Cruising the Mekong: Siam, Saigon & Angkor Wat
Experience the Mekong Delta's best of the best on a stunning river cruiser with one of the world's most celebrated operators.
SPECIAL OFFER
7.7*
ECO SCORE
24
PASSENGERS
12
DAYS
3/5
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Asia: Drink It In
Welcome Aboard the
Mekong Princess
Discover astonishing Angkor Wat and cruise for seven nights on an exclusive charter along the Mekong River to experience its varied cultures in rural settings not easily reached by land, on a journey that includes vibrant Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, and the former Saigon. Cruise on the 24-guest ‘Mekong Princess,’ a luxurious, all-suite boutique riverboat able to access lesser-known ports, ushering you into the midst of authentic rural cultures. Gain deeper insight into Southeast Asia’s varied, intertwined river cultures through interactions with local villagers, families in their homes and monks in pagodas.
- • Feel the ancient power of bucket list-worthy Angkor Wat.
• Cruise straight into the heart of old Saigon and select from an array of active, cultural and culinary options that reveal the diverse appeal of today’s Ho Chi Minh City.
• Travel with a world-class operator who holds the keys to insider access up and down the Mekong.
Travel Curator’s Insights:
SPECIAL OFFER:
Rates:
From $7,995 per person
Year-round departures are available.
We recommend November through March, as this season provides the most favorable conditions for enjoying a Mekong River cruise while exploring the rich history and culture of Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, with comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and fewer weather disruptions.
Inquire for exact dates.
Year-round departures;
Hover here for more information.
Departures:
Trip Sustainability Awards
Local Community
Funds healthcare projects in local communities
Education
Provides schooling opportunities for local children
Conservation
Supports habitat conservation efforts across the globe
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
Arrive in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, and transfer to your luxurious hotel. Meals on own.
Accommodation: The Peninsula Bangkok
The Peninsula Bangkok: Where the signature Peninsula style meets genuine Thai charm, The Peninsula Bangkok is a truly distinct urban resort experience. From the moment one disembarks the iconic Peninsula green tuk tuk shuttle boat, the inspiring journey begins.
Day 2: Bangkok | Gliding on the Serene Chao Phraya River
Discover Wat Pho temple, with its massive Reclining Buddha statue, and listen to the musical sound of coins dropping into brass offering bowls. Then, travel by tuk-tuk to the sprawling Grand Palace to view the royal Siamese court, home to Thailand’s most important shrine, the green-jade Emerald Buddha. Next, gather for a light lunch aboard a traditional wooden rice barge. Cruise the Chao Phraya River in a relaxed atmosphere, taking in sights along the waterfront, including glittering Wat Arun. Later, fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, where you transfer to your Khmer-style hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: La Résidence d’Angkor
La Résidence d’Angkor: One of the first luxury hotels to open in Siem Reap, we boast an enviable position on the river moments away from the mystifying temple complexes. Traditionally-designed suites spread out among lush flora. Retreat to the salt-water pool, or indulge at Kong Kea Spa. After a day of adventure, we’re the perfect welcome home.
Day 3: Siem Reap, Cambodia | Sunset at Angkor Wat
Set off to explore the extraordinary temples of Angkor, a breathtaking city lost in the jungle and Cambodia’s most prized national treasure. Enter the monumental gates of Angkor Thom, and visit the Bayon Temple, with its 172 large-scale faces wearing enchanting smiles. Continue to Ta Prohm Temple to see crumbling towers embraced by massive tree roots. This afternoon, visit magnificent Angkor Wat, where you stay until sunset, marveling as the diminishing, moody light washes overthis unforgettable, faraway world.
Accommodation: La Résidence d’Angkor
Day 4: Cruising the Mekong | Board Your All Suite Cruiser
Drive through the lush and scenic Cambodian countryside to Kampong Cham, where you board this operator's private charter of all-suite ‘Mekong Princess,’ your boutique river cruiser for the next seven nights. Tonight, enjoy a Khmer-inspired dinner.
