Essence of the Mekong

Welcome to vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, where your Mekong River adventure begins. Transfer to the port on the Saigon River and board your elegant Suite Ship®. Settle into your comfortable stateroom and take time to explore the ship’s inviting lounges and facilities. As the afternoon unfolds, meet your fellow travelers before joining a warm welcome reception and dinner. Later, relax on deck as the ship gently departs the bustling city and begins its journey into the heart of the Mekong Delta. Enjoy your first evening surrounded by the sights and sounds of Vietnam’s legendary waterways.
🚢 Your stay at - Avalon Saigon Cruise (🍴B&D)

Awake to the charm of the Mekong Delta and arrive in Vinh Long, renowned for its local crafts and agricultural traditions. Board a sampan and visit family-run workshops where rice paper, rice wine, and traditional sweets are produced using generations-old methods. In the afternoon, continue to Cu Lao Gieng Island to discover authentic village life. Travel by sampan and motor cart to meet local artisans building wooden sampans and crafting Vietnam’s iconic conical hats. Conclude your exploration with a visit to one of the country’s oldest Catholic churches before cruising onward through the peaceful Mekong waterways.
🚢 Your stay at - Avalon Saigon Cruise (🍴B, L, D)

Begin the day in Chau Doc, a lively riverside town rich in culture and commerce. Explore the bustling local market, where vendors sell fresh produce, seafood, and regional specialties. Continue on a scenic river excursion through the Mekong backwaters, passing floating homes, riverside communities, and colorful trading boats. After lunch, visit the village of Long Khanh A to witness a traditional cotton-weaving demonstration that preserves an important local craft. Later, return to the ship and enjoy a relaxing evening as you cross from Vietnam into Cambodia, sailing toward the historic capital of Phnom Penh overnight.
🚢 Your stay at - Avalon Saigon Cruise (🍴B, L, D)

Discover the elegance and history of Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital city. Explore by private cyclo and visit the magnificent Royal Palace, home to the dazzling Silver Pagoda and its treasured artifacts. Continue to the National Museum, where an impressive collection of Khmer art and sculptures reveals the country’s rich cultural heritage. The afternoon is free for independent exploration, whether browsing local markets or enjoying riverside cafés. Before dinner, experience a heartfelt cultural performance by children from a local orphanage, showcasing traditional Cambodian music and dance in a memorable evening celebration.
🚢 Your stay at - Avalon Saigon Cruise (🍴B, L, D)

Today offers two contrasting perspectives of Cambodia’s past and present. Choose a guided visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and one of the Killing Fields, gaining insight into the tragic history of the Khmer Rouge era and the resilience of the Cambodian people. Alternatively, enjoy a discovery tour of Phnom Penh’s Central Market, admired for its striking Art Deco architecture and vibrant atmosphere. After lunch, return to the ship and unwind as you cruise along the Mekong River. Watch daily life unfold along the riverbanks while sailing toward the peaceful community of Wat Hanchey.
🚢 Your stay at - Avalon Saigon Cruise (🍴B, L, D)

This morning, visit Wat Hanchey, an ancient hilltop temple overlooking the Mekong River. Admire sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and participate in a traditional water blessing ceremony performed by local monks, offering a meaningful cultural experience. After lunch, continue to the charming village of Angkor Ban, one of Cambodia’s best-preserved rural communities. Stroll through the village streets, visit a traditional Khmer wooden house, and meet local schoolchildren. This authentic encounter provides a fascinating glimpse into everyday Cambodian life before the ship continues its scenic journey along the river.
🚢 Your stay at - Avalon Saigon Cruise (🍴B, L, D)

Experience the timeless beauty of Cambodia’s countryside today. In Konpong Louang, visit a traditional silversmith village where skilled artisans transform pure silver into intricate handcrafted pieces using techniques passed down through generations. Continue to Kampong Tralach and board an ox cart for a leisurely ride through picturesque rice fields and rural landscapes. Along the way, meet a local farmer and learn about daily life in this agricultural region. During the afternoon, enjoy relaxing scenic cruising along the Tonle River, taking in beautiful river views before returning to Phnom Penh for the evening.
🚢 Your stay at - Avalon Saigon Cruise (🍴B, L, D)

Your unforgettable Mekong River journey comes to an end in Phnom Penh. Enjoy a final breakfast onboard while reflecting on the remarkable experiences, cultural encounters, and scenic landscapes discovered throughout Vietnam and Cambodia. After disembarkation, bid farewell to your crew and fellow travelers as you continue with your onward travel arrangements. Though the cruise concludes today, memories of vibrant floating markets, ancient temples, welcoming villages, and the timeless beauty of the Mekong River will remain with you long after your journey ends.