Program at a Glance
Day 1: Arrival in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s energetic southern capital. After airport formalities, transfer to your hotel for check-in and time to refresh. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, offering your first taste of Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 2: Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels – Saigon
Travel outside the city to visit the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, a powerful reminder of the Vietnam War. Return to Saigon for lunch, followed by visits to the War Remnants Museum and Emperor Pagoda, offering insight into the country’s complex history and spiritual traditions. Dinner and overnight in Saigon.
Day 3: Saigon – Tan Phong Island (Embarkation)
Depart Saigon by road to Cai Be, where your private Mekong River vessel awaits. Embark and settle into your cabin before cruising toward Tan Phong Island. The pace slows as river life unfolds around you. Lunch, dinner, and overnight onboard.
Day 4: Tan Phong Island – Binh Thanh Island – Tan Chau
Explore local workshops in Cai Be, observing the production of rice paper, rice wine, and coconut sweets. Enjoy a traditional carriage ride through village lanes and daily life. Continue cruising toward Binh Thanh Island and onward to Tan Chau, with meals and overnight onboard.
Day 5: Tan Chau – Border Crossing – Phnom Penh
Discover Tan Chau by cycle rickshaw, visiting markets, workshops, and neighbourhoods that reflect everyday river life. Visit a distinctive Cao Dai Temple and a fish farm before returning to the vessel. Cruise across the border into Cambodia en route to Phnom Penh, with lunch and dinner onboard.
Day 6: Phnom Penh
Spend a full day exploring Phnom Penh, once known as the “Paris of the East.” Visit the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, followed by the deeply moving S21 Prison museum. Continue to Sosoro Museum and enjoy a gentle walking tour through the French Quarter and Wat Phnom. In the evening, celebrate with an onboard barbecue, gala dinner, and traditional Apsara dance performance.
Day 7: Phnom Penh – Koh Chen – Kampong Tralach (Tonle River)
Sail along the Tonle River, visiting Koh Chen Island, renowned for its silver, copper, and brass craftsmanship. Continue to Kampong Laeang for a tuk-tuk journey through rural villages, pottery workshops, and a pre-Angkorian temple. Cruise onward to Kampong Tralach for overnight anchorage.
Day 8: Kampong Tralach – Angkor Ban
Experience Cambodian countryside life by ox-cart ride along riverbanks and rice fields. Visit an NGO-supported school and library project, followed by a silk-weaving village and a 300-year-old temple. Return to the vessel and continue sailing toward Angkor Ban.
Day 9: Angkor Ban – Kampong Cham – Stueng Trang
In Angkor Ban, meet monks during morning lessons and walk through the monastery village. Cruise to Kampong Cham, a lively riverside town, and explore it on foot. Continue sailing to Stueng Trang, anchoring mid-river for a farewell dinner and final night onboard.
Day 10: Stueng Trang – Siem Reap
Disembark and transfer by road to Siem Reap. After lunch, begin exploring Angkor, the former capital of the Khmer Empire. Visit Angkor Thom, including Bayon Temple, the Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King, followed by the iconic Angkor Wat. Dinner and overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 11: Siem Reap
Continue exploring the Angkor complex with visits to Banteay Srei, Banteay Samre, and Prasat Kravan, admired for their detailed carvings and serene settings.
