Mekong Delta Cruise Exploration Itineraries
Duration
Destinations
Upstream
Downstream
Validity until
Accommodation
Overviews
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Siem Reap
Sail on a luxurious 8-day journey aboard the Mekong Princess, where you’ll journey through the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Mekong River, with vibrant local cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and exquisite onboard experiences. This unforgettable voyage promises a perfect blend of relaxation, discovery, and authentic charm.
Visiting Points
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Ben Tre, Can Tho, Gieng Island, Phnom Penh – Cambodia, Angkor Ban, Siem Reap.
Highlights
- Departing from Saigon port.
- RV Mekong Princess Cruise, a French boutique river cruise launched in 2015 from Saigon Port in Ho Chi Minh City, is renowned for its elegance and opulent design. With 14 luxurious suites across 4 categories, each offering comfortable beds, lavish interiors, en-suite bathrooms, modern amenities, and private French balconies overlooking the Mekong river, the ship ensures a remarkable stay.
- Featured in a modern restaurant, spacious lounge, luxury spa, exceptional crew, and personalized service, RV Mekong Princess Cruise provides luxurious river expeditions for those seeking a unique Mekong River experience.
- The state-of-the-art fitness center available on board offers modern equipment in a comfortable atmosphere.
- Utilizing the highest-quality all-natural Bodia SpaTM products
Princess Cruises Culinary Director is originally from Europe and the onboard Head Chef calls Cambodia home. - Complimentary Organic Coffee, Herbal Teas, Mineral Water, Soft Drinks, Local Beers, Local Spirits, and Free-Flow House Wine (House Wine with Dinners only) are included.
- Series of Cultural Performances, Educational Talks and Cooking Classes.
- Complimentary Mobifone eSIM: 8GB 5G Data (24 Hour) + 10 Min Local Call Upon Arrival in Vietnam.
Itinerary
Day 01 - Thursday: Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon Port / Embarkation (Lunch / Dinner)
Later in the morning, our guide will come to pick you up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City to transfer to the Mekong Princess docking at Saigon Port – 05 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Ward 13, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City for embarkation. Please give us your hotel name and address and be ready at your hotel around 10:00 am – 11:00 am to wait for our shuttle service.
Once aboard, a safety briefing will occur in the Ramvong Lounge as soon as you embark. You will be welcomed by your Vietnamese and Cambodian ship’s crew before embarking on the most extraordinary journey of discovery.
Lunch, with highly attentive oriental hospitality, will be served soon after departure as we cruise along the Saigon River. Having settled into your luxurious suits, you can relax, enjoy the new scenes, and watch the world pass by.
We sail midday through the Saigon River, Soai Rap River, Nuoc Man Canal, Vam Co River and Cho Gao Canal to the ‘Mighty Mekong River’. Later in the day, we anchor in the heart of the Mekong Delta, time to enjoy crafted cocktails by our skilled bartenders and watch the sunsets and sampans passing by. A traditional Vietnamese “A La Carte” dinner will be served in the Indochine onboard Restaurant, embracing a subtle fusion of dishes for the most delicate palates.
- Overnight: Onboard.
- Meal Included: Lunch, Dinner.
- Cruise Accommodation: 5⭐️
Day 02 - Friday: Ben Tre - Can Tho (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
This morning, sampans take you through a channel lined with mangroves. We will try one of the most popular local transportations, named “xe lam” (three-wheeler), to visit a local coconut candy maker.
After watching the candy-making process, walking through the village to visit an orchard where fruits native to Vietnam can be seen in various stages of maturity on the vine. After a fresh fruit tasting, you continue to a pier where you board small, local boats through the narrow creeks lined with Nipah palm before returning to the ship.
This afternoon, the ship sails through an area of the Mekong Delta barely touched by tourism to Can Tho city, known as Tay Do – the capital of the Mekong Delta. Guests will take a short and orientated city tour with visiting the Zihuang Pagoda (Chua Ong) and enjoying the welcome unicorn dances. Explore on your own around the charming city before having dinner onboard. The ship docks in Can Tho overnight.
*Onboard activity: Lecture of Vietnam, Vietnam’s People, Culture & colonial History.
- Overnight: Onboard.
- Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Cruise Accommodation: 5⭐️
Day 03 - Saturday: Can Tho - Hoa An (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
We start our morning before breakfast aboard the sampans for a cruise through the fascinating Cai Rang floating market near Can Tho. The sampans will weave in and out of the many boats that sail into the market each morning to sell produce and other items the residents of the Mekong Delta need in their daily lives. As they weave through the market, there will be many opportunities for amazing photographs, while enjoying fresh fruit and the Vietnamese “anti-aging drink,” fresh coconut water. Before returning to the ship for a sumptuous buffet breakfast, we stop at a local noodle factory, where we witness the amazing process of how they are made.
After lunch, continue the excursion by sampan to Hoa An village, which is untouched and well known with lush green fields whereby local inhabitants grow a variety of seasonal crops, including vegetable, fruity trees. Starting our excursion on a “xe loi” (motor cart) via winding country roads. En route, enjoy a short walk in the peaceful village with rice fields, and fruit orchards. We then continue the sampan ride on a major branch of the Mekong river – before turning into a busy canal famous for being the rice milling center of the region, observing from afar on our sampan towards the village milling in operation will also enhance our understanding of how rice being transported and processed locally. Our last stop is at one of the conical hat-making families, with an opportunity to chat with local family members and learn how to create products through hands-on experience.
The Princess sails and anchors near Gieng Island.
- Overnight: Onboard.
- Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Cruise Accommodation: 5⭐️
Day 04 - Sunday: Gieng Island - Hong Ngu - Border Crossing (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
After breakfast, we board sampans that will take us to Gieng Island.
After a short walk around the local sampan village, where local families produce sampans daily, we take a canal drive to explore the mango gardens along the riverbanks. We will try one of the most popular local transportations, “xe loi” (motor trishaw), driving through this island to visit a Phanxico Monastery.
This afternoon, we visited the local island village of Hong Ngu, not far from the Vietnam-Cambodia border. Hong Ngu produces many traditional Khmer scarves exported to Cambodia. Woven in many homes around the village, we can see the weaving process under several homes. Some villagers are also embroidery artists, displaying their art in and around their homes. The inhabitants of this area had only encountered a few Western visitors before the arrival of the Mekong Princess, they are especially friendly and welcoming. We will also visit the local temple dedicated to a unique religion founded in this area of Vietnam, Hoa Hao.
This evening, the Mekong Princess will arrive at the border to complete exit procedures and continue up the Mekong River to Phnom Penh (the capital of Cambodia)
*Onboard activity: Cooking Class Demonstration by our Executive Chef.
- Overnight: Onboard.
- Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Cruise Accommodation: 5⭐️
Day 05 - Monday: Phnom Penh (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
This morning, the Mekong Princess will arrive at the border to complete exit procedures and continue up the Mekong River to Phnom Penh (capital of Kingdom Cambodia). You can enjoy the fascinating scenery on both sides of the Mekong River. After completing immigration procedures to Cambodia, local cyclo drivers meet you for an exciting city tour of Phnom Penh. You begin your ride along the riverfront to the Royal Palace, where a leisurely walk takes you through the grounds and perfectly manicured gardens, with opportunities to visit the Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion. Upon crossing into the second section of the complex, you walk amongst enormous stupas and spirit houses on the way to the famous Silver Pagoda, home of Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and Maitreya Buddha, encrusted with more than 9,000 diamonds. Following a short break, your cyclos will take you to the National Museum. Housing the most extensive preAngkorian and Angkorian holdings in Cambodia, the National Museum ends the morning tour with a comprehensive look at many of the artifacts excavated around the Angkor Archeological Area in Siem Reap, as well as other areas around the former Khmer Empire. The ship docks in Phnom Penh overnight.
*Onboard activity: Fruit Carvings & Tropical Fruits Demonstration.
- Overnight: Onboard.
- Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Cruise Accommodation: 5⭐️
Day 06 - Tuesday: Phnom Penh (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
This morning, a private motor coach takes you on a scenic 45-minute drive away from the ship, arriving at Choeung Ek, the killing fields depicted in the movie and the center of the darkest days of Cambodian history. You may walk through the fields, visit the small museum and Memorial Stupa, and learn more about the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. On the return drive to Phnom Penh, a stop is made at Tuol Sleng (infamously known as S-21), which the Khmer Rouge converted from a large school to a prison and torture headquarters.
This afternoon is free at leisure to explore the charming city of Phnom Penh.
