Fully escorted and totally unique!
Package summary: 18 nights Cruise & Tour
Package starts: 2 April 2025 – from Hanoi, Vietnam
Cruise starts: 10 April 2025 – from Kampong Cham (near Siem Reap)
Cruise ends: 17 April 2025 – into Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Package ends; 20 April 2025 – at Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
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This exclusively created (and one off special departure) cruise and tour covers Vietnam from north to South and the wonders of Cambodia in one 18 night small ship and small group tour. Tick off the bucket list items like Ha Long Bay and Angkor, and mix it up with jungle visits and paying your respects at the significant battle military site of Long Tan.
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ANGKOR TO ANZACS Cruise & Tour package prices include:
– Services of a professional tour escort throughout the itinerary below
– One way transfer from Hanoi airport to hotel
– 2 nights accommodation at the Intercontinental Westlake Hotel in Hanoi (or similar) including daily breakfast
– Hanoi city sightseeing tour with lunch: Visit the exquisitely preserved 12th Century Confucius Temple of Literature, West Lake, the `Hanoi Hilton,` the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, and the modest `House on Stilts` where this key figure in Vietnam`s independence movement lived for many years. Lunch at KOTO restaurant where children from lower socio-economic circumstances are trained for successful careers in hospitality and Food & Beverage.
– Afternoon Hanoi cyclo tour through the historic quarter, then water puppet performance and dinner in a local restaurant
– Return transfers from Hanoi hotel to Ha Long Bay port to Hanoi airport
– 1 night Ha Long Bay cruise aboard the Paradise Elegance in a deluxe cabin. Cruise includes lunch and dinner onboard and a visit to a pearl farm and Titov Island. Optional hiking or swimming opportunities.
– One way economy class airfare from Hanoi to Da Nang inc tax and luggage
– Return transfers Da Nang airport to hotel in Hoi An to airport in Da Nang
– 2 nights accommodation at the Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery (or similar) with daily breakfast
– Hoi An sightseeing tour including one hour cruise on the Thu Bon River with lunch at a local restaurant
– One way economy class airfare from Da Nang to Siem Reap inc tax and luggage
– One way transfer from Siem Reap airport to hotel
– 3 nights accommodation at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, Siem Reap (or similar) with daily breakfast
– Sunrise by TukTuk at Angkor Wat tour
– Full day sightseeing to Ta Prohm and Bayon Temple at the Angkor Complex with lunch at local restaurant and afternoon visit to Kampong Pluk Floating village.
– Apsara cultural evening and dinner show in Siem Reap
– Full day sightseeing to Angkor Wat and Banteay Srei with lunch at local restaurant
– One way transfer from Siem Reap hotel to Kampong Cham port for embarkation
– 7 night Mekong Princess river cruise from Kampong Cham to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) including: All onboard meals provided by an expertly trained culinary team – buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and seated multiple course dinner, including exclusive `Spa Cuisine` and French-Indochine inspired options | Complimentary onboard organic coffee, herbal teas, mineral water, soft drinks, local beer and local spirits with meals | Series of cultural performances, educational talks, cooking classes and more | Local Entertainment on selected evenings | Complimentary Wireless internet in all public areas (speeds and reception may vary) | Port charges and taxes | Shipboard and shoreside gratuities | A range of complimentary excursions – see in-depth day to day itinerary for cruise/tour below for touring options during cruise | Additional luxury inclusions supporting ship excursions such as: Shoe cleaning after excursions | Welcome drink following excursions | Individual VOX listening devices | Modern air-conditioned coach transfers by road
– Tour and transfer from Ho Chi Minh port to hotel including Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House and City Hall. Visit the Independence Palace and the War Remnants Museum plus the famous Ben Thanh Market with lunch and dinner at local restaurants.
– 3 nights accommodation at the InterContinental Saigon (or similar) with daily breakfast
– Day tour to Long Tan Battle site including Nui Dat Task Force Base (headquarters for the ANZAC forces) with lunch at Vung Tau
– Day tour to Cu Chi Tunnels and the famous Rex hotel with lunch at a local restaurant
– One way transfer from Ho Chi Minh hotel to airport
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See below for full day to day itinerary:
Day 1: Wednesday, 02 April 2025: Hanoi Arrival
Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be transferred to your accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or begin exploring on your own.
Accommodation: Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel (Classic Room)
Day 2: Thursday, 03 April 2025: Hanoi City Tour (B, L, D)
Enjoy a panoramic city tour, including the exquisitely preserved 12th Century Confucius Temple of Literature, West Lake, the `Hanoi Hilton,` the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, and the modest `House on Stilts` where this key figure in Vietnam`s independence movement lived for many years. Lunch at KOTO restaurant where children from lower socio-economic circumstances are trained for successful careers in hospitality and Food & Beverage.
