Majestic Mekong River Cruise

Return economy flights from London Heathrow or Manchester are included in the price of your holiday.

Sous Sdei and welcome to Cambodia. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Siem Reap for the next three nights.

In the evening, meet your Tour Director to learn more about the days ahead.

Today, start with a visit to the Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. It was fortified city enclosing residences of priest, officials of the palace and military, as well as buildings for administering the kingdom.

The city of Angkor Thom consists of a square of three kilometres (1.9 miles) long on each side, a laterite wall 8 meters (26 feet) in height around the city encloses an area of 145.8 hectares (360 acres). After the tour, visit the sacred temple of Ta Prohm, which is overgrown by jungle trees and it has been the backdrop of Hollywood movies.

This evening, witness the incredible Phare Cambodian Circus, a spectacle of acrobatics, theatre and music. Phare is an NGO founded by Cambodian refugees to assist disadvantaged young people by teaching them performing arts.

EmeraldPLUS: Phare Cambodian Circus performance
DiscoverMORE: Vespa tour of Siem Reap (extra expense)

Rise early and embark on a fascinating journey to Angkor Wat. This UNESCO World-Heritage Site is known for its elaborate decorations and intricate carvings throughout.

Enjoy a sun rise views and take the opportunity to capture quintessential pictures of Angkor Wat. Return to the hotel and enjoy the day at leisure.

This evening, enjoy a gala evening dinner together with a performance.

DiscoverMORE: Visit to Banteay Srei or Artisans d’Angkor workshop or Visit to Tonle Sap or Culinary Cambodia tour (all extra expense)

Today, leave Siem Reap and venture to the town of Prek’kdam to embark on your Emerald Waterways award-winning river cruise Star-Ship.

On route to the ship, stop in Kampong Kdei and see the impressive Angkor Bridge, continue and have lunch on a local restaurant.

Arrive in Prek’kdam and be welcomed by your Captain and crew.

Later, set sail to Kampong Tralach and enjoy your first dinner on-board with your fellow travellers.

Start your day with an ox cart ride to Wat Kampong Tralach to visit the Oudong Temples. Located North of Phnom Penh, Oudong is the former royal capital of Cambodia up until it moved to Phnom Penh in the 1800s. Important remnants on the temple sight include the burial sites of Khmer kings as well as religious artefacts dating back more than a hundred years. In one of the Oudong Temple there was a known large Buddha statue which was damaged during skirmishes with the Khmer Rouge which had the hill as one of their last strongholds. Receive a traditional Buddhist Blessing from the temple resident monks as part of EmeraldPLUS. The afternoon is yours to continue exploring or simply relax on board of your Star-Ship.
EmeraldPLUS: ox cart ride & traditional Buddhist Monk blessing
DiscoverMORE: Silk farm tour at Koh Oknha Tei (extra expense) OR Visit to Koh Chen Silversmith village (extra expense)

Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh was once known as the “Pearl of Asia”, but it was almost entirely evacuated by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. Today it is an inspiring and buzzing centre of hope and opportunity with plenty to see and do.

EmeraldPLUS: After breakfast, we meet our cyclo drivers for an exciting morning city tour of Phnom Penh. Cyclos, a Phnom Penh institution are three wheeled bicycles built for transporting passengers. They are a traditional mode of transport throughout the Mekong and provide a unique view of the capital. Prepare for a leisurely journey as we are taken along the riverfront to the magnificent Royal Palace complex which is a highlight of any visit to Phnom Penh.

This morning we learn about the darkest days of Cambodian history. A short drive will take us to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek which is a disconcerting reminder of the recent atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime.

We have the opportunity to walk through the fields, visit the small museum and Memorial Stupa, and learn about this sad history. We continue to what is possibly the most powerful museum experience in Indochina, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S-21). This is a former school that was converted to the main prison and torture headquarters of the Khmer Rouge and is a chilling reminder of the brutal history.

Our afternoon is again at leisure.

Cruise toward the border. Following clearing formalities and crossing the border, we witness a fascinating change in the architecture along the riverfront as we sail into Vietnam. Xin Chao and welcome to Vietnam!

Tan Chau is an interesting border town with a variety of ethnicities and is famous for its silk. Board a sampan and sail to a colourful temple of the Cao Dai religion. This is one of the unique amalgam religions founded in Vietnam and its unique cast of saints include Jesus Christ, Sun Yat Sen and Victor Hugo.