Accommodation: Mekong Princess
Mekong Princess: Built in Saigon to international design and safety standards, Mekong Princess was launched in 2015 and is considered the best constructed and most elegant vessel plying the waters of the Mekong River today.
Day 5: Cruising the Mekong | Life in a Local Village
Explore the charming town of Angkor Ban, where you enjoy glimpses into the lives of local people, starting with a visit to a family home. Stroll through a small market frequented by locals and stop briefly at a monastery complex. Then, board ‘Mekong Princess’ and cruise to Phnom Penh, where you Ride Like a Local through Cambodia’s lush and alluring capital city on an engaging cyclo tour. Discover the ornate Royal Palace, and wander past huge stupas (Buddhist monuments) and spirit houses en route to the Silver Pagoda, home of Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and the diamond encrusted Maitreya Buddha. Visit the National Museum before returning to the ship to enjoy a professional exhibition of traditional folk dances.
Accommodation: Mekong Princess
Day 6: Cruising the Mekong | Phnom Penh
This morning, learn about Cambodia’s darker days as you visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and then walk the notorious killing fields of Choeung Ek, one of history’s most infamous places. Your afternoon is free to explore the city on your own.
Accommodation: Mekong Princess
Day 7: Cruising the Mekong | Crossing Into Vietnam
Cruise into Vietnam early this morning and continue downstream to little-known Hong Ngu, which the nimble ‘Mekong Princess’ can enter with ease. In this place where few Westerners have ever been, experience an especially friendly welcome, followed by a visit to a local family home, where you watch the weaving of kromas (traditional Khmer scarves). Later, explore a local temple dedicated to Hoa Hao, a unique Vietnamese religion. In the afternoon, board a sampan (wooden boat) to Gieng Island, where hundreds of the vessels are built each day. Cruise a canal past orchards and rice fields. Continue to a historic Christian monastery built by the French in 1879.
Accommodation: Mekong Princess
Day 8: Cruising the Mekong | Meet a Local Family
Disembark at the village of Hoa An, well known for its floral and craft industries. See how locals grow and use flowers, and meet a family in their home. Later, reboard the ship and cruise downstream toward Can Tho, where you disembark to visit Zihuang Pagoda. Back on board, relax on a Scenic Sundowner this evening, observing local life at the close of day along the delta.
Accommodation: Mekong Princess
Day 9: Cruising the Mekong | Floating Market Visit
Rise early for a sampan cruise through a fascinating floating market near Can Tho, weaving between boats that sell goods and produce. Fresh coconut water, the Vietnamese “anti-aging drink,” refreshes you before a stop at a local factory to see the making of traditional noodles. Back on board ‘Mekong Princess,’ cruise deeper into parts of the Mekong Delta rarely touched by travellers to see the fourth-century Phuoc Hau Pagoda, where you interact with local monks to learn about their daily life and practices.
Accommodation: Mekong Princess
Day 10: Cruising the Mekong | Life Among the Mangroves
Today, board a sampan to wend your way through a channel lined with mangroves, whose tangled roots provide a sheltered habitat for the smallest denizens of the river’s ecosystem. Pause to see an artisan produce coconut candy, a favorite local snack. Next, board an intimate, two-seater boat for a cruise through lush, narrow creeks lined with nipa palms, a native species and the only one of its kind adapted to the mangrove habitat. Participate in a Chef ’s Table cooking demo this afternoon, led by your onboard chef.
Accommodation: Mekong Princess
Day 11: Ho Chi Minh City | Design Your Day
Unlike other river ships that are forced to dock outside of Saigon, ‘Mekong Princess’ takes you right into the heart of this lively, evocative metropolis, now known as Ho Chi Minh City. Disembark your river cruiser to enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.
Visit the War Remnants Museum to view photographs by Bunyo Ishikawa, a Vietnam War photojournalist, and then explore Reunification Palace.