This evening before dinner, enjoy the entertainment onboard with a cultural performance including Apsara, Cambodia’s national dance, and several traditional folk dances. The ship docks in Phnom Penh overnight.
- Overnight: Onboard.
- Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Cruise Accommodation: 5⭐️
Day 07 - Wednesday: Angkor Ban (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
The Mekong Princess leaves Phnom Penh and sails to Angkor Ban. We start the afternoon tour with a visit to the charming and authentic town of Angkor Ban. Here, we witness the daily life of the local people, beginning with a visit to the pagoda with a special blessing ceremony for our guests by local monks. Then we keep visiting a local family’s home to meet them and discuss their lifestyle. We continue through the village to the local school, where we join the children in their classrooms and experience their typical school day. The ship sails to Kampong Cham and docks overnight.
*Lecture on Cambodia’s Geography and Life along the Mekong River by your host.
- Overnight: Onboard.
- Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Cruise Accommodation: 5⭐️
Day 08 - Thursday: Kampong Cham / Disembarkation (Breakfast)
Enjoy a sumptuous Breakfast Buffet in the Indochine Restaurant. After breakfast, we disembark the Mekong Princess in Kampong Cham and transfer by motor coach to your hotel in Siem Reap at noon.
- Meal Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Tour Included
- Dining, Wellness & Entertainment
- Expertly Trained Culinary Team Providing Buffet Breakfast, Buffet Lunch, and Seated Multiple Course Dinner, including exclusive ‘Spa Cuisine’ and French Indochina Inspired Options.
Complimentary Organic Coffee, Herbal Teas, Mineral Water, Soft Drinks, Local Beer, Local Spirits. - Cultural Performances, Educational Talks, Cooking class and Tropical fruits demonstration and tasting.
- Enhanced Fitness Facility
- Themed Dinners
- Spacious Air-Conditioned Lounge
- Complementary Wi-Fi in all public areas of the ship
- Library & games available
- Shipboard & Shoreside Gratuities
- Expertly Trained Culinary Team Providing Buffet Breakfast, Buffet Lunch, and Seated Multiple Course Dinner, including exclusive ‘Spa Cuisine’ and French Indochina Inspired Options.
- Complimentary Excursion Amenities
-
- Wellness and Culture Based Included Shore Excursion Program Including All Admissions
- Port charges · Unique Exclusive Cruise Program Itinerary
- Shoe Cleaning After Excursion
- Welcome Drink & cold scented face towels following Excursions
- Individual VOX Listening Devices Throughout the Cruise
- Maximum 30 Guests Per Guide on All Excursions
- Full-Size Motor Coach on All Excursions (Where Applicable)
- Deluxe Sampans with Cold Towel Service, Fresh Fruit, and Tea/Coffee Service (Where Applicable)
- In Suite Accommodation | Amenities
- Complementary Mini Bar all week
- Thermos bottles for excursion
- In-room Breakfast (Available Upon Request)
- In Suite electronic Safe, Telephone for internal communication
- Individual Climate Control & Colonial celling fan
- Hair dryer, Multi configuration plugs (V220 & V110)
- Luxury Honeycomb SPA Bathrobe & slippers
- Pillow Menu, nightly Pillow Chocolates · Long Shoehorn, Alarm clock , Flat Screen LCD TV with Movie channel
- All- Natural Local SPA quality Bath amenities, Make up magnifying mirror
- Mineral water jugs
- Orchids flower, Daily newspaper
- 500-Thread Count Linen Duvet cover or blanket & sheet
- Night light in bathroom
- 24/24 reception on call
- Floor to ceiling windows with French balcony
- All bathrooms with panoramic windows facing the Mekong River
- Butler Service in Angkor Suites to Include:
- Red or White wine bottle on embarkation with fresh fruit plate
- Free Laundry all week until Tuesday evening.
