A Journey on the Mekong

SAIGON

This will be a day to remember. We visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, a complex underground network stretching for 124 miles, which included hospitals, meeting rooms, sleeping quarters and kitchens. Begun during the last years of French rule and vastly expanded during the 1960s, the tunnels provided a base for the Vietcong from which to attack US forces within just 30 miles of Saigon. Our visit here is a fascinating insight into these troubled times: we see the tunnels themselves and examples of the many mantraps and stake pits which protected them. Despite being carpetbombed, the tunnels were never really penetrated and should you wish, you may even try out real period weapons on a firing range. We continue through rural farming communities back to Saigon in the afternoon.

BOARD THE SHIP

Expectations rise during our drive to the Mekong Delta, its coconut groves swaying with the breeze, the countryside studded with pagodas and an amazing network of paddy fields, tended by farmers bent double and almost completely covered by their iconic conical hats; these are some of Vietnam’s most enduring images. Originally called Mae Khong, ‘Mother of all Rivers’, huge volumes of water drain from the hinterland plains and the snow-clad Chinese Himalayas, surging along an epic 3,000-mile journey. Life here revolves around its waterways: the imposing sampans so typical of South East Asia for hundreds of years and the quintessential floating markets of longboats, which almost sink under the groaning weight of colourful vegetables.

Your cruise is the perfect way to discover and understand this fascinating and rapidly emerging corner of the world – a serene experience immersing you in its people and customs at a wonderfully gentle pace. After a stop at the picturesque Cholon market and a lacquer workshop, you board the superb ship. Your highly professional crew, imbibed by the unique service ethic you find everywhere here, ensure you settle in to your spacious and beautifully appointed cabin. After an excellent lunch, your journey begins. A wonderful reality soon sinks in with your first glimpses of the amazing stilted villages and teeming river traffic animating the scene seemingly at every turn. As darkness gently falls, take your seat in the restaurant for your first dinner, offering a choice of superbly executed Vietnamese or Cambodian cuisine or international classics.

The excellent cuisine is accompanied by tasty and included local wines, beers or soft drinks. Mooring at Cai Be, the day ends with a lovely performance of traditional Mekong music and perhaps a nightcap in the balmy late evening air, bathed by the unmistakable sounds of the East.

CAO DAI TEMPLE

This morning we sail by local junk along Cai Be’s waterfront and floating market, where wily sellers dangle their wares from long poles to the myriad of smaller boats in a vibrant riot of colour and noisy bartering. We visit the remarkable French Gothic cathedral, a poignant reminder of Vietnam’s colonial past. This afternoon we cruise through Vinh Long to Sa Dec with a guided stroll through the colourful local market – an interesting comparison with this morning. The highlight of the day is the intriguing Cao Dai Temple, centre of a unique indigenous religion, a fascinating combination of Taoism, Buddhism and Chinese Confucianism plus elements of Christianity, Islam and spiritualism. Bizarrely, its saints include Joan of Arc, Napoleon, Shakespeare and Winston Churchill! The temple itself is a striking combination of western and oriental architectural styles and mesmerising brightly coloured statues, overlooked by the religion’s all-seeing Divine Eye – it’s sure to leave you something to ponder after your visit.

Another tropical night atmospherically falls as we cruise upstream whilst enjoying another superb dinner and the kaleidoscope of truly amazing sights, sounds and scents, accompanied by the gentle waters lapping peacefully against the hull.

TAN CHAU

One of the great pleasures of river cruising is waking up somewhere completely different, and as dawn breaks, we are berthed in remote Tan Chau near Cambodia. One of the delights of Vietnam is that so many cottage industries still thrive, offering a fascinating insight into the past. This morning we explore Tan Chau, Vietnam’s leading silk centre producing extremely high quality and truly beautiful naturally dyed clothes. Slipping our moorings, Vietnam slowly recedes as we cross into Cambodia and continue into the evening with a chance to enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the lounge, before another tasty dinner. Take a stroll outside, look above and be dazzled by the luminosity of an amazing night sky, unfettered by streetlights and advertising as we cruise to Phnom Penh.

PHNOM PENH

Called the ‘Paris of the East’ during colonial times, Phnom Penh has preserved much of its wonderful rustic charm, elegance and French allure. Sightseeing includes an exciting cyclerickshaw ride to the dazzling Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, followed by a chance to witness exceptionally beautiful Khmer craft in the National Museum. In homage to Cambodia’s tragic recent history, we next visit the haunting Tuol Sleng Genocide museum. Phnom Penh has some excellent markets offering fine silks, spices and high quality lacquer work, providing the perfect opportunity to hone your bargaining skills.

We moor overnight, enabling easy exploration of the city late into the evening, where the bustling markets, teeming street restaurants and hawkers sell literally anything, enhancing the electric ambience so typical of the emerging Far East.

