Luxury Mekong River Cruises

Activities: Explore the Tonle Sap, join the cruise and enjoy leisure time on board

Meal: Lunch, Dinner

High Water: Siem Reap - Tonle River

We gather in the morning at our welcome lounge in Siem Reap. Relax with a drink as our staff collects your details for the
boarding.

We bid farewell to the iconic sights of Angkor and travel a short distance to the pier at the Tonle Sap Lake. By local boat we transfer to our luxurious “home” for the next days. While you check in to your prepared staterooms the ship sets sail and a fascinating journey on the Mighty Mekong begins.

Have lunch on board while the vessel gently glides over the Tonle Sap Lake. The lake can only be crossed during high water season (approx. from August to mid-November). Let your soul float and your eyes wander while the boat makes its way across.

In the afternoon we serve a High Tea at the bar. Enjoy your cruising day on board, relax on your balcony or relish a spa
treatment before dinner. Our expert guide will also give a presentation about the “Geography of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Lake”. The boat moors on the Tonle River. You can join our evening cinema session (offered every night) featuring selected classic movies.

Low Water: Siem Reap - Kampong Cham

We gather in the morning at our welcome lounge in Siem Reap. Relax with a drink as our staff collects your details for the
boarding. Then, we bid farewell to the iconic sights of Angkor and travel over land south to the town of Kampong Cham where our ship awaits us. The transfer takes about 4.5 hours, snacks and water are provided during the trip.

Upon arrival you check in to your well prepared staterooms. A lunch buffet is served in the dining hall. Make yourself familiar with all facilities onboard and take some rest.

In the afternoon we learn more about the education of the young Cambodian generation (NGO project). The children join
us on board, always excited to show their skills in music and art. Be sure to be bathed in smiles upon your applause.

After the performance, we leave the ship by bus for an afternoon excursion. During low water season, we have the chance to see a bamboo bridge which connects the mainland with an island. Local communities re-build the bridge every year when water levels drop. We continue our land journey to the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). This small complex sits on a hill top on the shore with a breath-taking view over the Mekong.

When returning to the ship, you can enjoy some private time until dinner is served in the dining hall. Our lounge cinema features selected classic movies (every night).

Activities: Arrive Kampong Chhnang, admire the scenery, explore the local floating villages and wetlands of the region, reach to Kampong Tralach

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

High Water: Kampong Chhnang - Kamp. Tralach - Kampong Cham

Wake up early to witness the spectacular scenery at the break of dawn. Our morning Tai Chi class offers the perfect start into the day. Afterwards, the breakfast buffet is served in the dining hall.

We are at Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world”, where everything is on sticks balanced on water rich soil. It’s
perhaps the most fascinating cruising spot in Cambodia. We take a local boat to the shore. By mini buses, we head to a
rural village nearby for a walking tour. Our guides introduce us to the village specialities – Khmer style pottery and the making of palm sugar. You should definitely bring some home. Before returning to the boat, we explore the floating villages and wetlands of the region.

Back on board, lunch is served while we continue cruising with a languid meander along the Tonle River towards Kampong Tralach. A Monks’ blessing ceremony on board delivers spirits and wishes for health and prosperity for all.
Gliding through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape we reach Kampong Tralach. Cacophonous children wave enthusiastically while bringing their livestock for a bath in the meandering river. We will stop at the “Green School” which is partly supported by Heritage Line. See all of the river life - which is so different than ours - by a local ox cart ride.

Back on board, we sail downstream passing the confluence of the Tonle and Mekong Rivers. The boat cruises overnight while you enjoy dinner in the dining hall.

Low Water: Kampong Cham - Oknha Tey - Kampong Chhnang

Every morning, our Tai Chi class on the sun deck will give you energy for the day ahead. Breakfast is served in the dining hall. The ship sails up towards the small Angkor Ban village on the Mekong River. The Angkor Ban village is famous for its unspoiled community and beautiful, traditional houses. It feels like being transported back a hundred years ago, into an era unaffected by modernity. Villagers are characterized by their unbridled warmth. Back on board a Monks’ blessing ceremony will deliver spirits and wishes for health and prosperity for all. Enjoy your lunch as we set sail downstream the Mekong.

In the afternoon a High Tea is offered and our staff is keen to show you the variety of traditional Khmer fashion. We arrive at the Island of Koh Oknha Tey. This spot in the middle of the Mekong owns its fame for manufacturing high class silk products. By tuk tuk we explore the island with its workshops and learn how silk is processed from its source, provided by little silkworms, to a final top quality product made of original Cambodian silk.

After some additional cruising time, passing the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers, the boat achors near Kampong Chhnang. Have a fresh drink before dinner and marvel at the amazing marshlands of this beautiful area.

