With the introduction of the RV Mekong Prestige II, eWaterways is extending its Mekong River Cruise Collection. This unique cruise will depart from Siem Reap in Cambodia and head for Vietnam with port calls at Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Tralach, Oudong, Koh Chong - Phnom Penh, Tan Chau, Sa Dec, Cai Be, and My Tho to Saigon or as it is know today, Ho Chi Minh City, one of Asias fastest growing cities.
The Mekong River which originates at the foothills of the Himalayas flows through 8 countries on its way into the South China Sea. We invite you to explore and experience Cambodia and Vietnam in the way it was in the colonial era, in comfort and luxury on board our newest ship the R/V Mekong Prestige II. On your cruise you will you explore the local culture and historical heritage during our visits to the villages along the river, and you will enjoy the enthralling Asian landscapes whilst lounging in our ships beautiful contemporary interiors and sampling the best of French and Asian Cuisine.
Itinerary
Embark
A transfer from the airport or from a hotel in Siem Reap to the ship is included. Please forward flight or hotel details as soon as possible after confirmation.
Day 1: Siem Reap - Kampong Cham
You will depart by bus from Apsara Angkor Hotel towards Kampong Cham, on the way you will stop to see the ancient Kampong Kdei bridge, You will then embark the ship in Kampong Cham in the mid-afternoon. Join the Mekong Prestige where the crew will be waiting to greet you. The ship will then head towards Wat Hanchey docks.
Day 2: Kampong Cham - Kampong Tralach - Oudong
This morning the ship will sail to Tonle Sap River, which connects the Mekong River to the Tonle Lake. Arrive at Kampong Chhnang, located approximately 90 km from Phnom Penh. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. You will board local boats to visit the authentic floating village. Travel by bus to discover the very charming Vihara of the Wat Kampong Leu Pagoda dating back from the last century which has retained beautiful wall paintings. Your last stop of the day will be at Oudong. Erected on a hilltop, Oudong houses numerous Stupas dating of the last Khmer Kings. You will see the Vipassana Dhura Pagoda, a place of meditation for Buddhist Monks.
Day 3: Koh Chong - Phnom Penh
Arrive at Koh Chong, a silk-weaving village where you can disembark for a stroll. Cruise past the Mekong's timeless villages and see the extensive fishing activities taking place. The ship then sails onto Phnom Penh and visit to Wat Phnom after which the city was named.
Day 4: Phnom Penh
Your tour of Phnom Penh begins with visits to the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda ad the National Museum with its outstanding displays of Khmer art. During the afternoon there will be an excursion to the former High School which was converted to the S21 detention camp under the Khmer Rouge. Return to the ship in time for dinner.
Day 5: Phnom Penh to Tan Chau
Leave Phnom Penh this morning and cross from Cambodia into Vietnam, stopping at the border for the usual formalities. Arrive into Tan Chau in the evening and enjoy dinner on board tonight.
Day 6: Tan Chau
Today you will have a chance to explore Tan Chau, a remote small town on the main Mekong River. Transfer onto small boats to visit a local fish farm. Step ashore to call at workshops specialising in mat-making and silk-weaving. You will also be able to take a tour of the village by rickshaw. In the afternoon, the Mekong Prestige II cruises towards Sa Dec.
Day 7: Sa Dec to Cai Be
This morning you visit Sa Dec where the famous French writer, Marguerite Dumas, spent some of her childhood. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise through the province of Vinh Long to Cai Be. Disembark for a trip by junk to the port's floating market. Step ashore to visit the French gothic cathedral and colourful port area before your final dinner on board tonight.
Day 8: My Tho to Saigon
This morning you will cross Lake Tonle, please note that when low waters occurs, the transfer will be made by coach or speed boat. Disembark the Prestige II after breakfast in My Tho and take a transfer to Saigon. ** Post-cruise packages including accommodation in Siem Reap and sightseeing at Angkor are available - please call for details.
Disembark
Disembark in My Tho after breakfast for a transfer back to central Saigon.
