Day 1: Arrive Siem Reap, Cambodia
Your adventure begins as you arrive at the designated meeting point in a Lotus Blanc Hotel in Siem Reap by 1:00 p.m. From there, we’ll embark on a scenic bus journey to Koh Chen, a ride of approximately 5-6 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into your comfortable cabin onboard, where you can unwind and relax.
Later in the evening, we’ll introduce you to the crew during a welcome cocktail before enjoying a delicious dinner onboard. The night will be spent onboard, as we begin our journey through the waterways.
MEALS: Dinner
OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou 2
Day 2: Koh Chen ~ Kampong Chhnang
We set sail for Kampong Chhnang, enjoying lunch as the boat cruises along. Kampong Chhnang is one of the largest fishing ports on Tonle Sap Lake and home to many fish farms. This region is renowned for its traditional pottery, blending ancient techniques with modern styles – the town’s name, “Chhnang,” literally means “pot.”
During our visit, we’ll sample local delicacies and explore the town before returning to the ship to continue our cruise towards Kampong Tralach.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou 2
***OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: CYCLING EXCURSION***
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can join a cycling excursion along the riverbanks and through the pottery village to get a closer look at the local way of life.
Dinner will be served onboard as we cruise towards our next destination, and we’ll spend the night onboard.
Day 3: Kampong Tralach ~ Phnom Penh
After breakfast onboard, we’ll visit the beautiful Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To reach the pagoda, we’ll take an unforgettable journey on ox carts, travelling along a small road that winds through lush rice fields.
On the return journey, you’ll have the option to ride the ox cart again or hop on a mountain bike to enjoy a scenic ride through the countryside. Lunch will be served back onboard as the ship departs for Udong, Cambodia’s former capital.
In Udong, we’ll visit the Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Centre, where you’ll learn about the art of insight meditation. We’ll then climb the steps to the three large stupas holding the ashes of former kings, offering breathtaking views over the surrounding plains.
In the evening, we cruise towards Phnom Penh. Enjoy a spectacular Khmer dance and music performance followed by dinner onboard as we spend the night on the ship.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou 2
Day 4: Phnom Penh City Tour
After breakfast onboard, we’ll explore the highlights of Phnom Penh. Our morning tour will include visits to the Royal Palace, the National Museum and the Silver Pagoda, iconic symbols of Cambodian architecture.
In the afternoon, we’ll embark on an exciting tuk-tuk ride through the lively streets, stopping at the Art Deco Central Market (Phsar Thmei) to explore its colourful stalls. Afterward, we’ll stroll through hidden alleyways, experiencing daily life firsthand as locals enjoy coffee and play Cambodian-style chess.
Our exploration continues with a visit to Wat Phnom, the city’s namesake pagoda built in 1373 to house sacred relics. We’ll conclude the day with a walk through the French Quarter, admiring colonial architecture and public buildings from the French Protectorate era.
We’ll return to the ship for dinner and set sail towards Vietnam.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou 2
Day 5: Phnom Penh ~ Chau Doc, Vietnam
After breakfast onboard, we’ll arrive at the Vinh Xuong Border to complete the immigration formalities. From there, we cruise to the vibrant town of Chau Doc. This bustling town on the Cambodia-Vietnam border thrives on fish farming.
Our excursion takes us to Tra Su Forest, where you’ll explore the lush wetlands by motorboat and rowing boat, discovering the incredible flora and fauna of the area.
Afterward, we’ll enjoy lunch onboard before embarking on the Nui Sam Cable Car to ascend Sam Mountain, with stunning views of the Vietnam-Cambodia border. On the way back, we’ll visit the Ba Chua Xu Temple, an important pilgrimage site.
Dinner will be served onboard as we cruise towards Sa Dec.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou 2
Day 6: Sa Dec ~ Cai Be
After breakfast onboard, a local boat will take us on a short tour of Sa Dec, including a visit to the Trung Vuong Primary School (open on weekdays only). We’ll then take a stroll through the lively Sa Dec market, bustling with vendors and vibrant local life.
As we cruise towards Cai Be, you’ll have the chance to explore local craft villages and learn about traditional production methods. Later, we’ll enjoy a visit to fruit orchards, sampling tropical fruits and sipping hot tea, accompanied by a live music performance.
