Mekong River, Cambodia

Get picked up from your Phnom Penh hotel in a tuk-tuk and head to the cruise. Board your boat and begin your relaxing journey. Crack open a refreshing beer or sip on a soft drink as you sail by the bustling city. As you cruise, take in views of riverside homes on stilts, fishermen communities, the Royal Palace, and the vibrant riverfront restaurants. Marvel at the new Diamond Island suspension bridge emblazoned with the Cambodian national flag. As the sun begins its descent, the sky transforms into a breathtaking palette of colors, with hues of amber and gold reflecting off the gentle waters of the Mekong. Continue to where the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers meet, the Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, an ecological hotspot that changes dramatically with the seasons. As the sky darkens, the city lights of Phnom Penh begin to sparkle like diamonds, offering a stark contrast to the natural splendor of the sunset. This magical moment, where the hustle and bustle of the city meets the serene flow of the river, creates an unforgettable atmosphere. After your return to the pier, please remember to make your own way back to your hotel. We recommend using the local online taxi services such as Grab or Whatsapp. They are inexpensive and efficient. They will arrive after you have booked them in a few minutes. NB - all Tuk Tuk services, with the exception of Grab or Whatsapp....please check your price before you get on the taxi or Tuk Tuk. If your Tuk Tuk that brings you, asks you if you would like them to wait, politely decline, or negotiate the return price or we very much recommend using Grab or Passapp services

Day 1. HCM City - MY THO - BEN TRE - CAN THO Around 7:45am. Get picked up at your centrally located hotels in Ho Chi Minh City and head to the Mekong Delta by bus. Your onboard tour guide will tell you everything about the culture of the locals while you can sit back, relax and enjoy the landscapes and scenery of green rice fields. Stop at the Vinh Trang pagoda on the way. Continue to My Tho and take a boat trip along the Mekong River where you can escape the busy town. Enjoy a sampan ride through the coconut trees-lined canals. Disembark and explore the village on foot. Visit local families where you can enjoy fruits, honey tea and wine while listening to traditional music performed by the villagers. Enjoy a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, travel to Can Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta. Stay overnight in the hotel. Free time to explore the city at night. ------------ Day 2: CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET - HO CHI MINH CITY Start early at around 6:00AM to visit the famous Cai Rang Floating Market. The market is most vibrant in the early hours of the morning. Witness the hustle and bustle of boats selling fruits, vegetables, and various local products. Continue your boat tour to visit a Rice Noodle Factory. Here, you can witness the traditional process of making rice noodles. We'll also take some time to explore a bustling local market, where colorful stalls are brimming with fresh produce, spices, and vegetables. Around 9:00AM to 9:30AM: Return to your hotel for check-out, enjoy breakfast and freshening up after the morning's activities. After that, begin your journey back to Ho Chi Minh City. En route, make a stop at the 10 Vo ancient house. Explore this historic Vietnamese house, learn about its architectural details, and gain insights into local traditions and customs. Try your hand at making traditional Vietnamese pancakes, known as "bánh xèo.". Enjoy a delicious local lunch. If you have the energy, take a leisurely bike ride around the area, exploring the picturesque surroundings and interacting with the local community. After that, make your way back to Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive approximately at 4:30pm.

**Experience Phnom Penh's Premier River Cruise with Cambo Cruise!** Enjoy live traditional Khmer music as you sail past floating villages, the Royal Palace, and the city's stunning skyline. Choose from a 5pm sunset cruise or a 7pm city lights cruise. Our luxurious two-hour cruises offer a leisurely experience with plush seating, natural wood decor, and a 5-star stainless-steel kitchen. Savor onboard freshly prepared dishes and crafted cocktails at land prices. With over 4000 cruises and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, Cambo Cruise promises exceptional service and unforgettable moments. **Sunset or Evening Cruise Dinner Package Includes:** - BBQ dinner with fresh spring rolls, mixed salad, fried vegetables, stir-fried rice, and more - Teriyaki chicken, BBQ pork, mini burgers, and white ocean fish with cream sauce - Seasonal fruit Join us for culinary excellence and memorable experiences on the waters of Phnom Penh.

Hop aboard the Kanika Boat for a sunset cruise in the city of Phnom Penh. Embark on a subset cruise that will take you down Tonle Sap and the Mekong River for a truly unique tour of the city. Start your adventure by embarking on the Kanika Boat. Settle in before venturing down Tonle Sap and the Mekong River. Comfortably installed on the deck in a breezy atmosphere, passengers can relax and enjoy unique panoramas of the Cambodian capital, scenic landscapes on the banks of the Mekong including floating fishermen villages, and a spectacular sunset over the Phnom Penh skyline. Choose from a number of different drinks (cocktails, beers, wines, and soft drinks) and tasty tapas which are available during the cruise as well as menus and 'A la carte' specialties on Kanika.

