Vietnam Mekong River Cruise > Siem Reap - 11 Days
From $3833pp
Embark on an extraordinary journey through Cambodia's rich heritage with our exclusive Mekong River expedition starting in Siem Reap. Setting off from this historic city, you'll discover the timeless allure of the Mekong Delta, where life flourishes amidst labyrinthine waterways and verdant landscapes. Glide past emerald rice fields, bustling floating markets, and picturesque villages where tradition thrives. Immerse yourself in local culture with visits to riverside pagodas, savor authentic Khmer cuisine, and witness the enduring customs that shape daily life along this storied river. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or venturing into Southeast Asia for the first time, our meticulously crafted itinerary promises an enriching voyage along one of Asia's most iconic waterways.
Itinerary
Day 1 - SIEM REAP ARRIVAL
Welcome to Cambodia! Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Balance of the day is free to relax after your flight. Meals: Nil Hotel: The Aviary Hotel (Tailorbird Standard)
Day 2 - HIGHLIGHT OF ANGKOR COMPLEX & EVENING CIRCUS SHOW
Set off on your journey at the surreal South Gate of Angkor Thom, where statues of the gods of good and evil line the entrance. Next, we will travel to Bayon, a richly decorated temple where its most distinctive feature is the hundreds of smiling faces that grace the towers. Grab a great selfie with one of the smiling faces! These impressive bas-reliefs tell stories of the rich history of daily life and of the great battles that were fought between the Khmers and ancient Thais. Next, we will take a short drive to one of Cambodia’s most beloved temples, Ta Prohm. Unusually, Ta Prohm is in much the same condition in which it was found. The combination of large trees growing out of the ruins and the surrounding jungle give the temple a truly magical feel. After a magical morning, we will return to Siem Reap for lunch at a local restaurant and to escape the hot sun. After our rest, we will then continue by spending the rest of the afternoon exploring magnificent Angkor Wat, the world’s largest religious monument and best-preserved temple in the complex. This visually spectacular massive three-tired pyramid has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its flag. Admire the grandeur of its architecture and its extensive decoration of bas-relief friezes. After refreshing at your hotel, we set-off to Phare Cambodian Circus, you will sit under the big top in downtown Siem Reap. Phare Cambodian Circus, an NGO that supports disadvantaged Khmer youth with art and performance training, is a show without animals that showcases a talented cast accomplished in acrobatics, contortion, aerial ballet, tightrope walking, juggling, mime, drama, and comedy. Cambodia has a long history of circus tradition, dating back as far as the 6th century from temple carvings depicting circus performances for ceremonies and festivals. While the show is fully modern, it draws on Cambodian tradition, folk stories, and folk music. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Hotel: The Aviary Hotel (Tailorbird Standard)
Day 3 - VICTORIA MEKONG CRUISE: SAI GON – CAI BE- CAN THO – LONG XUYEN
Today you will immerse in traditional Cambodian culture and take home some great memories. This morning, depart from your hotel and head to the Kok Sangke Community. Begin your tour with a visit to a local family home who will make bamboo sticky rice and traditional Khmer desserts. Continue your exploration as you leave for the Blacksmith family. Gain insights into the ancient art of blacksmithing and witness skilled craftsmen at work, shaping metal into intricate objects. Then, dine on a delicious Khmer lunch, cooked by the local community before visiting Wat Luang Proleung, an ancient pagoda, where you will see locals perform a traditional dance called Chhayam. Explore the pagoda and receive a water monk blessing, said to bring you good luck. Next, head through beautiful rural countryside and picturesque small villages to Kampong Khleang, a village built on high stilts on Tonle Sap Lake. Home to approximately 10,000 people, Kampong Khleang’s residence’s main income comes mainly from fishing. Depending on the time and season you visit Kampong Khleang, you will see a very different landscape, as the lake is tidal. In the evening enjoy the dinner at Spoon Restaurant, a social enterprise business that provides hospitality, food, and beverage training to youth from poor backgrounds. Note: - Spoon Restaurant is closed every Monday and public holiday. The local restaurant will be replaced if Spoon is closed. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Hotel: The Aviary Hotel (Tailorbird Standard)
Day 4 - SIEM REAP TO PHNOM PENH
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, check in to your hotel. In the late afternoon, embark on a fascinating journey to Seekers Spirit House, Cambodia's leading premium gin distillery, located in Phnom Penh. This captivating experience allows you to delve into the art of gin-making and discover the passion and craftsmanship behind Seekers portfolio of award-winning spirits and liqueurs. You will begin with an insightful tour of the distillery, where you'll learn about how the products are made, including insights into the distillation process, and the dedication that goes into creating these exceptional products. After your tour, the moment you've been waiting for arrives-the tasting. Here, you'll have the opportunity to savour the distinct flavours of Seekers core gin range as well as one of their liqueurs. Their portfolio celebrates the flavours of the region mapped by the Mekong, with everything apart from the juniper in the gins sourced from local farmers. Join us for a truly memorable tasting experience. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Hotel: Sun & Moon, Riverside Hotel (Deluxe)
Day 5 - PHNOM PENH - CITY TOUR AND EMBARKATION
