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 Ancient ruins, a luxurious gay cruise, and scintillating Saigon await. Our all-gay journey begins in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the perfect base to spend a few days exploring the temples of Angkor. We’ll then embark on an 8-day cruise aboard a riverboat where we’ll be lavished with hospitality, cuisine, and outlandish entertainment from drag diva Miss Conception. Stops include remote villages renowned for their crafts and the capital city of Phnom Penh. Once we cross into Vietnam the adventure wraps up with two nights in Ho Chi Minh City (AKA Saigon), which teems with ten million residents and eight million bikes.
It’s also worth noting this journey is among the most all-inclusive adventures we offer. Almost all meals, drinks with dinner, and onboard beer and spirits are covered in the trip price.
Extend your stay with our Vietnam: Hanoi & Ha Long Bay Gay Cruise which commences directly after this tour finishes.
• Sunrise at Angkor Wat
• Decadent 7-night gay river cruise
• 3 onboard performances by fabulous Female Delusionist Extraordinaire, Miss Conception
• Overnight stop in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh
• Circus show featuring impassioned performances by local artists
• Sensational restaurants that celebrate local cuisine
• Sobering visits to the Killing Fields, Cu Chi Tunnels and other noted war sites
Day 1
Joom reab sour – welcome to Cambodia! Siem Reap is a fast-growing resort town and gateway to the ancient ruins of Angkor. Our trip kicks off at 6PM with a Group Meeting followed by dinner and drinks. Tonight’s restaurant celebrates traditional Khmer fare in a lavish venue. If you’re surviving the jet lag, why not join us afterwards at a local gay bar?
Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas, Siem Reap
Day 2
Today is devoted to temple-hopping. We begin with iconic Angkor Wat, where bas-relief carvings and ancient architecture offer excellent photography fodder. After an included lunch, we’ll ride a remork (motorized rickshaw) to Angkor Thom, famous for 50 gothic towers and 200 faces carved into the stone. Our day ends with a relaxing evening back at our luxurious accommodations. We’ll enjoy an exquisite dinner at the hotel restaurant highlighting authentic Khmer cuisine.
Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas, Siem Reap
Day 3
The sun rising over Angkor Wat is one of the most amazing sights in the world (and makes the brutally early wake-up call worth it). After we return to the hotel for breakfast we’ll carry on to the countryside. Experience seasonal activities like rice planting and harvesting before we visit Banteay Srei, a sandstone temple devoted to Hindu god Shiva. We’ll also visit Ta Prohm, crumbling and consumed by the jungle, and best known as the location where Tomb Raider was filmed. And this is all before lunch! Back at the hotel, we’ll have a free afternoon to grab a bite or just kick back by the pool. We’ll meet again in the early evening for dinner in a rustic wooden house, and a trip to the Phare Circus, where young artists from disadvantaged backgrounds bring uniquely Cambodian tales to life.
Hotel: Shinta Mani Angkor and Bensley Collection Pool Villas, Siem Reap
Day 4
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Kampong Cham to board the beautiful RV Indochina Pandaw with a boxed lunch served en route. Once onboard, there will be a safety briefing followed by cocktails and dinner during our sunset departure.
Accommodation: Pandaw Cruises Indochina Pandaw
Day 5
As we make our way downstream, we’ll visit Angkor Ban and a local Cambodian school where guests are encouraged to donate books for the children. After lunch, we’ll tour Koh Oknha Tey, or ‘Silk Island’. With a long history of silk-weaving, we’ll study the entire production process including the raising of the silkworms themselves. At the end of the tour we’ll have a chance to shop (scarves are popular souvenirs), and see a demonstration of the ancient martial art known as Bokator. Tonight we’ll enjoy our first performance by the delightful Miss Conception who’ll sample her latest show.
Accommodation: Pandaw Cruises Indochina Pandaw
Day 6
Today we’ll take a private coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong, and visit a meditation centre. After returning to the ship for lunch, we’ll explore the riverside temples, markets, and villages of Kampong Tralach via ox-cart. In the evening, cocktails will be served around the village fire pit, allowing us to meet friendly locals and learn about Khmer traditions and culture.
Accommodation: Pandaw Cruises Indochina Pandaw
Day 7
This morning we’ll explore Cambodia’s capital with cyclos powered by drivers from The Cyclo Centre Phnom Penh. This charity provides basic welfare and medical services to the drivers of these unique cabs. We’ll visit the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum, and the Royal Palace. After lunch we’ll pay a humbling visit to the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng – or S21 detention centre. Our cruise will overnight in the city, giving us a chance to experience the colourful LGBTQ+ nightlife.
Accommodation: Pandaw Cruises Indochina Pandaw
Day 8
This morning, sip a coffee from your balcony and watch the scenery as we make our way to (and through) the Vietnam border for immigration formalities. We’ll then cruise to the picturesque town of Long Thuan and visit floating fish farms by sampan (a local boat). This afternoon, we’ll stop at a Taoist temple where the monks will read our fortunes, then visit the village of Xi Loi to experience life on a local farm. Our last stop of the day will have us watching a traditional lion dance, then it’s back to the ship for another feast and performance by Miss Conception.
