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Exploring Mekong Delta in Ben Tre

Meandering Majestic Mekong Cruise

Ho Chi Minh City - Phnom Penh - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard Emerald Harmony
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Embark on a 10-day river cruise aboard the Emerald Harmony. Navigate the busy waters of the Cho Gao Canal before visiting the traditional rural villagers of Ben Tre, My An Hung, and Gieng Island. Observe local agricultural methods and experience authentic daily life along the riverbanks. Continue by crossing the border into neighboring Cambodia, a nation known for its temples and significant historical landmarks. Witness the preserved wooden architecture and community structure of Angkor Ban. Spend time learning about the resilience and revival of Cambodia following the tragic era of the Khmer Rouge regime. Engage directly with local residents to understand the deep cultural heritage of the Mekong River basin. Examine the intricate stone carvings of ancient temple complexes and explore vibrant provincial markets.
Phnom Penh Royal Palace complexBustling Ho Chi Minh CityIn memory of the killing fields of Phnom PenhPhnom Penh skylineCyclo ride through Phnom PenhKilling Fields, Phnom PenhShips on the MekongExploring Mekong Delta in Ben Tre
Highlights
  • Discover Tan My to explore a unique floating community
  • Wander Gieng Island to observe local mango farming
  • Tour Tan Chau to see a Cao Dai temple and ride a Xe Loi
  • View Phnom Penh to learn history at the Killing Fields
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Ho Chi Minh CIty | Embark

Xin Chao and welcome to Vietnam. Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, widely known as Saigon, enjoy a seamless transfer to the historic quarter of downtown District 1 before checking into the Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers. Later in the day, travel directly to the Saigon Port to board your luxury Emerald Star-Ship, where a warm reception from the captain and crew awaits your arrival. Following a delicious lunch, the Emerald Harmony sets sail from the heart of the city, navigating down the scenic Saigon River toward Ben Tre within the vibrant Mekong Delta. This evening, join fellow guests for a delightful welcome dinner on board and listen to an insightful port talk hosted by your Cruise Director.

To guarantee a perfectly smooth embarkation process, please arrange for an inbound flight arriving in Ho Chi Minh City prior to 8:30 AM.

Day 2: Cho Gao Canal | Ben Tre

This morning, cruise through the bustling Cho Gao Canal, a major arterial waterway in Vietnam connecting Tien Giang Province within the Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City. Take in the fascinating sight of heavy commercial traffic navigating this crucial channel, with upwards of 1,800 vessels transiting every single day. Spend your relaxing morning on board soaking up the ever-changing scenery, enjoying a refreshing dip in the infinity pool, or indulging in an optional spa treatment. Upon reaching the Mekong River this afternoon, visit the rural Tan My floating community. Afterward, embark on a scenic ride through local plantations to explore a working mushroom farm, sample fresh produce at a fruit farm, and taste local sweets at a nearby honey farm. Later in the day, continue sailing toward Sa Dec, a true hidden gem of the Mekong Delta.

Included Excursion
Visit the Thoi Binh hamlet and its authentic farming and fishing communities

Day 3: Sa Dec

This morning is a leisurely cruise to Sa Ðéc.

Later this afternoon, take a short ride on a sampan to arrive in Sa Ðéc, a delightful old provincial city in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a walking tour around town with a visit to the home of local resident, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant (‘The Lover,’), and the town’s bustling central market to peruse its varied produce.

Afterwards return to Emerald Harmony by sampan to anchor for the night.

Included Excursion
Visit the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le and the bustling Sa Ðéc markets

Day 4: My An Hung

After a short sail with breakfast, transfer ashore by sampan to explore the village life on My An Hung Island. Recognized as a cultural and historical destination, this small village in rural Vietnam specializes in red-hot chili and peppers. For today’s EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy some local folk singing during the visit to this charming riverine community.

After returning to Emerald Harmony, enjoy an afternoon cruise to Gieng Island.

