11-Nights Cruising the Mekong: Siam, Saigon & Angkor Wat - Luxury Small Group Journeys from $10,470

Abercrombie & Kent

OFFER ID 1501119

Cruising the Mekong: Siam, Saigon & Angkor Wat
Discover astonishing Angkor Wat and cruise for seven nights on an exclusive charter along the Mekong River to experience its varied cultures in rural settings not easily reached by land, on a journey that includes vibrant Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon.

11 nights from $10,470 per person

Itinerary

Abercrombie & Kent: Cruising the Mekong: Siam, Saigon & Angkor Wat

DAY 1 Bangkok, Thailand

Arrive in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, and transfer to your hotel.

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok At Chao Phraya River

Meals:

DAY 2 Bangkok

Discover Wat Pho temple, with its massive Reclining Buddha statue, and listen to the musical sound of coins dropping into brass offering bowls. Then, travel by tuk-tuk to the sprawling Grand Palace to view the royal Siamese court, home to Thailand’s most important shrine, the green-jade Emerald Buddha. Next, gather for a light lunch aboard a traditional wooden rice barge. Cruise the Chao Phraya River in a relaxed atmosphere, taking in sights along the waterfront, including glittering Wat Arun. Later, fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, where you transfer to your hotel.

Raffles Grand Hotel D'angkor

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3 Siem Reap, Cambodia

Set off to explore the extraordinary temples of Angkor, a breathtaking city lost in the jungle and Cambodia’s most prized national treasure. Enter the monumental gates of Angkor Thom and visit the Bayon Temple, with its 172 large-scale faces wearing enchanting smiles. Continue to Ta Prohm Temple to see crumbling towers embraced by massive tree roots. This afternoon, visit magnificent Angkor Wat, where you stay until sunset, marveling as the diminishing, moody light washes over this unforgettable, faraway world. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.

Raffles Grand Hotel D'angkor

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4 Cruising the Mekong

Drive through the lush and scenic Cambodian countryside to Kampong Cham, where you board A&K’s private charter of all-suite ‘Mekong Princess,’ your boutique river cruiser for the next seven nights. Tonight, enjoy a Khmer-inspired dinner.

Mekong Princess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 Cruising the Mekong

Explore the charming town of Angkor Ban, where you enjoy glimpses into the lives of local people, starting with a visit to a family home. Stroll through a small market frequented by locals and stop briefly at a monastery complex. Then, board Mekong Princess and cruise to Phnom Penh, where you Ride Like a Local through Cambodia’s lush and alluring capital city on an engaging cyclo tour. Discover the ornate Royal Palace, and wander past huge stupas (Buddhist monuments) and spirit houses en route to the Silver Pagoda, home of Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and the diamond-encrusted Maitreya Buddha. Visit the National Museum before returning to the ship.

Mekong Princess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Cruising the Mekong

This morning, learn about Cambodia’s darker days as you visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and then walk the notorious killing fields of Choeung Ek, one of history’s most infamous places. Your afternoon is free for you to relax on your own. On board this evening, enjoy a professional exhibition of traditional folk dances.

Mekong Princess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Cruising the Mekong

Cruise into Vietnam early this morning and continue downstream to little-known Hong Ngu, which nimble ‘Mekong Princess’ can enter with ease. In this place where few Westerners have ever been, experience an especially friendly welcome, followed by a visit to a local family home, where you watch the weaving of kromas (traditional Khmer scarves). Later, explore a local temple dedicated to Hoa Hao, a unique Vietnamese religion. In the afternoon, board a sampan (wooden boat) to Gieng Island, where dozens of the vessels are built each day. Cruise a canal past orchards and rice fields. Continue to a historic Christian monastery built by the French in 1879.

Mekong Princess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Cruising the Mekong

Disembark at the village of Hoa An, well known for its floral and craft industries. See how locals grow and use flowers, and meet a local family. Later, reboard the ship and cruise downstream toward Can Tho, where you disembark to visit Zihuang Pagoda. Back on board, relax on a Scenic Sundowner this evening, observing local life at the close of day along the delta.

Mekong Princess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Cruising the Mekong

Rise early for a sampan cruise through a fascinating floating market near Can Tho, weaving between boats that sell goods and produce. Fresh coconut water, the Vietnamese “anti-aging drink,” refreshes you before a stop at a local factory to see the making of traditional noodles. Back on board Mekong Princess, cruise deeper into parts of the Mekong Delta rarely touched by travellers.

