Discover the majestic Mekong, a breathtaking waterway that spans over 2,700 miles across six countries in Southeast Asia. Journeying from its source in the Tibetan Plateau to the enchanting Mekong Delta, this timeless river unveils a mesmerizing array of landscapes and biodiversity. Along its banks lie culturally rich destinations, steeped in history and ethnicity, awaiting exploration on this thoughtfully curated journey. January is the perfect month to travel with cooler temperatures and lower water levels, allowing for more experiences along the way. In addition local privately guided excursions and tours with our locals, guests on this journey will have a chance to enjoy daily cycling, kayaking, swimming, and guided meditation at sunrise. Of course, the Spa is there on board for those in search of a more relaxing afternoon.
Today, embark on your Emerald award-winning river cruise Star-Ship. You are greeted by your Captain, hosts and crew. After lunch on board, set sail to My Tho in the Mekong Delta, and this evening, enjoy a Welcome dinner on board with your fellow guests. Your Tour Director will also conduct a port talk to review the activities and itinerary for the days ahead.
This morning you will be taken to the village of Ðat Dua, where you will learn how coconut candy and other local sweets are made, along with a fruit workshop. Enjoy a ride through the fruit plantations to Tan Long Pagoda on a Lambro before returning to your ship. We then sail onwards to Sa Dec, a hidden gem on the Mekong Delta.
After another lovely breakfast on board, we pay a visit to Sa Dec, which includes stops at the Chinese Congregational House in Kien An Cung. That is the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant. We then enjoy a walk through the central market to peruse its varied produces. We make our way back to the ship by sampan (small traditional canoe) and set sail to My An Hung Island.
The morning is yours to enjoy your free time on board. Of course, for guests avid of more action, your host would be delighted to organize a visit to Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary in Tram Chim National Park. This afternoon, embark on a journey to Long Khanh Island, where you visit a local family and learn about scarf-weaving. A visit to the Hoa Hao Buddhist Pagoda is also on the program.Tonight, dinner is spiced up with a traditional Lion Dance performance.
In Tan Chau, we enjoy a visit to 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 about the mix of ideas that form the basis of this fascinating religion. After a Xe Loi ride, embark one of our sampans to Evergreen Island for a walk through a local village. There, we get a glimpse into the lives of the local farming community, and stop at a local fish farm enroute back to the ship. Tonight, celebrate crossing the border with a Cambodian-style family dinner.
Wake up in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. The city is known as the “Pearl of Asia”. 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 small museum and learn about this sad historic chapter. The afternoon is yours to continue exploring, experience a Silk Farm Tour or simply relax on board your luxury ship.Tonight, you will have a chance to experience an evening remork (or Tuk-Tuk) ride through Phnom Penh and enjoy the city lights.
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 sight 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. In the afternoon, we visit the majestic Royal Palace and its gardens and the central market located in the heart of the city.
After our last breakfast on board, we disembark our luxury ship and bid farewell to Cambodia. Of course, Art In Voyage would be delighted to organize your extension in Cambodia or beyond. Should you need to go home today, your transfer to the airport will be arranged.
Our day-to-day itinerary may, from time to time and prior to departure, need to be altered or slightly modified to address possible unforeseen logistical and weather challenges. In such rare instances, Art In Voyage guarantees delivery of the content of the itinerary yet, in a different order.
All listed retreats (hotels, villas, and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. In such rare instances, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
Travel insurance, once purchased, goes into effect upon payment of the premium. You have 15 days from that date to cancel it (providing no claims have been filed or initiated during that period). Beyond 15 days, it becomes non-refundable/non-changeable/non-transferrable.
Deposit non refundable in case of a cancellation by the guest more that 24 hours after making the reservation.
In case of a cancelation within the penalty period: Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $500 per person administrative fee.
