Mekong River Cruise & Mui Ne Beach
17 day Cruise Holiday – from £3539
With flights from £4369
Prelude your luxury Mekong River cruise with a full day tour of the Temples of Angkor, then end your adventure with five nights by the beach in Mui Ne.
Highlights:
- Watch the sunset at Angkor Wat
- Visit a floating village and enjoy tea with a family in My An Hung
- Take a cyclo tour through the bustling streets of Phnom Penh
- Test your haggling skills at the markets in Ho Chi Minh City
- Relax on the soft, sandy beaches of Mui Ne
Choose to sail aboard the stylish riverboats Jayavarman or Jahan.
Your Itinerary
Expand AllYou can customise your Mekong River cruise holiday by adding extra nights, activities or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Welcome to Siem Reap, Cambodia’s second largest city and the gateway to one of South East Asia’s greatest ancient wonders; the incredible Temples of Angkor.
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your chosen Siem Reap hotel for a two night stay. You have the rest of the day at leisure, to relax by the pool after your flight, or explore the local area, perhaps visiting the impressive Wat Damnak temple, or picking up anything you forgot to pack at the Old Market.
Your chosen Siem Reap hotel
Day 2 – Temples of Angkor
Ensure to have a hearty breakfast this morning, as you have a busy day ahead! You’ll be collected at your hotel around 08:00 for the short drive to Angkor Thom, where you’ll start your tour of the wonderous Temples of Angkor.
Angkor Thom translates into English as the ‘Great City’. Built in the late 12th Century, it was centre of Jayavarman VII’s empire. You’ll see the Elephant Terrace, the pyramid temple Bayon and 54 stone figures from Hindu mythology that line the causeway to the South Gate.
Next you’ll visit the temples of Ta Phrom, now interwound by the roots of tropical trees, before enjoying a whole afternoon exploring the famed Angkor Wat.
On the temples, towers and terraces of the Khmer empire’s most important religious site are carved over 1,700 apsaras and devatas (celestial dancers and guardians). You’ll have no doubt seen photos, but to witness the sunset at Angkor Wat tonight will be a moment you’ll never forget.
Your chosen Siem Reap hotel
Day 3 – Mekong River
Check out of your hotel and transfer by coach from Siem Reap to Kampong Cham where your luxury river boat will be waiting for the beginning of your seven night cruise.
This afternoon children from a local village will show off their music and dance skills on board, before a road trip to Wat Hanchey. Built in the 7th Century, the temple predates Angkor and there is the opportunity to climb the steps for magnificent views.
Enjoy views of traditional river life as you cruise down the Mekong River, before enjoying a welcome dinner in the ship’s IndoChina Restaurant.
Your chosen cabin
Day 4 – Oknha Tey & Kampong Chhnang
This morning you may like to try some Tai Chi on the sun deck as the ship sails towards the village of Angkor Ban where the locals live in traditional houses and pursue a lifestyle largely untouched by the modern world. Back on board there is a monks blessing ceremony wishing for health and prosperity.
After lunch, sail to Oknha Tey which is an island in the middle of the Mekong River and renowned for its high class silk products. Explore the island by tuk tuk visiting a workshops to learn everything about silk; from how it is produced by worms, to the final luxury product.
Some further cruising takes you to the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers, before dropping anchor near Kampong Chhnang for the night.
Your chosen cabin
Day 5 – Kampong Chhnang & Tralach
Today starts with a small boat adventure to the wetlands and a floating village near Kampong Chhnang, before cruising the meandering Tonle River to Kampong Tralach, for a ride in an ox-cart past rice paddies to a local school.
Back on board, continue to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital where the ship moors for the night. You may like to explore by yourself after dinner and stroll along the promenade watching the locals go about their daily life.
Your chosen cabin
Day 6 – Phnom Penh
Today is devoted to exploring the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, including a cyclo ride through the bustling city streets, and a visit to the opulent Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, which houses a life sized solid gold statue of the Lord Buddha.
In the afternoon, join an excursion to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and infamous Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, an important memorial to the millions who suffered at the brutal hands of the Khmer Rouge.
This evening there is an open air gala featuring a barbeque feast, followed by a classic Apsara dance performance.
Your chosen cabin
Day 7 – Mekong River
Enjoy a relaxing day on board your Mekong River cruise as you head towards the Vietnamese border. Perhaps take in a fruit-carving demonstration by the ship’s chefs, or simply soak in the ever changing river scenery. Arrive in the Vietnamese town of Tan Chau where the ship moors overnight.
Your chosen cabin
Day 8 – Tan Chau
After breakfast, venture ashore at Tan Chau to explore this welcoming town by xeloi, a local form of taxi. Your driver will navigate through the streets past workshops, houses and shops before stopping at the market.
Next you’ll board a boat to see a floating fish farm, with its large nets suspended into the water.