- Complementary personal WIFI
- In Suite Breakfast o Nightly Turndown Service
- Assistance with Pillow Menu Selection
- Presentation of Spa-Quality Bath Amenities
- Entertainment System Assistance
- Ensures your Accommodations is Immaculate
- Polish and Condition Shoes Upon Request
- Refreshes Ice Bucket
- Prepare and Pack Luggage Upon Request
- Scented Bath on Request
- Complementary daily Newspapers delivery
- Complementary daily evening Canapés
- Complementary 1 hour massage per person in onboard SPA
- Butler Service in Tonle Suites to Include:
- Red or White wine bottle on embarkation Fresh Fruit Plate
- In Suite Breakfast o Nightly Turndown Service
- Assistance with Pillow Menu Selection
- Presentation of Spa-Quality Bath Amenities
- Entertainment System Assistance
- Ensures your Accommodations are Immaculate
- Polish and Condition Shoes Upon Request o Refreshes Ice Bucket
- Prepare and Pack Luggage Upon Request
- Scented Bath on Request
- Complementary daily Newspapers delivery.
- Complementary daily evening Canapés.
- Included Transportation:
-
- Transfers from Siem Reap to Embarkation/Disembarkation Points from Designated Locations.
- Transfers from Ho Chi Minh City to Embarkation/Disembarkation Points from Designated locations.
-
-
Tour Excluded
- International airfares to/ from Australia (quoted separately, if requested. Book a multi-city ticket with VN Holidays, your connections are protected. Need domestic Australia/ New Zealand connecting flights to join Vietnam Tours? Let us handle in “one booking” with special ADD ON fares and convenience.
- Visa to Vietnam (Clients can CLICK HERE to apply E-visa online or contact VN Holidays team to help with service fee.)
- Pre/ pos hotel and other optional Tours (quoted separately, if requested)
- Travel insurance (contact VN Holidays team to help with service fee.)
Immigration Fast Track Service (contact VN Holidays team to help with service fee.) - Optional tours.
- Surcharges for other language guides.
- Surcharges for Lunar New Year (TET) holiday.
- Personal expenditure, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, camera fees, communications, postage, gratuities etc.
- Meals and services other than mentioned in the program.
- Drinks with meals.
- Compulsory gala dinners during festive seasons and peak season surcharges which will be advised at the time of booking.
- Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the program.
Change of mind? Enjoy a full refund within a 7-day cooling-off period.
Tour Prices
Itinerary Sector Day Tour Price in AUD pp twin share 08 Days Full Saigon to Siem Reap Day 01 to Day 08 $ 3,399 05 Days Saigon to Phnom Penh Day 01 to Day 05 $ 2,439 03 Days Saigon to Phnom Penh Day 01 to Day 03 $ 1,269 03 Days Can Tho to Phnom Penh Day 03 to Day 05 $ 1,269 03 Days Phnom Penh to Siem Reap Day 05 to Day 08 $ 1,269 Departure Dates
Departing From Day 01 Departure Dates (Thursdays) Embark Saigon Port 08 Jan 2026 16 Apr 2026 01 Oct 2026 22 Jan 2026 09 Jul 2026 15 Oct 2026 05 Feb 2026 23 Jul 2026 29 Oct 2026 19 Feb 2026 06 Aug 2026 12 Nov 2026 05 Mar 2026 20 Aug 2026 26 Nov 2026 19 Mar 2026 03 Sep 2026 10 Dec 2026 02 Apr 2026 17 Sep 2026 24 Dec 2026 Cabin Details
Website: Mekong Princess
Junior Suite (Panoramic view, Mid-ship on Main Deck)
There are two spacious, lavishly appointed Junior Suites located mid-ship on the Mekong Deck, each with 216 square feet (20 square meters) of living space. Amenities in room include Luxurious Marble Bath with Glass Rain Shower, Individual Climate Control, Flat-screen TV, Twin Beds, etc. Features & facilities Non-Smoking Rooms Air Conditioning Telephone Bottled Water Satellite/cable Tv In Room Safe Toiletries Hair Dryer Shower Bathrobes Saigon Suite (Panoramic view, Main Deck)
The four Saigon Suites situated forward on the Mekong Deck are all designed in the elegance of French-colonial style, along with modern amenities and luxurious fittings. Each suite offers 256 square feet (24 square meters) of living space with a lovely French balcony for captivating views of the passing scenery. Some of the extra touches for guest comfort include individual climate control, spacious bath in marble, and premium bedding with European styled linens. Features & facilities Non-Smoking Rooms Air Conditioning Bottled Water Satellite/cable Tv In Room Safe Toiletries Hair Dryer Shower Bathrobes Apsara Suite (Panoramic view, Upper Deck)
