Mekong River - Downstream - High water

You are greeted in the morning at the welcome lounge in Siem Reap. After some time to relax, guests transfer by bus to the pier at Tonle Lake, a short drive from the city center. A local boat then takes guests to the vessel, where the crew provides a welcome briefing and escorts everyone to their staterooms. Lunch is served on board after guests have settled in.

As the vessel cruises across Tonlé Lake, guests can enjoy time on board. The lake changes significantly with the seasons, covering about 2,500 sq km (965 sq mi) during the dry season and expanding to around 16,000 sq km (6,000 sq mi) during the wet season. Later in the afternoon, the cruise director hosts a sunset gathering with canapés and prosecco, offering guests an opportunity to meet fellow travelers.

Before dinner, the guide presents an introduction to the geography of the Mekong River and Tonlé Lake. In the evening, guests are welcome to join the onboard cinema in the lounge before returning to their staterooms.

This morning, you explore Kampong Laeang, a riverside community across from the pottery town of Kampong Chhnang in the Tonle region. After going ashore, you travel by tuk-tuk through the surrounding countryside to experience daily life in rural Cambodia. The excursion includes visits to local communities, a pottery workshop, and a pre-Angkorian temple. Along the way, there is also a stop at a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding floodplains and rice fields, depending on the season.

Optional Morning Excursion
Cycling (extra cost): Upon disembarking, you hop on your bike to embark on your local Khmer discovery. Your journey leads you 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 concrete path

Back on the ship with lunch enjoyed and spectacular views on the Tonle River, you sail south to Kampong Tralach. An afternoon tea is served at the bar before you continue with another excursion.

Default Afternoon Excursion: Get ashore to discover rural Cambodia and its countryside. An ox-pulled cart will transport 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 a local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.

Optional Afternoon Excursion:
Cycling (extra cost): Experience another day in the heartland of Cambodia with a 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 concrete path

With everyone back on board, you sail into the early evening. The ship will later anchor near Prek Bangkong.

As you wake this morning with Tai Chi, available for early birds, the scenery has changed completely. You are in the vast land of the Mekong stream.

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. You conclude this excursion by visiting the heritage house of H.E. Sam-El, once a famous architect for the royal family.

Optional Morning Excursion
Cycling ( extra cost): The cycling tour today 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

With everyone back onboard the ship sails now upstream towards 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 hamlet, you understand the local way of life in various aspects, collecting wonderful memories of Cambodia's rustic lifestyle. The village offers great photographic moments while interacting with the local community.

Optional Afternoon Excursion
Cycling (extra cost): Today’s cycling tour journey 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 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

Just a short distance of sailing and you arrive in Phnom Penh, where the ship is mooring mid-stream with views on the city skyline.

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.

Your full-day sightseeing tour begins right after breakfast, allowing you to explore the city's highlights. You 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 immerse within the Khmer culture. This afternoon starts with a visit to the Champey Academy of arts, a school dedicated to preserving traditional arts. Observe young dancers training in the intricate Apsara dance and take the opportunity to learn basic “Kbach” techniques under their guidance. Alternatively, you can interact with students or simply witness traditional paintings and drawings created by local youth. Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll through the city’s French Quarter, including the iconic Wat Phnom temple.

To cap off this eventful day, you 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 bidding farewell to Phnom Penh, join a captivating testimony held in the lounge of the ship. Having endured the S21 imprisonment and later taking an active part in the Khmer Rouge tribunal, Mr. Sum Rithy continues to bear witness to a difficult chapter of Cambodia’s history. Guests have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to talk, question and discuss a living witness of this dark Cambodian era.

Once the ship departed, the rest of the day is at your own disposal. Switch into cruise mode and experience the relaxing cadence this mighty river emanates. The afternoon is perfect for spa, relaxation on a terrace deck, or private balcony kick-backs. Conjure up a spell to merge with the river and float into a state of mild bliss. A visit to the bridge might be a pleasant amusement, as the captain always has a little story to share about “his” river. Or, learn more about Khmer gastronomy: join a local culinary workshop held by the head chef.

