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12days
Saigon to Siem Reap & Mekong River Cruise
Ho Chi Minh City, My Tho, Vietnam, Lower Mekong River Cruise, Cai Be, Mekong River, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap
Discover Ho Chi Minh’s colonial landmarks, from the Notre Dame Cathedral to Chinatown.
Cruise the Mekong River for three nights, exploring floating markets and riverside villages.
Explore Angkor Wat’s iconic temples, including Ta Prohm and Bayon, with a private guide.
Mekong cruises operate from August to April, with departures varying by cruise line.
Your Cruise Expert will match you with the ideal cruise partner tailored to your preferences.
* Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
Ho Chi Minh CityThe Adventure Begins
- Vietnam Welcome Package
- VIP Immigration Fast Track Meet & Greet with Visa - VIP Fast Track (Single Entry)
- Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
Ho Chi Minh CityExplore a City of Contrasts
- Notre Dame Cathedral & Pagodas of Ho Chi Minh City (4 hrs) - Private Tour
- 1/2 Day Dinner At Mandarin Restaurant (2-3 hrs) - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
Ho Chi Minh CitySee the Signature Sights in Style
- Cu Chi Tunnels (4 hrs) - Private Tour
- Ho Chi Minh City Dining Suggestions
Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho to Vietnam to Lower Mekong River CruiseAll Aboard!
- Pier - Vehicle/Guide/Driver-My Tho
- Port - Coach/Driver
- Embarkation
- Lunch on Board (Included)
- Port Charges
- Dinner on Board (Included)
Cai Be to Lower Mekong River CruiseCultural Immersion
- Shared: Floating Market Visit & Local Villagers Encounter - Guide
- Breakfast (included)
- Lunch on Board (Included)
- Dinner on Board (Included)
Mekong River to Lower Mekong River CruiseLive Like a Local
- Shared: Stilt Houses, Fish Farm & Local Market Visit - Guide
- Breakfast (included)
- Lunch on Board (Included)
- Dinner on Board (Included)
Phnom PenhThe Journey Continues…
- Breakfast (included)
- Disembarkation
- Pier - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Phnom Penh Living History Foodie Tour by Tuk Tuk (5.5 hrs) - Tuk Tuk/Driver/Guide
Phnom PenhSights and Insights
- Phnom Penh City Tour with Lunch (9 hrs) - Private
- Lunch (Included)
Phnom Penh to Siem ReapOn the Road Again
- Phnom Penh - Siem Reap [(6hrs)] - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Siem Reap Dining Suggestions
Siem ReapIt’s All Ancient History
- Highlights of Angkor (with Lunch, 9.5 hrs) - Private Tour
Siem ReapCultural Immersion
- Roluos Temples & Monk Blessings (4 hrs) - Private Tour
- Mechrey Floating Village at Dusk (2.5 hrs) - Private Tour
Siem ReapUntil Next Time…
- Airport Transfer - Private
HO CHI MINH CITY

The Adventure Begins
Welcome to Vietnam. Please note that your travel documents include your eVisa. Please ensure you have this with you on arrival and that you bring a printed color copy in your hand, as immigration officials will need to see it when you enter the country.
Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be welcomed by a host holding a sign with the Kensington Tours logo on it who will help you through the fast tracked process to get your visa stamped. Once you obtain a stamp for your visa and have collected your luggage, your hostess will happily take you to your waiting guide and vehicle.
You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Ho Chi Minh Airport by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.
Where you’ll be staying
Park Room City View
HO CHI MINH CITY



Explore a City of Contrasts
The history of Ho Chi Minh City has many layers, telling a tale of decades of external influence from the Chinese and the French. With your private driver and English-speaking guide, start your visit today by exploring Dong Khoi Area in the center of the city where French colonial presence can be felt at the Notre Dame Cathedral, a Catholic Basilica commissioned entirely of imported French building materials. Then it's on to a visit to the Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning architectural marvel with rich Gothic, Renaissance, and French influences. From here, continue to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, also known as Phuoc Hai and regarded as one of the most interesting pagodas in the country. Built by the Cantonese community at the early 20th century, worshipers still use this historic landmark to this day. The pagoda, with its elaborately carved figurines and decorated panels of carved gilt woodwork, is dedicated to Buddhist and Taoist deities. If you only visit one pagoda in the city, it should be this one. Finally, head over to Cholon, the city’s Chinatown. Cholon is widely regarded as the largest Chinatown in the world by area.
You will be picked up by private car with an English speaking guide and transferred to the Mandarin Restaurant that offers a great Vietnamese menu. The restaurant is located on a quiet side street between busy Le Than Thon and the river, cross the threshold at Mandarin and then you enter a quaint, elegant oasis that will have you forgetting the seething city outside. Decor is an upscale Chinese motif with timber beams, fine Chinese screen paintings, and artwork on two open-plan floors. It's plush but not stuffy, and you'll feel comfortable in casual clothes or a suit.
Where you’ll be staying
Park Room City View
HO CHI MINH CITY



