Mekong Symphony Cruise Downstream 5 days: Phnom Penh - Ho Chi Minh

Afternoon

Board the luxurious Mekong Symphony in Phnom Penh and enjoy lunch onboard.

Afterwards, spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring Cambodia's vibrant capital. A shuttle bus with a guide operates between the port and the city center. You can browse Central Market, discover local cafés and boutiques, or continue sightseeing at your own pace.

Around 16:30, Mekong Symphony departs Phnom Penh and cruises toward the Vietnam–Cambodia border.

Evening

Before dinner, join the elegant Captain's Cocktail Reception, featuring the traditional champagne sabering ceremony.

After dinner, gather with fellow guests for a lively Music Quiz Night as the ship anchors near the border overnight.

Morning

After completing border formalities, Mekong Symphony arrives in Chau Doc, a vibrant riverside town where Vietnamese, Khmer, Cham, and Chinese cultures have coexisted for centuries.

Visit a traditional floating fish farm to learn about the region's unique aquaculture, continue to a Cham Village to discover the customs and daily life of the local Muslim community, and conclude the excursion at Hang Pagoda (Cave Pagoda), a peaceful Buddhist temple nestled on the slopes of Sam Mountain.

Afternoon & Evening

Return to Mekong Symphony as the ship cruises toward Sa Dec. During the afternoon, enjoy a selection of enriching onboard experiences:

• Tropical Fruit Tasting: Sample exotic Mekong fruits and join the ship's Chef for a hands-on Vietnamese spring roll-making class.
• Cultural Costume Presentation: Enjoy a colorful showcase of traditional costumes presented by the onboard crew.

Morning

Explore the charming riverside town of Sa Dec with a scenic sampan ride through peaceful canals.

Visit the historic Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House, made famous by Marguerite Duras' novel The Lover, before discovering the elegant Kien An Cung Temple and strolling through the vibrant Sa Dec Market, where colorful local produce and regional specialties offer an authentic glimpse into everyday Mekong life.

Afternoon & Evening

Continue to Cai Be, one of the Mekong Delta's oldest trading towns.

Cruise the intricate waterways by sampan, walk through lush tropical fruit gardens, and visit a local family home to learn the traditional process of making sticky rice wine.

The excursion concludes with a visit to a beautifully preserved ancient house, where you'll discover the family's history and the cultural heritage of the Mekong Delta.

After the excursion, Mekong Symphony departs Cai Be and cruises toward Quoi Son Islet.

Morning

Discover the lush landscapes of Quoi Son Islet in Ben Tre, one of the Mekong Delta's most picturesque islands.

Cruise through tranquil canals by sampan, stroll through tropical fruit orchards, and ride a vintage Lambro 550 to visit a local family producing traditional coconut candy and coconut handicrafts.

Enjoy fresh tropical fruits, honey tea, and a live performance of Don Ca Tai Tu, Southern Vietnam's UNESCO-recognized folk music, before concluding the excursion with a peaceful sampan ride through narrow waterways lined with coconut palms and mangroves.

Afternoon

Return to Mekong Symphony as the ship begins its final cruise toward Ho Chi Minh City. Spend a relaxing afternoon onboard while enjoying the tranquil scenery of the Mekong Delta as the vessel anchors near Go Cong.

Evening

Gather in the Saigon Lounge for a memorable Farewell Reception with the crew, followed by an elegant Farewell Dinner at the Tonlé Sap Restaurant, celebrating the unforgettable experiences shared throughout your Mekong journey.

Morning

Mekong Symphony continues its sails on the scenic Saigon River toward Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard while taking in the last views of southern Vietnam's riverside landscapes.

Arriving at around 10:30, bid farewell to the crew and disembark, marking the end of your unforgettable luxury Mekong River cruise.