Mekong River - Upstream - Low water

Upon arrival, receive a welcome greeting in the lounge in Saigon. Kick back with a second coffee as the staff collects your details for the boarding. Bid a fond farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon and travel 70 kilometers south over land towards My Tho to embark on your vessel. After checking into your luxurious floating “home” for the next several days, your first inclination may be to step on your balcony to watch the ship set sail on its fascinating Mekong River voyage.

A lunch buffet is served as the vessel glides upstream. At twilight, the Mekong Delta glows in golden light—an ideal time to connect with fellow travelers and enjoy the official welcome, complete with canapés and prosecco.

By dinner, the ship is likely anchored near Tan Phong Island by Cai Be, offering a first look at the vibrant region to be explored on land the following day. The evening continues with late-night entertainment in the cinema, featuring classic films or engaging documentaries.

Wake early to see the morning activity of the Delta. Join a Tai Chi session, then have breakfast before taking a local boat to Cai Be and Tan Phong, a small island in the Mekong River.

At Cai Be, visit a workshop to see how rice paper, rice cookies, rice wine, and coconut candies are made using traditional methods. Continue to Tan Phong Island to meet a local family and walk through their fruit garden, where different tropical fruits are grown. A short buggy ride around the island offers a look at daily life. Stop at another home where water hyacinth plants are woven by hand into household crafts.

Spend some quiet time on your balcony or at the bar as the ship travels upstream. In the afternoon, arrive in the Sa Dec region and anchor near Binh Thanh Island.

Binh Thanh is home to communities that earn their living from growing and weaving water hyacinths. Walk through the village to see the full mat-making process and meet a local couple who have lived on the island their whole lives.

Before dinner, attend a short presentation in the lounge about life along the Mekong Delta as the ship heads toward Gieng Island for the night.

After the morning Tai Chi session and a delightful breakfast, you embark on an exploration revealing a vibrant kaleidoscope of the diverse activities bringing the Mekong Delta to life.

Gieng Island, also known locally as Mango Island, is perfect to stroll through under the shade of flourishing mango groves that shape the island’s landscape. A visit to a small incense workshop introduces you to the careful process of crafting these fragrance incense sticks by hand. Another local highlight is a traditional boat-building workshop, where generations of families assemble wooden vessels that are essential to life along the river. Before departing, you surely are going to taste some of these delicious and freshly picked mangoes with a local tea in the courtyard of a century-old local home. This is the moment when you all understand the rhythms and resilience of life on the Mekong - so simple, so joyful.

After lunch, board a traditional sampan toward Evergreen Island, a fertile pocket of the delta known for its small-scale farms and seasonal crops. Upon arrival, spend time with a local farming family and gain insight into their daily routine. You’re invited to step into the shoes of your hosts and share in their daily work. Depending on the season, you help prepare seedlings, plant new crops, or assist with the harvest; a rare opportunity to share the delta daily life from the inside. Much of what’s grown here is later used by your onboard chef, tying your culinary experience onboard directly to the land.

After having discovered Mekong delta’s bustling rhythm, you head towards the border. Once in Cambodia, an overnight sail takes you to the country’s capital.

Welcome to Phnom Penh, a city once renowned as the "Paris of the East." Despite its rapid development, it has retained much of its rustic charm and elegance. Phnom Penh is a remarkable city with a history and culture that spans centuries, still palpable at every street corner.

Full-day sightseeing tour begins right after breakfast, allowing you to explore the city's highlights. Start with a cyclo ride, meandering through the town and then visit historic places such as the palace and the silver pagoda. Your journey takes you to the "S21" prison, a poignant and dark chapter in Cambodia's history during the Khmer Rouge regime of the 1970s. Afterward, you pause for a delightful lunch in town before continuing to visit one of the country's most famous history museums, "Sosoro," and concluding the tour with a leisurely stroll through the city's French quarter, including the iconic and aptly named monument of Wat Phnom.

