RV Lan Diep Cruise Upstream 9 days: Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap

Morning

You will meet at the Liberty Central Riverside Hotel restaurant between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and enjoy lunch at the hotel while getting an introduction to the journey ahead.

Afternoon

You will explore the city’s key landmarks, including:

• Reunification Palace: A historic site marking the end of the Vietnam War, known for its preserved 1970s architecture and political significance
• Notre Dame Cathedral: A striking neo-Romanesque cathedral built during the French colonial era, symbolizing the city’s European influence
• Central Post Office: An iconic colonial building featuring elegant arches and a grand interior
• Cholon (Chinatown): A vibrant district rich in Chinese heritage, home to bustling markets and the Ba Thien Hau Pagoda, a centuries-old temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu

Evening

You will board the cruise and settle comfortably into your cabin. A welcome cocktail will introduce you to the crew, followed by dinner on board.

Morning

You can enjoy free time on board or join an excursion by coach to the Cu Chi Tunnels—an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War as living quarters, supply routes, and strategic hideouts.

During the visit, you will watch a short documentary film, explore sections of the tunnels by crawling through them, and learn about Vietnam’s wartime history. You will also see hidden trapdoors, spike traps, and other ingenious defense systems used during the conflict.

Afternoon

Return to the ship for lunch on board before visiting the Museum of Vietnamese History, offering insights into the country’s rich past and cultural heritage.

The cruise will then begin its journey through the narrow Chao Gao Canal, a lively waterway connecting the Mekong Delta.

Evening

Relax on board as the ship continues cruising. Dinner will be served, followed by an overnight stay on board.

Morning

You will continue cruising along the narrow and lively Chao Gao Canal toward My Tho, a gateway to the Mekong Delta known for its lush orchards and river life.

Upon arrival, take a visit to a local bee farm, where you can taste honey tea and enjoy fresh tropical fruits.

Afternoon

You will return to the ship for lunch on board before heading ashore to explore a brick and pottery factory to see age-old production techniques, as well as local workshops producing puffed rice, rice paper wrappers for making spring rolls, and Vietnamese rice alcohol.

Evening

It's time to return to the ship and relax as the cruise continues through the Mekong Delta.

Morning

The day begins with a visit to Sa Dec, a peaceful riverside town known for its colonial charm. The former house of Huynh Thuy Le, famously linked to Marguerite Duras’ novel The Lover, offers a glimpse into a romantic and historic past.

Afternoon

After some free time to explore at your own pace, the journey continues back on board with lunch served on the ship. The cruise then sails toward Chau Doc, a border town between Vietnam and Cambodia with a rich cultural blend shaped over centuries.

Evening

As the ship glides along the Mekong, guests can unwind on board. Dinner is served, followed by an overnight stay on the river.

Morning

The day begins in Chau Doc, a bustling border town known for its thriving fish farming industry and diverse cultural influences.

The excursion includes visits to Tay An Pagoda, situated at the foot of the 230-meter-tall Sam Mountain and known for its unique blend of Vietnamese and Indian architecture, and Ba Chua Xu Temple (Lady Temple), a revered spiritual site where locals come to pray for prosperity, health, and good fortune.

Afternoon & Evening

Guests return to the ship for lunch on board as the cruise continues toward Cambodia, offering scenic views of life along the river. The ship arrives in Phnom Penh in the evening.

Morning

Start a guided tour of Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital

• Royal Palace: A magnificent complex of gleaming golden spires and ornate Khmer architecture, serving as the King’s residence, with landscaped gardens and richly decorated pavilions reflecting Cambodia’s royal heritage.
• Silver Pagoda: Located within the Royal Palace Complex, this sacred temple is famed for its silver-tiled floor and houses an impressive collection of national treasures.
• Cambodia National Museum: Home to an exceptional collection of Khmer art from prehistoric to Angkor periods, set within a traditional building with a peaceful courtyard.

Afternoon

After lunch in town, you can pay a visit to Tuol Svay Prey School, a former detention and torture center during the Khmer Rouge era, offering a sobering insight into Cambodia’s recent history.

The afternoon continues with free time to explore a local market and experience the city’s daily life.

Evening

Back on board, you will enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance, showcasing Cambodia’s classical culture. Dinner is served on board, followed by an overnight stay in Phnom Penh port.

Morning

The day begins with a visit to Koh Chen, a peaceful riverside village renowned for its traditional silver and copper craftsmanship. Here, local artisans create intricate handmade items using techniques passed down through generations.

Afternoon

After lunch on board, the journey continues to Kampong Tralach. The excursion leads to the beautiful Vihara at Wat Kampong Tralach Leu, reached by crossing the village along a narrow path through scenic rice fields, offering a glimpse into rural Cambodian life.

Evening

Return to the ship to relax as the cruise continues along the Mekong. 

Morning

Today begins with a visit to Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing ports on Tonle Sap Lake, known for its floating villages, fish farms, and traditional pottery that supports the local economy. Here, you will also enjoy tasting a selection of local products.

Afternoon

Return to the ship for lunch on board as the cruise continues along the Tonle Sap River, offering scenic views of rural life and waterways.

Evening

A farewell cocktail and a gala dinner are served on board, making a memorable final evening on the cruise.

Morning

After breakfast, guests disembark and transfer by road to Siem Reap (5 - 6 hours), with a chance to discover traditional villages along the way.

Alternatively, enjoy a final morning cruise on Tonle Sap Lake before disembarkation.

Afternoon

Transfer to Lotus Blanc Hotel or a similar meeting point; the details will be confirmed in your travel documentation. The journey concludes at approximately 12:30 p.m.