SAILING SOUTHEAST: SAIGON TO SIEM REAP VIA MEKONG

After arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Have lunch.

In the afternoon, embark on a comprehensive city tour of Ho Chi Minh City.

This tour includes visits to:

Thien Hau Pagoda honours the sea goddess Mazu. The elaborate woodwork, porcelain dioramas, and serene courtyards create an oasis of tranquillity. Devotees seek blessings, while visitors embrace its spiritual charm and the enduring ties between Chinese and Vietnamese cultures.

Binh Tay Market, a vibrant treasure in Saigon's Cholon district, beckons explorers with its captivating blend of culture and commerce. This bustling hub, at the heart of the city's Chinatown, is a dynamic showcase of local life and a testament to the fusion of Vietnamese and Chinese influences.

Ho Thi Ky Flower Market is a fragrant haven in Saigon's core. Amidst bustling streets, it unfolds like a blossoming story. Vibrant petals and skilled vendors compose a sensory symphony, reflecting Vietnam's floral diversity. From dawn till dusk, this market thrives, inviting you to immerse in its scents and colors, a testament to nature's artistry.

Enjoy dinner with local specialities.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Have breakfast.

Depart to Cu Chi Tunnels, located approximately 70 kilometers northwest of Saigon. This immense underground network played a crucial role during the Vietnam War (1954 – 1975), serving as a strategic base for the Viet Cong soldiers.

You will have the opportunity to explore a section of the tunnels, witnessing the guerrilla fighters' remarkable engineering and survival techniques. Crawling through the narrow passages, you will gain insights into the harsh conditions and challenges faced by the soldiers during the war. In the afternoon, embark on a comprehensive city tour of Ho Chi Minh City.

This tour includes visits to:

The War Remnants Museum showcases artifacts and exhibitions related to the Vietnam War.

Notre – Dame Cathedral, is a prominent landmark, a significant religious site, and a famous Roman Catholic cathedral in Vietnam.

Independence Palace, which holds great historical and political importance, symbolizes the country's journey towards independence and reunification.

Central Post, a historic post office built during the French colonial period in the late 19th century, is a significant architectural landmark in the city.

Enjoy dinner with local specialities.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Have breakfast.

Buckle up as we set off on a comfortable 80-kilometer drive that will take us through the scenic countryside. During the 02 hours journey, our knowledgeable guide will share fascinating facts about the Mekong Delta's history and culture.

Arriving at My Tho Marina, embark on a cruise and navigate along The  Upper Mekong River, which is part of the vast Mekong River system, one of the largest river systems in the world. Settle into your floating retreat, with its window wall conferring an endlessly captivating panorama. Enjoy these private Mekong moments on your king bed, terrace, or daybed.

Enjoy lunch and dinner on the cruise.

Overnight on the cruise.

Have breakfast on the cruise.

Start your day with a captivating journey to Binh Thanh mat weaving village, where intricate artistry comes to life. Alternatively, delve into the enchanting Sa Dec, where the vibrant market beckons exploration and the legendary abode of Marguerite Duras' lover, Mr Huynh Thuy Le, stands in poetic memory.

As the sun moves across the sky, your adventure continues to the charming My An Hung village in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Stroll through lush plantations and absorb the serenity that surrounds you. A local family will welcome you with open arms, offering a taste of their homegrown fruits while the air resonates with the soulful melodies of traditional folk songs, performed by villagers who hold the region's history in their heartbeats.

Enjoy lunch with local specialities.

To add an extra layer of discovery, a 17-kilometer biking option awaits, promising a more intimate encounter with the breathtaking landscape.

Return to the cruise and enjoy dinner on the cruise.

Overnight on the cruise.

Have breakfast on the cruise.

Embark on a captivating journey as you glide along the Bassac Canal by skiff, embracing the vibrant sights and sounds of the Chau Doc floating market.

From there, continue your expedition by van, making your way to the summit of Sam Mountain, where the Long Son Pagoda majestically resides. Engage with the resident monks, unravelling the intricate tapestry of their age-old Buddhist practices and gaining insights into their spiritual journey.