Activities: Cruise to pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey, witness a blessing ceremony, watch the riverbank life along the Mekong, explore the island with its workshops and learn how silk is processed from its source, etc

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

High Water: Kampong Cham - Okhna Tey - Phnom Penh

After a sumptuos breakfast we travel by bus to a local school to understand more about the education of the young Cambodian generation (the project is funded by an NGO). Those children here are always excited to show their skills in music and art and will bath you in smiles upon your applause. We continue by road to arrive at the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). This small complex sits on a hill top right on the shore with breath-taking views on the Mekong.

After some refreshment back on the ship we serve lunch. During the afternoon our staff is keen to show you the variety of traditional Khmer fashion. Watch the riverbank life along the Mekong during our high tea as the ship proceeds to its next stop. We arrive at the Island of Koh Oknha Tey. This spot in the middle of the Mekong owns its fame for the manufacturing of high class silk products. By tuk tuk we explore the island with its workshops and learn how silk is processed from its source, provided by little silkworms, to a final top quality product made of original Cambodian silk.

After some additional cruising time the boat arrives and docks at the pier of Phnom Penh. Feel free to have your first exploration by yourself after dinner. Stroll along the river promenade and watch the locals chit-chating, selling odds and ends or have a drink in one of the numerous bars (kindly inform our crew once you are leaving the ship on your own).

Low Water: Kampong Chhnang - Kamp. Tralach - Phnom Penh

Wake up early to witness this spectacular water-world in the break of down. Our moring Tai Chi class has the perfect backdrop today. Breakfast buffet is served in the restaurant. We are now at Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world”, where everything is on sticks balanced on water rich soil.

We take a local boat to the shore. With mini buses we head to a rural village nearby and go on a walking tour. Our guides introduce the village specialities Khmer style pottery and the making of palm sugar. Definitely you should bring home some. Before returning to the boat we explore the local floating villages and wetlands of the region.

Back on board lunch is served while the cruise continues with a languid meander along the Tonle River towards Kampong Tralach. A Monks’ blessing ceremony on board will deliver spirits and wishes for our health and prosperity for all.

Gliding through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape we reach Kampong Tralach. Cacophonous children waive enthusiastically while bringing their livestock for a bath in the meandering river. Live to see all this life - which is so much different than ours - by a local ox cart ride.

After some additional cruising time the boat arrives at the pier of Phnom Penh. Feel free to have your first exploration by yourself after dinner. Stroll along the river promenade and watch the locals chit-chating, selling odds and ends or have a drink in one of the numerous bars (kindly inform our crew once you are leaving the ship on your own).

Activities: City tour around Phnom Penh, sight-seeing, visit Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, witness Khmer craft, visit Genocide museum and Killing Field, enjoy Cambodian culture with many activities on deck

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Welcome to Phnom Penh - the once called Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. It is an amazing town with centuries of incredible history and culture which can still be felt at many street corners.

After breakfast we bid farewell to our passengers of the Serenity Cruise (3-nights).

We start with a full sight-seeing tour right after breakfast. By bus we visit the Killing Fields at the outside of the city and afterwards the centrally located prison “S21”. Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter of Khmer history when the Khmer Rouge ruled the country with terror and supression. Those places have not changed much since this horrific time back in the early seventies and it can be quite heartbreaking. Alternatively, you can explore the city in the morning by your own before re-joining the group.

We take lunch at a fine restaurant in town. Our exploration of Phnom Penh continues on the fascinating cultural heritage of Phnom Penh. The golden edifice of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the exceptional Khmer crafts at the National Museum are our afternoon highlights. The day trip ends with a “cyclo” ride back to the ship through the bustling streets of downtown Phnom Penh.

Take some rest in your spacious cabin or join other fellow passengers at the bar for refreshing drinks before our captivating evening activities start.

In the early evening a barbecue dinner on the sun deck commences. The dinner is accompanied with an Apsara dance performance.

You have to witness the brilliance and richness of this dance along with the soothing sounds of the traditional music.
As the evening unwinds, enjoy your supper with a good glass of wine and marvel at the skyline of Phnom Penh, and the calming flow of the Tonle River.

Activities: Cruise along Mekong Channel, set off to Vietnamese border for the requisite cross border paperwork, optional activities can be made

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we gather at the lounge for a great lecture.
After breakfast we bid farewell to our passengers of the Serenity Cruise (4-nights).
At 8 o’clock we welcome our passengers of the Pearl of the Orient Cruise (3-nights).

The lounge is set up for a captivating lecture about Cambodian mordern history, held by a professor of the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Definitely a highlights of this cruise receiving knowledge first hand as our lecturer has studied the subject extensively and personally.

