Mekong Symphony Cruise Downstream 8 days: Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh

In the afternoon, guests should check in at the FCC Angkor by Avani in Siem Reap between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Following check-in, a transfer will take guests to the pier for embarkation onto the luxurious Mekong Symphony. After settling into their elegant suites, travelers will have time to explore the ship's amenities before the Mekong adventure truly begins.

The evening features a Welcome Reception where guests can meet the Cruise Manager and crew. This is followed by an important safety briefing and an exquisite Welcome Dinner served in the elegant Tonlé Sap Restaurant. As the evening progresses, the Mekong Symphony will set sail across Tonlé Sap Lake, anchoring in the middle of the lake for a serene overnight stay, marking a peaceful start to the voyage.

The morning offers a tranquil start as the Mekong Symphony glides across the calm waters of Tonlé Sap Lake. Guests can relax on the sundeck, observing the ever-changing scenery, or find a comfortable spot onboard to unwind while the ship makes its way towards Kampong Chhnang.

In the afternoon and evening, a tuk-tuk excursion will transport guests to a nearby village. Here, they will have the opportunity to visit local pottery workshops, wander through the lively village market, and observe the traditional methods of producing palm sugar (skor t'not). After this enriching excursion, guests will return to the Mekong Symphony as it continues its journey towards Kampong Tralach, arriving around 9:00 PM.

The morning begins with an immersive experience in the peaceful countryside of Kampong Tralach. Guests will enjoy a traditional ox-cart ride, passing through verdant rice paddies and serene village paths, en route to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu. At the temple, there will be an opportunity to meet local monks and participate in a traditional water blessing, a Cambodian ritual believed to bring peace and good fortune. Before returning to the ship by tuk-tuk, admire the temple's vibrant murals.

After lunch, the afternoon is dedicated to exploring Koh Chen, an island village renowned for its ancient bronze and silversmithing traditions. Guests will visit local workshops to see skilled artisans create intricately engraved bowls, statues, and ceremonial items using time-honored techniques. Following this insightful excursion, the Mekong Symphony will depart Koh Chen and cruise towards Phnom Penh. In the evening, before dinner, guests can enjoy a captivating Khmer Cultural Performance on the Sun Deck, featuring the graceful Apsara Dance and traditional Cambodian folk dances. An optional evening tuk-tuk tour of Phnom Penh, including a rooftop bar visit, is also available for booking onboard.

The morning offers a comprehensive guided tuk-tuk tour of Phnom Penh, Cambodia's dynamic capital, focusing on its rich history and cultural legacy. Highlights include Wat Phnom, the city’s fabled founding location, followed by the magnificent Royal Palace, where guests can explore the Throne Hall, Moonlight Pavilion, and the revered Silver Pagoda, home to the Emerald Buddha and the dazzling diamond-encrusted Maitreya Buddha. The tour concludes with a poignant visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), providing a powerful perspective on Cambodia's recent past.

The afternoon is free for guests to explore Phnom Penh at their own pace. Options include browsing the Central Market, discovering local cafes and boutiques, or continuing sightseeing independently. A shuttle bus and guide will be available for transfers between the port and the city center. Around 4:30 PM, the ship will depart Phnom Penh and cruise towards the Cambodia–Vietnam border, arriving in the evening. Before dinner, guests are invited to the elegant Captain's Cocktail Reception, featuring the traditional champagne sabering ceremony. After dinner, a lively Music Quiz Night offers entertainment as the ship remains near the border overnight, preparing for entry into Vietnam the following morning.

Following the completion of border formalities, typically between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM, the Mekong Symphony will arrive in Chau Doc. This vibrant riverside town is a unique melting pot where Vietnamese, Khmer, Cham, and Chinese cultures have harmoniously coexisted for centuries. The morning excursion includes a visit to a traditional floating fish farm, offering insights into the region's distinctive aquaculture practices. Guests will then proceed to a Cham Village to learn about the customs and daily life of the local Muslim community. The excursion concludes at Hang Pagoda (Cave Pagoda), a serene Buddhist temple nestled on the slopes of Sam Mountain, offering panoramic countryside views.

In the afternoon, guests return to the Mekong Symphony as it cruises towards Sa Dec. The day continues with a selection of enriching onboard experiences: a tropical fruit tasting session allows guests to sample exotic Mekong fruits, and the ship’s chef will lead a hands-on Vietnamese spring roll-making class. A colorful cultural costume presentation by the onboard crew showcases traditional Vietnamese and Cambodian attire. Guests can then relax onboard and enjoy a gourmet dinner as the Mekong Symphony continues its scenic journey towards Sa Dec, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Mekong River.

The morning begins with an exploration of the charming riverside town of Sa Dec. Guests will enjoy a scenic sampan ride through peaceful canals, offering a close-up view of local life. Highlights include a visit to the historic Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, famously associated with Marguerite Duras' novel 'The Lover', and a discovery of the elegant Kien An Cung Temple. A stroll through the vibrant Sa Dec Market provides an authentic glimpse into Mekong daily life, with its colorful array of local produce and regional specialties.

In the afternoon and evening, the journey continues to Cai Be, one of the Mekong Delta's oldest trading towns. Guests will cruise the intricate waterways by sampan, walk through lush tropical fruit gardens, and visit a local family home to learn the traditional process of making sticky rice wine. The excursion concludes with a visit to a beautifully preserved ancient house, where stories of generations who have lived along the Mekong will be shared, offering insight into the family's history and the cultural heritage of the delta. Afterwards, guests return to the Mekong Symphony as it departs Cai Be and cruises towards Quoi Son Islet.

The morning and afternoon are dedicated to discovering the verdant landscapes of Quoi Son Islet in Ben Tre, one of the Mekong Delta's most picturesque islands. Guests will cruise through tranquil canals by sampan and stroll through tropical fruit orchards. A ride in a vintage Lambro 550 will take them to a local family's home, where they can observe the traditional production of coconut candy and various coconut handicrafts. Enjoying fresh tropical fruits and honey tea, guests will also be treated to a live performance of Don Ca Tai Tu, Southern Vietnam's UNESCO-recognized folk music. The excursion concludes with a peaceful hand-rowed sampan ride through narrow waterways lined with coconut palms and mangroves.

Upon returning to the Mekong Symphony, the ship begins its final cruise towards Ho Chi Minh City. Guests can spend a relaxing afternoon onboard, enjoying the tranquil scenery as the vessel sails through the Mekong Delta and anchors en route. In the evening, the final night of the voyage is celebrated with a memorable Farewell Reception in the Saigon Lounge, followed by an elegant Farewell Dinner at the Tonlé Sap Restaurant, providing a chance to share experiences with the crew and fellow travelers.

The final morning of the voyage brings guests along the scenic Saigon River towards Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard, savoring the last views of southern Vietnam's captivating riverside landscapes. The Mekong Symphony is scheduled to arrive at approximately 10:30 AM.

Upon arrival, guests will bid farewell to the dedicated crew and disembark, concluding their luxury Mekong River cruise. This marks the end of an unforgettable journey, rich with cultural discoveries and serene river experiences.