Take a cyclo (a three-wheel bicycle taxi) tour through the alleyways of the city`s charming historic quarter, with its jumble of shops and cafes. After a charming water puppet performance (front row seat), gather this evening for dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel (Classic Room)
Day 3: Friday, 04 April 2025: Hanoi – Halong Bay (3 hour drive) / One night cruise (B, L, D)
Today we travel approximately four-hours to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters and more than 1,600 limestone islands rising from the sea. Embark the `Paradise Elegance` ship to begin your overnight cruise. Lunch will be served while cruising and exploring Halong Bay. After lunch on board, visit Tung Sau pearl farm, and then Titov Island. You can choose to either hike the mountain to get a scenic view over Halong Bay or have a swim at the beach on the island. Enjoy sunset at L`Odyssee Sundeck or Piano Lounge. Savour a western-style set menu for dinner, prepared by the talented chef.
Meals: Breakfast at Hotel, Lunch & Dinner on board
Accommodation: Paradise Elegance Cruise / Deluxe Cabin
*Note: Due to cruising conditions in Ha Long Bay, itinerary may change without prior notice.
Day 4: Saturday, 05 April 2025: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Da Nang – Hoi An (B, L, D)
Boost your energy for a new day with a Tai Chi lesson held on deck. Enjoy light breakfast onboard in the still of the morning before cruising to Sung Sot Cave – the most beautiful and largest cave in Ha Long Bay with stalactites and stalagmites at various shapes and sizes and take in stunning scenery and views. Return to Tuan Chau Marina to disembark and transfer back to Hanoi Airport for a light lunch before boarding your domestic flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival at Da Nang, meet your guide and transfer to Hoi An (approximately 45 minutes by coach). It is the most charming town in Vietnam. The rest of day is free at your leisure. Dinner is included at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery (Deluxe Room)
Day 5: Sunday, 06 April 2025: Hoi An Sightseeing (B, L)
Hoi An was originally one of the major trading centres of South East Asia in the 16th Century. Today`s highlight is a visit to the World Heritage Site of Hoi An Town (walking tour), one of Vietnam`s most delightful places. Experience a different world with the narrow lanes and historic architecture, old houses, the 400-year-old Japanese bridge and the colourful market stalls brimming with tropical specialties. Afterwards relax on a one-hour cruise along Thu Bon River.
Lunch is served at a local restaurant by the river.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery (Deluxe Room)
Day 6: Monday, 07 April 2025: Hoi An – Da Nang – Siem Reap (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Hotel check out and transfer to Da Nang Airport for an international flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival at Siem Reap Airport, after clearing passport control and Customs, exit the terminal building and meet your local guide. You will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort (Superior Room)
Day 7: Tuesday, 08 April 2025: Sunrise Tour – Bayon & Ta Prohm Temples – Kampong Pluk Floating Village (B, L, D)
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Tour Start Time: 04:45 AM
This morning is an early departure from the hotel by Tuk Tuk, to view the sun rise over the `peaks` of Angkor Wat. A very special experience which will be one of many highlights of your visit to Angkor Wat. After sunrise you will return to your hotel to freshen-up and enjoy breakfast.
After breakfast, we will discover the beauty of the amazing Ta Prohm temple. Intentionally left partially unrestored, massive fig and silk-cotton trees grow from the towers and corridors offering some of the best `tree-in-temple` photo opportunities at Angkor. Then, we continue to visit Bayon Temple. The Bayon is a richly decorated Khmer temple related to Buddhism at Angkor in Cambodia. Built in the late 12th or early 13th Century as the state temple of the King Jayavarman VII, the Bayon stands at the centre of Jayavarman`s capital.
Lunch is included at a local restaurant in Siem Reap.
After lunch, you will be transferred to visit Kampong Pluk Floating Village. Kampong Pluk is accessible by boat only. It is a small fishing village providing insight into life on the Tonle Sap Lake. This village exists almost exclusively on fishing and related activities. Houses are built on stilts up to 10m high, and the village is surrounded by flooded forest. We will take a private boat trip to enjoy a scenic tour around the village. At the end of the trip, watch the beautiful sunset before returning to Siem Reap for dinner.
