RV Indochine II Cruise Downstream 9 days: Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh City

Afternoon & Evening

Your journey begins in Siem Reap with a meeting at Lotus Blanc Hotel (for RV Indochine) at 13:00. From here, transfer to your cruise ship and settle into your cabin.

Later, enjoy a welcome cocktail and meet the crew who will accompany you throughout the voyage. Dinner is served onboard in a relaxed setting, marking the start of your Mekong experience. The rest of the evening is yours to unwind, with an overnight stay on board.

Morning 

We arrive in Koh Chen, a peaceful riverside village renowned for its long-standing tradition of silver and copper craftsmanship. Take a stroll through the village, where you can observe local artisans skillfully shaping and engraving their pieces using techniques passed down through generations. 

Afternoon & Evening

Return to the ship for a relaxed lunch as the cruise continues along calm waterways, with scenes of rural life unfolding along the banks. In the afternoon, set out to visit the elegant Vihara at Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda, a serene and culturally significant site nestled in the countryside.

Reaching the pagoda is part of the experience itself as we travel by tuk-tuk through Kampong Tralach village along a narrow path that winds across vast, open rice fields. Along the way, take in the simplicity and beauty of rural Cambodia that paints an authentic picture of local life.

After the visit, return to the ship and enjoy a pleasant dinner on board. The evening is yours to relax as the vessel remains peacefully anchored, offering a tranquil overnight stay on the Mekong.

Morning & Afternoon

We begin the day with a visit to Kampong Chhnang, one of the region’s largest fishing ports, where daily life is closely tied to the water and an extensive network of fish farms. As you explore, observe the rhythms of local life along the riverbanks, offering an authentic glimpse into this vibrant riverside community.

The region is also well known for its traditional pottery (“Chhnang” meaning “pot”), a craft that has been preserved for generations while subtly evolving with modern techniques. Discover how these handmade pieces are created, reflecting both heritage and practicality in everyday life.

Later, enjoy a tasting of local specialties, a simple yet memorable way to experience regional flavors, before returning to the ship for lunch. As the cruise continues toward Phnom Penh, relax on deck and take in the changing scenery along the Mekong.

Evening

The cruise reaches Phnom Penh in the early evening. Take a short tuk-tuk ride through the city, an enjoyable and lively way to get a first impression of Cambodia’s capital.

Back onboard, unwind with a performance of classical Khmer music and dance, showcasing the elegance of local culture. Dinner is served in a relaxed setting, followed by free time to enjoy the evening at your own pace.

Morning

Today is dedicated to discovering Phnom Penh’s rich cultural heritage. Begin with a visit to the Royal Palace, a striking landmark and symbol of Cambodia’s royal legacy, known for its elegant Khmer architecture. Continue to the nearby Silver Pagoda, home to remarkable treasures and intricate craftsmanship that reflect the country’s spiritual and artistic traditions.

The journey continues at the National Museum, where an impressive collection of artifacts and sculptures offers deeper insight into Cambodia’s history, culture, and artistic evolution. Together, these sites paint a vivid picture of the nation’s past and identity.

Afternoon & Evening

After lunch in town, you may choose to visit Tuol Svay Prey School, a former detention center that stands as a powerful and sobering reminder of Cambodia’s recent history.

Later, enjoy some free time at a local market, where the lively atmosphere, colorful stalls, and everyday interactions provide a glimpse into the rhythm of city life.

Evening

Return to the ship in the late afternoon. As evening falls, the cruise departs Phnom Penh and continues toward Chau Doc near the Vietnam border. Relax onboard and take in the peaceful transition from the city’s energy to the calm of the river, as the ship glides through the night

Morning

You wake up in Chau Doc, a vibrant border town between Cambodia and Vietnam, where life is deeply connected to the river. Known for its thriving fishing industry, the area is dotted with floating fish farms that stretch across the water, creating a unique and lively riverscape.

We set out to visit Tay An Pagoda, notable for its distinctive architectural style, followed by Ba Chua Xu Temple, an important spiritual site that draws pilgrims from across the region. These visits offer a meaningful glimpse into local beliefs and cultural traditions.

Afternoon & Evening

After a warm lunch, return to the ship and begin cruising toward Sa Dec. As the scenery gradually shifts along the Mekong, take time to relax on deck and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the river. Dinner is served onboard, feel free to spend the night.

Morning

Start your new day in Sa Dec with a visit to the former house of Huynh Thuy Le, a charming residence steeped in history and famously linked to Marguerite Duras’ novel The Lover. 

After the visit, enjoy some free time to wander through Sa Dec town at your own pace, soaking in its laid-back riverside charm. We then return to the ship for lunch as the cruise continues toward Vinh Long.

Afternoon & Evening

Next, let’s board smaller boats to explore the Mekong’s intricate network of canals, gliding past lush orchards and scenes of everyday life along the waterways.

We then reach Cai Be, where you discover local craftsmanship with visits to a brick and pottery factory, followed by traditional workshops producing puffed rice, rice-paper wrappers used for nems, and rice alcohol. These hands-on encounters reveal the enduring artisanal traditions of the delta. 

Back on board later, you can relax as the ship resumes cruising. Dinner is served in a peaceful setting, followed by another tranquil night on the river.

Morning

After a nice breakfast, we begin the exploration in My Tho with a visit to a local bee farm, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of fragrant honey tea alongside fresh tropical fruits, a simple yet authentic Mekong experience.

Continue your exploration aboard small sampans, gently gliding through narrow canals shaded by mangrove palms. This offers a close-up view of daily life along the waterways, where the rhythm of the delta unfolds at an unhurried pace.

Afternoon & Evening

Return to the ship for lunch as the cruise resumes. In the afternoon, navigate the narrow and bustling Chao Gao Canal, a fascinating stretch that reveals the contrast between local river traffic and tranquil countryside scenes.

By evening, arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy dinner onboard while docked in the heart of the city, where modern energy meets historic charm.

Morning

Let's spend the day discovering the dynamic charm of Ho Chi Minh City, where traces of its past blend seamlessly with modern energy. We begin with a guided tour of iconic landmarks, including the historic Reunification Palace, the elegant Notre Dame Cathedral (currently closed for renovation), and the beautifully preserved Central Post Office, each reflecting the city’s architectural heritage.

The tour continues to the Museum of Vietnamese History, where engaging exhibits provide deeper insight into the country’s rich and complex past, adding context to the places you’ve explored throughout the journey.

Afternoon

Return to the ship for lunch before enjoying a relaxed afternoon at your own pace. Alternatively, choose to visit the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network that once served as shelters, supply routes, and strategic bases during wartime, offering a powerful and eye-opening perspective on Vietnam’s history.

Evening

Back onboard, the evening is reserved for a memorable farewell cocktail and dinner, an elegant moment to reflect on the journey and the experiences along the Mekong. The atmosphere is both celebratory and relaxed, bringing your cruise to a meaningful close in the heart of the city.

Morning & Afternoon

After breakfast, you will disembark and set out for a final discovery of the city with a visit to Cho Lon, the vibrant Chinatown district. Wander through its bustling market, where the energy of daily life unfolds amid colorful stalls, traditional shops, and the distinct cultural blend that defines this historic area.

Following lunch in town, your journey comes to a close with a farewell around 14:00. As you part ways, take with you lasting impressions of the Mekong’s rich cultures and landscapes. 

For your onward travel, it is recommended not to schedule flights before 17:00.