RV Mekong Discovery Cruise 8 days 7 nights from Saigon to Siem Reap

Duration: 8 days 7 night

Destination: Saigon - My Tho - Cai Be - Sa Dec - My An Hung - Long Khanh A Island - Phnom Penh - Phnom Penh City Tour - Wat Roka Kaong - Popel Village - Kampong Cham - Kampong Cham - Siem Reap

The 8-day cruise from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to Siem Reap with Mekong Discovery - Lotus Cruise offers a luxurious and immersive journey through the heart of the Mekong Delta, showcasing the vibrant culture, lush landscapes, and rich history of Vietnam and Cambodia.
 

Itinerary

Day 1: Saigon - My Tho boarding the Cruise
Our driver will pick you up at your hotel for a 1,5 hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho Dock. Upon arrival, settle into your elegantly designed suite or cabin, thoughtfully crafted to provide the ultimate comfort throughout your voyage. Take part in a warm welcome reception and a detailed safety briefing, where you'll also have the chance to meet key members of the crew dedicated to making your journey smooth and memorable.
As evening falls, indulge in a delightful Mekong Delta welcome dinner at dining room. Relish an array of authentic Vietnamese dishes, carefully prepared to celebrate the region's rich culinary heritage. Raise a glass to the beginning of your extraordinary Mekong river adventure.
Overnight on Mekong Discovery cruise.

Day 2: Cai Be - Sa Dec
Begin your adventure in Cai Be with a scenic rowboat ride through the serene canals of the Mekong delta, guided by locals wearing iconic conical hats. Visit a small workshop where artisans skillfully craft rice paper and rice wine, surrounded by an assortment of traditional souvenirs and artworks. The sampan glides further through the narrow waterways to Cau Xeo, offering an intimate look at the vibrant culture and daily life of the community. Return to the ship and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch while continuing your journey toward Sa Dec.
In the afternoon, explore Sa Dec’s meandering canals, which lead you to its charming historic district. Tour the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, the real-life inspiration for Marguerite Duras’s novel The Lover, and admire the intricate design of the Kien An Cung Chinese Temple. Wrap up the day with a walk through Sa Dec’s colorful market, where the lively atmosphere and vivid displays of local goods create a feast for the senses.

Day 3: My An Hung - Long Khanh A Island
This morning, we embark on a sampan journey to My An Hung, a verdant village nestled in the Mekong Delta. Here, we engage with the friendly locals and enjoy the refreshing taste of fresh coconut. A welcoming family treats us to honey tea and tropical fruits as we immerse ourselves in the enchanting “Đờn ca tài tử” folk music and marvel at a dynamic Vovinam martial arts performance by the village’s talented youth.

In the afternoon, our exploration takes us to Long Khanh A, a village near the Vietnam-Cambodia border celebrated for its traditional Khmer scarves. We observe the intricate scarf-weaving process within local homes and appreciate the fine craftsmanship of their embroidery. The visit concludes with a leisurely stroll around the island and a heartfelt meeting at the home of a War Veteran, capturing the tranquil and hospitable essence of the Mekong Delta

Day 4: Relax - Border Crossing

Begin your day with a tranquil cruise upstream along the Mekong River, making your way toward the Vietnam-Cambodia border. As you sail, take in the captivating scenery, from bustling fishing communities to peaceful stretches of untouched natural beauty. Onboard, enjoy a variety of interactive and cultural activities:

    Tropical Fruit Tasting: Savor the unique flavors of the Mekong with a guided introduction to its exotic fruits.
    Vietnamese Spring Roll Workshop: Get hands-on experience crafting these fresh and delicious specialties under the guidance of skilled chefs.
    Traditional Cambodian Attire Showcase: Discover the elegance of Cambodian culture with a display of traditional garments, offering a perfect opportunity for memorable photographs.

Later in the day, the ship arrives in Phnom Penh, providing a chance to unwind and enjoy sweeping views of the vibrant city from the comfort of the deck.
As evening falls, join a special pre-dinner gathering hosted by the Captain. Enjoy a lively cocktail hour highlighted by an exhilarating sabering demonstration, where a champagne bottle is opened with a saber in a time-honored tradition. Toast to the exciting journey ahead and conclude the evening with a sumptuous dinner onboard, celebrating the flavors of the region.