Explore the rich heritage of the capital city of Phnom Penh. Considered the ‘Pearl of Asia,’ Phnom Penh has an exotic post-colonial culture. Situated on the banks of the Ton Le Sap and Mekong Rivers, Phnom Penh was largely constructed in the 1920s and boasts some of Asia’s best-preserved Art Deco architecture. Set off from your hotel to the majestic Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex. Admire the elaborately constructed palace buildings, some of the 5,000 silver floor tiles that give the Silver Pagoda its name, as well as spectacular gold and bejeweled Buddha statues that are considered national treasures. Walk to the nearby National Museum, a beautiful sandstone museum that showcases the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. After stopping for lunch, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former secondary school that was converted by Khmer Rouge into one of the regime’s largest detention and torture centers, Security Prison 21. An important educational site, the museum chronicles the Cambodian genocide and documents the atrocities that occurred within its walls. Please note that images on display are graphic and can be unsettling. End the tour, then your guide will transfer you to the port to board the Victoria Mekong Cruises at 4pm for check-in time. Before dinner, take in a lively performance of Khmer Apsara dancing with the opportunity to meet the performers afterward. Overnight in Phnom Penh. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Hotel: Victoria Mekong Cruise (Deluxe River deck)
Day 6 - VICTORIA MEKONG CRUISE: PHNOM PENH – TAN CHAU – VAM NAO
As the ship begins cruising towards the Cambodia- Vietnam border, start the day with an early exercise on the Sky Deck, followed by a leisurely breakfast in the restaurant. After, select from the many onboard activities including a ship’s tour, mini-golf tournament, or simply enjoy the scenery as we cross the border between Cambodia and Vietnam. After lunch on board, travel by local rickshaw to visit the local market and colorful temple which is the spiritual center for local residents. Return to the ship in time for a traditional Vietnamese lion dance, followed by dinner and the evening’s entertainment. Overnight in Vam Nao Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Hotel: Victoria Mekong Cruise (Deluxe River deck)
Day 7 - VICTORIA MEKONG CRUISE: VAM NAO – TIGER ISLAND – LONG XUYEN
Wake up to another leisurely breakfast in Phu Tan, the provincial capital of An Giang in the Mekong Delta. Tender ashore to visit a craft village famed for handmaking Ca Rang clay stoves. Used for hundreds of years by the southern Vietnamese, these stoves have a unique design which allows them to block the wind, retain heat, and keep ash from dispersing. During lunch the ship sails on before anchoring near Tiger Island. Head ashore by sampan and explore Tiger Island by 3-wheeled “xe loi”, learning about cottage industries such as plant pot making and incense making. Visit a site locally known as “Mr. Tiger’s Temple” and hear the story that won the island its name. Return on board in time for cocktail competition and the evening’s entertainment. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Hotel: Victoria Mekong Cruise (Deluxe River deck)
Day 8 - VICTORIA MEKONG CRUISE: LONG XUYEN – DINH YEN – CAN THO
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast as the ship cruises towards the provincial capital of Long Xuyen. Travel by tender to witness the mesmerizing Long Xuyen floating market and tour the An Giang Museum, with fascinating exhibits on Kinh, Chinese, Khmer and Cham cultures in the region. Enjoy lunch onboard as we cruise towards the village of Dinh Yen where we’ll observe colorful straw mats being woven on mechanized looms. On the way, we’ll also visit a family who makes delicate tofu skin, a food product made from boiling soy milk with a plethora of uses. Return to the ship and cruise towards Can Tho, the beating heart of the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music performance known as “Đờn ca tài tử” followed by a final farewell dinner. Overnight in Can Tho. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Hotel: Victoria Mekong Cruise (Deluxe River deck)
Day 9 - VICTORIA MEKONG CRUISE: CAN THO – CAI BE – SAI GON
Enjoy breakfast on the terrace of Claypot Restaurant with time to enjoy the view from the pool or from your private balcony before disembarkation. Accompanied by your local guide, board a coach for Cai Be where lunch is served at the elegant Le Longanier Restaurant set amidst lush fruit trees by the river. Continue to Ho Chi Minh City, arriving mid-afternoon at ÊMM Hotel Saigon, 157 Pasteur Street, District 3 then meet your driver to transfer to your hotel. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Hotel: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel (Deluxe)
Day 10 - HO CHI MINH CITY - COFFEE CULTURE & FLOWER POWER WALKING TOUR
Immerse yourself in the essence of Saigon life with a walking tour that celebrates the city's rich coffee culture and vibrant flower markets. Discover the daily routines of the locals and the beauty that blooms in the heart of the city. This early morning tour begins with a visit to a bustling central park to observe local exercise routines, followed by a moment at a monument dedicated to a revered monk. Wander through the famous flower market, taking in the riot of colors and fragrances, and learn about the significance of various blooms. The journey continues with a stop at an age-old coffee shop for a traditional Vietnamese coffee experience, culminating at a significant religious monument adorned with thousands of Buddha statues. Please Note: The tour starts at 8:00 AM and concludes at 12:00 PM. Unavailable during Tet Holiday Embark on a comprehensive exploration of Saigon's most iconic sights, delving into its rich history, architectural marvels, and poignant war memories, all in one day. Begin with the serene Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, showcasing Vietnam's spiritual heritage, before moving to the impactful War Remnants Museum, offering a stark look at the Vietnam War's brutal realities. The tour progresses to the Reunification Palace, a symbol of the war's end, and then on to the elegant French colonial architecture of the Central Post Office and the Saigon Opera House. This journey through time offers a profound understanding of Saigon's past and present. Please Note: Tour pick-up at 1:30 PM, finishing at noon or 5:30 PM. The Notre Dame Cathedral is under renovation. Meals: Breakfast / Lunch Hotel: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel (Deluxe)
Day 11 - HO CHI MINH CITY DEPARTURE
Your guide will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight. * Estimated distance from hotels in city center to the airport or v.v: ~8km - Estimated duration: 40 mins Meals: Breakfast