Mekong Symphony Cruise: 8-Day Journey from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap

Your luxury Mekong journey commences in Ho Chi Minh City with arrival at the Mekong Symphony cruise port around 15:00. Following a smooth check-in process, guests can settle into their elegant suites and begin to explore the ship's premium amenities. The vessel then sets sail along the Saigon River, offering initial views where the city's modern architecture gradually transitions into peaceful riverside communities and lush tropical scenery on the route towards the Mekong Delta.

In the evening, all guests are invited to the lounge for a Welcome Reception, providing an opportunity to meet the Cruise Manager and the attentive onboard staff. A mandatory safety briefing precedes an exquisite Welcome Dinner, served at the Tonle Sap Restaurant. As night falls, the Mekong Symphony continues its journey towards Go Cong, a charming town at the entrance to the Mekong Delta, where it will anchor peacefully mid-river for the night.

Awaken to the serene landscapes of the Mekong Delta as the Mekong Symphony approaches Quoi Son Islet, celebrated for its pristine beauty and abundant fruit orchards near Ben Tre. Guests will board a traditional sampan to navigate calm canals, sheltered by water coconut palms and mangroves, before enjoying a leisurely walk through local fruit plantations. Subsequently, a ride on a vintage Lambro 550, a classic three-wheeled vehicle, will take you to a local family's workshop, where they produce handmade coconut candy and traditional coconut crafts. Enjoy fresh tropical fruits, local honey, and honey tea while listening to a live performance of Don Ca Tai Tu, the UNESCO-recognized folk music of Southern Vietnam. The morning concludes with a peaceful hand-rowed sampan journey through narrow waterways, offering an intimate perspective of daily life along the Mekong before returning to the ship.

After lunch onboard, the ship reaches Cai Be, one of the Mekong Delta's oldest trading hubs. A sampan ride will take you through the town's intricate network of waterways. Afterward, a stroll through a tropical fruit garden leads to a local family residence, where you'll learn the traditional method of making sticky rice wine. The journey continues through tranquil canals to visit an ancient house, providing insights into the family's heritage and the region's rich cultural past. In the evening, the ship cruises towards Sa Dec, a charming riverside town known for its flower villages and French colonial architecture.

The day begins with a picturesque sampan journey through Sa Dec's peaceful canals, a riverside town celebrated for its vibrant flower gardens, French colonial heritage, and literary connections. Guests will visit the historic Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, famously featured in Marguerite Duras' acclaimed novel, "The Lover," where they will uncover the fascinating romantic narrative behind one of Vietnam's most iconic literary works. The exploration continues to Kien An Cung Temple, an elegant Chinese temple constructed by the local Chinese community, renowned for its elaborate architecture and cultural significance.

From the temple, a guided walk through Sa Dec Market reveals colorful displays of tropical fruits, fresh seafood, aromatic spices, and local delicacies, offering an authentic glimpse into the daily life of the Mekong Delta. In the afternoon, return to the Mekong Symphony for lunch as the ship sails towards Chau Doc, a lively border town situated near Cambodia. The afternoon is free for guests to relax onboard, enjoying the passing river landscapes and the ship's premium services. After dinner, guests are invited to join a lively music quiz night, an entertaining evening of friendly competition and laughter.

After breakfast, guests will explore Chau Doc, a vibrant border town recognized for its riverside charm, cultural diversity, and spiritual landmarks. The excursion includes a visit to a traditional floating fish farm, providing insights into the region's unique aquaculture practices. Following this, a stop at a Cham Village offers a look into the customs and daily routines of the local Muslim community. The morning culminates at Hang Pagoda (Cave Pagoda), a serene Buddhist temple nestled on the slopes of Sam Mountain, which offers beautiful surroundings and sweeping views of the countryside.