Lunch will be served at a riverside restaurant, followed by a cooking class with a local chef. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a kayaking adventure or mountain bike ride, immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Mekong Delta. Dinner will be served onboard as we cruise towards My Tho.
Note: Local markets will be closed on the Lunar New Year.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou 2
Day 7: My Tho ~ Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
After breakfast, we’ll explore the island of Thoi Son by boat, learning about the local way of life and sampling seasonal fruits. We’ll take a traditional sampan ride along narrow canals, offering an intimate look at life in the delta. Later we’ll go biking on our own and explore the village to see firsthand how the local people live and to admire the magnificent fruit orchards in the area. This is the perfect chance to connect with the locals and witness their way of life.
In the afternoon, we cruise through the Chao Gao Canal, a vibrant waterway bustling with activity, before arriving in Saigon. Enjoy dinner onboard as the ship remains docked overnight.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou 2
***OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: SAIGON AFTER DARK VESPA TOUR***
Saigon After Dark is a unique evening excursion that combines the thrill of the city’s nightlife with a delicious street food journey. Experience Saigon like a local, riding through the vibrant streets on the back of a vintage Vespa scooter.
Tour Highlights:
1. Begin with a cocktail and appetiser at a rooftop lounge, soaking in stunning views of the city.
2. Head to a local eatery to enjoy street seafood paired with refreshing cold drinks.
3. Stop at a traditional Banh Xeo restaurant, where you’ll taste this iconic Vietnamese pancake, a specialty of Saigon and southern cuisine.
4. Finish the night at a live music venue, where you’ll relax with a drink while enjoying performances from local musicians.
This immersive tour takes you from one lively location to the next, giving you the chance to explore Saigon’s bustling streets and iconic landmarks under the glow of the city lights.
Tour Details:
• Daily Departure: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Duration: 4 hours
Day 8: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) City Tour
After breakfast, we’ll explore Saigon’s iconic landmarks on a walking tour, including Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, City Square, the Opera House and the Municipal Post Office. You’ll also have a chance to experience the Vietnamese coffee culture, which is an integral part of daily life in the city.
After lunch onboard, we’ll visit the vibrant Chinatown and the historic Giac Lam Pagoda. We’ll also explore the bustling Binh Tay Market and Flower Market, experiencing the local commerce firsthand.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner and cocktail onboard, spending one last night on the ship.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou 2
Day 9: Depart Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast onboard, we’ll visit the War Remnants Museum, which offers deep insights into the country’s history. Following the tour, we’ll transfer to the Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (17 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City) for lunch.
The journey concludes around 2:00 p.m. Please ensure that your departing flight is scheduled no earlier than 5:00 p.m. to allow ample time for transfer to the airport.
Safe travels, and we hope you take away lasting memories of this unforgettable journey through Cambodia and Vietnam!
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch
***REVERSE ITINERARY***
Day 1: Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam ~ Embark Ship
Your journey begins at the restaurant of Hotel Liberty Riverside, where you’ll meet between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Enjoy lunch at the hotel before setting out to explore the city’s vibrant local neighbourhoods.
After lunch, we’ll visit Chinatown to experience the daily life of local residents. We’ll also stop at Giac Lam Pagoda, a sacred site over 300 years old and the oldest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. Afterwards, we’ll continue to the Flower Market and Binh Tay Market for a short 15-minute walking tour, offering a glimpse into how locals buy and sell fresh food and everyday products.
Later, we’ll transfer to the ship. After comfortably settling into your cabin, the crew will be introduced during a welcome cocktail before enjoying dinner onboard.
MEALS: Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou 2
***OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: SAIGON AFTER DARK VESPA TOUR***
Saigon After Dark is a unique evening excursion that combines the excitement of the city’s nightlife with a delicious street food journey. Experience Saigon like a local as you ride through the vibrant streets on the back of a vintage Vespa scooter.
Tour Highlights:
Begin with a cocktail and appetiser at a rooftop lounge while taking in stunning city views. Then, continue to a local eatery to enjoy street seafood paired with refreshing cold drinks. You’ll also stop at a traditional Banh Xeo restaurant to taste this iconic Vietnamese pancake, a specialty of Saigon and southern cuisine. To finish the night, relax with a drink at a live music venue while enjoying performances from local musicians.
