Vietnam and Cambodia: Along the Mekong River

Linked by the mighty Mekong River, Vietnam and Cambodia abound with magnificent carved temples, lush landscapes, and cities where rich imperial and colonial legacies mingle. Encounter the incomparable treasures of Angkor, and then set off on a river voyage to Vietnam's Mekong Delta aboard the elegant Jahan. Explore traditional villages and gain insight into the daily lives of farmers, monks, and craftspeople.

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Siem Reap, Cambodia

Depart for Siem Reap and arrive the following evening. Settle into our stunning Khmer-style hotel, perched on the banks of the Siem Reap River.
La Residence d’Angkor

Days 3 & 4 — Angkor

Awaken early to watch the sunrise reveal the magic of Angkor Wat, a 12th-century Khmer temple adorned with elaborate bas-reliefs and sculptures. Explore Ta Prohm, whose shrines remain tangled in the roots and branches of kapok and fig trees, and see the exceptional carvings of the temple of Banteay Srei. Pay a visit to Les Artisans d’Angkor, a school where local youth are trained in age-old Khmer arts. Ride a tuk-tuk, or motorized rickshaw, to the walled city of Angkor Thom. Wander among dozens of colossal stone faces at the Bayon Temple, and visit the Terrace of the Elephants.
La Residence d'Angkor (B,L,D; B,D)

Day 5 — Kampong Cham

Drive through the countryside to the Mekong River, stopping along the way for a picnic lunch. In the riverside town of Kampong Cham, embark the stunning Jahan, our home for the next seven nights. Set sail along the Mekong into a landscape of rice fields and picturesque fishing boats. Catch the sunset on deck before a welcome dinner.
R.V. Jahan (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Wat Hanchey/Angkor Ban

At Wat Hanchey, set on a hilltop overlooking the Mekong, see a variety of temples including an eighth-century temple from the pre-Angkor Chenla period. Meander past interesting traditional homes in Angkor Ban and meet the friendly local residents.
Jahan (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Kampong Chhang/Kampong Tralach

Anchor at Kampong Chhnang and drive to a village where artisans make traditional pottery for local use. Then glide along the Tonle Sap in local boats and glimpse a unique way of life in the clustered houses and shops that float in midstream. In the town of Kampong Tralach, ride local oxcarts through the rice paddies to see an age-old Buddhist temple.
Jahan (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Phnom Penh

Enjoy a full day to explore the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. Ride a cyclo (bicycle taxi) to the Royal Palace and its opulent Silver Pagoda. Browse the world’s finest collection of Khmer sculpture at the National Museum of Cambodia, and venture into a local market. This afternoon, learn about the reign of the Khmer Rouge on visits to the Choeung Ek “killing fields” and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Back aboard ship, enjoy a traditional Cambodian apsara dance performance.
Jahan (B,L,D)

Day 9 — Cruising the Mekong

Spend a relaxing day on the Mekong. Take in views of everyday life along the river, attend talks by our experts, and join our chefs to learn how to cook regional dishes. This afternoon, cross the border into Vietnam.
Jahan (B,L,D)

Day 10 — Chau Doc, Vietnam

Meander past colorful produce in the markets of Chau Doc. Next, stop in an island village to watch traditional fish farming methods. Continue to small floating market on the river and a floating fish farm.
Jahan (B,L,D)

Day 11 — Sa Dec/Cai Be

Take a local boat up a tributary to experience rural life in the Mekong Delta. See the floating market of Cai Be, step into a rice “factory” to watch rice-based candies being made. Tonight, enjoy a gala farewell dinner aboard the Jahan.
Jahan (B,L,D)

Day 12 — My Tho/Saigon

Disembark in My Tho and visit the splendid Vinh Trang Pagoda. Then journey to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and enjoy a panoramic view of the city before checking into our hotel. Late this afternoon, meet with a local expert on Vietnam’s modern history. Gather for dinner tonight in one of Saigon’s elegant restaurants.
Park Hyatt Saigon (B,L,D)

Days 13 & 14 — Saigon/U.S.

Set out on a tour of Saigon’s historic landmarks, including colonial gems such as the Opera House, the former city hall, and Notre Dame Basilica. Stop by the Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel; and visit the Reunification Palace, headquarters of the South Vietnamese government during the Vietnam War. If you wish, continue to the War Remnants Museum. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening to explore the city. The next morning, transfer to the airport for your return flight, arriving home the same day.
(B; B)