RV Mekong Princess Cruise houses four Apsara Suites located mid-ship on the Bassac Deck. Each suite provides 256 square feet (24 square meters) of living space with modern facilities, including a luxurious marble bath with rain shower, Individual Climate Control, and Flat Screen TV. The floor-to-ceiling sliding doors can be opened to a French balcony for nice river views. Double or twin rooms are available. Features & facilities Non-Smoking Rooms Air Conditioning Desk Bottled Water Satellite/cable Tv In Room Safe Toiletries Hair Dryer Shower Bathrobes Tonle Suite (Panoramic view, Upper Deck)
The two Tonle Suites situated forward on the Bassac Deck are spacious at 323 square feet (30 square meters), providing guests with an ample sense of space with modern comforts. Each cabin feature a king bed, a spa bath with soaking tub and separate rain shower, and a minibar. The floor-to-ceiling sliding doors lead to a French balcony where passengers can enjoy panoramic views of the passing landscape. Features & facilities Non-Smoking Rooms Air Conditioning Desk Bottled Water Satellite/cable Tv In Room Safe Toiletries Hair Dryer Shower Bathrobes Angkor Suite – Room with Balcony (Panoramic view, Upper Deck)
There are two Angkor Suites located on the Bassac Deck, each occupies a total space of 560 square feet (52 square meters), which are also the most spacious and luxurious rooms aboard the RV Mekong Princess Cruise. Besides the floor-to-ceiling glass windows and French doors for breathtaking views of the Mekong, the suites offer a private veranda with seating area as well, where guests can enjoy the passing scenery and breeze. Other highlights include a king-size bed, a fully stocked minibar, and a spa bath with a large soaking tub and glass rain shower. Complimentary laundry service and evening canapes are available, on request. Features & facilities Non-Smoking Rooms Air Conditioning Desk Bottled Water Seating Area Satellite/cable Tv In Room Safe Toiletries Hair Dryer Shower Bathtub Bathrobes Balcony Accommodation Details
All-Suite Luxury Vessel 02 Angkor Suites with Panoramic French Balconies and Wraparound Verandahs (52.00 Square Meters) 02 Tonle Suites with Panoramic French Balcony (30.00 Square Meters) 04 Apsara Suites with Panoramic French Balcony (24.00 Square Meters) 04 Saigon Suites with Panoramic French Balcony (24.00 Square Meters) 02 Junior Suites with Panoramic French Balcony (20.00 Square Meters) Angkor & Tonle Suites are Fixed King Beds Apsara Suites, Saigon Suites & Junior Suites are Convertible from Two Twin-Size to One Queen-Size Bed Peak Season Surcharges
Holidays in Vietnam!
Time Holiday 22 – 25 Dec 2025 Christmas 29 Dec 2025 – 05 Jan 2026 New Year 16 – 26 Feb 2026 Tet Holiday 25 – 27 Apr 2026 Hung Kings’ Anniversary 30 Apr – 02 May 2026 Liberation & Labor Day 01 – 04 Sep 2026 Vietnam’s Independence Day School Holiday in Australia.
Changes
The itinerary can be changed due to weather, tide levels, and operating conditions.
Programmers, prices, services and conditions are based on those valid at the time of proposal submission and are subject to change thereafter without advance notice until all services have been paid in full.
Special Requests
Your special requests (diet, vegetarian,…) should be sent before your departure date.
VN Holidays' Responsibility
Certain parts of the tours on offer are provided by independent third parties, such as airlines, hotels, transport operators and local tourist offices.
VN Holidays is not responsible for any loss or theft, injury or damage caused thereby to the tourists, including those occurring outside of the normal touring programmers.
Additional expenses incurred due to delay, accident, natural disaster, political actions and unrest shall be borne by the tourists.
About Us
“Indochina is our home. See the soul of Vietnam with VN Holidays. For over 30 years, we’ve been crafting perfectly paired itineraries that showcase the true soul of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Our expertly designed tours include everything you need for a hassle-free journey, from flights and accommodation to meals and English-speaking guides.
Tailor-made trips: We create itineraries that fit your interests and desires. Expert guidance: Our team in Sydney and Vietnam are here to support you every step of the way from beginning, throughout your trip and after. Seamless travel: Relax with award-winning Vietnam Airlines (5-Star!) and their impressive on-time performance.”