At a Glance
Get a glimpse into the best of South East Asia from Vietnam to Cambodia on this 5-day river life voyage along the serene Mekong River. Tread lightly as you immerse yourself abroad by foot with village walks and sampan rides or simply enjoy the slow pace of cruising and sightseeing, taking in the charming views of Cambodia and Vietnam’s countryside. From Ho Chin Minh to Phnom Penh, connect to rich cultures and reflect its people and history while floating along the Mekong as you create a journey of truly memorable experiences.
Your adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City, where you board your floating home, the luxurious and boutique Mekong Navigator, and be welcomed with a “Mekong Delta” themed dinner. Sail to Cai Be and traverse its narrow canals by sampan ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 4 nights aboard the luxurious Mekong Navigator River in a Superior Suite on a twin share basis (upgrade to premium level suites at an extra cost)
- All meals including themed dinners, welcome and farewell reception
- Complimentary house wine for lunch and dinner
- Complimentary local coffee and fine tea selection, soft drinks, local beer and local spirits
- Complimentary water bottle excursions
- Complimentary wifi in room and public areas
- Cruise exclusive series of cultural performance, educational talks, food demonstration classes
- English speaking crew and English expert local guides
- All entrance fees, transportation as mentioned in the shore excursion program
- Deluxe Sampans with cold towel service fresh fruit, tea and coffee service (where applicable)
- Individual VOX listening devices thoughtful cruise shore excursion program
- Shoe cleaning after excursion
- Welcome drink and cold towel service following excursions
- Transfers from My Tho to Ho Chi Minh City (coach transfer) or vice versa
- Gratuities per passenger for crew onboard, port charge and tipping for guides, drivers, sampan operators
Itinerary
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Arrive in Vietnam, a vibrant cultural hub and home to a stunning assortment of natural wonders. Admire the details that make up this bold and complex location, where our adventure begins. In the afternoon around 14:00, we enjoy a scenic drive, exposing more of Vietnamese scenery, from Ho Chi Ming city to My Tho Port, South Vietnam. Here we will begin our journey aboard the luxurious Mekong Navigator cruise ship. This breathtaking vessel is a haven of comfort and elegance boasting 34 stately suites outfitted with premium amenities including spacious balconies. The cruise ship also has the exotic La Vie Spa, a library, a fitness centre and a cosy lounge amongst other posh amenities. After settling into your well-appointed suite, as the upstream journey continues towards Cai Be, experience the prime hospitality on the sun deck at a welcome reception and introduction to the friendly and professional crew, who will present an essential safety briefing. In the evening, we gather to enjoy a tantalising Vietnamese “Mekong Delta” theme dinner in the stunning Le Marche Dining Room. After filling our bellies, we’re lulled to sleep by the calm before tackling the adventures that await tomorrow. The Mekong Navigator cruise ship departs My Tho after everyone is on board around 17:00. You’ll overnight mid-river Cai Be area. |
Mekong Navigator 
Dinner  |
This morning after a lovely breakfast, we arrive in Cai Be around 08:00 hours. Accompanied by your English speaking guide, board the sampans for a serene exploration along the breathtaking canals of the Mekong Delta. We pass a colourful collection of local boats from the delta provinces, larger boats selling their goods and the characterful stilted houses of Cai Be. We continue into the narrower canals and stop at Ba Duc house, a traditional Vietnamese home and garden, to admire its beauty. We hop back on the sampans and paddle through the canals to our nearby destination, a traditional rice factory. This is where industrious artisans produce rice paper, rice wine and popped rice. You can also peruse the fine selection of postcards, souvenirs, and beautiful oil paintings on sale. We continue towards Cau Xeo which brings us photo opportunities of rice barges, rice husking mills, water palm thatching cottages, temples, and more along the cruise. Upon returning to the ship, we sit to relish an elegant lunch buffet while sailing upstream through the calm riverine scenery towards Sa Dec. The Mekong Navigator cruise ship departs the Cai Be area after we are back around 11:00. The ship arrives in the Sa Dec area around 14:00 This afternoon, upon arrival in Sa Dec, board traditional sampan once again to navigate the tapestry of the Mekong canals, where you will have an insight into the daily life of the villagers before arriving at the historic Sa Dec town. A highlight here is the former home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration for Marguerite Duras’ novel, L’Amant (The Lover). We will then head on to the Chinese temple, Kien An Cung, built in the honour of the Huynh Thuy Le family. From there, you begin a leisure walk through the town’s market, where you get to experience the sights, sounds, smells and have wonderful photo opportunities of the colourful fresh produce, meat, live fish and seafood for sale. Then retreat back to your luxurious Mekong Navigator which will depart for our next destination around 17:00. Overnight mid-river My An Hung Area. |
Mekong NavigatorBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Wake up to the calming aura of the river to a tranquil breakfast. We venture on a short journey from ship to shore by traditional sampan to visit an evergreen farming village on the Mekong Delta, My An Hung. Traverse the verdant village, interact with the villagers, enjoy fresh coconut in the garden. A local family would invite us for some honey tea and fruit while we enjoy live entertainment; the “don ca tai tu” folk music, followed by an impressive VOVINAM Vietnam Martial Arts performed by the teenagers in the village. The ship will depart the My An Hung area after everyone is back on board around 11:00. The Mekong Navigator will arrive at Long Khanh A island area around 15:00 |
