Au Fil Du Mekong

- A Secret Retreats journey -

15 Days / 14 Nights

from 3,500 USD / person

ITINERARY BOOK

This journey has been personally designed by Samath (host with Heritage Adventures in Siem Reap) native Khmer and passionate to share his discoveries along the Mekong.

All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.

Highlights of the Journey:

A cruise and 3 unique Boutique hotels
Angkor Archeological Site
Lake Tonle Sap
Phnom Penh
Mekong Delta
Saigon

The Mekong is one of the longest trans-boundary rivers in Southeast Asia, stretching from the Tibetan Plateau to its delta in South Vietnam. It crosses Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The Mekong basin is one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world, second only to the Amazon: 20,000 plant species, 430 mammals, 1,200 birds, 800 reptiles and amphibians, and an estimated 850 freshwater fish species.
The river plays a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of local people, providing a productive environment for agriculture, aquaculture, and capture fisheries. It is also a scenic river for cruises, with villages, temples, and forests all around. We offer you the chance to discover life along the Mighty Mekong, its people, their beliefs, and traditions. This Vietnam and Cambodia tour offers a unique experience through the heart of Indochina.

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Your Journey Day by Day

from 3,500 USD / person for 15 Days / 14 Nights

(based on 2 person sharing the same room)

Day 1 : Siem Reap (-/-/-)

Your exciting Vietnam and Cambodia Tours adventure begins with your arrival in Siem Reap. A driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to Heritage Suites for 3 nights. For dinner, you are free to explore dining options on your own, perhaps at the hotel for the first night.

HOTEL: Le Chanthou Boutique (Premier Suite) or Heritage Suites (Colonial Suite)

Day 2 : Country side around Siem Reap (B/L/-)

After breakfast, depart at 08h30 from the lobby with your Vespa driver for a morning day trip through the rural countryside, passing from one village to another. This private tour of Vietnam Cambodia experience provides a glimpse of the local lifestyle: tasting sugar palm juice, observing blessings from monks in a pagoda, and enjoying the beautiful landscapes. The tour includes a visit to the Occidental Mebon (by Vespa during the dry season and by boat during the rainy season). For lunch, a picnic is arranged at a farm. Continue your journey through villages to observe basket weaving, rice field work, and bamboo rice cooking, a dessert highly appreciated by locals. Return to the hotel around 2 pm for some free time by the pool or spa if you wish.

HOTEL: Le Chanthou Boutique (Premier Suite) or Heritage Suites (Colonial Suite)

Day 3 : Koh Ker - Beng Mealea (B/L/-)

Today, your Vietnam Cambodia tours continue with an early departure at 7.30 am. Meet your local guide at the lobby, then drive through picturesque landscapes to the ancient capital of Koh Ker (The City of the Lingas). Located about 140km from Siem Reap, Koh Ker consists of 84 temples scattered throughout the forest dating back to the 10th century. As part of this luxury Vietnam and Cambodia tours, you will finish the visit at the imposing pyramid, offering panoramic views over the Angkor Wat plain. Enjoy a picnic lunch before heading to Beng Mealea, a 12th-century temple still nestled within the wild jungle. Return to Siem Reap around 5:30 pm for an evening of relaxation.

HOTEL: Le Chanthou Boutique (Premier Suite) or Heritage Suites (Colonial Suite)

Day 4 : Start of the Cruise on The Jahan (B/L/D)

Drop of at the meeting point in Siem Reap (depending on the level of water, the time and the itinerary may change. In low water period, a drive is necessary to the barding point.

Morning at the welcome lounge, briefing about the cruise then transfer to The Jahan and check in your cabin. Then lunch will be served on board. In the afternoon, kids from an educational program by an NGO for young Cambodian generation, will come on board to play some traditional music and art. July is the low water season, so during excursions around that part of the Tonle Sap, you have the chance to see a bamboo bridge which connects the mainland with an island. Visit of the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (VII century). When returning to the ship, enjoy some private time until dinner is served in the dining hall. The lounge cinema features selected classic movies (every night).

Night: on board (your choice of cabin)

Day 5 : Kampong Cham - Oknha Tey - Kampong Chhnang (B/L/D)

The ship sails towards Angkor Ban village on the Mekong River, famous for its unspoiled community and traditional houses. During the afternoon, the crew presents traditional Khmer fashion as part of the cruise experience. Your journey continues with a visit to the Island of Koh Oknha Tey, renowned for its high-quality silk-making workshops. As you sail towards the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers, the boat anchors near Kampong Chhnang for the night.

Night: on board

Day 6 : Kampong Chhnang - Kamp. Tralach - Phnom Penh (B/L/D)

Arriving at Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s water world where everything is built on stilts, you will explore the area by boat and visit a rural village known for Khmer-style pottery and palm sugar making. After lunch, the cruise continues through jungle-like scenery until reaching Kampong Tralach. Here, you will enjoy an ox cart ride and pass through the countryside before heading to Phnom Penh for an evening of exploration.

