4 Nights Lotus Mekong Navigator Upstream

Ho Chi Minh City | 

Vietnam

Sail on a 4-night upstream journey aboard the Mekong Navigator, exploring Vietnam's vibrant Mekong Delta and Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, with enriching cultural experiences and luxurious amenities.

Overview

The Mekong Navigator offers an unparalleled 4-night upstream cruise, seamlessly blending luxury with cultural immersion as you journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh. This voyage provides a unique opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of life along the Mekong River, visiting traditional villages, historic towns, and bustling markets that showcase the authentic essence of Vietnam and Cambodia.​

Aboard the Mekong Navigator, guests are treated to spacious suites adorned with French colonial elegance, ensuring a comfortable and indulgent stay. The ship’s intimate atmosphere, with a limited number of guests, allows for personalized service and a tranquil cruising experience. Culinary delights await in the Le Marché Dining Room, where gourmet meals feature both local flavors and international cuisine, complemented by complimentary house wine during lunch and dinner. Onboard cultural performances and educational talks enrich the journey, offering deeper insights into the traditions and histories of the regions visited. Whether you’re observing artisans crafting traditional rice paper in Cai Be, exploring the historic home of Huynh Thuy Le in Sa Dec, or enjoying a traditional folk music performance in My An Hung village, each day presents new and engaging experiences. The cruise culminates in Phnom Penh, where the city’s vibrant energy and historical landmarks provide a fitting finale to this unforgettable journey.​

Inclusions
  • 4 nights aboard the luxurious Mekong Navigator
  • Full board meals, including themed dinners, welcome and farewell receptions
  • Complimentary house wine during lunch and dinner
  • Complimentary local coffee, fine tea selection, soft drinks, local beer, and local spirits
  • Complimentary water bottle for excursions
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi in-room and public areas
  • Exclusive cultural performances, educational talks, and food demonstration classes
  • English-speaking crew and expert local guides
  • All entrance fees and transportation as per the shore excursion program
  • Deluxe sampans with cold towel service, fresh fruit, and tea/coffee service (where applicable)
  • Individual VOX listening devices for shore excursions
  • Shoe cleaning after excursions
  • Welcome drink and cold towel service following excursions
  • Transfers from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho (coach transfer) or vice versa
  • Gratuities for the onboard crew
Highlights
  • Cultural Immersion: Engage with local artisans in Cai Be, visit historic homes in Sa Dec, and enjoy traditional folk music and martial arts performances in My An Hung village.
  • Scenic River Navigation: Sail through the picturesque canals of the Mekong Delta, observing daily life and lush landscapes.
  • Onboard Enrichment: Participate in cultural activities such as tropical fruit tasting, Vietnamese spring roll making demonstrations, and introductions to traditional Cambodian costumes.
  • Luxurious Accommodations: Relax in spacious suites with French colonial décor, offering modern amenities and personalized service.
  • Gourmet Dining: Savor a variety of culinary delights, from local Vietnamese dishes to international cuisine, all prepared by skilled chefs.
  • Intimate Experience: With a limited number of guests, enjoy personalized attention and a tranquil cruising environment.
Itinerary
Day 1 My Tho – Embarkation

Your adventure begins with a scenic afternoon drive from Ho Chi Minh City to the port town of My Tho. Upon arrival, you’re warmly welcomed aboard the Mekong Navigator, a vessel that exudes elegance and comfort. After settling into your well-appointed suite, the evening unfolds with a welcome reception where you meet the attentive crew and fellow travellers. A safety briefing ensures everyone is acquainted with the ship’s protocols. The highlight of the evening is a sumptuous Vietnamese ‘Mekong Delta’ dinner served in the Le Marché Dining Room, offering a delightful introduction to the region’s cuisine.​

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Cai Be – Sa Dec

As dawn breaks, the ship anchors near Cai Be. After breakfast, you board a traditional sampan, guided by locals in conical hats, to navigate the intricate canals of the Mekong Delta. The serene waterways, lined with lush vegetation and stilted houses, provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the delta’s inhabitants. A visit to a local cottage industry reveals the artisanal process of making rice paper, rice wine, and popped rice. The return journey offers picturesque scenes of rice barges and water palm thatched cottages. Back on the ship, an elegant buffet lunch is served as you sail towards Sa Dec. In the afternoon, another sampan excursion takes you through narrow canals to the historic town of Sa Dec. Here, you visit the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, the muse for Marguerite Duras’ novel, L’Amant. A stroll through the vibrant local market immerses you in the sights and aromas of fresh produce, meats, and seafood, encapsulating the essence of Vietnamese daily life.​