Included Excursion
Visit My An Hung Village 

EmeraldPLUS
Listen to local folk singing in My An Hung 

Day 5: Gieng Island

Locally known as ‘Mango Island,’ Cu Lao Gieng is a small, picturesque island untouched by tourism, located along the upper Mekong River. Travel by local motorcycle rickshaw through the island’s villages to visit families who work in various local industries, including mango farming, various types of boat construction and a factory that produces temple incense sticks.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure on board as you cruise to Tan Chau. Upon arrival and for today’s EmeraldPLUS experience, delight in a traditional Lion Dance performance on the Sun Deck of Emerald Harmony.

Included Excursion
Visit local industries in Gieng Island

EmeraldPLUS
Lion Dance performance on board Emerald Harmony

Day 6: Tan Chau | Vietnam/Cambodia Border Crossing

In Tan Chau, embark on a sampan ride to Evergreen Island for a walk through a local village, affording an insightful glimpse into the ‘Delta farming community'. Then reboard your sampan returning to Tan Chau for a visit to a local Cao Dai Temple. Cao Dai is a syncretic, monotheistic religion established in Tây Ninh, Southern Vietnam, in 1926. At the temple, you can learn more about the hybrid of philosophies that form the basis of this fascinating and complex religion. Afterwards, take a ride in a Xe Loi, a local form of Cyclo unique to the Mekong Delta, back to your sampan and return to Emerald Harmony. Back on board your Emerald Star-Ship, cruise towards the border between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Included Excursion
Visit to Evergreen Island, a Cao Dai Temple visit and Xe Loi ride

Day 7: Phnom Penh

Welcome to Cambodia. Today, awake in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’ during the French Indochina-era, this city was almost entirely evacuated by the Khmer Rouge regime in 1975. This morning, learn about the Khmer Rouge and the darkest days of Cambodia’s history. A short drive takes you to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, where you can stroll through the fields and visit the memorial, understanding more about the country’s sombre chapter.

Afterwards, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (infamously known as ‘S-21’), a former school converted to the Khmer Rouge’s main prison and torture headquarters. Spend the afternoon as you please, either joining one of the Emerald DiscoverMORE excursions, visiting the Central Market located at in the heart of Phnom Penh, or simply relaxing on board Emerald Harmony.

This evening, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy an evening remork (local Tuk-Tuk) excursion through Phnom Penh, admiring the glittering city lights.

Included Excursion
Killing Fields at Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

EmeraldPLUS
Phnom Penh by night on a remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour

Day 8: Phnom Penh | Angkor Ban

In the morning visit the majestic Royal Palace, captivating with its French-inspired gardens and Silver Pagoda. Once back on board, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organization. After lunch set sail from Phnom Penh and enjoy an afternoon of relaxed cruising as you continue further up the Mekong River to Angkor Ban.

Included Excursion
Visit to the Royal Palace

EmeraldPLUS
Cultural Performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organization

Day 9: Angkor Ban | Peam Chi Korng

In Angkor Ban, explore its historical rural wooden houses which survived the Khmer Rouge. In the village temple, partake in an alm’s ceremony, learn how to pray in a Buddhist pagoda and receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from the temple’s resident monks from as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience. Afterwards set sail to your final destination, Peam Chi Korng located further upstream on the Mekong River.

Included Excursion
Walk around the historical village of Angkor Ban

EmeraldPLUS
A traditional Buddhist Monk blessing

Day 10: Peam Chi Korng | Disembark | Phnom Penh

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark Emerald Harmony in the morning and transfer back to Phnom Penh airport for your onward flight.

Please book your flight to depart out of Phnom Penh after 10:00 AM.

Rivers and waterways are subject to variations in water levels. While every effort is made to adhere to the planned itinerary, changes in river conditions, ad hoc local government regulations or local festivities may require journey modifications. These will be made based on the advice of local authorities or for safety reasons. Hotels are indicative and are subject to change.

