Embark on an exotic and authentic adventure cruising on the legendary Mekong from Ho Chi Minh City, still largely influenced by the French colonial days, to Phnom Penh, Tonle Sap Lake and Siem Reap, the gateway to the majestic ruins of Angkor
For all 2023 bookings made by 30 September 2022, deduct £50 per person
Day 1 - Flight
Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City
Day 3 - Ho Chi Minh City/ Chao Gao
Day 4 - Chao Gao / My Tho/ Vinh Long/ Cai Be
Day 5 - Sa Dec
Day 6 - Chau Doc/ Phnom Penh
Day 7 - Phnom Penh
Day 8 - Koh Chen/ Kampong Tralach
Day 9 - Kampong Chhnang/ Tonle Sap Lake
Day 10 - Siem Reap / Return flight
Day 11 - Return Flight
Rising in the Tibetan Plateau and cutting across six countries, the Mekong is the world’s 12th longest river, sustaining all manner of life along its way through its food, water, transport and commerce, and supports one of the most diverse fisheries, second only to the Amazon.
Less well known is the association with Saigon (once known as the ‘Cambodian City’ or ‘Downstream Cambodia’) and the trading relationship between the Champa kingdom in Vietnam and the then flourishing Angkor empire; the common thread being the mighty Mekong River linking inland rivers to the delta and beyond.
This cruise provides an excellent means of travelling in great comfort to places unreachable by road making possible exploration of the vast but little known region between the former French colonial city of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and the ancient Khmer capital of Angkor. Indeed, the colonial style ship RV Indochine was built to cruise through shallow water. Embark in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City and cruise on Tonle Sap Lake all the way to Siem Reap.
An authentic cruise along this mythical river with fascinating sites, peaceful sceneries, centuries-old traditions and culinary delights.
Cultural & River Cruise
New Tour
Excursions Included
Meals Included
Most Drinks Included
Local Expert Guides
Group Size: 8 – 30
Day 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) via Hanoi or Bangkok.
Day 2 Visit Ho Chi Minh City including 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. Embark on the RV Indochina for your eight-night cruise. Welcome cocktail. (L, D)
Day 3 Travel by coach to visit 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. Visit the Museum of Vietnamese History. Start cruise and cross the narrow Chao Gao Canal. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Cruise to My Tho along the magnificent Chao Gao Canal. Visit a bee farm and enjoy some honey tea and exotic fruit. Discover a brick and pottery factory and a traditional factory producing puffed rice, rice-paper wrappers and rice alcohol. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Visit the former house of Huynh Thuy Le, who Marguerite Duras based her book The Lover on. Enjoy some free time in Sa Dec. Sail towards Cambodia. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Located on the border between Cambodia and Vietnam, the prosperous city of Chau Doc has developed around fishing and fish farming. Visit the Ba Chua Xu Temple and the Tay An Pagoda. Cruise to Phnom Penh. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Visit the fabulous Royal Palace, one of the most impressive examples of Cambodian architecture, and its Silver Pagoda. Visit the National Museum. After lunch in town, perhaps visit the Tuol Svay Prey School, a former detention, torture, and execution centre run by the Khmer Rouge during the civil war. Enjoy free time at the market. Apsara dance show on board. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Visit Koh Chen, a small village where craftspeople specialise in silver and copper work. Visit the beautiful Vihara at the Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To access the pagoda, cross the village of Kampong Tralach by ox carts, along the river through magnificent rice fields. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Visit Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing ports on Tonle Sap Lake. 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. Cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in southeast Asia which forms the heart of the hydraulic system of the Mekong. Cocktail and gala dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Return flight to London. (B)
Day 11 Arrive London Heathrow.
Notes
The programme may be altered due to navigational factors, water levels or congestion at certain sites.
RV Indochine is an intimate and comfortable colonial style ship entirely made of exotic wood panelling and specially designed to cruise through shallow water. The restaurant, located on the upper deck, offers a delicate cuisine in a refined setting where large picture windows allow guests to fully enjoy the surrounding environment. The sun deck with a lounge / bar is the perfect place to relax and admire the landscapes, WiFi (free/limited). 24 air-conditioned outside twin cabins (16 m² ) spread over two decks with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.
Angkor Temples - Post-tour Extension
Explore the ancient Khmer capital of Angkor staying three nights at the 4-star Tara Angkor Hotel. Visit a selection of the temples including the famous Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm and enjoy an Apsara dance show and dinner.
Day 1 Transfer to the 4-star Tara Angkor Hotel for three nights. Visit the Roluos group of temples with Preah Ko, Bakong and Lolei temple. Visit Prolung Khmer pottery and weaving centre. Apsara dance theatre and dinner. (B, D)
Day 2 Visit the magnificent South Gate temples including Angkor Thom, Bayon, Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, Terrace of Elephants and jungle temple of Ta Prohm. (B)
Day 3 Visit Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre temples, then Angkor Wat, one of the world’s largest religious monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)
Day 4 Free day before transfer to the airport for return flight. (B)
Day 5 Arrive London Heathrow.
Stylish 4-star hotel with a distinctive feel that blends Khmer culture and modern elegance, ideally located between downtown and the Angkor Temples. Restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, spa and WiFi (free). 206 air-conditioned rooms with hairdryer, mini-bar, safe and satellite TV.
2022
per person in a Main Deck twin/double cabin
Vietnam Airlines from Heathrow
| November 3 | £3295 |
2023
per person in a Main Deck twin/double cabin
Vietnam Airlines from Heathrow
| February 7 | £3295 |
| March 11 | £3195 |
| October 2 | £2995 |
| November 3 | £3295 |
| November 19 | £3295 |
2024
per person in a Main Deck twin/double cabin
Vietnam Airlines from Heathrow
per person in a Main Deck twin/double cabin
Vietnam Airlines from Heathrow
per person in a Main Deck twin/double cabin
Vietnam Airlines from Heathrow
per person in a Main Deck twin/double cabin
Vietnam Airlines from Heathrow
For all 2023 bookings made by 30 September 2022, deduct £50 per person
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Main Deck Single (double for sole use) £1495 (Oct £1295)
Cabin Upgrades
Upper Deck (twin/double) £195
Upper Deck (double for sole use) £1695 (Oct £1495)
Flight Options
London-Ho Chi Minh City/Siem Reap-London
Vietnam Airlines Premium Economy from £645
Vietnam Airlines Business Class from £1945
Extension Options
Extra nights - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Novotel Saigon Centre
(per night) £70 (Apr - Sep £55)
Single supplement £65 (Apr - Sep £50)
Arrival or departure transfer add £15
Extension – Angkor Temples
4 nights £345
Single supplement £85
Independent Arrival
Save £500
Transfers to/from airport with group included
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, port charges, transfers, 8-night cruise, full board and most drinks on cruise, local guides and representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, visa procurement, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Notes
Drinks are included during the meals (1 soft drink, 1 beer or 1 mineral water & 1 tea or coffee for each meal) with unlimited tea, coffee and mineral water during the cruise onboard.
© 2022 Jules Verne - 96 Great Suffolk Street, London SE1 0BE
VAT No. 805146159
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