ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling colonial capital. Your driver and guide will meet you outside the baggage claim of Noi Bai Airport and take you to your hotel in the city center.
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi – City tour
Today you have a full day to explore Vietnam’s charming capital. With its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and ancient oriental pagodas, Hanoi is an eclectic mix that offers something for everyone. Your city tour will take you to Hanoi’s key sites: the Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and stilt house), the nearby One Pillar Pagoda; the Presidential Palace; the Temple of Literature; the Quan Thanh Temple, the sedate Tran Quoc Pagoda & West Lake; and one of the city's museums (a choice between the Hoa Lo Prison and the Ethnology Museum). Then have one hour on cyclo to go around the Old Quarter. In the evening enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Performance – a unique Vietnamese Art form hailing from Southeast Asia’s wet-rice culture. Welcome dinner of authentic Vietnamese food at one of Hanoi’s finest restaurants.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise
After breakfast in your hotel, we take a nice drive over 4 hours passing the countryside of Red River delta to Halong Bay - the UNESCO world’s heritage site.
On arrival, we take 24 hours cruise on the bay.
Lunch will be served on board amidst spectacular views of the bay.
Today you will visit one of the largest caves in Halong Bay and included is a beach stop
where perhaps you may want to take a swim or dip in the water of the sea.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: On Cruise
Day 4: Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi – Fly to Siemreap
Participate in Tai Chi on the top deck or simply watch the sunrise over the magnificent
bay. Enjoy your morning cup of coffee or juice before setting out to the near- by cave on
row boat. Watch for monkeys high on the cliff tops. Return back to the junk, where
breakfast is served, while sailing around Bay Tu Long bay where the film “Indochine” was made.
Your cruise will end around noon and your driver will take you to Noi Bai interntional airport for flight to Siem Reap (Cambodia).    
Upon arrival, other local guide and driver will meet you and take you to your hotel in the center of Siem Reap.
Meals: Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siemreap
Day 5: Siemreap – Full day Angkor Tour
Wake up early to be transferred for picking up the most beautiful, haunting and spiritual moment to visit magnificent Angkor Wat at dawn. This special activity is designed also to help you see “the Temple reflex on the water” when it’s much cooler and less crowded. Angkor Wat, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was constructed by Suryavarman II who reigned Cambodia from 1113 to 1152 and built the five towers in the 12th century and dedicated them to the Hindu God Vishnu. The plan of the pyramidal conception of the temple combined with spaces, alleys and ditches is an ancient masterpiece of architectural design and construction.
A table with hot tea or coffee and breakfast box arranged by Travel Cambodia on site for your most convenience.
Our journey continues with visiting South Gate of Angkor Thom, with its majestic doors and artifacts. From here, ride on an elephant to monumental temple of Bayon which is the heart of Angkor Thom. Later, visit the Elephant Terrace, Terrace of the Leper King and Takeo "Jewel of Crystal", which is dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva and was erected at the end of the 10th century. Leaving Angkor Thom by the North Gate, you travel to Preah Khan (Sacred Sword), one of Angkor’s largest temples, constructed in the 12th century by Jayavarman VII. You should not miss Ta Prohm Temple, which is a wonderful combination of human genius and natural beauty with its giant trees that have grown there for centuries. You may have your lunch at local restaurant near Srah Srong on your own account but we suggest the reservation.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siemreap
Day 6: Siemreap – Angkor Tour
After breakfast at hotel, you will visit to the ancient Khmer civilization site of Hariharalaya which flourished in the late 9th and earlier 10th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred to the Rolous group. In the afternoon, you continue to the intricately carved and well preserved temple of Banteay Srei and before back to hotel we visit Preah Khan temple. Built by the King Jayavarman VII, Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulders-hanging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, Preah Khan is in a reasonable state of preservation and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Day 7: Siem Reap – Tonle River
Note: The following itinerary is based on high Water season
We gather in the morning at our welcome lounge in Siem Reap. Lean back with a drink as our staff welcomes you and collects your details for the boarding.
We bid farewell to the iconic sight of Ankor and travel a short distance to the pier at the Tonle Lake. By local boat we transfer to our beautiful ship and the crew warmly welcomes you on board. While you check in to your prepared staterooms the ship sets sail and your fasctinating journey on the Mighty Mekong can begin.
You have lunch on board during the vessel gently glides over the Tonle Lake. The lake can only be crossed during high water season (approx. fromEnd-July to Mid-November).Let your soul float and your eyes wander while the boat makes its way accross.
After lunch our expert guides offers a presentation about the “Geography of the Mekong and Tonle Sap”.
In the afternoon we serve a high tea at the open bar.
Enjoy your cruising day onboard, relax on your balcony or relish a spa treatment before dinner.
The boat moors in the Tonle River. You can join our evening cinema session (offered every night) featuring selected classic movies.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: On Cruise
Day 8: Kampong Chhnang - Kamp. Tralach - Kampong Cham
Wake up early to witness this spectacular water-world in the break of down. Our moring Tai Chi class has the perfect backdrop today. Breakfast buffet is served in the restaurant.