As the day unfolds, return to the bustling morning market, where the rhythm of local life pulses. For those seeking an extra layer of adventure, a delightful option awaits—an 18-kilometer bike ride through the enchanting Long Khanh Island, immersing you deeper into the region's charm. Alternatively, option for a rickshaw ride and let our skilled chef guide you through the vibrant Tan Chau Market, uncovering culinary treasures.

Post-lunch, bask in relaxation by the pool's soothing waters or surrender to the skilled hands of traditional Khmer massage therapists for a rejuvenating experience. As the day winds down, embrace the chance to learn the art of crafting Mekong-inspired dishes, a culinary adventure that harmoniously coincides with our border crossing.

This day offers a symphony of exploration, immersion, and relaxation, presenting you with a tapestry of cultural encounters and sensory delights that define the essence of the Mekong experience.

Enjoy dinner.

Overnight.

Have breakfast.

Embarking on the currents of this timeless river, we find ourselves entranced by the skillful Khmer artisans, whose hands deftly dye and weave the korma, a ubiquitous article no Khmer can be without. For those eager to delve deeper into the riverside life, a bicycle journey unveils itself, guiding you along the riverbank's enchanting path. Pedal past serene Buddhist temples and charming thatch houses, gracefully perched on spindly wooden stilts, while white oxen meander just offshore, creating a picturesque scene of everyday tranquillity.

Enjoy lunch with local specialities.

As the sun ascends, beckoning forth the afternoon, we transition to a new phase of our adventure. Boarding our marine-grade aluminum skiffs, we set a course towards the verdant embrace of the Preah Prosop village, nestled in remote isolation. Here, the passage of time has wrought minimal change, preserving a way of life that has spanned generations.

Our day's journey may span a river of time, yet its essence lies in the vivid tapestry of experiences woven by dexterous hands and the ebb and flow of daily existence. From the vibrant hues of korma to the tranquil abode of Preah Prosop, each chapter of this expedition tells a story, an ode to the rich cultural heritage and timeless beauty that the Mekong River has nurtured for centuries.

Enjoy dinner with local specialities.

Have breakfast.

We unveil the captivating facets of Cambodia's capital through an exploration guided by motorized tuk-tuks. Embrace the regal aura at the Royal Palace, marvel at the glistening Silver Pagoda, and immerse yourself in the National Museum of Cambodia. This repository houses the world's most extensive collection of Khmer art, each artifact telling a story of a dynamic culture.

Enjoy lunch with local specialities.

For those seeking to delve into the nation's history, a poignant option awaits—a visit to the Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocide and the haunting Killing Fields. Alternatively, the vibrant stalls of the Russian Market beckon those desiring a shopping escapade, an immersion into local flavours and craftsmanship.

Experience Khmer Apsara performance, an age-old tradition etched onto the temple walls of Angkor Wat.

This dance, a symphony of grace and storytelling, serves as a fitting prelude to our onward journey—a journey that delves deeper into the heart of this mighty river, unfolding the rich tapestry of the Mekong's heritage and allure.

Enjoy dinner with local specialities.

Have breakfast.

Our odyssey carries us to the enchanting Koh Chen, a village known for its masterful silversmiths. Here, we stand witness to the crafting of the splendid silverware that once graced the courts of Khmer royalty. The artisans' deft hands create a symphony of intricate designs, each piece bearing the legacy of a regal era.

As our journey unfolds, we find ourselves at Udong, a royal capital that held sway over the 17th to 19th centuries. Amidst the historical grandeur, we delve into the realm of a unique Buddhist practice at the Vipassana  Dhura Mandala, a meditation center. Here, we unravel the threads of Vipassana meditation, a profoundly challenging yet spiritually enriching pursuit that has guided seekers for generations. Enjoy lunch with local specialities.

The afternoon sun paints our path as we embark on a walking tour of Kampong Prasat. In this close-knit community, life unfolds at the rhythm of the river. Stroll through the bustling village, engaging with locals and gaining an intimate perspective on their daily existence. From the comfort of their riverside abodes, the villagers' lives mirror the ebb and flow of the water, a testament to the symbiotic relationship between the land and the Mekong.

