Along the Mekong: Charms of Vietnam and Cambodia

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam, still often referred to by locals as Saigon. Situated just north of the Mekong River Delta, the city traded hands between Cambodia and Vietnam over the centuries and served as a French colonial capital. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival and take advantage of an evening at leisure to get settled.

Begin the day with a tour of this effervescent city, where east and west visiting its historic highlights. Step into Reunification Palace and learn about its role as an underground communications bunker and headquarters for the South Vietnamese government during the Vietnam War (known locally as the American War). Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, both relics of the French colonial years, and view a poignant collection of stories and artifacts at the War Remnants Museum. Alternatively, explore the National Museum of Saigon* on a specially arranged tour that showcases the diverse artifacts of Ho Chi Minh’s history. This afternoon, explore the Cu Chi tunnels, an elaborate network of passages and underground rooms dug by the Viet Cong that played an integral role in their guerilla warfare. (B,L)

Venture into the Ben Thanh Market, which began as a small gathering of vendors in the 17th century and became the heart of the city’s commerce during the French colonial period. Gain insight into local life as you wander amid stalls exotic fruits and simmering local dishes as well as household items and traditional crafts. Then journey south to My Tho, a town on the Mekong River where your ship awaits. Gather for a welcome dinner, as the ship begins its voyage upstream toward Cai Be. (B,L,D)

Take a local boat to Cai Be and spend the morning discovering life along the water’s edge. Blanketed with vivid green paddies, the Mekong Delta is a major producer of rice, and local communities have found many ways to use it. Visit workshops where rice paper, popped rice, and rice candy are made using traditional methods. If you wish, stretch your legs with a guided walk to Mr. Kiet’s Historic House, a fine example of Vietnamese architecture that dates back to 1838. Later in the day, journey to Sa Dec, a river port where French writer Marguerite Duras spent part of her youth. Experience a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and smells on a stroll through the local market, and tour Cao Dai Temple, a center of Caodaism, a unique religion that fuses elements of numerous world faiths with Vietnamese folk religion. (B,L,D)

Follow the Mekong to the town of Tan Chau, known for its production of high-quality dyed silks. Here, you’ll have a choice of three morning excursions.

• Trishaw ride to craft workshops: Hop onto a traditional xe-loi (trishaw) for a ride around town, stopping to visit workshops where fine silks and rattan mats are made.
• Trishaw ride and Evergreen Island: Take a trishaw ride to craft workshops, followed by a guided walk to Evergreen Island, passing through villages and fields and gaining a glimpse of everyday life.
• Tra Su Forest and Sanctuary: Board a sampan boat and glide through a lush landscape of cajuput trees, lotuses, water lilies, and some 70 species of bird. With luck you might spot a painted stork or an oriental darter as you drift through a waterways carpeted with luminous green moss. (Please note: space is limited on this excursion.)

Reach the Cambodian border, leaving Vietnam at Vinh Xuong, and make your way to the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh this afternoon. (B,L,D)

Begin your exploration of Phnom Penh with the excursions of your choice:

• Visit the Royal Palace, a stunning Khmer-style residence that is still home to Cambodia’s monarch, and step inside the Silver Pagoda to see its many treasures, from its silver-tiled floors to the Emerald Buddha and the incredible golden Maitreya Buddha, encrusted with more than thousands of diamonds. Then delve into the iconic Central Market, housed within a striking art deco landmark. 
• National Museum*.  See a stunning collection of Khmer crafts with an expert guide for an in-depth tour of the National Museum and its outstanding collection.
• Cambodian Specialties Tasting*:  Savor a variety of Cambodian delicacies on a special tasting tour in Phnom Penh’s city center.

