Mekong Cruise Adventure
Summary
The main highlight of this itinerary is the 7 day cruise along the Mekong between Siem Reap in Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Once the seat of the ancient Khmer Empire, Cambodia is home to a myriad of temples, relics from bygone eras and a colourful culture. These highlights are complemented by wildlife and a variety of birdlife making the countryside popular with birding enthusiasts and animal lovers alike. A cruise through this area really takes travellers off the beaten track and allows them to immerse themselves in the local scenery away from other travellers. It is a great way to get under the skin of the country. Before the cruise is a stay in Siem Reap, this quaint Cambodian town is the gateway to the stunning temples of Angkor. At the end of the trip is a sojourn in Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon as it’s known to the locals, Vietnam’s second city is full of a lively charm and history. This tour is perfect for culture-loving adventurers.
Duration |
14 Days
Tour Includes |
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Economy class international flights
- Airport taxes
- Private transfers
- Activities as per itinerary
Price
From $4,350.00 per person based on two people sharing [Guide Price*]Best time to go
Although Cambodia can be visited year round, the best time to visit is in the cooler dry season, from December to March.
*Please note that this itinerary also runs in reverse starting in Vietnam and finishing in Cambodia.
Tour Highlights
- Visit the iconic cities of Seim Reap and Ho Chi Minh
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Angkor Wat complex
- Journey down the Mekong in a luxury junk boat
- Visit the floating villages and rustic catfish farms of Chau Doc
Day 1: Departure
Overnight flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Day 2: Siem Reap
Arrive at the airport and transfer to your hotel in Siem Reap. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the surrounds or relax at the luxurious hotel.
Overnight: Belmond La Residence D’Angkor [Breakfast]
Day 3: Siem Reap
Tour to the ancient temples of Banthay Srei and Beng Mealea. Both are sprawling jungle temples which preceded the famous Angkor Wat. These temples and your guide will provide an excellent introduction to the Khmer civilisation and their beliefs.
Overnight: Belmond La Residence D’Angkor [Breakfast]
Day 4: Siem Reap
Temple tour of the Angkor Wat complex. Today you’ll be guided to all the must-see temples in this incredible complex. Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm and Ta Keo are all visited before spending the afternoon exploring the grounds of Angkor Wat itself. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, the complex spans over 400 square kilometres and contains the remains of several capitals of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to 15th Centuries. The temples are adorned with many sculptures and various local religious cultural artefacts and architectural highlights are evident.
Overnight: Belmond La Residence D’Angkor [Breakfast]
Day 5: Siem Reap to Kampong Chhnang
In the morning take a short transfer to the Tonlé Sap Lake where you’ll board your luxury cruise boat for your journey down the Mekong. All the boats we work with offer luxury accommodation as standard. Also included are all your meals and some amazing day trips in rural Cambodia and Vietnam, as well as in Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh.
Overnight: Jayavarman Junk Boat [Full Board]
Day 6: Kampong Chhnang
Each day starts with an optional Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck as the sun rises. After breakfast, transfer to a motorboat for an excursion to the wetlands and floating houses of Kampong Chhnang.
Overnight: Jayavarman Junk Boat [Full Board]
Day 7: Kampong Chhnang to Kampong Cham
Today there’s an early start to take to the road to visit the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Return to the boat to witness a blessing ceremony performed by saffron-clad local monks. Cruise towards Kampong Cham to visit Wat Nokor.
Overnight: Jayavarman Junk Boat [Full Board]
Day 8: Kampong Cham to Phnom Penh
Before disembarking for a tour of Cambodia’s capital, attend a lecture on the recent history of both the city and the country. Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields before returning to the boat to enjoy cocktails, a traditional Apsara dance performance and an on-deck barbeque.
Overnight: Jayavarman Junk Boat [Full Board]
Day 9: Phnom Penh to the Vietnamese border
A lazy day of cruising along the main Mekong Channel before immigration formalities are completed in the late-afternoon at the Vietnamese border.
Overnight: Jayavarman Junk Boat [Full Board]
Day 10: Chau Doc to Sa Dec
Enjoy a visit to the floating villages and rustic catfish farms of Chau Doc before travelling to An Hung village to take honey tea and local delicacies with a family from the village before returning to the boat.
Overnight: Jayavarman Junk Boat [Full Board]
Day 11: Sa Dec to Cai Be to My Tho
Visit the village of Binh Thanh, where every villager is involved in the process of growing and processing water hyacinths, and after lunch visit Cai Be's boisterous and colourful floating market. A tranquil evening cruise and farewell party awaits in the evening.
Overnight: Jayavarman Junk Boat [Full Board]
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City
The cruise winds its way into My Tho after breakfast. From here you’ll be transferred to the famous city of Ho Chi Minh, where you’ll check in to your hotel and have time to settle in. This afternoon you’ll enjoy a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, where members of the Vietcong lived underground for years at a time in order to wage guerrilla warfare against the French and later Americans.
Overnight: Park Hyatt [Breakfast]
Day 13: Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon city tour. Today you’ll explore all Saigon has to offer with a local guide. Visits to the markets, museums and bustling parks are a must.
Overnight: Park Hyatt [Breakfast]
Day 14: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
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Excludes
Meals and activities where not detailed, gratuities, souvenirs, visas and insurance
* This is a guide price, based on travel in low season
These itineraries are just samples of what we have already done for our guests. Speak to one of our travel experts to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements.