8 Days Cruise From Siem Reap To Saigon

A meeting will take place at the Lotus Blanc Hotel in Siem Reap, followed by a bus transfer to Koh Chen, which is expected to take around five to six hours.

Upon arrival, guests will be warmly welcomed aboard the Toum Tiou I, where a security briefing will be conducted to ensure everyone’s safety. Following this, attendees can enjoy a welcome cocktail while participating in an informative meeting about the cruise, including introductions to the crew.

The evening will conclude with a delightful welcome dinner, and guests will spend the night onboard, ready for the adventures that lie ahead.

The day begins with breakfast served on board.

As the journey continues, the boat arrives in Kampong Chhnang, a vibrant town located approximately 56 miles from Phnom Penh. Known as one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonle Sap, Kampong Chhnang boasts a thriving fish farming industry. The region is also renowned for its traditional pottery, which has remained unchanged in style for centuries and is produced in quantities sufficient to supply the entire country.

Additionally, the area is famous for products derived from the Thnot tree, or sugar palm, which is a national symbol. Visitors can enjoy the mellow-tasting, caramel-colored sugar sold like candies, as well as the local palm wine. A highlight of the visit is the Wat Yeaytep Pagoda, an architectural gem built in 1677.

After exploring, passengers will re-embark for lunch on board as the cruise sets sail toward Kampong Tralach.

Upon arrival in Kampong Tralach, guests can unwind and enjoy dinner aboard the ship, followed by an overnight stay on the Toum Tiou I, where they can relax and prepare for the next day’s adventures.

Breakfast will be served on board, providing a delightful start to the day.

Following breakfast, guests will embark on a visit to the beautiful Vihara at Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To reach this serene location, we will stroll through the charming Kampong Tralach Krom village along a narrow road that runs perpendicular to the river. This scenic journey takes us past stunning stretches of emerald rice paddies, offering a picturesque backdrop as we leave the river behind.

The Vihara, dating back to the early 20th century, is believed to have been constructed on an older site, as evidenced by its latérite foundations. Inside, visitors can admire remarkable mural paintings, although they are beginning to show signs of weathering. These murals stand as a testament to the region’s cultural heritage, yet they are increasingly at risk due to ongoing neglect and indifference.

Nestled amidst the rice fields, this modest pagoda sees very few visitors. Its isolation may contribute to its vulnerability, reminiscent of the fate suffered by Wat Tani Pagoda in Kampot province last May.

After this enriching visit, passengers will re-embark the Toum Tiou I for lunch on board as we continue our journey toward Phnom Penh.

Upon arrival in Phnom Penh, the remainder of the day is free for exploration at your leisure. Guests can wander through the vibrant streets, discover local shops, or savor the city’s culinary delights.

In the evening, a local group will perform a traditional “APSARA” dance on board, captivating guests with a 45-minute show that showcases Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage.

Dinner will be served on board, and an overnight stay.

The day begins with breakfast on board, providing a hearty start to the morning.

At 8:30, guests will take a visit to some of Phnom Penh’s most iconic sites, including the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, the National Museum, and Wat Phnom. Each location offers a unique glimpse into Cambodia’s rich history and culture, showcasing stunning architecture and valuable artifacts.

Following this enriching exploration, lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant, allowing guests to savor authentic Cambodian cuisine.

At 2:00 PM, the itinerary will take a poignant turn with a visit to the Toul Sleng Genocide Museum, a former detention center where countless individuals were tortured and executed during the Khmer Rouge regime from 1975 to 1979. This visit is vital for understanding the tragic history that unfolded during this period, offering insights into the resilience of the Cambodian people.

Afterward, guests will have the opportunity to explore the bustling Russian Market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and a wide array of local goods.

By 5:00 PM, guests will return to the Toum Tiou I as it prepares to depart from Phnom Penh.

Dinner will be served on board, providing a relaxing end to a day filled with profound experiences and rich cultural encounters.

