Day 1, SAIGON
Welcome onboard the RV La Marguerite where the vessel is moored at the Saigon port. Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, is peppered with old French colonial architecture along the riverside. Check-in is at 12h00 where port and immigration formalities will be conducted. After checking in, freshen up and enjoy the fascinating views of the Saigon River either from your private balcony or from the sun deck. At 14h00, the ship departs Saigon sailing through the international waterways, up the broad Mekong Tributary. Tonight join fellow passengers onboard for Welcome Dinner at the Mekong Restaurant.
Day 2, CAI BE - SA DEC
Arriving at Cai Be in the morning, early risers could enjoy crimson sunrise on the sun deck. After breakfast, sail through Cai Be's floating market, go ashore to visit the French Gothic Cathedral, colorful flower gardens and local rice paper manufacturers. Cruise past Vinh Long Province and arrive at Sa Dec for an afternoon walk. French writer Marguerite Duras spent some of her childhood in Sa Dec, a sprawling busy town. In Sa Dec, director Jean-Jaques Annaud shot much of his 1992 film "The Lover". Aside from the fact that the French have long departed, not a lot has changed in Sa Dec since Duras' day. Warehouses, mostly old Chinese shop-houses, bulge with merchandise. Ancient riverboats load and unload at the wharves built almost to the shop doors. Both the school where Duras' mother taught and the small house behind it where the family lived still stand. Spend time in the house of Mr Huynh Thuy Le, Duras' Chinese lover. The house is now the "The Lover Museum" in Sadec. In the evening, cruise through the Mekong Delta to Tan Chau.
Day 3, TAN CHAU - BORDER CROSSING
Tan Chau is a remote small town on the main Mekong River. After breakfast, transfer to small boats visit a catfish farm, rice-polishing factory, mat making workshop and a silk weaving workshop. Take a round trip trishaw ride around this fascinating town. We return to the ship by boat for lunch and cast off for the Cambodian border for port and immigration formalities. In the evening, cruise up the broad Mekong River, an international shipping route and moor overnight mid-stream just outside of Phnom Penh.
Day 4, PHNOM PENH
Early morning cruise into Phnom Penh and dock at the passenger port terminal. This capital of Cambodia retains its French charm with old colonial architecture framing busy cafes. The city has several impressive Wats, including Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and the newly painted Wat Lang Ka. Visit the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda, one of the few places in Cambodia where the Khmer Rouge preserved artifacts embodying the brilliance and richness of Khmer culture. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts. An afternoon excursion is arranged to the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge's grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention center.
Day 5, PHNOM PENH - KAMPONG CHAM
Early morning departs from Phnom Penh and stop at secluded Chong Koh silk weaving village for a leisurely walk. Cruise past the Mekong's timeless villages with extensive fishing activities. The scenery is serene, and in the distance, forested hills rise. On the river above Phnom Penh there is real Cambodian life. In the afternoon, stop at Peam Chi Kang village to visit the Wat or Monastery and its school. Explore this peaceful and friendly community at your own pace. In the Wat, splendid village racing boats are stored. Anchor mid-stream at Kampong Cham.
Day 6, KAMPONG CHAM AREA
In the morning, journey upriver to the hilltop. Pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Dating back to the 8th century, these ancient brick structures characterize the architecture of the Chenla Empire, which predated the glories of Angkor. Sail back downstream for an exploration of the Kampong Cham Area. Travel by bus to the 12th century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor. This colorful temple is unique in Cambodia, as a modern Wat, it is set within the ruins of an ancient temple. Continue to the Eco Village of Cheungkok. There are many pagodas and shrines on the hilltops.
Day 7, TONLE RIVER
Sail along Tonle River, which connects Tonle Lake with the Mekong and Bassac Rivers at Phnom Penh. Winding through the jungles, coming up close with local river folks. Temples abound along the riverbanks at Kampong Chhnang and we witness a rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. Mooring mid-stream, visit lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of bird life are seen and be amazed at the schools of fish migrating from the lake into the Tonle River.
Day 8, TON LE LAKE - SIEM REAP
The great lake over 150 km long, dominates Cambodia. Here bird life is profuse. From the middle of the lake, enjoy the stillness and tranquility along the floating fishing villages. And we will either cross Tonle Lake at dawn and disembark at Siem Reap Port or transfer by coach from Prek Kdam on the Tonle River to Siem Reap stopping for a short rest at Kampong Thom, depending on the water levels. Arrive at Siem Reap and bid farewell to fellow travelers and crew members.
