On board a replica of a Clyde-built steamer, colonial character and friendly atmosphere Take to the waters of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers on the RV MEKONG

Highlights - the bustling Vietnam delta and the tranquillity of Cambodia
The magnificent “lost” temple complex of Angkor
Off-the-beaten-track villages


After the flights on Thai International’s acclaimed service (changing planes at Bangkok) start in the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh, in the south of the country. Everything about the former Saigon is fast, loud, modern, remodelled or subject to overnight change, save some beautifully preserved churches and temples plus a fascinating collection of museums, mementoes or excursions echoing past struggles. Spend 2 nights here staying at the RENAISSANCE RIVERSIDE, nestled between the bustling business district and the picturesque Saigon River, the 329 room is perfectly located for business and leisure guests alike.

Spend the next 8 days touring the vast, bustling Delta and cruising along the main channel into the rich countryside of Cambodia to disembark at Siem Reap for the World Heritage site of the awesome Angkor temple complexes.

Travel by road down to My Tho from where you board the RV Mekong. My Tho is the hub of the Delta, so once on board we set sail at 1300 and have lunch. In the afternoon moor near Cai Be and make a fascinating trip by traditional junk to explore evergreen islands and at the former Imperial residence, the An Kiet House. Surviving members of the Kiet family will welcome us with tea and we can wander in the fruit orchards around the house. Overnight moor mid-stream Cai Be. The following day take a morning junk trip around Cai Be to see a floating market, and go ashore to visit the French Gothic Cathedral and colourful port area, with its colonial buildings, delightful flower gardens and local rice paper manufacturers. Return to the ship and cruise over to Vinh Long to visit a Bonsai Garden and fruit farm, followed by visit to a brick and pottery factory. We return to the ship and cruise past Vinh Long City and evergreen islands. The remainder of the day is spent cruising through the Mekong Delta. Today from the main Mekong channel at Tan Chau travel down the canals and backwaters by local ferry boat. At Chau Doc we transfer to small boats to visit a Cham tribal village with a visit to a cat fish farm. We take a trishaw ride round this fascinating town of fine French-colonial buildings and see its bustling market. Return to the ship by boat for lunch and cast off for the Cambodian border for the usual formalities, which in this part of the world, can take a long time. Evening cruise up the broad Mekong channel, which is an international shipping route. Moor overnight just downstream from Phnom Penh. The capital of Cambodia retains its French charm. The old colonial architecture makes an attractive backdrop to busy cafes, and the renovated river "corniche" is full of life. The city has several impressive wats, including Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and the newly-painted Wat Lang Ka. Pride of place goes to the spectacular Silver Pagoda, one of the few places in Cambodia where artefacts embodying the brilliance and richness of Khmer culture were preserved by the Khmer Rouge. 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 centre situated in the suburbs of the city.

More happily, Phnom Penh has a lively night life, and some passengers choose to dine ashore or try one of the capital’s many watering holes; a favourite being the Foreign Correspondents’ Club. Early morning departure from Phnom Penh and a stop at the little-known Chong Koh silk weaving village for a morning walk at leisure. We cruise past the Mekong’s timeless villages and river life with extensive fishing activities. On the river above Phnom Penh there is little shipping, just real Cambodian life. In the afternoon we stop at Peam Chi Kang village to visit the wat or monastery and school. Passengers are at leisure to explore this peaceful and friendly community.

Morning journey upriver to the hilltop pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient brick structures characterise the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of Angkor. Sail back downstream over lunch for an exploration of the Kampong Cham Area. We travel by bus to the 12th century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor. This colourful temple is unique in Cambodia, as a modern wat is set within the ruins of an ancient temple. We continue to the eco village of Cheungkok supported by the French-Cambodian NGO AMICA and the Kampong Cham orphanage, supported by the Pandaw Trust programme. Legends abound about the origins of these hills, and there are many pagodas and shrines on the hilltops.

Today's journey is up the Tonle River which connects Tonle Lake with the Mekong and Bassac Rivers that merge at Phnom Penh. This river journey is a highlight of the trip. We wind our way through jungle, and as the river narrows we feel we can almost reach out and touch the houses and people who come out to cheer our ship on. Temples abound along the river banks at Kampong Chhnang, and we see the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. Mooring mid-stream, we make a truly wonderful motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps, some half a kilometre long, which net a huge tonnage of fish after each monsoon as the fish migrate from the falling lake into the Tonle River. Angkor Wat is not just one temple but many; the World Heritage Site and most imposing Hindu monuments anywhere beyond India are scattered across 300 sq. km of intrusive jungle. A half-day excursion will give you a glimpse; two full days a better idea of the main temples.

Stay 2 nights here to enjoy the magnificent surroundings at LA RESIDENCE D'ANGKOR, with its architectural flair featuring Angkor temple elements such as wood carvings, stone, water ponds and lush gardens. Each room is decorated with traditional hardwoods, bamboo with floor to ceiling wndows, terrace with loungers overlooking the garden, pool or river.It may take you a long time to fill the bath!

An ideal relaxing stylish sanctuary for the weary explorer of temples….

Two countries and two ways of life linked by the mighty Mekong River

The itinerary can also be reversed and alternative hotels in both Saigon and Angkor can be quoted on.