Mekong Princess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Cruising the Mekong

Today, board a sampan to wend your way through a channel lined with mangroves, whose tangled roots provide a sheltered habitat for the smallest denizens of the river’s ecosystem. Pause to see an artisan produce coconut candy, a favorite local snack. Next, board a small boat for a cruise through lush, narrow creeks lined with nipa palms, a native species and the only one of its kind adapted to the mangrove habitat. Participate in a Chef’s Table cooking demo this afternoon led by your onboard chef.

Mekong Princess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City

Unlike other river ships that are forced to dock outside of Saigon, Mekong Princess takes you right into the heart of this lively, evocative metropolis, now known as Ho Chi Minh City. Disembark your river cruiser to enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.

Visit the War Remnants Museum to view photographs by Bunyo Ishikawa, a Vietnam War photojournalist, and then explore Reunification Palace.

Explore the City’s Bustling Culinary Scene, sampling traditional dishes prepared by local street-food vendors.

Cycle the Countryside, exploring the nearby Thanh Da Peninsula.

Tonight, gather for a special farewell dinner.

The Reverie Saigon

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to depart.

Meals: Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is not only one of southern Vietnams most agriculturally rich regions, but it is also one of the most beautiful. The five rivers that flow into this region keep the land green, fertile, and uniquely scenic. Visitors may visit one of the many fruit orchards that the region if famous for, and shop for unique food and gifts at the local floating markets. The city of Chau Doc also has beautiful mountain temples for visitors stop by and enjoy.

Excursions

Saigon / Mekong Delta - Inside The Heart Of Mekong Delta River Life

INSIDE THE HEART OF MEKONG DELTA RIVER LIFE

Destination: Saigon
Tour Duration: 07 hours

Tour Description:
Depart Saigon for a 1.5hr drive to Ben Tre, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Escape the high-energy city for a day of exploring sprawling rice paddies and colorful fruit farms. Arrive at the quaint An Khanh hamlet, where travelers will visit a small home factory that makes the traditional dish of sticky rice covered by coconut leaves. Meet with the owner and her hard-working team who will teach you about how they use century-old traditional methods to make this special and tasty cake. Continue this rural journey of discovery with a short drive to meet a local family in Quoi Son village, where you can sample exotic fresh fruits in the orchard of a local fruit farmer. After wandering through the lush gardens of this village, a motorboat awaits your arrival to begin a thirty-minute excursion passing peaceful scenes of countryside living. Trade boat for bicycle and enjoy a relaxing ride over easy, level terrain as you travel through narrow village lanes lined with fruit orchards and customary cottages. Here you will take auto rickshaw through the lush surroundings of the fruit farms before boarding a sampan and cruise along the narrow canals of the Mekong. End your excursion at a local farmer's house where a lunch of Mekong Delta specialties will be served before driving back to Saigon.

Notes:
• Itinerary designed for docking at Nha Rong port only.
• Availability: Morning, for all guests arriving in Saigon by ship around 10:00.
• Capacity: 6 pax (Due to the small lane leading to the sticky rice cake factory, it can be available for only 16 seat vehicle)
• If you can’t ride bicycle, motorcycle can be arranged with a rider

Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days

Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column

Saigon - Mekong Delta River Life

MEKONG DELTA RIVER LIFE

Destination: Saigon
Tour Duration: 08 hours

Tour Description:
On arrival to Saigon (Nha Rong port), disembark the ship and meet your guide. Drive 2 hours south to the Mekong Delta passing by lush rice paddies and fruit farms emerging alongside the highway. Upon arrival in My Tho, get on a tri-motor cycle (xe loi) ride to enjoy the lush surroundings of rice paddies and fruit farms alongside the narrow village roads.

Arrive at the waterfront, and board the charming Mango Cruise for a glimpse at the Delta scenery while enjoying coconut juice. First, stop for a visit at the coconut processing, then back to your cruise. This is where you will start a bicycle trip in Phong Nam village for approximately 4 kilometers. Make a quick stop to visit a local house where they weave leaves for thatch roofing, which is still a well-utilized building material for local houses. Then, continue the bicycle trip for about 05 minutes to Mrs. Huong’s home. Her family lives on fishing, shrimp, and farming. Enjoy the tropical fruits and honey tea in her garden before taking the rowing sampan, and be paddled by a personalized rower trip to discover the maze of small canals.

Reconnect with your Mango Day cruiser and we will explore the local Boat building and repair workshop of Mr. Tu Liem. This will showcase how boats are made and fixed locally. Then head to Mango home restaurant and enjoy your 5-course lunch and freshen up before switching to a bicycle and riding 500m, about 4 minutes (or 7-10 minutes walk) on village roads past green gardens and local houses. Then enter the local house of Mr. Ba Tài to learn the fascinating process of rice wine making. Lastly, a memorable visit to Mr. Sau Tuong, who is a former Vietcong soldier who survived two years fighting the Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. Now, he and his wife live on making rice paper which is the most famous specialty of My Long village. Have a chat with him and enjoy the crispy rice paper made by his wife and see how it is made.