The whole afternoon is at your own arrangements. From now on, even the last passenger will turn on his cruise mode and hopefully experience the therapeutic influence that this mighty river radiates. It is time for massages, relaxation on the sun bed, and private balcony kick-backs - it’s time to merge with the river. Some may like to visit the bridge as the captain always has a little story to share about “his” river. Float into a state of mild bliss. Before totally drifting away, do not forget lunchtime around noon.

A culinary class is offered in the afternoon to sharpen your knowledge and skills on the local cuisine. Before slumbering in a nap, join our High Tea with coffee and snacks if you like to.

We reach the border and finally arrive in Vietnam. From here it is just a short distance to Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced border town with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community. We moor near the city with views on the riverbanks.

Dinner will be served soon and you can join our evening cinema with another selected classic movie afterwards .

Activities: Land in Tan Chau, visit local market, trip to the quay, drop by floating market and catfish farms, leave for My An Hung village, explore boat building technique and admire scenery aroundge, set off for Sa Dec

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the dining hall or in the quiet privacy of your balcony.

Brace yourself for a tour around Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced town near the Cambodian border with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community. Once arrived on-shore we hop on “xelois” to explore Tan Chau. A “xeloi” is a local vehicle which is still used as a taxi in this region. We slowly move around the streets to see all the workshops, houses and domiciles. Get to feel the laid- back vibes of this place. We stop at the colorful, local market near one of the town’s temples. This is the best time to interact with the vendors of this friendly town and make your own bargain experience.

We board our local boats and cruise along floating houses until we finally reach a floating fish farm. This region is the source of a fish production that is sold all over the world. We get an exclusive insight in how fish farming works.
Back on board before lunch is served, you may like to pamper yourself with some spa treatments or take a dip into the pool on the sun deck. Our expert guides offer a presentation on the “Life on the Mekong Delta” as the ship continues to My An Hung near the Sa Dec province. Before we arrive mingle with fellow passengers and share some stories.

We will set off for the My An Hung Village. In the village we receive wonderful insights into the private household of a local family. We are allowed to visit their vegetable garden and access the seasonal vegetable fields via crossing a monkey bridge. We are also invited to their house for a Vietnamese tea tasting. Vietnamese tea is often bitter and locals sweeten it with honey. The honey is produced by the family, a true delicacy in this region. We are offered fruits - juicy, fresh, and right from the tree. A local artist group performs a typical traditional dragon dance while we munch on those natural “vitamins bombs”.

As the sun sets and the light bathes everything golden, we settle on a riverbank gathering with cocktails to recap the day.

Back on the ship we cruise downstream the Mekong. Refresh yourself and get ready for dinner. The ship moors mid-river near Sa Dec.

Activities: Sampan to Binh Thanh Island, arrive in Cai Be, explore floating market, stunning landscapes along the Mekong, cruise to My Tho

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

During the breakfast time we arrive at the island of Binh Thanh.

We embark a traditional sampan and tour towards Binh Thanh Island. This island is one of the larger ones in the vast stream of the Mekong. Some communities have settled here and make their living by growing water hyazinths. We visit exclusively one of those untouched areas. By wandering through the village we get a deep understanding of the native life. But moreover we can follow the whole process of ratt making. You can even try yourself the weaving which is still done manually. We will meet also an old local people who shares with us their story on this island and they are happy for any chit-chat with you.

Back on board lunch is served and you have some time afterwards for yourself in your preferred cruise mode.

In the early afternoon we arrive in Cai Be. Cai Be is a charming small town, famous for its Catholic French church and manufacturing of traditional crafts and food products. The floating market of Cai Be is getting smaller every year, since trading on the water is shifting more and more into modern central markets. We can still see some boat to boat trading of local goods, such as fruits and agricultural products.

Our guide explains the particularities of this long lasting dealing cutlture. Each boat has a special marker to let buyers know what goods they are selling. We go on-shore to visit a workshop where we learn about and observe how rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies or rice wine is manufactured. Cai Be and its surrounding areas are covered by palmtrees and hence the region is also famous for the production of coconut candies. The city is crossed by and many water canals. With our local boat we continue to cruise through the lush and green canel network and can observe farmers working in the fields.

As the sun sets, our crew invites for a farewell event. Enjoy your dinner and some dance and music afterwards together with the crew. The ships moors at the pier of My Tho in the evening.

Activities: Land in My Tho, farewell to the cruise, join the madding crowd of Saigon

Meal: Breakfast

Enjoy your last breakfast aboard our floating sanctuary.

We will disembark the ship after the breakfast and take a bus transfer from My Tho to the drop off point in Saigon. It is only around 70 kilometers on the high way. You arrive in Saigon in mid-mornings.

We hope that you enjoyed this fascinating river same as our crew does every single time. Moreover we wish that you will take plenty of memories and friendships along with you that will linger with your stories of this amazing river - the Mighty Mekong.