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In the afternoon, you’ll ride your sampans once again to the local village close to the Vietnam/Cambodia border, Hong Ngu. Here, a large number of Khmer scarves are woven in many village homes and are exported to Cambodia. You’ll have the opportunity to witness the weaving process that has been passed down for many generations. Some of the villagers are also embroidery artists and they display their art in and around the homes for you to admire. The locals have recently become familiar with western travelers and they are always friendly and welcoming. Before returning to the sampans, we will walk around this evergreen island and visit the home of a local war veteran. Afterwards, we head back to the ship, which is set to depart Long Khanh Island around 15:00 after we are all back on board. You’ll overnight at the border area. |
Mekong NavigatorBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Border formalities will take place around 07:00 The ship will depart the border around 09:30 This morning, after border formalities and a lovely breakfast, relax and enjoy a leisure cruise on your ship. Sit back on the loungers on the sun deck and take in the calming energy of the river. Book a restorative session in the La Vie spa to pamper your muscles from all the exploring. Order a soothing drink in the lounge. Engage your mind with an interesting book in the library. Pass time in any way you wish before reaching Phnom Penh city later in the evening. You’ll observe a fascinating transformation in the riverfront architecture. Exciting cultural activities will also take place on board. Enjoy the last dinner aboard the luxury Mekong Navigator and cheers to a wonderful adventure. The ship will arrive at Phnom Penh around 20:00. You’ll overnight docking at Phnom Penh Port. |
Mekong Navigator cruise shipBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner  |
After a peaceful night's sleep and a delicious breakfast, bid farewell to your lovely crew as you disembark your luxury ship in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This adventure is one to truly cherish as it exposes you to a different side of the world and leaves you with a new sense of exploration and fulfilment. After farewell, make your own arrangements for your onward travel. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Dates & Prices
The price is based on the lowest cabin (e.g. Superior Suite). Cabin upgrade is available at an additional cost. Please contact us for available cabins and prices.
Please contact us for group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request and additional charges apply.
More Info
- The departure point is Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- The finish point is Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Ho Chi Minh City. The closest major airport to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is Tan Son Nhat International Airport and is 5 km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City.
- Airport transfers to city hotel are not included. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
The Lower Mekong River Basin is classified as tropical monsoonal and is almost always hot and often humid. In the warmest months of March to April, average temperatures range from 30°C to 38°C. Cooler
temperatures prevail from November to February.
Built: 2014
Length: 70m (230 ft)
Breadth: 13m (43 ft)
Draft: 1.8m (6ft)
Height: 12m (39ft)
Engines: 2 x Caterpillar C18 Tier 2
Cruising Speed: 11 knots
Guests: 68
Suites: 34
Staff: 24
Voltage: 220 volts
Restaurant, Bar & Lounge: Le Salon is the ideal place to meet up with friends to recount another day of adventure or to simply admire the passing scenery while enjoying the unrivalled hospitality for which this region is known. The casual but elegant Le Marche restaurant offers a gastronomic journey of regional signature dishes as well as a selection of western alternatives with complimentary wine at dinner.
Sundeck: Cool down and watch the world go by from the comfort of shaded sun loungers and wide choice of seating areas on the Sun Deck. Calm down with a freshly squeezed juice at sunrise to begin your day or simply slow down with a personalised cocktail to accompany another incredible sunset.
Library: stay connected with friends and family through wifi provided in La Bibliotheque. For those who prefer to leave the electronic age behind, the library also offer guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in a wide selection of books from many authors who were enchanted by Indochina.
Spa & Fitness: Enjoy a workout in the well-equipped gym or simply indulge in a treatment at our spa La Vie, choosing from aromatherapy treatments, body wraps, traditional and western massage.
Grand Suite: Located forward on the Orchid Deck (Upper Deck). These two very private suites offer the most luxurious and spacious environment on board. Full French doors onto a private terrace where complimentary canapes are served at sundown as part of Lotus butler service. Furnished with one king-size bed. Enjoy a one-hour complimentary spa treatment 584 square feet (54 square metres)
Prestige Suite: Located mid-ship on the Orchid Deck (Upper Deck). Features private balcony, an expansive spa bath and premium bath amenities, living area with sofa, private balcony, and daily butler service. Furnished with one king-size bed. Enjoy a one-hour complimentary spa treatment. 387 square feet (36 Square metres)
Signature Suite: Located on the Orchid Deck (Upper Deck). Features private balcony to enjoy daily continental breakfast. Furnished with two twin-size beds or one queen-size bed, as requested. 291 square feet (27 square metres)
Vista Suite: Located on the Lotus Deck (Main Deck). Features French balcony, and a spacious seating area from which to enjoy the dramatic sunsets along the Mekong River. Vista Suites are furnished with two twin-size beds or one queen-size bed, as requested. 276 square feet (26 square metres)
Superior Suite: Located on the Jasmine Deck (Lower Deck). Features two oversized porthole style windows, providing a peaceful and private sanctuary. Furnished with two twin-size beds or one queen-size bed, as requested. 256 feet (24 square metres).
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
