Cruising the Mekong River: Vietnam & Cambodia

Breakfast=B, Lunch=L, Dinner=D

MONDAY & TUESDAY, MARCH 1 & 2: Home / Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Depart home on overnight flights to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival on March 2nd, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to the luxurious Park Hyatt Saigon, an elegant five-star hotel that blends French colonial architecture with modern sophistication. Nestled in the heart of the city, the hotel offers serene gardens, refined accommodations, and exceptional service. After a brief welcome orientation, spend the remainder of the evening unwinding at your leisure. Dinner this evening will be on your own. PARK HYATT HOTEL

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3: Ho Chi Minh City

Today experience an insightful tour of the War Remnants Museum, followed by a panoramic city tour showcasing Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant energy and architectural heritage. After returning to the hotel, enjoy the afternoon at leisure. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant. PARK HYATT HOTEL (B,L,D)

THURSDAY, MARCH 4: Ho Chi Minh City / Embarkation

After checkout, enjoy a guided visit to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a cultural landmark known for its rich array of local goods. Later, transfer to the port and board the Mekong Princess, your home for the coming week. Once onboard, you will gather for the first lecture of the program. MEKONG PRINCESS (B,L,D)

FRIDAY, MARCH 5: Ben Tre / Can Tho

Enjoy a peaceful sampan ride through narrow mangrove channels, followed by a visit to a traditional coconut candy workshop and a local orchard. Travel by small boat through winding creeks framed with lush Nipah palms, offering a glimpse into daily life along the Mekong Delta. In the afternoon, cruise onward to Can Tho. Visit the serene Zihuang Pagoda and enjoy a colorful welcome performance featuring a traditional unicorn dance. MEKONG PRINCESS (B,L,D)

SATURDAY, MARCH 6: Can Tho / Hoa An

Glide on a sampan through the floating market in Can Tho, where merchants trade fresh produce from boat to boat. Visit a noodle factory and then a family orchard to see exotic fruits before continuing to Hoa An to explore its flourishing flower gardens and meet craftspeople skilled in traditional mat- and hat-making. MEKONG PRINCESS (B,L,D)

SUNDAY, MARCH 7: Gieng Island / Hong Ngu

Visit a traditional sampan-making village on Gieng Island to observe skilled craftsmen at work. Travel along rural canals, then explore a historic Franciscan monastery. In Hong Ngu, visit a vibrant women’s weaving cooperative and a colorful temple dedicated to the Hoa Hao faith. Later in the day, cruise across the border into Cambodia as your journey continues upstream. MEKONG PRINCESS (B,L,D)

MONDAY, MARCH 8: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Take an authentic cyclo ride through the city to visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, followed by a guided tour of the National Museum, home to an impressive collection of Khmer art and artifacts. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure to explore Phnom Penh independently. Guests may choose to dine ashore and/or experience the city’s vibrant nightlife. MEKONG PRINCESS (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, MARCH 9: Phnom Penh

In the morning, visit the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the former Khmer Rouge prison known as S-21. These powerful historical sites offer deep insight into Cambodia’s resilient spirit and complex past, providing an opportunity for reflection on the country’s journey toward healing and recovery. The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace. This evening, attend a vibrant performance by children at a local orphanage. MEKONG PRINCESS (B,L,D)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10: Angkor Ban

Start your day with a visit to Angkor Ban village, one of the few communities that was not destroyed during the Khmer Rouge era. Its centuries-old stilted homes stand as a testament to the village’s resilience and enduring spirit. Meet local children at a nearby primary school and experience the warmth of rural life along the river. In the afternoon, unwind with a scenic cruise and enjoy a final gourmet dinner aboard the Mekong Princess. MEKONG PRINCESS (B,L,D)

