4 nights from Phnom Penh - My Tho
- Itinerary: Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh
- River: Mekong river
- Ship: Mekong Navigator
- Duration: 4 nights
Day 1PHNOM PENH
Embark in the late morning and lunch onboard. In the afternoon, guests are free to further explore Phnom Penh. Alternatively, guests can opt to go shopping or sample the city’s vibrant restaurants and bars.
Optional afternoon excursion tour to visit one of the local silk weaving villages:
The journey transfers by Remork from Mekong Navigator to across the friendship Cambodian-Japanese bridge then take local ferry to reach the Koh Oknha Tei which is known as Silk Island, a small beautiful island on the Mekong River. The island has houses of silk weaving and well-known traditional weaving village of the country with high-class silk products. The island is home of idyllic rural scenery of the river, rustic paths, still houses, the lush gardens and trees and peaceful atmosphere of the countryside. You will have a chance to witness the entire process of making traditional textiles from the beginning to end of the silk workshop.
Pre-dinner cultural entertainment is provided on the Sun Deck as guests enjoy a performance by local children of Apsara, the Khmer national dance and other traditional folk dances.
Overnight docking at Phnom Penh Port
Day 2DAY TO RELAX & ENJOY THE SHIP / BORDER CROSSING
Mekong Navigator departs Phnom Penh at 09:30
Morning departing Phnom Penh to sail downstream to the Cambodia - Vietnam border
This morning we sail downstream to the border. Enjoy a leisurely cruise and take in the sights along the Mekong River. Some cultural activities are planned on board (introduction of tropical fruit and fruit tasting, demonstration of Vietnamese spring roll making, afternoon tea).
It takes about 6.5 hours to go from Phnom Penh to the border, depending on the water situation
Overnight at the border area
Day 3LONG KHANH A ISLAND - MY AN HUNG
Border formalities about 06:00
Mekong Navigator departs the border area about 07:30 and arrives Long Khanh A island about 09:00
(09:00) This morning sampans take you to the local island village of Long Khanh A (Hong Ngu district), not far from the Vietnam - Cambodia border. Hong Ngu produces a large number of the traditional, Khmer scarves exported to Cambodia. Woven in many homes around the village, you will have the opportunity to see the weaving process under several homes. Some villagers are also embroidery artists, displaying their art in and around the homes. The inhabitants of this area had only encountered one western visitor prior to the arrival of the Mekong Navigator, and are especially friendly and welcoming. Before returning to the sampans, we will walk around this evergreen island and visit the home of a local War Veteran.
Mekong Navigator departs Long Khanh A island after all guests are back onboard about 11:00 and arrives in My An Hung area about 14:00
(14:30) After lunch on board, guests make the short journey from ship to shore by sampan, landing on the charming evergreen village of My An Hung, visiting a typical farming village on the Mekong Delta, the My An Hung village. We walk through the verdant village, interact with villagers, enjoy fresh coconut in the garden… A local family would invite us for some honey tea and fruit while we enjoy the “don ca tai tu” folk music, followed by an impressive VOVINAM Vietnam Martial Arts performed by the teenagers of the village.
Mekong Navigator departs My An Hung area after all guests are back onboard about 17:00 and arrives in Sa Dec area about 21:00
Overnight mid-river in Sa Dec area
Day 4SA DEC - CAI BE - MY THO
(08:30) Upon arrival in Sa Dec, your sampans return for a leisurely, scenic navigation of the narrow canals of the Mekong, where you will observe daily routines of the villagers en route to the historic town of Sa Dec. A stop is planned at a Cao Dai Temple, but a visit is depending on the Rivers water-level and accessible disembarkation area. Then in the town of Sa Dec you visit the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration of Marguerite Duras' novel, L'Amant (The Lover), as well as the Chinese Temple Kien An Cung which was built in honor of the Huynh Thuy Le Family. On your itinerary is a walk through the town's market, where you experience the sights, sounds, smells and provides you wonderful photo opportunities of the colorful fresh produce, meat, live fish and seafood for sale.
Mekong Navigator departs Sa Dec area after all guests are back onboard about 11:00 and arrives in Cai Be area about 14:00
(14:00) In Cai Be, board the rowing boat with rower in conical hats for an enjoyable excursion along the lovely canals of the Mekong Delta with beautiful scenes. After finishing the rowing, the sampan will cruise on a tapestry of waterways bringing us to a cottage factory where industrious artisans produce rice paper, rice wine and popped rice. There’s a selection of postcards, souvenirs, and beautiful oil paintings on sale. On return to the ship, refresh and enjoy the sunset cruise towards My Tho Marina.
Mekong Navigator departs Cai Be area after all guests are back onboard about 17:00
In the evening, you gather in the Sun Deck in front of the Le Salon Lounge this evening for a Farewell Reception with the entire crew, before enjoying a Vietnamese Farewell Dinner in Le March Dining Room.
Mekong Navigator arrives at My Tho port about 21:00
Overnight docking at My Tho Port
Day 5MY THO / DISEMBARKATION
Following breakfast, you say goodbye to the crew as you disembark the cruise ship and transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
(08:30) Coaches depart My Tho Port to Ho Chi Minh City
- 4 nights onboard the luxurious Mekong Navigator
- Full board including themed dinners, welcome and farewell reception.
- Complimentary house wine for lunch and dinner.
- Complimentary local coffee and fine tea selection, soft-drinks, local beer and local spirits
- Complimentary water bottle for excursions
- Complimentary wifi in-room and public areas
- Lotus Cruises exclusive’s series of cultural performances, educational talks, food demonstration classes
- English speaking crew and English expert local guides
- All entrance fees, transportation as mentioned in the shore excursion program
- Deluxe Sampans with cold towel service, fresh fruit and tea/coffee service (where applicable)
- Individual VOX listening devices throughout cruise shore excursion program
- Shoe cleaning after excursion
- Welcome drink and cold towel service following excursions
- Transfers from My Tho to Ho Chi Minh City (coach transfer) or vice versa
- Gratuities $65 per passenger for crew onboard
- Port charge $55 per passenger
- Tip $10 per passenger for guides, drivers, sampan operators
- Visa. For Upstream cruises only: Cambodia E-Visa will not be accepted at river check point, we recommend to make visa on arrival when you are on the cruise with us, visa cost $45/person
- Airfare to/from destination
- Premium wine and spirits
- Transfer outside included transportation as provided in the shore excursion program
- Spa treatments, on-board laundry and gift shop items
payment policy
1. Booking is made more than 60 days prior to departure date
| Payment (amount of total booking value) | Payment due date(s) |
|---|---|
| 30% | Deposit upon confirmation |
| 70% | 60 days prior to cruise date |
2. Booking is made less than 60 days prior to departure date
| Payment (amount of total booking value) | Payment due date(s) |
|---|---|
| 30% | Deposit upon confirmation |
| 70% | Within 5 days |
A booking is automatically released if payments are not received on due date(s).
CANCELLATION
Cancellations or booking amendments must be informed in writing. E-mail cancellation or booking amendments are only effective once re-confirmed by Lotus Cruises. We strongly recommend to advice passenger to purchase travel insurances to cover cancellation cost if any. Party B does not cover any costs related to passengers’ travelling risk.
| Cancellation prior to cruise date | Cancellation charge (of total booking value) |
|---|---|
| More than 180 days prior | Administration fee 100 USD/pax |
| Between 180-61 days | 20 % |
| Between 60-31 days | 50% |
| 30 days to cruise date or no show | 100% |