For several years now, we've been offering cruises along the Mekong between Cambodia and Vietnam. To go even further and meet all your expectations and more, we've designed an exceptional new cruise, full of fascinating ports of call and cultural and sporting activities. Discover our new program on the River of the 9 Dragons: The Mekong in a different way - Between adventure and must-see sites.
Apart from the major tourist sites, many excursions are designed to bring you into contact with the local people, to discover their way of life and their crafts. So, visiting a temple by oxcart, admiring the surrounding rice paddies on board a mountain bike or a canoe kayak is all possible thanks to our new cruise programme. Discover some of the most impressive places and monuments along the Mekong in this article.
Located in Kampong Chhnang, in the heart of Cambodia, discover the largest fishing port on the Tonle Sap, one of the largest freshwater lakes in South-East Asia. In Kampong Chhnang, fishing is an age-old tradition that has been passed down through the generations for centuries. The town's fish farms and numerous fish markets are major attractions. Here you can find a wide variety of local seafood and fish, in a lively and traditional atmosphere, where fishermen sell their catch of the day. The town is a paradise for food lovers, with local restaurants offering a wide variety of dishes based on fish, seafood and local spices. During our stopover, you will have the opportunity to taste some of the local produce before returning to the boat.
Kampong Chhnang is not just about fishing and fish farms. The region is also famous for its traditional pottery, which perfectly combines ancient knowledge and modern techniques. Indeed, "chhnang" literally means "pot port". By witnessing the creation of this pottery, you will share an incredible moment with the locals in this village where the craftswoman - it is the women who carry out this activity - does not sit in front of a potter's wheel, but turns around the pot to shape it.
For the more sporty among you, you can cycle through the town, along the river to the famous pottery village: an exceptional way to discover the region.
In Kampong Tralach, you can admire the Vihara, an ancient Buddhist monastery in the middle of a rice field. Founded in the 15th century, the Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda has survived through the centuries and the many historical upheavals the country has faced. It has retained all its authenticity and continues nowadays to showcase elegant Khmer architecture.
Because of remote location, this monastery is rarely visited by tourists, but it will surprise you with its authentic charm and impressive Buddhist murals, sculptures and frescoes. To get there, we'll cross the village of Kampong Tralach on board a local tuk-tuk for even more authenticity. On the way back to the boat, you can choose between a tuk-tuk or a bicycle ride through the countryside, with breathtaking views of the rice paddies.
Around 40 kilometres from Phnom Penh, discover Oudong, the former royal residence and capital of Cambodia. You don't want to miss its famous hill and its historic 27-metre ascent, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, rice paddies and the Tonle Sap lake.
Made up of several hills, Oudong is very popular with the locals, who often go there on weekends or on pilgrimage to celebrate some traditional festivals such as the Feast of the Dead (Pchum Ben). The hill is spoiled with stupas from different eras, often containing Buddha relics, pagodas and Buddhist temples. At the bottom of the hill is the golden pagoda of Vipassana Dura, still a meditation centre where many Buddhist monks practice meditation and prayer all year round.
Located in the center of the Cambodian capital and built in the mid-19th century to accommodate the country's change of capital (from Oudong to Phnom Penh), the Royal Palace is, as its name suggests, a complex of buildings that serves as the residence of the country's king. Characterised by its sloping roofs and intricate carvings and motifs, the palace is a classic example of Khmer art. One of the most emblematic and majestic sites in Cambodia, the architecture and lush gardens, surrounded by palm trees, ponds and Buddhist statues, are a haven of peace in the heart of Phnom Penh.
Because of the beauty of the place, its gilded columns and sumptuously decorated ceilings, the Throne Hall still hosts a number of religious and royal ceremonies such as coronations and weddings.
The palace is also home to the famous Silver Pagoda, which owes its name to its walls covered with 5,000 pure silver tiles. The Silver Pagoda also houses an astonishing collection of religious statues and sculptures.
A stopover in Cai Be is a multi-sensory experience that is sure to amaze. Famous for its floating market and local cuisine, this small, authentic Vietnamese town is the ideal place to discover and immerse yourself in the country's culture.
In a handicraft village near Cai Be, you'll have the chance to taste some of the local food and then attend a cooking class with a local restaurant chef. The opportunity to come back home with lasting memories and new recipes! You can continue exploring the region by kayak on our "Mekong in a different way" cruise or, for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, by mountain bike to enjoy a different view of the local landscape. From lush green rice paddies to peaceful canals and lush orchards, the Cai Be region has so much to offer!
Located in the province of Tien Giang, not far from My Tho, Thoi Son Island has a rural charm and timeless beauty that you'll discover aboard a sampan, a light boat typical of Southeast Asia. Explore along the canals, close to the Mekong delta, the wonders that Vietnamese nature has to offer.
Thoi Son Island is one of the country's most charming and relaxing destinations. By bike, explore the picturesque village, its orchards, coconut groves and tropical fruit gardens (including mangoes, longans and the famous durian!). It's also a unique opportunity to interact with the locals and witness their way of life.
A trip along the Mekong River would not be complete without a stop in the city of Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon).
In addition to its many must-see sites, we suggest you discover the city in a different way... on the back of a vintage Vespa scooter! We'll take you on a culinary adventure to sample the local flavors, from fresh seafood to exotic cocktails and Vietnamese crepes. To round off a truly exotic evening, we invite you to attend a live local music concert to soak up the energy of the capital by night.
This exceptional voyage aboard the RV Toum Tiou II offers you a confidential environment and a close-up view of the landscapes along the river. Accommodating up to 28 passengers on board, the Toum Tiou II perfectly combines intimacy and old-world charm.
