RV La Marguerite Cruise 8-day Upstream Sai Gon - Siem Reap
Destination: Saigon, Vinh Long, Ben Tre, Cai Be, Tan Chau, Phnom Penh, Silk Island, Angkor Ban, Kampong Cham, Siem Reap
Departure date of itinerary: Contact us for details
Itinerary of RV La Marguerite Cruise 8-day Upstream Sai Gon - Siem Reap
Your RV La Marguerite cruise begins in the vibrant energy of Saigon. We gather in the morning for a scenic 130km transfer to Vinh Long, pausing along the way to explore the bustling Cholon Market and a traditional lacquerware workshop to witness the meticulous artistry of Vietnam.
Upon arrival in Vinh Long, step aboard the elegant RV La Marguerite, where our crew awaits with a warm welcome and a refreshing lunch. In the golden afternoon light, we visit the Van Thanh Mieu Temple, a majestic "Temple of Literature" dating back to 1864. The day concludes with a soul-stirring Hat Boi performance, an ancient Vietnamese art form blending dance and storytelling. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and dinner as we begin our voyage.
Wake up to the gentle rhythm of the river. This morning, we navigate the Mang Thit district, where the skyline is dotted with towering brick kilns. We board smaller boats to glide through narrow canals and visit a local factory.
After a delicious lunch on board, our exploration continues into the heart of Ben Tre. We’ll discover a unique floating coconut market, where the region's famous bounty is traded directly on the water. Following a peaceful visit to the Vinh Buu Pagoda, return to your "floating sanctuary" for an evening of fine dining and relaxation.
After breakfast, we set off for Tan Phong Island. Wander through lush landscapes and learn the craft of weaving decorative items from water hyacinths. We then journey through fruit orchards to sample exotic local flavors. Before returning to the ship, we pass the iconic Gothic Cathedral of Cai Be and visit a family-run workshop producing rice paper and coconut sweets.
In the afternoon, we reach Sa Dec, the nostalgic setting of Marguerite Duras’s childhood. Soak in the Mediterranean-like charm of this delta town, visiting the House of the Chinese Lover - now a beautifully preserved museum. Our walk also includes a colorful local market and a Caodaist temple, showcasing the region's unique spiritual blend.
The morning finds us in Tan Chau, a peaceful town reflecting the quintessential life of the Mekong. Via local boats, we visit agricultural hamlets, traditional mat-weaving workshops, and silk factories where the "Queen of Fabrics" is still produced by hand.
Lunch is served as we sail toward the Cambodian border. The afternoon is spent enjoying the facilities of the RV La Marguerite while our staff handles the border formalities. By evening, we are officially in the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Welcome to Phnom Penh, a city where French-colonial boulevards meet modern ambition. Our morning is dedicated to the city's royal heritage. We visit the Royal Palace and the breathtaking Silver Pagoda, home to priceless national treasures.
We continue to the National Museum, which houses the world's finest collection of Khmer sculptural art. After lunch on board, the afternoon is yours to relax or explore the city's burgeoning cafe culture.
Early this morning, we sail to Silk Island (Koh Oknha Tei). We explore this tranquil island by tuk-tuk, visiting a community of weavers who keep ancient Khmer traditions alive.
Returning to Phnom Penh for lunch, the afternoon is reserved for your own individual discoveries - perhaps a visit to the Central Market or the riverside promenade. As evening approaches, join us for a fascinating onboard lecture by a regional specialist, providing deep insights into Cambodia’s complex history.
Today, we navigate the wild and winding meanders of the Upper Mekong. This stretch of the river remains beautifully preserved and serene.
After lunch, we arrive at Angkor Ban, a rare village that remained untouched during the country's turbulent years. Walking through this "living museum," you will see century-old stilted houses and experience the intimate, slow-paced lifestyle of the Khmer people. It is a profound dive into the heart of authentic Cambodia.
Our voyage concludes as we disembark in Kampong Cham after breakfast. We begin our 5-hour drive to Siem Reap, pausing at the historic Kampong Kdei Bridge. This ancient structure, built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, stands as a testament to the engineering brilliance of the Angkorian era. We arrive in Siem Reap by lunchtime, leaving you with memories of a lifetime.