After the visit, the boat will be waiting for you at the pier nearby to bring you back to Ben Tre city where your car will be ready to take you back to Saigon.

Note: There is an extra charge for the transfer at the other ports.

Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days

Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column

Phnom Penh

Kampong Cham

River Cruising

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is often referred to as Vietnam’s jewel and the Pearl of the Orient. Located in south Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the country’s largest city, with more than six million people and over one million motorbikes. Under the current regime the city is once more being rebuilt. Whole blocks are disappearing, being replaced by concrete, steel and glass structures. Central Saigon, which is still the official name for the city center, shows evidence of the French colonial city, with wide, tree-lined boulevards, sidewalk cafés and elegant French architecture. The city is divided into two sections: Saigon, the municipal and historical district, and Cholon (Chinatown), where the entrepreneurial talent and private funds are concentrated. Cholon appears to be the most populated and in general the most vigorous part of Ho Chi Minh City. It is well worth a visit for its bustle and activity and its pagodas, which are reputed to be the finest in the whole city.

Excursions

Cu Chi Tunnels & Sai Gon Highlights Tour – 10 hours - Saigon

Highlights of Ho Chi Minh City Tour – 10 hours - Saigon

Mekong Delta Tour – 10 hours - Saigon

Saigon Port

Saigon City Highlights

Saigon - History of Architecture with History Researcher

Saigon - Cooking Class at Ambassador's Former Residence

Saigon - Retracing The Past

Saigon City Tour on Vintage Car

Saigon - City Highlights & Musician Family Visit

Saigon - In The Dark: A Blind Experience

Saigon - City Highlights & Lunch at Ambassador's Home

Siem Reap

Bangkok

Bangkok is chief port capital of Thailand and one of the most important cities in Southeast Asia. It is the epitome of the country's kaleidoscopic blend of old and new. It is an expression of Thai respect for tradition coupled with their vibrant involvement with modern progress. Rama I built the walled Grand Palace, which contains Temple of the Emerald Buddha. During the 19th century, Bangkok was known as the Venice of the East because of its many canals, which served as streets and commercial thoroughfares. Houses perched along the banks of the remaining canals are still common sight. Some of Bangkok’s most distinctive features are the approximately 400 Buddhist temples, known as wats. Bangkok is Thailand's economic center. Other sights to see include Temples, monuments, museums, Vimarnmekh Mansion, and Jim Thompson’s House.

Excursions

Bangkok City tour

BANGKOK CITY TOUR

Destination: Bangkok
Tour Duration: 8 hours (2.5 hours of transfer per way between Laem Chabang Sea Port and Bangkok city centre, 3 hours of experience)

Tour Description:
From its beginnings as a small trading post during the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 15th century, Bangkok has expanded to become one of Asia’s most exciting capital cities with over 14 million people. From the port, drive 2.5hr to Bangkok for lunch. Then visit Grand Palace, one of the most impressive palaces in Southeast Asia, the vast 94ha (233ac) grounds encompass more than 100 buildings including the Royal Residence and Throne Halls, government offices and the renowned Wat Phra Kaew, home to the most revered Buddha image in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha (which is actually made of jade or jasper, rather than emerald). Continue to Wat Pho, one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, and home to the famous 45m (148ft) reclining Buddha as well as the original school of traditional Thai massage. Return to the port and your ship in late afternoon.

08.30 hrs Docking time.
09.30 hrs Departure to Bangkok from Laem Chabang Sea Port (2.5 hours drive).
12.00 hrs Arrive Bangkok for Lunch at local restaurant.
13.00 hrs Visit Grand Palace.
14.00 hrs Visit Wat Pho.
15.00 hrs Return to Laem Chabang Sea Port (2.5 hours drive).
17.30 hrs Arrive Laem Chabang Sea Port.

