MEKONG RIVER CRUISE/ Cambodia - Vietnam /4Days – 3Nights
A Mekong river cruise that modules the diversity of the rich, local and evergreen life of the Mekong Delta. The cruise gives a full insight on the Mekong at its last “meters” before the ocean and displays the importance of the delta to Vietnam and all other countries where the river flows through. Like pearls on a rope, you will collect all your memories of this fascinating route, from workshops to lush orchid gardens and peaceful villages as well as experience deeply local lifestyle and their friendliness. A cruise of “the” magic therapeutic Mekong River cruise moments!
The sample program below is a 3-nights upstream cruise between Saigon and Phnom Penh. The vice versa route from Phnom Penh to Saigon will be operated depending on high or low water levels.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Saigon – Cai Be – Embarkation
Highlights |
Sightseeing local lifestyle & sceneries along river, such as Catholic French church and manufacturing of traditional crafts |
Gourmet |
Lunch – Afternoon tea break – Dinner |
Day 2: Cai Be – Sa Dec – Chau Doc
Highlights |
Experience the floating market, visit local workshops of rice & coconut products. Take a sampan trip to untouched islands, immerge in local lifestyle by wandering through the village, process handicraft of ratt making, exchange with warm host. |
Activities |
Tai Chi class, “Life on the Mekong Delta” presentation, nightly cinema |
Gourmet |
Breakfast – Lunch – BBQ Dinner |
Day 3: Chau Doc – Cross Border – Phnom Penh
Highlights |
Visit local market by “xeloi” and boat trip to floating houses and fish farm. |
Activities |
Freely disembark the cruise after dinner to discover Phnom Penh's local lifestyle or have a drink in one of the numerous bars |
Gourmet |
Breakfast – Lunch – BBQ Dinner |
Day 4: Disembarkation
After breakfast, check out your room and farewell to your cruise
Gourmet: Breakfast
ALL-INCLUSIVE PROMOTION PACKGE PRICES
DATE OF DEPATURE & ROUTE
Contact info@ciaotravels.com for detailed itinerary and pre and post tours and services
FEATURED CRUISE
Jayavarman cruise - A story for a god king
Inspired by the serenity and artistry associated with this great Khmer monarch, The Jayavarman’s design was also influenced by the French cruise liner Normandie, which launched in 1935. Traveling between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Riep the Jayavarman marries the art deco charm of 1930’s France with the romance of Indochina. Measuring 57.8 meters from bow to stern, the Jayavarman holds 27 elegantly decorated cabins.
Thanks to its intricate woodcarvings, Khmer bas-reliefs and Vietnamese lacquer paintings, this impressive cruise ship resembles a floating art gallery, giving reminded of the local arts and culture.
With three-and-a-half decks the Jayavarman is as spacious as it is beautiful. You can admire Khmer artifacts in the Henry Mouhot Lounge, mingle in the Club 1930 Bar, dine in the elegant Indochina Dining Hall, and recharge with spa treatments in the Apsara Spa. A Jacuzzi is located on the top sundeck, which offers spectacular views of the passing delta.
Facilities:
Signature Activities
It is not just a cruise which crafts memorable experiences. Various on and offshore Signature activities guarantee a full adventure alongside an exceptional voyage
THE DESTINATIONS
Cai Be
Cai Be is a picturesque, sleepy town in the Mekong Delta. That bucolic image is shattered every morning with the gatherings of hundreds of boats selling their wares in one of the most colourful floating markets in the Delta.
Smaller than the more well-known market of Can Tho, the boats gather here to trade their local products, mainly fruit, creating a bustling atmosphere. Vendors display their products hanging from poles off the front of each vessel. Pull alongside and let the bargaining begin! Different from other big floating market in the region, Cai Be is a retail market starting at dawn and ending around mid-day, so try to visit it early or risk missing its vibrancy.
But wander the streets of Cai Be and you’ll come across numerous small art galleries, sea-salt extraction plants, bee-keepers with natural honey for sale and the very popular coconut candy making stores. Sit with the craftspeople and learn to cut the coconut treats, make a rice crepe or cook a batch of popped rice corn (Vietnamese popcorn). There is also a fine example of a French built, Catholic Church that dominates the skyline with its’ unique sculptural spire.
Sa Dec
Sa Dec is a small charming town in Dong Thap Province within the Mekong Delta. Anyway, it is a popular town because during the Vietnam War, it was considered as both an American Patrol Boat and Swift Boat base. Also, it was the original setting for Marguerite Duras’ famous novel “The Lover.”
There is a very busy, authentic market near the river and a number of architectural sites from the Colonial period, such as the old market, as well as numerous old mansions and merchant homes. Nguyen Hue, the riverside road, is the perfect setting for a stroll with its cafes and market stalls all overshadowed by the old French church.
Before the nineteenth century, it was the capital of Dong Khau Dao Province, and it was known as one of the largest cities in the Mekong Delta. Today, this romantic and charming town still isn’t very touristy and is a true hidden gem in the Mekong Delta.