Magical Mekong Cruise Upstream
Magical Mekong Cruise Upstream
Magical Mekong Cruise Upstream
11 Days Starting in Ho Chi Minh and ending in Siem Reap
Visiting: Cambodia, Vietnam
Tour operator:
Group size:
1 - 2
Tour Overview
about this trip
Your cruise adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh, where you discover the vibrant metropolis named after the revered leader Ho Chi Minh and delve into its rich history, influenced by French colonization. The following day takes you on a journey through the Mekong Delta, later boarding the Victoria Mekong Cruise. Explore places like Cai Be, Can Tho, Long Xuyen, and Tiger Island, each offering unique cultural and natural experiences the next day. Your cruise continues to Tan Chau, a charming village with craft traditions and a colorful local market, and then crosses the border into Cambodia, arriving in Phnom Penh, the "Pearl of the Orient." Explore Cambodia's capital, from the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda to the National Museum and the sobering Choeung Ek Killing Fields. Enjoy scenic walks, artisan encounters, and cultural excursions in Koh Chen, Silk Island, Angkor Ban, and Wat Hanchey. Finally, disembark in Kampong Chham, travel through the Cambodian countryside, and reach Siem Reap, the gateway to the mystical Angkor Complex, where you will visit the wonderful Temples of Angkor Wat in one of the most important archaeological sites of Southeast Asia.
Itinerary
Day 1: Ho Chi Minh (Arrival)
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City. Located in southeastern Vietnam, the metropolis surrounds the Saigon River covering about 2,061 square kilometers. The city has been named after the leader ‘Ho Chi Minh who was also the first leader of North Vietnam. With the city being the home to Ho Chi Minh stock exchange, the financial center of Vietnam is certainly in this place. Colonized by France and Spain in 1859 and ceded to France by the 1862 Treaty of Saigon, the city was influenced by the French during their colonization of Vietnam, and a number of classical Western-style buildings and French villas in the city reflect this. Upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh International Airport, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh
Day 2: Ho Chi Minh (B/-/-)
Savor a delicious breakfast and enjoy your day at leisure. There are plenty of memorable things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. The city itself has a beautiful historical town that highlights the essence of French colonial landmarks. You can explore the city by yourself or choose one of our optional tours.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh
Day 3: Ho Chi Minh – Cai Be – Can Tho – Long Xuyen (Embarkation) (B/L/D)
Be picked up at the Hotel in Saigon. Depart Ho Chi Minh City via coach and drive towards Can Tho, the beating heart of the Mekong Delta. Stop at the rustic, riverside town of Cai Be, where lunch is served at the elegant Le Longanier Restaurant set amidst lush fruit trees by the river. Board the Victoria Mekong Cruise at Victoria Can Tho Pier at 16:00 PM. Familiarize yourself with the ship while she sets sail towards Long Xuyen and watch the sunset over the Hau River. Enjoy a traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music performance known as “Đờn Ca Tài Tử” with a cocktail in hand. As day turns into night, sit down to a welcome dinner to officially welcome you onboard your Victoria Mekong Cruise, accompanied by the entertainment activities onboard ”.
Overnight near Long Xuyen
Day 4: Long Xuyen – Tiger Island – Vam Nao (B/L/D)
After breakfast, tender ashore to visit the authentic Long Xuyen Floating Market and the An Giang Museum, with fascinating exhibits on Kinh, Chinese, Khmer and Cham cultures in the region. During lunch the ship sails on before anchoring near Tiger Island. Head ashore by sampan and explore Tiger Island by 3-wheeled \"xe loi\", visiting cottage industries such as plant pot and incense making. Visit a site locally known as “Mr. Tigers Temple” and hear the story that won the island its name. Return on board in time for the cocktail competition and the evenings entertainment as the ship continues cruising to Vam Nao where we anchor and overnight
Day 5: Vam Nao – Tan Chau (B/L/D)
Wake up to another leisurely breakfast in Phu Tan, the provincial capital of An Giang in the Mekong Delta. Tender ashore to visit a craft village famed for handmaking Ca Rang clay stoves. Used for hundreds of years by the southern Vietnamese, these stoves have a unique design which allows them to block the wind, retain heat, and keep ash from dispersing. Enjoy lunch onboard as we cruise towards the village of Tan Chau where well travel by local rickshaw to visit the local market and colorful temple which is the spiritual center for local residents. Return to the ship in time for a traditional Vietnamese lion dance, followed by dinner and the evenings entertainment
Overnight in Tan Chau
Day 6: Tan Chau - Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
Enjoy early morning scenery on the Sky deck while the ship begins cruising towards the Vietnam - Cambodia border. After the leisurely breakfast in the Claypot restaurant, select from the many onboard activities including a ships tour, mini-golf tournament, or simply enjoy the scenery as we cross the border between Vietnam and Cambodia and sail on towards Phnom Penh. We arrive late afternoon in the charming capital of Phnom Penh, once known as the “Pearl of the Orient” for its French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic river walk. Before dinner, enjoy an interesting predinner lecture about Cambodia as well as learn some basic Khmer phrases.
