7 nights from Kampong Cham - My Tho

Day 2OPOPEL VILLAGE – WAT ROKA KAONG – PNHOM PENH

(08:30) This morning, we visit to the rural and charming village of Opopel, with its stilted houses and grazing Brahim cows seeking the shade of banana trees. You feel a sense of timelessness here, witnessing the rhythm of rural life. A visit is made to the home of a local family who discusses their lifestyle, then onto the local school to join children in their classroom giving you a glimpse a typical Cambodian school day. A leisurely stroll through the village offers an opportunity to take photos of this place that time has forgotten. On your way back we make a brief stop at the local monastery.

Mekong Navigator departs Opopel Village after all guests are back onboard about 10:30 and arrives Wat Roka Kaong about 12:00

(15:00) In the afternoon we will visit Wat Roka Kaong. Based on archaeologists’ statements this Temple complex was built in 1840. Some parts of the building were made by wood and have been renovated 1998. An emerald statue was found during the renovation believed to be over 180 years old and given this Wat its second name Wat KeoMoni Chort (Emerald). In front of the two Golden Buddhist Columns (53meter tall), where two temples, the north temple called Preah Keo Preah Kor and the south temple called BakSei Chamkrong. Unfortunately, Baksei Chamkrong temple was destroyed by a landslide in 2020. Enjoy wandering around this temple complex and then proceed to the Main Pagoda.

Upon entering the beautiful and colourful Main Pagoda, we receive a traditional water blessing from the local monks.

The Mekong Navigator cruise departs Wat Roka Kaong after all guests on board about 16:30 and sails towards Phnom Penh.

Overnight docking at Phnom Penh Port

Day 4PHNOM PENH

(08:30) After breakfast on board this morning, Tuk Tuk drivers meet you on the pier for an exciting morning tour of the best sites in Phnom Penh. You are gently transported along the riverfront to the Royal Palace complex which is the official residence of the King of Cambodia, where you enjoy a leisure walk through the grounds. After viewing the Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion, you visit the famous Silver Pagoda, home of Cambodia's Emerald Buddha and the Maitreya Buddha, which is encrusted with more than 9,000 diamonds.

Your Tuk Tuk is waiting outside to take you on the short ride to the open-air National Museum, Cambodia’s largest museum of cultural history with one of the world’s largest collections of Khmer art and ceramics as well as Angkorian and pre-Angkorian artefacts, excavated at the Angkor Temple complex at Siem Reap, as well as other areas around Cambodia.

After returning to the ship, enjoy a free afternoon in Phnom Penh.

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 6LONG KHANH ISLET - MY AN HUNG

(08:30) 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 10:30 and arrives in My An Hung area about 15:00

(15:00) 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 19:3

Overnight mid-river in Sa Dec area

Day 8MY 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