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9-Day River Cruise Tour from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City

0/5
Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

___

Overview

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

Start/ End: Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh City

Discover the soul of Southeast Asia on this unforgettable 9-day Mekong River cruise that journeys from the mystical temples of Siem Reap, Cambodia, to the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Blending rich history, spiritual heritage, and authentic daily life, this river voyage is a deep dive into two of the region’s most fascinating cultures.

This tour is ideal for middle-aged and senior travelers, couples, or small groups seeking comfort, cultural enrichment, and meaningful travel experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Indochina or a seasoned traveler looking to explore more deeply, this itinerary offers a unique and seamless way to experience the region’s highlights—without the hassle of overland travel.

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

  • Welcome aboard a premium river cruise with full-board service
  • Visit Angkor-era pagodas, riverside craft villages, and vibrant floating markets
  • Discover Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, National Museum, and haunting Khmer Rouge history
  • Cross the Cambodian–Vietnamese border and explore Chau Doc's floating fish farms
  • Stroll through Sa Dec, the town of The Lover by Marguerite Duras
  • Witness authentic delta life in Cai Be, with visits to local cottage industries
  • Cruise scenic canals lined with coconut palms in My Tho
  • Tour Ho Chi Minh City, including historic French-colonial landmarks and the Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Enjoy onboard cultural performances, gourmet meals, and professional service throughout

Itinerary

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Day 1: Siem Reap – Embarkation & Welcome Aboard

Our adventure begins in the captivating city of Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor temple complex. At 1:00 p.m., guests will gather at their designated hotels—Lotus Blanc for those boarding the RV Indochine I or Lan Diep, and Sofitel Angkor for passengers joining the RV Indochine II. A comfortable transfer will take you to the cruise embarkation point.

Once aboard, you’ll settle into your cabin and meet the ship’s warm and welcoming crew over a welcome cocktail. This evening, enjoy your first dinner on board, surrounded by the gentle rhythm of the river. Tonight, your floating hotel remains moored in Siem Reap, offering a peaceful start to this unforgettable journey.

Day 2: Koh Chen – Kampong Tralach

This morning, we’ll arrive in the peaceful village of Koh Chen, renowned for its skilled artisans who work with silver and copper. The village is a wonderful introduction to traditional Cambodian craftsmanship and offers great insight into rural life along the river.

After lunch on board, we’ll travel to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu, a beautiful pagoda nestled in the middle of lush rice fields. To reach the site, we’ll cross the village along a narrow countryside path—a picturesque walk that offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the local people. We’ll return to the ship for dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 3: Kampong Chhnang – Phnom Penh

Our morning begins with a visit to Kampong Chhnang, one of the most important fishing ports on the Tonlé Sap. This vibrant riverside town is also famous for its traditional pottery, where age-old techniques are still used by local artisans. It’s a great opportunity to witness the harmonious blend of craftsmanship and riverside culture.

After returning to the ship and enjoying lunch, we’ll begin cruising toward Phnom Penh, arriving by early evening. Once we dock, we’ll hop into tuk-tuks for a brief guided tour of the city—an exciting and authentic way to experience Phnom Penh’s buzzing streets. Back on board, enjoy a performance of classical Khmer music and dance, followed by dinner. We’ll spend the night docked in Phnom Penh.

Day 4: Phnom Penh – Cultural Capital & Cruising to Vietnam

Today is dedicated to exploring Phnom Penh, a city rich in history and royal splendor. We’ll begin with a guided visit to the Royal Palace, including the dazzling Silver Pagoda, which houses countless treasures. Then, continue to the National Museum, home to the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture.

After enjoying lunch in a local restaurant, those who wish may visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (formerly Tuol Svay Prey School), a sobering site that tells the story of Cambodia’s darkest chapter under the Khmer Rouge regime. We’ll return to the ship in the late afternoon and begin our cruise toward Vietnam. Enjoy dinner and relax onboard as we sail downstream. Overnight on the river.

Day 5: Chau Doc – Welcome to Vietnam

We arrive in Chau Doc, a thriving town on the Vietnamese border that has flourished thanks to its rich fish farming industry. The waterways here are lined with floating fish farms, giving visitors a unique view of local aquaculture practices.

Our included excursion takes us to the colorful Tay An Pagoda and the sacred Ba Chua Xu Temple, where local pilgrims come to pray. After exploring, we return to the ship for lunch and resume our leisurely journey toward Sa Dec, sailing through the calm and scenic Mekong Delta. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 6: Sa Dec – Vinh Long – Cai Be

After breakfast, we’ll step into the literary world of Marguerite Duras with a visit to the former home of Huynh Thuy Le, her lover and the inspiration behind her famous novel The Lover. Then enjoy some free time to wander the flower markets and local shops in charming Sa Dec.

Lunch will be served on board as we sail to Vinh Long, stopping in Cai Be for an exploration of rural industry. Here, we’ll visit local workshops producing bricks, pottery, puffed rice, rice paper wrappers, and rice wine—each offering a fascinating look at life along the Mekong. After the visit, we return to the ship for dinner and continue our cruise. Overnight on board.

Day 7: My Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

In the morning, we’ll arrive in My Tho, where we’ll take a small boat ride to visit a bee farm. Sample fresh honey tea and exotic fruits, then hop aboard a traditional sampan for a peaceful cruise through narrow canals lined with mangrove palms.

Return to the ship for lunch as we begin our journey along the Chao Gao Canal, a narrow and winding stretch that leads us to Ho Chi Minh City. We’ll arrive in the heart of this vibrant metropolis by evening. Dinner will be served on board, and we’ll remain docked overnight in downtown Saigon.

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City – City Tour & Cu Chi Tunnels

Our day begins with a guided city tour of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. Discover landmarks like the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the historic Central Post Office. We’ll also stop at the Museum of Vietnamese History for insights into the country’s rich past. After returning to the ship for lunch, you’ll have the option to rest on board or join an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

This sprawling underground network played a vital role in the Vietnam War and offers a glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of Vietnamese soldiers. After the tour, we return to the ship for a farewell cocktail and dinner, celebrating the memorable journey we’ve shared. Overnight in port.

Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Disembarkation

After breakfast, we’ll disembark the ship for our final excursion to Cholon, the bustling Chinese district of Ho Chi Minh City. Explore the lively market and feel the unique energy of this culturally rich neighborhood.

We’ll then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before concluding our journey. Guests will be transferred to the airport around 2:00 p.m. Please ensure your departing flight is scheduled no earlier than 5:00 p.m. to allow enough time for transfer and check-in. We bid you farewell with warm memories of the Mekong.

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

Tour's Location

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