THURSDAY, MARCH 11:Kampong Cham / Siem Reap

Disembark the Mekong Princess in Kampong Cham and journey to Siem Reap. Discover the fascinating history of the Angkor Empire at the Angkor National Museum, home to a remarkable collection of artifacts that bring the region’s ancient past to life. Upon arrival, check-in at the Raffles Grand Hotel for a relaxing evening and dinner at leisure. Enjoy some time to unwind or explore the vibrant streets of Siem Reap. RAFFLES GRAND HOTEL (B,L)

FRIDAY, MARCH 12: Angkor / Siem Reap

Start the day at Angkor Wat, where the early morning light gently illuminates the temple’s majestic silhouette. Then, take a tuk tuk tour through Siem Reap, visiting peaceful monasteries, the Tlai Tno art school, and local artisan workshops. Enjoy the remainder of the evening and dinner at your leisure. RAFFLES GRAND HOTEL (B,L)

SATURDAY, MARCH 13: Angkor / Siem Reap

Begin the day with a breathtaking sunrise view over Angkor Wat from Ba Kheng Temple. Then enjoy a traditional Khmer gondola ride to Bayon, known for its serene stone faces. Explore the Terrace of the Elephants, part of an ongoing archaeological dig, and visit the atmospheric Ta Prohm, where jungle roots intertwine with ancient stone. Conclude your journey with a festive farewell dinner, savoring the rich flavors of Cambodian cuisine. RAFFLES GRAND HOTEL (B,L,D)

SUNDAY, MARCH 14: Siem Reap / Home

Transfer to the airport for your return flight, crossing the International Date Line and arriving home the same day. (B)

Pre-tour, optional extension
Hanoi and Ha Long Bay February 26 – March 2, 2027

Begin your journey with two nights in Hanoi, including a city tour featuring the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, the “Hanoi Hilton,” Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum and stilt house, and a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, followed by a traditional water puppet performance. Then travel to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise aboard the Paradise Elegance, featuring a visit to Me Cung Cave, a pearl farm or kayaking, afternoon tea, and a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. Conclude with a morning visit to Ti Top Island before flying to Ho Chi Minh City. APRICOT HOTEL HANOI (2 NIGHTS), PARADISE ELEGANCE (1 NIGHT); (3B,2L,2D)

FRIDAY & SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26 & 27: Home / Hanoi, Vietnam

Depart home on overnight flights to Hanoi, Vietnam. Upon arrival on February 27th,
you will be warmly welcomed at the airport and transferred to the elegant Apricot Hotel, ideally located overlooking Hanoi’s iconic Hoan Kiem Lake. This refined property blends local art and contemporary design. Check-in and enjoy the evening at your leisure to rest and recover from your journey. APRICOT HOTEL

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28: Hanoi

Enjoy a panoramic tour of Hanoi, including key cultural and historical landmarks such as the Confucius Temple of Literature, scenic Hoan Kiem Lake, the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” prison, the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, and his humble “House on Stilts.” Then, experience the charm of the Old Quarter with an electric cart ride through its narrow, bustling alleyways. Conclude the day with a traditional water puppet performance, an art form unique to northern Vietnam. APRICOT HOTEL (B,L,D)

MONDAY, MARCH 1: Ha Long Bay / Embarkation

Drive approximately four hours to Ha Long Bay and board the Paradise Legacy for an overnight cruise. In the afternoon, visit a pearl farm or opt for a kayaking adventure. Later, your second stop is Ti Top Island, where you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area or relax on the beach. Return to the ship for tea and a cooking demonstration. PARADISE LEGACY (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, MARCH 2: Ho Chi Minh City / Main Tour

Your excursion this morning is to the enchanting Me Cung Cave, where you can explore its winding passageways, admire the striking rock formations, and take in views of the shimmering lake hidden within this ancient grotto. Disembark in late morning and transfer to Hanoi airport for a two-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Spend the remainder of the evening at leisure. The main group arrives in Ho Chi Minh City today, with the main tour program beginning tomorrow morning. PARK HYATT HOTEL (B)