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Mekong Discovery: From Saigon to Angkor Cruise & Land Journey

0/5
Duration

11 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 – Siem Riep

Discover the heart of Southeast Asia on this immersive 11-day cruise and land journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap. This tour blends cultural exploration, local experiences, and stunning river landscapes, taking you through vibrant cities, peaceful villages, ancient temples, and floating markets. Perfect for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Vietnam and Cambodia, this experience offers both comfort and authenticity in every step of the journey.

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

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

  • Vintage Vespa ride through Saigon by night with street food tastings and live music
  • Explore Chinatown, Binh Tay Market, and Giac Lam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City
  • Cruise the Chao Gao Canal – a unique feature exclusive to this cruise line
  • Local boat trips to Thoi Son Island, Cai Be craft village, and Sa Dec
  • Kayaking adventure in the Mekong Delta
  • Visit Tra Su Forest and Sam Mountain in Chau Doc
  • Discover Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum
  • Ride an ox-cart and visit temples in Kampong Tralach and Oudong
  • Boat tour to floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake
  • Visit Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, and Ta Prohm temples in Siem Reap
  • Enjoy cultural performances including an Apsara dance and Phare Cambodian Circus

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Your journey begins with a warm welcome at the Liberty Riverside Hotel restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., followed by a delicious lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, we’ll dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown, where daily life buzzes with activity. Our exploration includes a visit to the ancient Giac Lam Pagoda, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s spiritual traditions.

Next, enjoy a short walking tour through the colorful Flower Market and Binh Tay Market, a lively place where locals shop for fresh produce and household goods. Later in the day, we’ll transfer to the cruise ship and settle into your cabin. After a welcome cocktail and dinner on board, you’ll experience the city’s famous nightlife with the “Saigon After Dark” tour. Ride through the city on a vintage Vespa, tasting local street food, sipping cocktails, and enjoying live music—a perfect introduction to Saigon’s electric charm.

Day 2: More of Ho Chi Minh City

Start your morning with a leisurely breakfast on board before heading out for another look at this dynamic city. Today’s highlights include a drive through downtown and a visit to some of the city’s main sights, giving you a deeper appreciation for Saigon’s cultural and historical richness.

After returning to the ship for lunch, we’ll head to the poignant War Remnants Museum, where you’ll gain insight into Vietnam’s turbulent past through thought-provoking exhibits. Later in the afternoon, our ship departs Ho Chi Minh City and begins cruising toward My Tho. Dinner is served onboard as you enjoy the peaceful views of the Mekong Delta by night.

Day 3: My Tho – Cai Be

Enjoy breakfast as we sail along the busy yet scenic Chao Gao Canal, a fascinating waterway teeming with local boat traffic. This unique part of the cruise allows you to witness daily life on the water—a rare experience not offered by other cruise lines. Upon arrival in My Tho, we’ll transfer to a local boat for a journey to Thoi Son Island.

Here, you’ll explore charming villages and sample seasonal tropical fruits while learning about local customs. After returning to the ship, we set sail for Cai Be as lunch is served. Upon arrival, you’ll disembark to visit a traditional craft village where locals produce handmade goods. Later, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a fun and active kayaking experience before we continue cruising to Sa Dec. Dinner is served on board as we cruise through the Mekong’s quiet waters.

Day 4: Sa Dec

Following breakfast on board, we’ll hop on a local boat for a short panoramic tour of Sa Dec, a peaceful riverside town known for its colonial architecture, flower gardens, and bustling market. This town was also home to the French writer Marguerite Duras, and you’ll get a feel for the charm that inspired her stories.

After your visit, the ship sets sail for Chau Doc. Take in the ever-changing landscape of the Mekong Delta as we enjoy lunch and dinner on board during the cruise. This is a perfect day to relax on deck and absorb the rhythms of river life.

Day 5: Chau Doc – Phnom Penh

Today begins with a visit to the vibrant border town of Chau Doc, known for its cultural diversity and fish farming industry. We’ll transfer to the lush Tra Su Forest, where you’ll board a small local boat to explore its emerald green flooded landscapes. This peaceful sanctuary is home to an incredible array of flora and fauna.

