At a Glance
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Submerge in a truly authentic and comprehensive journey that will show you the very soul of the Mekong River from Vietnam and Cambodia. Absorb the river life on a slow-paced voyage on this serene 8-day Mekong expedition cruise. Tread lightly as you immerse yourself abroad by foot with village walks, sampan and tuktuk 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 Siem Reap, embrace the culturally rich highlights and everything in between the Mekong River has to offer.
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. Traverse the narrow canals of Cai ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- 7 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 wiifi 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 Siem Reap to Kampong Cham and from My Tho to Ho Chi Minh City (coach transfers)
- Suggested gratuities $85 per passenger for crew onboard
Itinerary
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Arrive in Vietnam, a vibrant cultural hub and home to a rich tapestry of ancient culture and modern wonders. Admire the details that make up this bold and complex location, our adventure’s starting point. We enjoy a scenic drive in the afternoon around 14:00, 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/cabin, as the upstream journey continues towards Cai Be, experience warm hospitality on the sun deck at a welcome reception and an introduction to the friendly and professional crew with an essential safety briefing. In the evening, we gather to enjoy a delicious Vietnamese “Mekong Delta” theme dinner in the exquisite Le Marche Dining Room. After eating to our fill, we’re lulled to sleep by the Mekong river’s tranquility before embarking on the adventures that await tomorrow. The Mekong River cruise ship departs My Tho after everyone is on board around 17:00. You’ll overnight mid-river Cai Be area. |
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This morning after breakfast, we arrive in Cai Be around 8 am. The English speaking guide will accompany you to board the sampans we will use to explore 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, where industrious artisans produce rice paper, rice wine and popped rice. You can also explore 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, etc. 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, we hop on our traditional sampans for traversal 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. The cruise ship leaves Sa Dec after everyone has boarded around 17:00. You’ll overnight mid-river My An Hung Area. |
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Wake up to the calming aura of the river in your elegant suites and to a hearty breakfast. After fueling, we go on a short journey from ship to shore by traditional sampan to visit an evergreen farming village on the Mekong Delta, My An Hung. We go through the verdant village, interact with the friendly 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. |
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Border formalities will take place around 07:00 The ship will depart the 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. |
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Enjoy another delightful breakfast, before learning more about the darkest days of Cambodian history and the gaping loss that still haunts its people. We enjoy a scenic 45-min ride from the ship to Choeung Ek killing fields. Here, you may walk through the fields where more than one million people were killed and buried in mass grave sites by the Khmer Rouge regime between 1975 and 1979. Then visit the small museum and Buddhist Memorial Stupa and learn more about the unspeakable acts committed during the Pol Pot’s era. Lastly, we head to tour Tuol Sleng (also known as S-21), the former school converted to the main prison and torture headquarters of the Khmer Rouge. You have the option to take the coach accompanied by your local guide from the port to central markets to explore the city of Phnom Penh in the afternoon. Shop to your fill, dine at any of the stunning restaurants or go for more sightseeing around the city at your pace. Before indulging in another mouth-watering dinner, we convene at the sun deck to watch live Cambodian cultural performances including the national dance and an Apsara blessing dance performed by local children. You’ll overnight at Phnom Penh Port. |
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After a lovely breakfast on board, you will meet Tuk drivers who will be waiting at the pier for a thrilling morning tour of Phnom Penh. You will be swiftly transported along the riverfront to the Royal Palace complex, the official residence of the king of Cambodia. It comprises several beautiful buildings with the main palace being the most important, set in perfectly manicured and colourful gardens. Take a leisure walk through the grounds to see the Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavillion. Then visit the famous Silver Pagoda, home to Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and the Maitreya Buddha, which is encrusted with over 9000 diamonds. |
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Your Tuk Tuk will be waiting for you outside to take you to the open-air National Museum, Cambodia’s largest museum of cultural history with one of the world’s largest collections of Khmer art and ceramics as well as Angkorian artefacts, excavated at the Angkor Temple complex in Siem Reap and other areas in Cambodia. In the afternoon, you’re free to explore Phnom Penh or join the optional excursion (additional cost) Optional Afternoon Excursion: Tour to visit a local silk weaving village. Board a local boat and cruise for about 40 minutes around the Head-lands from the Tonle Sap River back into the Mekong River reaching the Silk weaving area. Learn useful information about the processes, from silkworm raising to weaving marvellous silk products like Sarong, Phamuong, Hol and silk karma. You return to the boat the same way, cruising along Sisowath Quay and the Royal Palace, as the sun sets in the background, giving you the perfect photo opportunity. The Mekong Navigator departs Phnom Penh around 16:15. You’ll overnight mid river at Roka Kong. |
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This morning, our adventure begins with a visit to a historical temple complex. Based on archaeologists’ claims, this temple was built in 1840. Some parts of the building were made of wood and were renovated in 1998. An emerald was found during the renovation, believed to be over 180 years old and given this Wat its second name, Wat KeoMoni Chort (Emerald). In front of the two Golden Buddhist Columns (53 metres tall), where two temples, the north temple called Preah Keo Preah Kor and the south temple called BakSei Chamkrong, destroyed by a landslide in 2020. Enjoy exploring this temple complex and then proceed to the main pagoda. Upon entering the awe-inspiring and colourful main pagoda, we receive a water blessing from the local monks. The Mekong Navigator departs Wat Rakoang after everyone is on board around 11:00 to arrive in Opopel village around 14:00. In the afternoon, we will visit the rural and charming Opopel village, with its stilted houses and grazing Brahim cows seeking the shades of banana trees. Here, everything feels timeless as you witness the rhythms of rural life. We head on to the home of a local family who discusses their lifestyle, then onto the local school to join children in their classroom exposing you to a typical Cambodia school day. Take photos of this time-forgotten land as you leisurely stroll the village. On our way back, we stop at a local monastery to see what it has in store for us. The Mekong Navigator arrives Kampong Cham port around 19:00. In the evening, we gather on the sun deck in front of Le Salon lounge this evening for a farewell reception with the entire crew, before enjoying a Cambodian farewell dinner in Le Marche Dining Room. You’ll overnight docking at Kampong Cham. |
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After a tranquil night's rest and a delicious breakfast, bid farewell to your lovely crew as you disembark your luxury ship in Kampong Cham. You will transfer from Kampong Cham via coaches around 08:30 to Siem Reap, Cambodia. There will be a lunch stop en route to your hotel in Cambodia in the afternoon. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
Accommodation
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.