This immersive tour takes you from one lively location to the next, giving you the chance to explore Saigon’s bustling streets and iconic landmarks under the glow of the city lights.
Tour Details:
• Daily Departure: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Duration: 4 hours
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) City Tour
Enjoy breakfast onboard before beginning your Ho Chi Minh City tour. We’ll take a short drive into the city centre, where your walking tour will begin.
Along the way, we’ll stop for photographs at some of the city’s most notable landmarks, including Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Municipal Post Office, City Square and the Opera House. Many of these sites reflect the strong French colonial influence of the 19th century.
Continue exploring the city on foot, taking in its lively streets, green spaces and vibrant local atmosphere. You’ll also experience Vietnam’s famous coffee culture, with local cafés found throughout the downtown area.
We’ll then transfer back to the ship for lunch. After lunch, we’ll visit the War Museum to learn more about Vietnam’s history before returning to the ship.
Later, the ship departs Saigon and sails towards My Tho. Enjoy dinner onboard and spend the night on the river.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou 2
Day 3: My Tho ~ Cai Be
Enjoy breakfast onboard as we cruise along the magnificent Chao Gao Canal. This lively waterway is filled with local boat traffic and daily activity, while still offering close views of life along the riverbanks. This unique passage is a highlight of the journey and a must-see part of the cruise.
Upon arrival in My Tho, we’ll board a local boat and cruise to Thoi Son Island. Here, you’ll have the chance to experience local daily life and enjoy seasonal fruits. We’ll also take a sampan ride along the scenic canals, offering a closer look at the Mekong Delta and its unique river landscapes.
Later, enjoy time to explore the village by bicycle at your own pace. This is a wonderful opportunity to see how local people live, admire the area’s beautiful fruit orchards and connect with the relaxed rhythm of life in the Delta.
We’ll return to the ship and enjoy lunch onboard as we continue cruising towards Cai Be.
Upon arrival in Cai Be, we’ll take a local boat trip along the Mekong River before disembarking to visit a craft village. Here, you can watch local products being made and learn more about traditional skills in the region.
Continue by boat to visit the fruit orchards, home to a variety of tropical fruits including jackfruit, durian, guava, rambutan and longan. Enjoy hot tea, fresh fruit and a live local music performance.
Afterwards, enjoy a kayaking adventure through the waterways. This activity is suitable for first-time paddlers and offers a unique perspective of the Mekong Delta’s natural beauty. There may also be time to explore the countryside by mountain bike, providing another view of the local scenery and village life.
Later, the ship departs Cai Be and sails towards Sa Dec. Enjoy dinner onboard as we cruise, before spending the night on the river.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou 2
Day 4: Sa Dec
Enjoy breakfast onboard before setting out to explore Sa Dec. A local boat will pick us up for a short panoramic tour of this charming riverside town, including a walk through the local market along the river.
Home to around 30,000 residents, Sa Dec is known for its preserved authenticity and relaxed local atmosphere. As we explore, you’ll see traditional daily life unfold along the riverfront and gain a deeper insight into the culture of the Mekong Delta.
We’ll also visit one of the town’s remaining colonial houses, the former residence of Huynh Thuy Lê. He is famously known as the main character in The Lover, the celebrated novel by Marguerite Duras. This visit offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with the town’s history, literature and local heritage.
After the tour, the ship departs Sa Dec and continues cruising towards Chau Doc. Enjoy lunch and dinner onboard as we sail along the Mekong River.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou 2
Day 5: Chau Doc ~ Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Enjoy breakfast onboard before exploring Chau Doc, a prosperous town located near the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. Known for its fishing and fish farming, Chau Doc offers a fascinating glimpse into life along the waterways of the Mekong Delta.
We’ll then transfer to Tra Su Forest, a beautiful wetland area rich in diverse flora and fauna. Here, we’ll travel by small local boats through the peaceful waterways, surrounded by lush greenery and birdlife. Afterwards, return to the ship for lunch onboard.
In the afternoon, we’ll board a cable car for an unforgettable journey to Sam Mountain. As the ride unfolds, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views across the surrounding countryside. Upon reaching the summit, take in the spectacular scenery before visiting Ba Chua Xu Temple, an important local pilgrimage site.
