This trip will take us to Cambodia, where we will stay in Siem Reap, the starting point for one of the world's wonders: Angkor, the former largest city in the world, home to an astounding one million people and 200 temples. We will also have the opportunity to spend time in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia and regarded as the most beautiful of the French colonial capitals in Indochina. Phnom Penh is situated at the meeting point of the Tonle Sap and Mekong. Once we get off the ship, we'll remain in the center of Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City, with its busy riverfront and French colonial buildings. For tourists wishing to see these fascinating Asian locations, this vacation is perfect.
Day 1: Siem Reap – Embarkation – Kampong Cham (Lunch & Dinner On Board)
Day 2: Wat Hanchey - Kampong Cham (All Meals On Board)
Day 3: Angkor Ban – Silk Island – Phnom Penh (All Meals On Board)
Day 4: Phnom Penh (All Meals On Board)
Day 5: Phnom Penh - Navigation - Border Crossing (All Meals On Board)
Day 6: Tan Chau (All Meals On Board)
Day 7: Sa Dec - Cai Be (Tan Phong) (All Meals On Board)
Day 8: My Tho – Disembarkation - Saigon (Breakfast On Board)
DAY 1: SIEM REAP – EMBARKATION – KAMPONG CHAM
In the morning, Transfer from hotel in Siem Reap from where you will join the RV La Marguerite in coach (5h). A packed lunch will be offered during the trip. Stop at the Kampong Kdei Bridge dating from the Angkorian period, built during the reign of Jayavarman VII. Arrival on board in the middle of the afternoon. Welcome buffet and installation in the cabins. Beginning of navigation towards Wat Hanchey.
Welcome dinner on boardDAY 2: WAT HANCHEY - KAMPONG CHAM
Stop at Wat Hanchey in the morning and after breakfast, visit the pre-Angkorian temple located on top of a hill overlooking the Mekong. Dating back to the 8th century, its ancient brick structures characterize the architecture of the Chenla Empire, which preceded the glory of Angkor. Back on board for lunch.
Continued navigation and arrival at Kampong Cham during lunch. In the afternoon, departure by bus to discover the temple of Wat Nokor. This twelfth century Buddhist temple built on the ruins of an ancient temple, is unique in CambodiaDAY 3: ANGKOR BAN – SILK ISLAND – PHNOM PENH
Morning navigation on the Upper Mekong. Arrival at Angkor Ban in the morning. Overlooking the River Mekong, Angkor Ban offers a peaceful and majestic image of the river bathed in morning light in this still pristine area. Angkor Ban is one of the very few villages that has not been burned or destroyed during the Khmer Rouge period. It is a dive in intimate Cambodia, to the rhythm of its inhabitants. Visit of the village on stilts, discovery of traditional houses some of which are more than a century old. Back on board for further navigation to Silk Island and visit of a silk weaving village. Navigation and late arrival in Phnom Penh. In the evening, traditional Apsara dances show onboard.
DAY 4: PHNOM PENH
The capital city of Cambodia still retains its old French colonial architecture in riverside streets. Morning bus tour including the Royal Palace & the Silver Pagoda. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts. Before lunch on board, stop at Central Market to stroll around the largest market of the city An afternoon excursion is arranged to the former High School « S21 » (now the Tuol Sleng Museum), which was converted to a detention center under the Red Khmer’s rule between 1975 and 1979. Leisure time and shopping at the “Central Market”. Dinner on board
DAY 5: PHNOM PENH - NAVIGATION - BORDER CROSSING
The ship departs towards the border with Vietnam in the morning. We cruise past the Mekong’s timeless villages and river life with extensive fishing activities. Crossing of the border and completion of the required formalities.
DAY 6: TAN CHAU
Arrival at Tan Chau in the morning, a remote town on the main Mekong River. After breakfast, transfer on small boats to visit this charming locality. This small town is very representative of this part of Asia, divided between rurality and a lively economic activity.
DAY 7: SA DEC - CAI BE (TAN PHONG)
Arrival at Sa Dec. The French writer Marguerite Duras spent parts of her childhood in Sa Dec, a sprawling busy town on the Mekong Delta. We see the house of Marguerite’s Chinese Lover. The house is a small museum of « The Lover » in Sadec. Visit to a Caodaist Temple and a stroll through the colorful local market. Lunch on board. We cruise past Vinh Long Province, located in the middle of the Delta region, between the two tributaries of the Mekong. Arrival at Cai Be, departure in small local boats to reach the island of Tan Phong. Walk to discover the making of decorative objects from water hyacinths. The afternoon continues by taking small vehicles through the fruit fields. Stop in a garden for an introduction to exotic fruits. Before returning on board, the ship trip past the Gothic cathedral of Cai Be and meeting a family producing rice paper and coconut candies. Then tour on local boats to see the French Gothic Cathedral. Walk along the river bank and visit to a manufacturer of rice paper and coconut sweets. Dinner on board & traditional Music Show.
DAY 8: MY THO – DISEMBARKATION - SAIGON
Arrival at My Tho. Disembarkation after breakfast and bus transfer to Saigon city center. The transfer includes a stop at the Cholon Market and the visit to a lacquer factory. Drop off at Saigon around 12.00pm
PRICES INCLUDE:
▪ Upstream transfers from the Sofitel Plaza hotel in Saigon to the ship in My Tho on day 1 and from the ship to Siem Reap Sokha Angkor Resort hotel on day 8
▪ Downstream transfers from Siem Reap Sokha Angkor Resort Hotel on day 1 to the ship and from My Tho to Sofitel Plaza Hotel in Saigon on day 8.
▪ Full board in the selected category of the R/V La Marguerite
▪ All meals from Lunch on Day 1 until Breakfast on Day 8
▪ Drinks on board: Mineral Water, non-alcoholic beverages, local beers and local wine during meals
▪ On board tips/gratuities
▪ All excursions and entrance fees with English speaking guide as per included excursions in the itinerary
▪ A lecture on board during the call at Phnom Penh
▪ The services of an English-speaking Cruise Director
▪ Port taxes
PRICES EXCLUDE:
▪ Overseas flights
▪ Beverages other than those mentioned above
▪ Tipping/gratuities for land services (30USD/pax recommended)
▪ Visa arrangements
▪ Insurance
