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Discover life along the Mekong River aboard a boutique ship with private balconies and guided exploration
- Cruise seven nights on the Mekong River from Vietnam to Cambodia
- Explore riverside villages, Phnom Penh, and Angkor Ban with guided tours
- Experience Buddhist blessing ceremony and tuk tuk tour of Koh Pen
Trip Details
- Departs
- 20 October 2026
- Returns
- 24 April 2029
- Operator
- APT
Embark on an enriching journey as you discover life along the Mekong River, cruising in comfort and taking in the sights from your own private balcony. Stop to explore riverside villages, cities and towns, including Phnom Penh and the village of Oknha Tey, a beautiful river island renowned for its silk weaving traditions. Uncover the fascinating history and stories of Angkor Ban and explore the island of Koh Pen by tuk tuk.
Departures & Pricing
- 20 Oct 2026 - 27 Oct 2026
from $4,195 pp twin share / $7,145 pp solo * - 09 Feb 2027 - 16 Feb 2027
from $5,095 pp * - 09 Mar 2027 - 16 Mar 2027
from $4,495 pp twin share / $7,645 pp solo * - 10 Aug 2027 - 17 Aug 2027
from $3,295 pp twin share / $5,595 pp solo * - 24 Aug 2027 - 31 Aug 2027
from $3,595 pp twin share / $6,095 pp solo * - 07 Sep 2027 - 14 Sep 2027
from $3,795 pp twin share / $6,445 pp solo * - 21 Sep 2027 - 28 Sep 2027
from $4,195 pp twin share / $7,145 pp solo * - 05 Oct 2027 - 12 Oct 2027
from $4,395 pp twin share / $7,495 pp solo * - 19 Oct 2027 - 26 Oct 2027
from $4,395 pp twin share / $7,495 pp solo * - 02 Nov 2027 - 09 Nov 2027
from $4,695 pp twin share / $7,995 pp solo * - 16 Nov 2027 - 23 Nov 2027
from $4,695 pp twin share / $7,995 pp solo * - 11 Jan 2028 - 18 Jan 2028
from $4,095 pp twin share / $6,945 pp solo * - 25 Jan 2028 - 01 Feb 2028
from $4,095 pp twin share / $6,945 pp solo * - 08 Feb 2028 - 15 Feb 2028
from $4,695 pp twin share / $7,995 pp solo * - 22 Feb 2028 - 29 Feb 2028
from $4,695 pp twin share / $7,995 pp solo * - 07 Mar 2028 - 14 Mar 2028
from $4,695 pp twin share / $7,995 pp solo * - 21 Mar 2028 - 28 Mar 2028
from $4,295 pp twin share / $7,295 pp solo * - 04 Apr 2028 - 11 Apr 2028
from $4,095 pp twin share / $6,945 pp solo * - 22 Aug 2028 - 29 Aug 2028
from $3,795 pp twin share / $6,445 pp solo * - 05 Sep 2028 - 12 Sep 2028
from $3,995 pp twin share / $6,795 pp solo * - 19 Sep 2028 - 26 Sep 2028
from $4,395 pp twin share / $7,495 pp solo * - 03 Oct 2028 - 10 Oct 2028
from $4,595 pp twin share / $7,795 pp solo * - 17 Oct 2028 - 24 Oct 2028
from $4,595 pp twin share / $7,795 pp solo * - 31 Oct 2028 - 07 Nov 2028
from $5,095 pp twin share / $8,645 pp solo * - 14 Nov 2028 - 21 Nov 2028
from $5,095 pp twin share / $8,645 pp solo * - 09 Jan 2029 - 16 Jan 2029
from $4,295 pp twin share / $7,295 pp solo * - 23 Jan 2029 - 30 Jan 2029
from $4,295 pp twin share / $7,295 pp solo * - 06 Feb 2029 - 13 Feb 2029
from $4,895 pp twin share / $8,345 pp solo * - 20 Feb 2029 - 27 Feb 2029
from $4,895 pp twin share / $8,345 pp solo * - 06 Mar 2029 - 13 Mar 2029
from $4,895 pp twin share / $8,345 pp solo *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Itinerary
- 1
Arrive Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Embark Ship, Cai Be
Your journey begins today amid the vibrant bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, be met at the airport and transferred to your ship. Travel to My Tho, where you will board your boutique river ship, the RV Lotus, your home for the next seven nights. Soak in the scenery as you cruise towards Cai Be, where the ship will anchor overnight. Tonight, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner on board and get to know your crew and fellow travellers.
Enhance Your Journey - Fast Track on Arrival
Add this option prior to departure. With this, you will be whisked through immigration and customs before meeting your transfer (conditions apply)
- 2
Cai Be, Sa Dec, Tan Chau
Explore Cai Be and its surrounds by tender boat as you view local life on the river and along its banks. Go ashore to see the Cai Be Church, the tallest church in the Mekong Delta with its impressive bell tower, and visit manufacturers of rice paper and coconut candy to learn how they're made. Head back to the ship and sit down to a delicious lunch while cruising to Sa Dec. Afterwards, take a boat ride to the charming town of Sa Dec for a guided tour. Stroll through the colourful markets and continue by foot to the home of Huynh Thuy Le, once the lover of French writer Marguerite Duras, whose best-selling novel The Lover offers a fictionalised account of their affair. Back on board, unwind or relax your body with a rejuvenating treatment from the spa. As the sun sets, the RV Lotus sets sail for Tan Chau. Enjoy dinner and later, head up to the Saigon Lounge for evening entertainment or a cocktail.
