| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 23rd23 | FebFeb | 202626 | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, embark on the RV La Marguerite | | |
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. Arrival in Siem Reap - This morning we have an early check-in with breakfast at the four-star superior Borei Angkor Hotel where we stay for three nights on the Privilege floor with breakfast, daily fruits and complimentary laundry. Relax in your extremely comfortable hotel, take a refreshing swim in the large pool or satisfy your palate with a quick bite at one of the hotel’s two restaurants. |
| 24th24 | FebFeb | 202626 | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | | |
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. Angkor - Today we see the haunting soft morning light over the eerie temples of Angkor. Encircled by verdant steamy jungle, shrouded in mist and with a tropical dawn chorus reverberating in the air, this is something you will never forget. We visit the huge, fortified 13th-century city of Angkor Thom with its five monumental gates and 91-metre-wide moat; its centre contains one of Angkor’s most astonishing sites, the temple of Bayon. Crowned by over 50 towers, each with four colossal carved heads looking out in every direction, this is an extraordinary masterpiece of Khmer art. After some time for lunch, we explore one of the most intriguing sites, the smaller temple of Ta Prohm which has been left in its natural, unrestored state, with giant tropical trees bursting through the ruins, their roots entwined like vast tentacles across the moss-covered, weathered walls and roofs. Late in the afternoon we see the immense temple of Angkor Wat, one of the largest religious structures in the world. The main entrance faces west to catch the rose-red glow of the setting sun, a truly magical time of day. You will have time for dinner at leisure, before we finish our visit to Angkor at the Night market to snap up some souvenirs and enjoy drinks and snacks. You also have the option today to see a Cambodian Circus performance - Phare - on our optional visit. Check extras & upgrades for more details. |
| 25th25 | FebFeb | 202626 | Cái Bè, Vietnam | | |
| Free Day in Siem Reap - Our last full day in Cambodia is at leisure for you to enjoy the swimming pool and facilities of your hotel, or simply explore the excellent markets and restaurants of Siem Reap. Perhaps take a stroll along the tree-lined promenade along the river, visit the Old Market, trawl the boutiques and galleries that dot cool Kandal Village, or learn about the revival of traditional Khmer arts at Artisan Angkor’s workshops. Afternoon tea (wine and cocktails also included) is available at the hotel this afternoon. |
| 26th26 | FebFeb | 202626 | Sa Déc, Vietnam | | |
| Board the ship - This morning, we drive to Kampong Cham, taking a stop en route at the Kampong Kdei Bridge dating from the Angkorian period, built during the reign of Jayavarman VII. A packed lunch will be provided. You board the superb four-star RV La Marguerite mid-afternoon, where your highly professional crew, imbibed by the unique service ethic you find everywhere here, ensure you settle in to your spacious and beautifully appointed cabin. Once settled in on board, your journey on the remarkable Mekong begins. As the water levels on the Mekong can change, our own itinerary from days 5 to 7 may vary according to the date of travel. Note: This description is based on a high-water itinerary. |
| 27th27 | FebFeb | 202626 | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | | |
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. Angkor Ban – Silk Island - We arrive to Angkor Ban this morning, one of the very few villages that survived and was not burned or destroyed during the Khmer Rouge period. We see traditional houses some more than a century and absorb the peaceful atmosphere where time stands still here as you witness a slice of Cambodian rural life. Back on board we continue our journey south. After lunch, visit Silk Island on foot and by tuk-tuk to discover a delightful silk weaving village. Back on board, you will continue your sailing, arriving in Phnom Penh at the end of the day. |
| 28th28 | FebFeb | 202626 | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | | |
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. Phnom Penh - Today’s sightseeing includes an exciting visit to the dazzling, white-and-gold Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, followed by a chance to witness exceptionally beautiful Khmer craft in the National Museum. In homage to Cambodia’s tragic recent history, this afternoon we visit the haunting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, housed in the former detention centre and showing the plight of Cambodian people under the Khmer Rouge regime. Before heading back to the ship, we also visit the hill Wat Phnom. Ascending the hill to 27 metres you see the picturesque sanctuary dedicated to Mrs Penh who gave her name to the city. Complete your day in the Cambodian Capital with dinner and a traditional Khmer dance show on board. |
| 1st01 | MarMar | 202626 | Phnom Penh, Cambodia | | |
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. Crossing into Vietnam - Spend today onboard with a day of sailing, as we cross the border into Vietnam. Take the opportunity to enjoy the ships facilities – why not relax with a good book on the sun deck, sipping a refreshing drink, as you take in the dazzling views. |
| 2nd02 | MarMar | 202626 | Chong Koh Village, Cambodia | | |
