10-Day Meandering Majestic Mekong Cruise

Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam's largest city and the engine driving the country's current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it's a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city's traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they're still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene's The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina's most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city's war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists' fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city's Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam's fixation on the future.

Xin Chao and welcome to Vietnam. On arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, you’ll be transferred to downtown District 1 and the historic quarter and check into to the Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers. Later, you’ll transfer to the Saigon Port to board your luxury Emerald Star-Ship, where you’ll be warmly welcomed on board by your captain and crew.

After lunch, Emerald Harmony will cruise from the heart of the city down the Saigon River towards Ben Tre, in the Mekong Delta. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board with your fellow guests and an informative port talk hosted by your Cruise Director.

Emerald Cruises transfers are only available for flights arriving into Ho Chi Minh City prior to 08:30 AM.

This morning, you’ll cruise through the bustling Cho Gao Canal, one of the major arterial canals of Vietnam connecting Tien Giang Province in the Mekong Delta with Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll find this a fascinating sight, observing the heavy commercial traffic navigate this important waterway, where upwards of 1,800 vessels transit each day. During your morning of relaxation on board, soak up the ever-changing passing scenery, enjoy a refreshing dip in the infinity pool, or indulge in a spa treatment (at additional cost).

Once on the Mekong River, this afternoon you’ll visit the rural Tan My Floating community, followed by a ride through local plantations to visit a mushroom farm, a fruit farm with sampling and a honey farm with local sweets. Later, you’ll cruise onwards to Sa Ðéc, a Mekong Delta hidden gem. 

Included Excursion
Visit the Thoi Binh hamlet and its authentic farming and fishing communities: Discover Thoi Binh hamlet, where farming and fishing shape the rhythm of daily life. Meet local residents and gain an insight into the traditional practices that sustain this Mekong Delta community, surrounded by peaceful waterways and rural landscapes.

This morning is a leisurely cruise to Sa Ðéc.

Later this afternoon, take a short ride on a sampan to arrive in Sa Ðéc, a delightful old provincial city in the heart of the Mekong Delta. Enjoy a walking tour around town with a visit to the home of local resident, Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant (‘The Lover,’), and the town’s bustling central market to peruse its varied produce.

Afterwards return to Emerald Harmony by sampan to anchor for the night.

Included Excursion
Mr. Huynh Thuy Le and bustling Sa Ðéc: Discover the lively Mekong town of Sa Ðéc, where colourful market stalls and riverside streets reveal everyday local life. Visit the former home of Huynh Thuy Le, whose romance with French novelist Marguerite Duras inspired The Lover, and explore its blend of Chinese, French and Vietnamese architectural influences.

After a short sail with breakfast, transfer ashore by sampan to explore the village life on My An Hung Island. Recognised as a cultural and historical destination, this small village in rural Vietnam specialises in red-hot chilli and peppers. For today’s EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy some local folk singing during the visit to this charming riverine community.

After returning to Emerald Harmony, enjoy an afternoon cruise to Gieng Island.

Included Excursion
My An Hung Village: Step into everyday life in My An Hung, a rural village in the Mekong Delta. Discover traditional Vietnamese customs through local crafts and cultural performances, meet residents and experience the warmth of a community where time-honoured traditions remain part of daily life.

EmeraldPLUS
Listen to local folk singing in My An Hung: In My An Hung, listen to local folk singing that brings the village’s cultural traditions to life. The gentle melodies and shared performance offer a warm insight into the community’s heritage and everyday spirit.

Locally known as ‘Mango Island,’ Cu Lao Gieng is a small, picturesque island untouched by tourism, located along the upper Mekong River. Travel by local motorcycle rickshaw through the island’s villages to visit families who work in various local industries, including mango farming, various types of boat construction and a factory that produces temple incense sticks.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure on board as we cruise to Tan Chau. Upon arrival and for today’s EmeraldPLUS experience, delight in a traditional Lion Dance performance on the Sun Deck of Emerald Harmony.

Included Excursion
Local industries on Gieng Island: Discover the local industries of Gieng Island, where skilled artisans preserve traditional livelihoods passed down through generations. Visit family-run workshops to see the work behind handmade crafts and local produce, gaining an engaging insight into the island’s resourceful community and enduring traditions.

EmeraldPLUS
Lion Dance on board: Enjoy a traditional lion dance performed by young artists from rural Vietnam. Colourful lions, dragons and unicorns move to the rhythmic sound of drums, cymbals and gongs in a vibrant performance believed to ward off evil spirits and welcome good fortune.

In Tan Chau, embark on a sampan ride to Evergreen Island for a walk through a local village, affording an insightful glimpse into the ‘Delta farming community'. You’ll then reboard your sampan returning to Tan Chau for a visit to a local Cao Dai Temple. Cao Dai is a syncretic, monotheistic religion established in Tây Ninh, Southern Vietnam, in 1926. At the temple, you can learn more about the hybrid of philosophies that form the basis of this fascinating and complex religion. Afterwards, take a ride in a Xe Loi, a local form of cyclo unique to the Mekong Delta, back to your sampan and return to Emerald Harmony. Back on board your Emerald Star-Ship, you’ll cruise towards the border between Vietnam and Cambodia.

Included Excursion
A visit to Evergreen Island: Explore Evergreen Island, where peaceful waterways and lush landscapes reveal the rhythms of Mekong Delta life. Wander through rural lanes and meet local residents, discovering everyday traditions shaped by the island’s close connection to the river.

