From the heights of the Himalayas to the southern coasts of the South China Sea, winding over 2,700 miles, the Mekong is much more than just irrigation for Indochina—everywhere it flows, it fascinates men and shapes their lives. Come take an expedition on this grand and plentiful “water snake,” from Ho Chi Minh City, still largely influenced by the French colonial days, to Phnom Penh, Tonle Sap Lake and Siem Reap, following the footsteps of Henri Mouhot. Our meditative trip takes you along the Mekong River on board a ship combining charm and colonial-style comfort.
From the magnificent temples of Angkor to the bustling Vietnamese metropolis. Discover your itinerary day by day.
We gather at the hotel in Siem Reap. Bus transfer from hotel to Koh Chen (5-6 hours bus ride).
You enjoy a sumptuous breakfast onboard while we sail to Kampong Chhnang.
Kampong Chhnang is renowned for its fine clay pottery. In fact, its name in Khmer means ‘Port of Pottery’. Kampong Chhnang is a tranquil province lined with sugar-palm trees and paddy fields which blend into the horizon in dazzling hues of gold and green.
We return to the ship and begin our journey to Kampong Tralach. The ship drops anchor a few miles downriver and dinner is served.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Breakfast on board. Visit its wonderful Vihara belonging to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To get to it, we cross Kampong Tralach Krom village along a small road perpendicular to the river, crossing some gorgeous stretches of emerald rice paddy as we leave the river behind.We return to the ship and depart for Phnom Penh, with lunch served onboard. We arrive in the capital, Phnom Penh and passengers are free to explore this “Pearl of Asia” for the balance of the afternoon. In the early evening, you are entertained by the graceful and beguiling ‘Apsara Dance’ before dinner is served.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
A buffet breakfast is enjoyed before we visit the Royal Palace, its Silver Pagoda, National Museum and Wat Phnom in the afternoon. We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant and after, we will visit the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum and Russian Market. Return to the ship. Dinner onboard as we depart Phnom Penh.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
The ship leaves at the break of dawn for the Kaam Samnar Border (Cambodia) and Vinh Xuong Border (Vietnam). Breakfast is served. We arrive at the check-point. After formalities have been concluded, we depart for Chau Doc. Located on the border between Cambodia and Vietnam, the prosperous city of Chau Doc has developed around fish and fish farming. Visit Cham minority village by local boat.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Breakfast and lunch are served on board. Short panoramic tour of Sa Dec and transfer by bus to Trung Vuong primary school. Continuing to Kien An Cung Pagoda. Stroll around Sa Dec Market along Sa Dec River bank. This small city of 30,000 inhabitants is fascinating in its unspoiled authenticity and undisturbed by tourists. It provides a glimpse of the delta where a few colonial houses still remain, including the “Chinaman’s house” (from Duras’ novel “The Lover”, also made into a movie). We return to the ship as we set sail to Vinh Long.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, local boats pick up passengers and tour a brick and pottery factory and the Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet Fruit Tree Nursery. We visit a typical local dwelling and a showroom of traditional farming tools. Vinh Long, Vietnamese for ‘Majestic Dragon’, sits merrily in the middle of the Delta, protected by the two great arms of the Mekong. The soil of Vinh Long is enriched by silt deposits, making it ideal for growing mandarins and other citrus fruit.
Meal: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
The ship departs for Saigon. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on board before packing your bags and relaxing in good time for our arrival at Saigon Port.
Meal: Breakfast
- Full board accommodation, including meals mentioned in the program, coffee, tea & drinking water.
- French or English speaking guide.
- Visits mentioned in the program.
- Entrance fees.
- Transportation from departure port to arrival port.
- Port fees.
- Wifi.
- Personal Travel Insurance.
- Visas if needed.
- Tours & meals other than those mentioned in the program.
- Transfers from/to airport and hotels.
- Personal expenses.
- Gratuities for the crew/guides.
EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
Crossing through the splendid Cho Gao canal.
Discover historical cities: Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.
Meet the locals and learn about their daily lives in Koh Chen, My Tho...
Trip Highlights
All meals included.
Refined local cuisine.
Headsets are included for excursions.
Official welcome from the captain and crew.
Onboard activities and/or lectures.
Travel assistance and repatriation insurance.
All port fees included.
Ship available for this cruise is Toum Tiou I.
Accommodation available for Pre and Post Cruise on request.
For other amazing cruise itineraries and destinations, please contact our Destination specialists.
* Prices are based on Double/Twin cabins located on the lower deck.
Disclaimer: Please email us for a precise itinerary as programs differ from ship to ship.