Today you will board your river cruise ship at Prek Kdam, a small village on the Tonle River. Meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Kampong Chhnang. (D)
DAY 2 KAMPONG CHHNANG - KOH CHEN
A local motorboat takes you into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of Tonle Sap River. Enjoy the stunning variety of bird life here as well as tranquil floating villages and local markets in the water front. In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk to the small village of Koh Chen, which specializes in silver- and copper-smithing. Get an up-close view of how local artisans make ornamental items often used in traditional ceremonies at a home workshop. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 OUDONG - KAMPONG TRALACH - PHNOM PENH
Situated on a picturesque hillside not far from Phnom Penh, lies Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital. Today, Oudong is a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians. While here, be treated to a memorable Buddhist Blessing Ceremony at a monastery. In Kampong Tralach, you’ll have another truly memorable excursion – an oxcart ride through a local village. Later, your ship departs for Phnom Penh, the vibrant colorful capital of Cambodia. Experience Phnom Penh via an authentic tuk tuk ride and be enchanted by the city's French Colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards set amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. During the evening on board, enjoy a typical Khmer folk performance presented by local children. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 PHNOM PENH
You will have a choice of excursions this morning. Visit Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum) just outside the city or if you prefer to stay in Phnom Penh, you can visit the bustling yellow-colored Central Market. After lunch on board, you’ll explore the highlights of the city, followed by the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 PHNOM PENH - BORDER CROSSING - TAN CHAU, VIETNAM
Spend the day cruising the Mekong River as your ship crosses the border into Vietnam. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 TAN CHAU - SA DEC
Enjoy a visit to Tan Chau, a small Mekong River town unspoiled by tourism. Take a boat ride through the narrow channels of the Mekong River to several scenic locations, including a small village known as “Evergreen Island.” Return to Tan Chau, where you will visit a workshop that makes rattan mats. You may opt to take a traditional “xe-loi” (trishaw) ride around the town, with stops at artisans’ workshops, such as a silk-making workshop. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 SA DEC - XEO QUYT - CAI BE
Once ashore in Sa Dec, tour the town where French writer Marguerite Duras spent many years in her youth. Visit a colorful local market and the 19th-century house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras’ Chinese paramour. Later, board a motor coach for Xeo Quyt, once used as a base during the French and U.S. wars and now an important ecological site. You will have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper making workshops. Or alternatively, visit the historic Kiet Old House. Cap the day off with a festive Farewell Dinner on board. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 HO CHI MINH CITY - DISEMBARKATION
Your cruise comes to an end as the ship docks at My Tho Port. (B)