This evening you will be transferred to your Apsara Cultural Evening and Welcome Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner/Show
Accommodation: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort (Superior Room)
Day 8: Wednesday, 09 April 2025: Angkor Wat Tour (B, L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Tour Start Time: 08:00 AM
Depart the hotel to explore one of the most spectacular cultural sites in the world, regarded as the pinnacle of the amazing Khmer Empire that flourished here around the 12th century.
Featured Temples: Angkor Wat Temple
Banteay Srei Temple
*Note: Order of temple visits may change due to local conditions.
Lunch: Included today at a local restaurant.
Dinner: On own arrangement.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort (Superior Room)
Day 9: Thursday, 10 April 2025: Siem Reap – Kampong Cham – Embark RV Mekong Princess Cruise (B)
Pick-up time: 8.00 AM
Meeting Point: Main Lobby at Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra
Breakfast at the hotel in Siem Reap. End of land services in Siem Reap.
Transfer to the port in Kampong Cham by the cruise company to embark RV Mekong Princess for your 7 night cruise
Meals: Breakfast
MEKONG RIVER & DELTA, 8 DAY/7NIGHT CRUISE ITINERARY
Day 9: Thursday, 10 April 2025: Kampong Cham, Siem Reap / Embarkation (D)
Early this morning, the local guide will come to pick you up at your hotel in Siem Reap. Transfer by motor-coach from Siem Reap to Kampong Cham and embark the RV Mekong Princess. After enjoying the afternoon at leisure, enjoy a Welcome Reception and Cambodian Welcome Dinner on board. The ship sails to Angkor Ban and docks overnight.
Day 10: Friday, 11 April 2025: Angkor Ban – Phnom Penh (B, L, D)
We start the day 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 with a special blessing ceremony for the guests by local monks, then we keep going on visiting to a local family`s home, to meet them and discuss their lifestyle. We continue through the village to the local school where we join the children in their classroom and experience what their typical school day is like. Ship sails to Phnom Penh and docks at the center port. This afternoon, local cyclo drivers meet you for an exciting city tour of Phnom Penh. You begin your ride along the riverfront to the Royal Palace, where a leisurely walk takes you through the grounds, with opportunities to visit the Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion. Upon crossing into the second section of the complex, you walk amongst enormous stupas and spirit houses, on the way to the famous Silver Pagoda, home of Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and Maitreya Buddha, encrusted with more than 9,000 diamonds. Following a short break, your cyclos take you to the National Museum. Housing the largest pre-Angkorian and Angkorian holdings in Cambodia, the National Museum ends the morning tour with a comprehensive look at many of the artefacts excavated around the Angkor Archaeological Area in Siem Reap, as well as other areas around the former Khmer Empire.
The ship docks in Phnom Penh overnight.
Day 11: Saturday, 12 April 2025: Phnom Penh – Cambodia (B, L, D)
This morning, private motor-coach take you on a scenic 45-minute drive from the ship, arriving at Choeung Ek, the killing fields depicted in the movie, and the center of the darkest days of Cambodian history. You may walk through the fields, visit the small museum and Memorial Stupa, and learn more about the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. On the return drive to Phnom Penh, a stop is made at Tuol Sleng (infamously known as S-21), which was converted by the Khmer Rouge from a large school to a prison and torture headquarters. The afternoon is free at leisure for your own exploration the charming city of Phnom Penh.
This evening before dinner, enjoy the entertainment onboard with a cultural performance including Apsara, Cambodia`s national dance, as well as several traditional folk dances.
The ship docks in Phnom Penh overnight.
Day 12: Sunday, 13 April 2025: Border Crossing / Hong Ngu – Gieng Island (B, L, D)
Early morning, Mekong Princess will make her way towards the border of Cambodia- Vietnam and complete formalities.
After completing immigration procedures to Viet Nam, we visit the local island village of Hong Ngu, not far from the Vietnam-Cambodia border. Hong Ngu produces a large number of the traditional, Khmer scarves exported to Cambodia. Woven in many homes around the village, here we have the opportunity to see the weaving process under several homes. Some villagers are also embroidery artists, displaying their art in and around the homes. The inhabitants of this area had only encountered one western visitor prior to the arrival of the RV Mekong Princess, they are especially friendly and welcoming. Guests will also visit the local temple dedicated to a unique religion founded in this area of Vietnam, Hoa Hoa.
In the afternoon, we board sampans that will take us into Gieng Island. After a short walk around the local sampan village, where sampans are produced daily by local families, we take a canal drive to explore the mango gardens along the riverbanks. We will try one of most popular local transportation named `xe loi` (motor trishaw) driving through this island to visit a Phanxico Monastery.
The ship sails to Hoa An and anchors overnight.