Ship/Hotel

Emerald Harmony

Emerald Harmony

Emerald Harmony

Emerald Harmony, the newest Emerald Star-Ship launched by Emerald Cruises, was designed to take up to 84 passengers and this watercraft is designed specifically to navigate the waters of the Mekong.
Emerald Stateroom
Emerald Panorama

Dates & Prices

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Deals

Special Offer 31925
Book now and enjoy a savings of up to 40% off the full fare pricing. This promotion is available on select 2026-2027 departure dates and is valid for new bookings made between July 20 and August 3, 2026. Deposit is required at the time of booking. For sailings outside of 10 months, full payment is due 10 months prior to departure. For sailings within 10 months, full payment is due within 30 days of booking or at standard final payment date, whichever occurs first.

Additionally, solo travelers can take advantage of a free single supplement. Please note that this offer excludes the following categories: Owners Suite (SA), Grand Balcony Suite (S), Riverview Suite (RA), Emerald Panorama ( AP) or Single Stateroom (ES) categories.

Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.

Code: SUMMERBF
Applies to Dec 11, 2027 departure
Special Offer 31926
Book now and enjoy a savings of up to 40% off the full fare pricing. This promotion is available on select 2026-2027 departure dates and is valid for new bookings made between July 20 and August 3, 2026. Deposit is required at the time of booking. For sailings outside of 10 months, full payment is due 10 months prior to departure. For sailings within 10 months, full payment is due within 30 days of booking or at standard final payment date, whichever occurs first.

Additionally, solo travelers can take advantage of a free single supplement. Please note that this offer excludes the following categories: Yacht Suite (Y), Terrace Suite (T), Deluxe Balcony Suite (S) or Owners Suite (SA) categories.

Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for more details.

Code: SUMMERBF
Applies to Dec 11, 2027 departure
Per person starting at
$4,095 2-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Emerald Stateroom
Emerald Stateroom (D)
Bigger than the average standard staterooms on European rivers, an Emerald Stateroom provides excellent value for money. All Emerald Staterooms feature port-hole windows and the same high-quality facilities as all other cabins.
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite (B)
These spectacular suites showcase our revolutionary indoor balcony design. With the touch of a button, the upper part of the suite’s floor-to-ceiling window drops down to unveil uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery. You’ll also find a mini-bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and infotainment system, a safe for your valuables, and plenty of storage.
Emerald Panorama
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite (A)
These spectacular suites showcase our revolutionary indoor balcony design. With the touch of a button, the upper part of the suite’s floor-to-ceiling window drops down to unveil uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery. You’ll also find a mini-bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and infotainment system, a safe for your valuables, and plenty of storage.
Emerald Panorama
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite (AP)
These spectacular suites showcase our revolutionary indoor balcony design. With the touch of a button, the upper part of the suite’s floor-to-ceiling window drops down to unveil uninterrupted views of the stunning scenery. You’ll also find a mini-bar, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and infotainment system, a safe for your valuables, and plenty of storage.
Grand Balcony
Grand Balcony Suite (S)
At 398ft² (37m²), these beautifully appointed suites host a private balcony with drop-down window, as well as a separate bedroom and lounge area. Enjoy two laundered items per day, as well as canapés and after-dinner sweets in your suite.
Owner's one bedroom
Owner's One-Bedroom Suite
Reaching a colossal 425ft²(42m²) suites,there are just two of these spectacular suites on-board Emerald Harmony, boasting a separate bedroom and lounge area. In addition you'll enjoy a private 323ft² (30m²) terrace with Jacuzzi. You'll also be entitled to four laundered items per day, pre-dinner canapés in your suite, and an invite to dine at the Captain's Table.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 9 Dinners
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Choice between Emerald Plus and Emerald Active Excursions
  • Wifi
  • Complimentary Wine, Beer and Soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises Tour Manager
  • Airport transfers to and from the ship
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Travelers are urged to arrange comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may occur during the tour

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