The Majestic Mekong – Vietnam & Cambodia
Saigon - Mekong River (Cruise) - Phnom Penh - Siem Reap
Duration
12 days
Tour Type
Private
Price From
£2,990 pp
Overview: The Majestic Mekong – Vietnam & Cambodia Tour
This 12-day guided tour follows the Mekong from Vietnam into Cambodia, combining a river journey with historic sightseeing and immersive local experiences. From floating markets, Cham communities, and traditional villages to ancient temples, the itinerary offers a fascinating insight into the cultures and heritage shaped by the Mekong.
Tour Highlights:
- Cruise along the mighty Mekong, discovering riverside communities and landscapes as you journey from Vietnam into Cambodia
- Explore the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about the conditions faced by those who lived and fought within the underground network
- Travel by Sampan through the canals and backwaters around Sa Dec, visiting local markets and the historic home associated with Marguerite Duras
- Experience the cultural diversity of Chau Doc with a visit to a Cham tribal village, a catfish farm, and a trishaw ride through the town
- Discover Cambodia’s royal and colonial heritage in Phnom Penh, including the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, Wat Phnom, and Russian Market
- Explore the extraordinary temples of Angkor, including Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Angkor Thom, before ending with a sunset Gondola boat cruise
The Majestic Mekong offers a memorable journey through Vietnam and Cambodia, combining life along the river with rich cultural heritage and remarkable temples.
Day 1 - UK Departure
Day 1 - UK Departure
We begin our private adventure today by departing London Heathrow for international economy flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).
We can also arrange departures from your local airport at no extra cost.
Day 2 - Saigon arrival
Day 2 - Saigon arrival
On arrival at Ho Chi Minh International Airport, our tour guide will be there to greet us and transfer you by private car through the city to your hotel, located in the heart of this amazing city.
After check-in the rest of the day is free at leisure.
Day 3 - Saigon / Cu Chi Tunnels
Day 3 - Saigon / Cu Chi Tunnels
This morning we will leave the city by private vehicle to visit the amazing tunnel network of Cu Chi. This incredible system, covering almost 250 km in length was shelter to over 16,000 Vietcong guerrillas during the wars. If you are interested (and game) you can even descend into the tunnels to learn more about the harsh conditions faced by Vietcong guerrillas who lived there.
In the afternoon set out on a tour of the former capital of French Indochina. We visit historic landmarks including the Old Saigon post office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Opera House. Continue your tour by visiting the Reunification Palace which was used as the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war in the 60’s. Afterwards visit the ethnic Chinese district of Cholon with Binh Tay market.
Day 4 - Ho Chi Minh City / cruise embarkation
Day 4 - Ho Chi Minh City / Cruise Embarkation
Today we begin our Mekong Cruise. We join other cruise travellers for coach transfer from the Inter Continental Asiana Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City to the port of My Tho to embark the cruise.
Rest of day for settling into our cabin and relaxing on board.
Day 5 - Cai Be
Day 5 - Cai Be
Day 6 - Chau Doc
Day 6 - Chau Doc
Today we visit a Cham tribal village, a cat fish farm, and enjoy a trishaw ride around Chau Doc, a little town bordering Cambodia with Chinese, Cham and Khmer communities.
We return to the ship by boat for lunch and cast off for the Cambodian border. After the usual formalities we continue upstream towards Phnom Penh and the start of our Cambodian tour.
Day 7 - Phnom Penh "Pearl of the East"
Day 7 - Phnom Penh "Pearl of the East"
Day 8 - Phnom Penh sightseeing
Day 8 - Phnom Penh sightseeing
Today is our chance to discover Phnom Penh City, capital of Cambodia located at the conjunction of four branches of the Mekong River. Our first visit is Wat Phnom, an ancient pagoda up on the hill, built by a wealthy Khmer woman named Penh 1372 to house the sacred relics. Continue to the Royal Palace built in 1866 and the Silver Pagoda located within the Royal Palace compound. The majority of treasures on display have been supplied by the King of Cambodia such as gift from various other countries. Among the treasures are a solid gold Buddha encrusted with 9,584 diamonds and weighing 90 kilos and a small 17th century emerald and baccarat crystal Buddha.
In the afternoon we visit the tragic side of Cambodian history, Toul Sleng, an ancient school which was used as a prison under the Khmer Rouge. Finally today we walk around the Russian market built in 1937 of a splendid architecture of colonial style.
Day 9 - Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Day 9 - Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
After breakfast our driver will collect us for private transfer to Phnom Penh Airport for the flight to Siem Reap.
We will be greeted on arrival in Siem Reap by our guide and take our private transfer to the hotel to check in. Siem Reap is the gateway to the ruins of Angkor and seat of the Khmer kingdom. Rest of day to relax or explore on your own.
Day 10 - Siem Reap / Angkor Wat
Day 10 - Siem Reap / Angkor Wat
Meet your guide this morning to head off to the world-famouse temple of Angkor Wat, a world heritage site featuring the most extraordinary towers and bas-reliefs. This is one of the most astonishing monuments ever conceived by mankind, and was erected in the 12th century (1112-1152) in honour of Vishnu.
From the temple we are transferred by private vehicle (or if you prefer by cow carts!) to a secret place where a surprise picnic lunch is set up and waiting for you! After a delicious lunch, relax under the trees with a soothing foot massage before starting your afternoon activities.
In the afternoon, visit the ancient Ta Prohm monastery where immense branches have taken root in the stones. Here you will find splendid sculptured devatas (guardian angels) and experience an atmosphere entirely suited to this temple and all those built under the reign of Jayavarman VII generally.
Day 11 - Siem Reap / Sunset Gondola boat cruise
Day 11 - Siem Reap / Sunset Gondola boat cruise
After breakfast we leave for Banteay Srei, where one of the most impressive jewels of Khmer art exists. Erected in the 10th century, this small pink sandstone temple is known as the Citadel of Women. Continue your exploration of Angkor by heading further south to visit the two very beautiful temples – Thommanon and Chau Say Tevoda – dating from the 12th century and built during the reign of Suryavarman II. They stand out because of their very beautiful sculptured images honouring Shiva and Vishnu.
In the afternoon we visit Angkor Thom (the Great City) beginning by the south gate and the famous Bayon of the 12th and 13th centuries, dedicated to Buddhism and composed of 54 gigantic towers featuring 216 smiling faces of Avalokitesvara. Then, visit the Elephant Terrace, which was used as a giant reviewing stand for public ceremonies and served as a base for the king’s grand audience hall; and the raised Leper King Terrace, built in the 12th century and which features many beautifully sculptured Apsaras.
Late afternoon, round off your last day by enjoying a unique experience of watching the sunset on a Gondola boat at the South Gate of Angkor Thom, accompanied with a cold fresh drink. A truly wonderful way to end our holiday!
Day 12 - Siem Reap Departure
Day 12 - Siem Reap Departure
- Saigon – 5* Hotel Des Arts Saigon
- Mekong River – Pandaw River Expeditions / Main Deck
- Phnom Penh – 5* Raffles Le Royal
- Siem Reap – 5* Heritage Suites Hotel
- Saigon – 4* Grand Hotel
- Phnom Penh – 4* White Mansion Boutique
- Siem Reap - 4* Shinta Mani Resort
Includes
Excludes
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