We then board a xe loi (traditional Vietnamese tuk-tuk) for a 15-minute ride through the town to a family-owned mat weaving workshop. This is a fascinating look into an integral Mekong Delta industry where the products are made by hand or with the help of a manually operated loom.

Upon arrival to the historic town of Sa Dec, we visit the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel, L’Amant (The Lover), and take a fascinating walk through the town’s market experiencing the local sights and sounds.

We board traditional sampans to navigate the narrow canals of the Mekong, where we can observe daily routines of the villagers en route to the town of Cai Be.

Along the way, we stop at a local brick factory to view the complete process of brick-making by local men and women utilizing clay from the Mekong. Afterwards we return to the ship for a sumptuous lunch and enjoy a scenic cruise downstream.

Following breakfast we disembark and bid farewell to the RV Mekong Navigator and her crew.

Transfer from the busy port town of My Tho to Ho Chi Minh City. More commonly known as Saigon, this is a city with a turbulent and colourful past, although today it is the country’s commercial centre with over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes.

This afternoon be guided on a city tour of Saigon, visit Reunification Palace where Saigon fell, then stroll to the major sights such as the Old Saigon Post Office, bustling Dong Khoi Street, Opera House and City Hall. Finish at the War Remnants Museum which provides a graphic insight into both the wars in Vietnam.

Discover More: Evening street food walking tour (additional cost)
Two Night Stay: Ho Chi Minh City

EmeraldPLUS: Travel to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. An ingenious network of over 200km of underground tunnels, they were built by the Viet Cong guerrillas as a means of protection, communication and deception. Join a Vietnamese Veteran and learn of the wars, strategies, atrocities and the resourcefulness of the Vietnamese which eventually led to the defeat of their enemies.

Hear fascinating stories from first-hand experience to allow a real insight into one of the most famous wars of our time. Return to Saigon and spend the afternoon exploring the city.

This evening enjoy a sumptuous farewell banquet.

Discover More: Saigon old and new tour (additional cost)

Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City airport for your onward flight.

Welcome home

Please note: The Mekong River is subject to extreme variations in water levels throughout the year. Every effort is made to provide the routing and inclusions stated however depending on water levels prevalent at the time of sailing, this itinerary may be amended or modified.

Fly from London Heathrow or Manchester

Xin Chao and welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! More commonly known as Saigon, this is a city with a turbulent and colourful past, although today it is the country’s commercial centre with over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes.

You will be met by an Emerald Waterways representative and transferred to your hotel.

This evening join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner.

Two Night Stay: Ho Chi Minh City

EmeraldPLUS: Travel to the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. An ingenious network of over 200km of underground tunnels, they were built by the Viet Cong guerrillas as a means of protection, communication and deception. Join a Vietnamese Veteran and learn of the wars, strategies, atrocities and the resourcefulness of the Vietnamese which eventually led to the defeat of their enemies. Hear fascinating stories from first-hand experience to allow a real insight into one of the most famous wars of our time.

Return to Saigon and spend the afternoon exploring the city.

Discover More: Evening street food walking tour, or Saigon old and new tour (additional cost).

Be guided on a city tour of Saigon, visit Reunification Palace where Saigon fell, then stroll to the major sights such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Saigon Post Office, bustling Dong Khoi Street, Opera House and City Hall.

Finish at the War Remnants Museum which provides a graphic insight into both the wars in Vietnam. Transfer to the gateway of the Mekong Delta, My Tho; a busy port town dependent on the river for its livelihood.

From here we will begin our journey upstream aboard the luxurious RV Mekong Navigator. Once on board you will meet your Cruise Director and crew, followed by a welcome reception.

This evening enjoy a delicious Vietnamese “Mekong Delta” Theme Dinner while sailing to Cai Be.

Seven Night Stay: RV Mekong Navigator

Following breakfast we board traditional sampans and sail through Cai Be’s floating market, a fascinating and iconic scene of the Mekong Delta. Watch as the locals trade and barter a variety of wares and exchange goods across the river. Sail past the city’s attractive French gothic cathedral, then tour the historic Anh Kiet House with its beautiful surrounding gardens.

Visit a traditional rice factory where workers produce rice paper, rice wine, popped rice, and many varieties of traditional candies.

Afterwards we return to the ship for a sumptuous lunch and enjoy a scenic cruise upstream. We reboard our sampans to navigate the narrow canals of the Mekong, where we can observe daily routines of the villagers en route to the historic town of Sa Dec.

