From the Mekong Delta to Siem Reap (port-to-port cruise)

CroisiCruise: 9HC PP

9 Days

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 Indochina—everywhere 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, Tonle Sap Lake and Siem Reap, 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.

THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE

- All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
- Refined local cuisine
- Headsets are included for excursions
- Official welcome from the captain and crew
- Tour leader or cruise director on board
- Onboard activities and/or lectures
- Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
- All port fees included

HIGHLIGHTS

- EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:

- Discover historical cities: Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh
- Meet the locals and learn about their daily lives in Koh Chen, My Tho.
- Crossing through the splendid Cho Gao canal

- Itinerary Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City

Program depending on your time of arrival in Ho Chi Minh City. Program as follow if your flight lands beetween 6am and 10am: Meet at the Liberty Central Riverside Hotel restaurant between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Lunch at the hotel.

Built by the French in 1859, at the beginning of the colonial era, Ho Chi Minh City has retained some of its French atmosphere which characterises it. In the afternoon, tour the city: Reunification palace, Notre Dame cathedral and Central Post office. 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, you will be introduced to the crew at a welcome cocktail, have dinner and spend the night on board downtown. Day 2: Ho Chi Minh City

Depart by coach for the Cu Chi tunnels, 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, then set out to cross the very narrow Chao Gao Canal. Night on board. Day 3: Chao Gao - My Tho - Vinh Long - Cai Be - Sa Dec

Continue your 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. This afternoon 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 Dec - Chau Doc

Visit the former house of Huynh Thuy Le, the man who Marguerite Duras based her book The Lover on. After the excursion there will be some free time in Sa Dec. Return on board your ship and have lunch before sailing towards Cambodia. Night on board. Day 5: Chau Doc - Phnom Penh

Located on the border between Cambodia and Vietnam, the prosperous city of Chau Doc has developed around fish and fish farming. Visit the Ba Chua Xu Temple and the Tay An Pagoda. Lunch on board. Arrival in the evening in Phnom Penh. Dinner on board. The ship will remain in port overnight. Day 6: Phnom Penh

Depart on 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 you return on board, we will experience an Apsara dance show. Dinner and overnight on board, in the port of Phnom Penh. Free evening. Day 7: Koh Chen - Kampong Tralach

Visit of Koh Chen, a small village where craftspeople specialize in silver and copper work. Lunch on board then visit the beautiful Vihara at the Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To access the pagoda you need to cross the village of Kampong Tralach in ox carts, moving along a small road that runs perpendicular to the river in the middle of magnificent rice fields. Your ship will remain anchored overnight. Day 8: Kampong Chhnang - Lake Tonle

Visit of Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing ports on the 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 then continue your crui