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 embrace the stunning dawn scenery, a time when the Delta's inhabitants have already been active for hours. Energize yourself with your daily morning Tai Chi class before indulging in a lavish breakfast buffet. By local boat, you gain access to the secluded island of Tan Phong, a small island situated in the midst of one of the expansive Mekong River tributaries flowing toward the nearby sea.

During a visit to a workshop in the town of Cai Be, you have the opportunity to observe the production of rice paper, rice cookies, rice wine and coconut candies. This is a very interesting manual process involving manual labor and special production technics. After the workshop you head to Tan Phong Island, a smaller island in the middle of the vast Mekong. You are visiting a local family and their fruit garden offering you various kind of tropical fruits to taste. A buggy ride through the island let you have a glimpse of the local day to day life as it unfolds. You stop at another family’s house. They are specialized in weaving of water hyacinth plants into artistic crafts by hand.

Optional Morning Excursion (Extra Cost):
This cycling tour offers a ride over the scenic Tan Phong Island. Cycle along well-maintained and flat concrete paths winding through orchards of rambutan, longan, and jackfruit. You stop and visit a local family business producing charming handicrafts from water hyacinths. The tour continues for 3 km along a canal to a local temple for a refreshing break under a banyan tree before continuing the ride to a tropical fruit farmer's home for a tasting.
Distance: 12km / Duration: approx. 90 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

Relax and enjoy some time on your private balcony or at the bar as you continue your voyage upstream. In the afternoon, you arrive at the Sa Dec region and anchor near one of the larger islands in the Mekong known as Binh Thanh.

This island is home to several communities that sustain themselves by cultivating water hyacinths. Strolling through the village, you'll gain profound insights into local life and witness the complete traditional mat-making process. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to meet a local elderly couple who have spent their entire lives on this island. They enjoy engaging in conversations with foreign visitors.

Optional Afternoon Excursion (Extra Cost):
Once on the shore, the cycling discovery around the island begins with interesting stops at scenic backstreets, rice paddies, and some island’s distinctive houses offering great photo opportunities. The cycling tour leads to the village of Long Ta, which is famous for its scarf weaving. You return to the pier taking the tender boat back to the mother ship.
Distance: 7 km / Duration: approx. 60 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

Before dinner, join the lounge for a presentation about life on the Mekong Delta as the ship sails toward the mooring spot for the night in Tan Chau.

After your morning Tai Chi session and a delightful breakfast, embark on an exploration of this area, renowned primarily for its aquaculture.

Upon disembarking, immerse yourselves in the vibrant town life of Tan Chau by boarding "xelois" (the Vietnamese word for rickshaws). Your personal xeloi driver leisurely navigates through a network of streets, allowing you to observe workshops, street vendors, shops, and the intriguing day-to-day activities of the locals. Your journey takes you to the local market, where you  mingle with residents as they go about their morning shopping routines. Continuing on, visit a Cao Dai temple and meet with one of the priests, who enlightens you about the unique beliefs and spirit of Cao Dai. Your final destination is a fish farm that has been operated for many years by a local family, who make their livelihood from this distinctive business. Here, gain insight into the essential knowledge required to manage such a unique enterprise in this region.

Optional Morning Excursion (Extra Cost):
By tender, you reach the shores of a small island in the Mekong River near Tan Chau. The island’s flat terrain makes this ride pleasurable and easy along lush green paths with many mango farms. Enjoy the local life and visit nice fruit gardens. You stop at a small market for a little break and chit chat with local vendors. Continue your cycling tour with some exciting sightseeing on the way: A frog farm and a workshop specialised in weaving high-quality mats.
Distance: 12 km / Duration: approx. 90 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

Continuing your journey, you ascend the river for the remainder of the day, crossing into Cambodia and heading towards Phnom Penh. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. It's time to embrace the soothing rhythm of this river and fully immerse yourself in the "cruise mode." You can opt for a spa treatment, relax on the sun deck, or unwind on your private balcony. As you pass under the bridge, the captain always has an interesting story to share about "his" river. Additionally, the kitchen team invites you to participate in a culinary workshop where you can learn about popular Vietnamese and Cambodian dishes. The boat docks at Phnom Penh, either mid-stream or at the pier.

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.

This morning, enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of rural Cambodian, Kampong Tralach countryside. An ox-pulled cart transports you along the riverside and down winding back roads, flanked by picturesque rice paddies, until you arrive at a small village. Here, you have the opportunity to learn about the local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.