Sample Local Specialties, experiencing the culinary treasures to be found on a Saigon street-food tour.
Stroll Ben Thanh Market & Craft Boutiques to discover the latest in trendy shops and local market life.
Tonight, gather for a special farewell dinner.
Accommodation: The Reverie Saigon
The Reverie Saigon: The Reverie Saigon has debuted as the most spectacularly extravagant hotel in Vietnam and as the one and only member property of The Leading Hotels of the World in all of Vietnam. Taking pride of place on the topmost floors of the landmark Times Square Building in prestigious District 1, the much-lauded hotel presents world-class hospitality with its impeccable service and its unique celebration of haute Italian design and inimitable luxury.
Day 12: Depart Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to depart.
Internal Air: Bangkok/Siem Reap: Economy class from $600 per person
Activity Level: Moderate. This journey contains some active elements.
Children: Minimum age is 10 years.
First group event: welcome briefing at 8:30 a.m. on Day 2.
Last group event: farewell dinner at 7:30 p.m. on Day 11.
Departures are guaranteed to operate with a minimum of 2 guests.
Mekong Princess
Built in Saigon to international design and safety standards, Mekong Princess was launched in 2015 and is considered the best constructed and most elegant vessel plying the waters of the Mekong River today. The Mekong Princess accommodates 28 guests with 14 luxurious suites. She is 63 meters in length with a 10 meter beam (width), powered by two 480 HP Doosan Marine engines and can cruise at a top speed of eleven knots (20 kms per hour). The average cruising speed is 8 knots (approximately 15 kms per hour). From a welcoming complimentary spa treatment to the inviting, open-air lounges serving up handcrafted cocktails, local entertainers and lectures from leading experts, daily life aboard the Mekong Princess is orchestrated to help you relax and savor the beauty and tranquility of the river and its timeless rhythms.
Guests: 28
Cabins: 14
Specialists: Highly-Credentialed Guides, Expert Crew, Spa Therapists, Entertainers
ACHIEVEMENTS
Travel Weekly's "Best Tour Operator - Luxury" (17 Years)
Afar Magazine's "Best Cultural Trips" 2020
Travvy Awards "Best Escorted Tour Operator - Luxury" 2020
"The Mekong Princess with her spacious cabins and 18th Century-inspired furnishings, offers a charming and inspired way to travel the Mekong Delta. In addition to refined surroundings, her itinerary offers a way to experience the tiny villages and majestic scenery of this part of Southeast Asia that's much more relaxing and carefree than traveling overland. Add expert guiding and a service staff who responds to your every need, and you're looking at one of the most rewarding experiences available in this region."
Wild Nectar
Life On Board
Deck Plan
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Questions?
Rates
What a spectacular way to experience this region. Exploring stunning vistas and rich culture by day and traveling in style on the Mekong Princess by night offers one of the world's best experiences in Southeast Asia.
Joy Martnello, Founder
Questions?
What’s Included & Cancellation Policy:
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All accommodations, meals and fully guided sightseeing (including park and entrance fees) as noted in the itinerary; airport transfers to/from hotel in the first/last published city regardless of day of arrival and departure; services of Resident Tour Director or appropriate guide on Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions; coffee/tea/soft drinks/water at included meals; local wine and beer at all designated welcome and farewell dinners; local bottled water during sightseeing; porterage of up to two (2) pieces of baggage per person; complimentary Internet access (where available on cruises and at land accommodations; service levels are not guaranteed); hotel taxes; and gratuities throughout, except to the Resident Tour Director/Extension guide.
Travelling Bell Boy Service is provided; however, because of security regulations, this service may be limited at airports, rail stations and points of embarkation for cruises. Traveler’s Valet includes laundry service for eight (8) pieces per person once during journey (excludes Pre- and Post-Tour Extensions). Dry cleaning is not included. Breakfast in Bed service is included on select days up to two times per journey.
