Mekong Magic & Siem Reap Sojourn

Cruise along the enchanting Mekong River onboard Emerald Harmony, immersing yourself in its beauty, and then experience the cultural wonders of Siem Reap, home to the captivating Angkor temples.

Holiday package

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Itinerary
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Embark on a journey of pure delight as you cruise along the enchanting Mekong River aboard the luxurious Emerald Harmony. Let the gentle currents carry you through a landscape of breathtaking beauty, where emerald-green waters mirror the lush scenery that unfolds along the riverbanks. Sip on a refreshing drink, feel the river breeze on your face, and let the soothing melodies of the Mekong create the soundtrack to your adventure. As you dock in Siem Reap, the gateway to cultural wonders, get ready to be captivated by the spellbinding Angkor temples. It's not just a cruise; it's a symphony of nature, luxury, and cultural exploration that awaits, promising an unforgettable experience at every turn.

Package Inclusions:

Your Fly Stay & Cruise package includes:

Return economy airfares from Sydney to Ho Chi Minh, return from Siem Reap
3 nights accommodation in Ho Chi Minh including breakfast
Full day Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Tour in VIP Limousine bus
7 night Mekong River Cruise onboard Emerald Harmony, Saigon to Phnom Penh
Economy class flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
3 nights accommodation in Siem Reap including breakfast
Temples of Angkor Wat Full Day Tour

Mekong River Cruise inclusions:
- A total of 21 superb meals including - 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
- International and local wine, beer & soft drinks to accompany lunch & dinner while on board Emerald Harmony
- Specialty coffees including espresso and cappuccino available throughout the day
- A Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
- Wi-Fi on board, all tipping and gratuities

- Traditional Buddhist Monk Blessing

- A visit to the Killing Fields & Tuel Sleng Genocide Museum

- Visit to Royal Palace & central market

- Phnom Penh tuk-tuk drive by night + more

Travel Dates: 16 October 2024- 30 October 2024

Alternate travel dates available subject to price fluctuations. Please call us for a price!

Itinerary

Ho Chi Minh City
Begin your extraordinary journey by flying into the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh, where you'll be welcomed to your carefully selected accommodation for a luxurious three-night stay. On the second day, prepare for an immersive exploration as you embark on a captivating tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a remarkable network used during the Vietnam War. Delve into history and gain insights into the ingenuity of these underground passages.

Later in the day, experience the enchanting beauty of the Mekong Delta on a private group tour, traveling in comfort and style aboard a Limousine bus. Marvel at the picturesque landscapes, floating markets, and local villages as you cruise along the Mekong River. This exclusive journey promises not only a glimpse into the rich history of the region but also an opportunity to witness the vibrant culture and traditions that thrive along the Mekong Delta. Immerse yourself in this unforgettable blend of history and natural beauty, making your stay in Ho Chi Minh a truly enriching experience.

Day 1 of Cruising - Ho Chi Minh City – Embarkation

Xin Chao and welcome to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, you will be met by your Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to the Grand Hotel before transferring to Saigon Port where you will board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, Emerald Harmony. You’ll be welcomed on board by your captain and crew before after lunch setting sail down the Saigon River on your journey towards My Tho in the Mekong Delta. This evening, enjoy your first dinner on board with your fellow travellers. Your Cruise Director will conduct a port talk to review the activities and itinerary for the days ahead.

Please book your flight to arrive into Ho Chi Minh City prior to 08:30 AM.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 - Ben Tre

This morning travel through the bustling Cho Gao. The Cho Gao canal is one of the major arterial canals of Vietnam connecting Tien Giang Province in the Mekong Delta with Ho Chi Minh City. Today is a fascinating morning watching the heavy commercial traffic navigate this important waterway which can see upwards of 1,800 vessels transit each day. This afternoon once on the Mekong River, you’ll visit the Tan My Floating community followed by a ride through the local plantations to visit a mushroom farm, a fruit farm with sampling and a honey farm with local sweet before returning to Emerald Harmony to sail onwards to Sa Ðéc, a hidden gem on the Mekong Delta.

Included Excursion

Visit the Thoi Binh hamlet and its farming and fishing communities, untouched by tourism

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 - Sa Dec – My An Hung

After a short ride on a sampan to Sa Dec enjoy a walking tour around town with stops at the Chinese Congregational House in Kien An Cung, the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le (currently under renovation), who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant, and enjoy a walk through the central market to peruse its varied produce.

Return to Emerald Harmony by sampan and sail to My An Hung Island. Recognised as a cultural and historical destination, this small village in rural Vietnam specialises in red-hot chilli and peppers. As part of our EmeraldPLUS programme, enjoy some local folk singing during the visit.

EmeraldPLUS

Listen to some local folk singing in My An Hung

Included Excursion

A visit to the Chinese Congregational House and the bustling Sa Dec Markets

Included Excursion

A visit to My An Hung village and its Monkey Bridge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Gieng Island - An Long

On Gieng Island you can travel through the island’s villages to visit families who work in a variety of local industries including boat building of different types and creating incense sticks for temples. Also visit Vietnam’s oldest church.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy your free time on board or, if you prefer, partake in a DiscoverMORE optional excursion to the Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary in An Long.

