RV Mekong Princess Cruise Upstream 3 days: Can Tho - Phnom Penh

Your journey begins in the morning at Ninh Kieu Wharf in Can Tho, where the RV Mekong Princess awaits your arrival. Between 10:00 and 10:45, you will be welcomed aboard before the ship sets sail promptly at 11:00. A vital safety briefing will be conducted in the Ramvong Lounge to ensure all guests are familiar with the vessel's procedures.

Following a delightful lunch onboard, the adventure continues with an excursion by sampan to the serene Hoa An village. This area is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty and diverse seasonal crops. In the afternoon and evening, you'll experience a traditional 'xe loi' ride and a leisurely walk through the village, surrounded by verdant rice paddies and fragrant fruit orchards. A subsequent sampan journey through bustling canals offers a glimpse into the local land milling operations, providing insight into the rice transportation and processing methods.

The day's final stop is a visit to local families dedicated to the craft of conical hat-making. This offers a unique opportunity to engage with residents and appreciate the artistry involved in creating these traditional products. As night falls, the ship will anchor peacefully near Gieng Island, setting the stage for an onboard lecture on Vietnam's past and present, delivered by your local Vietnamese host.

After a satisfying buffet breakfast, guests will once again board sampans to delve deeper into Gieng Island's charms. A stroll through a village specializing in sampan construction offers a unique insight into traditional boat-building. The journey continues with a scenic canal ride, passing vibrant mango gardens lining the riverbanks.

Later, an exhilarating 'xe loi' (motor trishaw) ride awaits, leading to a visit to a historic Phanxico Monastery, providing a moment of serene reflection. The afternoon and evening are dedicated to exploring Hong Ngu Village, a community celebrated for its production of traditional Khmer scarves. Here, guests can observe the intricate weaving process firsthand in local homes.

Next, the itinerary includes a visit to a local temple dedicated to the distinctive Hoa Hao religion, which originated in this very area. As the day draws to a close, the RV Mekong Princess will approach the Vietnam-Cambodia border, where the crew will manage all necessary exit procedures for guests, preparing for the next leg of the upstream adventure. An onboard cooking class demonstration by the Executive Chef will offer a taste of local culinary arts.

The final day begins as the RV Mekong Princess arrives at the Cambodian border in the morning to complete all necessary entry procedures. Once immigration formalities are concluded, the ship continues its scenic upstream journey towards Phnom Penh, offering picturesque views of the Mekong River from every vantage point. Upon arrival in Cambodia, guests will transition to local cyclos for an immersive city tour of Phnom Penh.

The city tour encompasses a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace and its surrounding grounds, including the splendid Throne Hall and the elegant Moonlight Pavilion. These structures beautifully showcase a blend of Khmer and European architectural influences. The exploration continues to the Silver Pagoda, a sacred space adorned with over 9,000 diamonds, creating an astonishing display of opulence.

After a brief interlude, your cyclos will transport you to the National Museum. This esteemed institution houses Cambodia's most extensive collections of pre-Angkorian and Angkorian artifacts, offering a profound insight into the rich history and cultural heritage of the former Khmer Empire. In the afternoon, guests will return onboard to prepare for disembarkation. Luggage should be placed outside suites for collection. At 17:00, you will bid farewell to the RV Mekong Princess and its crew at Phnom Penh Port, concluding your memorable river voyage. An onboard demonstration of fruit carving and tropical fruits will be offered prior to disembarkation.