We will set off for Kaam Samnaar, located at the Cambodian border, where breakfast will be served on board, providing a delightful start to the day.

Upon arrival at the immigration checkpoint in Kaam Samnaar, the Toum Tiou I will undergo the necessary departure formalities. Once cleared, we will continue our journey toward Chau Doc, enjoying a leisurely lunch as we navigate the picturesque waterways.

Chau Doc, positioned at the northern edge of the Mekong Delta, stretches across both banks of the river, which widens into a river mouth in this area. The landscape is dotted with floating fish farms, a testament to the region’s vibrant aquaculture. A local boat will take us to visit a Cham minority village, allowing us to experience the unique culture and traditions of this community.

As we explore, you’ll notice bamboo fish drying racks elevated above the water, a common sight in the area. The downtown area of Chau Doc features charming colonial buildings nestled next to a bustling marketplace, which serves as the colorful and vibrant heart of the city. Despite the lively atmosphere and occasional strong odors, these bustling streets offer fantastic photo opportunities.

We will enjoy a brief panoramic tour of the city, providing insight into its dynamic character and the energy of the local market, which is always alive with activity.

After a day filled with exploration, we will return to the Toum Tiou I for dinner on board, where you can enjoy the evening and reflect on the day’s experiences.

We will depart from Chau Doc early in the morning, with breakfast served on board as we navigate toward Sa Dec.

Upon arrival in Sa Dec, a short panoramic tour will introduce you to the charm of this small city, which is home to around 30,000 residents. From there, we will transfer by bus to Trung Vuong Primary School, followed by a visit to Kien An Cung Pagoda, known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.

Next, we’ll take a leisurely stroll along the Sa Dec Riverbank, exploring the vibrant Sa Dec Market. This area is captivating in its authenticity, largely untouched by mass tourism, providing a genuine glimpse into daily life in the Mekong Delta. You’ll also notice a few colonial houses that have withstood the test of time, including the famous “Chinaman’s House,” which inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel “The Lover,” later adapted into a film.

After our explorations, we will return to the Toum Tiou I and set off for Vinh Long, where the boat will drop anchor for the night.

In the evening, dinner will be served on the ship, offering a perfect opportunity to relax and reflect on the day’s experiences.

The day begins with breakfast on board.

Upon arriving in Vinh Long, local boats will take passengers to explore a brick and pottery factory, the Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet Nursery of Fruit Trees, and a typical house showcasing traditional farming tools. Vinh Long, meaning “Majestic Dragon,” is nestled in the heart of the Mekong Delta, known for its fertile soil ideal for growing mandarins and citrus fruits. Life here revolves around the water, with stilt houses and bustling hawkers creating a vibrant atmosphere.

After this visit, we will head to Cai Be, crossing the Mekong River to reach a handicraft village where artisans produce rice paper, rice wine, and popped rice using traditional techniques.

In Cai Be, passengers will re-embark the Toum Tiou I for the journey to My Tho, enjoying lunch along the way.

Upon arrival, we will drop anchor near Thoi Son Island, where local boats will transport us for a panoramic tour of My Tho town, including a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda and the lively My Tho Market. Known as “fragrant herb,” My Tho is a peaceful city surrounded by lush orchards and rice fields.

After our explorations, we will return to the Toum Tiou I as it departs for Saigon, navigating the scenic Cho Gao canal.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell cocktail and the Captain’s farewell dinner, featuring an enriched menu and a glass of wine. The Toum Tiou I will anchor on the river for the night, providing a lovely setting to reflect on the day’s experiences.

We will set off for Saigon in the morning, with breakfast served on board as you relax and enjoy the scenic views along the way.

The Toum Tiou I will arrive at Saigon Port (Cang Nha Rong Port), conveniently located next to the Ho Chi Minh Museum. After completing the necessary customs formalities, we will conclude our journey, reflecting on the memorable experiences we’ve shared throughout the trip.