Mekong River Downstream Cruise: Siem Reap to Saigon on RV La Marguerite

Your journey begins in the morning with a guide and driver collecting you from Sokha Angkor Resort Hotel in Siem Reap. A comfortable transfer to the RV La Marguerite awaits, approximately a five-hour drive. Along the way, you'll pause for a brief visit at the historic Kampong Kdei Bridge, an architectural marvel from the Angkorian era. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant during this transfer.

In the mid-afternoon, you'll be welcomed aboard the RV La Marguerite. Enjoy a complimentary drink in the lobby before checking into your cabin, allowing time to relax after your travel from Siem Reap. As evening arrives, the ship’s professional chefs will prepare your first dinner on board. The cruise then sets sail, navigating towards Wat Hanchey for an overnight stay on the water.

Following a relaxed breakfast, the RV La Marguerite will anchor at Wat Hanchey. Guests will disembark for a land excursion to visit the pre-Angkorian temple situated on a hill, offering expansive views of the Mekong River. This temple, recognized by UNESCO in 1992, showcases distinctive Khmer architectural styles. After exploring this ancient site, you'll return to the ship for lunch as the cruise continues its navigation towards Kampong Cham.

Upon arrival in Kampong Cham in the afternoon, another land excursion by bus will take you to Wat Nokor. This temple features intricately carved stone structures and a tranquil environment, providing insights into Cambodia's deep cultural and historical legacy. The evening concludes with dinner served on the cruise, allowing you to enjoy the serene Mekong River views by night before an overnight stay onboard.

The morning begins with the cruise sailing along the Upper Mekong River, where breakfast is served. Mid-morning brings arrival at Angkor Ban, offering a magnificent sunrise view over the Mekong. Angkor Ban is a historically significant village, known for its survival during the Khmer Rouge Period. Guests will learn about this history and discover traditional Khmer-style houses and the daily routines of the local inhabitants.

After returning to the ship for lunch, the cruise proceeds towards Silk Island. The afternoon excursion to Silk Island involves visiting a silk-weaving village. Here, you'll have the chance to engage with locals, try silk weaving, and learn about the process of exporting silk globally. The journey continues to Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, celebrated for its scenic beauty and numerous pagodas and temples. The evening features a traditional Apsara dance performance onboard, followed by dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, guests will embark on a city tour of Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital, which still retains many French colonial architectural buildings. Transportation for this tour is provided by a city bus, allowing for easy viewing of the city's charm. The first stop is the Royal Palace, a site of impressive ancient Khmer architecture, where various royal artifacts and exhibits offer deep insights into the country's history and cultural heritage.

Next, the tour moves to the Silver Pagoda, home to many national treasures belonging to the royal families. The morning city tour concludes at the National Museum, where visitors have free time to explore its collections. Guests will then return to the RV La Marguerite for lunch. The afternoon continues with a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum, a former high school that served as a prison during the Khmer Rouge period from 1975 to 1979. The day concludes with an opportunity for shopping at the Central Market, experiencing its lively local atmosphere and unique products, before returning to the cruise for dinner and an overnight stay.

A leisurely breakfast marks the beginning of the fifth day. Guests will then prepare for immigration procedures as the cruise transitions from Cambodia into Vietnam. After all necessary formalities are completed, the ship will set sail towards the Vietnamese border. Lunch will be served on board, offering a chance to enjoy the scenic river views as you cruise.

Throughout the afternoon, passengers can observe the tranquil scenes of traditional villages lining the Mekong River, the vibrant river life, and active fishing communities. Upon officially entering Vietnam and completing new formalities, guests can relax on board. The entire day culminates with dinner served on the ship, followed by an overnight stay, allowing for peaceful rest as the journey continues.

The cruise arrives in Tan Chau in the morning, where a delicious breakfast is served. Guests will then transfer to a smaller boat for a brief visit to this local town, renowned for its high-quality silk production. You'll have the opportunity to witness traditional handicraft methods and experience the intricate process of making the special silk for which the area is famous.

Following the visit to Tan Chau, guests will re-embark on the main cruise ship. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is dedicated to leisure activities onboard, with dinner served as the ship continues its journey. Enjoy a relaxed overnight stay as the vessel navigates the Mekong Delta.

After breakfast, the cruise will navigate towards Sa Dec, a bustling town in Dong Thap Province. The exploration begins with a visit to Huynh Thuy Le’s ancient house, famous for its distinctive architecture blending French exterior design with Chinese interior elements. Following this, guests will transfer to the Caodaist Temple and stroll through the lively local market, gaining insights into the daily life and peaceful aspects of Vietnamese culture in Sa Dec. Lunch will be served back on the cruise.

In the afternoon, the ship sails through Vinh Long Province, located between the Mekong's two main tributaries, until we reach the charming town of Cai Be. The cruise will anchor near the shore, and guests will transfer by boat to view the French Gothic Cathedral. Although entry to the cathedral is restricted, its exterior beauty can be admired. Afterward, a stroll along the riverbank leads to a rice paper and coconut sweets manufacturer. Here, you can taste local treats like rice paper and coconut candy, and learn about their production process through interactions with local workers. The evening concludes with dinner and a traditional music show onboard, followed by an overnight stay.

The final morning begins with the cruise arriving in My Tho, where guests will prepare for checkout procedures. A farewell to the crew and the RV La Marguerite marks the end of the river journey. Guests will then transfer by bus to Ho Chi Minh City. The day's concluding destinations include a brief exploration of Cho Lon Market, located in Saigon's vibrant Chinatown. This bustling area blends historical temples, traditional shops, and modern cafes.

The tour concludes around 12:00 at the Sofitel Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City, leaving guests with cherished memories of cultural and historical wonders along the Mekong. Please note that programs and schedules are subject to change without prior notice. Guests are kindly requested to provide passport information at least four weeks before the cruise date.