Day 1
My Tho Embarkation
In the afternoon, take a picturesque drive from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho port in South Vietnam. Here, you'll embark on your voyage aboard the luxurious Mekong Navigator cruise ship. Once you've settled into your comfortable suite or cabin, the evening will commence with a welcome reception, a safety briefing, and an introduction to key crew members. Afterwards, enjoy a delightful Vietnamese 'Mekong Delta' Welcome Dinner in the Le Marche Dining Room.
Day 2
Cai Be Sa Dec
In Cai Be, board the rowing boat with rowers in conical hats for an enjoyable excursion along the beautiful canals of the Mekong Delta. The sampan will then navigate a tapestry of waterways to a cottage factory where skilled artisans produce rice paper, rice wine, and popped rice. You'll find a selection of postcards, souvenirs, and beautiful oil paintings for sale. Continue through the long and narrow canals of Cai Be towards Cau Xeo, with many photo opportunities of rice barges, rice husking mills, water palm thatching cottages, temples, etc., along the cruise. Upon returning to the ship, an elegant buffet lunch is served while sailing upstream through tranquil riverine scenery towards Sa Dec.
This afternoon, your sampans return for a leisurely, scenic navigation of the Mekong's narrow canals, where you will observe the daily routines of the villagers en route to the historic town of Sa Dec. In Sa Dec, visit the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration for Marguerite Duras’ novel, L’Amant (The Lover), and the Chinese Temple – Kien An Cung, built in honor of the Huynh Thuy Le Family. From there, begin a walk through the town’s market, where you will experience the sights, sounds, and smells, providing wonderful photo opportunities of the colorful fresh produce, meat, live fish, and seafood for sale.
Day 3
My An Hung Long Khanh A Island
This morning, we take a short journey from the ship to the shore by traditional sampan, visiting the lush My An Hung village in the Mekong Delta. We stroll through the green village, interact with the locals, and enjoy fresh coconut in the garden. A local family will invite us for some honey tea and fruit while we enjoy the "don ca tai tu" folk music, followed by an impressive VOVINAM Vietnamese Martial Arts performance by the village's teenagers.
In the afternoon, your sampans will take you to the local island village of Long Khanh A (Hong Ngu district), close to the Vietnam – Cambodia border. Hong Ngu is known for producing a large number of traditional Khmer scarves exported to Cambodia. With weaving being a common practice in many homes around the village, you'll have the chance to see the weaving process in several homes. Some villagers are also skilled in embroidery, showcasing their art in and around their homes. This area's inhabitants had only seen one western visitor before the arrival of the Mekong Navigator and are particularly friendly and welcoming. Before returning to the sampans, we will explore this verdant island and visit the home of a local War Veteran.
Day 4
Day to Relax & Enjoy the Ship Boarder Crossing
This morning we sail upstream for a leisurely cruise, absorbing the sights along the Mekong River, reaching Phnom Penh in the late afternoon. Onboard, some cultural activities are planned, including an introduction to tropical fruits with fruit tasting, a demonstration of Vietnamese spring roll making, and an introduction to traditional Cambodian costumes.
In the evening, before dinner, our Captain hosts a cocktail and sabering time.
Day 5
Phnom Penh
In the morning, explore Cambodia's tragic history with visits to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. After returning to the ship in Phnom Penh, enjoy a free afternoon for shopping or city exploration, followed by pre-dinner entertainment on the Sun Deck featuring traditional Khmer dances performed by local children.
Day 6
Phnom Penh
After breakfast, embark on a Tuk Tuk tour of Phnom Penh's highlights, including the Royal Palace, the Throne Hall, Moonlight Pavilion, and the Silver Pagoda with its Emerald Buddha. Visit the National Museum, showcasing extensive Khmer art and Angkorian artefacts. Enjoy a free afternoon in Phnom Penh post-tour.
Day 7
Wat Roka Kaong Opopel Village Kampong Cham
This morning, visit the 1840-built Wat Roka Kaong, known for its emerald statue and two golden Buddhist columns. Explore the Main Pagoda and receive a water blessing from monks. In the afternoon, discover Opopel's stilted houses and rural charm, visit a local family, a school, and a monastery. The evening brings a Farewell Reception on the Sun Deck and a Cambodian Farewell Dinner in Le Marche Dining Room.
Day 8
Kampong Cham Disembarkation- Siem Reap
Following breakfast, you will bid farewell to the crew as you disembark the cruise and transfer from Kampong Cham to Siem Reap, Cambodia with a lunch stop and arrive at the destination in the afternoon.