NOTES:

Pick up time: 09:30
If docking at Laem Chabang Port, clients will need at least 2 days in port in order to take a full-day shore excursion to Bangkok, taking into account the 2 - 3 hour drive each way from Laem Chabang Port into downtown Bangkok (subject to traffic, road conditions, and ship’s departure time). If clients have only one day in port, there is only time for a half-day excursion to Bangkok.
If docking at Klong Toey Port, clients need at least 2 days in port for a full-day shore excursion to Bangkok and beyond (i.e. Ayutthaya, etc.) taking into account the 1.5 - 2 hour drive to Ayutthaya each way (subject to traffic, road conditions, and ship’s departure time). If clients have only one day in port, a half-day excursion to Bangkok is possible, but there will not be enough time to visit Ayutthaya and surrounding areas.
Travel Documentation: All clients must be in possession of a valid passport and necessary visas or permits at the commencement of travel. All such documentation is the sole responsibility of the client. Our company does not accept any responsibility or liability whatsoever for the failure of clients to obtain appropriate documentation.
These following clothes are strictly not allowed in Grand Palace: Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, tight fitting trousers, and tights; See-through shirts and blouses, as well as culottes or quarter length trousers; Sleeveless shirts or vests; Sandals (without ankle or heel straps); Rolled-up-sleeved shirts; Sweatshirts and sweatpants, wind-cheaters, pajamas and fisherman trousers.

Inclusions:
• Private transfer
• Port pick-up and drop-off
• Sightseeing with Local English Speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days

Non-inclusions:
• Thailand Visa (Please contact your cruise for the visa details)
• Other meals where not mention in the program
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column

Bangkok City By Helicopter

BANGKOK CITY BY HELICOPTER

Destination: Bangkok
Tour Duration: 4.5 hours (Including 2hr drive from/to Laem Chabang Port each way and 30min helicopter ride).

Tour Description:
Enjoy an amazing bird’s eye view of sprawling Bangkok on a thrilling 30 minute helicopter ride. From the port, depart on a 2hr drive to AA Bangkok Base where you begin your helicopter flight over Rajamangala National Stadium, the home stadium for the Thailand national football team, and the Erawan Museum shaped in the form of a three-headed elephant. From there, fly over the nearby provinces of Phra Samut Chedi, Paknum Samutprakarn and the Ancient City Museum, a massive 81ha (200ac) outdoor museum shaped like the country of Thailand. Continue over the mudflats and mangroves of Bang Poo and past the Bhumibol Bridge and Rama IX Bridge over the Chao Phraya River. On the way back, fly over Bangkok’s Silom area before landing at the AA Bangkok Base. Return to the port and your ship.

NOTES:

Suggested departure time: 10:00
Capacity: Maximum 5 pax.
Vehicle: Car / 9-seater minivan.
Landing at the following helipads in the city centre are available on request (surcharge applies): UBC II Tower, Charn Issara II Tower, Bangkok City Tower, Peninsula Bangkok, Amari Atrium, etc. Air space above the Grand Palace and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) are designated no-fly zones.

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

12/16/2024 - 12/27/2024

from $10,470 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $10,470 per person

Length

11 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Luxury
The finest hotels in the world, luxury lodging is characterized by luxury accommodations, impeccable service and the highest standards of comfort and pampering. Luxury hotels and resorts are often found in the most desirable locations. Building from the amenities and guest services offered at a deluxe hotel or resort, the luxury establishment usually puts on the finishing touches - fresh flowers around the hotel and original works of art throughout. Hotel restaurants often employ world renowned chefs to create delectable dishes and a unique dining experience. Attention to detail and personalized service are the hallmarks of luxury hotels and resorts.

Remarks

Prices are per person, double occupancy and include internal air where applicable. Holiday surcharge may apply. Departure dates, prices and availability may change at any time. Some restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1501119

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

Kathleen Stahl Travel Services

529 36th Street
Des Moine, IA 50312
USA

(515) 271-8091

11-Nights Cruising the Mekong: Siam, Saigon & Angkor Wat - Luxury Small Group Journeys from $10,470

Excursions

Saigon / Mekong Delta - Inside The Heart Of Mekong Delta River Life

Saigon - Mekong Delta River Life

Excursions

Phnom Penh Sightseeing Tour – 9 hours - Phnom Penh

Excursions

Cu Chi Tunnels & Sai Gon Highlights Tour – 10 hours - Saigon

Highlights of Ho Chi Minh City Tour – 10 hours - Saigon

Mekong Delta Tour – 10 hours - Saigon

Saigon Port

Saigon City Highlights

Saigon - History of Architecture with History Researcher

Saigon - Cooking Class at Ambassador's Former Residence

Saigon - Retracing The Past

Saigon City Tour on Vintage Car

Saigon - City Highlights & Musician Family Visit

Saigon - In The Dark: A Blind Experience

Saigon - City Highlights & Lunch at Ambassador's Home

Excursions

Bangkok City tour

Bangkok City By Helicopter

Vacation Details

Kathleen Stahl Travel Services