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Mekong River Odyssey: From Angkor Temples to Saigon’s Soul

0/5
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

___

Overview

Tour Route: Siem Reap – Koh Chen – Kampong Chhnang – Kampong Tralach  – Phnom Penh – Chau Doc – Sa Dec – Cai Be – My Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

Start/ End: Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh City

Embark on a captivating 9-day river cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City, journeying through the heart of Cambodia and Vietnam along the legendary Mekong River. This immersive experience blends ancient heritage, rural charm, and bustling urban energy, perfect for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Southeast Asia’s history, traditions, and way of life.

Who This Tour is For:

  • Mature, English-speaking travelers seeking a mix of culture, history, and soft adventure
  • Cruise lovers who enjoy boutique river cruising with curated onshore excursions
  • First-time visitors or repeat travelers to Southeast Asia who want to connect with local life beyond the usual tourist routes
  • Individuals or couples who appreciate comfort, authentic experiences, and slow-paced travel
  • Nature lovers, photographers, and history enthusiasts

No strenuous physical activity is required, but moderate walking and some boat transfers are part of the experience. The tour offers an excellent balance of guided exploration and relaxing onboard time.

Highlights

  • Explore the countryside temples and historic sites of Cambodia, including Vipassana Dhura Pagoda and Wat Kampong Tralach
  • Discover the vibrant floating villages and pottery traditions of Kampong Chhnang
  • Enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance and Khmer classical music on board
  • Cruise through remote canals and local markets in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
  • Visit Sam Mountain by cable car and enjoy panoramic views at the Cambodian-Vietnamese border
  • Discover colonial-era towns like Sa Dec and charming craft villages in Cai Be
  • Experience the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City, from its buzzing markets to historical landmarks
  • Optional experiences: cycling in the countryside, kayaking, “Saigon After Dark” street food tour

Itinerary

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Day 1: Siem Reap – Embarkation at Koh Chen

Your journey begins with a warm welcome at the Lotus Blanc Hotel in Siem Reap at 1:00 p.m. After meeting your fellow travelers, we’ll travel by coach through the picturesque Cambodian countryside to the riverside village of Koh Chen. The drive takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, offering scenic views and a glimpse of rural life in Cambodia.

Upon arrival at the ship, you’ll be warmly greeted by our crew and escorted to your comfortable cabin. After settling in, enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner on board as we begin our river adventure. Relax and take in the peaceful surroundings, your floating home is ready to carry you through the heart of the Mekong.

Day 2: Koh Chen – Kampong Chhnang

We set sail in the morning toward Kampong Chhnang, one of the most dynamic fishing ports on Tonle Sap Lake. As we cruise, enjoy a delicious lunch on board while observing daily life unfold along the riverbanks.

Upon arrival, we’ll explore Kampong Chhnang, a town renowned for its traditional pottery and authentic river life. For the more active traveler, an optional cycling excursion is available, taking you along the riverside and into a nearby pottery village to witness craftsmanship passed down for generations. We return to the ship for dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 3: Udong – Kampong Tralach – Phnom Penh

After breakfast, we head to Udong, Cambodia’s former royal capital. Here, we’ll visit the Vipassana Dhura Pagoda, a serene site nestled at the foot of a hill surrounded by ancient stupas—spiritual relics of the Khmer kings. This sacred site offers a glimpse into Cambodia's spiritual heritage.

In the afternoon, we continue to Kampong Tralach to visit the elegant Vihara at Wat Kampong Tralach Leu Pagoda. Guests may choose to return to the ship via a leisurely mountain biking ride through the countryside, passing lush rice paddies and friendly villagers. After reboarding, we cruise toward Phnom Penh. A traditional Khmer dance performance will follow dinner on board.

Day 4: Phnom Penh – Royal Palaces and City Sights

We start the day with a guided tour of Phnom Penh, beginning at the dazzling Royal Palace complex and its shimmering Silver Pagoda. These landmarks showcase the ornate beauty of Khmer architecture and house many cultural treasures. We then continue to the National Museum to admire an extensive collection of ancient Khmer artifacts.