In the afternoon, travel to Cambodia’s the infamous Killing Fields, where Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouge massacred thousands of Cambodians in the late 1970s. Visit the grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center, now transformed into a poignant Genocide Museum. Back on the ship later in the day, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by the local community. The ship remains anchored in Phnom Penh overnight. (B,L,D)

Venture to Oudong, a royal capital from the early 17th century until the 1860s and now a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians. At a monastery here, you’ll be treated to a memorable Buddhist blessing ceremony. Choose to explore the monastery or set out on an active walking tour to see panoramic views of the Oudong plain. Later, return to Phnom Penh for a tuk tuk tour, riding along tree-lined boulevards and admiring the city’s blend of French colonial and Angkorian architecture. (B,L,D)

North of Phnom Penh lie three islands that are locally known as the “silk islands.” Here, craftspeople spin and weave silk using traditions that date back centuries. Pay a visit to the village of Oknha Tey, where you’ll meet weavers to learn how fine silks are crafted—from the worm to the final product. Enjoy a glimpse of local life as you walk through the village and stop in to visit an elementary school. During a relaxing afternoon of cruising, take in views of the lush banks of the Mekong as it winds its way east. (B,L,D)

The village of Angkor Ban is one of just a few that were spared destruction during the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Here, hundreds of traditional wooden houses still stand intact on stilts, shaded by banana trees. Explore the village on a walking tour, soaking up the ambiance of rural life as you stroll among residents tending to their homes and their livestock learn about age-old traditions that still hold strong. Sail on to the provincial capital of Kampong Cham, where you’ll have a choice of afternoon activities.

Wat Nokor: Tour the remarkably well-preserved Wat Nokor, which harbors a colorful, modern-day pagoda within its 12th-century interior.

The Twin Mountains: Visit Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei, “twin mountains” steeped in legend and dotted with stunning temples and shrines.

Cap the day off with a festive farewell dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Disembark in Kampong Cham and transfer overland to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Angkor Archaeological Park, the former capital of the Khmer empire and now a World Heritage site. After time at leisure for lunch, venture to nearby Ta Prohm, a 12th-century temple that was reclaimed by the jungle, its evocative shrines still engulfed by enormous tree roots and vines. (B,D)

Spend the morning immersed in the extraordinary temple complex at Angkor Wat, built by Khmer King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god, Vishnu. Decipher the symbolism of its design and its marvelous carvings as you stroll through the site, and admire views of its towers reflected in the surrounding moat.  Then explore the Angkor Museum*, taking in the journey from the beginning of time to the height of Khmer civilization, and meet with the museum’s curator. In the afternoon, you can choose among three special excursions:

• Explore the blue sandstone Beng Mealea*, one of the largest Khmer-era temples in Cambodia, surrounded by dense jungle that adds to its sense of mystery and charm.
• Take a tour of floating villages, meeting the people who make their lives on the water and catching a glimpse of their daily life. (Please note: This option is offered when water levels permit.)
• Venture further to the Banteay Srei to view its exquisite carvings.

Tonight, gather at the hotel to witness a performance of apsara dancing, featuring local folk dancers. (B,D)

Explore the fortified city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Built a century after Angkor Wat, the city is home to numerous temples, including Bayon Temple, best known for its gigantic smiling stone faces. Your visit also includes the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, both originally part of the royal palace. Later in the day, take a short flight to Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. During a free evening, explore the lively streets of Siem Reap—and its acclaimed restaurants—on your own. (B)

Ancient temples are juxtaposed with modern skyscrapers in enchanting Hanoi, a city of serene parks and lakes and elegant French colonial architecture. Set out to discover this vibrant capital on a morning tour, visiting the Temple of Literature and Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest temples in Vietnam. See the notorious prison that American soldiers dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War. After free time to explore and have lunch, take a cyclo ride in the Old Quarter, exploring its narrow lanes as locals have for centuries. Later, learn about a timeless Vietnamese folk art during a water puppet show. (B)

A scenic drive brings you to the World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, a mystical waterscape dotted with some 2,000 tufted islands and edged with vertical karst peaks. Board an elegantly appointed ship and set sail into this spectacular setting. (B,L,D)

Spend the morning cruising the emerald waters of the bay, taking in the scenery from the comfort of the ship. Disembark in the late morning and transfer back to Hanoi. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,L)

Bid farewell to Vietnam and transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)