RV La Marguerite Cruise Upstream 8 days: Saigon - Siem Reap

Morning

Embark on a day of cultural immersion and exploration as your tour guide awaits you at your hotel, orchestrating a seamless transfer to Vinh Long. 

En route, discover the vibrant pulse of Cholon Market and witness the intricate craftsmanship at a lacquer factory. Cholon, the "second center of the city," beckons with its unique blend of Chinese design and bustling markets, a favored hub for wholesale trade. 

Arriving in Vinh Long, the gateway to the Mekong, a warm welcome awaits on board the RV La Marguerite. A delightful lunch will be served with panoramic river views.

Afternoon & Evening

Arrive in Vinh Long and board the RV La Marguerite. Have your lunch on board.

In the late afternoon, departure for the visit to the Van Thanh Mieu Temple (Temple of Literature) built in 1864 in honor of Phan Thanh Gian, a mandarin who signed the treaty of cession of the 3 eastern provinces of Cochinchina to France.

The visit is followed by a traditional Hat Boi performance, a form of Vietnamese classical theatre that brings together music, dance, expressive singing, and storytelling.

Return to the ship to enjoy a welcome cocktail before gathering for the welcome dinner on board. A restful night ahead creates the perfect finale of a day filled with exploration, learning, and authentic experiences along the Mekong River.

Morning

Today, we will board small local boats for an excursion through the canals of Mang Thit District, famous for its impressive traditional brick kilns lining the waterways. Let's visit a local brick factory to discover the production techniques and craftsmanship behind this long-standing local industry.

Return to the ship for lunch on board.

Afternoon

Afterward, you will explore the waterways of Ben Tre aboard small boats, visiting the lively floating coconut market, where local traders gather to exchange coconuts and other produce.

Continue the excursion to the charming Vinh Buu Pagoda to discover a quieter side of local spiritual life before returning to the cruise.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay on board.

Morning

After breakfast, board small local boats for a visit to Tan Phong Island, a peaceful island in the Mekong Delta known for its fertile orchards and traditional handicrafts.

Take a walk through the local area to discover how water hyacinth, a common plant along the Mekong waterways, is woven into decorative objects by skilled local artisans.

We then explore the island's fruit-growing countryside aboard small local vehicles, passing through lush orchards and rural landscapes. Stop at a local garden for an introduction to the exotic fruits cultivated in the region.

Before returning to the ship, enjoy a boat ride past Cai Be's Gothic cathedral, a distinctive landmark overlooking the river. You will also meet a local family who continues the traditional craft of making rice paper and coconut candies, two familiar products of the Mekong Delta.

Afternoon

Return on board for lunch as the cruise continues towards Sa Dec. In the afternoon, arrive in this lively riverside town, where French writer Marguerite Duras spent part of her childhood. Set out on a city tour to explore Sa Dec's distinctive atmosphere, shaped by its colonial heritage, river trade, and everyday local life.

Visit the historic "House of the Chinese," which was featured in Duras's novel The Lover and has since been transformed into a small museum.

Continue to a Caodaist temple to learn about Cao Dai, a syncretic religion that has a strong presence in southern Vietnam, before exploring the colorful local market, where you can observe the daily rhythm of this Mekong Delta town.

Return to the ship for dinner on board.

Morning

We arrive in Tan Chau, a small riverside town known for its agricultural activities and traditional crafts. Board local boats to explore the town and gain insight into its local way of life.

Then, visit an agricultural village, a traditional mat-weaving workshop, and a silk factory, where you can discover the craftsmanship and livelihoods that have shaped this community along the Mekong.

Return to the ship for lunch as RV La Marguerite resumes navigation towards the Cambodian border. Enjoy a relaxing time on board while the scenery gradually changes along the river.

Afternoon

The cruise stops at the designated border checkpoint for immigration formalities, allowing passengers to complete the procedures for exiting Vietnam and entering Cambodia. Keep your passport and necessary travel documents handy while the crew coordinates the border procedures.

After completing the formalities, enjoy dinner on board as the journey continues into Cambodia.

Morning

Arrive in Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital of Cambodia, once known as the "Pearl of Asia" for its tree-lined boulevards and elegant colonial architecture. Today, the city blends its historical heritage with a growing modern identity, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into Cambodia's past and present.

In the morning, set out to explore the city's most notable landmarks, beginning with the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Cambodia. This impressive complex features beautifully designed pavilions, gardens, and pagodas that showcase traditional Khmer architecture.

Continue to the Silver Pagoda, located within the palace grounds and renowned for its collection of precious national treasures. The visit then takes you to the National Museum, the country's leading historical and archaeological museum, where you can admire an extensive collection of Khmer art, sculptures, and artifacts reflecting the richness of Cambodia's cultural heritage.

Return to the ship for lunch on board.

Afternoon & Evening

We then visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, formerly known as S-21, a high school that was converted into a notorious detention and interrogation center under the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. Today, the preserved site serves as a memorial to the victims and offers visitors a sobering insight into one of the darkest chapters in Cambodian history.

On the way back to the ship, stop at Wat Phnom, a picturesque hilltop temple closely associated with the founding legend of Phnom Penh. Dedicated to Lady Penh, the woman after whom the city is named, this historic sanctuary is an important spiritual landmark for residents.

In the evening, return on board to enjoy a traditional Khmer dance performance, showcasing Cambodia's distinctive music, graceful movements, and cultural traditions, followed by dinner on board.

Morning

Early in the morning, RV La Marguerite sails towards Silk Island, a peaceful island on the Mekong River known for its long-standing silk-weaving traditions.

After arrival, we set out on foot and by tuk-tuk to explore a small traditional weaving village, where you can observe local artisans at work and learn about the craftsmanship behind Cambodia's distinctive silk textiles.

The excursion also includes a stop at a local school, offering a glimpse into everyday community life and education on the island.

Return to the ship as it resumes navigation towards Phnom Penh, where it docks once again. Enjoy lunch on board.

Afternoon

Later, you have free time to explore the Cambodian capital at your own pace. Whether you wish to revisit its historic streets, browse local markets, or simply enjoy the city's atmosphere, this is an opportunity to discover Phnom Penh from your own perspective.

At the end of the day, gather on board for an informative lecture led by a specialist, offering further insights into Cambodia's history, culture, and contemporary life. Dinner and overnight stay on board.

Morning 

Spend the morning sailing along the beautiful meanders of the Upper Mekong, a stretch of river that remains relatively wild and untouched. Enjoy the peaceful scenery from the deck as the ship makes its way through this less-traveled part of Cambodia, where river life continues at a gentle pace.

Lunch is served on board.

Afternoon & Evening

In the early afternoon, the ship arrives at Angkor Ban, a traditional riverside village and one of the few communities that escaped destruction during the Khmer Rouge period. This visit offers a rare glimpse into everyday Cambodian life and the country's traditional rural heritage.

Set out to explore the village on foot, walking along its quiet paths and discovering traditional wooden houses built on stilts, some of which have stood for more than a century. Along the way, observe the local way of life and the distinctive architecture that has been carefully preserved through generations.

Return to the ship to continue sailing along the Mekong. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay on board.

Morning 

Early in the morning, we disembark from RV La Marguerite and begin the approximately five-hour road transfer to Siem Reap.

En route, stop at Kampong Kdei Bridge, an impressive stone structure dating back to the Angkorian period. Built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, this historic bridge is a remarkable example of ancient Khmer engineering and remains an important reminder of the region's rich architectural heritage.

Continue the journey to Siem Reap, arriving around lunchtime and marking the end of your Mekong River cruise experience.