RV Mekong Princess Cruise Downstream 6 days: Phnom Penh - Saigon

Morning

The guide will be eagerly awaiting your arrival at Phnom Penh Port at 11:30. Once on board, the dedicated crew will extend a warm welcome, inviting you to the Ramvong Lounge for a refreshing welcome drink and a comprehensive safety briefing.

The journey begins seamlessly. Shortly after, we'll gather in the inviting dining room for a delightful lunch. Embrace the start of your adventure with a perfect blend of comfort and anticipation.

Afternoon

We'll get off-board in Phnom Penh for a half-day city tour on local cyclos.

The highlight of this excursion is a visit to the Royal Palace, featuring the majestic Throne Hall and the ethereal Moonlight Pavilion. A leisurely stroll through the grounds offers a moment to appreciate the beauty of the meticulously manicured campus gardens. Along the glamorous sightseeing route, the iconic Silver Pagoda unfolds its splendor. 

Following a brief downtime, the tour culminates with a visit to the National Museum. As the repository of the world's oldest collection of Khmer art, housing 500,000 artifacts dating from the 4th to the 13th century, this cultural treasure trove provides profound insights into the rich heritage of the former Khmer Kingdom, combining archaeological wonders with religious significance.

Evening

The first day comes to an end when passengers come back to the ship to have dinner and relax overnight.

Morning

As the sun rises on a serene Sunday morning, the Mekong Princess gracefully navigates towards the border of Cambodia and Vietnam, undertaking the necessary formalities.

Enjoy a delightful breakfast onboard as we navigate through immigration procedures for Vietnam.

Our next destination is the charming island village of Hong Ngu, renowned for its production and export of traditional Khmer scarves to Cambodia. Observe the complicated weaving process and perhaps make an effort to give it a go at weaving to completely engulf yourself in the local culture.

Following this enriching experience, we'll venture to a nearby local temple dedicated to Hoa Hao, a distinctive Vietnamese religion, adding a touch of spiritual exploration to our journey.

Afternoon

Our journey unfolds as we glide in sampans to the enchanting Gieng Island. Upon reaching the island, you can dedicate yourself some time to wander around the neighboring sampan village, where the artistry of crafting these traditional boats comes to life through the skilled hands of local families.

Continuing our exploration, a scenic canal drive unveils the mango gardens lining the riverbanks. Here, seize the chance to experience the island aboard a "xe loi" - motor trishaw, one of the region's beloved modes of transportation.

This unique journey culminates with a visit to the Phanxico Monastery, adding a touch of cultural and spiritual immersion to our island adventure.

Evening

As the schedule of the day is finished, all guests return to the ship to have dinner and relax onboard. The ship sails to Hoa An and anchors overnight.

Morning

Following a delightful breakfast onboard, our journey unfolds with a visit to the untouched Hoa An Village, renowned for its seasonal crops of vegetables and fruits.

Take a slow trip on "xe loi" and a short walk around the harmonious village, where rice fields and fruit trees paint a picturesque backdrop.

Our adventure continues as we embark on the sampan along the bustling canal famous for being the rice milling centre of the Mekong region. 

The last destination is one of the conical hat-making families, where we could share conversations with family members and delve into the intricate process of crafting these iconic hats.

After the morning excursion, we returned to the cruise for a sumptuous lunch and a well-deserved moment of relaxation.

Afternoon & Evening

The boat sails through a scenic expanse of the Mekong Delta, reaching the picturesque Hoang Dieu Harbor adjacent to Can Tho City.

Following that, we'll take a quick sightseeing tour, stopping at the Zhuang Pagoda (Chua Ong) and delighting in the welcome spectacle of unicorn dances.

The remaining hours of the day are liberated to roam around the city at your leisure, allowing you to discover its distinctive charms and hidden treasures.

The ship docks in Can Tho overnight while passengers have dinner and relax onboard.

Morning

Kickstart your morning with a delightful continental breakfast before boardinga small sampan through the amazing largest wholesale floating market in the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang Floating Market.

Coming here, you'll have a chance to witness an exciting local market and daily life on the water. Furthermore, you can taste the flavors of the region with fresh fruit and the invigorating Vietnamese "anti-aging drink", fresh coconut water.

Our next stop is a local noodle factory, offering insights into the traditional noodle-making process. 

Return to the board to round off the morning's activities with a buffet breakfast, guaranteeing a full start.

Afternoon

As soon as the port formalities are completed, our RV Mekong Princess will depart Hoang Dieu Harbor and cruise downstream the Bassac River through Tra On Rivulet mouth, Nicolai Canal, Mang Thit Canal, Cho Lach Rivulet mouth, and Mekong River. 

Evening

After treating yourself to dinner,  please have a relishing time onboard. The ship anchors and docks overnight in the heart of the Mekong Delta in Ben Tre province.

Morning

Post breakfast, you'll set off on an excursion by a sampan across a waterway fringed by mangroves.

Our journey shall kickstart right when we settle on land with the distinctive local transportation "xe lam" (three-wheeler). This popular method of transportation will take us to a local coconut candyworkshop, where you can watch the process of candy making.

Onward on your trek through the hamlet to a fruit orchard, you are provided an opportunity to observe the locals' fruit tree cultivation methods and be pleased to sample freshly picked sweet tropical fruits.

The last activity is a short boat trip through the narrow creeks with Nipah's palm on both sides. When the sun is fully raised, it is an ideal moment to appreciate the breathtaking scenery of the waterside countryside. Remember to capture the beauty by taking some photos to commemorate this special occasion!

Lunchtime, all return to the cruise as the cruise sails through the Mekong River.

Afternoon

Later today, the cruise will navigate through various remarkable spots along the waterways of the Mighty Mekong River, including the Cho Gao Canal, Vam Co River, Nuoc Man Canal, Soai Rap River, and Saigon River.

Evening

Indulge in a delightful dinner and unwind aboard the ship as it docks for the night at Saigon Port. Enjoy the tranquil evening atmosphere, letting the gentle rhythms of the river provide a soothing backdrop to your overnight stay.

Morning

Bid adieu to the RV Mekong Princess and its dedicated crew after savoring the last delightful buffet breakfast onboard. The farewell takes place at Saigon Port, where a comfortable bus awaits to transport you either to your nearby hotel or Tan Son Nhat International Airport. 

As you conclude your Mekong River adventure, carry with you the memories of a journey filled with exploration, relaxation, and the warm hospitality of the ship's crew.