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Monks conversing in a Buddist temple

The Riches of the Mekong: Vietnam & Cambodia 2014

Example 8 Day Cruise
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Tonle Sap Lake provides the launching point for your graceful Mekong River cruise. Cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (My Tho Port), with calls at Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Tralach, Oudong, Chong Koh, Phnom Penh, Tan Chau, Sa Dec, Xeo Quyt and Cai Be. Experience life on the river from small rural villages to booming capitals, visiting temples floating markets and much more along the way during your unforgettable luxury Mekong River cruise.
Local fishermanLocal moving cattle through the fieldsBuddist sculpturesThe Gate at Prasat Vimean Suor in CambodiaMonks conversing in a Buddist temple
Activities
  • River Cruises
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Kampong Cham / Embarkation

Welcome aboard your luxurious vessel, moored at Kampong Cham. Meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Dinner as you cruise to Wat Hanchey. The ship moors overnight. (D)

Day 2: Wat Hanchey

This morning, explore Wat Hanchey, a hilltop pagoda with beautiful panoramic views of the Mekong river. This ancient 8th century pagoda is characteristic of the Chenla Empire, which pre-dates the Angkor period. Your afternoon excursion takes you the Kampong Cham area on your way to visit the Mahayana Buddhist temple of Wat Nokor, where the 12th century temple has been "fused" with a modern wat. Afterwards see the Twin Holy Mountains of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey (man and woman hill) symbolic of marriage in Cambodian culture. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Angkor Ban

Today, your morning excursion begins with a blessing from the monks of a local temple followed by a visit to the village of Angkor Ban, one of the only villages that was not burned down or destroyed during the Khmer Rouge tragedies, where you can see stilted houses up to 100 years old. After lunch take a leisurely walk Chong Koh village best known for its silk-weaving artists. The ship arrives in Phnom Penh this evening. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Phnom Penh

A morning tour explores the highlights of the city, famous for its French colonial architecture, busy cafes and colorful nightlife. Visit the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts. After lunch onboard, take an afternoon excursion to Cambodia's infamous Killing Fields, and also visit the Khmer Rouge's grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum) just outside the city. An overnight on the waterfront provides an opportunity to dine on your own in one of many nearby restaurants, if you so choose. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Phnom Penh - Border Crossing - Tan Chau, Vietnam

Spend a day cruising the Mekong River and crossing the border into Vietnam. Your vessel moors at the small town of Tan Chau, Vietnam. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Tan Chau - Sa Dec

Today, take a small local boat through narrow channels to several scenic locations, including a small village known as "Evergreen Island." Later, see Tan Chau from the vantage point of a traditional “xe-loi” (trishaw) that takes you around to all the sights, with stops at a silk-making workshop and another that produces rattan mats and slippers. This afternoon, your ship cruises to Sa Dec, where it moors overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Sa Dec - Xeo Quyt - Cai Be

In the morning, board a local boat for Sa Dec. Once ashore, tour the town where French writer Marguerite Duras spent many years in her youth. Visit a colorful local market, and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras' Chinese paramour, now a small museum. Afterwards, board a motor coach for Xeo Quyt, once used as a base during the French and U.S. wars and now an important ecological site. After lunch on board, a local boat takes you to Cai Be’s spectacular floating market. Also have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper workshops. This evening, enjoy a festive Farewell Dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City - Disembark

Your cruise comes to an end as the ship docks at My Tho Port, followed by a motor coach transfer to Saigon. As the capital of Indochina, Saigon was known as "Paris of the Orient." Today, Vietnam’s largest city is an industrial, cultural and educational hub, but still retains vestiges of its colonial past. Explore this vibrant city or transfer to the airport to continue your travels homeward. (B)

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
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