Mekong River Upstream Cruise: Saigon to Siem Reap on RV La Marguerite

Your cultural and exploratory journey with RV La Marguerite begins this morning. A tour guide will meet you at the Sofitel Plaza Hotel in Saigon, arranging a smooth transfer to My Tho. During the drive, you'll have the opportunity to experience the lively atmosphere of Cholon Market and observe the skilled craftsmanship at a lacquer factory. Cholon, often considered Saigon's secondary center, presents a captivating fusion of Chinese architectural influences and bustling market activity, renowned for wholesale trade. Upon reaching My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong, you'll receive a warm welcome aboard the RV La Marguerite. A delightful lunch will be served, accompanied by expansive river views.

The afternoon is yours to relax and settle into your comfortable suites, anticipating the adventures ahead. The cruise gracefully departs along the Saigon River, offering a peaceful journey through picturesque scenery. Whether you prefer to unwind in your cabin or enjoy the sun on the sundeck, you can immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the surroundings. As evening approaches, a welcome dinner will be served, introducing you to the ship's culinary offerings. The evening culminates with an enchanting traditional music program, providing a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. Your river cruise truly begins, blending relaxation, cultural enrichment, and the allure of the Mekong, setting the stage for a restful night.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast in the dining room as the cruise navigates towards the charming town of Cai Be. Guests will then embark on a morning boat trip around Cai Be, disembarking to admire the exterior of the French Gothic Cathedral. Although currently inaccessible inside, its striking architecture, tall bell tower, and scenic setting offer excellent photo opportunities. Following this, a riverside walk leads to a local family-run business producing rice paper and coconut sweets, providing insights into their meticulous handmade processes. Return to the ship for a delectable lunch as you cruise past Vinh Long Province, eventually arriving in Sa Dec.

The afternoon is dedicated to exploring Sa Dec's enchanting landscape. Visit the historic Huynh Thuy Le's ancient house, linked to the famous love story from the novel "Lover" and the film "L'Amant." Transitioning from historical romance, proceed to the Caodaism Temple and wander through the vibrant local market, engaging with the lively daily rhythms of Sa Dec. As evening falls, guests have the option to independently explore the quaint city before returning to the cruise for dinner. The ship will dock overnight, allowing you to reflect on the day's cultural discoveries amidst the Mekong's tranquility.

Indulge in a pleasant breakfast onboard as the RV La Marguerite gracefully reaches Tan Chau in the morning. A journey into local life awaits as guests transfer to small boats, navigating the waterways to explore the village. The friendly locals and the charm of the countryside, experienced via a rickshaw ride, promise a relaxing trip. After this enriching morning excursion, return to the cruise for a leisurely lunch.

The afternoon offers a canvas for relaxation and indulgence. Take advantage of the onboard amenities, perhaps opting for a spa treatment or simply unwinding on the sundeck, enveloped by the Mekong's tranquility. As the day progresses, the RV La Marguerite sets sail towards the Cambodian border, undertaking necessary procedures for a seamless crossing. As the sun sets over the Mekong, enjoy a delicious dinner onboard, savoring regional culinary delights. The night promises a serene voyage as the cruise sails towards Phnom Penh, allowing the gentle rhythms of the river to ensure a restful night.

Begin a captivating morning in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant capital, with a city tour. The first stop is the impressive Royal Palace, an architectural wonder that houses the renowned "Silver Pagoda," also known as Wat Preah Keo Morokat. This sacred site, featuring rare Buddha statues adorned with precious stones, stands as a prominent symbol of the Cambodian Kingdom. The tour continues to the Silver Pagoda itself, a tranquil temple showcasing ancient pagoda architecture, offering a peaceful space for spiritual reflection. The morning exploration concludes with a visit to the National Museum, a repository of Cambodia's rich cultural and historical heritage across various eras. Following this insightful morning, return to the ship for a satisfying lunch.