See the Signature Sights in Style
Head into the countryside near Ho Chi Minh City today to spend half a day exploring an incredible feat of perseverance and wartime engineering, the famed Cu Chi Tunnels. With your private driver and English-speaking guide, gain important insight into the prolonged struggle against invading armies, and appreciation for the resilience and spirit of the Vietnamese people. The residents of Cu Chi took the war underground into a highly developed network of tunnels that at its height stretched as far as Cambodia and included meeting rooms, kitchens and triage areas. Imperceptible from the ground, opposing armies could roll their tanks over the bunkers without causing damage to the tunnels below. Living conditions were harsh – in addition to fighting the war, residents battled food and oxygen scarcity, venomous insects, and cramped living quarters.
Ho Chi Minh City’s dining scene is as dynamic as the city itself, offering everything from authentic street flavors to elegant fine dining. For innovative cuisine with a cult following, Pizza 4P’s Saigon delights with artisanal, Japanese-inspired pizzas and homemade cheeses. A local favorite, Phở ThÌn serves a deeply flavorful bowl of the city’s iconic noodle soup. For vegetarian travelers, Chay Garden creates fresh and creative plant-based dishes in a tranquil garden setting. Experience Vietnamese comfort food at BÁnh xÈo 46A, renowned for its sizzling savory pancakes, or dine in style at Coco Dining Saigon, where contemporary design meets traditional flavors. Hoa Tuc and Mandarine offer elegant takes on Vietnamese classics, while Viet Nam House by celebrity chef Luke Nguyen highlights modern interpretations with flair. For a memorable finale, Chill Dining pairs creative cuisine with panoramic city views.
Where you’ll be staying
Park Room City View
HO CHI MINH CITY TO MY THO TO VIETNAM TO LOWER MEKONG RIVER CRUISE

All Aboard!
You will be privately transferred between your accommodations and Ho Chi Minh Pier by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.
Bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City as your shared transfer departs the city, driving nearly 45 miles south to My Tho, where you'll embark your boutique ship.
Welcome aboard!
Take some time to get settled in to your stateroom and to explore the length of the ship. You will be served refreshing drinks and a light lunch as the ship steadily glides along the Mekong River. Bathe in the fading sunset on the balcony, followed by a briefing at the lounge. Later, a welcome dinner awaits you.
You'll drop anchor midstream near Cai Be, where you'll overnight.
Please note: activities and stops during the cruise are a suggested itinerary only, and are subject to change by the cruise line based on climactic and water conditions, such as high water and low water seasonality. Maintain an open mind and an adventurous spirit, and enjoy your voyage!
Port charges are included in your multi-day cruise itinerary.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior Stateroom
CAI BE

Cultural Immersion
Every morning, your day starts with an invigorating Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck, just as the sun begins its gentle glow.
Your activities today start with a guided group visit to Cai Be's boisterous and colorful floating market on a traditional sampan (a flat bottomed traditional Vietnamese wooden boat). During the ride, discover breathtaking landscapes along the river and quaff the rustic life on the Mekong Delta. The cruise will halt intermittently to allow you to observe how rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies, rice pop, rice wine and coconut candies are made. Enjoy local life along the canals on the way back to the ship for lunch.
In the afternoon, you cruise to Sa Dec. Upon arrival, embark a traditional sampan to tour Binh Thanh Island to visit an untouchable village. Here, every villager is involved in the process of making rattan mat, and this gives you the opportunity to interact with the old local people. Afterward, board the ship for a tranquil evening cruise towards Tan Chau, where you'll moor midstream overnight.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior Stateroom
MEKONG RIVER

Live Like a Local
Start your day with a short excursion in Tan Chau, a pleasant town near the Cambodian border with sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community. Firstly, the journey takes you to the “evergreen” islands where you will be thrilled to learn about the life of the locals. The inhabitants of these islands live on houses poised on high stilts – a centuries-old tradition in this part of the Mekong Delta. You'll stop to visit a fish farm located in the Tan Chau canal – this farm consists of floating houses, and here, villagers make their living by cultivating fish. You continue by boat to Tan Chau pier, disembark here and stroll around this colorful local market, browsing lots of regional products. Return to the cruise ship after your market visit.
Overnight you'll anchor midstream near Phnom Penh.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior Stateroom
PHNOM PENH


