7-night Riches of the Mekong Cruise

The small provincial capital of Siem Reap stretches along the Siem Reap river – surrounded by rice paddies and serving as the gateway to centuries-old temple ruins of the Khmer Empire. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Angkor Archaeological Park contains numerous temple ruins including Bayon, Banteay Srey and legendary Angkor Wat. Those visiting the site stay in Siem Reap. Experience some local flavor, attend a dance performance, or shop in some local craft shops. Angkor Wat’s artistic and archaeological significance rivals the Pyramids in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru and the Taj Mahal in India. Unspoiled by over-development, many areas of the area are possible to explore away from crowds. Its three-tiered massive pyramid is crowned by five beehive-like towers on the ground. It is the centerpiece of any visit to temples in Angkor. This amazing structure is thought to be dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu.

Kampong Cham is a port city on the banks of the Mekong River north of Phnom Penh. The city is most known for Phnom Proh and Phnom Srei, which are temples situated on two hills just outside of town. The views from both temples are lovely, and Phnom Proh is home to a band of very cheeky monkeys who entertain visitors for food. Wat Nokor is an 11th century temple that stands within the city limits. It is truly a beautiful place and many people take the time to wander around the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

Located along the Mekong River, and part of the Sampov Loun District in north-western Cambodia. Activities while visiting this rural hamlet include, a walking tour of the area, visiting traditional Khmer homes, and visiting with monks at the local Buddhist monastery. The nearby town of Chong Koh is also worth visiting as it is know for silk and cotton weaving offering intricately crafted scarves.

Explore this village by tuk-tuk to get a real sense of the native culture. Koh Oknha Tey is renowned for its weavers and silk.

Kampong Tralach-Oudong is in central Cambodia, where the the Tonle Sap river runs through from the north to the south. Many travelers enjoy a ride in ox-carts or trying local cuisine in the colorful market of Kampong Tralach.

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and situated at the confluence of three rivers, the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac. Considered the gateway to this exotic country, everything of interest can be found within its reach – the temples of Angkor, the beaches to the south and the ethnic minorities and jungles of the north. Being the hub of the country, the city is filled cultural and historic attractions, such as national museums, monuments and the Silver Pagoda. The Silver Pagoda is probably the city’s most visited pagoda because of its vast display of historical objects. There are also over 5000 silver tiles which cover the floor. Over the past few years, the city has experienced an influx of tourists.

Phnom Penh is the capital of Cambodia and situated at the confluence of three rivers, the Mekong, Tonle Sap and Bassac. Considered the gateway to this exotic country, everything of interest can be found within its reach – the temples of Angkor, the beaches to the south and the ethnic minorities and jungles of the north. Being the hub of the country, the city is filled cultural and historic attractions, such as national museums, monuments and the Silver Pagoda. The Silver Pagoda is probably the city’s most visited pagoda because of its vast display of historical objects. There are also over 5000 silver tiles which cover the floor. Over the past few years, the city has experienced an influx of tourists.

Tân Châu borders Tân Biên District to the west, Hòa Thành District to the southwest, Duong Minh Châu District to the south, and Bình Long to the east. The Saigon River runs along the eastern boundary of the district, and is also the division between Tay Ninh and the provinces of Binh Duong and Binh Phuoc to the east. Several waterfalls and springs, the Ngô, Dây among others, are in the district and flow into the Saigon River.

Tân Châu borders Tân Biên District to the west, Hòa Thành District to the southwest, Duong Minh Châu District to the south, and Bình Long to the east. The Saigon River runs along the eastern boundary of the district, and is also the division between Tay Ninh and the provinces of Binh Duong and Binh Phuoc to the east. Several waterfalls and springs, the Ngô, Dây among others, are in the district and flow into the Saigon River.

Sa Dec is a city in Dong Thap Province in the Mekong Delta of southern Vietnam. It is a river port and agricultural and industrial trading center. During the Vietnam War, it was the site of an American Swift Boat base.
Before the nineteenth century, it was the capital of Dong Khau Dao, and it was known as one of the largest cities in the Mekong Delta.

Cai Be is the gateway to the city of Vinh Long in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam.  In Cai Be visitors are encouraged to set off by motor boat to visit the floating market and watch locals trading food and and goods on board their vessels. This region is rich in agriculture and travellers can visit orchards, fruit plantations, and flower gardens. There are also a number of French colonial buildings, Gothic churches and other fascinating architecture to explore.

My Tho is the capital of the Tien Giang province of Vietnam. It was founded in the 1680s by Chinese refugees fleeing Taiwan after the fall of the Southern Ming dynasty. It's a town easily explored by foot and provides for a taste of Vietnamese river life.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is often referred to as Vietnam’s jewel and the Pearl of the Orient. Located in south Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the country’s largest city, with more than six million people and over one million motorbikes. Under the current regime the city is once more being rebuilt. Whole blocks are disappearing, being replaced by concrete, steel and glass structures. Central Saigon, which is still the official name for the city center, shows evidence of the French colonial city, with wide, tree-lined boulevards, sidewalk cafés and elegant French architecture. The city is divided into two sections: Saigon, the municipal and historical district, and Cholon (Chinatown), where the entrepreneurial talent and private funds are concentrated. Cholon appears to be the most populated and in general the most vigorous part of Ho Chi Minh City. It is well worth a visit for its bustle and activity and its pagodas, which are reputed to be the finest in the whole city.