Overview

A magnificent introduction to the delights of Downstream Mekong River cruise, combining two main cities of Siem Reap in Cambodia and Saigon in Vietnam. Starting your journey from Siem Reap, with two days to explore the majestic temples of Angkor, then join downstream cruise on luxurious boutique cruise ship on the Mekong to explore this fascinating landscape in ultimate luxury, finishing at the city with over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes, Saigon is truly a city that never sleeps. It is also possible to do this itinerary in reverse, travelling from Saigon to Siem Reap. 

JOURNEY IN DETAIL

DAY 1: ARRIVE SIEM REAP

Meet & greet: Upon arrival at the Siem Reap international airport you will be welcomed to Cambodia by your private guide, and then embark the comfortable vehicle for transfer to your hotel for check-in and spend the remainder of day at leisure. Early check-in at your hotel is subject to availability on arrival.

Highlights: Arrival and welcome
None
Overnight in Siem Riep at your selected hotel

***Please check with your guide to see what time you would like to enjoy sunrise at Angkor Wat and your guide will be flexible to you and accommodate as per your request

Full day tour of Angkor: Probably the best time to visit Angkor Wat, the largest and most famous of the Angkor temples, is early in the morning, when the light is good and it is relatively quiet. Angkor Wat is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. Continue your exploration with a visit to the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. There are magnificent roots of trees, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, emphasizing the ‘lost city’ legend. Lunch is taken at local restaurant

Afternoon, have a fun with tuk tuk ride to visit to Angkor Thom (Big Angkor), it is a walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkor Empire. After Jayavarman VII recaptured the badly damaged Angkorian capital from the Cham invaders in 1181, he began a massive building campaign across the empire, constructing Angkor Thom as his new capital city. The giant stone faces of Bayon have become one of the most recognizable images connected to classic Khmer art and architecture. There are 37 standing towers, most sporting four carved faces oriented toward the cardinal points.  Further, visit to the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Leper King Terrace and Royal Place area. Have optional your choice to stop at the Pre Rup-temple to catch the most popular sunset. Or optional your choice at a selected temple – will be advised our guide.

Highlights: Full day tour of Angkor
None
Overnight in Siem Riep at your selected hotel

The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love and life to this nation. The Tonle Sap has more fish than any other lakes in the world and is a home to an incredible variety of birds, including rare – and endangered – feathered life. Low water season is approximate from January to middle of September. Please be reminded that during low water our guests will embark and disembark in Kampong Cham, a town at the lower Mekong river in Cambodia.

We gather in the morning at our welcome lounge in Siem Reap. Relax with a drink as our staff collects your details for the boarding. Then, we bid farewell to the iconic sights of Angkor and travel over land south to the town of Kampong Cham where our ship awaits us. The transfer takes about 4.5 hours, snacks and water are provided during the trip. Upon arrival you check in to your well-prepared staterooms. A lunch buffet is served in the dining hall. Make yourself familiar with all facilities onboard and take some rest.

In the afternoon we learn more about the education of the young Cambodian generation (NGO project). The children join us on board, always excited to show their skills in music and art. Be sure to be bathed in smiles upon your applause. After the performance, we leave the ship by bus for an afternoon excursion. During low water season, we have the chance to see a bamboo bridge which connects the mainland with an island. We continue to the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). This small complex sits on a hill top on the shore with a breath-taking view over the Mekong. When returning to the cruise, you can enjoy some private time until dinner is served in the dining hall. Our lounge cinema features selected classic movies (every night).

Highlights: Embarking Mekong river cruise
Breakfast, lunch
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

 

Every morning, our Tai Chi class on the sun deck will give you energy for the day ahead. Breakfast is served in the dining hall. The ship sails up towards the small Angkor Ban village on the Mekong River. The Angkor Ban village is famous for its unspoiled community and beautiful, traditional houses. It feels like being transported back a hundred years ago, into an era unaffected by modernity. Villagers are characterised by their unbridled warmth. Back on board a Monks’ blessing ceremony will deliver spirits and wishes for health and prosperity for all. Enjoy your lunch as we set sail downstream the Mekong.

