Mekong River Active Explorer - Siem Reap to Saigon

Please arrive by 1pm at the group hotel in Siem Reap. Transfer by coach to the boat in Koh Chen (5-6 hours). After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail and have dinner on board. We'll spend the night on board.

Meals:  D

We begin the day sailing to Kampong Chhnang, with lunch served onboard. This town is one of the largest fishing ports on Tonle Sap Lake and also known for its many floating fish farms. Kampong Chhnang is famous for traditional pottery—combining centuries-old techniques with modern methods. ("Chhnang" means "pot.") We'll enjoy a tasting of local products before returning to the ship and setting course for Kampong Tralach. Optional: For guests interested in a more active experience, join a cycling excursion along the riverside to the nearby pottery village. Dinner and overnight onboard.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast onboard, we travel to Udong, Cambodia’s former capital. We begin at the colourful Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Center to learn about the Vipassana school of meditation. Then, climb the steps to visit various temples and three large stupas, which preserve the ashes of former kings—offering sweeping views over the plains below. We return to the ship for lunch and continue to the beautiful Vihara at Wat Kampong Tralach Leu. Travel by tuk-tuk through the village for an up-close experience of rural life. On the way back, you can choose to return either by tuk-tuk or by bicycle through scenic rice paddies. Afterward, we begin cruising to Phnom Penh. In the evening, enjoy a classical Khmer dance and music performance, followed by dinner onboard. Overnight in Phnom Penh.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we tour the Royal Palace—one of Cambodia’s most iconic landmarks—and the Silver Pagoda. We then continue to the National Museum. In the afternoon, hop aboard a tuk-tuk for an authentic look at Phnom Penh. Visit the beautifully restored Art Deco-style Central Market (Phsar Thmei), a lively centre for shopping and daily life. From there, stroll through the city's hidden alleyways, observing locals as they enjoy coffee, play traditional Cambodian chess, and prepare food. Continue on to Wat Phnom, the city’s namesake pagoda founded in 1373, then head to the French Quarter, home to elegant Belle Époque and Art Deco architecture. Return to the ship for dinner as we set sail toward Vietnam. Overnight onboard.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we explore Chau Doc, a prosperous border town known for fishing and fish farming. We'll ride the Nui Sam Cable Car for panoramic views of the Mekong region, then visit Ba Chua Xu Temple atop Sam Mountain. Return to the ship for lunch, followed by a visit to Tra Su Forest. Glide through this peaceful nature reserve on small boats and discover the region’s rich biodiversity. We begin cruising to Sa Dec. Dinner onboard and overnight at anchor.

Meals:  B,L,D

Enjoy breakfast before a local boat picks us up for a short panoramic tour of Sa Dec. We’ll visit the bustling riverside market and colonial homes, including the “Chinaman’s House” made famous by Marguerite Duras' novel The Lover. We sail on to Cai Be. After arrival, take a boat ride to explore the Mekong by water. Disembark at a craft village to watch traditional product-making in action, then continue to a fruit orchard featuring jackfruit, durian, guava, rambutan, and more. Sample fresh fruit, sip tea, and enjoy live local music. Next, join a cooking class at a riverside restaurant and enjoy your creations for lunch. In the afternoon, choose between a kayaking adventure or a mountain bike ride—both offering a unique view of life in the Mekong Delta. We set sail for My Tho. Dinner onboard and overnight cruise.

Meals:  B,L,D

Following breakfast, we’ll board a boat to Thoi Son Island, where we meet locals and taste seasonal fruits. Enjoy a sampan ride through the narrow canals for a closer view of delta life, followed by a village bike ride through fruit orchards and quiet paths. Return for lunch onboard and cruise through the Cho Gao Canal. This busy, narrow waterway is a distinctive feature of our cruise and brings you right into the pulse of life on the riverbanks. Arrive in Saigon. Enjoy dinner onboard and spend the night docked in the city. Optional Tour: "Saigon After Dark"—an evening street food and nightlife adventure from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Ride as a passenger on a vintage Vespa scooter, sampling local cuisine, cocktails, seafood, and Vietnamese crepes. The night ends at a live music venue where you can enjoy local entertainment. NB* This option requires an additional payment AND waiver declaration which sits outside of the usual trip agreement. Ask us for more details and pricing should you wish to join.

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast, we head into the city for a walking tour that includes the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, City Square, and the Opera House—all influenced by 19th-century French colonial design. Take in the city’s vibrant street life and green spaces, and enjoy a cup of locally brewed Vietnamese coffee. Return to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Chinatown to experience daily local life, followed by a stop at Giac Lam Pagoda—the city’s oldest temple at over 300 years old. We wrap up with a short walking tour through the Flower Market and Binh Tay Market. Return onboard for our farewell cocktail and dinner. Overnight in port.

Meals:  B,L,D

Enjoy breakfast before disembarking. We’ll visit the War Remnants Museum for a powerful insight into Vietnam’s modern history. After the tour, transfer to the Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (17 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1) for lunch at the hotel restaurant or nearby, before farewelling the group around 2:00 p.m. Please ensure your flight is scheduled no earlier than 5:00 p.m.

Meals:  B