A Mekong Experience

Fly to Saigon, Vietnam's largest and most evocative city. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

This morning, confront the reality of guerrilla warfare at the astonishing Cu Chi Tunnels, used by the Viet Cong during the war. Return to Saigon, a vibrant, modern city with a treasure trove of fascinating heritage. See the colonial Notre Dame Cathedral, visit the magnificent Central Post Office, and the chilling War Remnants Museum. There'll also be a coffee break at one of Saigon's best coffee workshops. Dinner this evening will be at Noir, a restaurant that supports Saigon's visually impaired, for a sensory dining experience!

Transfer to the meeting point to board a Victoria Mekong shuttle to Can Tho, stopping en route for a delicious local lunch. Board the Victoria Mekong which, after a welcome briefing, will cast off into the waters of the Mekong Delta. Relax with a sundowner on deck and sit down to a sumptuous gala dinner whilst enjoying a performance of Don Ca Tai Tu – traditional music of the Mekong.

Hop on a tender boat to visit Long Xuyen's captivating floating market and gain a deeper insight into daily life along the river. This afternoon, tender to Tiger Island for a scenic walk through rice fields and gardens, visit local plant pot makers, and hear the story behind 'Mr. Tiger's Temple'.

Start the day in Pan Tan and visit a craft village famous for hand-making Ca Rang clay stoves. Enjoy lunch on board while cruising towards Tan Chau, then take a tender to explore a floating village and see how locals farm freshwater fish beneath their stilt houses. This evening features a thrilling lion dance performance!

Today, the Victoria Mekong will pass over the border into Cambodia and sail towards Phnom Penh. Spend a relaxed day enjoying the passing scenery and a wealth of on-board activities, such as yoga and cocktail making. In the late afternoon, dock at Phnom Penh's Sisowath Quay where, this evening, you will be entertained with a traditional Cambodian Apsara performance. Sip a farewell cocktail before a final gala dinner.

Enjoy breakfast on the ship before disembarking and bidding farewell to the Victoria Mekong. Board a cyclo and head from the pier into the heart of the city to visit the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before perusing the treasures of the National Museum. After a final stop at Wat Phnom, enjoy a cold glass of local beer at a sky bar.

Spend the morning confronting Phnom Penh's tragic past with visits to Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields to learn about the regime of Pol Pot. Later, fly to Siem Reap, the gateway to the Temples of Angkor.

Journey into the old city of Angkor Thom. At its heart is the enigmatic Bayon, a breathtaking temple of innumerable sculptural decorations. Admire the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King before continuing to the atmospheric Ta Prohm. The rest of the day is dedicated to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent and best preserved of all of Angkor's treasures. As the sun sets, float peacefully on the moat that surrounds Angkor Thom, soaking up the atmosphere.

High Water Season (Aug to Feb) Enjoy a morning cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, visiting the floating village of Kampong Phluk and observing the way of life of these lake communities. Low Water Season (Mar to Jul) Visit Chong Kneas floating village. This evening enjoy a rollicking performance of the Phare Cambodian Circus.

This morning, take a tuk tuk to join fellow chefs in a cooking class held in a traditional-style Cambodian house. Visit a fresh produce market to shop for your ingredients, before learning to prepare authentic Khmer food. You’ll then get to dine on the delicious meal you made. Spend your afternoon at leisure before a farewell dinner.

Fly to Australia, arriving home the following day.