After the visit, we’ll return to the ship and continue towards the Vinh Xuong border. Customs clearance and entry formalities will be completed as we enter Cambodia.
Later, we set sail for Phnom Penh, arriving in the evening. Enjoy dinner onboard before spending the night at anchor.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou 2
Day 6: Phnom Penh City Tour
Enjoy breakfast onboard before setting out to explore Phnom Penh. We’ll begin with a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace, one of the finest examples of Cambodian architecture, followed by the beautiful Silver Pagoda. We’ll then continue to the National Museum, home to an impressive collection of Khmer art and cultural treasures.
In the afternoon, enjoy an authentic tour of the city by tuk-tuk. We’ll visit the beautifully renovated Art Deco Central Market, known locally as Phsar Thmei. This bustling landmark is a popular hub for clothing, food, souvenirs and everyday local shopping.
After exploring the market, we’ll stroll through some of the city’s lesser-known alleyways for a closer look at daily life in Phnom Penh. Along the way, you may see locals enjoying coffee, playing Cambodian-style chess and preparing traditional food in its most authentic form.
We’ll then continue to Wat Phnom, the city’s namesake pagoda. Founded in 1373, the temple was built to house Buddhist relics said to have washed ashore by the river.
From there, enjoy a short walk to the French Quarter, where you’ll glimpse Phnom Penh’s colonial past through its elegant Belle Époque and Art Deco buildings dating from the French Protectorate period.
Once back onboard, enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance before dinner. Spend the evening at leisure and overnight onboard in the port of Phnom Penh.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou 2
Day 7: Kampong Tralach ~ Oudong
Enjoy breakfast onboard as the ship departs towards Kampong Tralach.
Upon arrival, we’ll visit the beautiful Vihara of Wat Kampong Tralach Leu Pagoda. To reach the site, we’ll pass through the village along a small road surrounded by magnificent rice fields and peaceful countryside scenery.
The vihara dates back to the early 20th century and is believed to have been built on an older site, as suggested by its laterite foundations. Inside, you’ll have the chance to admire its beautiful wall paintings and learn more about this historic place of worship.
On the return journey, you may choose to cycle back to the boat through the surrounding countryside. This scenic ride offers a wonderful opportunity to take in the beauty of the rice fields and local village life.
Return to the ship for lunch onboard before continuing towards Oudong, the former royal residence and capital of Cambodia for more than 250 years.
In Oudong, we’ll visit Vipassana Dhura Pagoda, located at the foot of a hill surrounded by stupas from the last Khmer kings. The pagoda is also an important meditation place for Buddhist monks.
You’ll then have the opportunity to explore Oudong Hill. The climb involves many steps, but the effort is well rewarded with fantastic views over the surrounding countryside, rice fields and Tonlé Sap. Afterwards, enjoy time to stroll through this historic site, rich with Cambodia’s royal heritage.
Later, the ship departs towards Kampong Chhnang. Enjoy dinner onboard and spend the night on the river.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou 2
Day 8: Kampong Chhnang ~ Koh Chen
Enjoy breakfast onboard before visiting Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing ports on Tonlé Sap Lake. The area is also home to many fish farms, offering a fascinating look at local life on the water.
Kampong Chhnang is also well known for its traditional pottery, combining ancient knowledge with modern techniques. The name Chhnang itself means “pot”, reflecting the region’s long connection with this craft.
During the visit, we’ll enjoy a tasting of regional products before returning to the ship.
For those seeking a more active experience, there will be an option to cycle alongside the riverside and continue to the pottery village. This is a great way to explore the local area and gain a closer look at everyday life in Kampong Chhnang.
Return to the ship for lunch onboard as we continue cruising towards Koh Chen.
In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner onboard before spending the night on the river.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: RV Toum Tiou 2
Day 9: Koh Chen ~ Disembark Ship ~ Siem Reap
After breakfast, passengers will disembark and transfer by air-conditioned coach from Koh Chen to Lotus Blanc Hotel in Siem Reap. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, travelling through the Cambodian countryside.
Upon arrival in Siem Reap, passengers will be dropped off at the designated meeting point at the hotel. Our journey is expected to conclude at around 12:30 p.m.
Please do not book onward flights before 3:30 p.m. to allow sufficient time for the transfer and airport arrangements.
MEALS: Breakfast
