Day 1: Saigon – My Tho – Cai Be
Transfer from the hotel in Saigon to the Port of My Tho. Upon arrival, board the ship, & head for the town of Cai Be, known for its floating produce market.
Day 2: Cai Be – Sa Dec
Experience the vibrant culture of Cai Be this morning at its floating market. Here you’ll see an impressive number of small boats & a large variety of locally grown fruits & vegetables. After lunch, step onboard a sampan boat for a relaxing float down the canals to Sa Dec. This city, which served as an American base during the Vietnam War, was also home to the famous literary figure Marguerite Duras. Hear the tale of her lover, which the French writer later transpired in one of her award-winning novels, at the museum house of Huynh Thuy Le. Before heading back to the ship, enjoy a walk through Sa Dec’s local market.
Day 3: Chau Doc – Vietnam-Cambodia Border
This morning, discover the exciting history & culture of Chau Doc. Situated along the Vietnam-Cambodia border, this charming town boasts a market unlike other communities within the Mekong Delta region. Chau Doc’s floating market consists not only of boats carrying fresh produce but floating fish farms as well. After viewing today’s selection of river-raised catfish, learn about the traditions of the Cham people at a local Cham village. Explore the city further on a ride in a bicycle taxi, known as a trishaw, before heading back to the ship. Enjoy lunch as the boat sets sail for the border.
Day 4: Phnom Penh
Arrive in Phnom Penh, & set off on a private “cyclo” adventure. This charitable activity, which supports local cyclo drivers in need, is a great way to explore the capital of Cambodia at your leisure. Hotspots to visit include the National Museum of Cambodia & the enchanted Royal Palace. Later today, take an optional trip to learn about the nation’s daunting past under the ruthless rule of the Khmer Rouge party. Visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, & walk amongst the graves of the victims at the Killing Fields (reserve at time of booking).
Day 5: Tonle River – Kampong Chhnang
Today’s adventure unfolds the hidden beauty of the Mekong. Travel along the Tonle River to Kampong Chhnang, & enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding forests & villages (water levels determine mode of transfer - via boat or bus). Upon arrival, learn about the town’s hand in crocodile farming, & see the stilted, river-front homes. Afterward, hop in the Pandaw Explorer for a close-up look at the fishing business in the wetlands.
Day 6: Kampong Cham – Mekong River
Take a peaceful walk through the silk weaving village of Chong Koh this morning, & enjoy watching the local women make colorful garments with handlooms. Later today, visit the school & monastery at Peam Chi Kang village. Highlights of the monastery, or “wat,” include the racing boat shed, the storage spot for the local’s impressively long racing boats.
Day 7: Kampong Cham Area
Journey up the hill to the Wat Hanchey temple. Dating back to the 8th century, this active Buddhist monastery complex features more than ancient architecture & sculptures alone. The array of large, colorful fruit sculptures add a quite modern twist. After lunch, take a bus ride up to Phnom Pros & Phnom Srey, & hear the legend of the Twin Holy Mountains. Next, visit Choeungkok village, a small, ecotourism community supported by the AMICA organization.
Day 8: Siem Reap
In the morning, disembark the ship, & travel to Siem Reap. On the way, enjoy a visit to the city of Kampong Thom. Estimated arrival time in Siem Reap is mid-afternoon.