Upstream The Mekong River On Luxury Cruise 13 Days -

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Duration

13 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

About this tour

Ho Chi Minh City – Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta – Can Tho – Cai Be – Chau Doc – Cambodia – Phnom Penh – Siem Reap – Indochina

Embark on a remarkable journey with our Premium Cruise, voyaging from Saigon to Phnom Penh by boat. This upstream route on the Mekong River unveils the opportunity to explore two countries, each adorned with its unique and vibrant culture. Starting in Saigon, Vietnam, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Mekong Delta, characterized by bustling floating markets and the timeless allure of colonial structures. As you cruise past Chau Doc, the Mekong River will lead you to the enigmatic realm of temples in Cambodia, allowing you to delve into the capital city and marvel at the captivating landscapes surrounding the Angkor temples. This 13-day expedition promises to craft a delightful and unforgettable holiday experience for you!

Included/Excluded

* Throughout the tour, guests will be accommodated exclusively in 4- and 5-star hotels.
* Accommodation based on twin or double sharing room
* All transfers and road transport in modern, air-conditioned vehicles if specified in the program
* Meals as mentioned in the program. B-Breakfast, Br-Brunch, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
* Your tour guide is a professional, fully trained employee of Indochina Royal Travel
* Entrance fees if specified in the program
* Airfares, Cruise, Train, Sleeper bus if specified in the program.

* Compulsory tips for tour guide and driver
* Meals not mentioned in the program
* Single Supplement. Early check-in and late check-out. Hotel/Room upgrade
* Drinks, personal expenses and any services not clearly mentioned in the program
* Surcharge for the festive seasons
* Applicable Government Taxes and other service charges.
* The tour cost does not include POE charges and passport charges.
* Porterage Facility

Hotel List:
To view the list and detailed information about the hotels used in the tour

Please click here: View Hotel List

Itinerary

<span> Day 1</span> Ho Chi Minh City Arrival

Upon reaching Tan Son Nhat Airport, our tour guide will be there to greet you, providing transfer services to your designated hotel.

Enjoy a day of leisure in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Not Applicable
Accommodation: Ho Chi Minh City Hotel

<span> Day 2</span> Cu Chi Tunnels by Luxury Speedboat

Morning

Observe the local way of life during a boat excursion on the Saigon River.

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, accompanied by a brief documentary on Vietnamese history.

Uncover the extensive network of subterranean passages utilized during the Vietnam War.

Savor a traditional Vietnamese meal, featuring dishes such as lemongrass chicken and caramelized clay pot pork, for lunch.

Afternoon/ Evening

Indulge in leisure time in Ho Chi Minh City.
Accommodation: Saigon Hotel

<span> Day 3</span> Ho Chi Minh – My Tho – Cai Be

Upon departing the vibrant city of Saigon, you will arrive in My Tho for an enchanting cruise experience.

Upon boarding, indulge in a welcome drink as the cruise sets sail towards the Mekong.

Relish the sunset from the balcony and partake in a delectable dinner.

Spend the night aboard the cruise in Cai Be.
Accommodation: Luxurious Mekong River Cruise
Activities: Immerse yourself in the Mekong Delta aboard a premium cruise.

<span> Day 4</span> Cai Be – Sa Dec – Chau Doc

Commence your day feeling revitalized and brimming with vitality as you engage in Tai Chi on the sundeck, accompanied by the enjoyment of morning coffee or tea.

Embark on the day's itinerary with a visit to the vibrant Cai Be floating market. Subsequently, the cruise will navigate to an ancient house nestled amidst fruit orchards, where a delightful lunch will be served.

In the afternoon, partake in a sampan tour of Binh Thanh Island, exploring its man-made canals.

Enjoy an overnight stay aboard the cruise near Chau Doc.

Accommodation: Luxurious Mekong River Cruises
Activities: Cruise through the delta towards the border town of Chau Doc.