Included Excursion

See the local industries in Gieng Island

DiscoverMORE

A visit to Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary in Tram Chim National Park (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Tan Chau - Vietnam/Cambodia Border Crossing

Embark on a sampan to Evergreen Island for a walk through a local village to get a glimpse into the lives of the local farming community. Reboard your sampan to travel back to Tan Chau and as part of our EmeraldPLUS programme, visit the recently renovated Cao Dai temple. The religion of Cao Dai is a syncretic, monotheistic religion established in southern Vietnam in the city of Tây Ninh in 1926. Here, you will learn more about the mix of ideas that form the basis of this fascinating religion. Afterwards ride in a Xe Loi (local form of cyclo) from the temple back to your sampan to then visit a Mekong fish farm before returning to Emerald Harmony.

Back on board your luxury Star-Ship, cruise to the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. Whilst at the border, as part of our EmeraldPLUS programme, you’ll be delighted by a traditional Lion Dance performance on board. Tonight, celebrate crossing the border with a Cambodian-style family dinner.

EmeraldPLUS

A visit to a local Cao Dai Temple

EmeraldPLUS

A Lion Dance performance on board

Included Excursion

A visit to Evergreen Island

Included Excursion

Experience a Xe Loi ride, unique to the Mekong Delta

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Phnom Penh

Wake up in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. The city, known as the “Pearl of Asia”, was almost entirely evacuated by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. This morning, you will learn more about the Khmer Rouge and the darkest days of the country’s history. A short drive will take you to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. Here you will have the opportunity to walk through the fields, visit the memorial and learn about this sad historic chapter.

Afterwards visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S-21). This is a former school that was converted to the main prison and torture headquarters of the Khmer Rouge. Spend the afternoon as you please exploring our DiscoverMORE excursions or simply relaxing on board Emerald Harmony. In the evening, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme you will have a chance to experience an evening remork (local Tuk-Tuk) ride through Phnom Penh to enjoy the city lights.

EmeraldPLUS

Phnom Penh by night on a remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour

Included Excursion

Killing Fields at Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

DiscoverMORE

A silk farm tour at Koh Oknha Tei (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE

Craft Beer Adventure by remork (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Phnom Penh – Oudong – Koh Khsach Krao

Located north of Phnom Penh, Oudong was the former royal capital of Cambodia up until it moved to Phnom Penh in 1866. Important remnants on the temple site include the burial sites of Khmer kings as well as religious artefacts dating back more than a hundred years. In the main temple of the Oudong Monastery, receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from the temple’s resident monks as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme. In the afternoon, you will visit the majestic Royal Palace with its gardens, followed by the Central Market located in the heart of the city. Back on board, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children's Organisation. Afterwards set sail, gliding past the illuminated Phnom Penh at night for a short sail to Koh Khsach Krao.

EmeraldPLUS

A traditional Buddhist Monk blessing

EmeraldPLUS

Cultural Performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation

Included Excursion

A visit to the Royal Palace and Central Market

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Koh Khsach Krao Disembarkation to Phnom Penh

Disembark Emerald Harmony in the morning and transfer to Phnom Penh airport for you flight home.

Please book your flight to depart out of Phnom Penh after 10:00 AM.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Phnom Penh to Siem Reap
Embark on the next leg of your adventure by taking a scenic flight from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap, the gateway to the awe-inspiring Temples of Angkor. Upon arrival, settle into your exquisite accommodation, marking the beginning of a four-night stay in this historically rich city.

On the second day, prepare for a mesmerizing exploration of the ancient wonders as you embark on a full-day tour to the Temples of Angkor and Banteay Srei. Traverse the iconic Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and delve into the intricate carvings and profound history that grace this architectural masterpiece. Continue your journey through the ancient city, uncovering the mysteries of Bayon Temple with its enigmatic stone faces and the atmospheric Ta Prohm, where ancient ruins intertwine with towering tree roots.

The highlight of your day will be the excursion to Banteay Srei, renowned for its exquisite pink sandstone carvings and intricate details. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural and historical tapestry of these temples, guided by knowledgeable experts who will bring the past to life. This full-day tour promises an immersive experience, allowing you to witness the grandeur of Angkor's temples and the delicate artistry of Banteay Srei, leaving you with indelible memories of Siem Reap's ancient wonders.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions apply: All prices are quoted in Australian dollars, based on per person double occupancy unless stated otherwise, and inclusive of all taxes and discounts. All prices & itineraries are current as at 05/02/2024 & subject to change without notice. Prices are subject to change due to availability, currency fluctuations, fuel price, and tax increases. Price includes any stated bonus nights, upgrades & package savings, if applicable. All passports, visas, travel permits, and vaccinations are the responsibility of the travelling passenger to secure prior to travel. Airfares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice, based in economy class from Sydney and are subject to the carriers' flight schedules and conditions. Please call us for prices from other airports. Travel packages advertised may include multiple products provided by several suppliers to provide a travel itinerary. Each component of the package will be treated independent of each other, and the specific terms & conditions of each product supplier will apply. Hotels may charge resort fees, or a security bond not included or mentioned in this package, payable direct upon check-in.

VISAS
Vietnam: Please ensure your passport is valid more than 6 months from the date of return for every country you are visiting. Kindly note that visa service is not included in our proposal. you can simply apply online via this website: https://dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn/bocongan/bothutuc/tthc?matt=26277&fbclid=IwAR3xO3WdKtdUM03q844SIKVqU9d4BXAbHIt6elFMiW1vHgITCif4a6fV-Wc
Online visa fee is at $25USD and you do not need to pay stamping fee at Vietnam airport.
Please note the following general information is subject to change

Cambodia: E-visa now available for Cambodia. Check process and apply through link: https://www.evisa.gov.kh/ with Visa-T for traveler. Visa fee is USD30+ USD6 (processing charge) and valid for 30 days from the time of entry.