- 3
Tan Chau, Cambodia Border Crossing, Phnom Penh
Transfer to a small boat for a journey along the tiny tributaries that snake around Tan Chau. Disembark for a rickshaw tour and weave through the narrow laneways of this sleepy town, largely untouched by tourism. Stop at a Cao Dai Temple, a fascinating symbol of one of Vietnam’s most distinctive religions. Founded in the 1920s, Cao Dai is a unique fusion of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity, reflected in the temple’s vibrant architecture, symbolic motifs and intricate decorations. Admire the striking colours, ornate carvings and the iconic “Divine Eye,” which represents spiritual insight and divine presence. After lunch, take a small boat to discover authentic rural life on Evergreen Island. Observe traditional Vietnamese farming techniques, where the land is ploughed by water buffalo. Later, appreciate some downtime and watch the scenery of the Mekong River pass by as the RV Lotus cruises towards the Cambodian border. While border formalities are carried out, sit down and enjoy the onboard activities and presentations. Cross into Cambodia and cruise overnight towards the capital, Phnom Penh.
- 4
Phnom Penh
Today, learn of the atrocities inflicted upon Cambodians during Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Explore the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields, where you'll find the Memorial Stupa, a glass monument erected in memory of the thousands of Cambodians who lost their lives. After lunch on board, visit the spectacular Royal Palace, delighting in its dazzling white and gold architecture. Then, head to the glorious Silver Pagoda, set on the southern side of the palace complex. The remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to head to the local markets for souvenirs or perhaps to taste the local delicacy of fried tarantula. Alternatively, relax on board and enjoy the facilities and service.
- 5
Phnom Penh, Oudong, Koh Chen
Begin your morning with an excursion by road to Oudong, Cambodia’s royal capital from the early 17th until the 19th centuries. Here, enjoy a memorable Insider Experience. En route back to Phnom Penh, take a leisurely walk to explore Koh Chen, a village specialising in the manufacture of copperware. Visit some small family workshops and perhaps purchase some souvenirs. Enjoy a free afternoon or choose one of our select experience options.
Insider Experience – Buddhist Blessing Ceremony
Take part in a traditional Buddhist blessing ceremony to wish you good luck, health and safe journey, led by resident monks at a monastery in Oudong.
Enhance Your Journey – Hands-On Cooking Workshop
Meet your chef and visit a local market to select fruits, spices and other local ingredients before learning how to prepare authentic Khmer dishes.
Enhance Your Journey – Phnom Penh by Cyclo
Explore Phnom Penh by cyclo, taking in sights such as Independence Square, the Royal Palace, trendy cafes, boutiques, local markets, and pagodas.
Enhance Your Journey – Phnom Penh by Tuk Tuk
Discover Phnom Penh by tuk tuk, passing sights like Wat Phnom, the Phnom Penh Post Office, U.S. Embassy, Raffles Hotel, and Royal Railway Station. Ride along Pasteur Street, the Central Market, and Phsar Tapang. Stop to walk around the Independence Monument and statue of King Norodom Sihanouk, then continue past NagaWorld, the Royal Palace and Sisowath Quay.
Enhance Your Journey – High Tea at Rosewood
Experience a high tea at Rosewood, featuring sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and cream, an assortment of delicate sweet treats, and your choice of premium tea or coffee. Indulge in an afternoon filled with rich flavours and timeless hospitality. Alternatively upgrade to the Champagne High Tea and indulge in a glass of Champagne along with your high tea.
- 6
Phnom Penh, Oknha Tey, Angkor Ban
Rise early as your ship glides along the lush banks of the Mekong to Oknha Tey (Oknha Tei), or Silk Island. The river island is renowned for its silk manufacturing traditions, preserved over centuries. Travel by tuk tuk past rice fields and get a glimpse into rural life. Stroll among the stilt houses and gain an insight into the traditional silk weaving process. Watch as the village women create beautiful Khmer fabrics from their wooden looms. Return to your river ship and savour lunch on board as the ship sets sail for Angkor Ban. As you cruise up the Mekong River in the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure. Take a dip in the pool or sit and read a book on the Sun Deck while soaking in the scenery.
- 7
Angkor Ban, Koh Pen, Kampong Cham
Start your morning with a guided walk of Angkor Ban, a village awash with stories of Cambodia's cultural history, and one of the few traditional villages that survived the Khmer Rouge regime. Stroll through the town – nicknamed the 'Lucky Village' – to see traditional stilted houses and a Khmer-style pagoda. After lunch, your cruise docks at its final location, Kampong Cham, where you can enjoy your Insider Experience. This evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board with your fellow travellers as you reminisce about your Mekong River cruise adventure.
Insider Experience – Tuk Tuk Tour of Koh Pen
Hop on a tuk tuk and explore the agricultural island of Koh Pen. Travel along the shaded lanes and past wooden stilted houses, tucked among palm and sandalwood trees.
- 8
Kampong Cham, Disembark Ship, Depart Siem Reap
Disembark in Kampong Cham after breakfast and transfer to Siem Reap. In due time, transfer to Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport for your onward flight.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Buddhist Blessing Ceremony.
- Tuk Tuk Tour of Koh Pen.
- Day 1 highlights Arrive Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Embark Ship, Cai Be:
Your journey begins today amid the vibrant bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, be met at the airport and transferred to your ship. Travel to My Tho, where you will board your boutique river ship, the RV Lotus, your home for the next seven nights. Soak in the scenery as you cruise towards Cai Be, where the ship will anchor overnight. Tonight, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner on board and get to know your crew and fellow travellers.
Enhance Your Journey - Fast Track on Arrival
Add this option prior to departure. With this, you will be whisked through immigration and customs before meeting your transfer (conditions apply)
.
Accommodation
- Seven Nights, Mekong River, RV Lotus
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
When can I travel?
Are there different departure options?
Can I travel solo?
What is generally included?
Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
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