RV Mekong Prestige II Cruise Downstream 8 days: Siem Reap - Saigon

Morning

Our driver will pick you up at the Apsara Hotel in Siem Reap, transporting you to Phnom Krom via an air-conditioned bus. 

The crew team offers you refreshing welcome drinks when you are on board. The cruise then sets sail to Tonle Sap Lake, allowing you to appreciate the picturesque surroundings.

Enjoy a delightful lunch on the cruise.

Afternoon

Enjoy some free time to relish the onboard experience. You can unwind on the sundeck or explore the services provided, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Evening

Conclude your day by savoring your meal at the Dining Hall and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay on board.

Morning

At the break of dawn, the ship gracefully sails across Tonle Lake, reaching the serene Kampong Chhnang province. Nestled at the heart of Cambodia, Kampong Chhnang was renowned for its vibrant river life and bustling marketplaces, this laid-back river port town has earned its reputation as a major fisheries hub. 

Witness the charm of floating villages that adorn the tranquil riverbanks, offering a glimpse into the unique lifestyle of those living along the intricate network of waterways. 

Pay a visit to a Khmer Village to gain a more detailed insight into the lives of the people in this riverine region.

Embark on an exciting excursion to a local market, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this distinctive marketplace. Discover the richness of local culture amidst the bustling surroundings and indulge in a culinary exploration of local delicacies and various products.

Following a morning filled with exploration, return to the cruise for a delightful lunch, all while the vessel gracefully navigates towards Kampong Tralach.

Afternoon

We reach Kampong Tralach, a district known for its scenic beauty, including lush greenery, serene waterways, and the warm hospitality of its residents. 

We get off the cruise, embark on a bus tour to discover the Vihara at Wat Kampong Leu Pagoda, renowned for its magnificent wall paintings. Then get on a unique ox cart ride, a common mode of transportation in the area, to return to the cruise. 

Then, a bus will then transport you to Oudong, a historical site that served as the country's capital before Phnom Penh. We explore Oudong Hill and visit the Vipassana Dhura Pagoda, delving into the local Buddhist culture.

Evening

Return to the cruise and recharge with a hearty dinner and a peaceful overnight stay surrounded by tranquil views of the Mekong Delta.

Morning 

Enjoy an onboard breakfast as the cruise set sail to Chong Koh Village, one of the most well-known traditional silk-weaving villages in Cambodia. Weaving plays an important role in both the economy and culture of Chong Koh village.

Visit here, we can gain knowledge about local culture by joining silk workshops where the artisans show their impressive skills in the process of weaving to create stunning masterpieces.

If time permits, you consider visiting local primary schools where the facilities are getting downgraded. The children here are really positive with big smiles despite learning in the poor conditions with faded paint, broken doors, windows and old desks.

Then get back to the cruise for lunch.

Afternoon

Embark on a captivating expedition to uncover the hidden charm of the Mekong River, delving into villages and fishing pursuits. Immerse yourself in the rural ambiance, and witness local daily life. 

As you return to Phnom Penh, the city awaits your exploration during your leisure time. 

Evening

In the evening, unwind on your cabin balcony and prepare for the night party on the sundeck. 

Indulge in cocktails while admiring the enchanting Apsara dance performance, a renowned and splendid Cambodian cultural dance.

Morning 

Start your day with a hearty breakfast on board before embarking on a fascinating excursion.

Prior to the engaging Phnom Penh City Tour, you'll have the opportunity to attend a Cambodia history class. 

Explore renowned landmarks in Phnom Penh, including the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, each bearing the distinctive imprints of Cambodia's historical legacy.

Following the tour, return to the cruise for lunch and enjoy a brief period of leisure.

Afternoon

Continue your journey with the S21 detention center exploration,  which was a former secondary school that was later used as the notorious Security Prison 21 (S-21) by the Khmer Rouge.

Then, we head to Wat Phnom, located on the only hill in the city, is a revered Buddhist temple that holds significant cultural and historical importance. As the tallest religious structure in the capital, Wat Phnom provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. 

After that, you have free time to explore the city at your own pace. Consider going shopping at the Russian Market, immersing yourself in the vibrant and colorful atmosphere there.

Evening

Get back on the cruise and enjoy a hearty dinner and a restful overnight stay, surrounded by the tranquility of the Mekong Delta.

Morning

Enjoy a light breakfast on board as the cruise glides along the main Mekong Channel, a vital watercourse in Southeast Asia, serving as a major international route that connects various countries, including Cambodia and Vietnam. 

The morning is yours to unwind and take in the surroundings on board. Lunch is served, providing an opportunity to savor your meal and gear up for the upcoming Vietnamese adventure. 

Afternoon

In the afternoon, the cruise reaches the Vietnamese border, offering a chance to unwind on the sundeck and appreciate the scenic views of Vietnam. 

Consider joining our cooking class to explore Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisine, promising to bring an extremely new experience

Evening

As evening falls, relish a delicious meal and unwind on board, preparing for the exciting journey in Vietnam the next day.

Morning

In the early morning, enjoy a delightful breakfast, setting the mood for a day's adventure. 

After that, the cruise set sail forward to Tuan Chau, a small town in Chau Doc, nestled on the bank of the Tien River.  Here, you witness fish farms and immerse yourself in local life.

The next stop is handicraft villages, where you can enjoy the traditional handicrafts and experience the making process of the special silk. A hundred years ago, Tan Chau was famous for silk weaving, especially the unique silk named "My A", made with the best materials and sophisticated process.

Continue your exploration of the town with a trishaw ride, delighting in the picturesque countryside scenery during a short journey. 

Head back to the cruise for a delightful lunch.

Afternoon

The afternoon is yours to unwind, consider refreshing with a spa session.

Evening

Savor a delicious dinner and unwind on board, recharging for the next day's adventure.

Morning 

After having breakfast, set sail towards Sa Dec , a journey that unfolds through the largest flower village in the West of Vietnam and one of the country's prominent floral hubs. Indulge in leisure time and the onboard services as you navigate the picturesque waterways.

Explore the former house of Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration behind Marguerite Duras' novel "The Lover." This iconic house, renowned for its romantic legacy, features a distinct blend of French colonial exterior and traditional Chinese interior architecture, offering visitors a unique cultural experience. 

Then, we pay a visit to Cadaisim Temple to witness unique religious ceremonies and admire the intricate details of the temple's design that make it a fascinating cultural and spiritual destination in Vietnam.

If time permits, consider taking a leisurely stroll through a local market to witness the vibrant business activities of the locals. 

Enjoy a delightful meal on board as the cruise heads towards Cai Be. 

Afternoon

In the afternoon, embark on a sampan excursion around the market, followed by a visit to the French Gothic Cathedral on the mainland. Explore local rice paper and coconut candy manufacturing. 

Note: The French Gothic Cathedral is currently closed for interior visits. 

Evening

The cruise continues to My Tho, partake in a farewell party on the terrace deck before spending the night onboard.

Morning

Following breakfast, you'll be transported to My Tho Port for disembarkation, bidding farewell to the charming RV Mekong Prestige II.

A bus will then convey you back to Saigon, marking the conclusion of this memorable voyage.