RV Mekong Navigator Cruise Upstream 8 days: Saigon - Siem Reap

Afternoon

The journey begins in the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh. As the sun begins its descent, painting the sky with hues of amber and gold, a scenic drive unfurls before you, leading to the quaint My Tho port in South Vietnam.

The Mekong Navigator cruise ship patiently awaits, greeting you step aboard with a promise of adventure.

As you settle into your well-appointed suite, the river outside your window whispers tales of a land rich in culture and tradition. 

Evening

The evening unfolds with a welcome reception. The ship's crew, a dedicated ensemble of individuals eager to make your journey memorable, introduces themselves, their warm smiles echoing the hospitality of the Vietnamese people.

When the sun dips below the horizon, in the Le Marche Dining Room, the culinary odyssey begins.

A Vietnamese 'Mekong Delta' Welcome Dinner unfolds, a feast that transcends the taste buds and delves into the heart of the region's culinary soul. 

As the last bite of the sumptuous dinner is savored, the ship begins to drift along the Mekong's currents, carrying you into the heart of an ancient land. 

Morning

As the sun bathes Cai Be in a warm glow, a journey into the heart of the Mekong Delta begins. 

Awaiting you are rowing boats, guided by skilled rowers adorned in conical hats, weaving through a tapestry of canals adorned with picturesque scenes, inviting you to immerse yourself in the hidden beauty of this water-laden landscape.

The boats bring us to a cottage factory, a hive of industrious artisans crafting rice paper, brewing rice wine, and popping rice. Before we continue our route, a large selection of postcards, souvenirs, and oil paintings is offered at a cheaper price.

The journey continues towards Cau Xeo, a symphony of photo opportunities unfolding at every turn. Rice barges drift lazily, rice husking mills hum with industry, and water palm thatching cottages stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time.

As the sampan gracefully returns to the ship, an elegant buffet lunch is served, a culinary interlude against the backdrop of tranquil riverine scenery.

Afternoon

This afternoon brings a second encounter with the sampans, navigating the narrow canals. Village life unfolds along the waterways, a glimpse into the daily routines of the resilient Mekong communities. The journey leads to the historic town of Sa Dec, where history and literature intertwine.

In Sa Dec, you step into the ancient house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, the muse behind Marguerite Duras' novel, "L'Amant" (The Lover). The Chinese Temple, Kien An Cung, stands in honor of the Huynh Thuy Le Family, a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the region. 

The town's market becomes a canvas of vibrant sights, sounds, and smells – a sensory experience that provides a lens into the lives of the locals. 

Evening

As the day draws to a close, the Mekong reveals not only its natural splendor but the stories etched into the fabric of its waters. 

Guests will have dinner on board.

Morning

In the embrace of dawn's light, our journey from ship to shore unfolds as we step onto traditional sampans, crossing the threshold into the heart of the Mekong Delta. 

Our destination, the My An Hung village, cradled in the verdant landscape, promises a glimpse into the soul of this evergreen farming community.

As we traverse the labyrinthine paths of My An Hung, the air becomes a tapestry of natural scents, and the vibrant hues of the village come alive.

The journey takes us to a garden oasis, where the crisp sweetness of fresh coconut awaits, a refreshment under the caressing branches of the trees.

A local family would graciously open their doors, inviting us to partake in the warmth of their hospitality. Here, we are amidst the soothing notes of "don ca tai tu" folk music. 

The day unfolds with an awe-inspiring display of VOVINAM Vietnam Martial Arts, a testament to the resilience and strength of the teenagers of the village.

Afternoon

Our sampans embark on a journey to the island village of Long Khanh A, a haven not far from the Vietnam-Cambodia border. Here, in Hong Ngu district, the looms of tradition weave tales of Khmer scarves, a craft passed down through generations. 

Before returning to the sampans, we pause to pay homage to the resilience etched in the home of a local War Veteran, a living testament to the narratives woven into the fabric of this vibrant community.

Evening

As the sun sets over the Mekong, casting its golden glow upon the waters, the echoes of My An Hung and Long Khanh A linger in our minds while savoring dinner aboard.

Morning and Afternoon

When the first light of dawn painted the Mekong River in hues of gold and amber, our cruise began its gentle journey upstream.

Our staff also prepare some cultural activities beforehand for passengers during moving time.

At first, we were introduced to an array of tropical fruits whose names rolled off the tongue like poetic verses. The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of exotic delights as you can take part in a journey of flavors as we try tasting each.

Another option is a Vietnamese spring roll-making class. Watch the delicate dance of hands, guided by the rhythm of tradition, transforming simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces.

The river mirrored the passage of time, carrying us towards the heart of Cambodia – Phnom Penh.