We are now at Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world”, where everything is on sticks balanced on water rich soil. This is the most fascinating cruise part
in Cambodia.
We take a local boat to the shore. With mini buses we head to a rural village nearby and go on a walking tour. Our guides introduce the village specialities – Khmer style pottery and the making of palm sugar.
Definitely you should bring home some. Before returning to the boat we explore the local floating villages and wetlands of the region.
Back on board lunch is served while the cruise continues with a languid meander along the Tonle River towards Kampong Tralach. A Monks’ blessing ceremony on board will deliver spirits and wishes for our health and prosperity for all.
Gliding through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape we reach Kampong Tralach. Cacophonous children waive enthusiastically while bringing their livestock for a bath in the meandering river. Live to see all this life - which is so much different than ours - by a
local ox cart ride.
Back on board we sail downstream, passing the the confluence of Tonle River and Mekong. We anchor mid-river and you can enjoy dinner in the dining hall.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: On Cruise
Day 9: Kampong Cham - Okhna Tey - Phnom Penh
After a sumptuos breakfast we travel by bus to a local school to understand more about the education of the young Cambodian generation (the project is funded by an NGO). Those children here are always excited to show their skills in music and art and will bath you in smiles upon your applause. We continue by road to arrive at the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). This small complex sits on a hill top right on the shore with breath-taking views on the Mekong.
After some refreshment back on the ship we serve lunch. During the afternoon our staff is keen to show you the variety of traditional Khmer fashion. Watch the riverbank life along the Mekong during our high tea as the ship proceeds to its next stop.
We arrive at the Island of Koh Oknha Tey. This spot in the middle of the Mekong owns its fame for the manufacturing of high class silk products. By tuk tuk we explore the island with its workshops and learn how silk is processed from its source, provided by little silkworms, to a final top quality product made of original Cambodian silk.
After some additional cruising time the boat arrives and docks at the pier of Phnom Penh. Feel free to have your first exploration by yourself after dinner.
Stroll along the river promenade and watch the locals chit-chating, selling odds and ends or have a drink in one of the numerous bars (kindly inform our crew once you are leaving the ship on your own).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: On Cruise
Day 10: Phnom Penh
Welome to Phnom Penh - the once called Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. It is an amazing town to bespeak centuries of incredible history and culture which can still be felt at many street corners.
We start with a full sight-seeing tour right after breakfast. By bus we visit the Killing Fields at the outskirts of the city and after the centrally located prison “S21”. Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter of Khmer history when once the Khmer Rouge ruled the country with terror and supression. Those places have merely changed much since the horrific time back in the early seventies and so it can be heart wrenching. There is the alternative to explore the city during the morning by your own pace individually before re-joining the group.
Lunch we take in a nice restaurant in town. Our exploration of Phnom Penh focuses afterwards on the fascinating cultural heritage of Phnom Penh. The golden edifice of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the exceptional Khmer crafts at the National Museum are the afternoon highlights. The day trip ends with a “cyclo” ride back to the
ship through the bustling streets of downtown Phnom Penh.
Take some rest in your spacious cabin or join other fellow passengers at the bar for some refreshing drinks before our capturing evening activities start:
It begins with a variety of cocktails served on the sun deck or at the open bar. We move to the lounge which is set up for a captivating lecture about Cambodian mordern history, held by a professor of the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Definitely among the highlights of this cruise to receive knowledge out of first hand as our lecturer had a private relation to the former King of Cambodia and many other high ranking politician.
After the lecture a feast of barbecue dinner on the sun deck commences. The dinner is accompanied by an Apsara dance performance. You have to witness the brilliance and richness of this dance along with the soothing sounds of traditional music.
As the evening unwinds enjoy your supper with a good glass of wine and marvel at the skyline of Phnom Penh and the calming flow of the Tonle River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: On Cruise
Day 11: Phnom Penh - Border Crossing - Tan Chau
After you have enjoyed your breakfast we gather at the lounge for a great lecture.
The lounge is set up for a captivating lecture about Cambodian mordern history, held by a professor of the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Definitely among the highlights of this cruise to receive knowledge out of first hand as our lecturer had a private relation to the former King of Cambodia and many other high ranking politician.
The whole afternoon is at your own arrangements. This is the cruise part when even the last passenger will turn into cruise mode and hopefully experience the therapeutical influence this mighty river radiates. It is time for massages, time for sun bed relaxations, time for private balcony kick-backs - forsooth the time to merge with the river.
Some may like to do a flying visit at the bridge - the captain always has a story to share about “his” river. “The Highway Blues” beckons as we float into a state of mild bliss, but before totally drift away do not forget lunchtime around noon.
A culinary class if offered in the afternoon to sharpen your knowledge and skills on the local cuisine. There may be an afternoon snooze kicking in. Our high tea for with coffee and snacks might work against it if you like to.
