Mekong River - Upstream - High 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 the 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 Mekong Delta come to life, as locals begin their daily routines. Start the morning with a Tai Chi session on deck, followed by a buffet breakfast. Travel by local boat to Cai Be and visit a workshop where rice paper, rice cookies, rice wine, and coconut candies are made by hand. Learn about the traditional production process before continuing to Tan Phong Island, a smaller island in the middle of the Mekong River.

At Tan Phong, visit a local family’s fruit garden and sample seasonal tropical fruits. A buggy ride through the village offers a glimpse of daily life, with a stop at another family’s home to see how water hyacinth plants are woven into handmade crafts.

Spend time relaxing on deck or on a private balcony as the ship sails upstream toward the Sa Dec region. In the afternoon, anchor near Binh Thanh Island, home to several communities that earn a living cultivating water hyacinths. Walk through the village to see the full mat-weaving process and meet an elderly couple who have lived on the island their entire lives and enjoy sharing stories with visitors.

Before dinner, attend a presentation in the lounge about life in the Mekong Delta as the ship anchors near 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 you 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.

The 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 immerse within the Khmer culture. This afternoon starts with a visit of a famous academy of arts and a school dedicated to preserve traditional arts. Observe young dancers training in the intricate Apsara dance and take the opportunity to learn some basic techniques on your own under guidance. Conclude the day with a leisurely stroll through the city’s French Quarter, including the iconic Wat Phnom temple.

Back on board, 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. To cap off this eventful day, guests can indulge in a delightful open-air barbecue and gala dinner accompanied by a classic Apsara dance performance. Afterward, feel free to explore the city and its nightlife on your own, with its lively river promenade and colorful bars and cafes.

You are leaving Phnom Penh early to make your way to Prek Bangkong.

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.

As you continue to sail upstream and prior to lunchtime, the guide offers a presentation about the geography of the Mekong and the Tonle Rivers.

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.

Once back onboard, the ship turns arounds sailing down the Mekong River to reach the overnight mooring place, at the confluence of the Mekong and the Tonle Rivers.

Early birds are welcome to join the daily Tai Chi on the open deck again.

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.

In the afternoon, you enjoy an exciting excursion to discover another part of rural Cambodian Kampong Tralach 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.

Join a happy hour time at the bar whilst you sail into the sunset. You moor later near Kampong Laeang. After dinner, the nightly cinema has another classic film on display.

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.

Back on board, the ship enters now the vast Tonle Lake. During the whole afternoon, accompanied by some onboard entertainment, you can enjoy the ocean-like views until you reach the mooring spot mid-lake at the doorstep of Siem Reap. You end this day of sailing with a farewell dinner and party vibes.

Enjoy your last breakfast on board your floating sanctuary.

The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love and life to millions of people. This rich ecosystem and UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve has more fish than any other lake in the world and is home to an incredible variety of birds, including rare and endangered feathered life.

Here, your Heritage Line cruise comes to an end this morning. Prepare to disembark the ship and take a local boat to the shore, passing a vast floating community. Arrive at the Siem Reap pier and bring you to the drop off point in the city centre.

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