The afternoon reveals another aspect of Cambodia's history with a visit to the somber yet crucial Tuol Sleng Museum, formerly a high school that became a prison during the genocide era. The atmosphere here is deeply moving, with dilapidated structures and an eerie silence serving as a poignant reminder of the country's complex past. As the sun sets over Phnom Penh, return to the cruise for a well-deserved dinner and an overnight stay. The night onboard promises tranquility as the cruise prepares for the next chapter of your Mekong River adventure.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast onboard as RV La Marguerite sails towards Silk Island. Take a serene morning walk through the silk-weaving village, gaining insights into the intricate craft of silk production and even trying your hand at weaving. The excursion continues with visits to a local workshop, a pagoda, and a primary school, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of Cambodian children and the local community. This provides an authentic experience of the diverse occupations that shape this corner of the Mekong. After a morning of exploration, return to the cruise for a delicious lunch, savoring the flavors of Cambodia.

The afternoon presents views of the Mekong's timeless villages and river life, including large-scale fishing activities. The journey then returns to Phnom Penh for a visit to the iconic Wat Phnom. Revered as one of the most significant pagodas in the Cambodian capital, Wat Phnom is perched atop the city's only hill. Known as the "Lady Penh Pagoda," it holds a deep connection to the founding and growth of Cambodia's capital, adding historical richness to your voyage. Conclude your day with an enchanting traditional Apsara dance show, a highlight of Cambodian entertainment, while enjoying a delightful dinner.

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast onboard as the cruise gracefully navigates the upper Mekong, offering panoramic views of the tranquil river landscape. As the morning progresses, the ship arrives at Angkor Ban, a village that appears like a peaceful oasis along the Mekong River. Bathed in the soft morning light, Angkor Ban exudes a serene atmosphere that contrasts with its remarkable historical resilience. This village stands as a testament to survival, having endured through the challenging Red Khmer Period, making it one of the rare settlements that persisted through that unsettled era.

The afternoon invites you to delve deeper into the local culture by exploring the village on stilts. Wander through traditional houses, immersing yourself in the unique architectural and cultural elements that define this community. Gain insights into the daily lives of the residents, observing the harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary existence in this idyllic riverside setting. As the sun sets, return to the comfort of the cruise for a delightful dinner. The evening promises a serene navigation to the North, allowing you to relax amidst the Mekong's tranquility. Rest for the night onboard, surrounded by the gentle rhythms of the river.

Embark on a delightful morning with a hearty breakfast onboard as the cruise makes a captivating stop at Wat Hanchey. Immerse yourself in Cambodia's rich history by visiting this pre-Angkorian temple, perched atop a hill and offering panoramic views of the Mekong. Marvel at the temple complex, which is part of a larger religious monument globally, adorned with over 1,000 temples showcasing diverse sizes and Khmer architectural styles, providing a glimpse into Cambodia's ancient heritage. Return to the cruise for a leisurely lunch as you sail towards Kampong Cham.

The afternoon unfolds with an exploration of the unique Wat Nokor temple by bus. Renowned as the first fusion temple, Wat Nokor seamlessly integrates a contemporary Theravada Buddhist pagoda within the ancient walls of a 12th-century Mahayana Buddhist shrine, constructed from sandstone and laterite. Understanding this cultural fusion helps illuminate the fascinating tapestry of Cambodia's religious history. As the day's excursions conclude, return to the cruise for a delicious dinner, surrounded by the tranquil ambiance of the Mekong River. The evening transitions into a peaceful overnight stay onboard.

Commence your final day with a delightful breakfast onboard before disembarking for a bus transfer to Siem Reap, a journey of approximately five hours. Along the scenic route, you will make a stop at the Kampong Kdei Bridge, an architectural marvel from the Angkorian period, built during the reign of Jayavarman VII. This provides a fascinating glimpse into Cambodia's vibrant history and engineering prowess. This trip aims to leave you with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the cultural and historical wonders you've encountered. We look forward to welcoming you again on another adventure.