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Essence of the Mekong: A Cultural Cruise from Saigon to Siem Reap

0/5
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

___

Overview

Tour Route: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) → My Tho → Cai Be → Sa Dec → Chau Doc → (Vietnam-Cambodia Border) → Phnom Penh → Kampong Tralach → Oudong → Kampong Chhnang → Koh Chen → Siem Reap

Start/ End: Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi

This 9-day cruise journey along the mighty Mekong River is crafted for culturally curious travelers, history enthusiasts, and mature adventurers who value immersive local experiences and comfortable, guided travel. Ideal for middle-aged to senior couples or solo travelers, this tour offers an enriching blend of cultural discovery, historical depth, scenic cruising, and culinary delight.

Your voyage begins in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), travels through the verdant Mekong Delta towns of My Tho, Cai Be, Sa Dec, and Chau Doc, and continues into Cambodia, with visits to Phnom Penh, Kampong Tralach, Oudong, and Kampong Chhnang, before ending in the gateway to Angkor—Siem Reap.

Who This Tour is For:

  • Travelers who enjoy learning about ancient traditions, local customs, and real life in Vietnam and Cambodia.
  • Middle-aged and senior travelers who prefer a slower-paced, comfortable journey with expert guidance and curated experiences.
  • Couples looking for a romantic adventure or solo travelers in search of cultural immersion and meaningful connections.
  • People who appreciate scenic river landscapes, lush deltas, floating markets, rural villages, and wildlife reserves.

Highlights

  • Explore Saigon’s Chinatown, historical pagodas, bustling markets, and enjoy a "Saigon After Dark" food adventure on a Vespa
  • Cruise through the unique Chao Gao Canal, accessible only by select cruise ships
  • Visit floating markets, craft villages, and fruit orchards in the Mekong Delta
  • Discover the serenity of Tra Su Cajuput Forest and the sacred Sam Mountain
  • Tour Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum, plus enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance
  • Experience authentic rural Cambodia in Kampong Tralach and Oudong, the country’s former royal capital
  • Enjoy a scenic road transfer to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor temples

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Your journey begins in the heart of bustling Ho Chi Minh City. Between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., you'll meet at the restaurant of the Liberty Riverside Hotel for a welcome lunch. Afterward, embark on a city tour to uncover the cultural charm of Saigon’s Chinatown. Explore the 300-year-old Giac Lam Pagoda, one of the city’s oldest and most revered temples, followed by a stroll through the colorful Flower Market and Binh Tay Market, perfect for experiencing daily local life.

In the afternoon, you’ll transfer to the ship and settle into your cabin. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner on board as the sun sets over the city. Later, dive into Saigon’s vibrant nightlife with the thrilling “Saigon After Dark” excursion. Riding on the back of a vintage Vespa, you'll zip through the city streets, sampling street food, sipping cocktails, and visiting a live music venue for a taste of local entertainment. Return to the ship for a restful night onboard.

Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Wake up to a hearty breakfast on board before setting off for another exploration of the city. Your morning includes a guided visit to key attractions downtown, allowing you to soak in Saigon's dynamic energy, colonial architecture, and cultural landmarks. Afterward, return to the ship for a delicious lunch served onboard.

In the afternoon, visit the poignant War Remnants Museum to gain deeper insight into Vietnam’s past. Learn about the country’s turbulent history through powerful exhibits and thought-provoking displays. After the tour, return to the ship as it sets sail for My Tho. Enjoy dinner onboard while cruising, and spend the night gently floating along the Mekong River.

Day 3: My Tho – Cai Be

Start your day with breakfast as the ship navigates the scenic Chao Gao Canal, a bustling waterway brimming with local river life. This vibrant stretch offers a unique glimpse into the daily routine along the Mekong Delta, with an up-close view of passing boats and life along the riverbanks.