In the evening, have an engaging expert lecture in the lounge. To cap off this eventful day, indulge in a delightful open-air barbecue and gala dinner accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance. Afterward, feel free to explore the city at night, savoring Phnom Penh's vibrant nightlife or taking in the lively river promenade.

Before the sun peeks over the horizon, the cruiser sets sail, entering the Tonle River. The Tonle River is a natural wonder of Cambodia, and the scenery on both sides of the river is a true gem.

Discover the rural Cambodian countryside of Kampong Tralach. Journey along picturesque rice paddies aboard an ox-pulled cart, reaching a small village where you can learn about a local NGO school and library project or visit the ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.

As you sail upstream, lunch is served, and the crew showcases afterwards various traditional Khmer fashions worn by locals during special occasions.

You are in the midst of the expansive Tonle region, one of Cambodia’s amazing ecosystems. The tour this morning leads to Kampong Laeang, an unknown hamlet situated just across from the famous pottery town of Kampong Chhnang. Once ashore, you embark on tuk-tuks to travel the heart of rural Cambodian life. During this excursion, you'll explore various locals, discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. From a vantage point, amazing panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal) can be enjoyed.

Once back onboard, you sail toward Kampong Luong, where you anchor for the night.

The first stop is Kampong Luong, a renowned Silver Smith Village. Here, 400 families breathe life into silver, copper, and brass, crafting art pieces and jewelry. A short stroll on the island reveals their hard labor. Continue with a visit to Wat Prang, the Royal Buddhist Temple. This sacred site offers a moment of reflection on the king’s legacy, intertwining both history and spirituality. Engage with the monks and laymen, learning about their daily lives, rituals, and personal stories.

With everyone back on board, offer a funny but also interesting fashion show to the guests about local Cambodian attire.

At the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers lies the small village of Prek Bangkong, known for its silk weaving community. This village was also the former residence of the Royal family before they moved to the Royal Palace. However, the real stars in this area today are the silk weavers, artisans who craft silk from the very beginning. You have the opportunity to closely observe and learn about this intricate silk production process. Conclude this excursion by visiting the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El, once a famous architect for the royal family.

The rest of the day is spent sailing up the Mekong to the overnight location. Enjoy a relaxing poolside sundowner cocktail hour with dance tunes before dinner and an evening cinema.

Early risers may like to join the daily offered Tai Chi session on the sun deck before breakfast. Today’s morning excursion let you explore the village of Angkor Ban.

Angkor Ban features a monastery with an adjacent, enchanting local village. You'll have the chance to meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers. As you stroll through the village, you understand the local way of life in various aspects, collecting wonderful memories of Cambodia's rustic lifestyle. The village offers great photographic moments whilst interacting with the local community.

While you sail to Kampong Cham during lunchtime, the whole afternoon is at your own disposal. It is time to switch into cruise mode for your last full day onboard. Experiences the relaxing cadence this mighty river emanates. The afternoon is perfect for massages, relaxation on a terrace deck sunbed or private balcony kick-backs. Conjure up a spell to merge with the river and float into a state of mild bliss. You also may like to visit the bridge, as the captain always has a little story to share about “his” river. Or, if you are curious to learn more about Khmer gastronomy, join a culinary workshop to sharpen your knowledge about local cuisine.

Afterward, the ship makes its final journey, mooring mid-river near Kampong Cham with some farewell and party vibes along the way.

Enjoy your final breakfast aboard your floating sanctuary. You disembark the ship and transfer by bus to Siem Reap, which takes approximately 4 hours. To keep you entertained during the journey, your guides share interesting insights about Cambodia and the region you pass through. Hope you've enjoyed this captivating river cruise as much as the crew does every single time. Take the enchanting memories and friendships with you and share the stories of this amazing river - the Mighty Mekong.

Arrive in Siem Reap in the early afternoon.

Please Note:
Itinerary and program are subject to change and are operated as advertised on public website or collateral at the time of boarding
Optional tours and program are subject to change and are operated as advertised on public website or collateral at the time of boarding