Day 13: Monday, 14 April 2025: Hoa An Village – Can Tho (B, L, D)
This morning continue excursion by boat to Hoa An village, where is untouched and well-known with flower growing and handmade craft. Our first stop at flower gardens where we will see many different kinds of flowers and learn how to grow and take care of them. Then, a short walking to a local house and chat with the host to see how they live and work in their daily life.
After a short break, continue our excursion on motor cart to another village. We stop by at the conical hat-making and mat weaving families, have memorable time chatting with local family members and learning how to create products though hands-on experience. Enjoy your walk in the peaceful village with rice fields, fruit trees in between visiting few local families.
This afternoon, the ship sails through an area of the Mekong Delta barely touched by tourism to Can Tho city, the capital riverside city of Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Guests will take a short and orientated city tour with visiting to the Zihuang Pagoda (Chua Ong) and enjoying the welcome unicorn dances. Explore on your own around the charming city before having dinner onboard. The ship docks in Hoang Dieu Harbor.
*Onboard activity: Lecture of Vietnam, the Past & Present by your local Vietnamese host.
Day 14: Tuesday, 15 April 2025: Can Tho – Ben Tre (B, L, D)
Early this morning, continental breakfast will be served. Bus rides to the pier in Can Tho to board the sampan for a cruise through the fascinating Cai Rang floating market. The sampans will weave in and out of the many boats that sail into the market each morning to sell produce and other items the residents of the Mekong Delta need in their daily lives. As they weave through the market, there will be many opportunities for amazing photographs, while enjoying fresh fruit and the Vietnamese `anti-aging drink,` fresh coconut water. Before returning to the ship for breakfast, we stop at a local noodle factory, where we witness the amazing process of how they are made. We will then return to the Mekong Princess for a well-deserved breakfast.
After completing the port formalities, we will leave Hoang Dieu Harbor, downstream the Bassac river to sail through Tra On rivulet mouth, Nicolai canal, Mang Thit canal, Cho Lach rivulet mouth and Mekong river. The ship anchors and docks overnight in the heart of the Mekong Delta in Ben Tre province
*Onboard activity: Fruit Carvings & Tropical Fruits Demonstration by our Executive Chef.
Day 15: Wednesday, 16 April 2025: Ben Tre – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L, D)
This morning, sampans take you through a channel lined with mangroves. We will try one of the most popular local transportation called `xe lam` (three-wheeler) to visit a local coconut candy maker. After watching the candy-making process, walking through the village to visit an orchard where fruits native to Vietnam can be seen in various stages of maturity on the vine. After a fresh fruit tasting, you continue to a pier where you board small, local boats (two guests per boat) for a trip through the narrow creeks lined with Nipah palm before returning to the ship.
The ship sails through the `Mighty Mekong River` to Cho Gao canal, Vam Co river, Nuoc Man canal, Soai Rap river and Saigon river. The ship docks overnight at Saigon Port.
*Onboard activity: Cooking Class Demonstration by our Executive Chef.
Day 16: Thursday, 17 April 2025: Ho Chi Minh City – Saigon Port / Disembarkation (B)
Enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast in the Indochine Restaurant. After breakfast and completing the port formalities, we disembark the Mekong Princess at 8:00 A.M in Saigon port.
POST CRUISE LAND TOUR ITINERARY
Day 16: Thursday, 17 April 2025: Disembarkation – Ho Chi Minh City Tour (L, D)
Today you will join a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), which was built by the French in 1850. Begin with a visit to the beautiful Central Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral and along the way view the Opera House and City Hall, constructed by the French in 1898. Visit the Independence Palace also known as the Reunification Palace designed by the famous Vietnamese architect Ngo Viet Thu. The Palace was the former home and official residence of the former South Vietnam Presidents during the Vietnam War.
Next you will visit the War Remnants Museum, a history museum telling the story of the Vietnam War, and the Ben Thanh Market where virtually anything and everything is for sale, including handicrafts, traditional clothing and textiles, t-shirts and local food specialties. A fascinating and vibrant place.
Lunch at a local restaurant. This evening a welcome dinner will be served at a local restaurant.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: InterContinental Saigon (Classic City Room)
Day 17: Friday, 18 April 2025: Long Tan Battle Site Tour (B, L)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Tour Start Time: 08:30 AM
Depart the hotel by coach. Visit Nui Dat Task Force Base, headquarters for the ANZAC forces…we will see the remnants of the base. We will meet and chat with Vietnamese Veterans who participated in the battle which will give a better understanding of the history and significance of the site. Drive past the location of the Horseshoe, which was used by the Australian Forces as a military base during the Vietnam War to arrive at the Discourtesy Rubber Plantation where the Long Tan Battle took place. Visit the Long Tan Battle Cross which is a memorial to the Australian soldiers who died during the battle.
