RV Mekong Adventurer Cruise 8 Days Siem Reap - Saigon
Destination: Siem Reap, Tonle Sap Lake, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Tralach, Oudong, Koh Oknha Tey, Phnom Penh, Tan Chau, Vam Nao Canal, Sa Dec, Cai Be, My Tho, Cholon, Saigon
Departure date of itinerary: Contact us for details
Itinerary of RV Mekong Adventurer Cruise 8 Days Siem Reap - Saigon
Your remarkable Small Ship Mekong River Cruise begins with a morning pick-up at the designated meeting point at Sokha Angkor Resort in Siem Reap, followed by a comfortable transfer to the Phnom Krom pier. Step aboard the elegant RV Mekong Adventurer, settle into your luxury stateroom, and enjoy a fresh welcome lunch.
In the afternoon, the vessel begins its grand departure, charting a course across the vast Tonle Sap Lake. Gather on the sun deck in the evening for a signature Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises under the stars.
Awaken as the ship arrives in Kampong Chhnang, a bustling and picturesque rural port town located around 90 km from Phnom Penh. Board local wooden boats to navigate the authentic floating villages, where life unfolds entirely on the water through an intricate network of canals. Step ashore for a guided walk through the lively local market before returning to the ship for lunch.
In the afternoon, travel by coach to discover the charming Wat Kampong Leu Pagoda, admiring its beautifully preserved, century-old wall paintings. Enjoy a nostalgic ox-cart ride through the countryside, followed by a short drive to Oudong, the historic Cambodian capital between 1618 and 1866. Climb the sacred hilltop to see the ancient royal stupas, and visit the serene Vipassana Dhura Pagoda, a renowned center of meditation for Buddhist monks.
The morning brings you to the peaceful river islands of Koh Chong or Koh Oknha Tey, celebrated as Cambodia’s historic "Silk Land." Enjoy a gentle walking tour through a traditional silk-weaving village, visiting a local workshop to watch artisans practice ancient handloom techniques. You will also visit a beautiful village pagoda and drop by a local primary school for a heartwarming interaction with the children.
Return to your Boutique Mekong Cruise for lunch as the ship sails toward the capital. Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, step ashore for a guided afternoon visit to Wat Phnom, the historic hilltop temple that gave the city its name. In the evening, enjoy a gourmet dinner followed by a spectacular live performance of traditional Khmer Apsara dancing on the upper deck.
Spend a full day exploring Phnom Penh, a city that beautifully retains its French colonial architecture along its lively riverfront promenades. Your morning guided tour by coach features the majestic Royal Palace complex and the glittering Silver Pagoda, alongside the National Museum, which houses an unparalleled collection of ancient Khmer crafts and masterpieces.
After lunch on board, dedicate your afternoon to an insightful excursion to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum ("S21"), a former high school used as a detention center during the Khmer Rouge era from 1975 to 1979. Wrap up your day with free time for shopping and exploring the iconic Art Deco Central Market.
Enjoy a relaxing day of scenic river navigation as the ship casts off from Phnom Penh and charts a course toward the Vietnamese border. This day offers a perfect Mekong River Cruise Luxury Experience on board, relax by the outdoor plunge pool or take in the panoramic views from the Sky Bar as you glide past timeless stilt villages and expansive local fishing networks.
The ship will anchor at the international border station for approximately 4 hours to complete all necessary customs and immigration formalities before crossing into Vietnam.
Welcome to Vietnam! The ship anchors this morning near Tan Chau, a remote and authentic border town on the main branch of the Mekong River. After breakfast, transfer to local small boats to visit a thriving floating fish-farm network.
Step ashore for a guided walk through a village to observe traditional woven mat workshops and silk-weaving artisans. Cap off your morning exploration with a fun, traditional rickshaw (xe lôi) ride through the town center back to the pier. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon of scenic cruising as the vessel navigates deeper into the fertile Mekong Delta.
Arrive in Sa Dec, a charming delta town made famous by French author Marguerite Duras, who spent her childhood here. Your morning tour features the historic school where Duras' mother taught, followed by a visit to the beautifully preserved house of her Chinese Lover, now operating as an intimate museum. You will also visit a colorful Caodaist Temple and take a stroll through the bustling local market.
Return to the ship for lunch as we cruise past Vinh Long Province en route to Cai Be. Upon arrival, board local boats to view the historic French Gothic Cathedral from the water. Step ashore to explore the riverbanks and visit artisanal workshops manufacturing traditional rice paper and sweet coconut candies. Celebrate your final evening on this All Inclusive Mekong Cruise with a grand farewell dinner and a live show of traditional Vietnamese folk music.
The vessel arrives at its final port of call in My Tho. Enjoy a farewell breakfast in the panoramic dining room before disembarking the ship.
Your shared coach transfer to Saigon city center includes an exciting en-route stop to explore the vibrant Cholon Market (Chinatown) and a guided visit to a traditional Vietnamese lacquerware factory, bringing your unforgettable river odyssey to a close.
