RV Mekong Navigator Cruise Downstream 8 days: Siem Reap - Ho Chi Minh City

Morning

Embark on a morning journey from Siem Reap to Kampong Cham, Cambodia, relishing the scenic drive and pausing for a delightful lunch on the way.

Afternoon

Upon reaching Mekong Navigator, you will be welcomed onboard warmly by the crew team. After that, the reception provides a presentation about the cruise, key member of the crew team as well as brief safety.

Then settle into your lavish cabin and prepare for the evening program.

Evening

Savor a delicious Cambodian Welcome Dinner served in Le Marche Dining Room and enjoy a peaceful overnight stay on board.

Morning

After savoring a delightful breakfast onboard, we explore the rustic and enchanting Opopel village, characterized by stilted houses and Brahim cows finding shade under banana trees.

• A chance to observe the rhythm of rural life. Visit a local family to learn about their lifestyle, then head to the local school to participate in a typical Cambodian school day with the children. 
• Take a leisurely stroll through the village, capturing photos of this timeless place. On the way back to the cruise, we will make a brief stop at the local monastery.

Lunch will be served onboard while the cruise departs for Wat Roka Kaong.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, our exploration leads us to Wat Roka Kaong (Wat KeoMoni Chort), a Temple complex steeped in history since 1840, offering a captivating journey into its cultural legacy. 

Marvel at the intricate details of the temple complex, including the towering Golden Buddhist Columns (53 meters tall) and the north temple named Preah Keo Preah Kor. Regrettably, the south temple, Bak Sei Chamkrong, suffered damage from a landslide in 2020. 

Continue to the colorful Main Pagoda, where you can partake in a traditional water blessing performed by local monks. 

Return onboard, heading to Phnom Penh.

Evening

Enjoy your delightful dinner and a peaceful overnight stay onboard.

Morning

As the day begins, immerse yourself in the somber chapters of Cambodia's history, particularly the Khmer Rouge regime. Gain insights into the darkest days of Cambodian history through a visit to sites that bear witness to this tragic period.

Embark on a 45-minute bus journey to the Choung Ek Killing Fields. Traverse through fields, delving into the poignant history that unfolds around you. 

Pay solemn respects to the victims of the Khmer Rouge regime as you visit the Buddhist memorial stupa and the accompanying small museum.

You also can take a look at Tuoi SIeng, formerly known as S-21. This site was once a school transformed into the Khmer Rouge's primary prison and torture headquarters. Delve into the traumatic history of this place before making your way back to the cruise for lunch.

Afternoon

You have a free afternoon to explore Phnom Penh City at your own pace. You can go shopping or visit the top restaurant here to savor various delicious cuisines.

Evening

Cap off your day by getting back on the ship for dinner and overnight onboard.

Embark on an exciting Tuk Tuk tour after breakfast, as drivers await you at the pier. Cruise along the riverfront to reach the Royal Palace complex, the official residence of the King of Cambodia covering an area of 400,000 square meters. 

• Take a leisurely walk through the grounds, exploring several iconic buildings such as the Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion. 
• Then take a look at the renowned Silver Pagoda, decorated with more than five tons of gleaming silver in the form of 5,239 silver plates made by hand

Step outside, where your Tuk Tuk awaits to transport you to the National Museum. This expansive museum is Cambodia’s largest, displaying the richness and plentifulness of the ancient Khmer Kingdom's culture.

Go back to the cruise for lunch.

Afternoon

You have a free afternoon to explore Phnom Penh at your own pace.

Evening

Treat yourself to pre-dinner cultural entertainment on the Sun Deck. Immerse in the mesmerizing performances by local children showcasing the Apsara dance, the Khmer national dance, and other traditional folk dances.

Morning & Afternoon

Embark on a downstream journey from Phnom Penh to the Cambodia-Vietnam border. As we sail, relish the tranquil ambiance of the Mekong River, taking in the picturesque sights. 

Onboard, engage in cultural activities, including an introduction to tropical fruits with a tasting session, a demonstration of Vietnamese spring roll making, and an exploration of traditional Cambodian costumes. It's a delightful blend of relaxation and immersive experiences on the Mekong.

Evening

Indulge in a delightful cocktail and sabering time before having dinner. It's a charming way to cap off your day of exploration along the Mekong River.

Morning

Traditional sampans transport you to the local island village of Hong Ngu, nestled in the Mekong Delta near the Vietnam-Cambodia border. This village is renowned for weaving traditional Khmer scarves, a craft passed down through generations. 

Witness the intricate weaving process and admire the embroidery artistry displayed by local villagers. The residents, though relatively new to encounters with Western travelers, warmly welcome guests. 

A stroll around the lush island includes a visit to the home of a local war veteran before returning to the sampans.

Afternoon

After a delightful onboard lunch, we embark on a short sampan journey to the picturesque My An Hung village. Here, they explore a typical farming community in the Mekong Delta. 

A leisurely walk through the verdant village allows interaction with locals, and you can relish fresh coconut in the garden. 

A warm invitation from a local family for honey tea and fruit, accompanied by the enchanting "don ca tai tu" folk music. 

Cap off the day adventure, we admire an impressive display of VOVINAM, Vietnam Martial Arts, performed by the village teenagers.

Evening

Back onboard for dinner and overnight onboard.

Morning

Once reaching Sa Dec, your sampans gracefully navigate the narrow canals of the Mekong, offering a picturesque journey through the daily life of the villagers. 

Eventually, you arrive in the historic town of Sa Dec, where you explore Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House.  Not only the combined value of East and West architecture, the old house is also famous for a borderless love.

Additionally, you visit the Chinese Temple Kien An Cung, a tribute to the Huynh Thuy Le Family. 

A stroll through the vibrant town market, allowing you to immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere with local traders before going back to the board for lunch.

Afternoon

Embark on a delightful excursion in Cai Be by boarding a rowing boat, guided by rowers donning conical hats. Cruise along the charming canals of the Mekong Delta, taking in the scenic beauty. 

After the rowing experience, the sampan navigates through a network of waterways to reach a cottage factory, where skilled artisans craft rice paper, rice wine, and popped rice. The area also features a range of postcards, souvenirs, and exquisite oil paintings for sale. 

Continue the journey through the long and narrow canals of Cai Be towards Cau Xeo, passing by picturesque scenes like rice barges, rice husking mills, water palm thatching cottages, temples. 

As you return to the ship, take a moment to refresh and enjoy a stunning sunset cruise toward My Tho Marina.

Evening

Join together on the Sun Deck, positioned in front of the Le Salon Lounge, for a Farewell Reception with the whole cruise team. 

The night continues with a memorable Vietnamese Farewell Dinner served in the elegant Le March Dining Room.

Morning

Enjoy the last day of your journey with a hearty breakfast on board. Bid farewell to the cruise ship's crew and proceed with the transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It marks the end of this wonderful downstream voyage on the Lotus Cruise.