Mekong Symphony Cruise Downstream 8 days: Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh

Morning

Meet at FCC Angkor by Avani in Siem Reap at 9:00 for check-in before departing on a scenic transfer to Koh Chen. Journey through the Cambodian countryside with a lunch stop en route, offering a glimpse of rural landscapes and local life.

Afternoon

Arrive at Koh Chen and board the luxurious Mekong Symphony. After settling into your elegant suite, take time to explore the ship's premium facilities before your Mekong adventure begins.

Evening

Meet the Cruise Manager and crew during a Welcome Reception, followed by a safety briefing and a delicious Cambodian Welcome Dinner at the Tonlé Sap Restaurant.

Later, the Mekong Symphony departs Koh Chen and cruises toward Kampong Prosat.

Morning

Discover the authentic charm of Kampong Chhnang, one of Cambodia's most traditional riverside provinces. Travel by tuk-tuk to a nearby village, where you'll explore Khmer pottery workshops, stroll through the bustling village market, and learn how palm sugar (skor t'not) is produced using age-old techniques passed down through generations.

Afternoon

Return to Mekong Symphony for lunch as the ship cruises toward Kampong Tralach. Spend the afternoon and night relaxing onboard while admiring the peaceful scenery along the Mekong River.

Morning

Experience the peaceful countryside of Kampong Tralach with a traditional ox-cart ride through lush rice paddies and quiet village paths to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu.

Meet local monks and receive a traditional water blessing, a sacred Cambodian ritual believed to bring peace, good fortune, and safe travels. Admire the temple's colorful murals before returning to the ship by tuk-tuk.

Afternoon

After lunch, explore Koh Chen, a peaceful island village renowned for its centuries-old bronze and silversmithing traditions.

Visit local workshops where skilled artisans continue to handcraft intricately engraved bowls, statues, and ceremonial objects using techniques passed down through generations.

Following the excursion, Mekong Symphony cruises toward Phnom Penh.

Evening

Before dinner, enjoy a captivating Khmer Cultural Performance on the Sun Deck, featuring the graceful Apsara Dance alongside traditional Cambodian folk dances.

Optional Evening Excursion | Phnom Penh by Night

Explore Phnom Penh after dark on a guided tuk-tuk tour through the city's illuminated streets and landmarks. Enjoy a signature cocktail while admiring panoramic views of the glittering skyline from a rooftop bar.

(Please contact the Purser onboard to book and pay for this optional excursion.)

Morning

Discover the rich history and cultural heritage of Phnom Penh on a guided tuk-tuk tour through Cambodia's vibrant capital. Visit Wat Phnom, the city's legendary founding site, before continuing to the magnificent Royal Palace to explore the Throne Hall, Moonlight Pavilion, and the renowned Silver Pagoda, home to the Emerald Buddha and the spectacular diamond-encrusted Maitreya Buddha.

The tour concludes at the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), offering a powerful insight into Cambodia's modern history.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at your leisure exploring Phnom Penh. Browse Central Market, discover local cafés and boutiques, or continue sightseeing at your own pace. A shuttle bus and your guide will be available to take you from the port to the city center.

Around 16:30, the ship will depart Phnom Penh and cruise toward the Cambodia–Vietnam border, arriving in the evening.

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 remains near the border overnight, ready to continue into Vietnam the following morning.

Morning

After completing border formalities around 9:00 - 9:30, the 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 tranquil Buddhist temple nestled on the slopes of Sam Mountain.

Afternoon & Evening

Return to Mekong Symphony as the ship cruises toward Sa Dec. 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 Vietnamese and Cambodian costumes presented by the onboard crew.

Relax onboard and enjoy gourmet dinner as Mekong Symphony continues its scenic cruise toward Sa Dec, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Mekong River.

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 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 hear stories of generations who have lived along the Mekong.

Return to Mekong Symphony as the ship cruises toward Quoi Son Islet.

Morning & Afternoon

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 ending the excursion with a peaceful hand-rowed sampan ride through narrow waterways surrounded by coconut palms and mangroves.

Return to Mekong Symphony as the ship begins its final cruise toward Ho Chi Minh City. Spend a relaxing afternoon onboard, enjoying the scenery as the vessel sails through the Mekong Delta and anchors en route.

Evening

Celebrate the final evening of your voyage with a Farewell Reception in the Saigon Lounge, followed by an elegant Farewell Dinner at the Tonlé Sap Restaurant, sharing memorable moments with the crew and fellow travelers.

Morning

Wake up to the final stretch of your journey as Mekong Symphony cruises along the Saigon River. 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, bringing your unforgettable luxury Mekong voyage to a memorable close.