Accommodation: Pandaw Cruises Indochina Pandaw
Day 9
Sailing through the Mekong Delta offers real insight into life along this vast waterway, and today is no exception. We’ll pass through a small canal where we’ll head ashore to Con Phuoc Island, known for its beautiful landscapes and handicrafts. Here, we’ll witness craftspeople weaving bamboo baskets, and even have a go at it ourselves. Then we’ll travel by tuk tuk to a 100-year old Catholic Church and mingle with the friendly locals.
Accommodation: Pandaw Cruises Indochina Pandaw
Day 10
This morning we’ll relax onboard as we cruise to the provincial capital of Ben Tre. Explore an area known to be rich in birdlife before we board rowboats to ride through mangroves and bamboo groves, landing at a village known for local wares. Back on board, enjoy a short performance by a local dance troupe, our final dinner on the ship, and one last performance by Miss Conception.
Accommodation: Pandaw Cruises Indochina Pandaw
Day 11
Sadly our cruise is over, but the trip is not! This morning we’ll head to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This extensive underground network, dug by the Viet Minh and Viet Cong, contained hospitals, accommodations and schools during the war. We’ll also get to see the elaborate (and gruesome) traps they set for the enemy. After lunch nearby we’ll drive to Ho Chi Minh City, check-in to our lavish hotel, and freshen up for an included dinner.
Hotel: Mai House Saigon Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
Day 12
"Saigon" is full of chaotic thrills where ancient and modern worlds mingle. We’ll visit Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the goddess of seafarers, then we’ll delve into Chinatown and its dazzling markets. Lunch will be classic Vietnamese before we visit Reunification Palace, the War museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, the General Post office and the Opera House. After this last ambitious afternoon, we’ll have a bit of downtime before celebrating the adventure with a farewell dinner at one of the city’s finest restaurants.
Hotel: Mai House Saigon Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
Day 13
There are no activities planned today until your complimentary departure transfer. Safe travels home, or why not keep the adventure alive with our Hanoi & Ha Long Bay Gay Tour Extension?
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• Arrival & departure transfers to/from joining/finishing point hotel
• LGBTQ+ Hosts and local English-speaking guides throughout
• On-board performances by fabulous Female Delusionist Extraordinaire, Miss Conception
• All meals except lunch on Day 3
• Beverages on ship: Beer, Local Spirits, Soft Drinks, Juice, Coffee, and Tea at all times. Wine during meals
• Beverages at restaurants: 1 Beer/Soft Drink/Juice + water at Lunches, 2 Beers/Glasses of Wine/Soft Drinks/Juice + water at Dinners
• All included activities mentioned in the itinerary
• All land transportation in comfortable, air conditioned vehicles
• 7-night Luxury River Cruise and accommodations for the duration of the tour
• Gratuities for hotel porters, drivers, ship crew and local guides
• International and domestic airfare
• Meals and Activities not mentioned
• All items of a personal nature (laundry, drinks, etc.)
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance is mandatory for all travellers.
Ancient temples by day. Campy cabarets by night.
After a day of temple hopping, gay travellers will love the growing LGBTQ+ scenes in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Cambodia boasts a fascinating history, impressive sights, and some of the friendliest locals we’ve encountered. Bustling Phnom Penh is home to the spectacular Royal Palace. The quiet countryside is peppered with rice fields. And the ancient city of Angkor is both mighty and a mighty fave of most Out Adventurers. Throw in some of the world’s most pristine beaches and luxurious properties that offer incredible value, and it all adds up to a sweet taste of paradise.
Cambodia Visa
Visas can be organized either in advance or on arrival. Check with your embassy or consulate, and allow about three weeks for processing. It’s also possible to obtain your Cambodian visa on arrival at the airport or border crossing for about $25 US (cost subject to change). There may be exceptions, and all visas are the traveller’s responsibility.
LGBT Rights in Cambodia
On the whole, Cambodia is a relatively welcoming destination for gay travellers. Please note: public displays of affection in Cambodia are taboo, no matter your sexual orientation.
Gay Cambodia Travel
While Cambodia isn’t a gay hotspot per se, there’s an impressive amount of nightlife in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. From hole-in-the-wall drag bars to cafes to some of the best cabarets we’ve seen, you certainly won’t be at a loss for things to do after a day of temple hopping. There are no gay villages in Cambodia. However, plenty of gay bars pepper Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and some smaller cities.
Weather
March is among the best months to travel to this region but it can be quite hot. Rain is rare and the humidity is a bit less oppressive. Daily high temperatures can get up to about 35C/95F, but on the Mekong River the temperatures will stay around 31C/88F. At night it cools off to as low as 26C/79F.
Required Vaccinations
Based on the entry requirements, there are no vaccinations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. We cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Electricity
You will need an international travel plug/adapter for type A/C/G sockets.
Time Zone:
(GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta
Connectivity:
All of our hotels will have Wi-Fi access. The ship has Wi-Fi when in Phnom Penh, in public areas (albeit slow). If you require connectivity, we recommend purchasing an international data plan or local SIM card (with an unlocked device). Even with a SIM card or roaming plan, coverage may be weak.