<span> Day 5</span> Chau Doc – Phnom Penh

Commence your day with a satisfying breakfast either at the Dining Hall or within the tranquil ambiance of your balcony. Later, participate in a journey to the quay.

Return to the cruise for a delectable lunch.

By mid-afternoon, the cruise liner will set its course towards the border, reaching Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia.

Accommodation: Luxurious Mekong River Cruises
Activities: Traverse the border and enter Cambodia. Proceed to Phnom Penh. During the high-water season (between July and December), embark on an exploration using a local boat (sampan) to discover the border town of Tan Chau. Begin your journey by exploring the "evergreen" islands, immersing yourself in the local way of life.

Morning

Journey to the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and explore the intricate Khmer craftsmanship at the National Museum.

Delight in lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Explore the Genocide Museum and the Killing Field within the city.
Evening

Savor cocktails on the sundeck.

Experience the mesmerizing Apsara dance performance during dinner.

Accommodation: Luxurious Mekong River Cruises
Activities: Full-day sightseeing tour and enjoy an Apsara dance performance during dinner.

<span> Day 7</span> Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham / Kampong Chhnang (Tonle)

High Water Cruise

Morning

Participate in the cruise tour to Kampong Cham before dawn.

Pause at the quaint Angkor Ban village, renowned for its untouched community and traditional Mekong River houses.

Explore a variety of traditional Khmer fashion available on board.

Enjoy lunch.

Afternoon

Visit a local school as part of an NGO project, gaining insight into the education of the young Cambodian generation.

Explore the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey and the small, vibrant Wat Nokor monastery.

Seize the opportunity for lighthearted conversations with some of the monks residing in the area.

Take a break and dine on board.

Low Water Cruise

Morning

Navigate towards Kampong Tralach on the Tonle River – a remarkably narrow river in the early hours.

Dock at Kampong Chhnang.

Tour the "Green School," supported in part by the Heritage Line.

Immerse yourself in the daily life of the local people.

Explore a variety of traditional Khmer fashion on board.

Have lunch.

Afternoon

Dock along the narrow and winding Tonle River toward Kampong Chhnang, often referred to as Cambodia's "water world."

Utilize mini-buses to reach a nearby rural village, embarking on a walking tour in Kampong Chhnang.

Discover village specialties such as Khmer-style pottery and the craft of making palm sugar.

Experience the local floating villages and wetlands of the region.

Accommodation: Luxurious Mekong River Cruise
Activities: Cruise to Kampong Cham with a stop at the lesser-known silk weaving village of Chong Koh.

<span> Day 8</span> Kampong Cham (Mekong) - Kampong Chhnang (Tonle)

High Water Cruise

From Kampong Cham (Mekong) to Kampong Chhnang (Tonle)

Morning

Anchor downstream on the Mekong during breakfast.

Make a stop at the Island of Koh Oknha Tey to explore the island's workshops via tuk-tuk.

Gain insights into the art of silk-making.

Participate in a session on the "Geography of the Mekong and Tonle Sap."

Afternoon

Attend a Monks' blessing ceremony on board.

Cruise along the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers toward Kampong Tralach.

Visit the "Green School," partially supported by the Heritage Line.

Explore the daily life of local people along the Tonle River shore near Kampong Chhnang until dinner.

Low Water Cruise

From Tonle River to Kampong Cham (Mekong)

Morning

Cruise from the lower Tonle River towards the Mekong while enjoying breakfast.

Arrive at the island of Koh Oknha Tey via tuk-tuk - renowned for producing high-quality silk products.

Discover the process of making Cambodian silk.

Engage in a session on the "Geography of the Mekong and Tonle Sap."

Afternoon

Participate in a Monks' blessing ceremony on board.

Sail toward the small Angkor Ban village - recognized for its untouched communities and traditional houses along the Mekong River.

Delight in a cocktail party on a flat riverbank.

Spend the night at the riverbank of Kampong Cham.

Accommodation: Luxurious Mekong River Cruise
Activities: Disembark to visit the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey.

