⚓ Operated by RV Indochine, RV Indochine II & Lan Diep on selected dates
From the heights of the Himalayas to the southern coasts of the South China Sea, winding over 2,700 miles, the Mekong is much more than just irrigation for Indochinaeverywhere it flows, it fascinates men and shapes their lives. Come take an expedition on this grand and plentiful water snake, from Ho Chi Minh City, still largely influenced by the French colonial days, to Phnom Penh, then Tonle river, following the footsteps of Henri Mouhot. Our meditative trip takes you along the Mekong River on board a ship combining charm and colonial-style comfort.
Your Ships
RV Indochine
★★★★
1 / 3
The RV Indochine cruises on the Mekong, along a legendary river with enchanted stopovers, between classified sites, centuries-old traditions and culinary delights of Vietnam and Cambodia. The promise of an exotic and authentic adventure, dotted with colours, scents and flavours.
48 guests · 24 cabins · 3 decks · built 2008
RV Indochine II
★★★★★
1 / 5
The RV Indochine II cruises on the Mekong, along a legendary river with enchanted stopovers, between classified sites, centuries-old traditions and culinary delights of Vietnam and Cambodia. The promise of an exotic and authentic adventure, dotted with colours, scents and flavours.
62 guests · 31 cabins · 3 decks · built 2017
Lan Diep
1 / 4
The RV Lan Diep, an intimate 22-cabin vessel, cruises the Mekong River with elegance. Its design, inspired by traditional boats, blends seamlessly into the lush, authentic riverside scenery. The hull, clad in exotic hardwoods in a classic style, lends it a refined air.
44 guests · 22 cabins · 3 decks · built 2007
Itinerary
Explore the day-by-day breakdown of your journey through Mekong.
Day 1
Ho Chi Minh City
Meet at the Liberty Central Riverside Hotel restaurant between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, we will tour the city: Reunification palace, Notre Dame cathedral and Central Post office. We'll visit Cholon, the Chinese-influenced section of the city, including its hectic market and Ba Thien Hau Pagoda dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail, have dinner and spend the night on board downtown.
Day 2
Châu Đốc / Chợ Gạo
We'll enjoy free time on board orwell leave by coach for the Cu Chi tunnels (coach journey of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes each way), an immense network of underground tunnels that were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches. Lunch will be served on board. Visit the Museum of Vietnamese History. Well then set out to cross the very narrow Chao Gao Canal. Night on board.
Day 3
Chợ Gạo / Cái Bè / Sa Déc
We continue our cruise to My Tho along the magnificent Chao Gao Canal. Visit of a bee farm and enjoy some honey tea and exotic fruit. Lunch on board. Well discover a brick and pottery factory as well as a traditional factory producing puffed riced, rice-paper wrappers used to make nems, and rice alcohol*. Night on board.
Day 4
Sa Déc / Châu Đốc
Visit the former house of Huynh Thuy Le, the man who Marguerite Duras based her book The Lover on. After our excursion, enjoy some free time in Sa Dec. Well return on board our ship and have lunch. Sailing towards Cambodia. Night on board.
Day 5
Châu Đốc / Phnom Penh
Located on the border between Cambodia and Vietnam, the prosperous city of Chau Doc has developed around fish and fish farming. Well visit the Tay An Pagoda and the Ba Chua Xu Temple. Lunch on board. Arrival in the evening in Phnom Penh. Dinner on board. We'll remain in port overnight.
Day 6
Phnom Penh
We'll enjoy a tour of the fabulous Royal Palace, one of the most impressive examples of Cambodian architecture, and its Silver Pagoda. Onward to visit the National Museum. After lunch in town, you can pay a visit to the Tuol Svay Prey School, a former detention, torture, and execution center run by the Khmer Rouge during the civil war. Afterwards, enjoy some free time at the market. As we get back on board, we will enjoy an Apsara dance show. Dinner and overnight on board, in the port of Phnom Penh. Free evening.
Day 7
Phnom Penh / Kampong Chhnang
Visit of Koh Chen, a small village where craftspeople specialize in silver and copper work. Lunch on board.Visit of the beautiful Vihara at the Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To access the pagoda we need to cross the village of Kampong Tralach, moving along a small road that runs perpendicular to the river in the middle of magnificent rice fields. Our ship will remain anchored overnight.
Day 8
Kampong Chhnang / Tonlé Sap
Visit of Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing ports on Tonle Sap Lake. Here they also have many fish farms. The region is best known for its fine traditional pottery which is a major source of revenue for the entire country.Tasting of some local products. Lunch on board. We'll then continue our cruise. Cocktail and gala dinner tonight. Our ship will remain anchored overnight.
Day 9
Tonlé Sap
Disembark,journey to Siem Reap (approximately 5 to 6 hours by coach), with stops in traditional villages.OrMorning cruise through Tonle Lake and disembark. Transfer to the hotel Lotus Blanc(1) (ships: RV Indochine I and RV Lan Diep) and the hotel Sofitel Angkor(1) (ship : RV Indochine II) in Siem Reap. End of our services around 12:30 p.m.Please do not book your flight before 3:30 p.m.
More Information
Unless specifically stated as Included
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Gratuities
Optional Activities / Highlights
Meals and drinks not specifically stated as included
From the Mekong Delta to Siem Reap (port-to-port cruise)
2 October 2019 