CHONG KOH / OKNATHEY

This morning we navigate to visit Chong Koh, a delightful silk weaving village, where we discover fascinating workshops.
We return on board to Phnom Penh for lunch and in the afternoon we head to the hill Vat Phnom. Ascending the hill to 27 metres you see the picturesque sanctuary dedicated to Mrs Penh who gave her name to the city.
This evening you will be entertained by a traditional Apsara performance, where talented silk-clad dancers will dazzle you with their graceful poise and intricate hand movements, originally designed to entertain the gods.

UPPER MEKONG - ANGKOR BAN

This morning we cruise into the heart of Cambodia which this vast river astonishingly changes its direction of flow between wet and dry seasons. A remarkable ecosystem here is home to 20,000 plant species, 1,200 birds, 800 of reptiles and amphibians, plus 430 mammals – with 1,300 new species having been discovered since 1997. 

We arrive to Angkor Ban, one of the very few villages that survived and was not burned or destroyed during the Khmer Rouge period. We see traditional houses some more than a century and absorb the peaceful atmosphere where time stands still here as you witness a slice of Cambodian rural life. 

WAT HANCHEY – KAMPONG CHAM

This morning, stop at Wat Hanchey and after breakfast enjoy a visit to the pre-Angkorian temple located on top of a hill overlooking the Mekong. The ancient brick structures of the temple precede Angkor and date back to the 8th century reflecting the architecture of the Chenla Empire. 

Back on board we continue navigation to Kampong Cham, discovering this afternoon by bus the temple of Wat Nokor. This twelfth century Buddhist temple built on the ruins of an ancient temple is unique to Cambodia. 

KAMPONG CHAM – SIEM REAP

Early this morning disembark from your river cruiser as you bid fond farewells to the splendid crew. Transfer to Siem Reap as you continue your exploration of Cambodia.

Early this morning our river cruiser glides to a final halt, berthed in Siem Reap at the head of this stunningly beautiful lake. We say our fond farewells to the splendid crew as you continue your exploration of Cambodia where you stay for three nights at the four-star superior Borei Angkor Hotel on the Privilege floor with breakfast. An all day breakfast is available upon check in today. The hotel is extremely comfortable with two restaurants, a pool and the Mudita Spa. The rest of the day is at leisure, you may relax, take a refreshing swim or enjoy the spa.

ANGKOR WAT

Today we see the haunting soft morning light over the eerie temples of Angkor. Encircled by verdant steamy jungle, shrouded in mist and with a tropical dawn chorus reverberating in the air, this is something you will never forget. We visit the huge, fortified 13th-century city of Angkor Thom with its five monumental gates and 91-metre wide moat; its centre contains one of Angkor’s most astonishing sites, the temple of Bayon. Crowned by over 50 towers, each with four colossal carved heads looking out in every direction, this is an extraordinary masterpiece of Khmer art. One of the most intriguing sites is the smaller temple of Ta Prohm which has been left in its natural, unrestored state, with giant tropical trees bursting through the ruins, their roots entwined like vast tentacles across the moss-covered, weathered walls and roofs.

Late in the afternoon we see the immense temple of Angkor Wat, one of the largest religious structures in the world. The main entrance faces west to catch the rose-red glow of the setting sun, a truly magical time of day.

FREE DAY

Our last full day in Cambodia is at leisure for you to enjoy the swimming pool and facilities of your hotel, or simply explore the excellent markets and restaurants of Siem Reap.

ANGKOR WAT

Today we see the haunting, soft morning light over the eerie temples of Angkor. Encircled by verdant steamy jungle, shrouded in mist and with a tropical dawn chorus reverberating in the air, this is something you will never forget. We visit the huge, fortified 13th-century city of Angkor Thom, with its five monumental gates and 91-metre-wide moat. Its centre contains one of Angkor’s most astonishing sites, the temple of Bayon – crowned by over 50 towers, each with four colossal carved heads looking out in every direction, this is an extraordinary masterpiece of Khmer art. One of the most intriguing sites is the smaller temple of Ta Prohm which has been left in its natural, un-restored state, with giant tropical trees bursting through the ruins, their roots entwined like vast tentacles across the moss-covered, weathered walls and roofs.

Late in the afternoon we see the immense temple of Angkor Wat, one of the largest religious structures in the world. The main entrance faces due west to catch the rose-red glow of the setting sun – a truly magical time of day.

FREE DAY IN SIEM REAP

The day is at leisure for you to enjoy the swimming pool and facilities of your hotel, or simply explore the excellent markets and restaurants of Siem Reap. Afternoon tea (wine and cocktails also included) is available at the hotel this afternoon. 

BOARD THE SHIP

Expectations rise during our morning drive to the Kampong Cham, taking a stop en route at the Kampong Kdei Bridge dating from the Angkorian period, built during the reign of Jayavarman VII.

You board the superb ship, where your highly professional crew, imbibed by the unique service ethic you find everywhere here, ensure you settle in to your spacious and beautifully appointed cabin.

After a buffet lunch onboard, your journey on the remarkable Mekong begins. As the water levels on the Mekong can change, our own itinerary from days 5 to 7 may vary according to the date of travel. This description is based on a high-water itinerary.

