River Cruises Direct

4 Cities and The Mekong

Mekong Experience

A Lost Civilisation

Mekong Odyssey - 11 Nights

2 Nights Saigon, 7 Nights Mekong Cruise and 2 Nights Siem Reap (or in reverse) 

Based on the R/V Mekong Prestige II

Day 1 - Saigon

Arrive Saigon and transfer to your hotel. Your evening is free time.
Hotel: Sofitel Plaza

Day 2 – Saigon  

Today, experience the very best of Saigon on a full-day city tour.

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as the city is still frequently referred to, is Vietnam’s largest city. It is a fast-paced metropolis full of contrasts, with street vendors selling fruit and vegetables next to glitzy western-style bars and boutiques. Amazingly, the city’s history dates back only 300 years. In 1859 the city was captured by the French and became the capital of Cochin China. From 1956 until April 1975 it was the capital of the US-backed Republic of Vietnam. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is very much the heart of Vietnamese business and entrepreneurial activity. Yet, the city still retains its connections to the past, particularly in Cholon which is the city’s Chinatown. Here dozens of elegant temples and pagodas can be seen. The French also left their mark with some fine colonial-era buildings such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

In the morning you will visit:

The Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office: Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture. Remarkably, every stone used in its creation was shipped from France to Vietnam. Her two forty metre towers, topped with iron spires, still dominate the city’s skyline. The Old Post Office is another example of French colonial architecture and is also the country’s largest post office. 

Dong Khoi Street, the Opera House and the Peoples’ Committee Building: built in 1897 by French architect Ferret Eugene, the 800 seat Opera House was used as the home of the Lower House Assembly of Sourth Vietnam after 1956. It was not until 1975 that it was again used for performances. The structure was restored in 1995. The Opera House is located on the historical Dong Khoi Street which is home to many boutiques and fine restaurants. Just around the corner are the iconic Rex hotel and the beautiful Peoples’ Committee Building.

The Reunification Palace: This is one of the most important buildings in the city. Here on April 30th 1975 the ‘American War’ officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.

At approximately 12 pm you will enjoy lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will visit:

The War Remnants Museum: Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem’ exhibit is particularly touching, dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.

Thien Hau Pagoda: Located in Cholon, the city’s Chinatown, this pagoda is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. The most impressive features of this structure are the intricately friezes and the carved tableaus towards the front of the pagoda. The impressive incense coils in the interior also make for some great photos. 

Cholon Cyclo Tour: This is one of the best ways to observe street life in this vibrant commercial centre. Enjoy a ride through the narrow streets and timeless street scenes as you soak up the atmosphere in comfort.

Binh Tay Market: The name ‘Cho Lon’ can be roughly translated as ‘Big market’. Although the whole district lives up to its name a visit to this market really drives the point home. Selling everything from hats to dried squid, you are sure to enjoy a walk through the maze of stalls in this bustling market.

Soak up the history of Dong Khoi Street on a walking tour, visit the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum, and the city’s biggest wholesale market in Chinatown. This afternoon, discover the Cu Chi Tunnels on the city’s outskirts.
Hotel: Sofitel Plaza

Day 3 to 10 - Saigon to Siem Reap - Mekong Cruise

Transfer arranged to My Tho, located at 70 kilometres away. Arrival in My Tho and welcome on board your chosen Mekong Cruise and settling into the cabins. Please refer to the itinerary for your preferred cruise. 

Day 11 – Siem Reap & Temples of Angkor

This is a one day private classic tour of Angkor Wat and other important temples and ruins surrounding Siem Reap. The day begins at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, where you will begin your exploration of the centrepiece of this ancient city, the Bayon. The Bayon holds 54 towers decorated with more than 200 enigmatically smiling stone faces. The morning tour also visits the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Terrace of Elephants and Terrace of Leper Kings, as well as Ta Prohm Temple, famously featured in the movie, Tomb Raider. 

Afterwards, enjoy a relaxed lunch in Siem Reap before heading to the famous Angkor Wat - the best preserved of all the Angkor temples. There is ample time for a thorough exploration of this huge architectural wonder before climbing to the top of ancient Pre Rup temple to watch the sunset over the jungle.

Spend an incredible day touring the ancient and mysterious Temples of Angkor, starting with the most famous, Angkor Wat. Also visit the Bayon, and atmospheric tree-covered Ta Prohm and Preah Kahn. 
Hotel: Victoria Angkor Hotel

Day 12 – Siem Reap

Your stay ends with an airport transfer.

