13-Nights Best of the Mekong by Cruise: Cambodia & Vietnam from $5,980

Goway Travel

OFFER ID 1722412

Epic Scenery, Off the Beaten Path Float along the enchanting Mekong River on this cruise through Cambodia and Vietnam, with ancient temples, exciting markets, and serene landscapes on both ends of the journey.

Trip Overview :

This 13-day Southeast Asian vacation takes you on a cruise along the Mekong River through Cambodia and Vietnam, and includes visits to the temples of Angkor and Ho Chi Minh City. It features first-class accommodations aboard a cruise vessel and a mix of private and group tours.

Your journey along the Mekong starts in Cambodia and the resort city of Siem Reap, the gateway to the temples of Angkor. A full day private tour lets you explore several of the ruins, including the 12th-century Khmer capital, Angkor Thom, and the hidden ruins of Ta Prohm, which was only rediscovered in the late 19th-century and is still largely overgrown with banyon trees and jungle vines. In the afternoon, see the slanting light hit the walls and carvings of Angkor Wat, the largest temple structure on the planet and undoubtedly the peak of Khmer architecture. It’s a masterwork unlike any other temple. Spend another day relaxing at your French Riviera-style resort in Siem Reap. You have the option of booking additional excursions to the temples if you wish or simply exploring the township.

Connect onward to Kampong Chhnang City where you’ll board the RV Mekong Pandaw, your 4-star cruise vessel and home for the next 7 nights. Enjoy spacious accommodations on board and intimate views of the Mekong during your journey. First stop is Tonle Sap Lake, the largest lake in Cambodia and the centre of the nation’s fishing industry. Explore the floating villages and wet markets atop the lake before connecting back to Kampong Chhnang City to stroll along the new river walkway. Then weave through the canals around Tonle Sap, visiting tiny villages, markets, and temples along the way, before spending that evening meeting new friends around a fire pit in a Khmer village.

During your cruise down the Mekong, you’ll visit ancient capitals, modern cities, and remote fishing villages, which together provide a full vision of life along this mighty river. First stop is the Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Centre where you’ll centre yourself with some meditation on route. Then reach the ancient Khmer capital of Oudong before continuing to Koh Nghe Tei or Silk Island, whose inhabitants are masters of silk-making. Observe the silk-making process before learning a thing or two about the ancient martial art of L’bokator. Reach Phnom Penh, the Cambodian capital. This faded city used to be the most beautiful spot in French Indochina, but today is mostly known for the spectacular Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, both of which you’ll tour. You’ll also learn about the nation’s history at the National Museum and the tragic genocide committed by the Khmer Rouge at the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.

Cross the border into Vietnam and explore the floating markets and fish farms around the border town of Chau Doc. You’ll also learn about the Vietnamese Muslim minority around Chham Village and climb the 400 steps up Sam Mountain to the beautiful pagoda of Phuoc Dien Tu. Navigate the canals of the Mekong Delta to reach Cao Lanh, where you’ll catch a coach ride to Gao Giong Green Oasis, a 1,000ac large eucalyptus forest, where tens of thousands of egrets gather each year to breed. You’ll have more photo opportunities at Ben Tre, known for its birds living among the bamboo-covered canals. Cap off your journey along the Mekong with a Vietnam Cultural Group performance, which will celebrate life along the mighty river.

Reach My Tho City, where you’ll disembark and bid farewell to the Mekong. Connect by road to Ho Chi Minh City, the city formerly known as Saigon and the largest centre in the country. A half-day tour will take you across the city to learn about the end of the Vietnam War, as well as Vietnam’s imperial and colonial past. During your tour, you’ll visit the Reunification Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace of South Vietnam, the city’s Notre Dame Cathedral, the Museum of Vietnamese History, and the Jade Emperor Pagoda, known for its intricate Taoist carvings and enchanting atmosphere.

At the end of your stay, connect to the airport for your departure.

Highlights:

Uncover the mystery of Angkor’s temples and glide across Tonle Sap’s floating villages.
Savour Khmer flavours during a hands-on cooking class and market visit in Siem Reap.
Cruise the Mekong aboard RV Bassac Pandaw, exploring riverside villages, silk weavers and ancient capitals.
Cross into Vietnam to discover tranquil islands, mangrove canals and vibrant local traditions.
Conclude in Ho Chi Minh City, tracing colonial heritage and modern energy before an evening at the Opera House.

Included Services:

Private arrival airport transfer in Siem Reap
Private departure airport transfer in Ho Chi Minh City
3 nights premium accommodation in Siem Reap
7 nights premium cruise accommodation in a private cabin
2 nights premium accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City
Private-guided full-day Angkor Temples including Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm and Angkor Wat
Private-guided half-day Saigon City Tour including the Presidential Palace and History Museum in Ho Chi Minh City
Guided group touring with English-speaking local guides as per the itinerary
Local beverages on board cruise (soft drinks, beer, spirits)
Mineral water/jugged coffee/tea on board cruise

13 nights from $5,980 per person

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Siem Reap

Transfer: Siem Reap Angkor International Airportto Siem Reap - Wat Bo Road Area

Hotel: Borei Angkor Resort & Spa (4 Star Rating)

Borei Angkor Resort & Spa is well situated in the centre of Siem Reap, the town which is close to the Angkor Wat sites. It is only a 15 minute drive to the nearest site. Although not a large hotel, it is an attractive establishment located in a tropical garden. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, bar and lounge, coffee shop and restaurant.

Day 2: Full Day Angkor Temples and Tonle Sap

Start with a visit to Ta Prohm, a jungle-clad temple left largely untouched since its rediscovery. Wander through its atmospheric corridors, where massive tree roots weave through the ruins, creating one of Angkor's most striking and photogenic sights. The fusion of nature and architecture offers a glimpse into how the temples once appeared when first found. Continue to Preah Khan, "The Sacred Sword," an extensive 56-hectare monastic complex built by King Jayavarman VII as a monastery and teaching center. Now part of the World Monuments Fund’s prime Asian conservation projects, it combines careful restoration with its mysterious, original charm.

In the afternoon, drive to Tonle Sap Lake, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake and the lifeblood of millions of locals. Board a private longtail traditional boat to explore a floating village, observing how Khmers and Vietnamese live and work together.

After the boat tour, return to Siem Reap and if time allows, stop to visit Artisans d'Angkor, a development project teaching young adults traditional crafts such as stone carving, woodwork, and lacquer application - a heartwarming reminder that Cambodia's progress can coexist with its rich heritage.

Day 3: Half Day Market Visit & Cooking Class

This morning enjoy a half day cooking class - start with a hotel pick up by Remok, followed by a visit to one of the busiest local markets in Siem Reap for supplies then on to the restaurant for the cooking class. It can be hot work in the markets, so a cold welcome drink is served on arrival. The owner then provides a full introduction of all ingredients in their raw form and then usually we produce 2-3 dishes during the cooking class, followed by Lunch.

Day 4: Siem Reap to the Mekong

Travel by coach from Siem Reap to the riverside town of Steung Trang for embarkation. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Mekong and meet your crew for the next 7 nights before your welcome dinner is served.