Transfer to Vung Tau for lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch we will tour by coach through the local countryside before returning to our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: InterContinental Saigon (Classic City Room)
Day 18: Saturday, 19 April 2025: Cu Chi Tunnels – Rex Hotel (B, L, D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Tour Start Time: 08:30 AM
This morning depart for a two-hour drive through the countryside, northwest of Saigon, to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. The tunnel complex was originally constructed in 1948 to hide weapons and soldiers from the French. The tunnel system also offered protection from both French air and ground operations and served as storage for food, weapons and as communication routes. Hospitals and living quarters were also built into this system. The tunnels were also used in the fight against the Americans and their allies during the Vietnam War. Your visit to the tunnel system will give you a better understanding of the area`s history and the hardship that the Vietnamese soldiers endured during these wars.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch start your walking tour along Dong Khoi Street through the heart of Saigon, the home of art galleries, cafes and restaurants. View the very famous Rex Hotel which has one of the most famous roof top bars in Saigon (2 drinks at the roof top bar is included), then walk to a local restaurant for Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: InterContinental Saigon (Classic City)
Day 19: Sunday, 20 April 2025: Ho Chi Minh City Departure (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
Check out of your luxury hotel and transfer to the Airport.
Ends.
Special Conditions
Special Validity Dates
Fully escorted and totally unique!
Pre-cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02 Apr 2025 | Arrive Hanoi on the 2nd of April 2025 and transfer to your accommodation | ||
| 03 Apr 2025 | Hanoi city tour with lunch at KOTO Restaurant and dinner at local restaurant | ||
| 04 Apr 2025 | Hanoi to Halong Bay transfer, embark Paradise Elegance ship | ||
| 04 Apr 2025 | Halong Bay overnight cruise with lunch and dinner onboard | ||
| 05 Apr 2025 | Halong Bay to Hanoi airport transfer, Fly to Da Nang, Transfer to Hoi An hotel | ||
| 06 Apr 2025 | Hoi An sightseeing with lunch at a local restaurant | ||
| 07 Apr 2025 | Transfer to airport at Da Nang, Fly to Siem Reap, Transfer to hotel | ||
| 08 Apr 2025 | Sunrise tour at Angkor Wat, return to hotel for breakfast | ||
| 08 Apr 2025 | Bayon & Ta Prohm temples touring plus Kampong Pluk Floating Village | ||
| 08 Apr 2025 | Dinner and show this evening with Apsara Cultural evening | ||
| 09 Apr 2025 | Angkor Wat, Banteay Srei Temples touring with lunch | ||
| 10 Apr 2025 | Transfer to port - Embark cruise |
Cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Apr 2025 | Siem Reap, Cambodia |
Hotel | Transfer |
| 10 Apr 2025 | Kampong Cham, Cambodia |
Embark | |
| 11 Apr 2025 | Angkor Ban, Cambodia |
||
| 11 Apr 2025 | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
||
| 12 Apr 2025 | Phnom Penh, Cambodia |
||
| 13 Apr 2025 | Hong Ngu, Vietnam |
||
| 13 Apr 2025 | Cu Lao Gieng, Vietnam |
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| 14 Apr 2025 | Hóa An, Vietnam |
||
| 14 Apr 2025 | Can Tho, Mekong Delta |
||
| 15 Apr 2025 | Can Tho, Mekong Delta |
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| 16 Apr 2025 | Ben Tre, Vietnam |
||
| 16 Apr 2025 | Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam |
||
| 17 Apr 2025 | Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam |
Disembark | Transfer / Hotel |
Post-cruise Itinerary
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Apr 2025 | Disembark Mekong Princess ship, tour of Ho Chi Minh City with lunch and dinner | ||
| 18 Apr 2025 | Nui Dat and Long Tan Battle Site tour with lunch | ||
| 19 Apr 2025 | Touring - Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City | Farewell dinner | ||
| 20 Apr 2025 | Transfer to airport Ho Chi Minh City. Ends. |
All itineraries and ports of call at the discretion of the cruise line subject to local weather conditions and may change without notice.
KAMPONG CHAM / EMBARKATION
Early this morning, transfer by motor-coach from Siem Reap to Kampong Cham and embark the RV Mekong Princess for lunch. After enjoying the afternoon at leisure, enjoy a Welcome Reception and Cambodian Welcome Dinner on board.
