Bayon Temple statues at the Angkor complex in Siem Reap

Cruising the Mekong: From Saigon to Siem Reap

8 days from £1820 per person

Route: Saigon – Cai Be – Tan Chau – Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham – Kampong Chhang – Tonle Lake – Siem Reap

Embark on one of the world’s most famous and classic river cruise routes, the Mekong Delta, travelling between Saigon and Siem Reap. On this memorable journey you will encounter the spectacular scenery, bustling river life and remote villages that make up this incredible part of the world. Starting in the vibrant city of Saigon, travel south to Port Tho to embark on the Heritage Line ship to commence this remarkable river cruise. Cruise upstream passing lush green vegetation, children playing in the river and fishermen casting their nets before reaching the charming town of Cai Be. Continue to visit various riverside villages and floating markets dotted along the Vietnamese Mekong Delta before crossing the border to enter Cambodia. After exploring the capital of historic Phnom Penh, continue to float down the meandering waterways of both the Mekong and Tonle Sap River before ending the river cruise in Siem Reap – home to the iconic Angkor temples.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

Cruise through the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s beating heart, and explore the winding waterways, floating markets and diverse birdlife of this bustling and beautiful region.

Cambodia's capital city Phnom Penh, home to glistening Buddhist temples and French colonial architecture, is dotted with museums, royal palaces, boutique restaurants and bustling markets.

Pass Kampong Tralach as you glide through this jungle-like landscape, watch locals bath their livestock in the meandering river and stop at remote riverside villages.

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Guide
to Price

Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £1820 per person

The exact cost of this itinerary will vary depending on the season of travel, standard of accommodation, flight class, activities included and the date the booking is made. Please speak to one of our experienced travel specialists who will create a completely tailor-made and personalized quotation based on your requirements and budget.

** The above price is based on two adults travelling together in economy, sharing accommodation, travel based on low season for this destination and advance booking approximately nine months prior to travel**

Itinerary: Cruising the Mekong: From Saigon to Siem Reap

Day 1 Saigon to Cai Be

Starting in Vietnam’s largest and most vibrant city, Saigon, meet in the morning at the Heritage Line lounge where you will depart for the Mekong port city of My Tho to embark the ship. Upon arrival, settle into your stateroom whilst you set sail and start the fascinating journey up the wonderful Mekong Delta. Enjoy a buffet lunch in the restaurant as you cruise past riverside villages, fisherman and beautiful countryside. Spend the afternoon onboard travelling towards the charming town of Cai Be which is famous for its French Catholic Church and a floating craft market. Enjoy evening drinks in the open air bar under the stars. (L/D)

Day 2 Cai Be to Tan Chau

As the sun rises, take an invigorating Tai Chi class on the sun deck before breakfast is served. This morning enjoy a guided tour of Cai Be where you will visit local workshops that manufacture products such as rice paper and coconut sweets before exploring the small floating market where boats trade agricultural and craft goods. By small boat, continue to cruise through the lush, green waterways and observe local farmers working in the fields. Back on board, enjoy lunch before reaching Sa Dec. Take a traditional sampan boat to visit Binh Thanh Island which is home to communities who make a living from growing beautiful water hyacinths. Later that afternoon relax onboard where you can take a dip in the deck pool or indulge in the spa before dinner is served. Moor overnight midstream near Tan Chau. (B/L/D)

Day 3 Tan Chau to Phnom Penh

After breakfast take a guided tour around Tan Chau, a laidback fishing town that is home to Khmer, Kinh and Chinese communities. Visit traditional workshops and homes and explore the local colourful markets as well as numerous temples. Back onboard sail towards the Vietnam-Cambodia border passing the stunning scenery and witnessing lively river life. After the border formalities enjoy a leisurely cruise through the Cambodian countryside whilst taking a traditional cookery class to gain a deeper understanding of the local cuisine. Dinner is served before arriving to Cambodia’s bustling capital, Phnom Penh where you will spend the evening at leisure. You may wish to stroll along the river promenade, visit the vibrant night markets or enjoy a cocktail in one of the many stylish bars on Bassac Lane. (B/L/D)

Day 4 Phnom Penh

Established as Cambodia’s capital city in 1867, Phnom Penh is strategically located on the banks of both the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. Home to a wonderful blend of glistening Buddhist temples and French colonial architecture, spend the day exploring this vibrant city. After breakfast travel to the Cambodian countryside where you will visit the Ek Choeung Killling Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, both of which give an insight to the harrowing rule of the Khmer Rouge. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Phnom Penh before taking a sightseeing tour of the city. Visit the golden Royal Palace, the old-colonial Post Office and the National Museum which houses the world’s foremost collection of ancient Khmer artefacts before cycling back to the boat. Back onboard, cocktails will be served on the sun deck and a captivating presentation will be given about Cambodian modern history by a professor from the Royal University of Phnom Penh. For dinner, enjoy a traditional barbecue accompanied by an Apsara dance performance before retiring to your private deck for a nightcap whilst admiring the city skyline at night. (B/L/D)

Day 5 Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham

Depart Phnom Penh early this morning and travel towards the small village of Angkor Ban which is famous for its traditional community, beautiful houses and incredibly friendly locals. Explore this area which feels like you have been transported back to an era unaffected by the modern world. After lunch onboard, cruise further up the Mekong to visit a local school where you will learn about the Cambodian education system and meet the school children. Continue by road to the enchanting pre-Angkorian 7th century temple of Wat Hanchey, a small Buddhist temple atop a hill that offers spectacular views over the Mekong. You will also have the opportunity to meet monks at the colourful monastery of Wat Nokor. (B/L/D)

Day 6 Kampong Cham to Kampong Chhang

After breakfast sail downstream and stop to visit the famous island of Koh Oknha Tey which is renowned for the manufacturing of silk products. Explore the island by tuk tuk stopping at various workshops where you will learn the process of Cambodian silk. Back on board enjoy a presentation on the geography of the Mekong and after lunch witness a monk blessing ceremony on the boat. Continue the journey towards Kampong Tralach as you glide through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape and watch locals bath their livestock in the meandering river. Take a local ox cart ride through the region before cruising towards Kampong Chhang where you will moor for the night and enjoy a traditional dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 7 Kampong Chhang to Tonle Sap Lake

Wake up early to witness the beautiful water world come alive at the break of dawn and opt to take a Tai Chi class with the calming Mekong as the backdrop. You are now in the province of Kampong Chhang which is known as Cambodia’s water world due to the floating villages and wetlands of the area. Head to the shore and visit a rural village where you will learn about pottery and the making of palm sugar. Back onboard lunch is served as you gently float along the meandering and narrow Tonle towards the magnificent Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake, which is home to an incredible variety of rare and endangered birdlife. Sunset cocktails are served on deck as you witness the sky dancing in pink and orange lights before the farewell dinner is served on the boat. (B/L/D)

Day 8 Tonle Sap Lake to Siem Reap

After a final breakfast served on the deck, prepare to disembark the ship as you take a local boat to Siem Reap, passing floating communities on the way. Arrive in Siem Reap around 0900 hours where you will bid farewell to your fellow passengers and crew. The vibrant city of Siem Reap, once the ancient capital of the Khmer empire, is the gateway to the spectacular temples of Angkor. Speak to one of our Southeast Asia specialists if you wish to extend your Cambodia itinerary. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

Cruise accommodation and sightseeing with other passengers
Shared transfers as specified

What's not included

Any International flights
Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.