RV Mekong Navigator Cruise Upstream 8 days: Saigon - Siem Reap

Morning
There are no scheduled activities this morning. Take this time to relax and prepare for your voyage upriver through the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Afternoon
At 13:30, depart Ho Chi Minh City on a scenic countryside drive to My Tho, the vibrant gateway to the Mekong Delta. As the urban hustle fades into a tranquil mosaic of rice fields, swaying palms, and meandering waterways, the journey offers a peaceful prelude to your river adventure. Upon arrival, board the elegant RV Mekong Navigator, where a warm welcome awaits.

After settling into your refined French-colonial-style suite, take a moment to unwind and enjoy your first glimpses of the Mekong from the deck—fishing skiffs gliding past, stilted houses hugging the shore, and coconut palms swaying in the breeze.

Evening
As golden hour descends, gather in Le Salon Lounge for a Welcome Reception, followed by a brief safety orientation and an introduction to your dedicated crew. Then, savor a beautifully crafted Welcome Dinner in the Le Marché Dining Room, where Vietnamese ingredients meet international flair.

Mekong Navigator departs My Tho at 18:00, setting off into the dusky light toward Quoi Son, where the ship will anchor mid-river for the night.

Morning
Awaken to the stillness of the Mekong, as the ship is anchored just off the shores of Quoi Son, a peaceful village tucked into the lush delta landscape. Begin the day with a sampan cruise through narrow canals flanked by coconut palms and apple mangrove trees, where water hyacinths drift lazily and local fishermen cast their morning nets.

After stepping ashore, wander through fragrant fruit plantations, where pomelos, longans, and bananas hang heavy in the tropical air. Hop on a quirky Lambro 550, a three-wheeled motorbike taxi, for a scenic ride to a local coconut candy workshop, where skilled artisans shape sweets and crafts from every part of the coconut. Visit a nearby beekeeping farm to watch locals tend to their hives and sample fresh honey, followed by honey tea and tropical fruits as you enjoy a stirring live performance of Don Ca Tai Tu, the traditional folk music of southern Vietnam.

Then make a slow walk to the canals, where you will board hand-rowing boats for a peaceful journey beneath arching palms, observing birdlife and local daily life along the riverbanks. Afterward, you’ll transfer to a motorized sampan for the return ride back to the ship.

Afternoon
Following lunch on board, the Mekong Navigator sails upstream and anchors near Cho Lach, a village known for its horticultural excellence and local craft traditions. Board a sampan once again for a short ride into the heart of the community.

Wander through the village to observe the plant pot-making process, from shaping the molds to hand-painting each item. Meet local farmers in the fields and learn the delicate art of grafting tropical fruit trees, a skill passed down through generations. Stroll further to visit a local home, where you’ll discover the fascinating method of crafting bamboo fish traps—still used today to catch shrimp and fish in the canals.

Evening
As twilight paints the delta in hues of gold and indigo, return to the ship and relax on deck. Tonight, the ship cruises toward Gieng Island, anchoring mid-river beneath a blanket of stars.

Morning
Wake up as the Mekong Navigator approaches the quiet shores of Gieng Island, often called “The Mango Island” for its fertile orchards and tranquil beauty. This unspoiled haven is home to riverside artisans, mango farmers, and colonial-era landmarks tucked among shady village paths.

A sampan transfer brings you ashore, where you’ll switch to a local remork (motorized tuk-tuk) for a ride through peaceful backroads lined with mango trees. First, stop at a bamboo basket weaving village, where you’ll witness time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Continue on to a working mango farm, where you’ll taste freshly picked, sun-warmed fruit while hearing stories of the land from your friendly hosts.

Next, step inside one of the most majestic colonial legacies on the island—a French-era Catholic church, its façade adorned with faded pastel tones and Gothic spires that rise above the surrounding palms. Your final stop is a century-old Vietnamese home still bearing its original French design. Enjoy a warm welcome from the resident family, who will share insights into their lifestyle and heritage before you return to the ship.

Afternoon
As the Navigator sails upstream, you’ll arrive at Long Thuan Village, nestled along a narrow canal known for its floating fish farms and peaceful spiritual landmarks. Step ashore and walk to the village’s sacred Taoist temple, where local monks offer you the chance to participate in a traditional fortune-telling ceremony and make a small offering.