| Tan Chau - One of the great pleasures of river cruising is waking up somewhere completely different and as dawn breaks, we are berthed in remote Tan Chau. A delight of Vietnam is that so many cottage industries still thrive, offering a fascinating insight into the past. This morning, we explore Tan Chau, Vietnam’s leading silk centre producing extremely high quality, naturally dyed clothes. Following a visit of the town, we go back to the ship for lunch on board as our leisurely navigation continues. |
| 3rd03 | MarMar | 202626 | Kampong Cham, Cambodia | | |
| Sa Dec & Cái Bè - Awake in Sa Dec, where we take a guided stroll through the colourful local market. The highlight of the day though, is the intriguing Cao Dai Temple, centre of a unique indigenous religion. A fascinating combination of Taoism, Buddhism and Chinese Confucianism plus elements of Christianity, Islam and spiritualism. Bizarrely, its saints include Joan of Arc, Napoleon, Shakespeare and Winston Churchill! The temple itself is a striking combination of western and oriental architectural styles and mesmerising brightly coloured statues, overlooked by the religion’s all-seeing Divine Eye – it’s sure to leave you with something to ponder after your visit. Your city tour also includes a visit to the house described in the novel ‘The Lover’ by French writer Marguerite Duras. The house, now a museum, dates back to 1895 and is a meld of French, Chinese and Vietnamese styles. This afternoon we once again depart on small local boats and sail to the island of Tan Phong. Here you can take a walk to see local craft villages where locals are skilled in the art of weaving water hyacinths for baskets and other decorative objects. Then, we continue by small vehicles to visit some fruit fields and learn about the many exotic fruits for which this area is known. Before returning on board, you’ll also have a visit to the gothic cathedral of Cai Be, a poignant reminder of Vietnam’s colonial past. We then end the visit by meeting a family making rice paper and coconut candies. Another tropical night falls as we cruise downstream and enjoy another superb dinner. An experience enhanced by traditional music, the kaleidoscope of amazing sights, sounds and scents, and the gentle waters lapping peacefully against the hull. |
| 4th04 | MarMar | 202626 | Siem Reap, Cambodia | | |
| Ben Tre District & Vinh Long - This morning, after a hearty breakfast, depart the river cruise ship on smaller local boats to see the floating coconut market in the Ben Tre District. Ben Tre is known for is coconut production and culture and is home to thousands of coconut trees, groves and factories. Complete your tour with a visit to Vinh Buu pagoda before returning to the ship for lunch. This afternoon, our ship will drop anchor in Vinh Long. We then depart on local boats again to discover a canal lined with brick kilns and local factories in nearby Mang Thit district. The district is actually known as the Kingdom of Bricks with nearly 1,000 factories and 2,000 kilns making it the largest handicraft brick and pottery kiln area in the Mekong Delta region. You’ll also have a visit to Van Thanh Mieu Temple (Temple of Literature) built in 1864 before returning to the ship. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hat Boi show, bringing together dance, song and storytelling before savouring your last dinner on board. |
| 5th05 | MarMar | 202626 | Siem Reap, Cambodia | | |
| Vinh Long - Saigon - Early this morning RV La Marguerite glides to a final halt, berthing in Vinh Long. After breakfast, we say our fond farewells to the splendid crew and continue our exploration of Vietnam. After a stop at the picturesque Cholon market and a lacquer workshop, we journey to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) where we stay for two nights at the four-star superior Pullman Saigon Central with breakfast. We take an introductory tour of the city, seeing highlights including the Reunification Palace where famously in 1975, a tank burst through its gates in the final defining moment of the Vietnam War. We also see the War Remnants Museum and get a glimpse into daily Saigon life at the lively Ben Thanh market, where you can find anything here at extremely good prices. The Notre Dame Cathedral and the colonial-style central post office here provide marvellous photo opportunities. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to spend as you wish. |
| 6th06 | MarMar | 202626 | Siem Reap, Cambodia | | |
| Cu Chi Tunnels - This will be a day to remember – we visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels, a complex underground network stretching for 124 miles which included hospitals, meeting rooms, sleeping quarters and kitchens. Begun during the last years of French rule and vastly expanded during the 1960s, the tunnels provided a base for the Vietcong from which to attack US forces within just 30 miles of Saigon. Our visit here is a fascinating insight into these troubled times: we see the tunnels themselves and examples of the many mantraps and stake pits which protected them. Despite being carpet-bombed, the tunnels were never penetrated, and should you wish, you may try out real period weapons on a firing range. We continue through rural farming communities back to Saigon, where the rest of the day is at leisure. |
| 7th07 | MarMar | 202626 | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, disembark the RV La Marguerite | | |
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. Return Home - Why not take the option to pre-book late check out with afternoon tea at Pullman Saigon Centre Hotel? Check extras & upgrades for more details. |