Explore the highlights of Phnom Penh on a thrilling tuk-tuk tour. Start with pickup from your accommodation and relax as your guide takes you to Independence Monument, a symbol of Cambodia's liberation from French rule. Admire its intricate Khmer design and learn about its historical significance. Next, pay homage to the revered King Father Norodom Sihanouk at his grand statue. Marvel at the imposing figure and learn about the legacy of this influential monarch who played a pivotal role in shaping Cambodia's modern history. Located nearby is the Royal Palace where you can visit inside and admire the beautiful architecture and take advantage of the photographic opportunities that the Royal Palace offers. Entry fee: $10 plus another $10 for a guide, or you can take a self-guided tour. There is no audio guide available. Pause outside the National Museum, a stunning example of traditional Khmer architecture. Admire the intricate facade adorned with intricate carvings and reliefs, offering a glimpse into Cambodia's rich cultural heritage. Discover the spiritual heart of Phnom Penh at Wat Ounalom, one of the city's oldest and most revered temples. Explore its peaceful grounds, adorned with ancient stupas and serene courtyard, and learn about its significance in Cambodian Buddhism. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Phnom Penh's Central Market, a vibrant hub of activity where you can purchase anything from the stalls from clothing to handmade crafts. Lunch can be negotiated as to when it is taken during the day. Buy a ticket ($1 USD) to ascend the steps up to historic Wat Phnom. Admire the serene beauty of this sacred site, and visit and learn about Lady Penh and the legend of the four Buddhas that she discovered and gave rise to the city's name. Next, view the splendor of the Golden Temple, a shimmering masterpiece. Snap photos of its golden architecture and intricate detail as you soak in the tranquility of this sacred sanctuary. Take a ferry across the Mighty Mekong River to Silk Island, a serene oasis. Learn about the full cycle of silk cloth making at the silk farm. Ticket entry $2. Venture through idyllic local villages before taking the return ferry and being dropped off at your hotel.

Set sail on the majestic Tonle Sap, Mekong, and Four Faces rivers on a sunset cruise in Phnom Penh. Embark on a journey that blends natural beauty with cultural vibrancy. Experience a unique perspective of the vibrant capital from the tranquility of the water. View the stilted riverside homes, the fishermen communities living on their boats, the Royal Palace, the vibrant bustling riverfront restaurants, and local businesses. Be captivated by the new Diamond Gate Bridge with the Cambodian national flag. As the sun begins to set, watch the sky transform into a breathtaking palette of colors, with hues of amber and gold reflecting off the gentle waters of the Mekong. Take in the beauty of the river, its surroundings, and the unique ecosystems that make this area a UNESCO-listed site. Next, see the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers, an area known for its rich biodiversity and cultural significance. Amidst this enchanting scenery, indulge in an optional all-you-can-eat BBQ meal, with unlimited beer and soft drinks. As the evening progresses, see the city lights of Phnom Penh begin to sparkle like diamonds, offering a stark contrast to the natural splendor of the sunset. We will return to the dock where you will be greeted by the magical site of the new suspension bridge emblazoned with the Cambodia national flag. After your evening adventure comes to a close, you can return to your hotel in Phnom Penh. NB: the return journey to you hotel is not included. After your return to the pier, please remember to make your own way back to your hotel. We recommend using the local online taxi services such as Grab or Whatsapp. They are inexpensive and efficient. They will arrive after you have booked them in a few minutes. NB - all Tuk Tuk services, with the exception of Grab or Whatsapp....please check your price before you get on the taxi or Tuk Tuk. If your Tuk Tuk that brings you, asks you if you would like them to wait, politely decline, or negotiate the return price or we very much recommend using Grab or Passapp services

Discover what life is like in the Mekong Delta and explore the rivers by sampan boat. Stay at a hotel in Can Tho, and visit the largest floating market in the region. Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be – Can Tho (L) 07:30: Pick up at your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and start the trip to Cai Be. Upon arrival in Cai Be, have a boat ride to the remaining site of a renowned wholesale floating market on the Tien River many years ago. This site entitles you to learn something about the local trading habit that has changed due to the age of modern society when more terrestrial transportation and high techniques of agriculture have dominated everywhere. There, you can realize how diverse the area is and how rich orchard gardens are, which makes it the basket of fruit in the lower part of the Mekong River. Ramble in small villages where you will uncover the beauty of an ancient house and learn about the indigenous culture. Make a short visit to a small family business where the locals make coconut fudges and crispy rice popcorn. Savor delicious fresh fruit and feel the slow rhythms of Southern Vietnamese folk music – a kind of music entwined with the life and culture of the Mekong Delta people. Paddle through small canals – an exciting experience since you can look around, unwind, and soak up the wonderful atmosphere of the Upper Mekong Delta. Additionally, after arrival on Tan Phong Island, immerse yourself in nature's tranquility. At lunchtime, you not only enjoy luscious food but also get closer to the locals as it is a chance to learn how to prepare Vietnamese specialties. The meal is cooked on your own and served in the heart of the local garden. Cycle on the village path through orchards. Meet the local islanders to learn more about the local daily life in the Mekong Delta. Visit Ba Kiệt’s ancient house. Take a boat ride back to Cai Be and meet your bus for the trip to Can Tho City. Proceed to Can Tho City and overnight in Can Tho. Day 2: Can Tho – Cai Rang Floating Market – Ho Chi Minh City (B, L) Have breakfast at the hotel. Take a leisurely boat ride to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River). Then, visit the Cai Rang Floating Market, the most vibrant floating market in the area. Enjoy a walking tour of the local noodle factory. Visit Munir Ansay Pagoda, a Khmer temple, famous for its unique structure. Then, go by boat to visit the fruit plantation and enjoy seasonal fruit. Return to Ho Chi Minh City after lunch at the end of your experience.

