure.
Overnight: Mekong River, RV Lotus
Day 16 - Tuesday 17 February 2026
Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Siem Reap (B)
Bid farewell to the crew and disembark the RV Lotus. Travel to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Wat, passing through picturesque countryside and remote villages. Take a break before heading to the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, commonly referred to as the Tomb Raider temple having featured in the movie starring Angelina Jolie. En route to our hotel, enjoy the Insider Experiences.- Local Charity Visit, Visit Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA), a OneTomorrow partner which supports local underprivileged children by providing them with an education. Circus Performance - Take our seats at Phare Circus and be amazed by the skills of the performers. This acclaimed show blends modern Khmer tales with music, dance, acrobatics, juggling, aerial acts, and contortion.
Overnight : Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas Siem Reap (or similar)
Day 17 - Wednesday 18 February 2026
Siem Reap (B,D)
We rise early this morning and travel back to Angkor Archaeological Park for a special Sunrise at Angkor Wat Insider Experience,witness the sun rising over Angkor Wat. A seat is included during the experience, as well as refreshments (coffee, tea or juice). Afterwards, join a guided exploration of this well-preserved temple, then return to our hotel for breakfast. Later, embark on an unforgettable journey to explore magnificent Angkor Thom and its iconic Bayon temple. Angkor Thom, a stunning ancient city built in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, served as the grand capital of the Khmer Empire. As we wander through this vast, historical landscape, we'll feel as if we've stepped back in time, surrounded by majestic temples and awe-inspiring structures. At the heart of Angkor Thom lies the Bayon Temple, renowned for its remarkable architecture and the mysterious, serene faces that adorn its towering spires. These intricately carved expressions will leave you in awe as you delve deeper into the rich history and artistry of this extraordinary site.
Dinner tonight enjoy a Khmer Dinner and Apsara Performance Insider Experience, dine on tantalising Khmer cuisine and peer into the heart of Cambodia by watching a performance of an Apsara dance, a delicate, beautiful tradition dating back to the seventh century.
Overnight : Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas Siem Reap (or similar)
Day 18 - Thursday 19 February 2026
Siem Reap (B)
Today is a free day to further explore Siem Reap or relax at our hotel
Overnight : Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas Siem Reap (or similar)
Day 19 - Friday 20 February 2026
Siem Reap - 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.
Day 20 - Saturday 21 February 2026
Welcome Home
Welcome Home! Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming back for your next adventure.