Overnight in Phnom Penh
Day 7: Phnom Penh (B/L/D)
This morning, hop on a three-wheeled cyclo and be driven to the majestic Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex. Admire the elaborately constructed palace buildings, some of the 5,000 silver floor tiles that give the Silver Pagoda its name, as well as spectacular gold and bejeweled Buddha statues that are considered national treasures. Walk to the nearby National Museum, a beautiful sandstone building that showcases the worlds largest collection of Khmer art. Set off for lunch afterward before driving to Choeung Ek, one of the mass grave sites of the Killing Fields where the Khmer Rouge executed over a million men, women, and children between 1975 and 1979. Today, Choeung Ek is a memorial with a Buddhist stupa filled with skulls and bones to honor the victims. Finish off the afternoon in style at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, sipping on a signature cocktail at the famed Elephant Bar. Return to the ship and take in a lively performance of Khmer Apsara dancing with the opportunity to meet the performers afterward
Day 8: Phnom Penh – Koh Chen – Koh Dach – Angkor Ban (B/L/D)
After breakfast, go on a walking tour of the village of Koh Chen where the highlight is meeting a local copper and silversmith. Afterward, travel by coach to Oudong, the ancient capital of Cambodia with a stop at the fascinating Vipassana Dhura Meditation Center. After having lunch on board, travel by three-wheeled tuk tuk to Silk Island where you will learn about the process of silk weaving, from worm to loom, with the chance to observe local families weaving the iconic Cambodian krama
Day 9: Angkor Ban – Han Chey – Kampong Chham (B/L/D)
This morning, explore the village of Angkor Ban with its wooden stilt houses and local vibe. Enjoy lunch on board as the Victoria Mekong sails to Wat Hanchey. Walk up the steps to this 7th-century hilltop temple built under the Chenla Empire, and take in gorgeous panoramic views over the Mekong River
Day 10: Kompong Chham – Siem Reap (Disembarkation) (B/L/-)
Disembark from the ship at Kampong Chham and travel through the lush Cambodian countryside. Upon arrival to Siem Reap, gateway to the mystical Angkor Complex, sit down to a final lunch where the cruise program ends. You will be transferred to hotel.
Overnight in Siem Reap
Day 11: Siem Reap – Usa / Canada (B/-/-)
After your breakfast, you will be transferred back to Siem Reap International Airport for your return flight home
What's Included
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03 Nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis at listed Superior hotel or similar
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07 Nights accommodation on a twin sharing basis in Victoria Mekong Cruise (Deluxe Upper Deck)
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Daily Buffet Breakfast at the hotel
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02 Special Lunches at the restaurant
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Full board meal plan while onboard the cruise
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Free flow of soft beverages all day (mineral water, soft drinks, tea, coffee)
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Free flow of house wine by the glass during lunch and dinner
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All Arrival and departure airport transfers
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All land Transportation in a deluxe AC vehicle
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All Shore excursions from Cruise as per the detailed itinerary
What's Not Included
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Items of personal nature, tips, and gratuities
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Optional tours
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Items not mentioned as being included
Check out our Q&As
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but only in case it was previously agreed by both sides and arranged by us.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Our e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
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If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
No, not as standard. Solo travellers can book and occupy their own room for a supplement.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been organizing unforgettable trips since 2001.
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Can I arrange flights via Indus Travels, too?
In some cases, yes. Indus Travels can provide flights from/to selected departure points in the USA. If you would like a quote inclusive of flights, please let us know and we'll be happy to check the details for you!
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Changes to an existing reservation up to the Final Payment Date, whatever the cause, will incur a $100 per person amendment fee, potential loss of any supplier fees (such as non-refundable event tickets, park permits, and sea cruise reservations) plus any costs for replacement services. On/ after the Final Payment Date, the $100 change fee is no longer valid, instead cancellations terms apply.
Reviews of this operator
1 Dates & Availability
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Monday - Thursday
Sep 16, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Indus Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 45 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of indus travels charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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