RV La Marguerite Cruise Upstream 8 days: Saigon - Siem Reap

Morning

Embark on a day of cultural immersion and exploration as your journey with RV La Marguerite Cruise begins. Your tour guide awaits you at the opulent Sofitel Plaza Hotel in Saigon, orchestrating a seamless transfer to My Tho. 

En route, discover the vibrant pulse of Cholon Market and witness the intricate craftsmanship at a lacquer factory. Cholon, the "second center of the city," beckons with its unique blend of Chinese design and bustling markets, a favored hub for wholesale trade. 

Arriving in My Tho, the gateway to the Mekong, a warm welcome awaits on board the RV La Marguerite. A delightful lunch will be served with panoramic river views.

Afternoon

With the afternoon at your leisure, settle into the comfort of your suites, anticipating the adventures ahead.

The cruise gracefully departs along the Saigon River, offering a tranquil journey through picturesque landscapes. Whether you choose to unwind in your cabin or bask in the sun on the sundeck, let yourself be embroiled in the serene beauty around.

Evening

As the sun sets, savor a welcome dinner on board, a delectable introduction to the culinary delights awaits you.

The evening crescendos with the enchanting notes of a traditional music program, a performance that echoes the rich cultural tapestry of the region. 

While the melodies transport you into the heart of Vietnamese traditions, your river cruise experience begins in earnest, a perfect blend of relaxation, cultural enrichment, and the allure of the Mekong.

A restful night ahead creates the perfect finale of a day filled with exploration, learning, and authentic experiences along the Mekong River.

Morning

Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast in the dining room as the cruise gracefully navigates to the charming town of Cai Be. 

All tourists should be energized and ready for exploration, ready to embark on a morning boat trip around Cai Be, disembarking to admire the exterior of the French Gothic Cathedral. Though the cathedral's interior is currently inaccessible, the striking architecture, tallest bell tower, and captivating surroundings make it a captivating spot for photos. 

Following this, a riverside stroll takes you to a local rice paper and coconut sweets family manufacturer, offering insights into the meticulous craftsmanship behind these handmade products.

Return to the ship for a delectable lunch as you cruise past Vinh Long Province, ultimately arriving at Sa Dec. 

Afternoon

The afternoon shall be spent as a leisurely exploration of this enchanting land. Pay a visit to the historic house of Marguerite’s Chinese Lover, Huynh Thuy Le's ancient house, entwined with the famed love story portrayed in the novel "Lover" and the iconic film "L'Amant."

Transitioning from the romance of the past, venture to the Caodaism Temple and meander through the vibrant local market, immersing yourself in the lively daily rhythms of Sa Dec.

Evening

As evening descends, seize the opportunity to independently explore the quaint city of Sa Dec. Absorb the local atmosphere before returning to the cruise for a delightful dinner on board. 

Relish the night as you dock for an overnight stay, surrounded by the tranquility of the Mekong, reflecting on the cultural tapestry woven throughout the day's adventures.

Morning

Indulge in a delightful breakfast on board as the RV La Marguerite gracefully arrives at Tan Chau in the morning. 

Awaiting you is a journey into the heart of local life as we transfer to small boats, navigating the waterways to explore the village. The warm-hearted locals and the charm of the countryside via a rickshaw ride will provide everyone with a destressing trip. 

After this enriching morning escapade, we return to the cruise for a leisurely lunch.

Afternoon

The afternoon unfolds as a canvas of relaxation and indulgence. Take advantage of the onboard services, perhaps opting for a spa treatment or simply unwinding on the sundeck, enveloped by the tranquility of the Mekong. 

As the day progresses, RV La Marguerite sets sail for the Cambodian border while still undertaking the necessary procedures for a seamless crossing.

Evening

As the sun sets on the Mekong, enjoy a delectable dinner on board, savoring the culinary delights of the region. 

The night promises a serene voyage as the cruise sails towards Phnom Penh. Allow the gentle rhythms of the river to lull you into a restful night, surrounded by the comfort and elegance of RV La Marguerite.

Morning

Embark on a captivating morning in Phnom Penh, Cambodia's vibrant capital, commencing with the exceptional Phnom Penh city tour. 

Our first stop is the awe-inspiring Royal Palace, an architectural marvel housing the renowned "Silver Pagoda" or Wat Preah Keo Morokat. This sacred site, adorned with rare Buddha statues crafted from precious stones, stands as an emblematic icon of the Cambodian Kingdom. 