Our journey continues to unveil layers of history, spirituality, and human connection, each stops like a brushstroke on the canvas of the Mekong's narrative. From the silversmiths' creativity to the sacred meditation, and from the bustling village to the riverside lives, each chapter etches a vivid memory of the river's embrace.

Enjoy dinner with local specialities.

Have breakfast.

As the sun's intensity softens, we embark on an enriching journey into the verdant countryside. Our path leads us to traditional potters and palm-sugar producers, a venture filled with authenticity and cultural exploration.

The choice is yours-pedal through the landscape on mountain bikes or opt for the comfort of shaded tuk-tuks, each mode offering a unique vantage point of the scenic terrain. As we venture further, the rice paddies stretch before us like a living canvas. Here, we bear witness to the age-old craft of palm-sugar production. Wizened masters ascend sky-piercing palms, their expertise is evident as they deftly extract the sweet nectar from these towering giants, a skill that has been passed down through generations.

Enjoy lunch with local specialities.

Our journey transitions as we embark on a serene cruise across the glassy waters, surrounded by the delicate beauty of lotuses. Disembarking, we continue our exploration with an ox-cart ride along the picturesque Tonle Sap riverbanks. This journey carries us past lacquered wooden houses, evoking a sense of timelessness as we glimpse the rhythm of life along the river. During these dry months, residents retreat to the relative coolness of these outdoor living spaces, creating impromptu open-air rooms that bear witness to the adaptive nature of the human spirit.

Through these immersive experiences, our connection to the land deepens, allowing us to trace the threads of tradition, resilience, and natural beauty that are woven into the tapestry of the Mekong. From the countryside's tranquil embrace to the artisanal endeavours and local rhythms, each moment etches a vibrant memory into the collective story of this mighty river.

Enjoy dinner with local specialities.

Check out the cruise in Phnom Penh Capital, Cambodia.

Have breakfast.

Free time to explore Phnom Penh Capital.

Enjoy lunch with local specialities.

Domestic flight from Phnom Penh Capital to Siem Riep.

Arrival Siem Riep, free time to explore Siem Riep.

Enjoy dinner with local specialities.

Overnight in Siem Riep.

Have breakfast.

As the sun ushers in a new day, a sumptuous breakfast awaits at the hotel.

Your journey unfolds with a visit to the South Gate of Angkor Thom, a magnificent entrance adorned with stone-carved faces that guard the entrance to a realm of wonder. Venture further to the evocative Terrace of the Leper King and the majestic Terrace of Elephants, each an architectural canvas etched with the tales of ancient Khmer glory. Next, the enchanting Bayon temple beckons, standing resolute at the heart of Angkor Thom. This mesmerizing labyrinth of stone is adorned with enigmatic faces, a testament to the creative genius of Cambodia's revered king. The temple's eccentric layout captures the spirit of a bygone era, where artistic expression found harmony with regal grandeur.

Enjoy lunch with local specialities.

The afternoon unveils the mystical aura of Ta Prohm, a temple surrendered to nature's embrace. As you wander through its captivating ruins, the intertwined dance of stone and foliage becomes a symbol of nature's relentless march, unfazed by the rise and fall of empires. The grandeur of Angkor Wat Temple Complex takes center stage in the latter part of the day. Believed to be the world's largest religious edifice, this iconic masterpiece is a testament to the Khmer people's pride and strength. As you explore its intricate corridors, symmetrical design, and rich symbolism, you are transported back to the 12th century, when King  Suryavarman II's vision gave rise to this marvel.

Enjoy dinner with local specialities.

Have breakfast.

Free time to explore Siem Riep.

Enjoy lunch with local specialities.

Free time to explore Siem Riep.

Enjoy dinner with local specialities.

Overnight in Siem Riep

Breakfast

Relaxation break at the hotel.

Then, transfer to Siem Reap Airport for the flight back home.

End of the journey.