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Mystical Mekong: From Angkor’s Temples to Saigon’s Streets

0/5
Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

___

Overview

Tour Route: Siem Riep – Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City

Start/ End: Siem Riep – Ho Chi Minh City

Embark on a captivating 11-day river journey along the legendary Mekong River, tracing the soul of Indochina from the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor to the vibrant heart of Ho Chi Minh City. This immersive expedition offers a perfect blend of cultural discovery, gentle adventure, and colonial charm, ideal for curious travelers aged 50+ who appreciate meaningful connections, slow-paced travel, and authentic local encounters.

Travel in comfort aboard a beautifully appointed, colonial-style river ship that serves as your floating hotel, providing personalized service and an intimate setting for discovery. Follow in the footsteps of explorers like Henri Mouhot through ancient temple complexes, bustling local markets, peaceful villages, and lush forests teeming with wildlife.

Who This Tour is For:

  • Mature travelers and retirees looking for a leisurely yet enriching experience
  • Culture seekers and history lovers with an interest in Southeast Asian heritage
  • Couples, solo travelers, or small groups who prefer intimate, boutique-style cruising over large group tours
  • Travelers looking for light activity (walking, kayaking, biking) combined with relaxation and comfort

Highlights

  • Explore UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Bayon Temple, and ancient Khmer royal grounds
  • Enjoy a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake and visit floating villages
  • Experience Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum
  • Witness the tranquil beauty of Tra Su Forest and the spiritual serenity of Sam Mountain
  • Discover the vibrant local markets of Sa Dec and Cai Be and join a Vietnamese cooking class
  • Cruise the bustling Cho Gao Canal, a rare and scenic river passage to Saigon
  • Immerse yourself in the urban energy of Ho Chi Minh City with a food tour and live music evening
  • Enjoy guided tours, light adventures, and cultural performances throughout your journey

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap – Welcome to the Land of Temples

Upon arrival in Siem Reap between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Lunch will be served at the hotel to help you relax and recharge after your journey.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided visit to the Angkor National Museum, a cultural gem offering insights into Cambodia’s rich heritage and the ancient Khmer civilization. With its impressive collections of sculptures, artifacts, and audiovisual presentations, the museum sets the perfect stage for your Angkor adventure. Overnight at your four-star hotel.

Day 2: Siem Reap – Journey Through Ancient Angkor

After breakfast, we set out to explore the Roluos Group of temples, some of the earliest built during the Khmer Empire. Discover Preah Ko, Bakong, and Lolei, each showcasing unique architectural details and spiritual significance.

Continue your temple journey with visits to Ta Prohm, known for its atmospheric jungle setting, and Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer Empire. Marvel at the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, adorned with intricate carvings and royal symbolism. In the evening, enjoy a captivating performance of the Phare Cambodian Circus, an innovative mix of theater, dance, music, and storytelling. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 3: Siem Reap – Artistic Temples and Tonlé Sap Lake

Today’s full-day excursion begins with a visit to Banteay Srei, a pink sandstone temple often considered a jewel of classical Khmer art. Despite its small size, the temple is renowned for its detailed carvings and remarkable preservation.

Continue to the B.R.B. Handicraft Center, where you’ll witness skilled artisans creating traditional Cambodian crafts. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Discover floating villages and gain a glimpse into the unique lifestyle of its residents. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 4: Angkor Wat and Embarkation

After breakfast, you will visit the crown jewel of Angkor – the majestic Angkor Wat, one of the largest and most iconic religious monuments in the world. As you walk through its galleries and courtyards, marvel at the grandeur of Khmer architecture and the intricate bas-reliefs depicting epic tales.

Later in the day, transfer to your river cruise ship. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a welcome cocktail as you meet the crew who will accompany you on this unforgettable journey along the Mekong River. Overnight on board.

Day 5: Koh Chen – Kampong Tralach

This morning, disembark for an excursion to Koh Chen, a village known for its traditional silver and copper handicrafts. Stroll through the community and watch local artisans at work, creating ornate ceremonial objects and everyday utensils.