Included Excursion
Local Cao Dai Temple and Xe Loi ride: Visit a local Cao Dai Temple to discover the distinctive beliefs and vivid symbolism of this Vietnamese faith. Then ride by xe lôi, a traditional form of transport unique to the Mekong Delta, along rural lanes framed by everyday village life and verdant landscapes.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

Welcome to Cambodia. Today, you’ll awake in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Known as the ‘Pearl of Asia’ during the French Indochina-era, this city was almost entirely evacuated by the Khmer Rouge regime in 1975. This morning, learn about the Khmer Rouge and the darkest days of Cambodia’s history. A short drive takes you to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, where you can stroll through the fields and visit the memorial, understanding more about the country’s sombre chapter. Afterwards, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (infamously known as ‘S-21’), a former school converted to the Khmer Rouge’s main prison and torture headquarters.

Spend the afternoon as you please, either joining one of our Emerald DiscoverMORE excursions, visiting the Central Market located at in the heart of Phnom Penh, or simply relaxing on board Emerald Harmony.

This evening, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, you’ll enjoy an evening remork (local Tuk-Tuk) excursion through Phnom Penh, admiring the glittering city lights.

Included Excursion
Killing Fields at Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: Visit the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for a respectful insight into Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge era. Reflect among the memorials at Choeung Ek, then explore the former S-21 prison, bearing witness to those who suffered during this devastating period.

EmeraldPLUS
Phnom Penh by night on a remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour: See Phnom Penh after dark from a traditional remork, Cambodia’s tuk-tuk. Travel through lively streets and past illuminated landmarks, taking in the capital’s changing rhythm as markets, cafés and evening gatherings bring the city to life.

DiscoverMORE
Koh Oknha Tei and Silk Farm Discovery (extra expense)
Board a ferry boat and cross the Mekong River to Koh Oknha Tei Island. Travel by tuk-tuk through the local villages and learn about the farmers lives with a stop at a villager’s house for some local fruit tasting. Continue to Chamka Snae Silk Craft where you can witness the entire process of silk creation, through the life cycle of the silk worm, to the harvesting of the silk cocoons and the creation of beautiful silk weavings on wooden hand looms. Best of all, you may find a lovely handmade souvenir of what you saw being created.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours

DiscoverMORE
Craft Beer Adventure by remork (extra expense)
Travelling around Phnom Penh by local remork, visit a couple of local breweries to enjoy a tour of their facilities, and of course, some samples of their craft and local pub grub. Try tasting boards of some of Cambodia’s best–selling craft beers to determine which is your favourite to try again! The tour includes lively visits to an underground brewery, cosy beer gardens, personal brewery tours with the brewers, when available, giving you the opportunity to mix with the locals and expats at their favourite hangouts.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours

DiscoverMORE
Samai Distillery (extra expense)
Embark on an immersive journey through the art of rum-making at Samai, Cambodia’s first premium rum distillery. Delve into the meticulous process behind creating handcrafted local rums, each one a testament to the unique flavour profiles and character derived from Cambodia’s rich terroir and natural resources. Engage your senses as you explore the raw materials, savour signature rum tastings, and uncover the secrets of crafting creative rum cocktails. Elevate your experience and skills with a hands-on bartending techniques training session led by an expert mixologist, where you’ll create your own cocktails. Then, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the free-flow bar, accompanied by Latin music and a selection of cold cuts, as you soak in the ambiance before returning to the ship.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

In the morning visit the majestic Royal Palace, captivating with its French-inspired gardens and Silver Pagoda. Once back on board, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, you’ll enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation. After lunch set sail from Phnom Penh and enjoy an afternoon of relaxed cruising as you continue further up the Mekong River to Angkor Ban.

Included Excursion
Visit to the Royal Palace: Explore Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, the ceremonial residence of Cambodia’s monarchy. Admire its ornate Khmer architecture, gilded roofs and elegant courtyards, then visit the Silver Pagoda, home to treasured Buddhist artworks. This striking complex offers a vivid introduction to Cambodia’s royal traditions and spiritual heritage.

EmeraldPLUS
Cultural Performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation: Enjoy an engaging performance by young Cambodian artists, where traditional music and dance share stories of the country’s cultural heritage. Colourful costumes, graceful movements and live melodies create an uplifting celebration of Cambodia’s enduring artistic traditions.

In Angkor Ban, explore its historical rural wooden houses which survived the Khmer Rouge. In the village temple, partake in an alm’s ceremony, learn how to pray in a Buddhist pagoda and receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from the temple’s resident monks from as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience. Afterwards set sail to your final destination, Peam Chi Korng located further upstream on the Mekong River.

Included Excursion
Walk around the historical village of Angkor Ban: Stroll through Angkor Ban, one of Cambodia’s best-preserved traditional villages. Wooden stilt houses, shady gardens and quiet lanes offer a glimpse of rural life, while encounters with local residents reveal enduring customs and the warm community spirit of the Mekong River region.

EmeraldPLUS
A traditional Buddhist Monk blessing: Receive a traditional blessing from a Buddhist monk in a local pagoda. Learn how to pray and take part in a meaningful ceremony that supports the resident monks’ daily meal, gaining a respectful insight into Cambodian spiritual traditions.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

Disembark Emerald Harmony in the morning and transfer back to Phnom Penh airport for your onward flight.

Emerald Cruises transfers are only available for flights departing out of Phnom Penh after 01:30 PM.

Rivers and waterways are subject to variations in water levels. While every effort is made to adhere to the planned itinerary, changes in river conditions, ad hoc local government regulations or local festivities may require journey modifications. These will be made based on the advice of local authorities or for safety reasons. Hotels are indicative and are subject to change.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.