Mekong Discovery Saigon to Siem Reap

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam! On your first day, you will arrive at the airport at your preferred time as the only scheduled activity for the day is the airport pickup. Our friendly driver will be waiting to greet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel. Once you have checked in, you can take the rest of the day to relax and settle in, or explore the city on your own to get a feel for the local culture and attractions. Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City and get ready for an exciting adventure! With a vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and delicious food, Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect starting point for your trip. Take some time to rest and rejuvenate, and get ready for the amazing experiences that await you. --------------------------------- Accommodation: Lavender Hotel 3-star or similar

The day begins with our experienced tour guide and driver picking you up from your hotel at 8:30 am. We'll then set out on an enjoyable drive to Cu Chi, which is located approximately 60km away from Ho Chi Minh City. This district was a critical site during the anti-American war in Vietnam, and its original tunnel system of over 220km is now a famous attraction that draws numerous visitors both locally and internationally. As we drive through the picturesque rural rice paddy scenery, you'll be able to see ducks and water buffalos swimming in the rivers alongside the road, creating a serene atmosphere. It's hard to imagine the destruction, damage, and defoliation caused by bombing and mines throughout the area. Once considered a "Free Target Zone," remnants of the fierce battleground remain visible today, providing evidence of the significant history that took place there. After exploring the intriguing Cu Chi Tunnels and learning about the captivating history of the district, we'll head back to Ho Chi Minh City. You'll arrive at your hotel around 1:30 pm, marking the end of a remarkable trip full of discovery, education, and cultural immersion.. --------------------------------- Accommodation: Lavender Hotel 3-star or similar

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a vibrant and bustling city in Vietnam with a rich history and culture. In this city, there are plenty of things to do and see on your free day. One of the best ways to explore the city is by taking a walking tour or joining a food tour. You can explore the beautiful colonial architecture and learn about the history of the city while tasting some of the delicious local cuisine. If you're interested in history, you may want to visit the War Remnants Museum or the Reunification Palace, which were important sites during the Vietnam War. You can also visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, a stunning example of French colonial architecture, or the Jade Emperor Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist temple. For a taste of modern-day Saigon, head to the Bitexco Financial Tower, the tallest building in the city. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck on the 49th floor. If you're looking for a unique shopping experience, visit the Ben Thanh Market, one of the oldest and largest markets in Vietnam. Here, you can find everything from souvenirs to fresh seafood and street food. Overall, Ho Chi Minh City has something for everyone, and a free day in this bustling city is sure to be filled with adventure and discovery. --------------------------------- Accommodation: Lavender Hotel 3-star or similar

It's important to note that the cruise does not operate daily, so please check with us for the departure date that best fits your schedule. To start your adventure, we will pick you up from your hotel at 3:30 pm. You'll then need to make your way to Nha Rong port in HCMC, where the cruise awaits. The boat is fully prepared and ready to go, all cleaned up and fueled for its journey. After boarding the vessel, it will set sail towards My Tho. To help you settle in, a refreshing welcome drink will be served, and you'll receive a briefing on what to expect during the cruise. --------------------------------- Accommodation: Cruise Cabin

At the break of dawn, the cruise departs and begins the day with a sumptuous breakfast while navigating delicately through the marvelous canal of Cho Gao. We arrive at My Tho, where the boat drops anchor close to the Thoi Son Island on the banks of a northern arm of the Mekong. My Tho means fragrant herb and draws thousands of tourists who are eager to embrace the untouched beauty of the Delta. It is a prosperous city of about 100,000 inhabitants, famous for its myriad fruit orchards, gardens, and vast rice fields. The climate is warm and pleasant throughout the year. The surrounding countryside is home to one of the most luxuriant gardens of Vietnam, encircled by coconut palms and banana and mango trees. Local boats are sent to the cruise ship to pick you up for transfer to the mainland. We embark on a short panoramic tour of My Tho town, stopping halfway for a visit to the colorful market. We return to the pier and we cruise by local boat to Dragon Island where we quaff the everyday life of the local denizens. Passengers re-embark the cruise ship. The cruise continues and leaves My Tho for Cai Be. A special lunch spread is served and the cruise drops anchor at Cai Be. Local boats are sent to the cruise to pick you up for a delightful cruise around the Cai Be Floating Market. We continue cruising and stop at Vinh Long - a brick and pottery factory and the Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet Nursery of Fruit Trees. We visit a typical local dwelling and a showroom of traditional farming tools. Vinh Long, Vietnamese for Majestic Dragon, sits merrily in the middle of the delta, protected by the two arms of the Mekong. The soil of Vinh Long is enriched by silt deposits, making it ideal for growing mandarins and other citrus fruits. Life here centers on water. Houses are hoisted precariously on stilts that are planted onto the banks of the river. Hawkers peddle knick-knacks from boats. Hundreds of small boats travel the river daily. The unbridled warmth of the locals makes this a destination par excellence. We return to the cruise and depart for Sa Dec. We arrive at Sa Dec, where the cruise drops anchor. A delectable dinner awaits us. --------------------------------- Accommodation: Cruise Cabin