Upon arrival in My Tho, hop on a local boat to visit Thoi Son Island. Discover the charm of traditional Vietnamese life, sample tropical fruits, and connect with local artisans. After returning to the ship, continue cruising toward Cai Be while enjoying lunch onboard. Upon arrival, disembark for a visit to a local craft village to witness traditional methods of producing rice paper, candy, and other handmade goods. Later, take part in a peaceful kayaking session before the ship departs for Sa Dec. Enjoy dinner and another relaxing night onboard.

Day 4: Sa Dec

Begin the morning with breakfast as your ship docks in the charming riverside town of Sa Dec. A local boat will take you on a short panoramic tour, revealing the town’s colonial past and vibrant market scenes. Sa Dec is famous for its lush flower gardens, historic homes, and its connection to French writer Marguerite Duras.

After the morning tour, return to the ship as it sets sail for Chau Doc. Enjoy lunch and dinner onboard while the river breeze and scenic landscapes accompany you through the afternoon and evening. Spend the night onboard, anchored peacefully under the stars.

Day 5: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh

After breakfast, explore the bustling riverside town of Chau Doc, located near the Vietnamese-Cambodian border. This area is rich in cultural diversity and known for its fish farms and vibrant marketplaces. Then, transfer to Tra Su Forest, a lush haven of biodiversity. Glide through the flooded forest on small boats and marvel at the serene natural surroundings and wildlife.

Return to the ship for lunch and prepare for an afternoon cable car ride up Sam Mountain. Take in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding plains and visit the sacred Ba Chua Xu Temple at the summit. Afterward, return to the ship and cruise toward the border at Vinh Xuong. Once customs formalities are completed, continue sailing into Cambodia, reaching Phnom Penh in the evening. Dinner will be served onboard, followed by a peaceful overnight stay at anchor.

Day 6: Phnom Penh

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a morning exploration of Phnom Penh’s architectural and cultural gems. Visit the splendid Royal Palace and the shimmering Silver Pagoda, adorned with thousands of silver tiles. Continue to the National Museum, home to an impressive collection of Khmer art and historical artifacts.

In the afternoon, hop on a tuk-tuk for a fun and immersive ride through Phnom Penh’s lively streets. Discover Wat Phnom, the city’s namesake and spiritual heart, perched on a small hill. As evening falls, return to the ship for a traditional Apsara dance performance, celebrating Cambodia’s classical art. Dinner is served on board, with the option to enjoy a free evening in the city.

Day 7: Kampong Tralach – Oudong

After breakfast, the ship sails toward Kampong Tralach. Disembark to visit Wat Kampong Tralach Leu, a peaceful pagoda set amidst endless rice fields. Enjoy a serene walk through the countryside as you cross the village to reach the temple, soaking in the beauty of rural Cambodia.

Back on board, enjoy lunch as the ship continues toward Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital. Visit the Vipassana Dhura Pagoda, an important center for meditation, and take in panoramic views from the hillside. Return to the ship for dinner and an overnight cruise toward Kampong Chhnang.

Day 8: Kampong Chhnang – Koh Chen

Start your day with a visit to Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing and pottery-producing regions on the Tonle Sap. Learn how traditional pottery is crafted by local artisans. For active travelers, an optional cycling tour is available, taking you along scenic riverside paths and through the pottery village.

Return to the ship and enjoy lunch as we cruise to Koh Chen, a small village known for its silversmiths. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner on board as your incredible Mekong journey nears its end. Spend the night on board, anchored peacefully in the Cambodian countryside.

Day 9: Siem Reap

After breakfast, disembark and transfer by air-conditioned coach to your hotel in Siem Reap. The road journey takes approximately 5–6 hours, offering a scenic view of rural Cambodia along the way. Upon arrival in Siem Reap around 12:30 p.m., you’ll be dropped off at your hotel (Lotus Blanc or similar).

This marks the end of your unforgettable cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia. Please ensure your departing flight is scheduled no earlier than 3:30 p.m. so you can fully enjoy your final morning. Farewell and safe travels!

Included/Excluded

  • First-class services
  • Accommodations
  • Transfer transportation
  • Entrance fees
  • Refined local cuisine
  • Onboard activities and/or lectures
  • 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.

Tour's Location

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