Mekong Princess
Mekong Delta, Vietnam and Cambodia
Duration
8 days
Departure
Thursdays
Guaranteed
shared cruise
Star Rating
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Mekong Princess Cruise offers an intimate and luxurious journey along the captivating waterways of the Mekong River, showcasing the timeless beauty of Vietnam and Cambodia. This boutique river vessel blends colonial elegance with modern sophistication, creating a refined atmosphere that transports guests in style and comfort. With only a limited number of spacious suites, all featuring panoramic views and plush amenities, the Mekong Princess provides an exclusive, personalized experience. Guests are treated to gourmet dining that highlights regional flavors, enriching cultural excursions, and the highest level of attentive service. Sailing through vibrant floating markets, ancient temples, and picturesque rural landscapes, the Mekong Princess Cruise delivers an unparalleled exploration of the Mekong’s unique charm, making it the ideal choice for discerning travelers.
Mekong Princess
8 Days / 7 Night - Saigon to Siem Reap
Departing Thursday
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Saigon Port / Embarkation (L/D)
In the late morning, a guide picks up guests from their hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and transfers them to the Mekong Princess at Saigon Por. Embarkation includes a safety briefing in the Ramvong Lounge and a warm welcome by the Vietnamese and Cambodian crew. Lunch is served shortly after departure, offering a taste of oriental hospitality as the ship begins its journey along the Saigon River. Guests can settle into their luxurious suites and enjoy the passing scenery as the ship sails through the Soai Rap River, Nuoc Man Canal, Vam Co River, and Cho Gao Canal toward the Mekong River. In the evening, the ship anchors in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Guests can enjoy cocktails crafted by skilled bartenders while watching the sunset over the river. Dinner is a traditional Vietnamese à la carte menu, served in the elegant Indochine Restaurant.
Day 2: Ben Tre – Can Tho (B/L/D)
The day begins with a sampan ride through mangrove-lined channels to a local coconut candy workshop. Guests can observe the candy-making process and explore a nearby orchard featuring tropical fruits in various stages of growth. After a fruit tasting, the journey continues on small boats navigating narrow creeks shaded by Nipah palms before returning to the ship. In the afternoon, the cruise sails through less-visited parts of the Mekong Delta, arriving in Can Tho, the capital of the region. Guests can enjoy a short city tour, including a visit to the Zihuang Pagoda (Chua Ong), and experience a welcoming unicorn dance performance. The ship remains docked in Can Tho overnight, with dinner served onboard. An onboard lecture explores Vietnam’s people, culture, and colonial history.
Day 3: Can Tho – Hoa An (B/L/D)
Early morning sampans take guests to the Cai Rang floating market, where local merchants trade goods from boats. The market offers excellent photo opportunities, along with fresh fruit and coconut water. A visit to a local noodle factory provides a glimpse into the traditional production process before returning to the ship for a buffet breakfast. In the afternoon, sampans lead to Hoa An village, a serene area known for its lush green fields and seasonal crops. Guests travel by motor cart along winding country roads, stroll through the peaceful village, and visit a conical hat-making family to learn about this traditional craft. The day concludes with a sampan ride past the region's rice mills. The ship anchors near Gieng Island for the night.
Day 4: Gieng Island – Hong Ngu – Border Crossing (B/L/D)
The morning begins with a sampan tour of Gieng Island. Guests can explore the sampan village where traditional boats are crafted daily and travel through mango gardens by motor trishaw to visit the Phanxico Monastery. In the afternoon, the cruise continues to Hong Ngu, a village near the Vietnam-Cambodia border known for producing Khmer scarves and intricate embroidery. Visits to local weaving homes and a temple dedicated to the Hoa Hao religion offer unique cultural insights. In the evening, the ship arrives at the border for exit procedures before continuing upriver toward Phnom Penh. Guests can participate in a cooking class demonstration by the executive chef onboard.
Day 5: Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
In the morning, the Mekong Princess reaches Phnom Penh. Local cyclo drivers take guests on a city tour, beginning with the Royal Palace. The grounds include the Throne Hall, Moonlight Pavilion, and Silver Pagoda, home to Cambodia's Emerald Buddha and a Buddha statue adorned with thousands of diamonds. The tour continues to the National Museum, featuring an extensive collection of pre-Angkorian and Angkorian artifacts. In the evening, the ship remains docked in Phnom Penh, and onboard activities include a tropical fruit and fruit-carving demonstration.
Day 6: Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
A morning excursion leads to Choeung Ek, the Killing Fields memorial site, and Tuol Sleng, a former school repurposed as a Khmer Rouge prison and torture center. Guests can learn about Cambodia’s tragic history through these solemn yet important sites. The afternoon is free for independent exploration of Phnom Penh’s charming streets and landmarks. Dinner onboard is followed by a cultural performance featuring Cambodia’s Apsara dance and traditional folk dances.
Day 7: Angkor Ban (B/L/D)
The Mekong Princess departs Phnom Penh, sailing toward Angkor Ban. In the afternoon, guests visit this charming village to experience daily life in rural Cambodia. Highlights include a blessing ceremony at the local pagoda, a visit to a family’s home, and a tour of the local school, where guests can interact with children and observe a typical school day. The ship docks overnight in Kampong Cham, with a lecture on Cambodia’s geography and life along the Mekong River hosted onboard.
Day 8: Kampong Cham – Disembarkation (B)
The journey concludes with a breakfast buffet in the Indochine Restaurant. After disembarkation in Kampong Cham, guests transfer by motor coach to Siem Reap, arriving by noon. This marks the end of an extraordinary journey through the Mekong Delta and beyond.
