River Cruise Itinerary

8 Days, 7 Nights

Day 1: Welcome Aboard

In the late morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City for a transfer to the Mekong Princess at Saigon Port at around 10:00 am – 11:00 am via our shuttle service.

Upon boarding, a safety briefing awaits in the Ramvong Lounge, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by the Vietnamese and Cambodian ship’s crew. Embark on an extraordinary journey of discovery. Lunch, delivered with attentive oriental hospitality, will be served as we cruise along the Saigon River. Settle into your luxurious suites, relax, and absorb the changing scenes.

Midday takes us through the Saigon River, Soai Rap River, Nuoc Man Canal, Vam Co River, and Cho Gao Canal, leading to the ‘Mighty Mekong River.’ As the day unfolds, anchor in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Savor crafted cocktails as the sun sets, and sampans gracefully pass by. Indulge in a traditional Vietnamese “A La Carte” dinner in the Indochine onboard Restaurant, offering a fusion of dishes to delight even the most delicate palates.

Day 2: Ben Tre – Can Tho

In the morning, sampans guide you through a mangrove-lined channel. Experience local transportation on a “xe lam” (three-wheeler) to visit a coconut candy maker. Witness the candy-making process and stroll through the village to explore an orchard showcasing native Vietnamese fruits. Following a fresh fruit tasting, board small local boats through narrow creeks lined with Nipah palm, culminating in a return to the ship.

This afternoon, sail through an untouched Mekong Delta area to Au Island, opposite Ninh Kieu Wharf in Can Tho city, the capital of the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, a Sampan takes you to Can Tho City for a vicinity tour, exploring Zihuang Pagoda (Chua Ong) and enjoying welcoming unicorn dances performed by local teenagers. Discover the charming city and the night market at your own pace before returning to the ship for dinner. The ship anchors overnight.

Onboard activity: Lecture on Vietnam’s past and present.

Day 3: Can Tho – Hoa An

Early morning, relish a continental breakfast before the sampan arrives at the Mekong Princess for a captivating cruise to the enchanting Cai Rang floating market. Navigate through the myriad boats selling produce and daily essentials, capturing incredible photographs. Indulge in fresh fruit, the Vietnamese “anti-aging drink,” and coconut water. Explore a local dry noodle-making house to witness the unique process before returning to the ship for a well-deserved breakfast.

After lunch, continue the sampan excursion to Hoa An village, renowned for flower cultivation and handmade crafts. Visit flower gardens, gaining insights into various flowers and their cultivation. Take a stroll to a local house, engaging with residents to understand their daily lives. Move on to another village via motor trishaw, stopping at conical hat-making families for a memorable exchange. Enjoy a peaceful walk amid rice fields and fruit trees, visiting local families. The Princess sails and anchors near Gieng Island.

Day 4: Gieng Island – Hong Ngu – Border Crossing

Following breakfast, we embark on sampans to Gieng Island, exploring the local sampan village where families craft these vessels daily. A canal drive leads us through mango gardens, and we experience “xe loi” (motor trishaw) transportation, visiting a Phanxico Monastery.

In the afternoon, venture to the island village of Hong Ngu, near the Vietnam-Cambodia border. Renowned for traditional Khmer scarves, witness the weaving process in homes, and admire embroidery art. Visit a local temple dedicated to the unique Hoa Hao religion. The welcoming locals, relatively untouched by Western visitors, share their crafts and traditions. The Mekong Princess proceeds to the border for exit procedures before continuing to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Onboard activity: Cooking Class Demonstration by our Executive Chef.

Day 5: Phnom Penh

In the morning, the Mekong Princess arrives at the border for exit procedures before continuing up the Mekong River to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. Enjoy the scenic beauty on both sides of the river. Upon completing immigration procedures, local cyclo drivers await for an exciting city tour of Phnom Penh. Glide along the riverfront to the Royal Palace, exploring the manicured gardens, Throne Hall, and Moonlight Pavilion. Cross into the second complex section, where enormous stupas lead to the famous Silver Pagoda, home to Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and Maitreya Buddha adorned with over 9,000 diamonds. Cyclos then take you to the National Museum, housing extensive pre-Angkorian and Angkorian artifacts. The evening ends with the ship docking in Phnom Penh overnight.

Onboard activity: Fruit Carvings & Tropical Fruits Demonstration.

Day 6: Phnom Penh (Cont.)

This morning, a private motor coach takes you on a scenic 45-minute drive from the ship to Choeung Ek, the killing fields depicted in the movie and the epicenter of Cambodia’s darkest history. Walk through the fields, visit the small museum and Memorial Stupa, and gain insights into the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. On the return drive to Phnom Penh, stop at Tuol Sleng (S-21), formerly a large school converted by the Khmer Rouge into a prison and torture headquarters.

The afternoon is yours to explore the charming city of Phnom Penh at your leisure.

Before dinner, enjoy onboard entertainment featuring a cultural performance, including Apsara, Cambodia’s national dance, and several traditional folk dances.

The ship docks in Phnom Penh overnight.

Day 7: Angkor Ban

The Mekong Princess departs from Phnom Penh, sailing towards Angkor Ban. The afternoon tour begins with a visit to the charming and authentic town of Angkor Ban. Witness the daily life of the local people, starting with a visit to the pagoda for a special blessing ceremony by local monks. Explore a local family’s home, engaging in discussions about their lifestyle. Continue through the village to the local school, where you join the children in their classrooms, immersing yourself in their typical school day. The ship then sails to Kampong Cham and docks overnight.

Onboard activity: Lecture on Cambodia’s Geography and Life along the Mekong River by your host.

Day 8: Kampong Cham – Siem Reap

Indulge in a sumptuous Breakfast Buffet at the Indochine Restaurant. Following breakfast, disembark from the Mekong Princess in Kampong Cham and embark on a motor coach transfer to your hotel in Siem Reap around noon.