Victoria Mekong Cruise: 8-Day Saigon to Siem Reap Upstream Journey

The journey commences with an early morning rendezvous at ÊMM Hotel Saigon, located at 157 Pasteur Street, District 3. From this bustling urban center, guests will be transferred to the serene Mekong Delta, leaving behind the modern energy of Ho Chi Minh City for the tranquil waterways. A captivating stop is scheduled in Cai Be for a delightful lunch at Le Longanier Restaurant, a charming eatery nestled amidst lush fruit orchards by the river.

By 16:00, passengers are welcomed aboard the luxurious Victoria Mekong Cruise, which then gently begins its sail towards Long Xuyen. As the vessel glides along the picturesque Hau River, guests can comfortably settle into their well-appointed accommodations and savor the breathtaking sunset views. The evening features an authentic "Don ca tai tu" performance, traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music, which can be enjoyed with a refreshing cocktail. A sumptuous welcome dinner is served after dusk, followed by opportunities for engaging onboard entertainment or simply relaxing in the comfort of private cabins. The ship anchors near Long Xuyen for the night.

Following a delightful breakfast onboard, guests disembark via tender to explore the authentic Long Xuyen Floating Market, observing the lively local commerce unfold directly on the water. This provides a genuine glimpse into daily life in the Mekong Delta. A subsequent visit to the An Giang Museum offers fascinating cultural insights into the Kinh, Chinese, Khmer, and Cham communities that have historically inhabited this vibrant region. The ship then continues its journey during lunch, gracefully cruising towards Tiger Island.

Upon arrival at Tiger Island, guests transfer to traditional sampans for a guided tour, navigating the island's charming paths by three-wheeled "xe loi." Stops include visits to small local enterprises specializing in the production of plant pots and incense, showcasing traditional crafts. The tour also covers "Mr. Tiger's Temple," where visitors will learn about the intriguing legend that bestowed the island with its distinctive name. In the evening, guests return to the ship for a lively cocktail competition and further entertainment, as the cruise sails towards its peaceful overnight anchorage in Vam Nao.

The morning commences with a serene sunrise panorama from the sky deck, accompanied by a delicious breakfast, as the ship cruises across Phu Tan, the provincial capital of An Giang in the Mekong Delta. The day's first engaging excursion includes a visit to a unique craft village renowned for its traditional clay stove production, a skill meticulously maintained for decades due to the stoves' exceptional heat retention properties.

Lunch is served onboard while the cruise continues its journey towards Tan Chau for the afternoon's expedition. In the charming Tan Chau village, guests will have the opportunity to explore bustling local markets and historically significant regional temples, interacting with friendly residents while riding traditional rickshaws. The day concludes with a delightful dinner on the ship, docked peacefully in Tan Chau, offering various engaging onboard activities before a tranquil night's rest.

Guests awaken early to enjoy the morning views from the sky deck as the ship gracefully sails towards the Vietnam-Cambodia border. After a satisfying breakfast in the Panoramic Claypot restaurant, a selection of engaging onboard activities is available, including a guided ship tour or a friendly mini-golf competition, or simply time for personal relaxation. Meanwhile, the cruise efficiently completes its border crossing into Cambodia, continuing its journey towards the historic city of Phnom Penh.

The vessel arrives in Phnom Penh during the late afternoon, revealing a rustic yet captivating city previously celebrated as the "Pearl of Indochina" for its stunning French colonial architecture. Before a fascinating evening meal, a comprehensive pre-dinner presentation about Cambodia's rich history and culture is offered. The day culminates with a captivating performance of traditional Khmer Apsara dancing, providing a deep dive into Cambodia's artistic traditions and cultural heritage.

The day in Phnom Penh begins with an authentic three-wheeled cyclo ride to the magnificent Royal Palace, an intricately built royal compound featuring the grand Throne Hall and the elegant Moonlight Pavilion. Guests will marvel at its elaborate design and the spectacular 5,000 silver floor tiles, alongside priceless national treasures of gold and bejeweled Buddha sculptures. The tour then continues to the National Museum, home to the world's most extensive collection of Khmer art, housed within a striking sandstone building.

In the afternoon, the itinerary shifts to a more somber but profoundly important site: Choeung Ek, one of the notorious Killing Fields where mass burials occurred between 1975 and 1979. This site now serves as a powerful memorial, featuring a Buddhist stupa filled with skulls and bones, honoring the victims. The afternoon concludes at the historic Raffles Hotel Le Royal, where guests can enjoy a signature cocktail at the renowned Elephant Bar. The day wraps up back on the ship with another vibrant Khmer Apsara performance, followed by a unique opportunity to meet the talented performers and learn more about their art.

After a delicious breakfast onboard, a captivating walking tour leads guests to the charming village of Koh Chen, a community renowned for its skilled coppersmiths and silversmiths. Here, travelers can observe the intricate craftsmanship that has historically supplied Khmer royalty with exquisite metalwork. A comfortable coach transfer then takes the group to Oudong, Cambodia's ancient capital, with an important stop at the serene Vipassana Dhura Meditation Center, offering a moment of tranquility and reflection.

Following a satisfying lunch, the journey continues by three-wheeled tuk-tuk to Silk Island (Koh Dach). This visit offers a unique and educational opportunity to learn about the entire silk weaving process, from the delicate silkworm cultivation to the intricate loom work. Guests will witness firsthand how the beautiful, traditional Cambodian krama scarves are meticulously produced, gaining a deeper appreciation for this enduring and culturally significant craft.

Today’s itinerary focuses on exploring the authentic village of Angkor Ban, a community celebrated for its distinctive wooden stilt houses and peaceful, traditional local ambiance. Guests will gain unique insights into the daily life and cultural practices of rural Cambodia. Afterwards, the ship sets sail towards Kampong Cham, and a delightful lunch is served onboard as the riverine scenery gracefully changes.

The afternoon is dedicated to discovering the impressive ancient ruins and cultural significance of Wat Nokor Bachey, an historic temple complex that offers a profound connection to Cambodia's past. This remarkable site also provides an ideal location to experience a stunning sunset over the landscape. Guests then return to the comfort of the cruise for dinner, followed by an evening of engaging entertainment.

The cruise concludes with disembarkation in Kampong Cham, marking the end of the river voyage. From here, guests will be comfortably transferred by road to Siem Reap, allowing them to admire the beautiful rustic sites and everyday life of the Cambodian countryside along the way. A final farewell lunch is served before guests bid adieu to their memorable Mekong River journey.