Along the way, we stop at a local brick factory to view the complete process of brick-making by local men and women utilising clay from the Mekong. Upon arrival to Sa Dec, we visit the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel, L’Amant (The Lover), and take a fascinating walk through the town’s market experiencing the local sights and sounds.

Tan Chau is an interesting border town with a variety of ethnicities and is famous for its silk. Board a sampan and sail to a colourful temple of the Cao Dai religion. This is one of the unique amalgam religions founded in Vietnam and its unique cast of saints include Jesus Christ, Sun Yat Sen and Victor Hugo.

We then board a xe loi (traditional Vietnamese tuk-tuk) for a 15-minute ride through the town to a family-owned mat weaving workshop. This is a fascinating look into an integral Mekong Delta industry where the products are made by hand or with the help of a manually operated loom.

Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh was once known as the “Pearl of Asia”, but it was almost entirely evacuated by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. Today it is an inspiring and buzzing centre of hope and opportunity with plenty to see and do.

EmeraldPLUS: After breakfast, we meet our cyclo drivers for an exciting morning city tour of Phnom Penh. Cyclos, a Phnom Penh institution are three wheeled bicycles built for transporting passengers. They are a traditional mode of transport throughout the Mekong and provide a unique view of the capital. Prepare for a leisurely journey as we are taken along the riverfront to the magnificent Royal Palace complex which is a highlight of any visit to Phnom Penh.

This morning we learn about the darkest days of Cambodian history. A short drive will take us to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek which is a disconcerting reminder of the recent atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime.

We have the opportunity to walk through the fields, visit the small museum and Memorial Stupa, and learn about this sad history. We continue to what is possibly the most powerful museum experience in Indochina, Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S-21). This is a former school that was converted to the main prison and torture headquarters of the Khmer Rouge and is a chilling reminder of the brutal history.

Our afternoon is again at leisure.

Today we have a great opportunity to get to know traditional life in the Mekong with a visit to the charming town of Angkor Ban.

Here, you will have a glimpse into the lives of the local people starting with a visit to a family’s home to see how the locals live, along with an opportunity to meet the family and discuss their lifestyle.

Continue through the village to the local school where you will join the children in their classroom and experience what a typical school day is like.

Then walk back through the village to the ship, including a brief stop at the local monastery complex.

Wat Hanchey is an ancient hilltop pagoda which is the home to Buddhist Monks and offers some of the best views of the Mekong River.

EmeraldPLUS: Receive a traditional Buddhist Water Blessing from the monastery’s resident monks. After enjoying a walk around the monastery and the amazing views of the Mekong River valley, we descend the enormous stairway, surrounded by the incredible view of the Mekong below. Following lunch, we drive through the city of Kampong Cham to visit the hills of Phnom Pros (man hill) and Phnom Srei (woman hill), the incredible Stupa, the 10-metre long reclining Buddha, and the 13-metre tall preaching Buddha. Today’s final visit is to the 12th century, Angkorian-period complex of Wat Nokor Bachey, which features several original statues of Buddha and stone inscriptions.

We then return to the ship and gather for a farewell reception and Royal Cambodian Theme Dinner as we prepare for our journey to Siem Reap, home of the archaeological wonders of Angkor Wat.

Disembark and bid farewell to the RV Mekong Navigator and her crew. Transfer from Kampong Cham to Siem Reap, the gateway to the ancient and magnificent Temples of Angkor. From the 9th to the 13th centuries Siem Reap was the capital of the powerful Khmer Empire which left the legacy of the Angkor Temples.

EmeraldPLUS: This evening witness the incredible Phare Cambodian Circus. Phare is an NGO founded by Cambodian refugees to assist disadvantaged young people by teaching them performing arts. The show is a spectacle of acrobatics, theatre and music themed around contemporary Cambodian life and society.

Discover More: Uncover the outer lying temples, either Banteay Srei or Beng Mealea, or take a Cambodian cooking class or explore the Roluos temple group (additional cost).

Two Night Stay: Siem Reap

Start at the famous Angkor Wat, known for its elaborate decorations and intricate carvings throughout.

Continue to the unique Ta Prohm temple which is overgrown by jungle trees.

Visit the impressive Bayon Temple, and finish at the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King known for their intricate bas-reliefs.

This evening enjoy a farewell banquet.

After saying your goodbyes, transfer to Siem Reap airport for your homeward flight.

Welcome home.

Please note: The Mekong River is subject to extreme variations in water levels throughout the year. Every effort is made to provide the routing and inclusions stated however depending on water levels prevalent at the time of sailing, this itinerary may be amended or modified.