Upstream itinerary
7 nights - Mekong Symphony
Sai gon
EMBARKATION
(15:00) Embark on the luxurious Mekong Symphony cruise. After settling into your elegant suite, enjoy a warm welcome reception in the evening. You’ll meet our friendly and professional crew, followed by a safety briefing. Shortly after, a delightful Welcome Dinner will be served in the Tonle Sap Restaurant.
After all guests embark, Mekong Symphony sets sail for Go Cong.
Quoi son
CAI BE
Early this morning, Mekong Symphony departs Go Cong and heads toward Quoi Son.
(08:30 – 11:30) Board a sampan and cruise through narrow canals lined with water coconut palms and apple mangroves. After disembarking, take a walk through lush tropical fruit plantations. Then hop on a Lambro 550 to visit a local home where coconut candy is made, and watch how coconut is used in traditional handicrafts. You’ll also have a chance to sample fresh honey, honey tea, and tropical fruits, all while enjoying a live performance of Don Ca Tai Tu, a traditional Vietnamese folk music style. Continue with a peaceful hand-rowed boat ride through the canals, spotting birdlife and daily local life before returning to the sampan and heading back to the ship.
(14:30 – 17:00) In Cai Be, board the sampan to cruise on a tapestry of waterways to shore. We walk through the tropical fruit garden and visit a local house where we learn how to make sticky rice wine. Then back to the sampan and continue into the long and narrow canals of Cai Be to visit an ancient house to learn about family’s story.
Mekong Symphony departs Cai Be and sets sail for Sa Dec
Sa dec
(08:30 – 11:00) This morning, take a relaxing sampan ride through narrow Mekong canals, offering a glimpse into the daily life of villagers. Arrive in the town of Sa Dec and visit the historic home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le-famously known as the lover in Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant (The Lover). Then visit the Chinese Temple Kien An Cung, built in honor of the Huynh family. From there, take a guided walk through Sa Dec’s bustling market, a sensory experience filled with sights, sounds, and colorful displays of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and spices – perfect for photos.
After the tour, Mekong Symphony sails toward Chau Doc.
Evening Entertainment
After dinner, join your fellow guests for a fun and lively music quiz night.
CHAU DOC
BORDER CROSSING
(08:30 – 11:30) After breakfast, begin your exploration of Chau Doc – a vibrant border town known for its riverside charm, cultural diversity, and spiritual landmarks. The tour includes visits to a floating fish farm, the Cham Village, and Hang Pagoda (Cave Pagoda), set on the slopes of Sam Mountain.
Once all guests are back on board, Mekong Symphony cruises to the Vietnam – Cambodia border. After completing immigration formalities, the cruise continues toward Phnom Penh.
Onboard Activities
Tropical Fruit Tasting: Enjoy a flavorful introduction to the region’s exotic fruits with a guided tasting and a spring roll-making class hosted by our Chef.
Cultural Costume Presentation: Delight in a vibrant performance featuring traditional national costumes, presented by our talented crew.
Evening Events
Captain’s Cocktail Reception: Before dinner, join the Captain for an elegant cocktail gathering, complete with a ceremonial sabering to celebrate the journey ahead.
PHNOM PENH
(08:30 – 11:30) After breakfast, take a tuk tuk ride for a guided morning tour of Phnom Penh’s highlights. First stop: Wat Phnom, the legendary founding site of the city and still an active monastery. Ride along the scenic riverfront to the Royal Palace, official residence of the King of Cambodia. Explore the grounds including the Throne Hall, Moonlight Pavilion, and the Silver Pagoda, which houses Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and a Maitreya Buddha encrusted with over 9,000 diamonds.
Your tuk tuk awaits to continue to Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21), a former high school turned into the Khmer Rouge’s most infamous prison and interrogation center.
Afternoon at Leisure
Spend the afternoon exploring Phnom Penh at your own pace-shop, dine, or sightsee. A shuttle coach with your guide will be available to take you from the port to the Central Market.
Evening Entertainment
Enjoy a Khmer cultural performance on the Sun Deck before dinner, featuring Apsara dance and other traditional folk dances.
Optional Phnom Penh by night tour (Please contact our Purser to book and pay for the tour)
Join us for a captivating Tuk-Tuk ride around this fascinating and emerging City. Discover the colorful lights, sounds and the breathtaking evening Panorama of Cambodia’s Capital whilst sipping an exotic cocktail.
After Dinner (9 pm) we start at the Port going around Wat Phnom through the city streets on to the Independence Monument, followed by stop at High Grounds Roof Bar for you to sip a complimentary Cocktail whilst enjoying the panoramic view over Phnom Penh.
KOH CHEN
KAMPONG TRALACH
In the morning, Mekong Symphony sails from Phnom Penh to Koh Chen.
(09:00 – 11:00) After docking, take a guided walk through Koh Chen village, known for its traditional bronze-smithing. As you approach, you’ll hear the rhythmic sound of artisans hammering heated bronze into beautifully engraved bowls and ceremonial items, a craft still sought after in shops across Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.
(14:30 – 16:30) In Kampong Tralach, take a unique ox-cart ride through lush rice paddies and serene countryside landscapes. Visit Wat Kampong Tralach Leu, a colorful local pagoda where you’ll meet monks and receive a traditional water blessing. Learn how many Cambodians experience monastic life during childhood. The temple’s interior is richly painted with scenes from the Buddha’s past lives. After the visit, take a tuk tuk ride back to the ship.
Mekong Symphony departs Kampong Tralach after the excursion and sails to Kampong Chhnang.
KAMPONG CHHNANG
(09:00 – 10:30) After breakfast, enjoy a tuk tuk ride to a nearby village in Kampong Chhnang. Explore on foot as your guide introduces you to the village’s specialties, including traditional Khmer pottery, the local market, and the process of making palm sugar (skor t’not) from sugar palms.
After the excursion, Mekong Symphony sets sail for Koh Chen.
Evening Events
Gather in the Saigon Lounge for a Farewell Reception with the crew, followed by a Farewell Dinner in the Tonle Sap Restaurant.
KOH CHEN / DISEMBARKATION
After breakfast, say goodbye to the crew and disembark from the cruise.
A shuttle coach departs at 08:30, with a scenic transfer to Siem Reap. A lunch stop is included en route. Arrival in Siem Reap is expected at around 14:00, at FCC Angkor by Avani.
