Toum Tiou II Cruise Downstream 9 days: Siem Reap - Saigon

Afternoon & Evening

13:00: Please arrive at the hotel Lotus Blanc in Siem Reap. From there, we'll get on a coach transfer lasting approximately 5 - 6 hours to reach the enchanting destination of Koh Chen.

This picturesque journey sets the stage for the Mekong River expedition aboard the cozy Toum Tiou II Cruise.

Board the Toum Tiou II and begin your cruise by savoring a delightful welcome cocktail, accompanied by an introduction to the dedicated crew members who will be ensuring your comfort throughout the journey. 

After you settle into your cozy cabin, indulge in a delectable dinner served onboard. Spend the night on board

Morning & Afternoon

Savor a delightful breakfast and lunch served onboard as the cruise navigates towards Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonle Sap Lake.

Later,  we embark on an enriching exploration of Kampong Chhnang. Here they have many fish farms. The region is also known for its traditional pottery combining ancient knowledge with modern techniques - Chhnang itself means "pot". 

Immerse yourself in the local culture by discovering the art of traditional pottery, then engage in a tasting experience of regional products that capture the essence of this vibrant locale.

Optional: For those seeking more activity, there will be an option at Kampong Chhnang to cycle alongside the riverside and then to the pottery village to explore this area.

Evening

Return to Toum Tiou Cruise after this immersive excursion and set sail towards Kampong Tralach. As night falls, relish a delectable dinner served onboard and enjoy a restful overnight stay onboard.

Morning

Start your day with a delightful breakfast served onboard, setting the mood for enchanting land exploration. 

We will set out to Oudong, Cambodia's former capital. On arrival, first we visit the colorful Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Center, where you will hear about the school of Vipassana or Insight Meditation.

After that, you can walk up the steps to the various temples and the three large stupas where the ashes of three former kings are preserved. At the mountain top, you will be rewarded by wonderful views of the plains below.

Then, you will return to Toum Tiou Cruise and have a nice lunch on board. 

Afternoon

We'll embark on a unique journey to the beautiful Vihara at the Wat Kampong Tralach pagoda, with local tuk-tuk providing an authentic and common means of transportation used by the people here. 

On the way back to the boat, you can choose between a tuk-tuk or a bicycle ride through the countryside. Let's traverse scenic rice fields and immerse yourself in the rural charm of the surroundings. 

Afterward, leisurely enjoy your time onboard as the cruise sets in towards Phnom Penh.

Evening

You may enjoy a performance of classical Khmer dancing and music for some entertainment. Then, conclude the day with a delightful dinner served onboard, followed by a restful overnight stay.

Morning

Having breakfast served onboard, setting the perfect tone for a morning filled with exploration during your Phnom Penh City tour.

We start the day tour with visits to the Royal Palace, an architectural marvel designed by Neak Okhna Tepnimith Mak with French patronage, which has been the historic residence of Cambodian kings, showcasing traditional Cambodian motifs.

Next, we get to the Silver Pagoda, which houses a life-sized gold Maitreya Buddha adorned with 9584 diamonds. Then conclude the morning journey at the National Museum, a poignant testament to the tumultuous history of the region.

Savor a delightful lunch in the town, preparing you for more discoveries in the charming city of Phnom Penh.

Afternoon

Enjoy an afternoon tour of the area by "tuk-tuk," for an authentic and immersive experience like no other. We visit the beautifully renovated Art Deco Central Market and experience the local shopping scene firsthand. 

After that, we will stroll through the city's off-the-beaten-path alleyways, where you'll have a chance to engage with the locals and see how they live their daily lives in the city, and see the local food in its most authentic form. 

Continue your visit to the city's namesake, Wat Phnom. Founded in 1373, the pagoda was built to house Buddhist relics washed ashore by the river. 

From there, we will enjoy a short walk to the French Quarter, where you'll get a glimpse of the city's colonial era while admiring the beautiful architecture. The area boasts several Belle Époque and Art Deco houses and public buildings dating from the French Protectorate (1863-1953). 

Evening

As the evening unfolds, return to the ship for a delightful dinner while the cruise sets sail towards the captivating landscapes of Vietnam.

Morning

Enjoy your breakfast on board while we travel to Chau Doc, a thriving city renowned for its fisheries and aquaculture, nestled between Cambodia and Vietnam. 

We will board a cable car and embark on an unforgettable journey to Sam Mountain with our exclusive addition to the excursion program in Chau Doc - the Nui Sam Cable Car.

Passengers will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views as the ride unfolds. Upon reaching the summit of Sam Mountain, we will embrace spectacular views towards the border of Cambodia and Vietnam. 