Night: on board

Day 7 : Phnom Penh (B/L/D)

Once known as the Paris of the East, Phnom Penh offers a powerful cultural experience. Start with a visit to the Killing Fields and the centrally located prison “S21” to understand Cambodia’s tragic history. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the National Museum showcasing Khmer crafts. Enjoy a barbecue dinner on the sun deck, accompanied by an Apsara dance performance.

Night: on board

Day 8 : Phnom Penh - Border Crossing - Tan Chau (B/L/D)

After breakfast, the lounge is set up for a lecture about Cambodian modern history, held by a professor of the Royal University of Phnom Penh. The whole afternoon is at your own arrangements. A culinary class is offered in the afternoon. We reach the border and finally arrive in Vietnam, then moor near the city of Tan Chau with views on the riverbanks.

Night: on board

Day 9 : Tan Chau - My An Hung - Sa Dec (B/L/D)

The Delta is the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. We propose a tour on “xelois” to explore Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced town near the Cambodian border with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community (a “xeloi” is a local vehicle which is still used as a taxi in this region): workshops, houses, local market, temples. We board local boats and cruise along floating houses to reach a floating fish farm. After lunch, as the ship continues to My An Hung, an expert guide offers a presentation on the “Life on the Mekong Delta”. At My An Hung Village, village we meet local families and visit their vegetable garden, their house for a Vietnamese tea tasting and some local fruits - juicy, fresh, and right from the tree. The ship moors mid-river near Sa Dec.

Night: on board

Day 10 : Binh Thanh Island - Cai Be - My Tho (B/L/D)

In the morning we arrive at the island of Binh Thanh. We embark on a local boat and head towards Binh Thanh Island - one of the largest islands in the vast stream of the Mekong. By wandering through the village you get a deep understanding of the native life, and can follow process of their traditional mat making. In the early afternoon we reach Cai Be, a charming town famous for its Catholic French church and the floating market (even if it is getting smaller every year).

On-shore we visit a workshop for rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies and rice wine. Cai Be region is also famous for the production of coconut candies. As the sun sets, the crew invites you to a farewell dance and music before dinner, then the ships moors at My Tho.

Night: on board

Day 11 : My Tho - The Unicorn Island (B/-/-)

After the last breakfast on board, check out and disembarkation (8.30am) at My Tho Pier. A driver will wait for you to drive you to The Island Lodge, your next stop for 2 days. You will check in a River View Room, facing the Mekong and the pool. For dinner, try the menu at Le Comptoir de Marthe et Edouard (not included). This part of the journey is an ideal way to complete your mekong delta tours experience.

HOTEL: The Island Lodge (River View Room)

Day 12 : The Unicorn Island (B/-/-)

After breakfast, go for a discovery of the Island along the “Fish Farm road,” a 3h 30mn trip combining a boat and a bicycle trip of 13km. This Mekong luxury tour offers the best way to explore this beautiful island in the heart of the Mekong Delta. The rest of the day is yours to relax: pool, spa…

HOTEL: The Island Lodge (River View Room)

Day 13 : The Unicorn Island – Saigon (B/-/-)

When ready for check out, a driver will drop you in Saigon Thao Dien district (2hrs drive), at Villa Song, facing the Saigon River. No arrangement during the 2 days, but we recommend trying the Hue House or Secret Garden Restaurant in Saigon one evening. The hotel proposes a shuttle boat from their pier to the city center.

HOTEL: Villa Song (Sanctuary Room)

Day 14 : Saigon (B/-/-)

Free day for you to explore Ho Chi Minh City.

HOTEL: Villa Song (Sanctuary Room)

Day 15 : Saigon - Airport (B/-/-)

After breakfast and depending on your flight time, a driver will drop you at the airport.

Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary

Heritage Suites

The Jahan

Island Lodge

Villa Song

Le Chanthou Boutique

Au Fil Du Mekong

15 Days / 14 Nights

from 3,500 USD / person

(based on 2 person sharing the same room)

Visa for Cambodia

Visa for Vietnam

Travel Insurance

The total price includes:
Accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis in the hotels and cruise detailed in the itinerary.
All meals (lunch and dinner) when mentioned in the program.
All transportation by Air Conditioned car for transfers and excursions
Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the program
Local English-speaking guide (other languages possible when required) for all tours mentioned in the program.

The total price does not include:
VISA - A valid visa for Cambodia and Vietnam are required. Visas are issued on arrival for certain countries in Cambodia, a few countries are exempted of Visa for Vietnam. Please enquire and apply with the Cambodian and Vietnamese Embassy in your country of residence well in advance or your travel dates (Please make sure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your departure date).
Other meals that are not included in the program.
Drinks, personal expenses, tips and gratuities.
Options and other activities not included in the program.

This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Samath and Heritage Lines.

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