Optional Morning Excursion (Extra Cost):
Experience another day in the heartland of Cambodia with the biking tour through the picturesque Tonle Region. Pedal through captivating landscapes, encountering treasures like the former royal palace of ‘Lungvek’ and the venerable Buddha Jade Temple (1560) and just enjoy the timeless rhythms of local life as you witness skilled fishermen casting their nets in the tranquil waters of the Tonle.
Distance: 14 km / Duration: approx. 120 min / Terrain: flat on paved and partly easy dirt road

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

You arrive at Kampong Laeang, 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, explore various locals, discover the art of pottery making, and visit a charming pre-Angkorian temple. From a vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal).

Optional Afternoon Excursion (Extra Cost):
Upon disembarking, hop on your bike to embark on the local Khmer discovery. Your journey leads us through rice paddy fields and quaint villages where small businesses produce pottery or palm sugar. With flat terrain and mesmerizing rural landscapes, the pedal is easy-going, offering a captivating glimpse into local life unfolding before your eyes.
Distance: 17 km / Duration: approx. 90 min / Terrain: flat on paved and partly easy dirt road

Once back onboard, enjoy a relaxing poolside sundowner cocktail hour with dance tunes before dinner and an evening cinema. You begin your journey downstream, sailing the Tonle River where you anchor for the night.

Start the day with a walking tour through Kampong Luang, the renowned "Silver Smith Village," where the artistry of copper, silver, and bronze crafting comes to life. Led by an expert guide, you’ll witness the delicate transformation of raw materials into stunning crafts.

As you continue your journey, visit the serene Wat Prang, the Royal Buddhist Temple, where the bones of the "King Father" of Cambodia, are enshrined. This sacred site offers a moment of reflection on the king’s legacy, intertwining both history and spirituality. While there, engage with the monks and laymen, learning about their daily lives, rituals, and personal stories.

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. Have the opportunity to closely observe and learn about this intricate silk production process. You conclude this excursion by visiting the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El, once a famous architect for the royal family.

Optional Afternoon Excursion (Extra Cost):
Your cycling tour takes you to the wonderful former royal palace of “Lavea Em” (1601-1618). Pedal at ease through picturesque landscapes, punctuated by captivating stops at historic pagodas, vibrant silk weaving workshops, and bustling local markets. Indulge in a delightful tea break at the residence of H.E. Sam-El, adding a touch of elegance to your cycling adventure.
Distance: 14 km / Duration: approx. 120 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

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

The morning Tai Chi session sets the mood for the day as you begin the tour of Angkor Ban.

This place includes a monastery with a delightful local village behind it. You'll have the chance to meet monks during their morning class and engage in friendly conversations with the villagers. As you meander through the village, get as close as possible to the local way of life, collecting wonderful memories of Cambodia's rustic lifestyle. This village is truly a gem to explore offering photographic and touching moments whilst interacting with the local community.

Optional Morning Excursion (Extra Cost):
Today’s journey with the cycling tour, starts with a tranquil monk meeting that sets the tone for the day. As you cycle through verdant seasonal vegetable fields, picturesque old local houses dot the landscape, offering glimpses into Cambodia's heritage. Witness skilled blacksmiths at work to understand the more about traditional craftsmanship. Conclude your adventure with a delightful pause, sipping on ice-cold local beer or indulging in the refreshing taste of freshly pressed sugar cane juice.
Distance: 10 km / Duration: approx. 120 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

You sail to Kampong Cham during lunchtime.

You are in the vast Mekong River at the town of Kampong Cham, which is an important trade and transportation hub but it still maintains scattered small hamlets around the outskirts where the community's rhythm blends with the skilled hands of artisans. For instance, in Cheung Kok, locals craft various handmade items, whether it's food, fashion, or other everyday goods. The nearby Bamboo bridge, which is erected seasonally, serves as more than just a passageway; it's a gateway to the past

Optional Afternoon Excursion (Extra Cost):
Embark on an appealing cycling adventure from the quaint town of Kampong Cham to the idyllic island of Koh Pen and get a sensation of the enchanting rhythms of Khmer life as you pedal through vibrant vegetable fields and verdant tobacco plantations. Along the road yoy can see the daily routines of local farmers, artisans or Khmer bee master passionately raising honey bees to make a living. The journey along scenic paved and unpaved roads is another venture to know more about life in the Cambodia's natural countryside.
Distance: 16 km / Duration: approx. 120 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

Afterward, the ship makes its final journey, mooring mid-river near Stueng Trang 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.