UPSTREAM JOURNEY

Sail Upriver into the Soul of Indochina

From the vibrant pulse of Ho Chi Minh city to the sacred rhythms of Cambodia, the Mekong Princess carries you upstream through a landscape where history breathes and traditions blossom along the water’s edge. Wander beneath coconut palms in Ben Tre, drift through floating markets in Can Tho, and stand in quiet awe before the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh. With each passing day, the river reveals its many voices—told in handmade confections, sacred chants, and the shimmer of silver pagodas. This is not merely a journey—it is an unfolding story, written in riverlight.

Arrival and Embarkation

Your journey begins in the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City. From your hotel, our guide escorts you to Saigon Port, where the Mekong Princess awaits. Cool towels and a welcome drink greet you as you step aboard this elegant vessel—your floating sanctuary for the days ahead. As the cityscape of Ho Chi Minh gradually fades into the lush countryside, we sail through a maze of life-giving arteries before entering the wide embrace of the mighty Mekong Delta.

Through Palm-Shade Water

Awakened to the peaceful hush of Bến Tre, the coconut capital of Vietnam, where two-thirds of all households grow the refreshing fruit. Upon arrival on land, the low hum of xe lam (a vintage three-wheeled Lambretta) carries us along shaded village roads to a local coconut candy workshop, where practiced hands turn simple ingredients into delicate confections. The morning concludes as we board a traditional sampan to explore the labyrinthine canals of Bến Tre, surrounded by lush mangrove forests and coconut palms.

Greet Dawn as the River Stirs

As the sun begins to rise, we set off by sampan toward Cái Răng floating market—one of Vietnam’s intangible cultural heritages. The market is a bustling hub of activity, with boats selling all kinds of fresh produce and goods. In a tradition as old as the water itself, vendors brandish tall bamboo poles strung with their goods to indicate what they have to offer. As your sampan glides between vessels, sip the Delta’s natural elixir—fresh coconut water—and savor slices of tropical fruit, sweet and chilled by the morning breeze.

Of Weave and Belief

In the afternoon, the journey continues to the island village of Hồng Ngự, not far from the Cambodian border. Here, underneath stilted homes, villagers weave krama—colorful Khmer scarves that have long bridged Vietnamese and Cambodian cultures. Visitors are welcomed with rare warmth—many here had never met Western travelers until Mekong Princess first docked. Our excursion ends at a local temple of Hòa Hảo, a spiritual Vietnamese religion with strong influence from Buddhism born along this very riverbank.

As the sun descends, we return to the Mekong Princess and sail toward the border, where we pause for formalities before continuing onward into Cambodia. Onboard, a special treat awaits: a live cooking demonstration by our executive chef, revealing the secrets behind the flavors you’ve been savoring.

Morning Arrival and Border Crossing

Dawn spills gold across the water as the Mekong Princess approaches the Cambodian border. The river widens, its flow steady and serene—carrying us into a kingdom layered with ancient beauty and modern resilience. While the ship pauses for immigration procedures, take to the Sun Deck where our Executive Chef hosts a tropical fruit demonstration. Let the fragrance of ripe mangosteen, lychee, and rambutan mingle with the river breeze as you savor sweet tastes and watch the world pass gently by.

While the ship drifts forward, this is your time for relaxation and reflection, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of the Mekong River. As you indulge in a massage at the onboard spa or enjoy a refreshing cocktail at the lounge, allow yourself to fully immerse in the tranquility of this unique journey through Cambodia. Let the sights and sounds of the Mekong River lull you into a state of pure relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take this opportunity to truly unwind and appreciate the beauty of your surroundings as you cruise through this enchanting region.

Following, the cyclos carry us onward to the National Museum, a crimson-hued building made of red sandstone. Within these quiet halls, you’ll be able to trace the rise of the Khmer Empire through relics shaped by hands long gone—each piece a sentinel of Angkor’s vast legacy. From intricate pre-Angkorian carvings to the majestic forms of Angkor Wat’s deities, the museum offers a profound journey through Khmer civilization—its beauty, mystery, and enduring spirit.

A Morning of Shadows and Silence

The morning begins with a quiet journey beyond the city, as our private coach winds its way through the outskirts of Phnom Penh. The landscape softens as Choeung Ek comes into view. One of the Killing Fields, it remains a sacred scar upon Cambodia’s past. Here, you may walk in solemn reflection among the earth that silently bore witness to the atrocities committed under the Khmer Rouge regime.

As the City Breathes, Its Spirit Dances On

The afternoon is yours to wander. You may explore the city at your own pace—wander through temples, browse the markets, or find stillness with a massage or a shaded corner aboard the ship. As golden light begins to settle over Phnom Penh, the Mekong Princess welcomes you back for an evening steeped in culture and grace. Apsara dancers glide with serene grace, their movement painting ancient stories in the air. Accompanied by traditional music and several folk dances, this performance is more than a spectacle—it is survival made beautiful, heritage reborn in every gesture.

Where the Past Still Lives

After breakfast, gather in the Ramvong Lounge for a thoughtful introduction to Cambodia’s geography and the ever-shifting rhythms of life along the Mekong. By afternoon, we step ashore into Angkor Ban—one of the few villages in Cambodia that survived the Khmer Rouge's destruction. Many of the original homes, which are several hundred years old, are still standing. Our excursion begins at the village temple, where saffron-robed monks chant soft blessings, their voices weaving peace into the afternoon light. We continue through the village’s quiet lanes to the home of a local family, where we learn about their daily lives and the challenges they face.

As the ship reaches its final destination, one final breakfast is served in the Indochine Restaurant—a leisurely buffet of fresh tropical fruits, warm pastries, and rich local flavors. Conversations drift like the current, mingling with memories of coconut groves, saffron-robed monks, and sampans gliding through morning mist. Soon, the Mekong Princess moors at Kampong Cham, and it is time to part with the vessel that has been your home, your window into another world. With luggage in hand and hearts a little fuller, guests disembark and board the awaiting motorcoach for the final leg of this journey. As the countryside rolls past—fields dotted with sugar palms and villages built on stilts—the road to Siem Reap opens ahead. Arrival at your hotel is expected by noon. Though the cruise ends, the Mekong continues—flowing, changing, and whispering through time.