Mekong River - Downstream - High water

You are greeted in the morning at the welcome lounge in Siem Reap. Take a moment to enjoy a second coffee before departing on a short bus ride to the pier. Bid farewell to the iconic sights of Angkor and travel a short distance to the shores of Tonle Lake. A local boat transfers guests to the vessel, an elegant and luxurious floating home for the days ahead.

As lunch is served, the vessel begins a gentle journey across Tonle Lake. The Tonle Sap (with "Sap" meaning lake in Khmer) spans approximately 2,500 sq km (965 sq mi) and stretches 160 km (99 mi) during the dry season, expanding dramatically to 16,000 sq km (6,000 sq mi) and 250 km (160 mi) in the wet season. Let the soul drift along with the serene waters. During afternoon tea, there’s an opportunity to connect with fellow travelers. Relax on the open decks or indulge in a soothing treatment at the onboard spa.

Before dinner, an expert guide presents insights into the geography of the Mekong River and Tonle Lake. For those interested, a nightly cinema screening is offered in the lounge—an ideal way to unwind before retiring for the night.

In the midst of the vast Tonle region, one of Cambodia’s amazing ecosystems. You can discover Kampong Laeang this morning, 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, you can enjoy panoramic views of the vast floodplains and lush rice fields (seasonal).

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 the afternoon excursion. Once the ship stops, you enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of the rural Cambodian countryside. The 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 a local NGO school and library project. Alternatively, you can choose to visit the nearby ancient 300-year-old temple and Buddha shrine.

With everyone back on board, you sail into the early evening. The ship later anchored 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.

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 whilst interacting with the local community.

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.

Full-day sightseeing tour begins right after breakfast, allowing you to explore the city's highlights. You'll start with a cyclo ride, meandering through the town and then visit historic places such as the palace and the silver pagoda. The 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'll 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 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.

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

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 is 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 near-by, freshly cut from the tree. An artistic group performs displays the traditional dragon dance, whilst you can snack on the “vitamins 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 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.

During a visit to a workshop in the town of Cai Be, you'll 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 gave 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.

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.

Hope 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.

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