Later, you’ll visit My An Hung village and join a local family at their farm for tea. Back on board there is time to relax and socialise with your fellow passengers as you sail for Sa Dec.
Your chosen cabin
Day 9 – Cai Be
This morning’s excursion is a boat ride to Binh Thanh Island where you can meet the local villagers who produce a variety of rattan goods.
After lunch, you’ll visit the town of Cai Be, known for its floating market where you will see boats laden with fresh fruit and vegetables. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner as you head towards your final destination.
Your chosen cabin
Day 10 – Ho Chi Minh City
Bid your fellow passengers and the crew of your Mekong River cruise farewell as your boat moors at My Tho, where your transfer to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) will be waiting.
Check in to your chosen Ho Chi Minh City hotel then enjoy an afternoon at leisure. A stroll through Ben Thanh Market is always fun. It’s great for souvenirs, as well as traditional Vietnamese clothing, sweats, herbs and spices. There are a number of food stalls and eateries for a delicious local dinner.
Your chosen Ho Chi Minh hotel
Day 11 – Ho Chi Minh City
On today’s guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City you’ll visit the underground war bunker at the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, iconic Saigon Central Post Office, and the grand Ho Chi Minh City Hall.
You’ll then have time at the impactful War Remnants Museum, which recounts the devastation of the American/Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective.
Lastly, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city from the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower.
If you would also like to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels please let your Travel Consultant know. This can be incorporated into your tour.
Your chosen Ho Chi Minh City hotel
Day 12 to 16 – Mui Ne
It’s beach time! After breakfast, you’ll be met at your hotel for around a 3 hour drive to your chosen beach resort in Mui Ne, on Vietnam’s sun-kissed southern coast.
The next few days are yours to do as much or as little as you please. You can slip between the swimming pool and the sea, or explore the Sahara-esque sand dunes just north of the town.
In the evenings, there are a variety of restaurants and bars to choose from. Make sure to try the local seafood, it’ll probably have been caught that afternoon!
Your chosen Mui Ne hotel
Day 17 – Farewell from Mui Ne
Gaze out over the sea once more this morning before your transfer to the airport in Ho Chi Minh City for your flight home, on which you can scroll through the thousands of photos you’ve taken on your Mekong cruise holiday!
Your Itinerary
You can customise your Mekong River cruise holiday by adding extra nights, activities or destinations. Just let us know what you would like to do.
Day 1
| Welcome to Siem Reap
Welcome to Siem Reap, Cambodia’s second largest city and the gateway to one of South East Asia’s greatest ancient wonders; the incredible Temples of Angkor.
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your chosen Siem Reap hotel for a two night stay. You have the rest of the day at leisure, to relax by the pool after your flight, or explore the local area, perhaps visiting the impressive Wat Damnak temple, or picking up anything you forgot to pack at the Old Market.
Your chosen Siem Reap hotel
Day 2
| Temples of Angkor
Ensure to have a hearty breakfast this morning, as you have a busy day ahead! You’ll be collected at your hotel around 08:00 for the short drive to Angkor Thom, where you’ll start your tour of the wonderous Temples of Angkor.
Angkor Thom translates into English as the ‘Great City’. Built in the late 12th Century, it was centre of Jayavarman VII’s empire. You’ll see the Elephant Terrace, the pyramid temple Bayon and 54 stone figures from Hindu mythology that line the causeway to the South Gate.
Next you’ll visit the temples of Ta Phrom, now interwound by the roots of tropical trees, before enjoying a whole afternoon exploring the famed Angkor Wat.
On the temples, towers and terraces of the Khmer empire’s most important religious site are carved over 1,700 apsaras and devatas (celestial dancers and guardians). You’ll have no doubt seen photos, but to witness the sunset at Angkor Wat tonight will be a moment you’ll never forget.
Your chosen Siem Reap hotel
Day 3
| Mekong River
Check out of your hotel and transfer by coach from Siem Reap to Kampong Cham where your luxury river boat will be waiting for the beginning of your seven night cruise.
This afternoon children from a local village will show off their music and dance skills on board, before a road trip to Wat Hanchey. Built in the 7th Century, the temple predates Angkor and there is the opportunity to climb the steps for magnificent views.
Enjoy views of traditional river life as you cruise down the Mekong River, before enjoying a welcome dinner in the ship’s IndoChina Restaurant.
Your chosen cabin
Day 4
| Oknha Tey & Kampong Chhnang
This morning you may like to try some Tai Chi on the sun deck as the ship sails towards the village of Angkor Ban where the locals live in traditional houses and pursue a lifestyle largely untouched by the modern world. Back on board there is a monks blessing ceremony wishing for health and prosperity.
After lunch, sail to Oknha Tey which is an island in the middle of the Mekong River and renowned for its high class silk products. Explore the island by tuk tuk visiting a workshops to learn everything about silk; from how it is produced by worms, to the final luxury product.