The tour continues to the Silver Pagoda, a serene temple with ancient pagoda architecture, offering a tranquil retreat for spiritual exploration. 

Concluding the morning exploration is a visit to the National Museum, a repository of Cambodia's rich cultural and historical tapestry across different eras.

Following a delightful morning, we return to the ship for a satisfying lunch on board. 

Afternoon

The afternoon unveils another facet of Cambodia's history as we delve into the somber yet essential Tuol Sleng Museum, once a high school turned evidence repository during the genocide era. The atmosphere here is haunting, with dilapidated structures and a chilling silence, providing a poignant reminder of the country's complex past.

Evening 

As the sun sets over Phnom Penh, return to the cruise for a well-deserved dinner and an overnight stay. The night aboard promises tranquility as the cruise sets the stage for the next chapter of your Mekong River adventure.

Morning

Commence your day with a hearty breakfast on board as RV La Marguerite gracefully sails towards Silk Island. Take a serene morning walk through the silk-weaving village, gaining insights into the intricate craft of silk production and even trying your hand at weaving. 

The journey continues with visits to a local workshop, a pagoda, and a primary school, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of Cambodian children and the local community. Immerse yourself in the authentic experiences and diverse occupations that shape this corner of the Mekong.

After a morning of exploration, return to the cruise for a delicious lunch, relishing the flavors of Cambodia.

Afternoon

The Mekong's timeless villages and river life will open your eyes to large-scale fishing activities. 

The journey then returns to Phnom Penh, where you'll visit the iconic Wat Phnom. Revered as one of the most important pagodas in the Cambodian capital, Wat Phnom is perched atop the city's sole hill. Known as the "Lady Penh Pagoda," it holds a deep connection to Cambodia's capital's founding and growth, adding historical richness to your voyage.

Evening

Cap off your day with the enchanting traditional Apsara dance show, the cultural heritage of Cambodian entertainment, and a highlight of night-board activities while having a delightful dinner.

Morning

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast on board as the cruise gracefully navigates the upper Mekong, offering panoramic views of the tranquil river landscape. 

As the morning kicks off, we arrive at Angkor Ban - a village that emerges like a serene oasis along the Mekong River. Bathed in the soft glow of the morning light, Angkor Ban exudes a peaceful ambiance that belies its historical resilience. 

This village stands as a testament to survival, enduring through the challenging Red Khmer Period, making it one of the rare settlements that persisted through that unsettled era.

Afternoon

The afternoon invites you to delve deeper into the local culture as you explore the village on stilts. Wander through traditional houses, immersing yourself in the unique architectural and cultural elements that define this community. Gain insights into the daily lives of the residents, witnessing the harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary existence in this idyllic riverside setting.

Evening

As the sun sets, return to the comfort of the cruise for a delightful dinner on board. The evening promises a serene navigation to the North, allowing you to bask in the tranquility of the Mekong. 

Rest for the night on board, surrounded by the gentle rhythms of the river.

Morning

Embark on a delightful morning with a hearty breakfast on board as the cruise makes a captivating stop at Wat Hanchey. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Cambodia by visiting this pre-Angkorian temple perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the Mekong. 

Marvel at the temple complex, the largest religious monument globally, adorned with over 1,000 temples showcasing diverse sizes and Khmer architectural styles, providing a glimpse into Cambodia's ancient heritage.

Return to the cruise for a leisurely lunch as you sail towards Kampong Cham. 

Afternoon

The afternoon unfolds with an exploration of the unique Wat Nokor temple by bus. Renowned as the first fusion temple, Wat Nokor seamlessly combines a contemporary Theravada Buddhist pagoda within the ancient walls of a 12th-century Mahayana Buddhist shrine made of sandstone and laterite. 

Getting to know this cultural fusion helps you understand the fascinating tapestry of Cambodia's religious history.

Evening

As the day's excursions conclude, return to the cruise for a delectable dinner on board, surrounded by the tranquil ambiance of the Mekong River.

Allow the evening to transition into a peaceful overnight stay on board.

Morning

Commence the last day with a delightful breakfast on board, and disembark for a bus transfer to Siem Reap (around 5 hours). 

Along the scenic journey, stop at Kampong Kdei Bridge, an architectural gem dating back to the Angkorian period constructed during the reign of Jayavarman VII.

We hope the trip we provide leaves you with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for cultural and historical wonders! See you again!