Toum Tiou II: 9-Day Upstream Mekong Journey from Saigon to Siem Reap

Your Mekong adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City, where you will gather at the Liberty Riverside Hotel restaurant between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to meet your drivers and tour guide. After a welcoming lunch at the hotel, the afternoon is dedicated to discovering the city's unique charm. Explore the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown, observing the daily routines of its residents. A visit to the historic Giac Lam Pagoda, Saigon's oldest pagoda, offers a glimpse into centuries of spiritual heritage. Conclude your city tour with a 15-minute walk through the bustling Flower Market and Binh Tay Market, experiencing local commerce firsthand. Afterwards, transfer to the Toum Tiou II Cruise, settle into your private cabin, and join the crew for a welcome cocktail. Dinner will be served on board, with the option to explore Saigon's nightlife independently through an optional "Saigon After Dark" excursion from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, featuring local culinary delights and live music via vintage Vespa.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast on board as the cruise remains docked in Saigon. After breakfast, you'll embark on a city tour by vehicle, pausing for photographs at prominent sites that showcase Saigon's French colonial past. These include the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Post Office, City Square, and the Opera House. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the city's green spaces and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s renowned coffee culture at a local café. Following the city exploration, return to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, delve deeper into Vietnam's heroic history with a visit to the War Remnants Museum, housing over 20,000 documents and artifacts. Later, guests return to the Toum Tiou II as it departs Saigon for My Tho. Dinner will be served on deck, offering a relaxing evening as the ship sails overnight.

Awake to breakfast being served as the ship navigates the scenic Cho Gao Canal, providing a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese life amidst bustling markets and lush fruit orchards. Upon arrival in My Tho, a local boat will transport you to Thoi Son Island. Here, discover local daily routines, sample fresh seasonal fruits, and enjoy a traditional sampan ride through the picturesque canals of the Mekong Delta. An optional cycling excursion allows for further exploration of the rural village and its magnificent fruit orchards. Return to the Toum Tiou II for lunch as the ship sails towards Cai Be. In the afternoon, a local boat awaits for an exploration of Cai Be's charming craft villages, where you can observe local product manufacturing. Continue to a fruit orchard to taste various tropical fruits and enjoy a live local music performance. Conclude with a kayaking adventure or a mountain bike ride through the countryside, offering unique perspectives of the Mekong's natural beauty. The ship then departs Cai Be for Sa Dec, with dinner served during the evening cruise.

Begin your day with breakfast on board while taking in the serene morning views of the Mekong River. A local boat will then pick you up for a panoramic tour of Sa Dec. Stroll through the lively local market along the riverbank, immersing yourself in the authentic daily life of this charming town, home to 30,000 inhabitants and largely untouched by tourism. During your excursion, observe remaining colonial houses, including the historic "Chinamans house" featured in Dura's novel "The Lover." This provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with the local culture and appreciate the picturesque river surroundings. In the afternoon and evening, the ship departs Sa Dec for Chau Doc. Lunch and dinner will be served on board as the cruise continues, allowing for a relaxing afternoon on the sundeck or in your cabin.

As you enjoy breakfast on board, the Toum Tiou II approaches Chau Doc, a prosperous town at the border of Vietnam and Cambodia, known for its fishing and fish farming industries. Transfer to the Tra Su Forest, where small local boats will guide you through stunning natural scenery, allowing you to observe the diverse flora and fauna. Following this, board a cable car for an ascent to Sam Mountain, offering expansive panoramic views. At the summit, explore the Ba Chua Xu Temple before returning to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, the journey continues to the Vinh Xuong border for customs and entry formalities into Cambodia. The ship then sets sail for Phnom Penh, arriving in the evening. Savor dinner on board and spend the night docked in Phnom Penh.

After breakfast on board, begin your exploration of Phnom Penh, Cambodia's capital. Your city tour includes a visit to the magnificent Royal Palace, a prime example of Cambodian architecture, and the shimmering Silver Pagoda. Continue to the National Museum, home to one of the world's most extensive collections of Khmer art and ceramics. In the afternoon, experience an authentic "tuk-tuk" tour of the area. Visit the renovated Art Deco Central Market, known as "Phsar Thmei," a bustling center for clothing, food, and souvenirs. Wander through less-traveled alleyways, interact with locals, and observe their daily routines, including enjoying coffee and Cambodian chess. The tour proceeds to Wat Phnom, a pagoda founded in 1373, and then to the French Quarter, where you can admire Belle Époque and Art Deco buildings from the French Protectorate era. Return to the ship in the evening for a traditional Apsara dance performance, followed by dinner and an overnight stay on board.

Wake up to breakfast served on board, accompanied by glorious river views at dawn. The ship then sails to Kampong Tralach. Here, you will visit the Vihara at Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda, reaching it via a local tuk-tuk ride through the village of Kampong Tralach, offering a truly authentic experience. On your return to the boat, you have the choice of continuing by tuk-tuk or enjoying a bicycle ride through the picturesque countryside, admiring the rice paddies. Return to the ship for lunch. In the afternoon, a van will transport you to Oudong, Cambodia's former capital. Your visit begins at the Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Center, where you'll learn about Vipassana meditation. Afterwards, ascend steps to explore various temples and three large stupas housing the ashes of former kings, enjoying expansive views of the plains below. Return to the Toum Tiou II in the evening as the ship sets sail for Kampong Chhnang. Enjoy dinner and a relaxing night in your cabin.

After breakfast in the restaurant, prepare for a visit to Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing ports on Tonle Sap Lake, renowned for its fish farms and traditional pottery, with 'Chhnang' meaning "pot." Explore the local pottery traditions that blend ancient knowledge with modern techniques. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of regional products before returning to the ship for relaxation. An optional activity in Kampong Chhnang includes cycling along the riverside to the pottery village for a closer look at the local craftsmanship. Return to the Toum Tiou II for lunch as the ship cruises towards Koh Chen. Spend your free time sunbathing on the sundeck or unwinding in your cabin. In the evening, a special farewell dinner will be served in the restaurant, followed by an overnight stay on board.

Enjoy your final breakfast on board. After breakfast, guests will transfer from Koh Chen to the Lotus Blanc Hotel in Siem Reap via an air-conditioned coach. The bus ride typically takes 5 to 6 hours. You will be dropped off at the meeting point around 12:30 PM, marking the conclusion of your cruise journey. Please ensure your onward flights are not booked before 3:30 PM to allow ample travel time.