Some further cruising takes you to the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers, before dropping anchor near Kampong Chhnang for the night.
Your chosen cabin
Day 5
| Kampong Chhnang & Tralach
Today starts with a small boat adventure to the wetlands and a floating village near Kampong Chhnang, before cruising the meandering Tonle River to Kampong Tralach, for a ride in an ox-cart past rice paddies to a local school.
Back on board, continue to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital where the ship moors for the night. You may like to explore by yourself after dinner and stroll along the promenade watching the locals go about their daily life.
Your chosen cabin
Day 6
| Phnom Penh
Today is devoted to exploring the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, including a cyclo ride through the bustling city streets, and a visit to the opulent Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, which houses a life sized solid gold statue of the Lord Buddha.
In the afternoon, join an excursion to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and infamous Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, an important memorial to the millions who suffered at the brutal hands of the Khmer Rouge.
This evening there is an open air gala featuring a barbeque feast, followed by a classic Apsara dance performance.
Your chosen cabin
Day 7
| Mekong River
Enjoy a relaxing day on board your Mekong River cruise as you head towards the Vietnamese border. Perhaps take in a fruit-carving demonstration by the ship’s chefs, or simply soak in the ever changing river scenery. Arrive in the Vietnamese town of Tan Chau where the ship moors overnight.
Your chosen cabin
Day 8
| Tan Chau
After breakfast, venture ashore at Tan Chau to explore this welcoming town by xeloi, a local form of taxi. Your driver will navigate through the streets past workshops, houses and shops before stopping at the market.
Next you’ll board a boat to see a floating fish farm, with its large nets suspended into the water.
Later, you’ll visit My An Hung village and join a local family at their farm for tea. Back on board there is time to relax and socialise with your fellow passengers as you sail for Sa Dec.
Your chosen cabin
Day 9
| Cai Be
This morning’s excursion is a boat ride to Binh Thanh Island where you can meet the local villagers who produce a variety of rattan goods.
After lunch, you’ll visit the town of Cai Be, known for its floating market where you will see boats laden with fresh fruit and vegetables. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner as you head towards your final destination.
Your chosen cabin
Day 10
| Ho Chi Minh City
Bid your fellow passengers and the crew of your Mekong River cruise farewell as your boat moors at My Tho, where your transfer to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) will be waiting.
Check in to your chosen Ho Chi Minh City hotel then enjoy an afternoon at leisure. A stroll through Ben Thanh Market is always fun. It’s great for souvenirs, as well as traditional Vietnamese clothing, sweats, herbs and spices. There are a number of food stalls and eateries for a delicious local dinner.
Your chosen Ho Chi Minh hotel
Day 11
| Ho Chi Minh City
On today’s guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City you’ll visit the underground war bunker at the Reunification Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, iconic Saigon Central Post Office, and the grand Ho Chi Minh City Hall.
You’ll then have time at the impactful War Remnants Museum, which recounts the devastation of the American/Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective.
Lastly, you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city from the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower.
If you would also like to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels please let your Travel Consultant know. This can be incorporated into your tour.
Your chosen Ho Chi Minh City hotel
Day 12 to 16
| Mui Ne
It’s beach time! After breakfast, you’ll be met at your hotel for around a 3 hour drive to your chosen beach resort in Mui Ne, on Vietnam’s sun-kissed southern coast.
The next few days are yours to do as much or as little as you please. You can slip between the swimming pool and the sea, or explore the Sahara-esque sand dunes just north of the town.
In the evenings, there are a variety of restaurants and bars to choose from. Make sure to try the local seafood, it’ll probably have been caught that afternoon!
Your chosen Mui Ne hotel
Day 17
| Farewell from Mui Ne
Gaze out over the sea once more this morning before your transfer to the airport in Ho Chi Minh City for your flight home, on which you can scroll through the thousands of photos you’ve taken on your Mekong cruise holiday!
This Cruise Holiday Includes
Flights & More
Ask your FREEDOM Consultant to include Economy, Premium or Business Class flights for a complete ABTA and ATOL protected package.
They can also add extra nights and experiences in places you choose, to create the exact holiday you are looking for. Popular options include:
- Extra nights in Siem Reap, Ho Chi Minh City or Mui Ne
- An upgrade to your riverboat from the Jayavarman to the Jahan
Next Step
Please get in touch with our Asia Experts to start planning your holiday. You’ll have a single point of contact from your first enquiry through booking.
Mekong River Cruise & Mui Ne Beach
17 day Cruise Holiday – from £3539
With flights from £4369
Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a double or twin room. Flights, hotels and tours are subject to availability and seasonal variations may apply. Please call Freedom Destinations for details.
The Mekong River cruise itinerary shown is based on ‘low water’ season, typically mid-November to end August. During ‘high water’ season, the cruise departs near Siem Reap, sailing the length of Tonle Sap.
Map
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