Mekong Princess 8-Day Downstream Cruise from Siem Reap to Saigon

Your journey begins with a morning transfer from your Siem Reap hotel, departing around 7:00. A comfortable motor-coach carries you to Kampong Cham, where the RV Mekong Princess awaits your arrival for lunch. Upon boarding, guests receive a concise safety briefing in the Ramvong Lounge before settling into their luxurious cabins.

The afternoon offers ample free time aboard the RV Mekong Princess. Guests may unwind in their suite or enjoy the sun-drenched deck, absorbing the tranquil Mekong River vistas. As evening approaches, a welcome dinner featuring Cambodian specialties is served. The vessel then sails towards Angkor Ban, anchoring there for the night.

Following breakfast, a transfer takes you to the charming settlement of Angkor Ban. Here, you'll have the opportunity to engage with local residents and participate in a special blessing ceremony at the pagoda. Continue your visit to a local family's home to gain insight into their daily routines. Nearby, the village school invites you to join children's classes for an exciting firsthand experience of their school day.

After your village exploration, return to the ship as it sails towards Phnom Penh for lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to a half-day tour of Cambodia's capital. Your adventure begins with a visit to the Royal Palace, where you can stroll the grounds and admire the historical beauty of Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion. Discover the Silver Pagoda, renowned for its Emerald Buddha and Maitreya Buddha, adorned with over 9,000 diamonds, amidst impressive stupas and spirit houses. Conclude your tour at the National Museum, home to numerous artifacts from the Angkor Archaeological Site and other regions of the former Khmer Empire. Dinner is served on board as you enjoy the river scenery, with the ship docking in Phnom Penh for the night.

This morning, a private motor coach will transport you approximately 45 minutes to Choeung Ek. Here, you will confront a somber chapter of Cambodian history at the Killing Fields, exploring the small museum and Memorial Stupa, which serve as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. Before returning to Phnom Penh, a stop is made at Tuol Sleng, also known as S-21, a former school transformed into a prison and torture headquarters by the Khmer Rouge.

The afternoon allows for free exploration of the captivating city of Phnom Penh. As evening descends, enjoy cultural entertainment on board, including Apsara Dance and various traditional Cambodian folk dances. Dinner is served as the ship sails towards the Cambodian-Vietnamese border, preparing for its onward journey.

After completing immigration formalities, the cruise sets sail for Hong Ngu village, situated on an island near the Vietnam-Cambodia border. In Hong Ngu, you'll have the opportunity to observe the intricate weaving process in local homes, as this area is a significant producer of Khmer scarves exported to Cambodia. Following this, visit a local temple dedicated to the unique Hoa Hao religion, prominent in this region of Vietnam.

After lunch, the journey continues to Gieng Island, reached by traditional sampans. Take a leisurely walk around the local sampan village, renowned for its boat-building expertise. Explore mango farms along the riverbanks via canal, and experience a "xe loi" (motor trishaw) ride to visit Phanxico Monastery. The cruise then proceeds to Hoa An, where the ship docks overnight.

The morning brings you to Hoa An Village, a pristine location celebrated for its diverse seasonal crops and fruit orchards. Before boarding a sampan, take a "xe loi" ride and stroll through this serene village, surrounded by verdant rice paddies and fruit trees. The final stop is at a traditional conical hat-making family, where you can engage with locals and learn about their craft.

The ship then continues its journey through the Mekong Delta towards Can Tho city, often referred to as Tay Do, the capital of the Mekong Delta region. In the afternoon, visit Zihuang Pagoda to witness captivating unicorn dances. Enjoy dinner and relax onboard as the ship docks in Can Tho for the night.

Begin your day early with a sampan excursion to the lively Cai Rang floating market. As you navigate through the market, observe local boats laden with produce, a vibrant reflection of daily life in the Mekong Delta. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to sample fresh, juicy fruits and refreshing coconut water, a local specialty. Discover the process of local noodle production at a floating factory before returning to the ship for a buffet breakfast.

In the afternoon, depart from Ninh Kieu Wharf in Can Tho city, sailing downstream through the Tra On Rivulet mouth, Nicolai Canal, Mang Thit Canal, and Cho Lach Rivulet mouth, ultimately rejoining the main Mekong River. The ship will dock overnight in Ben Tre Province. During the day, engage in onboard activities such as a fruit carving and tropical fruits demonstration by the Executive Chef, and a lecture on Vietnam's past and present led by your local Vietnamese host.

Embark on a sampan ride through mangrove-lined channels, followed by a "xe lam" (local transportation) trip to observe local coconut candy production. Afterwards, stroll through a fruit orchard, learning about local cultivation methods and enjoying fresh, tropical fruits directly from the trees. Transfer to a pier to board local boats for a journey through narrow creeks shaded by Nipah palms.

Return to the cruise ship for a relaxed adventure through the Cho Gao Canal, Vam Co River, Nuoc Man Canal, and Soai Rap River, ultimately connecting to the Saigon River. Savor your meals onboard as the ship makes its way towards Ho Chi Minh City. An evening cooking class demonstration by the Executive Chef will also be available for guests.

A lavish buffet breakfast is prepared for you in the restaurant this morning. Around 8:00, it will be time to bid farewell to the RV Mekong Princess and its dedicated crew at Saigon Port. A comfortable bus will then transport you from the ship directly to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City or to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, concluding your memorable Mekong river cruise.