<span> Day 9</span> Kampong Chhnang - Tonle Lake/ Kampong Cham (Mekong)

High Water Cruise

From Kampong Chhnang to Tonle Lake

Morning

Participate in the Tai Chi Class.

Enjoy breakfast in the dining hall.

Board a local boat to the shore.

Embark on a walking tour of the nearby village.

Receive an introduction to the village specialties, including Khmer-style pottery and the palm sugar industry.

Explore the local floating villages and wetlands of the region.

Cruise along the narrow and meandering Tonle River during lunch, heading towards the expansive Tonle Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Asia.

Afternoon

Delight in dancing and music with the staff during a farewell event.

Sail mid-lake near Siem Reap.

Low Water Cruise

From Kampong Cham (Mekong)

Morning

Indulge in a delightful breakfast.

Visit the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey.

Sit on a hilltop right on the shore with captivating views of the Mekong.

Return to the ship for lunch and relaxation.

Afternoon

Reach the tiny, vibrant Wat Nokor monastery.

Engage in lighthearted conversations with some monks residing in the area.

Visit a local school to gain insights into the education of the young Cambodian generation.

Enjoy dancing and music with the staff during a farewell event.

Accommodation: Luxurious Mekong River Cruise
Activities: Set sail towards Kampong Chhnang - Cambodia’s “waterworld”.

<span> Day 10</span> Tonle Sap/ Kampong Cham (Mekong) - Siem Reap

Tonle Sap - Siem Reap

Embark on a cruise journey with Heritage Line along the Mekong, followed by a local boat ride to the shore, crossing a vast floating community.

Around 9:00 AM, arrive at the Siem Reap pier.

Transfer to the city center.

Low Water Cruise

From Kampong Cham (Mekong) to Siem Reap

Delight in your breakfast on board.

Disembark from the ship, and we will transfer you to Siem Reap, a journey lasting approximately 4.5 hours.

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Activities: Cross the Tonle Sap Lake. The cruise concludes upon reaching Siem Reap. Disembark.

<span> Day 11</span> Angkor Wat - Ta Prohm

Morning

Explore the "jungle temple" Ta Prohm, enfolded by the roots of massive fig trees and colossal creepers.

Delve further into the Grand Circuit, including Pre Rup, East Mebon, Ta Som, Neak Pean, and Preah Khan.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Tour Angkor Wat, the most renowned among all temples.

Catch a glimpse of a captivating sunset from the summit of the temple mountain Phnom Bakheng.

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap
Activities: Explore the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat and the "jungle temple" Ta Prohm.

<span> Day 12</span> Banteay Srei - Angkor Thom

Morning

Explore the captivating Banteay Srei temple, distinguished by its construction from sandstone instead of volcanic laterite.

Traverse the village and paddy fields to reach Banteay Samre, a temple constructed in the late 9th century.

Indulge in lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon

Tour the ancient capital of Angkor Thom.

Return to the hotel for some relaxation.

Experience a dinner show at Art Shadow Angkor Restaurant.

Stay overnight at a hotel in Siem Reap.

Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Reap

<span> Day 13</span> Siem Reap Departure

Utilize your leisure time until the scheduled transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Conclusion of the tour.

Accommodation: NA
Activities: Transfer to Siem Reap airport for the onward flight.

Durations

I3 - 16 days

Languages

English

Regional Tours

Vietnam

For more information or to book this tour, please click the request button below:

BOOKING REQUEST

PRIVATE CUSTOMISED TRIP

Tour's Location

Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi Tunnels - Mekong Delta - Can Tho - Cai Be - Chau Doc - Cambodia - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap - Indochina