Start the tour with a hotel pick-up in the afternoon before transferring to the boat pier. Climb aboard the boat for a trip on the Mekong River, where you can enjoy a joint sunset cruise on the Mekong and Tonle sap rivers. Enjoy a sunset view of the colonial sights in Phnom Penh Capital City, the beautiful developing capital city of Cambodia. The riverfront offers views of some of the city’s most interesting sights including you a great opportunity to explore the Mekong. See Tonle Sap, Four Faces River, the Royal Palace, and Diamond Island. Discover the quaint fishing neighborhoods comprised of stilted houses. Relax and enjoy the sunset with free-flowing drinks (beer and soft drinks) and fruit platter, before back to your hotel.

One of the most exciting highlights of the Joy Journeys Mekong Delta tour is the visit to Cai Rang Floating Market, the largest floating market in the region. Here, you'll have the chance to witness firsthand the bustling activity of vendors and shoppers as they exchange goods and haggle for the best prices. With a maximum group size of 10 people, you can be sure that you'll receive personalized attention from your guide and have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and interact with locals. Joy Journeys also places a strong emphasis on supporting local communities and promoting sustainable tourism practices. By visiting local villages and participating in cultural activities like cooking classes, travelers have the opportunity to learn about and support the rich cultural heritage of the Mekong Delta. In addition, Joy Journeys partners with local guides and service providers to ensure that a fair share of the tour fees goes back into the local community. Waking up in the early morning to start the boat ride to the floating market with the amazing atmosphere to watch the sunrise is an extraordinary experience that all of our guests enjoyed during this tour. Overnight at Bamboo Eco Village or Mekong Silt Ecolodge is also the highlight of the tour when the 'resort' is located in front of Mekong river. All of the rooms are designed with care to touch the authencity of the Mekong Delta. This is where you will have your dinner, breakfast and cooking class for 'Banh Xeo' on the second day.

DAY 1 SAI GON – MY THO - BEN TRE – CAN THO L/D 7:15 – 7:30 Get picked up from your hotel in center of Ho Chi Minh City and head to the Mekong Delta. The first stop is VINH TRANG PAGODA – one of the most well-known temples in the Mekong Delta region. You will be guided to explore the most beautiful, ancient and significant temple in the Mekong Delta. Then transfer to the pier boat for getting on a motorized boat. Take a leisurely boat ride in Tien river to enjoy fresh air, to see the peaceful life of the local people, Passing the stilt house, the fishing floating farm, the four Islands (Dragon, Phoenix, Tortoise, Unicorn) After passing Rach Mieu bridge, we disembark at THOI SON ISLET that locates on Phoenix Island. Take a leisurely walking on the village paths, visit local people’s home, orchard garden and enjoy seasonal fruits while listening to traditional SOUTHERN FOLK MUSIC. Then visit HONEY BEE FARM and taste delicious honey tea with lemon that is really good for health. Local people also have python farm for those tourist, who like adventure can take a photo with pythons. TAKE A HAND- ROWED SAMPAN through the creeks for sightseeing the natural water coconut trees a symbol in the Delta areas. Return to the motorized boat then cruising to BEN TRE PROVINCE, visit coconut candy workshop to know how to make delicious candies by hand. 12:00 – 13:30: You have lunch at a local restaurant with delicious taste and relax 13:30 – 14:00: In the afternoon, head to Can Tho – the heart of the Mekong Delta region. 17:00: Check in at Hotel and have dinner DAY 2 CAI RANG FLOATING MARKET – PURPLE HOUSE B/L 5:00 Take a leisurely boat trip to explore the picturesque tributaries of the Lower Mekong River (Bassac River), then proceed to “CAI RANG FLOATING MARKETS”, which are the liveliest in the whole religion. Continue your boat tour to visit a RICE NOODLE FACTORY. Here, you can witness the traditional process of making rice noodles. We’ll also take some time to explore a bustling local market, where colorful stalls are brimming with fresh produce, spices, and vegetables. After returning to the hotel for breakfast and check out room -Visit a local resident's house - Satified with the performance of “ FLYING SNAKEHEAD” - Try crossing “ THE MONKEY BRIDGE” with a lot of “ fear” and fun -Have lunch with local specialties… 17:00-17:30: Back to Ho Chi Minh city End of the tour, drop off at the hotel or meet up location