After returning to the ship for lunch, the adventure continues with a scenic cable car ride up Sam Mountain. At the summit, you’ll take in sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding rice fields and countryside. Before returning to the ship, we’ll stop at Ba Chua Xu Temple, a revered pilgrimage site. Later in the afternoon, we cross the border into Cambodia and sail toward Phnom Penh. Dinner will be served on board, and we’ll anchor overnight near the capital.

Day 6: Phnom Penh

This morning, we’ll tour the highlights of Phnom Penh, beginning with the spectacular Royal Palace and the dazzling Silver Pagoda. These architectural gems showcase the elegance of Khmer design and house many national treasures. The visit continues at the National Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art and sculpture.

In the afternoon, enjoy an authentic tuk-tuk ride around the city’s streets, offering a local perspective on life in the capital. We’ll also visit Wat Phnom, the spiritual heart of the city. Upon return to the ship, enjoy an enchanting Apsara dance performance before dinner. You’ll spend the night docked in Phnom Penh with time to explore the city on your own.

Day 7: Kampong Tralach – Oudong

We sail onward to Kampong Tralach, where you’ll visit the peaceful Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda, set amid picturesque rice paddies. This lesser-known temple offers a serene contrast to the busier urban sites. The journey includes a scenic ox-cart ride through the countryside—a truly Cambodian experience.

After lunch on board, we cruise to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital for over 250 years. There, we visit the Vipassana Dhura Pagoda, a serene place for meditation and spiritual reflection. The boat then continues toward Kampong Chhnang, where we’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night on board.

Day 8: Kampong Chhnang – Koh Chen

This morning, we explore Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing ports on Tonlé Sap Lake. The region is also known for its traditional pottery and floating villages. For those who wish to be more active, a cycling option is available along the riverside, offering a chance to interact with locals and observe rural life.

After returning to the ship, enjoy lunch as we cruise to Koh Chen, a small village famous for its silver artisans. Tonight, we’ll celebrate the end of the river cruise with a farewell dinner on board and spend our final night on the water.

Day 9: Transfer to Siem Reap – Angkor Wat

After breakfast, disembark for a scenic 5–6 hour coach transfer to Siem Reap, passing traditional villages and lush Cambodian landscapes along the way. In the afternoon, we visit the majestic Angkor Wat, one of the world’s most iconic and impressive ancient temples. This massive architectural masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crown jewel of Khmer civilization.

After exploring the awe-inspiring temple complex, enjoy free time at the Angkor Night Market, a bustling hub of local crafts and souvenirs. Dinner will be served, and you’ll spend the night at a comfortable hotel in Siem Reap.

Day 10: Tonlé Sap Lake – Local Culture – Phare Circus

Start your day with a fascinating boat trip on Tonlé Sap Lake to discover the unique floating villages, where locals live and work on the water. This eye-opening experience offers insight into a way of life deeply connected to the rhythm of the lake. After returning to town, enjoy lunch and a visit to Senteurs d’Angkor, a local workshop producing handmade products such as perfumes, soaps, spices, and silk crafts.

In the evening, enjoy a captivating performance by Phare, the Cambodian Circus. This energetic show blends traditional theater, acrobatics, music, and modern storytelling, reflecting the country’s vibrant culture. Return to the hotel for your final overnight stay in Siem Reap.

Day 11: Ta Prohm – Angkor Thom – Departure

We begin the day with a visit to Ta Prohm, a jungle-clad temple made famous by the film Tomb Raider. Unlike other temples, Ta Prohm has been left largely in its natural state, with giant tree roots intertwining with ancient stone walls. Next, we head to the majestic Angkor Thom, home to the enigmatic Bayon Temple, famous for its smiling stone faces.

After exploring the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King, we return to the hotel for lunch. The tour concludes around 2:00 p.m., with transfers to the airport. Please ensure your departure flight is scheduled for after 5:00 p.m. as we bid farewell after this unforgettable Mekong journey.

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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