RV Mekong Princess Cruise Downstream 4 days: Phnom Penh - Can Tho

Your journey begins with a warm welcome at 11:30 AM at the RV Mekong Princess docking point in Phnom Penh port. After boarding, guests will receive an important safety briefing in the comfortable Ramvong Lounge, ensuring a secure and pleasant voyage ahead.

Following a delightful lunch onboard, the afternoon unfolds with an exciting city tour of Phnom Penh. Local cyclo drivers will transport you through the city, starting with a serene ride along the riverfront to the majestic Royal Palace. Here, you'll have the chance to wander through beautifully maintained gardens and explore significant structures like the Throne Hall and the Moonlight Pavilion.

The tour continues into the second section of the palace grounds, where you can admire impressive stupas and spirit houses before reaching the renowned Silver Pagoda. This sacred site houses Cambodia's Emerald Buddha and Maitreya Buddha, and its floor is famously adorned with over 9,000 diamonds. After a brief pause, the cyclos will take you to the National Museum, concluding the afternoon with an in-depth look at artifacts from the ancient Angkor Archaeological Area and other regions of the former Khmer Empire. The evening concludes with dinner onboard.

The RV Mekong Princess sets sail early this morning, heading towards the border between Cambodia and Vietnam. After completing all necessary immigration formalities, the day's exploration begins with a visit to the local island village of Hong Ngu. This community is well-known for its traditional production of Khmer scarves, which are exported across the border to Cambodia. Here, you'll have the opportunity to observe the intricate weaving process firsthand in various homes, with some villagers also showcasing their beautiful embroidery artistry. The morning also includes a visit to the local temple dedicated to the distinctive Hoa Hao religion.

In the afternoon and evening, guests will transfer to sampans for a journey to Gieng Island. After a relaxing walk through the local sampan village, where families dedicate themselves to crafting these traditional boats daily, a picturesque canal drive will lead you through lush mango gardens lining the riverbanks. An authentic experience awaits with a ride on a local 'xe loi' (motor trishaw) across the island, culminating in a visit to a Phanxico Monastery. The ship then continues its journey to Hoa An, where it will anchor for the night, allowing you to reflect on the day's cultural discoveries amidst the serene river beauty.

The morning begins with an excursion by boat to Hoa An village, a place celebrated for its unspoiled natural beauty and the seasonal cultivation of various vegetables and fruits. Guests will enjoy a ride on a 'xe loi' and a leisurely walk along winding village roads, providing a glimpse into rural life. The journey then continues by sampan along bustling canals, recognized as a significant rice milling hub within the Mekong Delta. A final stop in Hoa An is at a local house dedicated to crafting traditional Vietnamese conical hats, where you can engage with artisans and learn about their handcrafting process.

The afternoon and evening offer a peaceful walk through the village, surrounded by verdant rice fields and fruit orchards. The ship then sails through Tay Do, an authentic, less-traveled region, en route to Can Tho City, the vibrant capital of the Mekong Delta. Upon arrival, guests will enjoy a concise city tour, which includes a visit to the historic Zihuang Pagoda (Chua Ong) and a captivating performance of welcome unicorn dances. There will be some free time to explore the city before returning to the ship for dinner onboard, anchored in Can Tho.

Begin your final day early by placing your checked luggage outside your suite for a swift check-out process. Guests will then board sampans for a fascinating cruise through the renowned Cai Rang floating market, a central trading hub on the water in Can Tho. As the sampan gently navigates through the market, seize the opportunity to capture memorable photographs of the bustling riverine activity. You'll also have the chance to sample fresh fruit and refreshing coconut water directly from local vendors.

Before returning to the ship for breakfast, a stop is made at a local noodle factory to observe the traditional noodle-making process. After breakfast and completing all necessary port formalities, it's time to bid farewell to the RV Mekong Princess and its dedicated crew. Disembarkation is scheduled for 10:30 AM, concluding your memorable Mekong River journey.