Mekong River Cruise: Discover Cambodia & Vietnam

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Siem Reap

  Upon your arrival in Siem Reap, the charming gateway to Cambodia's world-famous Angkor temples and a cultural center in the country's northwest, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

  • Siem Reap

• Day 2: Siem Reap Highlights

  After breakfast, start your day at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where giant stone faces and ancient towers welcome you into the former royal city. Visit the impressive Bayon Temple, known for its many towers decorated with over 200 peaceful, smiling faces. Then walk along the Terrace of the Elephants, a long stone platform once used by kings to watch parades and ceremonies.

  After lunch, explore the world-famous Angkor Wat, the largest temple complex in the world and a true symbol of Cambodia, with its tall towers, beautiful carvings, and peaceful surroundings. In the late afternoon, watch the sunset from the top of Bakheng Hill, where you can see wide views of the jungle and temples, or at the quieter Pre Rup Temple, which glows with warm colors as the sun goes down.

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  • Siem Reap

• Day 3: Siem Reap, Angkor Wat & Ta Prohm

  If you wish, rise early to witness the breathtaking sunrise at Angkor Wat, one of the world's most iconic and awe-inspiring temples. After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, take a one-hour drive to the stunning Banteay Srei Temple, celebrated for its delicate pink sandstone carvings and remarkable preservation. Along the way, explore traditional local villages and experience the charm of rural Cambodian life.

  In the afternoon, visit the enchanting Ta Prohm Temple, with ancient ruins entwined by the roots of towering trees, followed by the majestic Ta Keo Temple, distinguished by its bold, pyramid-like structure. After the tour, you'll be dropped off at your hotel and have the rest of the day free to relax.

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  • Siem Reap

• Day 4: Siem Reap - Phnom Penh

  In the morning, visit a traditional Khmer village and take in the scenic views of rice fields and swaying palm trees in the fresh countryside air. Afterward, enjoy a boat ride on Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia's renowned "Great Lake," famous for its floating villages and unique ecosystem. Following lunch, if time allows, explore Artisans Angkor, a center dedicated to reviving Angkor's traditional arts and crafts. Then, visit Siem Reap's Old Market for an engaging shopping experience.

  Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the capital city, Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, your guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel. 

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  • Phnom Penh

• Day 5: Phnom Penh Top Attractions

  Today, explore some of Phnom Penh's most famous landmarks. Visit the Royal Palace, a dazzling building that showcases the elegance of traditional Khmer design and remains the home of Cambodia's royal family. Nearby, see the Silver Pagoda, known for its shiny silver floor and a special statue called the Emerald Buddha. At the National Museum, you'll find numerous ancient sculptures and artifacts that help tell the story of Cambodia's rich and long history. Then head to Wat Phnom, a peaceful temple on a small hill and an important place for locals.

  In the afternoon, learn more about Cambodia's recent history at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once a school that was turned into a prison during the Khmer Rouge time. After that, visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek, a memorial site that honors those who lost their lives during this tragic time.
  
  

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  • Phnom Penh

• Day 6: Phnom Penh, Start the Mekong River Cruise

  After checking out of your hotel in the morning, you will be transferred to the port to begin your Mekong River Cruise, a scenic journey that will take you from Cambodia to Vietnam. Board the ship in the late morning and enjoy a relaxing lunch onboard. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore more of Phnom Penh at your own pace. You may choose to visit nearby attractions, shop for local crafts, or unwind at one of the city's lively cafes, restaurants, or bars.

  As evening falls, gather on the Sun Deck for pre-dinner cultural entertainment featuring a graceful Apsara dance performance, Cambodia's traditional royal ballet, along with other classic Khmer folk dances.

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• Day 7: Mekong Cruise: Cambodia to Vietnam Border

  Depart Phnom Penh in the morning and sail downstream along the scenic Mekong River toward the Cambodia-Vietnam border. Enjoy a leisurely cruise while taking in the beautiful river landscapes. Onboard, participate in cultural activities such as tropical fruit introductions with tastings, a demonstration of Vietnamese spring roll making, and an introduction to traditional Cambodian costumes. In the evening, before dinner, join the captain for a cocktail and sabering ceremony on the deck.

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• Day 8: Mekong Delta Island and Village Cultural Experience

  Cu Lao Gieng, known as "The Mango Island," is a peaceful spot along the upper Mekong River, famous for its mango farms and untouched by tourism. Explore the island by sampan and rickshaw, visiting a boat-building yard, a Vietnamese ancient house, an incense workshop, and a colonial Catholic church.

  Begin at the boat-building yard to see traditional craftsmanship. Then travel along mango-lined roads, visit the incense workshop, and the colonial church. End at a Vietnamese ancient house with a mango farm, where you'll meet the family and enjoy fresh mango before returning to the ship.

  After lunch onboard, take a sampan to My An Hung, a quiet Mekong Delta farming village. Walk through the village, meet locals, and enjoy fresh coconut. A family will welcome you with honey tea and fruit, along with traditional "Don Ca Tai Tu" folk music and a Vovinam martial arts performance by village teens.

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  • Mekong Cruise

• Day 9: Explore Mekong Delta Life: Sa Dec and Cai Be

  Upon arrival in Sa Dec, take a scenic sampan ride through narrow Mekong canals, witnessing daily village life before reaching the historic town. Visit the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, inspiration for The Lover, and the Chinese Temple Kien An Cung honoring his family. Explore the lively town market filled with colorful produce and fresh seafood, ideal for photos.

  In Cai Be, enjoy a rowing boat trip with rowers in traditional conical hats along peaceful Mekong canals. Then cruise to a cottage factory where artisans produce rice paper, rice wine, and popped rice. Browse postcards, souvenirs, and oil paintings before returning to the ship for a sunset cruise to My Tho Marina.

  In the evening, gather for a Farewell Reception with the crew, followed by a Farewell Dinner.

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  • Mekong Cruise

• Day 10: Cruise End, My Tho - Ho Chi Minh City

  After breakfast, disembark at My Tho and travel by land to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's dynamic financial center, still widely referred to by its former name, Saigon.

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  • Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 11: Half-Day Ho Chi Minh City Tour

  Enjoy a guided half-day tour of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's bustling southern metropolis. Visit the War Remnants Museum for powerful insights into the Vietnam War, and the former Presidential Palace (Reunification Palace), a key historical site. Then take a leisurely walk with the chance to see some of the city's colonial-era landmarks, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Dong Khoi Street, the Continental Hotel, the Opera House, and City Hall.

  After lunch at a local restaurant, return to your hotel. The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore independently.

  Optional activities are available for those who want to see more of the city. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels to learn about wartime history, or join an evening Vespa food tour to experience Saigon's lively street food and nightlife scene.
  
  

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  • Ho Chi Minh City

• Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City, Departure

  Your Cambodia and Vietnam tour concludes today. After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight home.

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