DAY 01: SAIGON – BOARDING RV LA MARGUERITE (L, D)
Welcome onboard the RV La Marguerite, which is moored at Saigon port. Saigon, known as Ho Chi Minh City now, is peppered with old French colonial architectures along the riverside. Check-in at 12h00. After checking in, freshen up and enjoy the fascinating views of the Saigon River either from your private balcony or from the sundeck. At 14h00, the ship departs from Saigon sailing through the international waterways, up the broad Mekong Tributary. Tonight join other fellow passengers onboard for a welcome Dinner at a Mekong Restaurant.
DAY 02: CAI BE – SA DEC (B, L, D)
Upon 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 in Sa Dec, where the French writer Marguerite Duras spent many years of her childhood, and where director Jean-Jaques Annaud shot much of his 1992 film "The Lover". Go for an afternoon walk around the sprawling busy town. Since the French colonialism, a lot has remained unchanged 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 next to the shop doors. Both the school where Magarette Duras' mother taught and the small house behind it where the family lived still stand. Enjoy your time listening to the love story 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 03: TAN CHAU – BORDER CROSSING (B, L, D)
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 rickshaw ride around this fascinating town. Return to the ship 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 04: PHNOM PENH (B, L, D)
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 05: PHNOM PENH – KAMPONG CHAM (B, L, D)
Early morning depart 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 is the 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 06: KAMPONG CHAM AREA (B, L, D)
In the morning, take a journey upriver to the hilltop. Pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Dating back to the 8th century, these ancient brick structures characterized 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, and 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 07: TONLE RIVER (B, L, D)
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. Right here you can watch a stunning variety of bird life which amazes you together with schools of fish migrating from the lake into the Tonle River.
DAY 08: TONLE LAKE – SIEM REAP (B ,L)
The great lake of over 150 km long dominates Cambodia. 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. End of tour.