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Uniting Adventure on Vietnam Cambodia River Cruise

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 → Oudong → Kampong Tralach → Kampong Chhnang → Siem Reap (by coach transfer)

Start/ End: Ho Chi Minh City – Siem Reap

Sail through the heart of Southeast Asia on this 9-day Mekong River cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap. Discover vibrant cities, serene riverside villages, floating markets, and ancient temples as you journey through the cultural soul of Vietnam and Cambodia. From the colonial charm of Saigon to the spiritual wonders of Angkor’s doorstep, this immersive journey blends history, daily life, and unforgettable scenery.

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

  • Guided walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial landmarks
  • Sampan ride & bicycle tour through Mekong Delta orchards and villages
  • Traditional craft villages in Cai Be and floating markets
  • Visit to Marguerite Duras’ legacy in Sa Dec
  • Cham minority village and fish farming tour in Chau Doc
  • Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and National Museum in Phnom Penh
  • Buddhist meditation center visit in Oudong
  • Ox cart or cycling through peaceful Kampong Tralach
  • Pottery village and floating communities in Kampong Chhnang
  • Farewell dinner and Apsara cultural performance on board
  • Scenic countryside drive to Siem Reap

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1: A Warm Welcome in Vibrant Saigon

Your journey begins with a warm reception at Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. After enjoying a delicious lunch, set off for an introductory city tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit significant landmarks such as the Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office, each echoing stories from Vietnam’s recent past. The tour continues into Cholon—the city’s bustling Chinatown—where you’ll explore the lively market and the Ba Thien Hau pagoda, a revered temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu.

By early evening, return to the ship to settle in. Enjoy a welcome cocktail as the crew introduces themselves and outlines the exciting days ahead. A special welcome dinner awaits, offering a taste of Vietnam’s rich culinary traditions. Spend the night on board, gently floating on the Saigon River.

Note: Guests arriving after 11:30 AM may miss lunch or the tour. It’s recommended to arrive the day before for a smoother experience.

Day 2: French Colonial Charm & Wartime Reflections

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast on board, preparing you for a deeper dive into the history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City. Today’s tour starts with a scenic drive into the city center, followed by a walking tour highlighting the architectural beauty left behind by the French: the Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the Opera House. Along the way, enjoy the city’s lush parks and lively atmosphere, with a break to savor traditional Vietnamese coffee—a true cultural staple.

Return to the ship for lunch before visiting the War Remnants Museum, a sobering yet essential stop that offers profound insights into Vietnam’s turbulent past. In the late afternoon, your ship sets sail for the Mekong Delta town of My Tho. As the sun sets, enjoy a peaceful dinner on board and rest comfortably as you cruise deeper into the heart of Vietnam.

Day 3: Life in the Mekong Delta – My Tho to Cai Be

Awaken to breakfast and scenic views as your ship glides through the vibrant Chao Gao canal, alive with passing ships and riverbank life. Disembark in My Tho for a local boat excursion to Thoi Son Island. Here, you’ll walk through tranquil villages, enjoy tropical fruits, and relax during a sampan ride through lush canals. Later, hop on a bicycle for a slow-paced ride through local orchards and peaceful backroads—perfect for meeting friendly residents and experiencing authentic daily life.

After returning to the ship for lunch, cruise to Cai Be where another boat excursion awaits. Visit a traditional craft village to observe artisans making rice paper, candies, and other regional specialties. Enjoy tropical fruits while a live local music performance enlivens the atmosphere. Adventurous guests may also choose to kayak or cycle through the countryside for a closer look at rural Mekong life. Dine onboard as you set sail for Sa Dec, where the ship will anchor overnight.

Day 4: Sa Dec – Literary Roots & Local Life

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before embarking on a boat ride to explore Sa Dec, a quaint town steeped in charm. Visit Trung Vuong Primary School, famously attended by the lover of French writer Marguerite Duras whose experiences inspired her novel The Lover. Afterwards, stroll through Sa Dec Market along the riverbank, alive with color, aromas, and the buzz of daily trade.

Absorb the town’s gentle pace and soak in scenes of everyday life along the Mekong. Back on board, relax during lunch and watch the world drift by as your ship heads to Chau Doc. Enjoy dinner under the stars and spend the night cruising the calm waters of the borderlands between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Day 5: Cultural Crossroads – Chau Doc to Phnom Penh

After breakfast, arrive in Chau Doc, a lively border town shaped by fishing and river life. Step into small boats for a fascinating excursion to a Cham minority village, where houses are built over water and fish drying racks line the horizon. Interact with locals and witness daily life unchanged by time. Then, stroll through the town’s colonial quarter and bustling market, full of color and character.

Enjoy lunch on board as the ship sails toward the Cambodian border. After completing customs at Vinh Xuong, continue upstream toward Phnom Penh. The evening brings a delicious dinner as you approach the Cambodian capital, where the ship will dock for the night. Fall asleep with the city lights twinkling just beyond the riverbanks.

Day 6: Phnom Penh – Palaces, Pagodas & People

Start the day with breakfast, followed by a visit to Phnom Penh’s most iconic landmarks: the Royal Palace and its gleaming Silver Pagoda. Admire Khmer architecture and sacred treasures before heading to the National Museum to see one of the world's finest collections of ancient Khmer art.

After lunch, hop on a tuk-tuk for a guided ride through the city. Explore the famous Art Deco Central Market, locally known as Phsar Thmei, and wander through less-traveled alleys where locals drink iced coffee and play Cambodian chess. Later, visit Wat Phnom, the city’s spiritual heart, before walking through the charming French Quarter, with its colonial-era architecture. In the evening, return to the ship for an Apsara dance performance and a flavorful dinner. Enjoy the peaceful night docked in Phnom Penh.

Day 7: A Spiritual Morning in Udong & Rural Kampong Tralach

This morning, cruise toward Udong, Cambodia’s former capital. Disembark at Koh Chen and transfer by van to the Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Center. Learn about the peaceful practices of insight meditation and explore the hilltop stupas overlooking lush countryside.

Return to the ship for lunch, then cruise to Kampong Tralach. Here, travel through charming villages by ox cart—an authentic experience that takes you past golden rice fields and smiling children. Alternatively, choose a mountain bike for a more active countryside exploration. End the day with a scenic dinner cruise toward Kampong Chhnang and another restful night aboard the ship.

Day 8: River Traditions in Kampong Chhnang

Begin with breakfast, then arrive at Kampong Chhnang, a vibrant port city where fishing and pottery have defined local life for generations. Explore the floating village and visit a traditional pottery center to witness age-old techniques passed down through families. Sample local specialties, offering a taste of the region’s heritage.

For the active traveler, a guided cycling tour offers a more immersive experience, winding through rural paths and visiting craft communities. After returning to the ship, enjoy lunch and begin cruising back to Koh Chen. As the sun sets, celebrate your final evening with a special farewell dinner onboard. Reflect on a week of unforgettable experiences as you spend one last night on the Mekong.

Day 9: Journey’s End in Siem Reap

After breakfast, disembark for your coach transfer to Siem Reap. The scenic drive through Cambodia’s countryside takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. Upon arrival at the Lotus Blanc Hotel, your journey officially concludes.

We recommend scheduling your flight for after 3:00 PM to ensure a smooth transition. Thank you for joining this remarkable Mekong River adventure, where cultural discovery, scenic beauty, and warm hospitality have come together to create lifelong memories.

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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