Additional Sailing Options
5 Days / 4 Nights - Saigon to Phnom Penh (departing Thursdays)
This shortened 5-day journey offers a rich and immersive experience along the Mekong River, blending the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City with the historic and cultural landmarks of Phnom Penh. It is an ideal option for travelers with limited time, as it highlights the best of the Mekong Delta and Cambodia’s vibrant capital without the need for an extended trip. The itinerary includes key cultural experiences such as the Cai Rang floating market, village life in Hoa An, and Phnom Penh’s iconic landmarks, providing a balanced mix of natural beauty, local culture, and historical insights at a relaxed pace. Disembarking in Phnom Penh offers flexibility for travelers to customize the remainder of their trip, whether choosing to explore more of Cambodia or continuing to other destinations. Additionally, this shorter cruise is a cost-effective choice, delivering a memorable and fulfilling experience while reducing overall travel expenses.
3 Days / 2 Nights - Saigon to Can Tho (departing Thursdays)
This 3-day, 2-night journey offers a condensed yet immersive experience along the Mekong River, capturing the essence of Vietnam’s vibrant delta region. Sailing from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho, the itinerary provides a perfect option for travelers with limited time, showcasing highlights such as the scenic canals of Ben Tre, traditional crafts like coconut candy making, and the bustling Cai Rang floating market. This shorter voyage maintains a balanced pace, blending natural beauty, cultural encounters, and authentic local experiences. Disembarking in Can Tho allows travelers to continue their exploration of the Mekong Delta or return to Ho Chi Minh City with ease, making this an ideal and cost-effective choice for those seeking a snapshot of life on the Mekong without a lengthy commitment.
3 Days / 2 Nights - Can Tho to Phnom Penh (departing Saturdays)
This 3-day, 2-night journey from Can Tho to Phnom Penh offers an enchanting exploration of the Mekong River, seamlessly blending the serene beauty of Vietnam’s Delta region with the cultural richness of Cambodia’s capital. The voyage begins in Can Tho, home to the vibrant Cai Rang floating market, where traditional commerce comes to life on the water. Along the way, travelers can visit peaceful riverside villages, witness local crafts like Khmer scarf weaving in Hong Ngu, and experience the Mekong’s quiet charm. The journey concludes in Phnom Penh, where travelers can immerse themselves in the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Royal Palace and the National Museum. This option is perfect for those seeking a blend of relaxation, cultural discovery, and the convenience of traveling directly into Cambodia's heart.
3 Days / 2 Nights - Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (departing Tuesdays)
This 3-day, 2-night journey from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap offers a captivating glimpse into Cambodia’s timeless landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Departing from the bustling capital, travelers cruise along the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, visiting charming riverside villages like Angkor Ban, where local traditions and daily life remain beautifully preserved. Along the way, the serene countryside and vibrant pagodas provide a striking contrast to the energy of Phnom Penh. The voyage concludes in Siem Reap, the gateway to the iconic temples of Angkor, allowing travelers to seamlessly transition from a tranquil river cruise to exploring one of the world’s most celebrated archaeological sites. This option is ideal for those seeking a relaxed and culturally immersive journey with easy access to Siem Reap’s wonders.
Mekong Journeys: Explore the Magic of Southeast Asia – Your Way, Upstream or Downstream!
All itineraries offer the flexibility to be experienced in reverse, providing equally captivating downstream journeys. Travel from Cambodia to Vietnam, starting with the wonders of Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, and glide into the lush Mekong Delta, concluding in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City. Whether exploring upstream or downstream, each route delivers a unique perspective, blending breathtaking landscapes, cultural treasures, and unforgettable moments along the iconic Mekong River.
Cruise Images
Cabins
Restaurant and Facilities
Cruise Activities
Maps and other infos
Inclusions
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Insider Experiences
Floating Markets of Cai Rang - Explore the vibrant Cai Rang floating market, weaving between colorful sampans and savoring fresh coconut water amidst the lively trade.
Hoa An Village Crafts - Discover the rural charm of Hoa An village, learning conical hat-making from local artisans and strolling through lush rice fields.
Blessing Ceremony in Angkor Ban - Experience a spiritual blessing ceremony by monks at a serene pagoda in the charming village of Angkor Ban.
Cyclo Tour of Phnom Penh - Ride a traditional cyclo through Phnom Penh to visit the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum’s Khmer treasures.
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Accommodation
Enjoy a seven-night stay on board the cruise, with a range of cabin categories to suit different preferences.
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Meals
Daily breakfast
8 local lunches
8 local dinnera
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Transport
Transportation to and from the cruise is included, with transfers from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Princess at Saigon Port on Day 1, and from the disembarkation point (Kampong Cham or Phnom Penh) to your hotel in Siem Reap or Phnom Penh on Day 8.
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Touring
English speaking tour guide
All entrance fees
All mentioned excursions
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Pre-and Post Tours
Enhance your cruise experience with a wide range of pre- and post-tour options designed to make your vacation even more unforgettable. Whether you're looking for additional tours, hotel accommodations for extra nights, or extended explorations, there are plenty of flexible combinations available. From guided sightseeing in nearby cities to immersive cultural experiences, these options allow you to tailor your journey to your interests. You can opt for leisurely stays or in-depth tours, ensuring that your trip is as relaxed or adventurous as you wish. Let us help you create the perfect itinerary with these exciting add-ons. Please contact us for more details and to customize your dream cruise experience.
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Disclaimer
Most cruise companies in Ha Long Bay operate various types of vessels. The itinerary and images provided represent the general category and classification of the cruise but do not guarantee a specific vessel. Variations may occur, and the exact vessel name will be confirmed upon booking for your final approval.
Each vessel typically offers a range of cabin categories. The images shown are general representations of the available cabins and do not guarantee the specific cabin you will receive. Options usually range from standard to suite cabins. Please consult with your advisor to discuss available options and associated costs.
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