RV Indochine I Cruise Upstream 9 days: Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap

Morning

Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Liberty Central Riverside Hotel, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the Saigon River between 11:30 & 12:30. 

Afternoon

Set out to explore the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, starting with iconic landmarks such as the historic Reunification Palace, the elegant Notre Dame Cathedral (closed temporarily for renovation), and the beautifully preserved Central Post Office, each reflecting layers of the city’s rich past and architecture.

Continue to Cho Lon, the bustling Chinatown district, where daily life unfolds amid lively markets and narrow streets. Here, you’ll visit the revered Ba Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu, offering a glimpse into the spiritual traditions of the local Chinese-Vietnamese community.

Evening

As the day winds down, step aboard your cruise and settle comfortably into your cabin. The evening begins with a welcome cocktail, where you’ll meet the attentive crew who will accompany you throughout the journey. Enjoy your first dinner on board in a relaxed, elegant setting, before spending a peaceful night docked in the heart of the city.

Morning & Afternoon

You can choose to enjoy a relaxed morning on board, or venture out by coach to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an extraordinary underground network once used by Viet Cong soldiers as shelters, supply routes, hospitals, and strategic communication lines during the war. This visit offers a powerful insight into Vietnam’s history and the resilience of its people.

Return to the ship for a leisurely lunch, then continue your cultural exploration with a visit to the Museum of Vietnamese History, where centuries of heritage are brought to life through fascinating exhibits.

Evening

Later in the day, the cruise sets sail, gliding into the narrow and winding Chao Gao Canal. As the scenery shifts to a more authentic, local rhythm of riverside life, take in the unique atmosphere from the deck. 

Dinner is served onboard, followed by a peaceful evening as the ship continues its journey along the Mekong.

Morning

As the cruise continues along the scenic Chao Gao Canal toward My Tho, wake up to ever-changing riverside life, boats gliding past, lush greenery, and glimpses of daily routines along the water. This stretch offers an authentic look at the Mekong’s quieter, more local side.

Step ashore to visit a traditional bee farm, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of fragrant honey tea paired with fresh exotic fruits, a simple yet delightful introduction to the region’s natural flavors. 

Back on board later, a relaxed lunch is served as the journey carries you deeper into the delta.

Afternoon & Evening

Explore local craftsmanship with visits to a brick factory and a pottery factory, followed by a traditional workshop producing puffed rice, rice paper wrappers for nems, and rice alcohol. These hands-on encounters reveal the enduring artisanal traditions that define life along the Mekong. 

As the sun sets, return to the ship for dinner and unwind on the tranquil cruise. Enjoy a tranquil night on board.

Morning

Begin the day with a visit to the former house of Huynh Thuy Le, a beautifully preserved residence that offers a glimpse into a bygone era and inspired Marguerite Duras’ famous novel The Lover. Rich in history and atmosphere, the house reflects the unique cultural blend of the Mekong Delta.

After the excursion, enjoy some free time to wander through Sa Dec at your own pace, soaking in the town’s laid-back charm and local character. Return to the ship for a leisurely lunch as the journey continues.

Afternoon & Evening

Then, the cruise sails toward Chau Doc, a riverside town near the Cambodian border with a fascinating history shaped over centuries. Relax onboard as the landscapes slowly shift, and enjoy dinner in a peaceful setting before settling in for another tranquil night on the Mekong.

Morning

Wake up in Chau Doc, a lively riverside town shaped by its long-standing fishing traditions and floating fish farms. This unique way of life defines the local rhythm and cultural heartbeat.

Set out to visit the Tay An Pagoda, known for its distinctive architectural blend, and the revered Ba Chua Xu Temple, an important spiritual site attracting pilgrims from across the region. These visits provide a deeper understanding of local beliefs and heritage.

Afternoon & Evening

Return to the ship for lunch as the cruise continues upstream toward Cambodia. By evening, arrive in Phnom Penh, where the city’s skyline begins to unfold along the riverbanks. Enjoy dinner onboard and take in the peaceful atmosphere as the ship remains docked in port.

Morning

Discover the rich heritage of Cambodia’s capital with a guided tour of the magnificent Royal Palace, a stunning showcase of the Khmer elite, followed by the Silver Pagoda with its remarkable architecture. Continue to the National Museum, home to an exceptional collection that brings the country’s history and artistry to life.

Afternoon

After lunch in town, the afternoon offers a more reflective visit to Tuol Svay Prey School, a former detention center of the Khmer Rouge during the civil war that stands as a powerful reminder of Cambodia’s recent past. 

Later, we will enjoy some free time to explore the local market, where the city’s vibrant daily life unfolds in full color.

Evening

Return to the ship in the late afternoon and unwind before an enchanting Apsara dance performance onboard, a graceful expression of traditional Khmer culture. Dinner is served in a relaxed setting, followed by a free evening.

Morning

We step ashore in Koh Chen, a quiet village renowned for its generations of skilled artisans specializing in delicate silver and copper craftsmanship. Here, you’ll witness traditional techniques that have been preserved over time.

Return to the ship for a relaxing lunch as the journey continues through the serene landscape of the Mekong River. 

Afternoon & Evening

Later, we visit the elegant Vihara at Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda, a peaceful and culturally rich site set amid the countryside. To reach the pagoda, travel through Kampong Tralach village along a narrow path cutting across expansive rice fields, an immersive experience that captures the simplicity and beauty of rural Cambodia. 

Back onboard for relaxation, enjoy a quiet evening as the ship remains anchored overnight in this tranquil setting.

Morning

Begin the day with a visit to Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing ports on Tonle Sap Lake, where life is deeply connected to the water. Discover the region’s extensive fish farms and gain insight into the vital role fishing plays in the local economy.

The area is also renowned for its traditional pottery, a craft that has been passed down through generations and remains an important source of livelihood. During your visit, enjoy a tasting of local specialties, offering a simple introduction to regional flavors.

Afternoon & Evening

Return to the ship for lunch as the cruise continues along the Tonle Sap River, with ever-changing scenery unfolding along the banks. Don’t forget to take some pictures for this occasion.

In the evening, celebrate the journey with a cocktail and a gala dinner onboard, a memorable highlight set in an elegant atmosphere. Then, let’s fully savor the peaceful surroundings on your last night on board.

Morning

After breakfast, your journey comes to a gentle close as you disembark and transfer to Siem Reap. Depending on water levels and conditions, you will either travel by road through the countryside, discovering traditional villages along the way, or enjoy a final morning cruise across Tonle Sap Lake before disembarkation.

Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will be transferred to a local hotel, where the cruise program concludes around 12:30. 

For your onward travel, it is recommended not to schedule flights before 15:30.