RV Mekong Princess Upstream Cruise: Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh (5 Days)

Your journey begins with a morning transfer from your Ho Chi Minh City hotel to Saigon Port, located at 05 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4. Please be ready for shuttle service between 10:00 and 11:00. Upon boarding the RV Mekong Princess, a comprehensive safety briefing will take place in the Ramvong Lounge, followed by a warm welcome from the Vietnamese and Cambodian crew. Soon after setting sail, a delightful lunch featuring oriental hospitality will be served, allowing you to settle into your luxurious suite and begin absorbing the unfolding river scenery.

In the afternoon, the vessel gracefully navigates through a series of waterways, including the Soai Rap River, Nuoc Man Canal, Vam Co River, and Cho Gao Canal, as it makes its way to the mighty Mekong River. As evening approaches, the ship anchors in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Guests are invited to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails on deck while observing the sunset and the tranquil passage of local sampans. Dinner will be a traditional Vietnamese à la carte experience in the Indochine Restaurant, offering a refined blend of flavors.

The morning begins with an excursion by sampan, guiding you along a picturesque channel fringed with mangroves. A ride on a local "xe lam" (three-wheeled taxi) will then take you to a renowned coconut candy workshop, where you can observe the traditional candy-making process. Following this, take a leisurely walk through a local village, discovering an orchard filled with native Vietnamese fruits. Enjoy a refreshing fruit tasting before boarding a smaller local boat for a journey through narrow creeks bordered by Nipah palms, eventually returning to the ship.

In the afternoon, the RV Mekong Princess sails towards Can Tho, widely recognized as the capital of the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, your guide will lead a brief city tour, which includes a visit to the historic Zihuang Pagoda (Chua Ong) and a chance to witness traditional unicorn dances. The evening offers free time to explore the charming city independently before returning to the ship for dinner. The vessel remains docked in Can Tho overnight, and an onboard lecture on Vietnam's past and present is available for guests.

Before breakfast, embark on an early morning sampan cruise to the famous Cai Rang floating market near Can Tho. Witness the vibrant activity as numerous boats gather to trade essential produce of the Mekong Delta. Enjoy fresh fruit and coconut water directly from the market vendors. A stop at a local noodle factory provides a fascinating glimpse into the noodle-making process before you return to the ship for a generous buffet breakfast.

After lunch, the excursion continues by sampan to Hoa An Village, known for its unspoiled natural beauty and seasonal crops. Explore the peaceful village on a "xe loi" and on foot, immersing yourself in the local environment. Observe a land milling operation from your sampan, gaining an understanding of local rice transportation and processing methods. The visit concludes with meeting families involved in conical hat-making, offering an opportunity to converse with artisans and learn about this traditional craft. As the day concludes, the Mekong Princess sails and anchors near Gieng Island for the night.

Following breakfast, embark on sampans to explore Gieng Island. Begin with a short walk through the local sampan village, observing families engaged in the daily craft of boat building. Continue with a canal drive, admiring the mango gardens that line the riverbanks. Experience a ride on a traditional "Xe Loi" (motor trishaw), exploring more of the island and visiting the historic Phanxico Monastery.

The afternoon takes you to the nearby island village of Hong Ngu, strategically located close to the Vietnam-Cambodia border. Hong Ngu is celebrated for its production of traditional Khmer scarves, which are exported to Cambodia. Here, guests will have the chance to witness the intricate weaving process and the artistry of local embroidery. Additionally, explore the local temple dedicated to the distinctive Hoa Hao religion, which originated in this part of Vietnam. As evening approaches, the Mekong Princess will arrive at the border to complete the necessary exit procedures before continuing its upstream journey towards Phnom Penh, Cambodia. An onboard cooking class demonstration by the Executive Chef is offered.

The Mekong Princess will reach the Cambodian border, where immigration procedures will be completed. Following this, you will continue upriver to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital. Local cyclo drivers will be waiting to take you on an exciting city tour. The ride begins along the picturesque riverfront, leading to the magnificent Royal Palace. A gentle stroll through the palace's manicured gardens offers opportunities to admire the Throne Hall and the Moonlight Pavilion. You will pass grand stupas and spirit houses en route to the renowned Silver Pagoda, home to Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and a Maitreya Buddha adorned with over 9,000 diamonds.

After a short break, your cyclos will transport you to the National Museum, which houses Cambodia's most extensive collections of pre-Angkorian and Angkorian artifacts. Following this enriching shore excursion, please prepare your checked luggage outside your suite as it will be collected. It is then time to bid farewell to the Mekong Princess and its dedicated crew at Phnom Penh Port. Disembarkation is scheduled for 17:00. An onboard activity featuring fruit carving and tropical fruit demonstrations is available today.