| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 3rd03 | DecDec | 202727 | At Sea | | |
| 4th04 | DecDec | 202727 | At Sea | | |
| 5th05 | DecDec | 202727 | At Sea | | |
| 6th06 | DecDec | 202727 | At Sea | | |
| 7th07 | DecDec | 202727 | At Sea | | |
| 8th08 | DecDec | 202727 | Giêng Island, Vietnam | | |
| Gieng Island – Long Thuan - Affectionately nicknamed “Mango Island,” Cu Lao Gieng is a charming islet nestled in the Upper Mekong, famed for its abundant mango orchards. Your guided tour begins with a stop at a traditional village where artisans have been handcrafting bamboo baskets for generations – a skill passed down through time. Travel along scenic lanes shaded by mango trees, perfect for capturing beautiful photos. At one of the local farms, you’ll get to sample the island’s famously sweet mangoes and discover how farmers naturally alter their colour using time-honoured techniques. Next, visit a striking Catholic church that has stood for over a century. Featuring a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, complete with a bell tower, it’s one of the most prominent parishes in the Mekong Delta. Your tour concludes with a visit to one of the island’s oldest French colonial-style homes, offering a glimpse into its architectural heritage. In the afternoon, step aboard a sampan for a peaceful cruise through the narrow canals of Long Thuan village, where floating fish farms line the waterways. Disembark for a short walk to a Taoist temple, where you may choose to have your fortune read by resident monks. Wrap up your visit with a stop at a local house to enjoy a vibrant unicorn dance performance—a traditional spectacle full of colour and rhythm. |
| 9th09 | DecDec | 202727 | At Sea | | |
| 10th10 | DecDec | 202727 | 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 - This morning, hop aboard a tuk-tuk for a guided tour of Cambodia’s vibrant capital. Our first destination is the iconic Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, an exquisite complex established in 1866 that reflects the elegance and heritage of Khmer architecture. Wander through its ornate halls, including the Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion, and marvel at the Silver Pagoda’s gleaming floor made up of 5,000 silver tiles. Inside, you’ll find dazzling Buddha statues adorned with gold and precious gems - true national treasures. Next, we’ll visit the National Museum, housed in a graceful red sandstone building. This cultural gem holds the world’s largest collection of Khmer art, featuring sculptures and artifacts from both the Angkorian and pre-Angkorian periods. The exhibits span over a thousand years, offering deep insight into Cambodia’s artistic legacy. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace - perhaps explore local markets, relax at a café, or stroll along the riverside promenade. In the evening, gather for a special cultural treat: a traditional Apsara dance performance by local children, celebrating Cambodia’s rich artistic traditions before dinner. |
| 11th11 | DecDec | 202727 | 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 - This morning, our journey takes a solemn turn as we explore Cambodia’s tragic history under the Khmer Rouge regime. Travel just beyond the city limits to Choeung Ek, one of the most well-known Killing Fields. This peaceful-yet-powerful memorial marks the site where over a million innocent lives were lost between 1975 and 1979. At its heart stands a glass stupa filled with human skulls and bones, carefully arranged by age and gender, serving as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed. Our next stop is the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, once a high school turned into the notorious S-21 prison. Here, thousands were imprisoned, tortured, and executed. The preserved classrooms and haunting photographs offer a deeply moving insight into the horrors endured during this dark chapter of Cambodian history. Following this emotional morning, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You might choose to browse the bustling Central Market, known for its striking Art Deco architecture and wide array of local goods and snacks. Or take a peaceful walk along Sisowath Quay, the city’s riverside promenade, lined with cafés and views of the Tonlé Sap and Mekong rivers. Later in the day, our ship will depart Phnom Penh, continuing our journey along the Mekong. |
| 12th12 | DecDec | 202727 | Kratie, Cambodia | | |
| Wat Roka Kaong – Opopel Village - Originally established in 1840, Wat Roka Kaong underwent significant restoration in 1998 following the discovery of a revered emerald statue believed to be over 180 years old. This sacred find led to the temple’s alternate name, Wat Keo Moni Chort, or the Emerald Temple. The complex features a mix of wooden structures and striking golden columns that rise 53 meters into the sky. Within the grounds, you’ll find two temples: Preah Keo Preah Kor to the north and the remnants of Bak Sei Chamkrong to the south, which was sadly damaged by a landslide in 2020. During your visit, explore the vibrant main pagoda and, if you wish, receive a traditional water blessing from the resident monks. After returning to the ship, enjoy a scenic cruise toward Opopel Village. Later in the day, step ashore for a guided walk through this peaceful rural community. As you wander past stilted homes and banana groves, you’ll see Brahim cattle grazing and experience the unhurried rhythm of village life. Meet friendly locals and stop by the village school for a warm welcome and a glimpse into daily education in the region. Before heading back to the ship, you’ll also pause at the local monastery for a brief visit. This evening, celebrate your journey with a farewell gathering hosted by the ship’s crew, followed by a special Cambodian dinner to mark the end of your adventure. |