Day 5: Phnom Penh
Start your day with a reflective visit to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, located just a short drive from Phnom Penh. This deeply moving site, featuring a museum and a memorial stupa, pays tribute to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime. It offers a poignant opportunity to understand and reflect on Cambodia’s tragic history.
Continue your journey through this somber period with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide museum. Once a school known as S-21, this site became a notorious prison during the Khmer Rouge era. Its preserved classrooms and exhibits provide a stark and powerful insight into the atrocities of that time.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, with time to explore Phnom Penh as you wish. Wander through the lively Central Market, browse for distinctive souvenirs, or sample delicious local cuisine at nearby eateries. For added convenience, a shuttle service will be available for those wishing to visit the market.
As the day draws to a close, gather on the sun deck to witness a captivating Apsara dance performance by talented local children. This traditional Cambodian art form, characterized by its elegance and storytelling, offers a touching glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage, a fitting and uplifting end to a day of profound learning and exploration.
Overnight on Mekong Discovery cruise.

Day 6: Phnom Penh City Tour

This morning, after enjoying breakfast onboard, set off on an exciting Tuk Tuk ride to explore the iconic landmarks of Phnom Penh. Begin your journey along the picturesque riverfront, arriving at the majestic Royal Palace, the residence of Cambodia’s King. Stroll through its serene grounds, visiting the elegant Throne Hall and the Moonlight Pavilion. Admire the dazzling Silver Pagoda, home to the sacred Emerald Buddha and adorned with more than 9,000 sparkling diamonds.
Your Tuk Tuk adventure continues to the National Museum, a treasure trove of Cambodia’s cultural heritage. Here, you’ll discover an impressive collection of Khmer art, intricate ceramics, and fascinating relics dating back to the Angkor era.
After returning to the ship, enjoy a leisurely afternoon to immerse yourself in Phnom Penh’s vibrant energy. Explore the city at your own pace, taking in its lively streets, local shops, and flavorful cuisine.

Day 7: Wat Roka Kaong - Popel Village - Kampong Cham
This morning, we begin our day with a visit to Wat Roka Kaong, a historic temple complex established in 1840, renowned for its unique wooden structures and an emerald statue unearthed in 1998. While the Baksei Chamkrong Temple was sadly lost to a landslide in 2020, the site continues to captivate visitors with its striking Golden Buddhist Columns that stand tall as symbols of resilience and spirituality.
Inside the vibrant Main Pagoda, we’ll partake in a serene traditional water blessing ceremony led by local monks, a deeply spiritual experience rooted in Cambodian culture.
Later, we journey to Popel, a charming village characterized by its stilted houses and tranquil rural landscapes. During our visit, we’ll gain authentic insights into daily Cambodian life through warm interactions with a local family and an engaging visit to a nearby school.
As the day draws to a close, gather on the sundeck near Le Salon Lounge for a heartfelt goodbye party with the entire crew, celebrating the memorable experiences shared. Following this festive farewell, enjoy a specially curated Cambodian Farewell dinner in the elegant dining room, a perfect conclusion to our unforgettable journey

Day 8: Kampong Cham - Siem Reap - Disembarkation
After enjoying your final breakfast onboard, bid a warm farewell to the crew as you disembark the cruise and set off on your journey from Kampong Cham to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Along the route, pause for a delightful lunch before arriving in Siem Reap by the afternoon.

Inclusions

  • Over nights onboard the luxurious Mekong Discovery
  • Full board including themed dinners, welcome and farewell reception
  • Complimentary house wine for lunch and dinner
  • Complimentary local coffee and fine tea selection, soft-drinks, local beer and local spirits
  • Complimentary water bottle for excursions
  • Complimentary wifi in-room and public areas
  • Lotus Cruises exclusive’s series of cultural performances, educational talks, food demonstration classes
  • English speaking crew and English expert local guides
  • All entrance fees, transportation as mentioned in the shore excursion program
  • Deluxe Sampans with cold towel service, fresh fruit and tea/coffee service (where applicable)
  • Individual VOX listening devices throughout cruise shore excursion program
  • Shoe cleaning after excursion
  • Welcome drink and cold towel service following excursions
  • Transfers from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho (coach transfer) or vice versa
  • Gratuities for crew onboard

Exclusions

  • Personal Expenses
  • Gratitude
  • International or Domestic flight tickets

Tour brief

  • Day 1: Saigon - My Tho boarding
  • Day 2: Cai Be - Sa Dec
  • Day 3: My An Hung - Long Khanh A Island
  • Day 4: Relax - Border Crossing
  • Day 5: Phnom Penh
  • Day 6: Phnom Penh City Tour
  • Day 7: Wat Roka Kaong - Popel Village - Kampong Cham
  • Day 8: Kampong Cham - Siem Reap - Disembarkation

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