Journey deeper into the Mekong’s lesser-known corners on our 9-day Discovery Cruise — perfect for travelers drawn to authentic culture, serene landscapes and a deeper connection with everyday life in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Glide through tranquil rural landscapes, visit riverside villages unchanged by time, and connect with artisans, farmers, and monks who bring Cambodia and Vietnam’s living culture to life. From leisurely travels through emerald rice paddies to kayaking in the flooded forests of Tra Su, every day offers a blend of gentle adventure and cultural immersion.
This is slow travel at its finest — an all-inclusive experience aboard our boutique riverboat, the Toum Tiou II.
The upriver Mekong Discovery Cruise departs from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Downriver cruises depart from Siem Reap, Cambodia, gateway to Angkor Wat, and run the itinerary in reverse.
Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap by river, uncovering the Mekong’s most iconic sights and hidden gems over 9 unforgettable days
Day 1
Meet at the Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel between 11.30 am and 12:30 pm. (hotel address: 17 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Phone: +84 28 3827 1717).
We will have lunch at this hotel restaurant or at a local restaurant. After lunch, we’ll explore the local Chinatown and experience the daily life of the people. We’ll also visit the Giac Lam Pagoda, which is over 300 years old and is the oldest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. Lastly, we’ll visit the Flower Market and Binh Tay market for a 15-minute walking tour to explore how locals buy and sell local food and products.
Day 2
Enjoy a tasty breakfast onboard before our Ho Chin Minh tour. Take a short downtown drive to the city. Walking tour commences and stop for some photographs at notable sites like Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Municipal Post Office, City Square and the Opera house all of which were heavily influenced by French colonialism in the 19th century. Enjoy the vibrancy of this city by foot and explore the city’s green space enjoying the beauty of nature in the middle of this dynamic city. Experience the local coffee scene – Vietnam is famous for producing high-quality coffee and coffee shops are a common sight in the downtown.
Day 3
Breakfast on board and cruise the magnificent Chao Gao canal, where you will experience the lively and vibrant canal full of ships activity, yet still feel close to the life on shore. A must-see part of the cruise and we’re the only cruise line offering this unique passage. Arrival in My Tho.
In My Tho we will kick off with a local boat pick-up that will take us on a boat cruise to Thoi Son island where we will have the opportunity to explore the daily lives of the local people and enjoy seasonal fruits.
Day 4
Breakfast on board
Local boat pick-up for a short panoramic tour of Sa Dec, including a visit to the Trung Vuong primary school (will close on Saturday, Sunday, holiday and New Year) where you’ll get a chance to learn more about the local education system. Afterward, we will enjoy a promenade at Sa Dec market on the riverbank.
Day 5
Breakfast on board.
Our friendly Vietnamese guide and comfortable van will be awaiting passengers at the pier, ready to take you on a tour to Tra Su Forest. We’ll experience this beautiful forest with a motorboat and rowing boat tour, where you can witness this incredible and diverse flora and fauna of this stunning natural environment.
Day 6
Breakfast on board.
We’ll enjoy a tour of the fabulous Royal Palace, one of the most impressive examples of Cambodian architecture, and its Silver Pagoda. Onward to visit the National Museum.
Enjoy an afternoon tour of the area by “tuk-tuk,” for an authentic and immersive experience like no other.
Day 7
Breakfast on board
The ship then departs to Udong, Cambodia’s former capital. We’ll dock at Koh Chen and transfer by van to Udong. On arrival, first we visit the colorful Vipassana Dhura Buddhist Meditation Center where you will hear about the school of Vipassana or Insight Meditation.
Day 8
Breakfast on board
Visit Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonle Sap Lake. Here they also have many fish farms. The region is also known for its traditional pottery combining ancient knowledge with modern techniques — Chhnang itself means “pot.” We’ll enjoy a tasting of regional products before returning on board.
Day 9
Breakfast on board. After breakfast, passengers will be transferred by air-conditioned coach from Koh Chen to Siem Reap (5-6 hours bus ride). Drop off at the meeting point. End of our journey.
Please do not book your flight before 3:00 p.m.
Itineraries and excursions are subject to change.
To browse all cruises, see the full departure schedule.
To browse all cruises, see the full departure schedule.