Ancient temples and states at Angor in Siem Reap, Cambodia

The Classic Mekong River Cruise: From Siem Reap to Saigon

8 days from £2385 per person

Route: Siem Reap – Kampong Cham – Phnom Penh – Tan Chau – Con Phuoc Island – Ben Tre – Saigon

This classic eight-day Mekong River cruise between Siem Reap and Saigon encompasses the spectacular scenery, floating markets and rural villages that are synonymous in the region. Starting in Siem Reap, home to the iconic Angkor temples, travel to Kampong Cham to begin your river cruise. Cruise downstream and admire the pretty Cambodian countryside as you stop at Buddhist temples and meet local artisans and children. Explore the vibrant city of Phnom Penh before travelling to the Vietnamese border and entering this cultural and beautiful country. Traverse through the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s beating heart, as you discover the winding waterways, twisting mangroves and diverse birdlife in this iconic region. Finish your river cruise journey in bustling Saigon, where you can extend your holiday with a tailor-made trip travelling up the Vietnamese coast.

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

Take a sunrise cruise through the Cambodian Mekong and climb to the hilltop Buddhist temple of Wat Hanchey which is famous for its spectacular views over the mighty river and untouched countryside.

Discover Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh, with a sightseeing tour visiting the regal Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and National Museum which houses an excellent collection of ancient Khmer archaeological, religious, and artistic artefacts.

Visit Cho Lach Island for an in-depth glimpse into Mekong life and enjoy a cookery class where you will learn how to make the southern Vietnamese speciality ‘banh xeo’ - stuffed savoury pancakes.

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Guide
to Price

Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £2385 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: The Classic Mekong River Cruise: From Siem Reap to Saigon

Day 1 Siem Reap to Kampong Cham

Starting in Siem Reap, meet at a central location in the morning before transferring by road to a local port in Kampong Cham where you will board your cruise ship to start your river cruise journey. After settling into your cabin, admire the passing countryside as you cruise upstream before cocktails are served and you are introduced to the crew. Moor overnight midstream in Kampong Cham. (L/D)

Day 2 Kampong Cham

After an early start take a sunrise cruise to the temple of Wat Hanchey which was an important place of worship during the Chenla period. Located on top of the hill overlooking the Mekong River, Wat Hanchey offers some of the best views of the Mekong in Cambodia. After lunch visit a local village which strongly supports the education of children and offers programmes such as bee keeping, plastic recycling, farming and crafts before continuing to the black sandstone temple of Wat Nokor Bachey that dates back to the Jayarvaman VII period. Back onboard enjoy a traditional dinner and drinks on the upper deck as you witness the beautiful open sky at night. (B/L/D)

Day 3 Kampong Cham to Phnom Penh

After breakfast sail down the Mekong where this spectacular river meets the Tonle River. Visit Koh Okhna Tey, otherwise known as Silk Island where you will learn the entire silk making process from the worms to weavers. You will also experience a demonstration of the ancient Khmer martial art of Bokator from a group of young locals. Back onboard continue to cruise down the winding waterways passing the green foliage that lines the riverbanks and remote riverside villages on the way to Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. On arrival enjoy dinner onboard as well as a presentation on traditional Khmer and Angkor culture. You may also wish to disembark for the evening where you can explore the vibrant boulevards and bars of Phnom Penh at night. (B/L/D)

Day 4 Phnom Penh

Today you will discover Phnom Penh which has been the capital of Cambodia since 1867. This historic yet modern forward-thinking city encompasses excellent museums, glistening palaces and colonial era architecture. After breakfast take a morning orientation by cyclo where you will visit the beautiful Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum that is home to a magnificent collection of Khmer and Angkorian artefacts. In the afternoon opt to visit the harrowing Ek Choeung Killling Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum which offer an insight to the Khmer Rouge regime or, alternatively, take a tuk-tuk down to the riverfront and enjoy high tea at the stunning Raffles Hotel. Moor overnight in Phnom Penh where you are able to discover the lively bars and gourmet restaurants. (B/L/D)

Day 5 Phnom Penh to Tan Chau

Depart Phnom Penh early this morning before arriving at the Vietnamese border. On arrival to Vietnam explore the labyrinth of canals and waterways that surround Tan Chau, an important Mekong town where you will visit a Taoist church. Continue through the villages of Xi Loi stopping off to meet local farmers and understand how important agriculture is in the region. You will also visit a fish farm and help to release fish back into the Mekong. Enjoy dinner onboard and after dinner drinks at the bar. (B/L/D)

Day 6 Tan Chau to Con Phuoc Island

This morning moor at Con Phuoc Island and take a tuk-tuk tour visiting a 100-year old Catholic church as well as seeing local basket weavers and artisans at work. Back on board enjoy lunch on the upper deck whilst taking in the beautiful countryside as you cruise downstream. In the afternoon take a short coach trip to the green oasis of Gao Giong. Here you will find an incredible selection of water birds and egrets that gather in tens of thousands across the Duong Tharp Muoi, otherwise known as the ‘Plain of Reeds’. Take a rowing boat through the winding canals to see the bird’s principal nesting areas up close. (B/L/D)

Day 7 Con Phuoc Island to Ben Tre

After breakfast travel to Cho Lach Island for an in-depth glimpse into Mekong life learning about agriculture, hospitality and craftsmanship in the Delta. Attend a cookery class where you will learn how to make the southern Vietnamese speciality ‘banh xeo’ - stuffed savoury pancakes. Back onboard sail downstream to the province of Ben Tre which is home to winding waterways framed by emerald palms and twisting mangroves. Travel by local sampan boat to the bamboo groves and fruit orchards of Ben Tre where you will visit local artisan homes to try tea, fruit and honey. Travel back to the ship by horse and cart and keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife which is rich in this area. (B/L/D)

Day 8 Ben Tre to Saigon

Today travel through the Mekong Delta towards the port city of My Tho where you will disembark the ship and travel to Saigon, Vietnam’s largest city by road. Bid farewell to your fellow passengers and crew as your classic Mekong river cruise comes to an end. (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.