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9-Day Cruise to Explore the Essence of the Mekong

0/5
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

___

Overview

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

Start/ End: Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Riep

This 9-day luxury cruise offers a rich cultural journey along the Mekong River, taking you from the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam to the ancient charm of Siem Reap, Cambodia. Blending immersive cultural encounters, colonial history, vibrant floating markets, and peaceful countryside, this tour is perfect for mature travelers, history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and first-time visitors to Southeast Asia looking for an easy-paced yet deeply enriching experience.

Guests will enjoy a seamless mix of on-land guided excursions and leisurely river cruising aboard a comfortable, well-appointed vessel. From the French colonial landmarks of Saigon to the iconic Cu Chi Tunnels, from local workshops in the Mekong Delta to the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh and the floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake, each day unveils the heart and soul of Indochina.

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

  • Visit iconic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City: Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Cholon
  • Explore the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Experience daily life in the Mekong Delta: floating markets, rice factories, pottery workshops
  • Walk through the real-life setting of The Lover in Sa Dec
  • Discover the spiritual richness of Chau Doc’s temples
  • Immerse in Phnom Penh’s royal grandeur and tragic history at Tuol Sleng Museum
  • Witness the traditional craftsmanship in Koh Chen and peaceful pagodas in Kampong Tralach
  • Sail through Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake
  • Enjoy onboard cultural shows, gala dinners, and panoramic views from the river

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Arrival & Exploration

Guests will gather at the Liberty Central Riverside Hotel restaurant between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. for a welcome lunch. In the afternoon, we'll begin our guided city tour with a visit to some of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks, including the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Central Post Office. These elegant remnants of French colonial architecture offer a glimpse into the city’s layered past.

Later, we’ll head to Cholon, the city's vibrant Chinatown. This bustling district is a kaleidoscope of local life, and we’ll wander through its lively market before stopping at the Ba Thien Hau Pagoda, a spiritual haven dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. In the evening, guests will board the cruise ship and settle into their cabins. A welcome cocktail will be served, followed by dinner on board. We'll stay docked overnight in downtown Saigon, offering a magical nighttime view of the city skyline.

Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels & Museum of Vietnamese History

After breakfast, guests may enjoy some free time onboard or join an optional excursion to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. This extensive network of underground passages was used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War and provides an eye-opening perspective on wartime resilience and ingenuity. Walking through the tunnels gives visitors a sense of the difficult conditions faced by soldiers and civilians alike.

Lunch will be served back on board. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Museum of Vietnamese History, home to artifacts dating from prehistoric times to the modern era. As evening falls, we’ll begin our journey along the narrow and scenic Chao Gao Canal. The ship will anchor overnight, surrounded by the peaceful ambiance of the Mekong Delta.

Day 3: Cho Gao – My Tho – Vinh Long – Cai Be

Today, our cruise continues toward My Tho, gliding through the lush and tranquil Chao Gao Canal. Our morning excursion will take us to a local bee farm, where guests can sample fresh honey tea and exotic tropical fruits. This is a wonderful chance to meet local farmers and learn about traditional beekeeping techniques in the Mekong region.

Following lunch on board, we’ll explore a brick and pottery factory, as well as a family-run workshop that produces puffed rice snacks, rice paper used for spring rolls, and even rice wine. These time-honored crafts highlight the ingenuity and self-sufficiency of local communities. We’ll return to the ship in the late afternoon and cruise onward to Cai Be. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 4: Sa Dec – Literary & Cultural Gems

After breakfast, we’ll disembark in Sa Dec for a visit to the former home of Huynh Thuy Le, the man who inspired the famous novel The Lover by Marguerite Duras. This French-style house, with its blend of Eastern and Western design, offers a unique window into the romantic and cultural history of colonial Vietnam.

Guests will have some free time to stroll the charming streets of Sa Dec, visit the bustling riverside market, or simply soak in the atmosphere of this historic town. After returning to the ship, we’ll enjoy lunch on board as we begin our voyage upstream toward Cambodia. The rest of the day is dedicated to relaxing and enjoying the changing riverscapes as we sail. Overnight on board.

Day 5: Chau Doc – Crossing Into Cambodia

This morning, we arrive in Chau Doc, a dynamic town near the Vietnam–Cambodia border. Known for its multicultural spirit and religious harmony, Chau Doc is a melting pot of Khmer, Chinese, Cham, and Vietnamese cultures. Our visit includes Tay An Pagoda, with its beautiful blend of Asian and European architecture, and the Ba Chua Xu Temple, a major site of local pilgrimage.

After lunch on board, we’ll continue our cruise into Cambodian waters. By evening, we reach Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia. Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner on board while the ship remains docked in the heart of the city. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Day 6: Phnom Penh – Royal Legacy & Khmer Tragedy

Today is a deep dive into Cambodia’s rich and complex history. Our morning starts with a guided visit to the magnificent Royal Palace and its Silver Pagoda, two of the country’s most revered cultural landmarks. These sites offer breathtaking architecture and a glimpse into the opulence of the Khmer monarchy.

Following lunch in town, we visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a sobering memorial to the atrocities committed under the Khmer Rouge regime. Though emotionally powerful, this visit is an important part of understanding Cambodia’s recent history. Afterward, there’s time for browsing in the local market. Back on board, guests will be treated to an Apsara dance show—a beautiful performance of traditional Khmer music and dance. Dinner and overnight on board in Phnom Penh.

Day 7: Koh Chen – Kampong Tralach

Our morning excursion takes us to Koh Chen, a small village renowned for its skilled artisans who specialize in handcrafted silver and copper items. Watching the craftspeople at work offers insight into centuries-old traditions that continue to thrive in Cambodia’s rural heartlands.

After lunch on board, we’ll visit the Vihara at Wat Kampong Tralach Leu, a peaceful pagoda nestled in the countryside. To reach it, we journey through a charming village and vast rice fields, offering an authentic look at Cambodian agricultural life. We return to the ship for dinner and spend the night anchored in this tranquil setting.

Day 8: Kampong Chhnang – Tonle Sap River

This morning, we explore Kampong Chhnang, one of the most important fishing ports on Tonle Sap Lake. The area is also known for its traditional pottery—produced using methods passed down through generations and forming a vital part of the local economy. Guests will also have the chance to taste local specialties and engage with village life.

After lunch on board, we sail further along the Tonle Sap River, enjoying the beautiful natural scenery. In the evening, we celebrate our journey with a cocktail and gala dinner on board. Our ship will anchor overnight in preparation for disembarkation.

Day 9: Journey’s End at Siem Reap

After breakfast, guests will disembark and transfer by road to Siem Reap. Depending on the river’s water level, there may also be a morning cruise across Tonle Sap Lake. Along the way, we’ll stop to visit traditional villages and learn more about rural Cambodian life.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, guests will be transferred to either the Lotus Blanc Hotel or the Sofitel Angkor, depending on the ship. Our services conclude around 12:30 p.m. Please ensure that your return flight is not scheduled before 3:30 p.m. We bid you farewell and hope your journey along the Mekong River has been an unforgettable experience.

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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