The Journey Continues…
After breakfast this morning, you'll disembark from the ship and bid farewell to the crew.
Meet your driver for a pier transfer with a private vehicle and English speaking guide.
First stop is at the Pshar Kandal, Phnom Pen's oldest market, to enjoy delicacies such as fried noodles, BBQ beef with papaya salad, noodle soup, and delicious rice and coconut treats. Then it’s a walk to the French Quarter, which will open your eyes to Phnom Penh's colonial era architecture. Admire Belle Epoque and Art Deco design, a train station built during colonial times as wells as the Buddhist Temple, Wat Phnom, the tallest religious structure in the city. A true landmark in the city is Psah Thmey, once known as the biggest market in Asia. You'll have a chance to meet a traditional fortune teller (Optional: $5 USD), and taste a variety of local snacks. To quench your thirst, try a refreshing Teuk Ampil, a popular drink consisting of sugar cane juice poured over ice. After touring the market, a tuk tuk will take you back to your hotel. This private tour includes tuk-tuk transfers, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, food, cool water and towels.
Where you’ll be staying
Executive Room
PHNOM PENH


Sights and Insights
Today, flutter away in Cambodian history with temples, palaces, and antiquities. Visit the city's oldest and tallest religious structure, the Wat Phnom. Your guide will show where the 14-century stupa and small pagoda stands, as you admire the temples historical architecture. Then continue the Royal Palace, built in 1866 under King Norodom for a glimpse of Khmer architecture. You will also visit the Silver Pagoda - named after its floors, which it's designed with 5000 silver tiles. 60% of the pagoda's contact was destroyed under Pol Pot's regime, but what remains is utterly spectacular. After the palace, wonder in the National Museum and seek its huge collection of fine Khmer sculptures and artifacts, recovered from ancient Angkor Empire. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will be transferred by tuk-tuk to visit the Tuol Sleng Prison, housed in a high school, to capture the devastating horrors that occurred during Cambodia's Marxist movement. This excursion may prove distressing for some but is an important piece of Cambodia's recent past. After that, head to Choeng Ek, site of former orchards where more than 17,000 civilians were killed and buried in mass graves by victims of the Khmer Rouge between 1975 - 1979. Known as the "Killing Fields," this location sits around 17 kilometers outside of Phnom Penh. This private tour includes transportation an English speaking guide, entrance fees, food, cool water, and towels.
Where you’ll be staying
Executive Room
PHNOM PENH TO SIEM REAP


On the Road Again
Transfer from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap with a private vehicle and English speaking guide. The transfer is approximately 6 hours.
Siem Reap’s dining scene combines traditional Khmer cuisine with global influences in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. For authentic Cambodian flavors, try Sugar Palm or Chanrey Tree, both known for dishes like fish amok and Khmer curry. Head to the Old Market area for casual bites, including local BBQ and street food skewers. Cuisine Wat Damnak offers a refined tasting menu using seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques. For international fare, you’ll find everything from French bistros to vegan cafÉs along lively Pub Street. Enjoy cocktails at Miss Wong or a rooftop drink at X Bar for a fun evening vibe. Whether you’re after local delicacies or global cuisine, Siem Reap serves it all with warmth and charm.
Where you’ll be staying
State Room
SIEM REAP


It’s All Ancient History
Today your private guide and driver, will show you a full day of historical adventures, as you're being whisked away to see the breathtaking architecture and natural setting of one of the most important archaeological sites in South-East Asia. The different sites of Angkor cover around 250 square miles, including the forested areas. It features ruins dating back to a period between the 9th and 15th century, all sculpted in the distinctive Khmer style. As you approach the park, you will first see the South Gate of Angkor Thom. A walk along a half a mile trail past the walls that lead to a hidden temple is optional, but your guide will definitely ensure that you see the amazing temple areas of Bayon and Baphoun, as well as the Terrace of Elephants and Leper King. Take a break and have lunch back in town before you head over to the grey-stoned jungle temple of Ta Phrom. Here you enter a mysterious world, as tree stumps seem to grow out of the temple and roots crawl up its walls. For many people this is the highlight of Angkor. The most famous part of the park is, of course, Angkor Wat, known to visitors around the world. Finish the tour with a peaceful sunset at Srah Srang, as shades of violets, oranges, and pinks spread across the sky. This private tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, lunch, water, and towels.
Where you’ll be staying
State Room
SIEM REAP