Evening 

As the evening descended, presided over a gathering that promised both spectacle and finesse. A cocktail and sabering time is hosted, setting the stage for an evening of camaraderie and culinary delights.

Under the moonlit sky, as the Mekong whispered tales of its journey, we gathered for dinner, the day's experiences lingering in our hearts.

Morning

The morning starts when the sun bathes the Mekong River in a soft glow. The ship anchored, and we disembarked for a poignant exploration of the Choeung Ek killing fields.

A scenic 45-minute drive transported us to a place of profound significance. Choeung Ek, a serene landscape today, once bore witness to unspeakable horrors during the Khmer Rouge regime.

From Choeung Ek, our journey led us to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S-21. The former school transformed into a prison and torture headquarters echoed with the haunting whispers of the past. 

Afternoon

The afternoon in Phnom Penh unfolded as a canvas of possibilities. Returning to the ship from S-21, some chose to explore independently, while others indulged in the city's culinary offerings or sought treasures in its bustling markets.

For those seeking retail therapy, a scheduled shuttle coach awaited at the Port, ready to transport guests to the Central Market. A local guide accompanied the journey, ensuring a seamless and enriching shopping experience.

Evening

As the day drew to a close, the Sun Deck transformed into a stage for an Apsara cultural performance by local children. Other traditional folk dances followed each movement a celebration of Cambodia's rich cultural heritage.

Under the stars, surrounded by the echoes of the day's experiences, we gathered for dinner. 

Morning

Awakening to a new day aboard the ship, the promise of discovery unfolded after a hearty breakfast. The vibrant energy of Phnom Penh beckoned, and anticipation filled the air as Tuk Tuk drivers awaited on the pier for an immersive morning tour.

Our first stop is the Royal Palace complex, a regal enclave that serves as the official residence of the King of Cambodia. Take a leisure walk, and observe that the Throne Hall stands tall, a testament to the nation's history.

The journey continued to the illustrious Silver Pagoda, a sanctuary of serenity adorned with more than 9,000 diamonds. Here, Cambodia's Emerald Buddha and the Maitreya Buddha awaited, their presence an ode to spiritual grace and artistic opulence.

As we bid farewell to the Royal Palace, our trusty Tuk Tuk drivers whisked us away to the open-air National Museum. Home to Cambodia's rich cultural history, the museum unfolded its treasures before our eager eyes.

Afternoon

The Tuk Tuk ride back to the ship was a reflective journey, the city's vibrancy lingering in our thoughts. Phnom Penh, with its eclectic mix of tradition and modernity, invited us to explore independently.

Whether it was indulging in the city's culinary delights, perusing its markets, or simply strolling along its vibrant streets, the afternoon promised moments of serendipity and personal discovery. 

Evening

As the day drew to a close, we carried the memories of our Tuk Tuk adventure and the cultural riches of Phnom Penh to sleep aboard when the ship docks in Phnom Penh.

Morning

Today's destination is Wat Roka Kaong, a temple complex steeped in history and tales of a bygone era.

The 1840s temple, built with wood, was meticulously renovated in 1998. Based on archaeologists’ statements, the temple's second name, Wat KeoMoni Chort (Emerald), was given to it after the discovery of an ancient emerald statue, believed to be over 180 years old, enhancing its historical significance.

The Preah Keo Preah Kor and BakSei Chamkrong temples, surrounded by 53-meter Golden Buddhist Columns, offer a unique blend of history and spirituality. 

Our journey then led us to the heart of the Main Pagoda, a kaleidoscope of colors and beauty. Here, amidst the vibrant hues, we were welcomed by local monks who bestowed upon us a traditional water blessing.

Afternoon

The river carried us to the rural embrace of Opopel, a village frozen in time. Stilted houses stood as sentinels of tradition, and Brahim cows sought shade beneath the embrace of banana trees. 

A visit to a local family provided insight into their lifestyle, while a detour to the village school allowed us to share moments with the young minds shaping Cambodia's future. 

A stroll through the village unveiled snapshots of a world untouched by time, and a brief pause at the local monastery added a spiritual note to our rural odyssey.

Evening

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Mekong, as we gathered on the Sun Deck for a Farewell Reception.

The evening continued in the Le Marche Dining Room, where a Cambodian Farewell Dinner awaited, a culinary celebration to savor the flavors of our Mekong journey.

Morning

As the sun cast its first rays upon the Mekong, we awoke to the final chapter of our river journey. 

Following a hearty breakfast that echoed the camaraderie of shared adventures, we will disembark from Kampong Cham, our floating sanctuary on the river.

We would stop a bit for lunch during the returning road trip from Kampong Cham to Siem Reap.

By the afternoon, Siem Reap unfolded its charms before us. With gratitude in our hearts, the time had come to bid farewell to the ship's crew.