Deeper and Further on the Mekong River

You gather at the meeting point at the FCC Angkor in Siem Reap and transfer by coach to the ship in Steung Trang. After embarking, you sail upstream toward Kratie, passing through the Cambodian countryside.

You arrive near the colonial town of Kratie. You take a local boat trip to the dolphin grounds at Kampi to spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, which is seasonal and subject to permits. In the afternoon, you explore the town or relax on board the ship along this northern stretch of the river.

We take an excursion to Koh Trong, a community-based eco-tourism site located on an island in the middle of the Mekong. We explore the island by bicycle or ox-cart, visiting fruit orchards, local temples, and observing rural crafts. Guests also have the opportunity to plant a tree to support the local community reforestation project. We sail back downstream towards Steung Trang.

We arrive back at Steung Trang where we spend the morning visiting the local area or relaxing on board. We then sail downstream towards Peam Chi Korng.

Enjoy morning Tai Chi or just a coffee on deck as we take a sunrise cruise to Peam Chi Korng, an untouched gem that is a hub of pottery in Cambodia. After a short tuk tuk ride from the banks of the Mekong, we witness the local potters in action before continuing to explore the village and local fresh market where you can test your language skills. This afternoon we step ashore at Pak Russei, a small and remote village on the banks of the Mekong. We will explore on foot and visit local craftspeople weaving silk and producing handmade noodles. Before returning to the ship, we learn about the ancient art of Bokator, a traditional form of martial art with a private performance in the village.

In the morning, travel by coach to the ancient capital of Cambodia, Oudong where we visit the Vipassana Dhura Meditation Centre. Walk around the vast complex with its impressive Khmer architecture and experience a short meditation class to quieten your mind. Rejoin your ship in Kampong Tralach for lunch aboard. In the afternoon we travel by ox-cart around the riverside villages, markets and temples to get a sense of life in rural Cambodia. In the evening cocktails are served around a fire pit at a small fishing village where we will be joined by village folk keen to share tales and show us their traditional dancing.

Morning orientation of Phnom Penh by cyclo visiting the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda followed by the National Museum with its marvellous collection of Angkorian statuary. In the afternoon we visit the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum to learn more about the brutal Khmer Rouge regime. We dock overnight in Phnom Penh city port with its lively bars, restaurants and nightlife. Feel free to explore the city before returning to your hotel on the water.

We up anchor early in the morning and cruise downstream along the Mekong River to the Vietnam border for immigration formalities. The ship sails toward Chau Doc where we take an evening stroll along the river before dinner aboard.

In the morning, we take minivans for a short drive to Sam Mountain, the location of Phuoc Dien Tu or the Hang Pagoda. After climbing the steps we are greeted with stunning views across the Mekong. For those not keen on the stairs, explore the local market instead. Afterwards, we visit the nearby floating fish farms by Sampan before being treated to a private Lion dance performance at a local Village. After lunch aboard we continue sailing into the heart of the Mekong delta and enjoy on-deck entertainment from your crew.

Please Note: During high water periods in October and November, navigation into Chau Doc may be hampered by low bridges meaning today's excursion will be replaced with a local village visit at Long Thuan.

In the morning, we journey by sampans through mangroves and bamboo forests to the fruit orchards of Ben Tre . This is a fertile farming region with half of Vietnam's rice production coming from the Mekong Delta. It also hosts a rich artisanal culture which we will witness at a local village specialising in handicrafts. After returning to the ship, enjoy lunch onboard as we sail through the Cho Gao Canal toward Saigon. The Cho Gao Canal is a vital waterway link for the transportation of goods to and from the city which was constructed in 1876 by the French and offers a fascinating insight to life along the water . In the evening we sail into central Saigon and enjoy the stunning skyline over dinner.

Disembark in central Saigon after breakfast for your onward travels.