Essential Vietnam and Cambodia

Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam's largest city and the engine driving the country's current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it's a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city's traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they're still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene's The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina's most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city's war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists' fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city's Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam's fixation on the future.

Cái Bè, nestled in the picturesque Mekong Delta, is a vibrant town renowned for its lively floating markets and scenic waterways. The Cái Bè Floating Market is a highlight, where local farmers sell fresh produce and handcrafted goods directly from their boats, offering visitors an authentic taste of daily life in the delta. Surrounding the town are lush orchards and tranquil rice paddies, perfect for cycling and exploring the serene countryside. With its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, Cái Bè invites travellers to experience the enchanting rhythms of rural Vietnam, making it a delightful stop on any Mekong Delta adventure.

Tân Châu sits in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, and is acclaimed for its traditional craftmanship and high-quality silk weaving. Across Tân Châu, skilled artisans intricately craft exquisite fabrics, often used to create elegant garments. The town gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy a serene atmosphere, whilst also offering a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese craftmanship.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

Oknha Tey Village is a captivating island situated on the Mekong River. It is most known for its famous silk weaving village, weaving a cultural allure into the tapestry of the picturesque island destination. 

Angkor Ban is a beautiful city known best for its vibrant culture and enchanting temple complexes. Situated in Cambodia, in the north-western region of the Siem Reap Province, Angkor Ban has a population of approximately 48 thousand, many of whom are ethnic Khmer.

Kampong Cham, the capital city of Cambodia's Kampong Cham Province, is a vibrant cultural destination with a rich history and serene landscapes. Situated along the banks of the Mekong river, visitors to Kampong Cham can explore the nearby Wat Nokor temple and immerse themselves into local life and culture.

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For a delicious taste of local cuisine, all meals, including a Champagne Breakfast each day, are included during your Mekong River cruise. While each meal presents the chance to dine on exotic Asian fare, Western favourites are always available. An Executive Chef will oversee the kitchen in which each gourmet meal is prepared, while a Restaurant Manager is on hand to ensure attentive service in the Mekong Restaurant.

APT EXCLUSIVE! Luke Nguyen Welcome Dinner

During your Mekong River cruise, you’ll indulge in a three-course Vietnamese Welcome Dinner designed by Luke.

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With large windows which allow you to take in the passing views, the air-conditioned Le Viêt Nam Café combines elegance with a relaxing atmosphere. 

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Decorative food is a big part of Vietnamese food culture. On board, enjoy a fruit-carving demonstration by one of the ship’s chefs, and learn the secrets of making the region’s famous delicacy – Vietnamese Spring Rolls. 

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Enjoy a traditional Khmer folk performance and listen to unique music that’s local to the Mekong Delta region. This evening is all about you getting involved – you can even join in the dance if you wish. During another interactive evening, your multi-talented crew will show off their performance skills. 

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Enjoy the passing riverside views while taking a dip in the Swimming Pool on the Sadec Deck.

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Offering amazing views and reclining lounges, the Sun Deck is the ideal place to sit back and soak up the sights.

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The RV Apsara boasts an air-conditioned lounge and a selection of books, games, DVDs and music to enjoy at your leisure.

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Keep up with your fitness routine with the use of a range of gym equipment. 

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Treat yourself to a range of hair and beauty treatments available in the ship’s spa.

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The spacious Sadec Twin Balcony Suites are perfectly designed for entertaining, and offer a significantly larger living space. You’ll have plenty of room to relax in your suite at the end of a day’s sightseeing. These suites also feature a large Outside Balcony and indoor Panoramic Balcony.

Guests in Sadec Twin Balcony Suites will enjoy Silver Butler Service. Benefits include the laundering of two garments per day, shoe shining, booking of appointments, one spa treatment per person, per cruise and a fruit platter daily.

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Representing a meticulously planned progression in design, APT’s exclusive Deluxe Twin Balcony Suites offer guests 226 square feet of floor space and use of both a Panoramic Balcony and an Outside Balcony. Thanks to this spacious layout, you’ll have ample viewpoints to sit back and enjoy the passing scenery.