In the afternoon a High Tea is offered and our staff is keen to show you the variety of traditional Khmer fashion. We arrive at the Island of Koh Oknha Tey. This spot in the middle of the Mekong owns its fame for manufacturing high class silk products. By tuk tuk we explore the island with its workshops and learn how silk is processed from its source, provided by little silkworms, to a final top quality product made of original Cambodian silk. After some additional cruising time, passing the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap, the boat anchors near Kampong Chhnang. Have a fresh drink before dinner and marvel at the amazing marshlands of this beautiful area.

Highlights: Mekong river cruise
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

Wake up early to witness this spectacular scenery at the break of dawn. Our morning Tai Chi class offers the perfect scenery today. Breakfast buffet is served in the dining hall. We are now in Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world”, where everything is on sticks balanced on water rich soil. We take a local boat to the shore. By mini buses we head to a rural village nearby and go on a walking tour. Our guides introduce you to the village specialities – Khmer style pottery and the making of palm sugar. Before returning to the boat, we explore the floating villages and wetlands of the region.

Back on board lunch is served while the cruise continues with a languid meander along the Tonle river towards Kampong Tralach. Gliding through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape we reach Kampong Tralach. Cacophonous children wave enthusiastically while bringing their livestock for a bath in the meandering river. We will stop at the “Green School” which is partly supported by the cruise. See all this river life – which is so different than ours – by a local ox cart ride.

After some additional cruising time the boat arrives at the pier of Phnom Penh. Feel free to have your first exploration by yourself after dinner. Stroll along the river promenade and watch the locals chit-chatting, selling odds and ends or have a drink in one of the numerous bars (kindly inform our crew once you are leaving the ship on your own).

Highlights: Mekong river cruise
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

Retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. It is an amazing town with centuries of incredible history and culture which can still be felt at many street corners.

We start with a full sight-seeing tour right after breakfast. By bus we visit the Killing Fields at the outside of the city and afterwards the centrally located prison “S21”. Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter of Khmer history when the Khmer Rouge ruled the country with terror and suppression. Those places have not changed much since this horrific time back in the early seventies and it can be quite heartbreaking. Alternatively, you can explore the city in the morning by your own before re-joining the group. We take lunch at a fine restaurant in town.

Our exploration of Phnom Penh continues on the fascinating cultural heritage of Phnom Penh. The golden edifice of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the exceptional Khmer crafts at the National Museum are our afternoon highlights. The day trip ends with a “cyclo” ride back to the ship through the bustling streets of downtown Phnom Penh. Take some rest in your spacious cabin or join other fellow passengers at the bar for refreshing drinks before our captivating evening activities start.

In the early evening a barbecue dinner on the sun deck commences. The dinner is accompanied with an Apsara dance performance. You have to witness the brilliance and richness of this dance along with the soothing sounds of the traditional music. As the evening unwinds, enjoy your supper with a good glass of wine and marvel at the skyline of Phnom Penh, and the calming flow of the Tonle river.

Highlights: Mekong river cruise
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

After breakfast we gather at the lounge for a great lecture. The lounge is set up for a captivating lecture about Cambodian modern history, held by a professor of the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Definitely a highlight of this cruise receiving knowledge first hand as our lecturer has studied the subject extensively and personally. The whole afternoon is at your own arrangements.

From now on, even the last passenger will turn on his cruise mode and hopefully experience the therapeutic influence that this mighty river radiates. It is time for massages, relaxation on the sun bed, and private balcony kick-backs – it’s time to merge with the river. Some may like to visit the bridge as the captain always has a little story to share about “his” river. Float into a state of mild bliss. Before totally drifting away, do not forget lunchtime around noon.

A culinary class is offered in the afternoon to sharpen your knowledge and skills on the local cuisine. Before slumbering in a nap, join our High Tea with coffee and snacks if you like to. We reach the border and finally arrive in Vietnam. From here, it is just a short distance to Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced border town with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh, and Khmer community. We moor near the city with views on the riverbanks. Dinner will be served soon and you can join our evening cinema with another selected classic movie afterwards.