We reach the border and arrive finally in Vietnam. From here it is just a short way to Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced border town close-by with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community. We moor near the city with views on the riverside, its the river life and floating communities.
Dinner is served and afterwards you can join our evening cinema with another selected classic movie.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: On Cruise
Day 12: Tan Chau - My An Hung - Sa Dec
Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the restaurant or in the quiet sanctuary of your balcony.
Brace yourself for an excursion around Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced town near the Cambodian border with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community. Once arrived on-shore we hop on “xelois” to explore Tan Chau.
A xeloi is a local vehicle which is still used as taxi in this region. We slowly move around the streets to see all the workshops, houses and domiciles. Get to feel the laid-back vibes of this place. We stop at the colorful local market near one of the ancient temples. This is the best time you can interact with the vendors of this friendly town to make your own bargain experience. We board our local boats and cruise along floating houses to finally reach a floating fish farm. This region is the source of fish production to be sold all over the world and we can see closely how fish farmings works.
Back on board you may like to pamper yourself with some spa treatments or take a dip in our pool on the sun deck before lunch time. Our expert guides offer a presentation on the “Life on the Mekong Delta” as the ship continues to My An Hung near Sa Dec province. Before we arrive afternoon tea is offered at the open bar to mingle and share some stories.
We will set off for the My An Hung Village. In the village we receive wonderful insights into the private household of a local family. We are allowed to visit their vegetable garden and accees the seasonal vegetable fields via crossing a monkey bridge. We are invited after to their house for a Vietnamese tea tasting. Vietnamese tea is often bitten and locals sweeten it with honey. The honey produced by the family is a delicacies in this region. Same are the offered fruits, juicy, frehs, and right from the tree. A local artist group performs a typical traditional dragon dance during we munch on those natural“vitamins bombs”.
As the sun set and the light bathes everything golden we settle on a riverbank with cocktails to recap the day.
Back on our ship we cruise down the Mekong. Refresh yourself and get ready for dinner. The ship moors mid-river around Sa-Dec.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: On Cruise
Day 13: Binh Thanh Island - Cai Be - My Tho
During the breakfast time we arrive at the island of Binh Thanh.
We embark a traditional sampan and tour towards Binh Thanh Island. This island is one of the larger ones in the vast stream of the Mekong. Some communities have settled here and make their living by growing water hyazinths. We visit exclusively one of those untouched areas. By wandering through the village we get a deep understanding of the native life. But moreover we can follow the whole process of ratt making. You can even try yourself the weaving which is still done manually. We will meet also an old local people who shares with us their story on this island and they are happy for any chit-chat with you.
Back on board lunch is served and you have some time afterwards for yourself in your preferred cruise mode.
In the early afternoon we arrive in Cai Be. Cai Be is a charming small town, famous for its Catholic French church and manufacturing of traditional crafts and food products. The floating market of Cai Be is getting smaller every year, since trading on the water is shifting more and more into modern central markets. We can still see some boat to boat
trading of local goods, such as fruits and agricultural products.
Our guide explains the particularities of this long lasting dealing cutlture. Each boat has a special marker to let buyers know what goods they are selling. We go on-shore to visit a workshop where we learn about and observe how rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies or rice wine is manufactured. Cai Be and its surrounding areas are covered by palmtrees
and hence the region is also famous for the production of coconut candies. The city is criss-crossed by and many water canals. With our local boat we continue to cruise through the lush and green canel network and can observe farmers working in the fields.
As the sun sets, our crew invites for a farewell event. Enjoy your dinner and some dance and music afterwards together with the crew. The ships moors at the pier of My Tho in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: On Cruise
Day 14: My Tho – Ho Chi Minh City – City tour
Enjoy your last breakfast aboard our floating sanctuary.
We will disembark the ship after the breakfast and take a bus transfer from My Tho to the drop off point in Saigon. It is only around 70 kilometers on the high way. You arrive in Saigon in mid-mornings.
Upon your arrival, enjoy a city tour that explores such famous landmarks as the former Presidential Palace, the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral. You will also visit the War Remnants Museum, one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, known for its vast collection of artifacts from the Vietnam War. An optional tour of Ben Thanh Market is available this afternoon. You will spend the night at a fine hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh – Free day
Today is free to explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh – Departure
Free until time for transferred to the airport for your departure flight home. Have a good journey back home. CAM ON VA HEN GAP LAI
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A

Note:
- As the contract of Mekong Cruise, the deposit for Cruise Booking is nonrefundable, so will apply the non refundable rate on the cruise booking once you confirm the tour.
- Please be aware that flight times, hotels and all other logistics, services and days of travel are subject to availability. If the listed hotel is fully booked, alternate accommodation will be offered.
- All hotels are rated according to local standards.
- All itineraries are flexible and can easily be altered to suit your needs and interests.
Please contact one of our travel consultants for more information.

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