Overview
Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 8 Day Mekong River Experience. Experience the beauty of both Cambodia and Vietnam during this eight-day river cruising journey. Take in Wat Phnom, the Grand Palace, the S21 Museum, and the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary and prepare to see things you'll never forget (but bring your camera anyway). Get a true taste of river cruising while visiting the Cai Be floating market, the fishing port of Kampong Chhnang, and stilt villages like Chnok Tru, where you'll learn about fish farming, pottery, and sugar palm production. Opt for bikes, tuk tuks, read more or local boats to get around and see rice paddies, monasteries, and local businesses.
Sold Out
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either the season has ended and new dates will be released soon, or the itinerary has been updated and isn’t operating this season.
Operator
G Adventures
1 Trip Review
Avg. Rating: 4/5
Trip Style
Sailing & Cruises
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
6-99 Years
Pace
Leisurely
Tour Code
AOVZSE
Itinerary
Arrive at the meeting point in Siem Reap by 1:30pm for the included transfer to the pier. The group will transfer from Siem Reap to Koh Chen by bus and embark at Koh Chen at approximately 6:30pm. After embarking, enjoy a welcome beverage and get to know the crew during an informational meeting before dinner on board.
Included Meals:
Dinner
Included Experiences
- Riverboat Welcome Meeting: Welcome aboard! It's time to meet the crew and get some information about the cruise.
- Toum Tiou II Riverboat: Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
Enjoy the morning in Koh Chen, an island in the river. Visit silver and copper workshops and meet a Khmer Rouge survivor eager to tell his story. Then, continue on to one of the biggest villages on the Tonle Sap River, Kampong Chhnang. Learn more about fish farming, pottery, and sugar palm production in the area. Wander through the local market then opt to cycle to visit the local industries. After the day's excursions, enjoy dinner on board and relax as the riverboat drops anchor for the night.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Koh Chen Visit: Visit the small town of Koh Chen. Wander through the streets and visit family run silver and copper workshops. Watch the craftsmen and learn about the process. If possible, meet a Khmer Rouge survivor eager to share his story.
- Toum Tiou II Riverboat: Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
- Kampong Chhnang Visit: Located around 56 miles from Phnom Penh, the town of Kampong Chhnang is a very large fishing port on the Tonlé Sap. A lot of locals make a living from fish farming, a popular occupation in this area. Kampong Chhnang is also famous for its pottery ware, the style of which has not changed much for centuries and is distributed to the rest of the country. Wander through the local market, and head out to explore a family run brick factory to watch the process. Continue to visit the locals and observe the process of hand making pottery. Before heading back to the riverboat, explore a sugar palm farm where the Thnot tree (sugar palm) that abounds in the area is used to create a mellow tasting, caramel coloured sugar sold in large cakes and palm wine.
Embark on an early morning cruise to Kampong Tralach and visit the local vihara (Buddhist monastery) and Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. Opt to cycle, or ride in a tuk tuk or buffalo cart, through the village and past rice paddies to reach the monastery. This afternoon, continue to the capital city of Phnom Penh. Take a cyclo tour past sights like Wat Phnom and the Grand Palace. Opt to finish up at the FCC for a happy hour cocktail overlooking the river or for dinner in town.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Toum Tiou II Riverboat: Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
- Kampong Tralach Visit: Arrive at Kampong Tralach and visit its wonderful Vihara (Buddhist Monastery) and Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. Travel through Kampong Tralach Krom village along a small road perpendicular to the river, crossing beautiful stretches of emerald rice paddies. The Vihara dates back to early last century and is home to some outstanding mural paintings. Standing isolated in the middle of the rice fields, it is a modest pagoda that receives very few international visitors, enjoy this truly unique experience.
- Phnom Penh Cyclo Tour: Settle in a traditional cyclo and depart from Wat Phnom. Tour busy streets to soak up the real vibe of the city. Pass the post office and Van's restaurant, both stunning colonial buildings, and make your way to the Royal Palace and National Museum. Go along the riverside road and take in the atmospheric cafes that line the street.
- Free Time: Explore Cambodia's charming capital city.
Explore Experiences
Phnom Penh
Spend the day exploring all this city has to offer. Start with guided visits to the S21 Museum and the Killing Fields. Enjoy free time to explore the National Museum, Grand Palace or Russian Market. In the evening, return to the boat for an Apsara show before departure.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 Prison) Guided Tour: Learn about the dark history and devastation that occurred at Security Prison 21 (S-21); the prison, used by the Khmer Rouge regime, is now Tuol Sleng Museum. Take a guided tour to hear the stories behind the sombre photos lining the museum walls.
- Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) Guided Tour: Learn more about the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge visiting the killing fields of Choeung Ek; the grounds now stand as a powerful memorial filled with victims’ skulls and mass graves. Tour this sombre, yet serene, site with a guide.
- Free Time: Discover more of this dynamic city.
- Apsara Show: Sit back and enjoy a performance of traditional Khmer dance.
Optional Experiences
- Silver Pagoda Visit: Tour the Royal Palace complex to see the neighboring Silver Pagoda (aka the Temple of the Emerald Buddha). See the many magnificent treasures inside this beautiful vihara (Buddhist monastery), including its floor lined with more 5,000 tiles of silver.
- Russian Market: Visit the Russian Market for a selection of souvenir stalls along with jewellers and fabric sellers.
- National Museum Visit: Wander the galleries of the National Museum to see amazing works of art from Cambodia's "golden age" of Angkor. Visit the museum’s lovely courtyard before you leave.
- Wat Phnom Visit: Visit Wat Phnom (Hill Temple) in late afternoon, a historic monument with lots of green space. Keep an eye on your food and belongings; cheeky monkeys like to get a hold of anything they can.
- Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda Visit: Visit the Royal Palace, a complex of buildings where the kings of Cambodia have resided since the 1860s (except for during the reign of the Khmer Rouge). Be sure to tour the Silver Pagoda compound (aka the Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the central compound. See the many magnificent treasures inside this beautiful vihara (Buddhist monastery), including its floor lined with more 5,000 tiles of silver.
Explore Experiences
Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum
Killing Fields of Choeung Ek
Cross the border into Vietnam and cruise to Chau Doc. Visit the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary and soak in the view from the top of Sam Mountain.
During border crossing all passengers must stay on board as formalities are done on the riverboat. The boat will usually stay at the border for 2-3 hrs whilst all formalities are completed. Depending on time spent at the border, the itinerary for the afternoon may vary. Although this process is usually quite simple, delays can occur. Please note for visa purposes that the official name of the border in Vietnam is Son Tien border and in Cambodia it is Kaam Samnar border.
During border crossing all passengers must stay on board as formalities are done on the riverboat. The boat will usually stay at the border for 2-3 hrs whilst all formalities are completed. Depending on time spent at the border, the itinerary for the afternoon may vary. Although this process is usually quite simple, delays can occur. Please note for visa purposes that the official name of the border in Vietnam is Son Tien border and in Cambodia it is Kaam Samnar border.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Toum Tiou II Riverboat: Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
- Border Crossing (Cambodia - Vietnam): Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
- Tra Su Bird Sanctuary Visit: Visit the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary and explore first by power boat, followed by small local rowing boats. Take in the serene scenery and spot a wide array of birds.
- Sam Mountain Visit: Travel to Sam Mountain by private vehicle and enjoy views of the surrounding landscape from the summit.
Visit the Kien An Cung Pagoda in Sa Dec and take the time to stroll through the market along the river. View the old colonial houses by the delta. Continue on to Vinh Long. Learn about rice popping and opt to wander small paths through the communities here. Continue to Cai Be by local boats and meet up with the vessel. Drop anchor tonight near Thoi Son Island.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Sa Dec Visit: Stroll around the Sa Dec river bank and through the Sa Dec market. This small city of 30,000 inhabitants is fascinating due to its unspoiled authenticity and the fact it remains relatively undisturbed by tourists. It provides a glimpse of traditional life on the Mekong, complete with tree lined streets and fading colonial villas.
- Toum Tiou II Riverboat: Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
- Vinh Long Visit: Board local boats and explore Vinh Long. Learn about rice popping and opt to meander small paths through the communities here. Continue on to Cai Be by local boat and rejoin the riverboat.
Visit Vinh Trang Pagoda in the morning, catching a glimpse of My Tho town on the way. Cruise to Thoi Son Island by local boats for some local industry visits. Enjoy learning more about coconut product manufacturing and honey farming, with samples of honey and local fruit. Meet traditional musicians here. Opt for a local lunch on the island. Enjoy a farewell cocktail on board before the Captain's dinner.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Vĩnh Trang Pagoda Visit: Explore the buddhist temple of Vĩnh Tràng. Known for its enormous buddha statues and peaceful surroundings. The monks here maintain an an ornate, gilded wood sanctuary, and tend to the impressive gardens.
- Coconut Manufacturing Visit: Take local boats to Thoi Son Island to see a coconut product manufacturer, taste some local fruit and honey and meet traditional musicians.
Depart My Tho in the morning. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Tour ends upon arrival.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Toum Tiou II Riverboat: Hop aboard and float on to the next stop.
Explore Experiences
Ho Chi Minh City
Trip Inclusions
- Sail the mighty Mekong.
- Explore floating markets.
- Discover Phnom Penh and get to know the locals of Kampong Chhnang.
- Visit ancient temples and small villages.
- Enjoy the atmosphere of a floating market.
- 7 nights aboard the Toum Tiou II Riverboat
- Kampong Chhnang visit
- Vihara and pagoda visit (Kampong Tralach)
- Koh Chen island visit include cottage industries
- Cyclo tour (Phnom Penh)
- Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) guided tour
- Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 Prison) guided tour
- Apsara show
- Tra Su Bird Sanctuary visit
- Sam Mountain sunset visit
- Kien An Cung Pagoda visit (Sa Dec)
- Vinh Long excursion
- Vinh Trang Pagoda visit
- Thoi Son Island cottage industries tour
- Farewell cocktail and Captain's Dinner
- All transport to/from included activities and between destinations
- Toum Tiou II Riverboat, private vehicles, cyclo, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Aboard The Toum Tiou II Riverboat (7 Nights)
- Cabins on board the Toum Tiou II all have exterior view windows and private bathrooms.
- Length: 38m (125 ft) riverboat Built: 2008 Flag: Cambodian Draft: 1.8m Engine power: 450 HP Speed: 11 Knots Capacity: 28 Passengers Cabins: 14 – 6 upper, 8 lower Boat Layout: Large screen television in lounge showing movies nightly. Library with classic literature, Wifi in public areas, outdoor dining and lounge areas with comfortable seating
- 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Reviews (1)
Value for money cruising on the Mekong 1
Stephen, Australia, Sep 2019
Just returned from G-Adventures Mekong 8 day cruise and can thoroughly recommend. Trip is at a leisurely pace, boat accommodation is basic but comfortable and we were well looked after in the meals department. The crew and tour guide from G-Adventures were first class and we disembarked each day to a new local adventure. Only downside was the five read more hour bus ride on day 1 to the departure port - I understand that this is now the normal procedure regardless of river levels. G-Adventures delivered on their itinerary and the tour was great value for money when compared to alternative operators.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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