Mekong Eyes Classic Cruise: Saigon to Phnom Penh by Speedboat - 3 Days

Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be - Can Tho - Chau Doc - Phnom Penh (even dates) OR Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho - Cai Be - Chau Doc - Phnom Penh (odd dates)

Duration

2 N / 3 D

Departs

Ho Chi Minh City

Rating

4.5 / 5

Starting from

USD $453 / person

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Mekong Eyes Classic: Saigon to Phnom Penh Speedboat Cruise - 3 Days

Embark on a 3-day, 2-night Mekong Eyes Classic journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh, experiencing the rich culture of the Mekong Delta and a thrilling speedboat transfer to Cambodia.

Trip Highlights

Explore the lively Cai Rang Floating Market, observing traditional river commerce.
Cycle through verdant orchards and peaceful villages, engaging with local residents.
Journey on a traditional sampan through the Mekong Delta's narrow waterways.
Visit Tan Phong Islet to experience local handicrafts and Southern Vietnamese folk music.
Learn to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes during an onboard cooking demonstration.
Enjoy a tranquil overnight stay on the Mekong Eyes Classic, anchored in the river.
Experience a high-speed boat transfer from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh.
Stay overnight at the Victoria Hotel in Chau Doc, exploring the city independently.

About This Cruise

An Overview of Your Mekong Adventure

This 3-day, 2-night Mekong Eyes Classic journey provides an immersive passage from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Crafted for travelers seeking an authentic river experience within a comfortable budget, this cruise unveils the rich cultural tapestry and natural splendor of the Mekong Delta.

Exploring the Route and Scenery

The voyage navigates the intricate waterways of the Mekong Delta, showcasing dynamic river life and serene landscapes. Guests will discover iconic destinations such as Cai Be, Can Tho, and Chau Doc, before concluding their trip in the Cambodian capital. Two distinct routes are offered depending on the departure date (even or odd), ensuring a varied exploration of the region’s highlights and providing different perspectives of the riverine environment.

The Onboard Experience

Aboard the Mekong Eyes Classic, an intimate atmosphere is fostered by its traditional wooden design and a dedicated crew serving just 28 guests. Days are filled with guided excursions into local communities, offering ample opportunities for cultural interaction and scenic exploration. Evenings provide relaxed dining and tranquil overnight stays anchored on the river, allowing for peaceful contemplation of your surroundings.

Culinary Delights

Meals are served in the ship's elegant onboard restaurant, featuring expansive windows that offer continuous river views throughout your dining experience. The menu highlights fresh, local ingredients in a delightful blend of Vietnamese specialties and international choices. Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, providing a comprehensive taste of the region's culinary heritage.

Comfortable Cabin Options

The ship features 14 Deluxe Cabins, each measuring 12 square meters and conveniently located on the main deck. These well-appointed rooms offer either comfortable double or twin beds, a private bathroom with hot water and shower, air-conditioning, and a large panoramic window providing uninterrupted views of the Mekong River. Each cabin is designed to be a cozy and relaxing retreat after a day of discovery.

Who Will Love This Cruise

This cruise is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers desiring a genuine cultural immersion and a scenic river journey. It caters to those who appreciate engaging with local life, exploring traditional markets and villages, and concluding their Vietnamese adventure with convenient onward travel to Cambodia via a high-speed boat.

About Mekong Eyes Classic Cruise

Full Ship Profile

+28 more

Mekong Eyes Classic Cruise

Standard 4.5

The Mekong Eyes Classic, a traditional wooden rice barge, offers an intimate river journey through the Mekong Delta, blending local craftsmanship with modern comfort.

28 guests

14 cabins

Built 2009 · Refurb. 0

Mekong Delta

On-board Amenities

Restaurant with panoramic river views
Sundeck with comfortable loungers
Main deck housing all Deluxe Cabins
Private bathrooms with hot water in every cabin
Air conditioning in all cabins

Cruise Itinerary

Days

Nights

Stops

Route

Ho Chi Minh City → Phnom Penh

1DAY

Mekong Delta Journey: Cai Be or Can Tho Exploration

Cai Be / Can Tho Overnight at Sea 🥗 Lunch 🌙 Dinner

Even Date Departures (Ho Chi Minh City - Cai Be - Can Tho): The morning begins with a shuttle pick-up from designated hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (District 1 & parts of District 3) between 08:00 and 08:30, commencing the drive to Cai Be. Guests board the Mekong Eyes Classic around 11:30 for check-in. Lunch is served shortly after, allowing passengers to enjoy the captivating riverside scenery. The afternoon features a guided land excursion through local orchards and small settlements, offering an authentic glimpse into rural life, with opportunities to explore lush gardens and expansive paddy fields. Guests return to the cruise before dusk to experience sunset on the top deck, followed by dinner in the cruise restaurant. The vessel anchors for the night, providing a peaceful overnight stay.

Odd Date Departures (Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho - Cai Be): Alternatively, for odd-date departures, the shuttle service collects guests from Ho Chi Minh City hotels (District 1 and parts of District 3) between 07:30 and 08:00 for the transfer to Can Tho. Boarding and check-in occur at 11:30. A panoramic cruise accompanies lunch, providing continuous views of the Mekong's breathtaking scenery and the daily activities of its people. The afternoon involves disembarking for a village visit, exploring nearby fruit orchards and rice fields, and interacting with locals alongside a knowledgeable guide. Guests can sample fresh local foods and fruits during this enriching experience. The day concludes with a sunset party on the top deck, featuring refreshing beverages, before an onboard dinner around 19:00, followed by a relaxing night in the cabin.

