Grand Mekong River Expedition: Saigon to Siem Reap (8 Days)

Your grand Mekong adventure commences in Ho Chi Minh City. Between 10:00 and 11:00, a motor coach and guide will collect you from your hotel for the transfer to Saigon Port, located at 05 Nguyen Tat Thanh St, Ward 13, District 4. Upon boarding the RV Mekong Princess, the welcoming Vietnamese and Cambodian crew will greet you with a refreshing drink and conduct a vital safety briefing in the Ramvong Lounge. After completing your check-in, the vessel sets sail from midday, charting a course through the expansive Mekong Delta.

A delectable lunch, characterized by exceptional oriental hospitality, is served shortly after departure. The cruise glides along the Saigon River, Soai Rap River, Nuoc Man Canal, Vam Co River, and Cho Gao Canal, leading towards the magnificent Mekong River. The afternoon is yours to unwind in your luxurious suite, observing the changing riverine panorama. As evening approaches, skilled bartenders craft cocktails, perfect for savoring while watching the sunset and the passing sampans. The ship will anchor overnight in the heart of the Mekong Delta, and a traditional Vietnamese à la carte dinner, featuring a nuanced blend of flavors, awaits you in the Indochine Restaurant.

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast on board before transitioning to traditional sampans for an insightful exploration. You'll navigate through a network of channels and lush mangroves, reaching land to experience local transportation via a "xe lam" (three-wheeler). The journey takes you to a local coconut candy workshop, where you can observe the production process, learn the craft, sample fresh candies, and purchase souvenirs.

Following this, a leisurely walk through the village reveals an array of Vietnamese fruits, with opportunities to taste fresh produce from an orchard. Reboarding a small boat, you'll glide through narrow creeks lined with Nipah palms, offering a picturesque view of the Mekong Delta. Upon returning to the ship, a delicious lunch will be ready in the Dining Hall. The cruise then proceeds through the Mekong Delta, pausing at Hoang Dieu Harbor, adjacent to Can Tho City. Guests will enjoy a brief, guided city tour, including a visit to the historic Zihuang Pagoda (Chua Ong) and a lively welcome unicorn dance. The remainder of the afternoon is free for personal exploration of Can Tho's charming streets before returning to the ship for an early dinner. The RV Mekong Princess will dock overnight in Can Tho.

Start your morning with an early breakfast before embarking on sampans to visit the bustling Cai Rang floating market. This incredible marketplace showcases the vibrant trade of local goods directly on the water, offering a unique glimpse into Mekong Delta commerce. You can enjoy fresh fruits and the refreshing "anti-aging drink" – fresh coconut water – a truly local experience. Before returning to the ship for a sumptuous buffet breakfast, a stop is made at a local noodle factory, where you can observe the fascinating process of noodle production.

After a delicious lunch served onboard, the afternoon brings an excursion to Hoa An Village, renowned for its untouched beauty, flower cultivation, and traditional handmade crafts. Guests will explore a vibrant flower garden before visiting a local household to converse with the residents and learn about their daily routines. Following a brief pause, a motor cart transports you to another part of the village. Enjoy a leisurely walk through tranquil rice fields and fruit trees, absorbing the serene atmosphere. The sampan tour continues through lively canals to a conical hat-making family, offering a chance to interact with the artisans, discover their techniques, and even try weaving mats. As the day concludes, return to the cruise for dinner and a relaxing evening. The Princess sails and anchors near Gieng Island overnight.

Following breakfast, the morning begins with a sampan excursion to Gieng Island, a tranquil rural setting celebrated for both its peaceful ambiance and historical sites. A short walk through a local sampan village provides insights into traditional boat-building techniques. Afterward, embark on a canal journey, strolling through mango gardens lining the riverbanks. Experience a "xe loi" (motor trishaw) ride across the island to visit the historic Phanxico Monastery.

In the afternoon, the journey continues to the local island village of Hong Ngu, a hub for the production of traditional Khmer scarves, which are exported to Cambodia. Here, you can observe the weaving process at various home workshops and engage with locals to understand their daily lives and crafts. The visit concludes with an exploration of a local temple dedicated to the Hoa Hao religion, an authentic Vietnamese faith. Later in the day, return to the ship. While cruising towards Tan Chau, guests can enjoy onboard entertainment. Dinner is served, followed by time to relax. The ship will then dock overnight in Tan Chau.

Enjoy breakfast this morning while observing the captivating river scenery as the RV Mekong Princess makes its way towards the Cambodian border. An engaging onboard lecture provides valuable insights into Cambodia's geography and the vibrant way of life along the Mekong River. Following this, the necessary exit procedures from Vietnam are completed, and the vessel continues upstream towards the Cambodian capital.

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, local cyclos await to transport you on a half-day city tour. The first stop is the magnificent Royal Palace, encompassing the Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion. A leisurely stroll through the beautifully manicured gardens offers an appreciation of the Cambodian Royal Palace's intricate architecture. Next, visit the revered Silver Pagoda, home to rare Buddha statues adorned with thousands of precious jewels. After a brief interlude, the afternoon tour concludes at the National Museum, where a vast collection of artifacts from the Angkor Archaeological Area and other Khmer Empire sites are on display. Following the city tour, return to the ship for some relaxation before dinner. The RV Mekong Princess docks in Phnom Penh for the night.

The morning begins with a private motor coach transfer for a 45-minute drive to Choeung Ek, famously known as the Killing Fields. This solemn site, a former orchard, serves as a powerful memorial to the over 17,000 lives lost during the Khmer Rouge regime. Guests can walk through the fields and visit the modest museum and memorial stupa, reflecting on this poignant chapter of history. On the return journey to Phnom Penh, a brief stop is made at Tuol Sleng, a former school tragically transformed into a prison and torture center by the Khmer Rouge.

The afternoon and evening are free for personal exploration of Phnom Penh. To delve deeper into Cambodian culture, guests are invited to a captivating Apsara dance show performance before dinner on board. The ship will remain moored in Phnom Penh for the night, allowing for a peaceful overnight stay.

After a hearty breakfast in the dining room, the cruise departs Phnom Penh and sets course for Angkor Ban. Upon arrival, a tour of the town offers insights into the daily routines of its residents. The visit commences with a local pagoda, where guests can partake in a special blessing ceremony with resident monks, a traditional practice for peace and happiness in Asian Buddhist culture. Next, proceed to a local family's home for a personal encounter, learning about their customs and way of life.

Following this, spend time at the local school, observing a typical school day and becoming part of the students' classroom experience. In the evening, a cozy and classic dinner awaits you. The ship then sails towards Kampong Cham, where it will dock overnight, ensuring a restful night's sleep onboard.

Enjoy your final breakfast on board the RV Mekong Princess. After completing your packing, prepare to disembark in Kampong Cham. The concluding leg of your journey involves a comfortable motor coach transfer from Kampong Cham, taking you directly to Siem Reap. You are expected to arrive at your hotel in Siem Reap by noon, marking the end of your memorable Mekong River cruise.