Highlights: Mekong river cruise
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the dining hall or in the quiet privacy of your balcony. Brace yourself for a tour around Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced town near the Cambodian border with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community. Once arrived on-shore we hop on “xelois” to explore Tan Chau, slowly moving around the streets to see all the workshops, houses and domiciles. Get to feel the laid- back vibes of this place. We stop at the colorful, local market near one of the town’s temples. We board local boats and cruise along floating houses until we finally reach a floating fish farm. This region is the source of a fish production that is sold all over the world. We get an exclusive insight in how fish farming works.

Back on board before lunch is served, you may like to pamper yourself with some spa treatments or take a dip into the pool on the sun deck. Our expert guides offer a presentation on the “Life on the Mekong Delta” as the ship continues to My An Hung near the Sa Dec province. Before we arrive mingle with fellow passengers and share some stories. We will set off for the My An Hung Village. In the village we receive wonderful insights into the private household of a local family and start a journey of visiting local regions. As the sun sets and the light bathes everything golden, we settle on a riverbank gathering with cocktails to recap the day. Back on the ship we cruise downstream the Mekong. Refresh yourself and get ready for dinner. The ship moors mid-river near Sa Dec.

Highlights: Mekong river cruise
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

In the morning we arrive the island of Binh Thanh, one of the larger islands in the vast stream of the Mekong. Some communities have settled here and make their living by growing water hyacinths. We exclusively visit one of those untouched areas. By wandering through the village we get a deep understanding of the native life. But moreover, we can follow the whole process of their traditional mat making. You can try to experience traditional handicrafts and all ear a story of this island.

Back on-board lunch is served and you have some time to leisurely spend onboard while we cruise along the Mekong. In the early afternoon we arrive in Cai Be, a charming town which is famous for its Catholic French church and their manufacturing of traditional crafts and food products. The floating market of Cai Be is getting smaller every year, since trading on the water is shifting more and more to the modern central markets. We can still see some boat to boat trading of local goods, such as fruits and agricultural products. Our guide will explain all the particulars of this long lasting trading culture. Each boat has a special marker that lets buyers know what goods they are selling. Afterwards we go on-shore to visit a workshop where we learn how rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies and rice wine is manufactured. Cai Be and its surrounding areas are covered by palm trees and hence the region is also famous for the production of coconut candies.

As the sun sets, we invites you to a farewell event. Before dinner, you can enjoy dances and music together with the crew. The ship moors at My Tho.

Highlights: Mekong river cruise
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

Enjoy your last breakfast aboard your floating home. We will disembark the ship after breakfast and take a bus transfer from My Tho to the drop off point in Saigon. It is only around 70km on the highway. You will arrive in Saigon by mid-morning. Drop off will be at the meeting point in Saigon.

Afternoon guided tour of Saigon city: This afternoon visit Saigon’s historic landmark including the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France. Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, completed in 1891. A short drive away is the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American War. Continue to the War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective of the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese. Experience Saigon’s famed street coffee culture while your guide provides a brief language lesson as well as insights into daily life of a Saigonese before returning to your hotel.

Highlights: Disembarking and move to Saigon
Breakfast
Overnight in Saigon at your selected hotel

Morning tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels: After breakfast travel out of the city to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast network of tunnels, stretching for over 150 kilometres, was built by the Viet Cong in the battles for the South. The tunnels are a sobering insight into the dedication of the Viet Cong who virtually lived in the narrow and claustrophobic tunnels whilst the war raged. Nearby, a chilling demonstration of the traps and weapons that were used against the Americans is given. The Cu Chi tunnels have been widened in places for visitors, however they can still be dark, hot and claustrophobic inside so please bear this in mind if you do not like enclosed spaces. Then return back Saigon for lunch a local restaurant.

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon relaxes at your hotel or explore the city independently

Highlights: Tour of Cu Chi Tunnels
Breakfast, lunch
Overnight in Saigon at your selected hotel

Morning at leisure: This morning is at leisure in Saigon to explore independently and hunt for souvenirs. You will have to check out of your room at noon time and then be transferred to the airport for your departure flight home. **note: check out time at your hotel is at 12:00pm.

Highlights: Ends of tour
Breakfast

End of services

Start/Finish

  • Siem Riep(Cambodia)
  • Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)

Duration

12 Days – 11 Nights

Traveling dates: 

Best time from Mid of June to April of next year

From

US$3,289

Included/Excluded costs

Places visited

Siem Reap, Mekong Delta, Saigon

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