Toum Tiou II

8 Day Mekong Cruise from Saigon to Siem Reap

Built in 2008 in Saigon, the 28-passenger Toum Tiou II offers cruises between Vietnam and Cambodia on the Mekong River. The vessel’s understated elegance is reflected in the harmonious blend of colonial style and traditional design, which lends the Toum Tiou II a sophisticated yet charming ambiance. With spacious public areas that offer uninterrupted views, guests can admire the sights and sounds of the mighty Mekong while sunbathing on the roof patio or enjoying dinner and a drink in the half-covered bar and restaurant.

Info

Embark

Embark in Saigon at 15.45hrs.

Day 1: Saigon

*Please note that the exact itinerary of this cruise will depend on the water levels of the lake and rivers and may be altered at certain times of the year.* Embark the Toum Tiou II this afternoon in Saigon and depart for My Tho. This evening there will be a welcome drink and an introduction to the ship and crew followed by your first dinner on board.

Day 2: My Tho

Depart early this morning, cruising along the impressive Cho Gao Canal. The ship docks close to My Tho and here you will board local boats to reach the mainland. My Tho is famous for its pretty orchards, gardens and expansive rice fields. Depart for Vinh Trang Pagoda by car, taking a short tour of My Tho on the way. Re-board the Toum Tiou II and cruise to Cai Be. Here you will transfer to local boats for a tour around Cai Be floating market. Continue to Vinh Long to visit to a brick and pottery factory, the Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet Nursery of Fruit Trees and a typical local house. Return to the ship and depart for Sa Dec for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Sa Dec - Chau Doc

This morning take a short tour of colonial Sa Dec and visit a local primary school before reboarding the Toum Tiou II and departing for Chau Doc. In the afternoon you arrive at the Victoria Hotel Chau Doc jetty and will be taken by local boat to a Cham minority village. Then, time permitting, you can watch the sunset from Sam Mountain and enjoy the panoramic view of the glistening rice paddies below. This evening dinner will be taken at the Victoria Hotel.

Day 4: Vinh Xuong - Phnom Penh

Cast off from Chau Doc early this morning and sail towards Vinh Xuong, on the Vietnamese border. After clearing the check point you continue to Phnom Penh, where you are free to enjoy the evening in the Cambodian capital.

Day 5: Phnom Penh

After breakfast, depart for the Killing Fields of the Khmer Rouge and the Tuol Sleng Museum, which served as a detention centre of torture and execution between 1975 and 1979. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. During the afternoon there will be some free time and you may wish to visit the Russian market or pick up a souvenir from one of the city's quaint antique shops. This evening, return to the boat to watch a performance of traditional “Aspara” on board.

Day 6: Phnom Penh - Kampong Tralach

Begin the day with a half day sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh, taking in the Royal Palace and the National Museum. At lunchtime the Toum Tiou continues towards Kampong Tralach, arriving in the late afternoon. Cross Kampong Tralach Krom village via a small road, passing some beautiful stretches of emerald rice paddy fields to reach the wonderful Vihara belonging to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu Pagoda. This Vihara dates back to the early 20th century and is home to some outstanding murals.

Day 7: Kampong Chhnang - Chnok Tru/Ko Chau

Today you continue towards Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing ports on Tonle Sap. The area is known for its traditional pottery. The Thnot tree, or sugar palm, a national symbol, can also be found in the area and is used to make cakes and palm wine. In high waters (usually Jul - Dec), you will then cruise to Chnok Tru, a remote and totally self-sufficient village where everything, from the local school to the police station is built on the water. In low water season (usually Jan - Jun), the ship will navigate to Ko Chau and remain here overnight. This evening there is a farewell cocktail on board, followed by a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Day 8: Siem Reap

The itinerary for your final day depends on the water levels in the lake. In high water, you will take a leisurely cruise across the lake on the Toum Tiou II, arriving at Phnom Krom Pier near Siem Reap at 11am. In low water, you will be collected by speedboat from Ko Chau and taken across the lake, calling at the floating village of Chnok Tru en route. You will arrive at Phnom Krom Pier at midday. Please note that at the end of the low water period (usually late March to June), you may need to transfer back to Siem Reap by road.