Vietnam’s Revolutionary Spirit - Exploring Vietnam’s Revolutionary Spirit When you travel through Hanoi, you’ll notice that the city’s history isn’t just preserved in its temples and French villas — it also lives on in its museums. One of the most fascinating places to experience this is at 216 Tran Quang Khai Street, home to what was once the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution. Today, it forms part of the National Museum of History, focusing on Vietnam’s revolutionary journey — from the earliest anti-colonial movements in the 19th century to the nation’s dramatic transformation after reunification in 1975. This museum is more than a collection of artifacts; it’s a powerful narrative of resilience, patriotism, and hope, told through rare documents, photographs, and stories of the people who shaped modern Vietnam. 🏛️ A Museum with Revolutionary Roots Originally established as the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution, the site was dedicated to chronicling the struggles of the Vietnamese people against colonial powers and foreign domination. In recent years, the collection was integrated into the larger National Museum of History, giving visitors a complete picture of the nation’s past in one cohesive institution. Walking through its halls in 2025, you’ll find that the displays are thoughtfully curated to guide you through the country’s turning points — from underground resistance newspapers to iconic photographs of revolutionary leaders. 📜 The Story Told Through Documents and Words Unlike other museums that rely heavily on artifacts, this one leans on the power of documents and writing to bring history to life. Clandestine Newspapers 📰 – The earliest whispers of resistance often came through underground publications, secretly printed and distributed despite colonial surveillance. These fragile papers now rest in glass cases, a reminder of the courage it took to spread ideas of freedom. Revolutionary Tracts ✍️ – Many of these were penned by Ho Chi Minh, whose words inspired generations to resist oppression and fight for independence. His essays, pamphlets, and letters remain a central feature of the museum’s collection. Rare Photographs 📸 – The museum proudly displays portraits of Vietnam’s revolutionary heroes. Some of these images cannot be found elsewhere, making the exhibit especially valuable for history enthusiasts. ⚔️ War and Resistance: Key Exhibitions The museum also shines a spotlight on some of the defining battles and wars of Vietnam’s modern history. 🌄 Dien Bien Phu – The Decisive Victory No exhibit about Vietnam’s revolutionary struggle would be complete without a tribute to the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954. This historic victory against French forces marked the end of colonial rule in Indochina and paved the way for the Geneva Accords. The museum presents documents, maps, and photographs that capture the determination of the Vietnamese fighters. 🇻🇳 The War of Independence The displays offer an in-depth look at Vietnam’s long fight for sovereignty, from grassroots resistance groups to organized national movements. Visitors can see how everyday people became part of a collective force determined to reclaim their homeland. 🪖 The American War (Vietnam War) Though the Military History Museum provides more extensive coverage of the Vietnam War, this site still offers a compelling collection. Visitors can explore carefully presented exhibits about the conflict, highlighting both the struggles and the resilience of the Vietnamese people. From propaganda posters to personal items of soldiers, these stories personalize a war that changed the world. 🌟 Why Visit 216 Tran Quang Khai in 2025? Authenticity: Many of the documents and photos are one-of-a-kind, offering perspectives not found in other museums. Emotional Impact: The focus on writings, faces, and personal stories creates a human connection with history. Contextual Learning: When combined with the main History Museum at Trang Tien and the Military History Museum, you gain a well-rounded understanding of Vietnam’s journey. 🕘 Visitor Information (Updated 2025) 📍 Address: 216 Tran Quang Khai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi🕗 Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Closed on the first Monday of each month)🎟️ Tickets: Entrance fee required; combined tickets with the National Museum of History are available for convenience.🌐 Official Website: baotanglichsu.vn🚶 Getting There: Just a short walk from the Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake, making it easy to include in your Hanoi itinerary. 