The day kicks off with a sumptuous breakfast, followed by a short tour of Sa Dec before transferring to Trung Vuong primary school. The cruise then continues to the Kien An Cung Pagoda. Afterward, we'll take a stroll around the bustling Sa Dec Market. This small city with a population of 30,000 residents is fascinating in its unspoiled beauty and authenticity. We'll return to the cruise and set sail for Chau Doc, while lunch is served on board. Upon arrival at Chau Doc, local boats will shuttle us to visit rafts and the Cham village, which is inhabited by both minority ethnic groups from Vietnam and Cambodia. If time permits, we can relish the spectacular sunset on top of Sam Mountain, which peaks at 237 meters. Its prominent Buddhist sanctuaries offer an unobstructed view over the mosaic of glistening rice paddies below. To the left, you can see Cambodia, and the Mekong River's flow on the horizon breaks into an infinity of silver ribbons. During the midway point, we'll visit the Lady Chua Xu temple and Tay An Pagoda before returning to the cruise. A delicious dinner will be served onboard as the cruise ships moor overnight. --------------------------------- Accommodation: Cruise Cabin

As the sun rises, the cruise sets sail from Vinh Xuong, a border town situated on the Vietnamese side. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast on board as we make our way to the Vinh Xuong check-point before continuing on towards our next destination, Phnom Penh. During lunchtime, you'll be treated to a delectable meal while admiring the stunning scenery along the Mekong River. Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, awaits our arrival. As we dock at the pier, guests are free to explore this charming "Paris of the East" at their leisure. With its French colonial architecture, bustling markets, and rich culture, Phnom Penh offers plenty to see and do. --------------------------------- Accommodation: Cruise Cabin

Start your day with a delectable breakfast before embarking on a sightseeing tour to some of Phnom Penh's most iconic landmarks, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Russian Market. Once the tour is complete, we'll return to the cruise, where lunch will be served on board. Afterward, you'll have some free time to explore Phnom Penh at your leisure. For those interested in learning about the country's tragic history, we suggest visiting the notorious Toul Sleng torture center. As evening approaches, enjoy a delightful dinner onboard while watching graceful dancers perform a traditional APSARA show, adding an extra touch of Cambodian culture to your once-in-a-lifetime river cruise experience. --------------------------------- Accommodation: Cruise Cabin

Enjoy a delicious breakfast onboard as we cruise to Koh Chen, a charming village known for the exceptional craftsmanship of its silver souvenirs. After exploring this quaint locale, we'll return to the Toum Tiou and set sail for Kompong Tralach. While enjoying a delightful lunch on board, you can take in the stunning views of the Mekong's scenic landscapes. Once we arrive at Kompong Tralach, we'll visit the awe-inspiring Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. Admire the pagoda's intricate architecture and learn about its rich cultural significance before returning to the cruise. As evening approaches, you'll be treated to a delectable dinner while the cruise ship moors overnight. Relax and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the Mekong River. --------------------------------- Accommodation: Cruise Cabin

As we set sail for Kampong Chhnang, take in the stunning scenery and relax on board. Upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to explore one of the largest fishing ports on Tonlé Sap and witness the thriving fish farming industry. Kampong Chhnang is also famous for its pottery ware, where skilled artisans craft beautiful pieces using traditional techniques. Additionally, you can't miss sampling the delicious products that come from the Thnot tree, including mellow-tasting caramel-colored sugar sold in large cakes and locally produced palm wine. --------------------------------- Accommodation: Cruise Cabin

As the dawn breaks, the cruise sets sail towards our final destination. Take this opportunity to relax and soak in the stunning scenery as we cruise past the picturesque Tonle Sap. Around mid-morning, we'll arrive at Phnom Krom pier, located just 5 miles from the vibrant city of Siem Reap. Here, local transportation will be waiting to take you to your hotel for check-in, allowing you to settle in and get ready for your next adventure in Cambodia. --------------------------------- Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel

Enjoy a private tour that begins after breakfast with a visit to the Angkor Thom Area. This includes exploring the stunning South Gate of Angkor Thom Temple and the magnificent Bayon Temple, as well as admiring the impressive Baphuon Temple, Phimean Akas Temple, Elephants Terrace, Leper King Terrace, Royal Palace, and Woman and Man Pond. We'll then continue to the Ta-Prom Temple, where you can take in its ancient beauty and wonder. After lunch, we'll journey onwards to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat Temple, one of the seven greatest architectural wonders of the world, which was built between the 9th - 13th century. Before concluding the tour, we will visit Bakheng Hill to witness its beautiful sunset and marvel at the breathtaking views from the hilltop. --------------------------------- Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel

Siem Reap offers an array of activities that cater to a variety of interests, making it the perfect destination for a free day during your Cambodia trip. Explore the ancient temples at your own leisure, such as the impressive Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm Temples. If you're looking for a more active adventure, consider renting a bike or taking a hike to Phnom Kulen National Park, where you can see beautiful waterfalls and swim in natural pools. For those interested in cultural experiences, visit the Angkor Night Market or explore the local arts scene by visiting the Artisans D'Angkor workshop where you can witness skilled artisans handcrafting traditional Cambodian handicrafts. Alternatively, take part in a traditional Khmer cooking class and learn how to prepare authentic Cambodian dishes using local ingredients. Finally, don't forget to indulge in Siem Reap's delicious cuisine and drinks. Sample traditional street food at one of the many food markets, sip on refreshing cocktails at a rooftop bar, or enjoy a meal at one of the city's many fine dining restaurants. There is something for everyone to enjoy during their free day in Siem Reap, so make the most of your time and explore this vibrant and fascinating city. --------------------------------- Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel

On your last day in Siem Reap, you'll have the freedom to explore the city at your leisure before your departure. You can take this opportunity to revisit some of the incredible sites you've seen during your tour or discover new places that you may have missed. Later, our team will transfer you to the airport, marking the end of our base tour service. We hope that your trip has been full of adventure, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. Safe travels on your journey ahead, and we hope to see you again soon. Note: Flight ticket to get out of Siem Reap is not included.