WAT HANCHEY – KAMPONG CHAM

This morning, stop at Wat Hanchey and after breakfast enjoy a visit to the pre-Angkorian temple located on top of a hill overlooking the Mekong. The ancient brick structures of the temple precede Angkor and date back to the 8th century reflecting the architecture of the Chenla Empire. 

Back on board we continue navigation back to Kampong Cham, discovering this afternoon by bus the temple of Wat Nokor. This twelfth century Buddhist temple built on the ruins of an ancient temple is unique to Cambodia. 

UPPER MEKONG – ANGKOR BAN

Morning sail on the Upper Mekong before arrival at Angkor Ban, one of the very few villages that survived and was not burned or destroyed during the Khmer Rouge period. We see traditional houses some more than a century and absorb the peaceful atmosphere where time stands still here as you witness a slice of Cambodian rural life. Back on board we navigate to visit Chong Koh, a delightful silk weaving village, where we discover fascinating workshops. 

Continue cruising to Chong Koh or Oknathey located on Silk Island for a visit to a silk weaving village before sailing onto Phnom Penh. 

This evening you will be entertained by a traditional Apsara performance, where talented silk-clad dancers will dazzle you with their graceful poise and intricate hand movements, originally designed to entertain the gods.

PHNOM PENH

Today’s sightseeing includes an exciting visit to the dazzling, white-and-gold Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, followed by a chance to witness exceptionally beautiful Khmer craft in the National Museum. In homage to Cambodia’s tragic recent history, this afternoon we visit the haunting Tuol Sleng Genocide museum. Alternatively, perhaps visit the remarkable Russian market, or just relax and catch up on some reading or simply absorb the teeming river life.

CROSSING INTO VIETNAM

Slipping our moorings, Cambodia slowly recedes as we cross into Vietnam, passing timeless villages and river life with extensive fishing activities.

TAN CHAU

One of the great pleasures of river cruising is waking up somewhere completely different and as dawn breaks, we are berthed in remote Tan Chau. One of the delights of Vietnam is that so many cottage industries still thrive, offering a fascinating insight into the past. This morning we explore Tan Chau, Vietnam’s leading silk centre producing extremely high quality and truly beautiful, naturally dyed clothes. Following an exciting rickshaw ride around the town, we are taken back to lunch on board as our leisurely navigation continues.

CAO DAI TEMPLE

Awake in Sa Dec, where we take a guided stroll through the colourful local market. The highlight of the day though, is the intriguing Cao Dai Temple, centre of a unique indigenous religion, a fascinating combination of Taoism, Buddhism and Chinese Confucianism plus elements of Christianity, Islam and spiritualism. Bizarrely, its saints include Joan of Arc, Napoleon, Shakespeare and Winston Churchill! The temple itself is a striking combination of western and oriental architectural styles and mesmerising brightly coloured statues, overlooked by the religion’s all-seeing Divine Eye – it’s sure to leave you something to ponder after your visit.

This afternoon we cruise through Vinh Long, arriving at Cai Be, and sail by local junk ships along the waterfront to see the floating market, where wily sellers tantalisingly dangle their wares from long poles to the myriad of smaller boats in a vibrant riot of colour and noisy bartering. We also visit the remarkable French Gothic cathedral, a poignant reminder of Vietnam’s colonial past.

Another tropical night atmospherically falls as we cruise downstream and enjoy another superb dinner, an experience enhanced by traditional music, the kaleidoscope of amazing sights, sounds and scents, and the gentle waters lapping peacefully against the hull.

SAIGON

Early this morning the Mekong Prestige II glides to a final halt, berthing in My Tho. After breakfast, we say our fond farewells to the splendid crew and continue our exploration of Vietnam. After a stop at the picturesque Cholon market and a lacquer workshop, we journey to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) where we stay for two nights at the four-star superior Pullman Saigon Central with breakfast.

We take an introductory tour of the city, seeing highlights including the Reunification Palace where famously in 1975, a tank burst through its gates in the final defining moment of the Vietnam War. We also see the War Remnants Museum and get a glimpse into daily Saigon life at the lively Ben Thanh market, where you can find anything here at extremely good prices. The Notre Dame Cathedral and the colonial-style central post office here provide marvellous photo opportunities. The rest of the day is at leisure.

CU CHI TUNNELS

Your last day will be a day to remember – we visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, a complex underground network stretching for 124 miles which included hospitals, meeting rooms, sleeping quarters and kitchens. Begun during the last years of French rule and vastly expanded during the 1960s, the tunnels provided a base for the Vietcong from which to attack US forces within just 30 miles of Saigon. Our visit here is a fascinating insight into these troubled times: we see the tunnels themselves and examples of the many mantraps and stake pits which protected them. Despite being carpet-bombed, the tunnels were never penetrated, and should you wish, you may try out real period weapons on a firing range.

We continue through rural farming communities back to Saigon, where the rest of the day is at leisure.