💡 Travel Tips for Visitors Pair Your Visit: Plan to see both 216 Tran Quang Khai and the main History Museum at 1 Trang Tien on the same day. Together, they tell the full story of Vietnam. Allow Enough Time: While smaller than the main site, the depth of the documents and exhibits deserves at least 1–2 hours. Photography: Limited photography may be allowed; check current rules upon entry. Guides & Audio Tours: Hiring a guide or using an audio tour app can provide richer insights, especially if you’re not familiar with Vietnam’s revolutionary figures. Respect the Space: For many locals, these exhibits are not just history but part of their family’s lived experiences. 🌏 Connecting Past and Present Visiting 216 Tran Quang Khai is not simply about studying old documents. It’s about standing in the presence of a nation’s collective memory — of battles fought, sacrifices made, and dreams of independence realized. For travelers in 2025, when Vietnam is thriving as one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies and cultural destinations, the museum is a poignant reminder of how far the country has come. From clandestine newspapers to post-war reconstruction, the exhibits encapsulate the resilience and determination that continue to define Vietnam today. ✨ Final Thoughts If you’re exploring Hanoi and want to go beyond the surface, make time for 216 Tran Quang Khai. It’s not as flashy as the Old Quarter or as glamorous as the Opera House, but it holds something deeper — the soul of Vietnam’s revolutionary journey. Walking through its halls, you’ll encounter not just names and dates but real voices from the past, still echoing with a call for freedom and unity. And that makes this museum one of Hanoi’s most powerful and unforgettable cultural experiences.Hanoi’s National Museum of History - 🏛️ Hanoi’s National Museum of History: A Journey Through Vietnam’s Past If you want to truly understand Vietnam — its struggles, triumphs, and cultural depth — there’s no better place to start than the National Museum of History in Hanoi. Nestled just one block east of the Hanoi Opera House, this museum is not only a treasure trove of artifacts but also a masterpiece of architecture, blending French colonial charm with traditional Vietnamese motifs. In 2025, the museum continues to be one of Hanoi’s must-visit cultural landmarks, offering travelers a chance to step back thousands of years into Vietnam’s past. From prehistoric tools to imperial treasures and wartime relics, every corner tells a story of resilience and creativity. 🏯 Architecture: A Blend of French Elegance and Vietnamese Tradition Before even stepping inside, the building itself demands admiration. Designed in the 1930s by the École Française d’Extrême-Orient, the structure combines the grandeur of a French villa with the curves and rooflines of Vietnamese palatial design — a style often referred to as Neo-Vietnamese architecture. With its ochre-yellow walls, graceful balconies, and tiled roofs, the museum feels like a harmonious fusion of East and West. Even today, photographers and architecture enthusiasts are drawn here, not just for the exhibits but also for the artistry of the building itself. ⏳ A Walk Through Time: The Museum’s Layout The National Museum of History is divided into two main sections: The main building at 1 Trang Tien Street — covering Vietnam’s history up to 1945. The annex across the street at 216 Tran Quang Khai Street — focusing on the post-1945 era, including Vietnam’s struggle for independence and reunification. This division allows visitors to follow Vietnam’s journey step by step, from prehistoric times to the modern nation it has become. 🥁 Ground Floor Highlights: The Bronze Age and Beyond Stepping into the ground floor is like traveling back over 2,000 years to the era of the Dong Son culture (1200–200 BC). This sophisticated Bronze Age civilization thrived in the Red River Delta and left behind remarkable artifacts that continue to astonish historians. 🌟 Must-See Exhibits on the Ground Floor The Ngoc Lu Drum 🥁 – Considered the crown jewel of the collection, this ceremonial bronze drum is adorned with delicate carvings of deer, birds, and musicians. Its craftsmanship demonstrates advanced casting techniques far ahead of its time. Bronze Tools and Utensils ⚒️ – From arrowheads to cooking implements, these everyday objects reveal the ingenuity of early Vietnamese societies. Artifacts from Hanoi’s Imperial Citadel 🏯 – Excavations in recent decades have uncovered treasures from Hanoi’s historic citadel, shedding light on its role as a political and cultural center. 