Legendary Mekong

7 Nights - Saigon to Siem Reap

Based on the R/V Mekong Prestige II

Day 1 - Saigon & My Tho
Meeting at Sofitel Plaza hotel in Saigon at 9 am for the transfer arrangement to My Tho, located at 70 kilometers away. Arrival in My Tho and welcome on board of RV MEKONG PRESTIGE and settling into the cabins. Lunch on board. Start of sailing in the afternoon.
Welcome Dinner on board.

Day 2 - Cai Be - Sa Dec
Arrival at Cai Be in the morning. After breakfast we take a morning junk trip around Cai Be along a floating market, go ashore to see the French Gothic Cathedral. Walking along the bank river and sightseeing of the rice paper manufacturer and coconut sweets. We cruise past Vinh Long Province to arrive at Sa Dec for an afternoon walk. French writer Marguerite Duras spent some of her childhood in Sa Dec, a sprawling busy town in the Mekong Delta. In Sa Dec, Director Jean-Jacques Annaud shot much of his film 'The Lover'. Ancient riverboats load and unload at the wharves built almost to the shop doors. Both the school where Duras’ mother taught and the small house behind it where the family must have lived still stand. We see the house of the Chinese Lover of Marguerite. The house now is little museum of 'The Lover' in Sadec. Night navigation through the Delta.

Day 3 - Tan Chau & Border Crossing
Arrival in the morning at Tan Chau, a remote small town on the main Mekong River. After breakfast, transfer on small boats to visit a fishing farm. We go ashore to visit mat’s making workshop, and take a short walk in the village to visit a silk weaving workshop. A rickshaw ride round this fascinating town takes you back to the pier for lunch. Cast off for the Cambodian border for the usual formalities. Evening cruise up the broad Mekong River to Phnom Penh.

Day 4 - Phnom Penh
Arrival in Phnom Penh in the morning. The capital city of Cambodia still retains its old French colonial architecture in riverside streets. Visit the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts. Lunch on board. Afternoon excursion is arranged to the former High School 'S21', converted to a detention center under the Red Khmer’s rule between 1975 and 1979. Then stop at the former detention camp of Choeung Ek, better known under the name of 'Killing Fields'. Dinner on board.

Day 5 - Koh Chong - Phnom Penh
Early morning, sailing from Phnom Penh to Koh Chong. Stop at this silk weaving village for a morning walk at leisure. We cruise past the Mekong’s timeless villages and river life with extensive fishing activities. Lunch on board. Return to Phnom Penh and afternoon at leisure for a discovery of the city on your own. Dinner on board

Day 6 - Oudong - Kampong Tralach
Morning journey upriver heading for Oudong. Lunch on board. Arrival at Oudong in the early afternoon, distant of 40 kilometers from Phnom Penh. Between 1618 and 1866, Oudong was the capital city of Cambodia. Erected at a hilltop, this place counts numerous Stupas dating of the last Khmer Kings. After the visit, departure in bus to Kampong Tralach. You will visit there the very charming Vihara of the Wat Kampong Leu Pagoda dating back from the last century and which has retained beautiful wall paintings. Return to the ship and Dinner on board.

Day 7 - Kampong Chhnang
Morning sailing on the Tonle Sap River, which connects the Mekong River to the Tonle Lake. Arrival at Kampong Chhnang, located at approximately 90 km from Phnom Penh. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. Then, boarding on local boats to visit the authentic floating village. The life of the entire population is connected with the river and all people evolve in boats through the canal system which criss-cross this little town.
Lunch & Dinner on board.

Day 8 - Tonle Lake - Siem Reap
Crossing of the lake early in the morning. The great lake dominates Cambodia and is over 150 km in length. Here bird life is profuse. Because the water levels of the lake and river vary a great deal according to the time of year and rainfall. Disembarkation after breakfast and transfer either to hotel in Siem Reap or to the airport.

Important notice: In case of low waters, it may happen that navigation on the Tonle Lake wouldn’t be possible for the RV Mekong Prestige. If that occurs, a fast boat or a coach will assure the link with the other bank of the lake where the embarkation on the RV Mekong Prestige will take place. Furthermore, all the aforementioned cruising schedule and program timing are indicative and subject to modification.