After lunch back on board, visit Wat Kampong Tralach Leu, a beautifully preserved pagoda surrounded by lush rice fields. Reach the site via ox cart or tuk-tuk, passing through charming countryside landscapes. The ship will remain anchored overnight.

Day 6: Kampong Chhnang – Phnom Penh

Today begins with a fascinating excursion to Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonlé Sap. Explore the local market and learn about the region’s famed pottery production. Taste traditional treats and meet the villagers for a closer look at daily life.

Return to the ship for lunch as we sail towards Phnom Penh. In the late afternoon, enjoy a fun and immersive tuk-tuk ride through the bustling streets of the Cambodian capital. Back on board, you’ll be treated to an Apsara dance performance, showcasing Cambodia’s classical dance traditions. Overnight on board.

Day 7: Phnom Penh – A City of Contrasts

Enjoy a full-day city tour beginning with a visit to the Royal Palace, an architectural gem, and its glittering Silver Pagoda. Continue to the National Museum, housing one of the finest collections of Khmer art.

In the afternoon, gain sobering insight into Cambodia’s recent past with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former school turned prison during the Khmer Rouge regime. The experience is deeply moving but essential to understanding the resilience of the Cambodian people. We begin our cruise toward Vietnam in the evening and anchor overnight.

Day 8: Chau Doc – Into Vietnam

This morning, cross the border into Vietnam and dock at Chau Doc, a culturally rich riverside town. Visit the ornate Tay An Pagoda, blending Asian and European architecture, and the nearby Ba Chua Xu Temple, a revered pilgrimage site.

Return to the ship and enjoy the tranquil cruise toward Sa Dec, passing through the lush landscapes of the Mekong Delta. Watch daily river life unfold along the banks. Overnight on board.

Day 9: Sa Dec – Vinh Long – Cai Be

After breakfast, step ashore in Sa Dec, famously known as the setting of Marguerite Duras' novel The Lover. Visit the former home of Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration for the novel’s romantic lead, and enjoy free time to explore the riverside market.

Continue cruising to Vinh Long, where you’ll discover a brick and pottery workshop, a fruit-tree nursery, and local producers of rice-paper, puffed rice, and rice alcohol. This immersive experience reveals the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Delta life. Overnight on board.

Day 10: My Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

This morning in My Tho, visit a local bee farm to learn about traditional honey production and sample natural honey. Then, board a small sampan for a peaceful ride along the shaded canals, lined with coconut palms and tropical vegetation.

Afterward, your ship will navigate through the Cho Gao Canal, a narrow and bustling waterway that connects the Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City. This lively route is a unique part of your journey, revealing another side of Vietnam’s vibrant water culture. Overnight on board in Saigon.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City – The Pulse of the South

Explore the dynamic city of Ho Chi Minh City, once known as Saigon. Visit the central market for an authentic local shopping experience and the Thien Hau Temple, a place of worship dedicated to the sea goddess revered by the Chinese-Vietnamese community.

Return to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, delve into Vietnamese history at the Museum of Vietnamese History, followed by a guided excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network used by the Viet Cong during the war. Return for dinner and overnight on board.

Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City – Farewell

After breakfast, disembark and head to Cholon, the city’s vibrant Chinatown. Enjoy a final lunch together at a local restaurant, reflecting on the memorable experiences and friendships formed along the way.

We’ll say our farewells around 2:00 p.m. Please ensure that your departing flight is scheduled after 5:00 p.m. to allow time for transfers.

Included/Excluded

  • First-class services
  • Accommodations
  • Transfer transportation
  • Entrance fees
  • Meals
  • Local tour guides
  • International flights, port dues (if levied), laundry
  • Visa costs
  • Fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions)
  • Beverages except local mineral water, jugged coffee, teas & tisanes
  • Tips to tour guides, local guides, bus drivers, boat operators and cyclo drivers.

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