Treasures of the Mekong

Set sail on a journey that uncovers the heart and soul of Southeast Asia. Cruise the legendary Mekong River from vibrant Ho Chi Minh City to the ancient wonders of Siem Reap, drifting past riverside villages, floating markets, and timeless traditions. Along the way, connect with warm-hearted locals, witness artisans at work, and explore gilded temples rising from the jungle.

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City today. Once known as Saigon, this dynamic metropolis blends echoes of its storied past with the vibrant pulse of modern Vietnam. Discover grand colonial landmarks, energetic boulevards, and a celebrated food scene that spills from bustling markets onto every street corner. As travelers’ arrival times will vary, we have not included any sightseeing today. Spend the day as you wish, exploring the city independently.

Begin your journey into Vietnam’s layered history with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a labyrinth of underground passageways that echo the resilience and ingenuity of the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. As you descend into these narrow tunnels, imagine the lives of those who once sought refuge here, crafting strategies in the shadows. Later, back in the vibrant pulse of Ho Chi Minh City, taste Vietnamese coffee – it’s strong and bold style is balanced with sweet, condensed milk. After lunch, take the afternoon for some independent exploration. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a warm welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where the flavors of Vietnam set the tone for the journey ahead.

The morning begins with a transition from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquil waters of the Mekong River. As your ship departs Saigon Port, watch the city’s skyline dissolve into a tapestry of emerald-green rice paddies and winding waterways. The Mekong Delta, often called the “Rice Bowl of Vietnam,” unfolds before you — a maze of life-giving rivers that sustain the communities along its banks.

Today, step into the rhythm of life along the Mekong. Glide through narrow waterways on a sampan, a traditional wooden boat, and feel the gentle sway of the river as you pass stilted homes and lush vegetation. In Ben Tre, the sweet aroma of coconut candy fills the air as you visit a family-run workshop, where generations have perfected this craft. Later, ride a vintage xe lam through the streets of Can Tho, a city that has long been the cultural heart of the Mekong Delta. At the Zihuang Pagoda, the vibrant colors and intricate carvings come alive with the energy of a traditional unicorn dance — a joyful celebration of local heritage.

Before breakfast, experience the bustling energy of Cai Rang’s Floating Market, where boats laden with fresh produce create a kaleidoscope of colors on the water. Sip on fresh coconut water as you weave through this lively marketplace, a cornerstone of Mekong Delta life. Later, in Hòa An village, connect with the land and its people. Learn how rice, the staple of Vietnamese cuisine, is cultivated and processed, and meet a family who crafts the iconic conical hats. As you try your hand at making one, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and tradition woven into everyday life here.

On Giêng Island, the gentle hum of craftsmanship fills the air as you visit a village where sampans are meticulously built by hand. Travel further into the island on a xe loi, a motorized rickshaw, to the serene Phanxico Monastery, a place of quiet reflection. In the afternoon, Hong Ngu welcomes you with open arms. Here, the rhythmic weaving of Khmer scarves tells stories of heritage and resilience, while the intricate embroidery adorning the village speaks to the artistry passed down through generations. At a nearby temple dedicated to Hoa Hao, feel the spiritual heartbeat of the community — a moment of connection to the soul of this land.

As the Mekong carries you across the border into Cambodia, the vibrant energy of Phnom Penh awaits. Explore the city on a cyclo, a traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi, and feel the lively rhythm of the riverfront as you approach the Royal Palace. Within its golden gates, wander through manicured gardens and marvel at the Silver Pagoda, where treasures like the Emerald Buddha and a dazzling Maitreya Buddha reflect Cambodia’s rich spiritual heritage. At the National Museum, the echoes of ancient civilizations come alive through pre-Angkorian and Angkorian artifacts, offering a glimpse of Cambodia’s grandeur.

This morning, travel by coach to Choeung Ek, one of Cambodia's most somber and historically significant sites. Walk the grounds of the Killing Fields, visit the small museum, and pause at the Memorial Stupa as you learn about the tragic events of the Khmer Rouge era. Continue to Tuol Sleng, a school transformed into the notorious S-21 prison, for deeper insight into this painful chapter of Cambodian history. Return to Phnom Penh for an afternoon at leisure to explore the city’s inviting cafés, riverfront promenades, and vibrant markets at your own pace.

Spend the morning relaxing and watching the small villages pass by as we sail further up the Mekong to Angkor Ban. Tour the town in the afternoon, one of the few that survived the Khmer Rouge’s destruction. Many of the original homes, some of which are several hundred years old, remain standing. Visit the village temple, where saffron-robed monks chant soft blessings. Meet a local family and learn about their lives and the challenges they face. Sail further up the Mekong this evening to dock at Kampong Cham.

Your journey shifts from river to road as you travel to Siem Reap, the gateway to the ancient wonders of Angkor. Here, colonial charm meets a vibrant urban scene, where bustling markets and innovative cuisine reflect the city’s dynamic spirit. This evening, consider attending Phare, the Cambodian Circus, where acrobatics and storytelling intertwine to celebrate the resilience and creativity of Cambodia’s youth.

Depart for a sunrise at Angkor Wat, a perfect example of classic Khmer architecture. Enter through its quieter eastern gate, a less-traveled path that offers a sense of exclusivity, and exit to the west, watching the sunlight dance along the ancient stones. Then, experience an Impact Moment at the Visitor Center of APOPO, where “hero rats” are trained to navigate minefields and save lives. Learn about the country’s history with war and meet the professional rats at a demonstration. Later, visit Ta Prohm, a sprawling monastic complex that is overgrown with jungle. At Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmers, visit the Terrace of the Leper King and the temples of Baphuon and Bayon, 11th- and 12th-century masterpieces at the center of the city. Tonight, join your fellow travelers and toast to the end of your adventure.

Board your flight to bustling Ho Chi Minh City, where you'll spend one last night before your flight back home.