After soaking in the scenerys, we will pay a visit to the Ba Chua Xu Temple on the way back down the mountain before heading back to the ship.

After immersing yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the region, you will have a delightful lunch on board. 

Afternoon

Later, we'll transfer to Tra Su Forest. Let's experience this beautiful attraction on small local boats, where you can witness this incredible and diverse flora and fauna.

Evening

We are back on Toum Tiou II and set sail towards Sa Dec, one of the country's prominent floral hubs. Indulge in leisure time and the onboard services as you navigate the picturesque waterways.

As night falls, savor a delectable dinner and settle in for a restful night on board, ready for the next day's adventures.

Morning

Have breakfast on board and get ready for today's tour. A local boat will pick you up for a short panoramic tour of Sa Dec, and then you can stroll around the local market along the river bank. 

This small city of 30,000 inhabitants is fascinating in its unspoiled authenticity and undisturbed by tourists. It provides a glimpse of the delta where a few colonial houses remain, including the "Chinaman s house" (from Duras' novel "The Lover", also made into a movie). 

The ship leaves Sa Dec for Cai Be, which offers many exciting attractions, a lush natural landscape, lively local culture, activities, and excursions. 

Arrive at Cai Be, we take a local boat trip to cruise along the Mekong River, then disembark to visit the craft village where you can witness how the local products are made. 

Continue cruising on the boat, we then get off at the fruit orchards comprising of many kinds of fruits such as: jack-fruit, durian, guava, rambutan, longan, etc... Let's enjoy hot tea, eat fresh fruits and enjoy a live local music performance here. 

Afterward, we head to a local restaurant by boat, attend a cooking class with a local chef, and then enjoy your lunch. 

Afternoon

After lunch, you can take a rest, then enjoy a kayaking adventure. This is a unique experience in the Mekong Delta providing a unique aquatic perspective of the surrounding natural beauty. 

Then, there is the opportunity to explore the countryside by mountain bike, providing another view of the local scenery. Whichever of the activities you do, you will get a distinctive glimpse into the beauty and authenticity of the Mekong River. 

Evening

Head back to the cruise, the ship leaves Cai Be for My Tho. Get to the restaurant for a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay, surrounded by the tranquility of the Mekong Delta.

Morning & Afternoon

Enjoy onboard breakfast before embarking on a morning adventure in the charming My Tho.

We will kick off with a local boat pick-up that will take us on a boat cruise to Thoi Son Island where we will have the opportunity to explore the daily lives of the local people and enjoy seasonal fruits. 

You can also take a sampan boat ride along the scenic canals for a closer look at the Mekong Delta and its unique features. Later, feel free to bike on our own and explore the local village to see local lifestyle and to admire the magnificent fruit orchards in the area. 

Back to Toum Tiou II for lunch on board and cruise to the magnificent Cho Gao canal, the entrance to Saigon, where you will experience the lively and vibrant canal full of ships and activity, yet still feel close to the life on shore. 

Evening

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, we conclude the day with a delightful dinner and an overnight stay in the vibrant downtown area.

Optional: "Saigon After Dark" is a part night excursion, part street/local food adventure from 18:00 to 22:00. Guests experience the nightlife of Saigon the way locals do. On the back of a vintage Vespa scooter, you'll sample local flavors.

Morning

Start your day with a nice breakfast onboard before embarking on a city tour of Ho Chi Minh City,

Let's take a short downtown drive to the city and stop for some photographs at notable sites like Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Post Office, City Square, and the Opera House, all of which were heavily influenced by French colonialism in the 19th century. 

You can enjoy the vibrancy of this city by foot and explore the city's green space. Also, experience the local coffee scene and visit coffee shops is recommended.

Later, we transfer back to Toum Tiou II for lunch and have a short rest.

Afternoon

After lunch, we'll explore the bustling Chinatown and experience the daily life of the people. Then we visit the Giac Lam Pagoda, which is over 300 years old and is the oldest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Lastly, we'll visit the Flower Market and Binh Tay market for a 15 minute walking tour to explore how locals buy and sell local food and products. 

Evening

Return to the ship for farewell cocktails, marking the last night on board. Conclude the evening with a delightful dinner. The cruise remains docked at the port for an overnight stay.

Morning

Enjoy a tasty breakfast onboard before disembarking. After breakfast, we'll then proceed to the War Remnants Museum to learn more about the history of Vietnam. 

Then, we'll transfer to Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel (Address: 17 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Phone: +84 28 3827 1717) for lunch at this hotel restaurant or at a local restaurant before bidding you farewell at approximately 14:00.  

NOTE: Ensure not to schedule your flight before 17:00.