A Taste of Paradise with a Side of Pho
Join a gay cruise along the Mekong, visit heavenly Ha Long Bay or get lost in chic Hanoi. The choice is yours. It’s been part of Imperial China, colonized by the French and even divided into rival states. Today Vietnam is a must for ambitious adventurers, where you can explore layers of history, unspoiled beaches, mysterious bays and marvelous cuisine with a European influence. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh also live up to the spectacular reputations Southeast Asian cities are renowned for.
Vietnam Visa
Visas must be arranged in advance through your local Vietnamese embassy or consulate. This trip does not qualify for a visa on arrival/e-visa, as we enter Vietnam while on the river cruise, and not at a major port or airport. All visas are the traveller’s responsibility.
LGBT Rights in Vietnam
There’s a strong gay scene in major centres like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, same-sex marriage is legal, and LGBTQ+ people can even serve in Vietnam’s military. Paradoxically, however, gay couples and individuals are not explicitly recognized or protected by law.
Gay Vietnam Travel
As a traveller (straight or gay), it’s best to avoid public displays of affection, but in turn you shouldn’t expect any issues regarding sexuality. Head to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh for the country’s largest gay scenes, including some spectacular Cabarets and Drag Shows. There are no gay districts in Vietnam. Bars and clubs are peppered throughout.
Best Time to Visit
Vietnam is balmy all year long, but the dry season is ideal for traveling (between November and April). Hanoi’s daytime ‘winter’ highs are about 22C/72F, while Ho Chi Minh City hovers around a heady 29C/85F throughout the year.
Required Vaccinations
Based on the entry requirements for Vietnam, there are no vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as we cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Electricity
You will need an international travel plug/adapter for type A/C/G sockets.
Time Zone:
(GMT+07:00) Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta
Culture Shock:
When visiting Vietnam and Cambodia you’ll see both good and bad. Poverty is widespread, but the friendly locals make up for it. Since English speakers can be hard to find, arm yourself with a phrase book and a sense of humour!
Starting Point Hotel
Shinta Mani Angkor Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Guests at Shinta Mani Angkor & Bensley Collection Pool Villas enjoy lovely Khmer-inspired rooms while channelling funds to the local community. Designed by architect Bill Bensley, the boutique hotel is part of a community program that lets guests meet locals from rural Cambodia and help support the Shinta Mani Foundation. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property.
Shinta Mani Angkor & Bensley Collection Pool Villas is a 5-minute walk from the Old Market and Pub Street. It is a 10-minute drive from Siem Reap Airport and the Angkor Wat temple complex.
The rooms offer modern designs, city or pool views and each has a flat-screen cable TV. A safety deposit box and tea/coffee making facilities are also provided. The private bathroom offers toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers.
Finishing Point Hotel
Mai House Saigon Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Mai House Saigon Hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, a restaurant and bar in Ho Chi Minh City. With free WiFi, this 5-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. The accommodation offers a business centre, a concierge service and organising tours for guests.
The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a safety deposit box, a TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Some rooms also offer a kitchen with a fridge. At Mai House Saigon Hotel all rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels.
Harmony. It’s the perfect word to describe cruising aboard the RV Indochina Pandaw. Harmony with the river, with nature, and with the people and cultures we’ll interact with along the way. A boutique vessel sporting classic colonial design, the RV Indochina Pandaw blends timeless elegance with modern amenities. Her public spaces and cabins are warm and welcoming, making her the quintessential choice for the Mekong River cruise portion of our 13-day tour through Cambodia and Vietnam.
Public Spaces
The epitome of old world charm, the RV Indochina’s interior wrap-around wood paneling creates an inviting and nostalgic ambiance that exudes relaxation. Sip your morning coffee on the sun deck as breathtaking views of Southeast Asia drift by, or point one of the comfy loungers in your preferred direction and kick your feet up for a zen moment. Feeling a bit shady? Duck under the canopy and unwind with a cocktail and some conversation. With a plethora of cute and cozy spots to choose from, this ship is like Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress – always in style.
Amenities
As we’re ushered into the stately dining room, aromas of local spices waft over us, a sensory appetizer that precedes our nightly theme dinners. The ship’s local master chef heads an experienced culinary team in creating mouthwatering masterpieces. With breakfasts and lunches served semi-buffet style, we’ll have the option to sample a broad selection of local fare, but the nightly seated dinners are the star attraction. We may even find ourselves seduced by the extensive wine list. Be sure to indulge in the daily freshly baked breads and rolls, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a dessert.
The ship’s bar is our friendly watering hole, where the stories flow as freely as the drinks. It’s also one of the few places on board with a TV, for those seeking a quick glimpse outside of our river cruise bubble.
Entertainment
On board, we’ll be treated to radiant cultural performances, enlightening educational talks, and inspiring cooking classes. Keen to explore the vessel from bow to stern? Join a ship tour led by a crew member and visit the bridge – just leave the driving to the Captain. Get ready to vogue, because the vibrancy of Vietnamese culture will be on full display for the dance party, a highlight evening when guests are invited to boogie down on deck with the crew.
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