Afterward, continue your exploration through the countryside’s quiet lanes before arriving at a family workshop where colorful Unicorn heads are hand-crafted for ceremonial dances. Your visit concludes with an energetic Unicorn Dance performance, a vibrant blend of folk tradition, rhythm, and theatrical storytelling that has delighted generations of Vietnamese villagers.

Evening
Return to the Mekong Navigator and enjoy a relaxing dinner on board as the ship continues toward the Vietnam–Cambodia border. The evening unfolds in Le Salon Lounge, where guests are invited to join a lively music quiz and dancing session—a fun and social way to end the day.

Morning
Wake to a quiet morning as the Mekong Navigator completes border formalities and officially crosses from Vietnam into Cambodia. This transition marks a new chapter in your journey as you leave behind the floating villages of the delta and begin your sail upstream toward the cultural heart of Cambodia.

The morning is yours to relax and fully enjoy life aboard the ship. Settle into a lounger on the Sun Deck as you glide past riverbanks lined with swaying palms, fishermen casting nets, and children waving from stilt houses. The ship becomes a sanctuary of calm as you watch the Mekong’s subtle rhythms carry you across borders and into a new cultural landscape.

Afternoon
As the Navigator continues her steady course toward Phnom Penh, join a series of cultural enrichment activities that bring both Vietnamese and Cambodian traditions to life. Begin with a tropical fruit tasting, where you’ll sample juicy rambutans, mangosteens, and jackfruit while learning about their role in local markets and meals. Then, gather in the lounge for a hands-on Vietnamese spring roll demonstration—watch rice paper wrap tightly around herbs, shrimp, and noodles, and taste the freshness that defines Mekong Delta cuisine.

Later, enjoy a presentation of traditional Cambodian costumes, showcasing intricately woven silks, symbolic patterns, and the ceremonial dress styles tied to Cambodia’s royal and rural history. These immersive sessions offer an engaging preview of the culture you’ll soon experience firsthand in Phnom Penh.

Evening
As golden hour descends on the river, gather on the Sun Deck for the Captain’s Cocktail & Sabering Ceremony—a celebratory toast to the journey so far, shared with new friends and a spectacular riverside backdrop. The ship continues sailing through the soft evening light, heading toward Cambodia’s vibrant capital.

Dinner is served in Le Marché Dining Room, followed by a peaceful night aboard, gently anchored mid-river beneath a canopy of stars.

Note: It takes about 10 hours to go from the border to Phnom Penh, depending on the water situation

Morning
Awaken in the heart of Phnom Penh, a city of regal grandeur and complex history. After breakfast on board, take a scenic drive to Choeung Ek, one of the most sobering landmarks of Cambodia’s past. Walk through the peaceful green fields where the Killing Fields Memorial stands as a powerful tribute to the lives lost during the Khmer Rouge regime. Visit the small museum and Buddhist stupa filled with the skulls of victims—a place of silence and remembrance that invites deep reflection.

The journey continues to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), a former school turned prison where thousands were interrogated and imprisoned. Wander through stark classrooms and prison cells, where haunting black-and-white photographs share the human stories behind the statistics. It’s a powerful experience that reveals the strength of the Cambodian spirit in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Afternoon
After returning to the ship for lunch, the afternoon is yours to explore Phnom Penh at your own pace. Choose to join a complimentary shuttle to the Central Market, where you can browse colorful stalls brimming with spices, silks, silver, and street snacks under its iconic yellow art deco dome. Or set off independently to discover the city’s riverside cafés, boutique galleries, or hidden temples.

Evening
As dusk settles over the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, return to the ship for an evening of cultural elegance. Gather on the Sun Deck for a traditional Apsara dance performance, where performers in golden silk gracefully portray ancient Khmer legends. The night continues with a vibrant Khmer folk dance, capturing the rhythms of rural life and community spirit.

Dinner is served in Le Marché Dining Room, followed by the soft hum of the capital outside your window as the ship remains docked overnight.

