Toum Tiou I: 8-Day Upstream Mekong Journey from Saigon to Siem Reap

Your Mekong adventure begins with a warm reception at Saigon Port, specifically Cang Nha Rong Port at No 5, Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4. Upon boarding the Toum Tiou I, you will be greeted by the crew and offered a refreshing welcome drink. A concise introduction to the upcoming cruise itinerary and the ship's amenities will be provided. As the vessel sets sail towards My Tho, guests can unwind and enjoy the initial moments of their journey. The evening culminates with a delicious welcome dinner, setting a relaxed tone for the days ahead. The night will be spent peacefully on board, surrounded by the gentle currents of the river.

The ship commences its journey at sunrise, allowing guests to enjoy a hearty breakfast while navigating the picturesque Cho Gao canal. Upon reaching My Tho, the Toum Tiou I anchors near Thoi Son Island, a region celebrated for its verdant fruit orchards, expansive gardens, and impressive rice fields. Here, you will visit the renowned Vinh Trang Pagoda, a prominent local temple. Local boats will then transfer you to the mainland for a brief panoramic tour of My Tho, including a stop at its vibrant market. Following this, the cruise proceeds to Dragon Island, where you can observe local daily life and sample fresh seasonal fruits.

After re-boarding, the ship departs My Tho for Cai Be, with a special lunch served en route. Upon arrival at Cai Be, the vessel anchors, and guests disembark to explore a traditional handicraft village, where locals produce rice paper, rice wine, and popped rice using time-honored techniques. The excursion continues to Vinh Long, featuring a visit to a brick pottery factory and an opportunity to admire the Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet, known for its fruit tree nurseries, charming local residences, and an exhibition of traditional farming tools.

In the evening, you will return to the Toum Tiou I as it sails towards Sa Dec. After anchoring, a delicious dinner awaits, followed by leisure time on board.

Following an early morning breakfast, guests will embark on a sightseeing tour of Sa Dec. This includes a bus transfer to Trung Vuong Primary School and a visit to Kien An Cung Pagoda, celebrated for its distinctive architecture and tranquil ambiance, offering a glimpse into Vietnam's spiritual heritage. A stroll around the Sa Dec Market along the river provides an insight into daily delta life and allows views of old colonial 'Chinaman's houses'. After the visit, the ship returns to the pier and sails to Chau Doc. Lunch will be served on board, followed by time for rest.

The afternoon in Chau Doc features an excursion to observe floating fish farms. Should time permit, guests have the option to witness a spectacular sunset from Sam Mountain, standing at 237 meters. From its Buddhist sanctuaries, panoramic views extend over a mosaic of shimmering rice fields, with Cambodia visible to the left and the Mekong splitting into countless silver ribbons on the horizon. Alternatively, you may choose to visit Lady Chua Xu Temple and Tay An Pagoda on the ascent to the mountaintop.

The day concludes with a return to the ship for a delightful dinner and an evening at leisure.

The day begins with breakfast as the Toum Tiou I sails early towards Vinh Xuong, located at the Vietnamese border. Here, guests will complete the necessary border clearance procedures. The morning offers ample leisure time to relax within your cabin, utilize the ship's amenities, or enjoy the views from the sundeck while the vessel progresses along the Mekong River. Lunch will be served on board as the ship continues its journey from the Vinh Xuong checkpoint towards Phnom Penh.

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, the Toum Tiou I will anchor along the riverbank, conveniently close to the city center. The evening is then free for guests to explore the vibrant Cambodian capital at their own pace, discovering its nighttime charm.

After breakfast, prepare for a full-day city tour of Phnom Penh, highlighting Cambodia's rich heritage. The exploration begins with the magnificent Royal Palace, a residence for Cambodian monarchs for generations, and the adjacent Silver Pagoda, home to invaluable national treasures including gold and jeweled Buddha statues. The tour continues to the National Museum of Phnom Penh, an essential archaeological and historical institution established by the French colonial government.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is dedicated to a poignant visit to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly the infamous Security Prison 21 (S-21) under the Khmer Rouge regime. This site serves as a powerful reminder of a dark chapter in Cambodian history. The tour concludes with a visit to the bustling Russian Market, where guests can wander, sample local street food, and purchase souvenirs. In the evening, return to the cruise ship to enjoy a captivating onboard performance of the traditional Apsara show, renowned for its graceful and enchanting dances.

The morning offers free time for guests to further explore Phnom Penh at their own leisure, allowing for personal discoveries or revisiting favorite spots. Around midday, you will return to the Toum Tiou I for lunch. The ship will then depart from Phnom Penh, setting sail towards Kampong Tralach. Lunch will be served as you cruise, offering scenic views along the river.

Upon arrival in Kampong Tralach, guests will journey through Kampong Tralach Krom village to reach the remarkable Vihara of Wat Kampong Tralach Leu. This pagoda is beautifully situated in a peaceful rural setting and houses significant religious artifacts, making it a serene and culturally important spiritual site. The evening concludes with guests re-boarding the Toum Tiou I for dinner and an overnight stay.

Begin the day with breakfast as the Toum Tiou I cruises towards Kampong Chhnang. This charming area is recognized as one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonlé Sap, characterized by its vibrant river life, active fish farms, and traditional pottery craft villages. Guests will have the opportunity to sample products derived from the Thnot palm tree, a national symbol, including its naturally sweet, caramel-colored palm sugar and locally brewed palm wine.

After returning to the cruise for lunch, the Toum Tiou I will set sail for Koh Chen. In the evening, guests are invited to a special farewell cocktail reception hosted by the Master of the Ship and the Cruise Manager. This is followed by the Captain’s farewell dinner, featuring an enriched menu and a complimentary glass of wine, providing a memorable conclusion to the river journey before an overnight stay on board.

The final day of your cruise depends on the water levels of the Tonlé Sap. During the low water season (January to June), after breakfast, guests will disembark at Koh Chen and transfer by bus to a hotel in Siem Reap. This bus journey typically takes between 5 to 6 hours, marking the conclusion of your river voyage.

In the high water season (July to December), the Toum Tiou I departs early in the morning. Guests can use this time to pack and relax during the half-day crossing of the Tonlé Sap Lake. The ship is scheduled to arrive at Phnom Krom pier, approximately 5 miles from Siem Reap, around 11:00 AM. From there, a bus will transfer passengers directly to their hotels in Siem Reap, concluding the trip.