Return to the Mekong Symphony as it cruises towards the Vietnam–Cambodia border. While onboard immigration procedures are completed, guests can enjoy a leisurely afternoon sailing into Cambodian waters. The journey is enhanced with engaging onboard activities, including a tropical fruit tasting session where guests can sample exotic Mekong fruits, followed by a hands-on Vietnamese spring roll-making class led by the ship's chef. A cultural costume presentation, showcasing traditional national attire, is also performed by the talented onboard crew. Before dinner, guests are invited to the Captain's Cocktail Reception for an elegant evening celebration, featuring the traditional champagne sabering ceremony.

The morning is dedicated to exploring the rich history and cultural heritage of Phnom Penh, Cambodia's dynamic capital. A guided tuk-tuk tour will take guests through the city's most significant landmarks, starting with Wat Phnom, the legendary hilltop temple where Phnom Penh was founded. The tour continues along the picturesque riverfront to the magnificent Royal Palace, where visitors can explore its manicured grounds, including the Throne Hall, Moonlight Pavilion, and the renowned Silver Pagoda, which houses Cambodia's cherished Emerald Buddha and the spectacular Maitreya Buddha adorned with over 9,000 diamonds. The morning concludes with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former school converted into a prison during the Khmer Rouge era, offering a poignant insight into a dark chapter of Cambodian history.

Guests have a free afternoon to explore Phnom Penh at their leisure. Options include browsing local boutiques, savoring Khmer cuisine, or visiting other nearby attractions. A convenient shuttle bus, accompanied by a guide, operates between the port and the bustling Central Market, facilitating independent discovery of the city. Before dinner, guests can immerse themselves in Cambodia's artistic traditions with a Khmer Cultural Performance on the Sun Deck, showcasing the graceful Apsara Dance alongside traditional folk performances. An optional evening excursion, "Phnom Penh by Night," is available for those wishing to experience the city's vibrant energy after dark with a guided tuk-tuk tour and a signature cocktail from a rooftop bar offering panoramic skyline views. (Bookings for this optional excursion can be made and paid for with the Purser onboard).

The ship arrives at Koh Chen, a peaceful island village celebrated throughout Cambodia for its centuries-old traditions in bronze and silversmithing. Guests will take a guided stroll through the village, visiting local family workshops where skilled artisans meticulously handcraft intricately engraved bowls, statues, and ceremonial objects using techniques passed down through generations. This provides a unique insight into the enduring craftsmanship of the region.

In the afternoon, experience the rustic charm of Kampong Tralach's countryside with a traditional ox-cart ride. The journey winds through lush rice paddies and quiet village paths, leading to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu, a beautifully adorned Buddhist temple. Here, guests will meet local monks and participate in a traditional water blessing ceremony, a meaningful Cambodian ritual believed to bestow peace, good fortune, and safe travels. After admiring the temple's colorful murals depicting scenes from the Buddha's life, guests return to the ship by tuk-tuk. In the evening, relax onboard as the Mekong Symphony cruises towards Kampong Chhnang, one of Cambodia's most authentic riverside towns.

The morning offers an exploration of the authentic charm of Kampong Chhnang, a riverside province renowned for its traditional pottery and sugar palm production. Guests will travel by tuk-tuk to a nearby village, where they can explore local workshops producing handcrafted Khmer pottery. A stroll through the bustling local market provides a glimpse into daily commerce, and guests will learn how palm sugar (skor t'not) is created using age-old techniques passed down through generations.

In the afternoon, return to the Mekong Symphony for lunch as the ship cruises through the tranquil waterways towards Koh Chen. As the journey nears its conclusion, guests will gather in the Saigon Lounge for a memorable Farewell Reception with the crew. This is followed by an elegant Farewell Dinner at the Tonle Sap Restaurant, celebrating an unforgettable Mekong voyage.

Enjoy a final breakfast onboard before bidding farewell to the crew and disembarking at Koh Chen. A shuttle transfer is provided, departing at 08:30 for Siem Reap. The journey passes through Cambodia's picturesque countryside, with a lunch stop included along the way. Guests are expected to arrive at FCC Angkor by Avani in Siem Reap at approximately 14:00, marking the end of their memorable Mekong river adventure.