Morning
Begin your day with the lively energy of Phnom Penh, where tuk-tuks line the riverfront ready to whisk you away for a morning of discovery. Your first stop is the splendid Royal Palace complex, the residence of Cambodia’s monarchy and a shining symbol of Khmer architecture. Stroll through immaculate gardens to admire the Throne Hall and the Moonlight Pavilion, where royal ceremonies once unfolded under ornate golden spires.

Continue to the magnificent Silver Pagoda, home to Cambodia’s revered Emerald Buddha and the diamond-studded Maitreya Buddha, a remarkable statue encrusted with more than 9,000 diamonds. Every step through this sacred space glimmers with cultural pride and devotion.

Hop back into your tuk-tuk for a breezy ride to the nearby National Museum of Cambodia, the country’s foremost institution of cultural history. This elegant terracotta structure houses one of the world’s largest collections of Khmer art—stone sculptures, bronze relics, and intricate ceramics from both the Angkorian and pre-Angkorian eras. It’s a beautiful and enlightening way to explore Cambodia’s creative soul through the centuries.

Afternoon
Return to the ship and enjoy lunch on board. The rest of the afternoon is yours to spend at your leisure in Phnom Penh. Take time to revisit a favorite café, explore the riverside promenade, or simply relax on the Sun Deck with views of the capital’s skyline drifting past.

Evening
The Mekong Navigator casts off from Phnom Penh and begins cruising upstream. As the ship gently sails into the twilight, enjoy a final glimpse of the city’s golden rooftops and modern towers fading into the horizon.

Morning
Awaken mid-river as the RV Mekong Navigator arrives at the sacred grounds of Wat Roka Kaong, a revered temple complex steeped in history and legend. Built in 1840 and partially restored in 1998, the wat is known locally as Wat KeoMoni Chort, or the Emerald Temple, after a 180-year-old emerald-hued statue was unearthed during renovations.

Step off the ship and explore this spiritual haven, where towering Golden Buddhist Columns, rising 53 meters into the sky, stand sentinel at the entrance to what was once two temples—Preah Keo Preah Kor to the north and Bak Sei Chamkrong to the south (sadly lost to a landslide in 2020). Wander peacefully through the temple grounds, then proceed to the Main Pagoda, its colorful murals and vibrant floral motifs inviting calm and contemplation. Here, you’ll receive a traditional water blessing from local monks—a meaningful and symbolic cleansing ritual that connects you to centuries of Cambodian spiritual heritage.

Afternoon
After lunch on board, arrive at the tranquil riverside village of Opopel, a pastoral gem nestled in the Cambodian countryside. Disembark for a guided stroll through the village, where life unfolds slowly beneath the shade of banana trees. You’ll pass stilted homes, see Brahmin cows grazing freely, and be warmly welcomed into the home of a local family, who’ll share stories about their traditions and daily routines.

Continue to the village school, where curious children wave shyly from their desks, and gain insight into Cambodia’s educational system. The final stop is the local monastery, where saffron-robed monks move quietly through fragrant clouds of incense, offering a quiet space for reflection.

Evening
Back aboard the RV Mekong Navigator, sail into the evening light toward Kang Meas Port. As the sun sets on your final full day, gather on the Sun Deck for a heartfelt Farewell Reception, where you’ll toast to the friendships formed and the journey shared. Then, enjoy a celebratory Farewell Dinner in Le Marché Dining Room, filled with regional flavors and warm hospitality.

Morning
After a leisurely breakfast on board, it’s time to bid farewell to the RV Mekong Navigator and the exceptional crew who have accompanied you on this unforgettable journey along the Mekong River. Disembark at Kang Meas Port, a peaceful riverside location nestled in the Cambodian countryside, where your overland transfer to Siem Reap begins.

Set off at 08:30, winding through picturesque landscapes of lotus ponds, rice paddies, and thatched-roof villages. A rest stop along the way allows you to enjoy a local lunch and stretch your legs before continuing onward.

Afternoon
Arrive in Siem Reap, the vibrant cultural heart of Cambodia and the gateway to the legendary Angkor temple complex. Though your cruise has come to an end, the memories of river life, spiritual encounters, and warm local connections will linger long after you return home.