11th-Century Amitabha Buddha 🧘 – A graceful wooden statue reflecting the influence of Buddhism in Vietnam’s medieval era. Celadon Ceramics 🍵 – Exquisite pale-green pottery from the Ly dynasty, admired for its elegance and durability. Bach Dang River Stakes ⚓ – Wooden stakes used in the legendary 13th-century battle, when Vietnamese forces under General Tran Hung Dao defeated Mongol invaders by luring their fleet into a deadly trap. Standing before these relics, you don’t just see artifacts — you feel the spirit of Vietnam’s ancestors who shaped the nation’s identity. 📜 Second Floor Treasures: Dynasties, Art, and Colonial Influences Moving upstairs, the second floor offers a vivid journey through Vietnam’s dynastic golden ages and its encounters with foreign powers. 🌟 Highlights of the Second Floor Le Loi Stele (3 meters tall) 🗿 – This monumental stone slab recounts the life of Le Loi, the national hero who led the resistance against Ming Chinese rule and established the Later Le dynasty (1428–1788). Ceramics Collection 🍶 – An extensive display of intricately painted ceramics, showcasing how Vietnamese artisans perfected techniques over centuries. Nguyen Dynasty Exhibits 👑 – Furniture inlaid with ivory, embroidered silk garments, and ceremonial items once used by emperors inside Hue’s Imperial Citadel. 19th-Century Ink Wash Paintings 🎨 – Evocative depictions of Hue’s imperial court life in the 1890s, capturing the elegance and rituals of Vietnam’s last dynasty. French Colonial Era Relics 🏛️ – Artifacts reflecting Vietnam’s transition during the late 19th and early 20th centuries under French rule, offering insight into cultural exchanges and struggles for identity. This section bridges the past with the dawn of modern Vietnam, revealing how the country endured centuries of outside influence while preserving its cultural soul. 📍 The Annex: Vietnam After 1945 Across the street, the second museum building covers the modern chapter of Vietnam’s history. Here, visitors encounter exhibits from the August Revolution, the First Indochina War, and the Vietnam War (known in Vietnam as the American War). You’ll see military uniforms, personal belongings of revolutionary leaders, propaganda posters, and photographs documenting the nation’s struggle for independence and reunification. It’s a powerful and emotional experience, particularly for visitors seeking to understand Vietnam’s resilience in the 20th century. 🕘 Visitor Information (Updated 2025) 📍 Address: 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi🕗 Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Closed the first Monday of each month)🎟️ Tickets: Entry fee applies (with additional small fee if bringing a camera). Tickets can now be purchased online via the museum’s official website to skip queues.🌐 Official Website: baotanglichsu.vn 💡 Travel Tips for Visiting in 2025 Best Time to Visit: Mornings are quieter, especially on weekdays. Arrive early to avoid tour groups. Combine With Nearby Attractions: The Opera House, Trang Tien Plaza, and Hoan Kiem Lake are all within walking distance. Bring a Guidebook or Audio Guide: While many exhibits now have English and French explanations, a guidebook or hired guide adds context to the vast collection. Photography: A small fee is required for cameras, but the photos are worth it, especially for the architectural details. Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be on your feet for at least 2–3 hours exploring the two buildings. 📸 Why the Museum is a Must-See in Hanoi Unlike many museums that feel static, the National Museum of History in Hanoi is alive...

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From: $790

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4.9 (117 Reviews)

Upstream the Mekong River on Luxury Cruise 13 days

About this tour

Included/Excluded

Itinerary

Day 1 Ho Chi Minh City Arrival

Day 2 Cu Chi Tunnels by Luxury Speedboat

Day 3 Ho Chi Minh – My Tho – Cai Be

Day 4 Cai Be – Sa Dec – Chau Doc

Day 5 Chau Doc – Phnom Penh

Day 6 Phnom Penh

Day 7 Phnom Penh - Kampong Cham / Kampong Chhnang (Tonle)

Day 8 Kampong Cham (Mekong) - Kampong Chhnang (Tonle)

Day 9 Kampong Chhnang - Tonle Lake/ Kampong Cham (Mekong)

Day 10 Tonle Sap/ Kampong Cham (Mekong) - Siem Reap

Day 11 Angkor Wat - Ta Prohm

Day 12 Banteay Srei - Angkor Thom

Day 13 Siem Reap Departure

Durations

Languages

Regional Tours

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