The ship sails to Angkor Ban and docks overnight.
ANGKOR BAN – PHNOM PENH
We start the day with a visit to the charming and authentic town of Angkor Ban. Here, we witness the daily life of the local people, starting with a visit to the pagoda with a special blessing ceremony for our guests by local monks, then we keep going on visiting to a local family’s home, to meet them and discuss their lifestyle. We continue through the village to the local school where we join the children in their classroom and experience what their typical school day is like. Ship sails to Phnom Penh and docks at the center port.
This afternoon, local cyclo drivers meet you for an exciting city tour of Phnom Penh. You begin your ride along the riverfront to the Royal Palace, where a leisurely walk takes you through the grounds, with opportunities to visit the Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion. Upon crossing into the second section of the complex, you walk amongst enormous stupas and spirit houses, on the way to the famous Silver Pagoda, home of Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and Maitreya Buddha, encrusted with more than 9,000 diamonds. Following a short break, your cyclos take you to the National Museum. Housing the largest pre-Angkorian and Angkorian holdings in Cambodia, the National Museum ends the morning tour with a comprehensive look at many of the artifacts excavated around the Angkor Archeological Area in Siem Reap, as well as other areas around the former Khmer Empire.
This evening before dinner, enjoying the entertainment onboard with a cultural performance including Apsara, Cambodia’s national dance, as well as several traditional folk dances.
The ship docks in Phnom Penh overnight.
PHNOM PENH – WELCOME TO CAMBODIA
This morning, private motor-coach take you on a scenic 45-minute drive from the ship, arriving at Choeung Ek, the killing fields depicted in the movie, and the center of the darkest days of Cambodian history. You may walk through the fields, visit the small museum and Memorial Stupa, and learn more about the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. On the return drive to Phnom Penh, a stop is made at Tuol Sleng (infamously known as S-21), which was converted by the Khmer Rouge from a large school to a prison and torture headquarters.
The afternoon is free at leisure for your own exploration the charming city of Phnom Penh. The ship docks in Phnom Penh overnight.
*Onboard activity: Lecture of Cambodia’s Geography and Life along the Mekong River by your local Cambodian host.
BORDER CROSSING / HONG NGU – GIENG ISLAND
This morning we visit the local island village of Hong Ngu, not far from the Vietnam-Cambodia border. Hong Ngu produces a large number of the traditional, Khmer scarves exported to Cambodia. Woven in many homes around the village, here we have the opportunity to see the weaving process under several homes. Some villagers are also embroidery artists, displaying their art in and around the homes. The inhabitants of this area had only encountered one western visitor prior to the arrival of the RV Mekong Princess, they are especially friendly and welcoming. Guests will also visit the local temple dedicated to a unique religion founded in this area of Vietnam, Hoa Hoa.
In the afternoon, we board sampans that will take us into Gieng Island. After a short walk around the local sampan village, where hundreds of sampans are produced daily by local families, we take a canal drive to explore the untouched floating area with duck farms, monkey bridges, and tropical orchards along the riverside. We will try one of most popular local transportation named “xe loi” (motor trishaw) driving through this island to visit a Catholic Church, built around the same time as the Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon in the 1870s.
The ship sails to Hoa An and anchors overnight.
HOA AN VILLAGE – CAN THO
This morning, continue excursion by boat to Hoa An village, where is untouched and well-known with flower growing and handmade craft. Our first stop at flower gardens where we will see many different kinds of flowers and learn how to grow and take care of them. Then, a short walking to a local house and chat with the host to see how they live and work in their daily life.
After a short break, continue our excursion on motor cart to another village. We stop by at the conical hat-making and mat weaving families, have memorable time chatting with local family members and learning how to create products though hands-on experience. Enjoy your walk in the peaceful village with rice fields, fruit trees in between visiting few local families.
This afternoon, the ship sails through an area of the Mekong Delta barely touched by tourism to Can Tho city, the capital riverside city of Mekong Delta of Vietnam. Guests will take a short and orientated city tour with visiting to the Zihuang Pagoda (Chua Ong) and enjoying the welcome unicorn dances. Explore yourself on own around the charming city before having dinner onboard. The ship docks in Can Tho overnight.
*Onboard activity: Fruit Carvings & Tropical Fruits Demonstration by our Executive Chef.
CAN THO
We begin our morning after breakfast aboard the sampans for a cruise through the fascinating Cai Rang floating market near Can Tho. The sampans will weave in and out of the many boats that sail into the market each morning to sell produce and other items the residents of the Mekong Delta need in their daily lives. As they weave through the market, there will be many opportunities for amazing photographs, while enjoying fresh fruit and the Vietnamese “anti-aging drink,” fresh coconut water. Before returning to the ship for breakfast, we stop at a local noodle factory, where we witness the amazing process of how they are made.
