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Cruise along the mighty Mekong River through the heart of Southeast Asia and step back in time as our journey unfolds through the stunning countryside.
During this trip, we’ll visit Cambodia and stay in Siem Reap, gateway to one of the great wonders of the world – Angkor, once the world’s largest city with a staggering one million inhabitants and an incredible 200 temples. We’ll also get a chance to stay in Phnom Penh – Cambodia’s capital, that’s considered the most beautiful of the French colonial cities of Indochina – located at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Sap. After disembarking our ship, we’ll stay in the heart of Saigon (also known as Ho Chi Minh City) with its bustling waterfront and French colonial architecture, and see the fascinating Cu-Chi tunnels, a poignant reminder of the US-Vietnam conflict. This holiday is ideal for travellers looking to visit these captivating Asian destinations while so much of their distinctive heritage remains; and the best way to experience them is by gliding along the beautiful Mekong.
At a glance
Highlights
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Gaze in awe at the magnificent city and temples of Angkor, one of Asia’s greatest ancient sights.
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Stay in the heart of Saigon with its bustling waterfront and French colonial architecture.
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Tour Phnom Penh, the ‘Paris of the East’, with its golden temples and palaces.
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See the fascinating Cu-Chi tunnels, a poignant reminder of the US-Vietnam conflict.
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Visit local communities to discover their unique way of life, unchanged in centuries.
Your Ship
RV La Marguerite
Category: 4 stars
Built: 2009
Crew: 38
Passengers: 90
The RV La Marguerite, built in 2009, features a traditional teak interior and boutique design. Offering beautifully decorated and spacious cabins with balconies, it provides modern amenities for a comfortable and elegant cruising experience.
Mekong River Cruise Itinerary
Day 1: Departure
You should arrive at the airport for your overnight flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
Day 2: Arrival in Saigon
After your morning arrival, you will be met and transferred to the four-star Saigon Prince Hotel (2018 departures) or Pullman Saigon Centre (2019 departures) for a two-night stay with breakfast.
We’ll take an introductory tour of the city, visiting the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and the lively Ben Thanh Market. The colonial-style central post office offers a great photo opportunity. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 3: Saigon
A memorable day begins with a visit to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate underground network stretching 124 miles. Built during the French colonial period and expanded in the 1960s, the tunnels served as a vital base for the Vietcong.
We explore the tunnels, view the traps and defenses, and have an opportunity to try out real period weapons at a firing range. The afternoon is spent traveling through rural farming communities before returning to Saigon.
Day 4: Board the Ship
Driving to the Mekong Delta, we see coconut groves, pagodas, and vast rice fields. Life here revolves around the waterways, with floating markets and traditional sampans filling the river.
After stopping at Cholon Market and a lacquer workshop, we board either the RV Mekong Prestige II or the RV Mekong Adventurer. After settling into your spacious cabin, lunch is served as the cruise begins. The evening includes a performance of traditional Mekong music, followed by dinner featuring Vietnamese, Cambodian, and international cuisine.
Day 5: Cao Dai Temple
Sailing by local junk, we explore Cai Be’s floating market, where vendors display their goods on poles above their boats. We visit the French Gothic cathedral before cruising to Sa Dec, where we stroll through the vibrant market.
The highlight of the day is a visit to the Cao Dai Temple, a striking fusion of Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Islam. The temple’s saints include Joan of Arc, Napoleon, and Winston Churchill. Afterward, we continue cruising while enjoying another superb dinner.
Day 6: Tan Chau
We arrive in Tan Chau, a remote town and Vietnam’s leading silk production center. After exploring its traditional industries, we cross into Cambodia and continue our cruise through the evening.
Day 7: Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh, once known as the “Paris of the East,” retains its French colonial charm. Our sightseeing includes a cyclo-rickshaw ride to the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, followed by a visit to the National Museum to admire Khmer craftsmanship.
In the afternoon, we visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a haunting reminder of Cambodia’s past. The day ends with a traditional Apsara dance performance, after which you can explore the city’s lively night markets and restaurants.
Day 8: Phnom Penh
After breakfast, we visit Koh Chong, a silk-weaving village, and a local pagoda before returning to Phnom Penh. The afternoon is free to explore Wat Phnom, the Russian Market, or simply relax and observe the bustling river life.
Day 9: Oudong
Cruising along the Tonle River, we arrive in historic Oudong, Cambodia’s former capital. We visit Phnom Udong’s impressive Buddhist monuments, the Vipassana Dhura Pagoda, and the Wat Kampong Leu Monastery, renowned for its intricate wall paintings.
A traditional ox-cart ride provides a glimpse into Cambodia’s rural life before we return to the ship.
Day 10: Floating Villages
In Kampong Chnang, we explore a floating village where daily life takes place entirely on the water. A stroll through the lively market follows, before cruising across Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest lake.
Floating villages here adapt to seasonal water levels, with houses, markets, and even schools rising and falling with the tides. Due to changing water conditions, our itinerary may vary from Day 9 to Day 11.
Day 11: Siem Reap
We arrive in Siem Reap, where we disembark and bid farewell to the crew. You will stay for three nights at the four-star superior Borei Angkor Hotel, featuring two restaurants, a large pool, and a spa. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 12: Angkor Wat
In the soft morning light, we visit the breathtaking Angkor temples. Encircled by jungle, the ruins of Angkor Thom include five monumental gates and the impressive Bayon Temple, with its 50 towers carved with colossal faces.
We also visit Ta Prohm, where giant trees have entwined the ruins, before heading to Angkor Wat in the late afternoon. This immense temple, one of the largest religious structures in the world, is best viewed at sunset when its stone glows in warm hues.
Day 13: Free Day
Enjoy a day at leisure in Siem Reap. Relax at the hotel pool, explore local markets, or discover more of the city’s hidden gems.
Day 14: Return Flight
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, where you connect with your return flight home.
Day 15: Arrive Home
You arrive home, concluding your unforgettable journey through Vietnam and Cambodia.