Cultural Immersion
After breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up by your private guide and driver to visit the Roluos Group of temples, the remains of the first major capital of the Angkorian-era Empire. Included are Lolei, Preah Ko and Bakong. The sandstone carvings in the niches of the temples are as noteworthy as the Sanskrit inscriptions on the doorposts. The Bakong temple was built and dedicated to Shiva by Indravarman I. This is the largest and most interesting of the Roluos Group of temples and still has an active Buddhist monastery. After visiting the temples, you will receive a monk's blessing for good luck and good health before returning back to Siem Reap.
This afternoon, enjoy a countryside trip to the floating village of Mechrey Village on the Tonle Sap Lake. Your first stop on the way is at Ampil Peam and you can stroll through this traditional village where locals still live the same way as they have for centuries. Upon arrival at Mechrey, you will board a boat to explore the area. Your guide will explain the biodiversity of the area and discuss the lake’s importance for the livelihood of thousands of locals. Tonle Sap, meaning "Great Lake" has been declared a UNESCO biosphere. The meaning behind the name is also the inspiration for the lake and river system. You will learn how its flow changes direction twice a year, according to the season. Depending on the length of your visit, you can enjoy a golden sunset on the lake with a few cold beers and soft drinks. This private tour includes a private transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, boat trip, drinks, water and towels.
Where you’ll be staying
State Room
SIEM REAP
Until Next Time…
You will be privately transferred between the airport and your hotel by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide.
HO CHI MINH CITY







Park Hyatt Saigon
The Park Hyatt is centrally located at Lam Son Square, near the elegant Opera House in downtown Saigon, The Park Hyatt Saigon is within walking distance of business, shopping, entertainment and main tourist attractions. The colonial style rooms feature beautiful wooden floors, white marble baths with a luxurious walk-in rain shower and stunning pool view. Overlook Lam Son Square while dining at the casual yet contemporary Morocco Restaurant or at Square One, featuring simple and authentic Vietnamese and Western cuisine. Situated next to the beautifully landscaped pool, The Xuan Spa is an oasis of tranquility within the hustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Pamper yourself in this luxurious and peaceful setting and allow the treatments to inspire your senses and renew your spirit.
LOWER MEKONG RIVER CRUISE






Heritage Line - The Jahan (3N)
Plying the slow, swirling waters of the Mekong, The Jahan is without a doubt the most romantic cruise liner in the region, evoking the opulent vessels of British India. No expense has been spared in the interior or exterior decorations, which showcase the talents of local woodworkers, weavers and artists. When guests aren’t relaxing in their luxurious cabins they can meet friends in the atmospheric East India Club; soak in the Jacuzzi on the Pool Deck; challenge a new friend to a game of chess in the Observatory Lounge; or enjoy a pampering massage in the Apsara Spa. With three decks, this vessel offers all the amenities of a fine resort, including a fitness center, steam rooms, a range of dining venues and an excellent spa. Stretching 70 meters from bow to stern, The Jahan features 26 beautifully-designed cabins on two decks, each with its own private balcony. Discover the bygone elegance of travel aboard the majestic Jahan. Just as Indian art and architecture influenced the Khmer and Cham cultures in the Mekong Delta, the stunning artistry of The Jahan will inspire you, as will the delta’s vibrant beauty.
PHNOM PENH





Rosewood Phnom Penh
Rosewood Phnom Penh is an ultra-luxury hotel that blends traditional Cambodian hospitality with contemporary sophistication, located at the most prestigious address in the city. Soaring more than 600 feet above the heart of Phnom Penh’s business district, Rosewood Phnom Penh occupies the top 14 floors of Vattanac Capital Tower, the city’s most iconic modern structure and a symbol of the new Cambodia. With five equally luxurious restaurants the choose from, guests can have their pick from traditional izakaya-style dining to more casual, upscale eateries or even a high-energy terrace bar and lounge with claims to the best views of the city and its surroundings.
SIEM REAP






Raffles Grand Hotel d`Angkor
Located in the heart of Siem Reap, in the Old French Quarter only 8 kilometers from the extraordinary Angkor Wat temple complex, Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor is the ideal place to explore this spiritual and archaeological masterwork. The hotel epitomizes Cambodian charm and elegance. Each room is tastefully designed with Art Deco country style furnishings and Cambodian object d'art reflecting the period architecture of the building and the long heritage of impeccable service. Indulge your appetite from a wide range of fine dining choices; exotic Khmer cuisine at the Restaurant Le Grand, or fine wine, champagne, and cocktails at the Elephant Bar. For a one-of-a-kind, simply unforgettable dining experience, they can also arrange private dining at one of the magnificent temples of Angkor. Relax and revitalize beside a magnificent pool inspired by the architecture of Angkor, or take a short stroll along the riverside to discover the vibrant local markets.
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- Regional flights between stops in your itinerary (unless otherwise indicated)
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What's not included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel. Still unsure? Consider these frequently asked questions.