The Princess sails and anchors near Ben Tre.
*Onboard activity: Lecture of Vietnam, the Past & Present by your local Vietnamese host.
BEN TRE – HO CHI MINH CITY
This morning, sampans take you through a channel lined with mangroves to visit a local coconut candy maker. After watching the candy-making process, walking through the village to visit an orchard where fruits native to Vietnam can be seen in various stages of maturity on the vine. After a fresh fruit tasting, you continue to a pier where you board small, local boats (two guests per boat) for a trip through the narrow creeks lined with Nipah palm before returning to the ship.
The ship sails through the beautiful Bassac River to Ho Chi Minh City, where it docks overnight at Saigon Port.
*Onboard activity: Cooking Class Demonstration by our Executive Chef.
HO CHI MINH CITY – SAIGON PORT / DISEMBARKATION
After breakfast we disembark the Mekong Princess in Ho Chi Minh City – Saigon Port and transferred by motor-coach to the Meeting Point, the Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel.
Built in Saigon to international design and safety standards, Mekong Princess was launched in 2015 and is considered the best constructed and most elegant vessel plying the waters of the Mekong River today. The Mekong Princess accommodates 28 guests with 14 luxurious suites. She is 63 meters in length with a 10 meter beam (width), powered by two 480 HP Doosan Marine engines and can cruise at a top speed of eleven knots (20 kms per hour). The average cruising speed is 8 knots (approximately 15 kms per hour).
Ship Profile & Stats
- Length: 63m
- Maiden Voyage: 2015
- Passenger Capacity (dbl): 28
- Ship Registration: Vietnam
The MEKONG PRINCESS was launched in 2015 and is one of the only Mekong River cruise vessels to utilise the central city location of Saigon Port, Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam. She cruises the waters of the Mekong River from Saigon, deep into the heart of the Mekong Delta, then cross the border into the Kingdom of Cambodia. After seven nights of river cruising, disembark in Kampong Cham, the closest port of call to Siem Reap and the legendary Angkor Wat Temple. Each journey, either upstream from Saigon to Siem Reap or downstream from Siem Reap to Saigon, is a truly inspirational sojourn.
Your hosts are a delightful combination of young highly trained Vietnamese and Khmer crew. They are humble in their approach to service and conscientious in their standards of safety. The Mekong Princess’s attention to detail, in all aspects of life on-board, is second to none. Bon Voyage
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Located on the Bassac Deck, our two 560 square feet (52 square meters) Angkor Suites
Amenities In Room
Separate Glass Rain Shower Separate Glass Rain Shower
Complimentary Laundry Service Complimentary Laundry Service
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Complimentary evening canapes and scented Complimentary evening canapes and scented
Marble Spa bath with a large Soaking Tub Marble Spa bath with a large Soaking Tub
Fixed King Bed Fixed King Bed
Individual Climate Control Individual Climate Control
Bath preparation (on request) Bath preparation (on request)
Private veranda with spacious relaxing area Private veranda with spacious relaxing area
Located on the Bassac Deck, our two 560 square feet (52 square meters) Angkor Suites offer the most spacious and luxurious accommodations aboard the Mekong Princess.
In addition to French doors opening onto a private veranda with seating area, the suites’ floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow for breathtaking views of the passing scenery. The suites feature a king-size bed with a premium mattress and linens, a spa bath with a large soaking tub and glass rain shower, and a fully stocked minibar. Guests choosing one of the Angkor Suites enjoy an extra level of personal service, with complimentary laundry service, complimentary evening canapes and scented bath preparation, on request.
Located forward on the Bassac Deck, the two Tonle Suites provide guests with 323 square feet (30 square meters)
Amenities In Room
Separate Glass Rain Shower Separate Glass Rain Shower
Individual Climate Control Individual Climate Control
Fixed King Bed Fixed King Bed
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Marble Spa bath with a large Soaking Tub Marble Spa bath with a large Soaking Tub
Located forward on the Bassac Deck, the two Tonle Suites provide guests with 323 square feet (30 square meters) of living space featuring a king bed, spa bath with soaking tub and separate rain shower, and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open to a French balcony offering panoramic views of the passing landscape.