As you sip drinks and nibble on treats during afternoon tea, you approach the border and arrive in Vietnam. From here you continue the sailing into the heart of the bustling Mekong delta mooring near Gieng Island.

After a morning Tai Chi session and a delightful breakfast, you embark on an exploration of the unknown Gieng Island, offering a wonderful and vibrant kaleidoscope of life in the Mekong Delta.

Default Morning Excursion: 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.

Optional Morning Excursion
Cycling (extra cost): The island’s flat terrain makes this ride so pleasurable and easy along lush green paths with many mango farms. Enjoy local Mekong Delta life at its best, left and right, with locals waving friendly. You ride along many fruit gardens, and there is always something to stop and see on the way, like a traditional incense workshop or a local boat-building workshop.
Distance: 15 km / Duration: approx. 90 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

After back onboard a siesta after lunch, your expert guides offer a presentation about life in the Mekong Delta as the ship continues to My An Hung in the Sa Dec province.

Default Afternoon Excursion: My An Hung Village is a wonderful example of a real local village in the Mekong Delta where time stood still. You receive wonderful insights into the private household of a local family and visit the seasonal vegetable fields to understand what the farmers are currently cultivating. A Vietnamese tea tasting at a local family’s house is accompanied by a presentation of a variety of fruits that are grown nearby, freshly cut from the tree. An artistic group performs the traditional dragon dance, while you can snack on the “vitamin bombs”.

Back on board, the ship sails into the sunset towards the destination of the next day. A complimentary cocktail hour and alfresco snacks accompanied by music and dance vibes are offered to enjoy the blue hour before dinner is served.

Wake early to embrace the stunning dawn scenery, a time when the Delta's inhabitants have already been active for hours. Energize yourself with the daily morning Tai Chi class before indulging in a lavish breakfast buffet. By local boat, you head out to Sa Dec, a charming riverside town in Dong Thap Province.

Default Morning Excursions: This town reveals a graceful blend of colonial elegance and everyday Mekong life. Begin with a walk through the lively central market, where an abundance of fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies reflects the region’s rich agricultural rhythm. The cultural layers deepen with a visit to the historic home of Huynh Thuy Le, closely tied to Marguerite Duras’ The Lover. Stepping inside offers a glimpse into a narrative that has left its mark on both literature and the town itself. The journey continues to Kien An Cung Pagoda, a century-old temple of Chinese heritage. With its ornate details and tranquil riverside setting, it provides a peaceful contrast to the town’s lively streets before returning on board.

Optional Morning Excursion:
Cycling (extra cost): Once on shore, the cycling discovery around the town begins at a lively local market, followed by a visit to Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, a well-preserved French-Chinese residence tied to the love story behind The Lover. The cycling tour leads to Sa Dec Flower Village, with stops at family-run gardens where growers explain their traditional methods amid rows of colorful blooms. After a refreshing drink at the Pink House, the ride ends at Cao Dai Holy See, a striking religious landmark with distinctive architecture.
Distance: 15 km / Duration: approx. 90 min / Terrain: flat on concrete path

Default Afternoon Excursion: 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 techniques. After the workshop, you are heading 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 kinds of tropical fruits to taste. A buggy ride through the island gives you a glimpse of the local day-to-day life as it unfolds. You stop at another family’s house. They specialize in weaving water hyacinth plants into artistic crafts by hand.

Optional Afternoon Excursion
Cycling (extra cost): Cycle over the scenic Tan Phong Island along well-maintained and flat concrete paths winding through orchards of rambutan, longan, and jackfruit. At a local business, the family shows you how to make handicrafts from water hyacinths. The tour continues 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

Once everyone is back on board, the ship makes its final journey to My Tho, offering some little farewell party vibes along the way.

Enjoy your last breakfast aboard your floating home. Disembark the ship after breakfast and take a bus transfer from My Tho to Saigon. It is only around 70 kilometers on the highway, and you arrive in Saigon by mid-morning.

The team hopes you enjoyed this fascinating river cruise, just as the crew does every single time. Moreover, take the enchanting memories and friendships along with you and share the stories of this amazing river - the Mighty Mekong.