In the afternoon, hop aboard a local tuk-tuk for an immersive tour through the bustling streets of the capital. From colonial-era buildings to riverside views, this ride offers a genuine slice of Cambodian city life. Return to the ship for a relaxing dinner as we begin our journey southward to Vietnam. We overnight on board.

Day 5: Chau Doc – Crossing the Border

We reach the Vinh Xuong border crossing early in the morning. Once customs and immigration formalities are completed, we sail to Chau Doc, a lively Vietnamese town near the Cambodian border known for its strong fish farming industry.

After lunch, we embark on a small boat excursion through lush river channels and wetlands rich in biodiversity. Later, take a cable car ride up Sam Mountain for panoramic views over the rice fields and border region. We continue cruising toward Sa Dec, where we dine and overnight on board.

Day 6: Sa Dec – Cai Be

Today begins with a local boat ride for a guided tour of Sa Dec, once a thriving colonial-era trading hub. You’ll stroll through its vibrant riverside market and visit historical landmarks, including the house of Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration for Marguerite Duras' famous novel The Lover.

As we cruise toward Cai Be, enjoy lunch on board and then disembark to explore a traditional craft village. See how locals produce coconut candy, rice paper, and other handmade goods. Later, relax or take part in a kayaking activity along the peaceful canals. We depart Cai Be for My Tho, dining and spending the night aboard.

Day 7: My Tho – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

We start our day in My Tho with a boat ride to Thoi Son Island, a quiet retreat famous for fruit orchards and rural charm. Here, you’ll learn about daily life in the Mekong Delta and sample tropical fruits fresh from the trees.

After lunch, we cruise through the busy yet scenic Cho Gao Canal, a highlight of our itinerary and a rare passage for cruise vessels. As we approach Ho Chi Minh City, the energy of the metropolis begins to build. This evening, enjoy dinner on board and optionally join the “Saigon After Dark” experience—a night out exploring local street food and live music. We dock overnight in the city.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City – Cultural Discovery

Following breakfast, we begin a full-day exploration of Ho Chi Minh City. In the morning, visit key sights including the Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Central Post Office before returning to the ship for lunch.

In the afternoon, dive into the city's multicultural character by exploring Cholon (Chinatown). Visit the 300-year-old Giac Lam Pagoda and take a guided stroll through the vibrant Flower Market and Binh Tay Market to experience local commerce. We wrap up the day with a farewell cocktail and dinner on board.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Farewell

Enjoy your final breakfast on board before disembarking. Our final stop is the War Remnants Museum, offering poignant insights into Vietnam's history and resilience. Afterward, we’ll gather for a farewell lunch at a local restaurant.

Your journey concludes at approximately 2:00 p.m. Please ensure your departure flight is scheduled after 5:00 p.m. to allow for smooth transfers. We bid you farewell and thank you for sharing this unforgettable journey along the Mekong River.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Today begins with a guided city tour, visiting the chaotic Ben Thanh Market and the serene Thien Hau Temple in Cholon, the city's vibrant Chinatown district.

After lunch onboard, continue to the Museum of Vietnamese History and conclude the day with an eye-opening excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War. Overnight onboard.

Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City – Departure

Your final morning includes a visit to Cholon, the city's oldest district rich with culture and history. Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

We’ll bid you farewell around 2:00 p.m. Please ensure your flight departs after 5:00 p.m. to allow ample time for your transfer. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of this immersive Mekong adventure.

Included/Excluded

  • First-class services
  • Accommodations
  • Transfer transportation
  • Entrance fees
  • Refined local cuisine
  • Onboard activities and/or lectures
  • Local tour guides
  • International and domestic airfare
  • Vietnam and Cambodia visa fees
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Gratuities for guides and crew
  • Personal expenses (laundry, minibar, etc.)
  • Optional activities not included in the main program
  • Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary

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