Spiritual Cambodia and the Mekong (from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap)- 11 Days

In Cai Be, explore the French Gothic cathedral and the bustling port area. Next, visit a rice paper factory to see how this essential Vietnamese product is crafted. Proceed to Sa Dec, where French author Marguerite Duras once met her Vietnamese-Chinese lover, Huynh Thuy Le. Tour his old residence and discover the inspiration behind Duras’ famous novel, The Lover. Conclude your visit with a stop at a traditional Cao Dai temple.

Board a small boat for a scenic cruise through the narrow tributaries surrounding Tan Chau. View a floating fish farm before disembarking for an enjoyable rickshaw ride and a visit to a local workshop specializing in silk and rattan weaving. Next, immerse yourself in the traditional Mekong lifestyle on a lush, nearby island. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on board and enjoying the views of the Mekong River as you make your way towards Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital.

Discover Cambodia’s history and culture with a selection of Freedom of Choice activities today. After enjoying lunch on board, you’ll have additional options to explore. The evening is yours to unwind and relax.

Today, explore the historic site of Oudong, Cambodia’s royal capital from 1618 to 1866, and partake in a Signature Experience. On your return to Phnom Penh, take a relaxing walk through Koh Chen village, known for its copperware workshops. Continue your journey along the scenic Mekong River to Oknha Tey, famous for its long-standing silk weaving traditions. Here, you’ll learn about the traditional silk production techniques. Afterward, return to your river cruise ship to unwind and enjoy a delightful dinner onboard.

Embark on a walking tour of Angkor Ban, one of the rare Cambodian villages that survived the Khmer Rouge era in the 1970s. The community here maintains traditional wooden houses and upholds ancient customs. As you continue your cruise towards Siem Reap this afternoon, enjoy some free time on the ship. You might take a refreshing swim in the pool or unwind on the Sun Deck with a book, savoring the scenic Mekong views as they drift by.

For those seeking adventure this morning, consider a hike to the hilltop pagoda of Wat Hanchey. The climb is rewarded with stunning views over the Mekong River, and the area features numerous temples, pagodas, and stupas, some from as early as the 8th century. After lunch back on board, embark on a tuk-tuk ride to explore the island of Koh Pen, known for its wooden stilt houses and traditional farming practices. In the evening, celebrate the conclusion of your cruise with a farewell dinner on your ship.

After disembarking in Kampong Cham, you'll transfer to Siem Reap. From there, visit the Angkor Archaeological Park, a World Heritage site, where you'll explore Angkor Thom and the 12th-century Bayon Temple. In the evening, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant in Siem Reap.

Start your day early with a return visit to Angkor Archaeological Park for a Signature Experience. After taking in the grandeur of the World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat, embark on a guided tour of Angkor’s best-preserved temple, renowned as the largest single religious monument globally. After breakfast, enjoy some downtime at your hotel before heading out to explore Ta Prohm, another World Heritage site known for its captivating intertwining trees. Later, visit the ‘Opportunities for Development through Art’ (ODA) in Siem Reap, an organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities for underprivileged children. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Discover Siem Reap at your own pace today. Spend the afternoon as you wish, and later enjoy a traditional Apsara dance performance followed by a delightful farewell dinner this evening.

After breakfast this morning, bid farewell to Siem Reap and head to the airport for your departure flight.