The four Apsara Suites are located mid-ship on the Bassac Deck. With 256 square feet (24 square meters) of living space
Amenities In Room
Queen Bed Queen Bed
Twin Beds Twin Beds
Individual Climate Control Individual Climate Control
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
The four Apsara Suites are located mid-ship on the Bassac Deck. With 256 square feet (24 square meters) of living space, they feature floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a French balcony and a luxurious marble bath with rain shower. Guests choosing an Apsara Suite may request two twin beds or one queen bed.
The four Saigon Suites are located forward on the Mekong Deck, and offer 256 square feet (24 square meters) of living space
Amenities In Room
Luxurious Marble Bath with Glass Rain Shower Luxurious Marble Bath with Glass Rain Shower
Queen Bed Queen Bed
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Individual Climate Control Individual Climate Control
Twin Beds Twin Beds
The four Saigon Suites are located forward on the Mekong Deck, and offer 256 square feet (24 square meters) of living space with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open to a French balcony. The suite’s spacious bath is finished in marble and offers an indulgent rain shower. Guests may request two twin beds or one queen bed.
The two Junior Suites are located mid-ship on the Mekong Deck, and offer 216 square feet (20 square meters) of living space
Amenities In Room
Separate Glass Rain Shower Separate Glass Rain Shower
Twin Beds Twin Beds
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Luxurious Marble Bath with Glass Rain Shower Luxurious Marble Bath with Glass Rain Shower
Individual Climate Control Individual Climate Control
Located forward on the Bassac Deck, the two Tonle Suites provide guests with 323 square feet (30 square meters)
Amenities In Room
Separate Glass Rain Shower Separate Glass Rain Shower
Individual Climate Control Individual Climate Control
Fixed King Bed Fixed King Bed
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Marble Spa bath with a large Soaking Tub Marble Spa bath with a large Soaking Tub
Located forward on the Bassac Deck, the two Tonle Suites provide guests with 323 square feet (30 square meters) of living space featuring a king bed, spa bath with soaking tub and separate rain shower, and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open to a French balcony offering panoramic views of the passing landscape.
Located on the Bassac Deck, our two 560 square feet (52 square meters) Angkor Suites
Amenities In Room
Separate Glass Rain Shower Separate Glass Rain Shower
Complimentary Laundry Service Complimentary Laundry Service
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Complimentary evening canapes and scented Complimentary evening canapes and scented
Marble Spa bath with a large Soaking Tub Marble Spa bath with a large Soaking Tub
Fixed King Bed Fixed King Bed
Individual Climate Control Individual Climate Control
Bath preparation (on request) Bath preparation (on request)
Private veranda with spacious relaxing area Private veranda with spacious relaxing area
Located on the Bassac Deck, our two 560 square feet (52 square meters) Angkor Suites offer the most spacious and luxurious accommodations aboard the Mekong Princess.
In addition to French doors opening onto a private veranda with seating area, the suites’ floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow for breathtaking views of the passing scenery. The suites feature a king-size bed with a premium mattress and linens, a spa bath with a large soaking tub and glass rain shower, and a fully stocked minibar. Guests choosing one of the Angkor Suites enjoy an extra level of personal service, with complimentary laundry service, complimentary evening canapes and scented bath preparation, on request.
The two Junior Suites are located mid-ship on the Mekong Deck, and offer 216 square feet (20 square meters) of living space
Amenities In Room
Separate Glass Rain Shower Separate Glass Rain Shower
Twin Beds Twin Beds
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Luxurious Marble Bath with Glass Rain Shower Luxurious Marble Bath with Glass Rain Shower
Individual Climate Control Individual Climate Control
The four Saigon Suites are located forward on the Mekong Deck, and offer 256 square feet (24 square meters) of living space
Amenities In Room
Luxurious Marble Bath with Glass Rain Shower Luxurious Marble Bath with Glass Rain Shower
Queen Bed Queen Bed
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
Individual Climate Control Individual Climate Control
Twin Beds Twin Beds
The four Saigon Suites are located forward on the Mekong Deck, and offer 256 square feet (24 square meters) of living space with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that open to a French balcony. The suite’s spacious bath is finished in marble and offers an indulgent rain shower. Guests may request two twin beds or one queen bed.
The four Apsara Suites are located mid-ship on the Bassac Deck. With 256 square feet (24 square meters) of living space
Amenities In Room
Queen Bed Queen Bed
Twin Beds Twin Beds
Individual Climate Control Individual Climate Control
Flat-screen TV Flat-screen TV
The four Apsara Suites are located mid-ship on the Bassac Deck. With 256 square feet (24 square meters) of living space, they feature floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a French balcony and a luxurious marble bath with rain shower. Guests choosing an Apsara Suite may request two twin beds or one queen bed.
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