Riches of the Mekong with Siem Reap

Arrive in Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway to Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Khmer empire.

Begin your morning exploration of the Angkor temple complex at Angkor Thom, meaning “the great city." This is home to Bayon Temple, best known for its gigantic smiling stone faces, as well as the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. You'll then visit nearby Ta Prohm, known as the “Kingdom of Trees,” for the way in which the temple stones have become intertwined with thick forest vegetation over the centuries.

Afternoon excursions take you to the fascinating jewel in the crown of Angkorian art, Banteay Srei, meaning “Citadel of Women,” as it has been said that the carving is too fine to have been done by the hand of man. Cap this memorable day off with a special “Apsara Dance Show” at your hotel, featuring local Cambodian/Khmer folk dancers. (B/D)

Excursions:

• Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei temples

Discover the heart and soul of Cambodia and the most iconic of all Angkorian Temples, Angkor Wat. This is one of the largest religious monuments ever constructed and a true masterpiece of Khmer architecture built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god, Vishnu. (B/D)

Excursions:

• Angkor Wat

Transfer via motorcoach from Siem Reap to the AmaDara in Kampong Cham for your seven-night cruise. Later, join fellow guests for an evening Welcome Dinner. (L/D)

Excursions:

• Transfer to Kampong Cham
• Phnom Pros & Phnom Srei “Twin Mountain” visit
• Welcome Dinner

During the morning, go on a walking tour to Angkor Ban, one of the few villages in Cambodia that was not destroyed under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Here people still live in their traditional wooden abodes and keep their old cultural traditions alive. Hundreds of wooden houses stand intact on stilts, shaded with banana trees, among the hustle and bustle of the daily agricultural on-going of the local villagers. After visiting here, the ship sails to Oknhatey or “Silk Island,” located on the lush banks of the Mekong River. This island is known for its rich tradition of silk weaving. While here, you'll visit a local elementary school and observe traditional silk weaving an art that has been preserved for centuries. Your ship moors in Oknhatey village. (B/L/D)

*Based on seasonality, the port of Angkor Ban may be inaccessible from August - September. During this time, Wat Hanchey will replace Angkor Ban as the port of call.

Excursions:

• Walking tour
• Visit Silk Village and local elementary school

Your cruise continues to sail to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. This morning's excursion takes you to the highlights of Phnom Penh, followed by a visit to the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts. Alternatively, you may wish to shop for unique treasures at the bustling, yellow-colored Central Market after your visit to the Royal Palace. In the afternoon, prepare for a moving visit to Cambodia's infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge's grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum). After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Cruise to Phnom Penh
• Royal Palace and National Museum OR Royal Palace and Central Market
• Killing Fields and Genocide Museum

The morning excursion takes you to Oudong, Cambodia's former royal capital from the early 17th century until 1866. Today, Oudong is a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians. While here, be treated to a memorable Buddhist Blessing Ceremony at a monastery. You may walk around Oudong's monastery or take an active walking tour to see panoramic views of the Oudong plain. Later in the day, experience Phnom Penh via a tuk tuk ride and be enchanted by the city's French Colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards set amidst monumental Angkorian architecture, or continue your visit to Wat Phnom, a famous landmark of Phnom Penh. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Walking tour and Buddhist blessing ceremony OR Active walking tour of the Oudong hilltop
• Tuk tuk orientation tour OR Tuk tuk orientation tour with active walking tour to Wat Phnom

Spend the day cruising the Mekong River as your ship crosses the border into Vietnam. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Border Crossing from Cambodia to Vietnam *You will need this information for your visa applications: Exit point from Cambodia: Phnom Penh Entry Point to Vietnam: Vinh Xuong

Enjoy a visit to Tan Chau, a small Mekong River town unspoiled by tourism. Be treated to an authentic experience on a traditional “xe-loi” (trishaw) ride around the town, with stops at silk-making and rattan mat workshops. You may also choose the trishaw ride with visits to craftsmen's workshops, followed by an active walking tour to “Evergreen Island.” As a third alternative, explore the stunning Mekong Delta on an intimate tour through Vietnam's Tra Su Forest and Sanctuary. Board a traditional sampan boat and glide through this diverse ecosystem that includes more than 70 species of birds, including the painted stork and oriental darter, and lush greenery encompassing majestic cajuput trees, lotuses, water lilies and a carpet of bright green moss in the rainy season that appears to glow as you gently drift through it. Later in the day, cruise to Sa Dec. (B/L/D)

*Please Note: Tra Su Forest visit is capacity controlled.

Excursions:

• Trishaw ride to craftsmen's workshops OR Trishaw ride to craftsmen's workshops and active walking tour to Evergreen Island OR Tra Su Forest and Sanctuary*

Once ashore in Sa Dec, tour the town where French writer Marguerite Duras spent many years in her youth. Visit a colorful local market and Cao Dai Temple, home to the unique religion of Caodaism in Southern Vietnam. It is a fusion of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Confucianism. You will have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper making workshops, or you may also choose to add an active walking tour to the historic Kiet Old House and cap the day off with a festive Farewell Dinner on board. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Local boat ride to Sa Dec
• Visit local market and Cao Dai Temple
• Visit local workshops
• Or visit local workshops and an active walking tour to historic Kiet Old House

Your cruise concludes in My Tho Port, where you'll disembark and transfer via motorcoach from My Tho Port to Ho Chi Minh city. (B)

*All guests will be transferred from the ship to Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City. We recommend that you schedule your onward flight to depart Ho Chi Minh after 2:30 pm today to avoid potential missed connections.

Excursions:

• Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City