| 13th13 | DecDec | 202727 | Kampong Cham, Cambodia | | |
| Kampong Cham – Siem Reap - This morning, say a warm goodbye to the wonderful crew as we begin the next chapter of our Cambodian adventure. Travel by coach through the countryside, taking in scenes of rural life along the way. A highlight of the journey is a stop at the historic Kampong Kdei Bridge, an impressive Angkor-era structure built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll continue on to Siem Reap, where we’ll check in for a three-night stay. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon to relax at the hotel. Tonight, experience a vibrant blend of modern performance and traditional storytelling at the Phare Cambodian Circus. This dynamic show, created and performed by young Cambodian artists, combines acrobatics, theatre, music, and dance to tell powerful stories rooted in the country’s culture and history. More than entertainment, Phare supports the work of PPSA, a non-profit organisation dedicated to using the arts to help disadvantaged youth. |
| 14th14 | DecDec | 202727 | Angkor, Cambodia | | |
| Temples of Angkor - Begin your day early to witness the ethereal beauty of Angkor’s temples bathed in the soft light of dawn. As the mist lifts from the jungle canopy and birdsong echoes through the trees, the mystical atmosphere of this sacred site comes to life. It’s an experience that will stay with you forever. Our first stop is the grand city of Angkor Thom, once the heart of the Khmer Empire. Surrounded by a vast moat and entered through five towering gates, this 13th-century citadel houses one of the most iconic temples in the complex - Bayon. With over 50 stone towers, each adorned with four serene faces gazing outward, Bayon is a breathtaking example of Khmer artistry and spiritual symbolism. After a break for lunch at your leisure, continue to the hauntingly beautiful Ta Prohm. Unlike other temples, this site has been left largely untouched, with massive tree roots weaving through crumbling stone walls, creating a dramatic fusion of nature and architecture. As the day draws to a close, visit the majestic Angkor Wat. Facing west, the temple is perfectly positioned to catch the golden hues of sunset, casting a warm glow over its intricate carvings and towering spires. It’s a fitting finale to a day filled with awe and wonder. This evening, enjoy dinner at your own pace, perhaps reflecting on the unforgettable sights of the day. |
| 15th15 | DecDec | 202727 | Siem Reap, Cambodia | | |
| Siem Reap and Hanoi - Start your day with a leisurely breakfast, indulging in that second cup of coffee as you unwind and make the most of the hotel's facilities. Whether you choose to take a refreshing dip in the pool or pamper yourself with a spa treatment, the morning is yours to enjoy. For those with a sense of adventure, the vibrant markets of Siem Reap are waiting to be explored. Following a relaxed lunch at your own pace, we will head to the airport for our early evening flight to Hanoi, where our journey continues. Upon arrival in Hanoi, we’ll transfer to our hotel and check in for an overnight stay. A light dinner is included this evening. |
| 16th16 | DecDec | 202727 | Hanoi, Vietnam | | |
| Hanoi - Embark on the final leg of your Vietnamese adventure this morning with a delightful guided tour that whisks you through the enchanting tapestry of Hanoi's history and modernity. Born from French imagination, the city is a symphony of colonial charm, where tree-lined boulevards, grand belle époque villas, and majestic public buildings create a picturesque setting. The Opera House, a proud sentinel, graces the landscape amidst over a dozen serene lakes, each contributing to the city's peaceful allure. This refined scene seamlessly blends with the bustling Old Quarter, a labyrinth of narrow streets that has served as the commercial hub for centuries, now brimming with quaint shops, sacred pagodas, and the constant hum of bicycles and mopeds weaving through the crowds. Our guided tour takes us to the remarkable Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s first university, offering a glimpse into the country’s intellectual heritage. We also visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a solemn and imposing structure housing the embalmed remains of the beloved leader, forever preserved for public view. After our tour, we’ll transfer back to the hotel for some free time. A late check-out will be arranged for you to freshen up before our overnight flight back to the UK (flights may be connecting). |
| 17th17 | DecDec | 202727 | Hanoi, Vietnam, disembark the Riviera Alba | | |
| Arrive home |