Activities

(Even Dates) Board the cruise in Cai Be, enjoy lunch with river views, explore local orchards and settlements on a guided walk.
(Odd Dates) Board the cruise in Can Tho, enjoy lunch with river views, visit fruit orchards and rice fields, interact with locals.

2DAY

Floating Market Discovery & Chau Doc Arrival

Can Tho / Cai Rang Floating Market / Chau Doc ☕ Breakfast 🥗 Lunch

Even Date Departures (Can Tho - Cai Rang Floating Market - Chau Doc): The day starts with breakfast and morning tea available on board. Cabin check-out is at 08:00. Guests then embark on a lengthy sampan ride to the Cai Rang floating market, where they can experience the lively trading activities of one of the Mekong Delta's most dynamic marketplaces. Following the market visit, a shuttle transfers guests to Chau Doc, with lunch served en route. Arrival in Chau Doc is anticipated around 15:30. This city, located near the Vietnam-Cambodia border, is renowned for its diverse cultural influences from Kinh, Cham, Hoa, and Khmer ethnic groups, as well as its rich natural beauty. The evening is free for guests to explore Chau Doc independently, perhaps sampling local delicacies such as fish noodle soup or durian salad.

Odd Date Departures (Cai Be - Tan Phong Islet - Chau Doc): For odd-date itineraries, breakfast and morning tea are served early. Cabin check-out is completed before 08:00. A serene rowing sampan journey through the small canals of the Mekong Delta leads to Tan Phong Islet, a vast area celebrated for its abundance of fresh fruit gardens. Here, guests can enjoy an enchanting performance of "Đờn ca tài tử" (Southern Vietnamese folk music) and gain insights into the craft-making process by visiting a local handicraft family. The morning also includes a bicycle ride or a leisurely walk through a quaint village along the Mekong Canals, surrounded by the natural beauty of flowers and trees. A shuttle bus then transports guests to Chau Doc at 11:00, with lunch provided during the journey. The afternoon and evening are at leisure in Chau Doc, with an expected arrival time of 15:30, allowing for hotel check-in and personal exploration.

Activities

(Even Dates) Enjoy breakfast, check out of cabin, take a sampan to Cai Rang floating market, transfer to Chau Doc, explore Chau Doc independently.
(Odd Dates) Enjoy breakfast, check out of cabin, take a sampan through small canals, visit Tan Phong Islet for folk music and handicrafts, cycle or walk through a village, transfer to Chau Doc, explore Chau Doc independently.

3DAY

Chau Doc to Phnom Penh Speedboat Transfer

Chau Doc / Phnom Penh Arrive 13:00 - 13 Depart 07:00 ☕ Breakfast

Cabin Categories

Deluxe Cabin

12.0 m² Max 2 Main Deck Double/Twin

Each of the 14 Deluxe Cabins, located on the main deck, offers a private and cozy retreat. They are equipped with private bathrooms featuring showers and hot water, a wardrobe, air-conditioning, and expansive panoramic windows for continuous river views.

Bathrobe, Wardrobe, Safe Box, Slippers, Hair Dryer, Walk-in Shower, Air Conditioning, En-suite Bathroom, Bathroom Amenities, Complimentary Water

Book Deluxe Cabin

What's Included

Included

Shared vehicle for pick-up/drop-off in Chau Doc.
High-speed boat transfer from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh (or vice versa).
Accommodation at Victoria Hotel (Superior room) in Chau Doc.
English-speaking tour guide services.
Guided walking tours and market visits as per program.
Cabin accommodation on board the Mekong Eyes Classic.
Meals as described in the itinerary.
Complimentary bottled water in the cabin.
All applicable fees and taxes.

Not Included

Visa fee for Cambodia (approximately 35 USD and a passport photograph required at border crossing).
Beverages beyond complimentary bottled water.
Personal expenses.
Dinner at the hotel in Chau Doc.
Other services not mentioned in the itinerary.

Policies & Information

Cancellations made less than 30 days before the arrival date will incur a charge of 50% of the total rate.
Cancellations made less than 14 days before the arrival date will result in a charge of 100% of the total rate.

A deposit is required to confirm bookings. Specific details regarding the deposit amount and payment schedule are generally provided upon inquiry or during the booking process.

One child under 6 years old sharing a cabin with two adults is free of charge.
For a second child under 6 years old, 50% of the adult rate will be applied.
For children from 6 to under 12 years old, a 50% rate will be applied for one child sharing a cabin with two adults.
If two children under 12 years old share one cabin, the rate for each child is 75% of the adult price.
A third adult utilizing an extra bed or mattress will be charged 80% of the adult price.
Children aged 12 years and above are charged at the full adult rate.

For guests booking the shuttle service, pick-up from designated hotels in Ho Chi Minh City (District 1 & parts of District 3) is included. A shared vehicle provides transfers to/from Chau Doc. The journey between Chau Doc and Phnom Penh is completed via a high-speed boat. Complimentary shuttle service is available for transfers to hotels in Phnom Penh within 5km of Sisowath pier; fees for other drop-off locations will be advised upon booking.

PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. Kindly provide passport information (Full name, sex, Nationality, passport number, date of birth, validity of visa) at least 01 week before the cruise date.