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 My An Hung – Long Khanh A Island

his morning, a short sampan ride brings you to the evergreen farming village of My An Hung. Walking through verdant landscapes, you engage with friendly villagers and savour fresh coconut water in a local garden. A hospitable family invites you to enjoy honey tea and tropical fruits while being serenaded with traditional don ca tai tu folk music. The cultural immersion continues with a captivating Vovinam martial arts performance by local youths. In the afternoon, the journey proceeds to Long Khanh A Island, near the Vietnam-Cambodia border. This area is renowned for producing traditional Khmer scarves. Visiting local homes, you observe the intricate weaving and embroidery processes. The genuine warmth of the villagers, unaccustomed to Western visitors, adds a special touch to the experience. A visit to a local war veteran’s home offers poignant insights into the region’s history before returning to the ship.​

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Day to Relax & Enjoy the Ship – Border Crossing

Today is dedicated to relaxation as the ship sails upstream towards Phnom Penh. The leisurely pace allows you to absorb the tranquil river scenery. Onboard cultural activities enrich the journey: a tropical fruit tasting introduces you to exotic flavours; a Vietnamese spring roll-making demonstration offers a hands-on culinary experience; and an introduction to traditional Cambodian costumes provides cultural insights. In the evening, the Captain hosts a cocktail and sabering event, adding a celebratory note to the day’s end.​

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Phnom Penh – Disembarkation

Following a hearty breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the crew and disembark in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital. As you step ashore, you’re left with cherished memories of the Mekong’s captivating landscapes and the rich cultural tapestry experienced over the past days.​

Meals: Breakfast

Cruise Ship Information

​The Mekong Navigator is a luxurious river cruise ship that offers an intimate and elegant journey along the Mekong River. Launched in 2014, this vessel features 34 spacious suites, accommodating up to 68 guests. The ship’s design reflects French colonial charm, providing a blend of classic aesthetics and modern amenities to ensure a comfortable and enriching experience for its passengers.

Onboard Facilities:

  • The sundeck: Chill on shaded sun loungers and the Sun Deck’s varied seating. Greet the day with freshly squeezed juice or wind down with a custom cocktail at sunset.
  • La Vie Spa and Wellness: Enjoy a workout in the well-equipped gym or simply indulge in a treatment at our spa La Vie, choosing from aromatherapy treatments, body wraps, traditional and western massage.
  • Le Salon: delightful space to gather, enjoy scenic views, and experience unmatched hospitality. Guests can savor complimentary drinks or choose from premium options, and the venue hosts evening cultural performances
  • Le Marche: a casually elegant restaurant, presents a gastronomic voyage with regional signature dishes and Western alternatives, complemented by complimentary dinner wine. The chef pays tribute to Southeast Asia’s exotic flavors using locally sourced produce. Enjoy an indulgent buffet for breakfast and lunch.
  • La Biblioteque: While on board, guests stay connected with friends and family through wifi provided in La Bibliotheque. For those who prefer to leave the electronic age behind, the library also offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in a wide selection of books from many authors who were enchanted by Indochina.


Cabin options:

  • Superior Suite: Located on the Jasmine Deck (Lower Deck), these suites offer 256 square feet (24 square meters) of living space, featuring two oversized porthole-style windows that bring in natural light. Guests can choose between two twin-size beds or one queen-size bed. ​
  • Vista Suite: Situated on the Lotus Deck (Main Deck), these suites provide 276 square feet (26 square meters) of space, complete with a French balcony and a spacious seating area perfect for relaxing and watching the breathtaking sunsets over the Mekong River. Configurations include two twin-size beds or one queen-size bed. ​
  • Signature Suite: Found on the Orchid Deck (Upper Deck), these suites offer 291 square feet (27 square meters) of living space, including a private balcony where guests can relax in privacy while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. Configurations include two twin-size beds or one queen-size bed. ​
  • Prestige Suite: Also located on the Orchid Deck, these suites provide 387 square feet (36 square meters) of living space, including a private balcony. Thoughtfully designed for comfortable living, this elegant suite provides an expansive spa bath and premium bath amenities, living area with sofa, private balcony, and daily butler service. Prestige Suites are furnished with one king-size bed.

Terms & Conditions

Price & Availability
All bookings are subject to availability at the time of your request. Once we receive your booking enquiry, we’ll confirm availability within 24 hours.
Prices are quoted in Australian Dollars (AUD). If your package includes services priced in other currencies, currency conversion will be processed at midnight (AEST) each day. Please be aware that due to the constantly changing nature of exchange rates and supplier pricing, all package prices are subject to change until full payment is received and booking is confirmed.

Self-Guided Packages – Terms & Conditions
Our Self-Guided Packages are designed for travellers who want the freedom to explore independently, without the hassle of planning every detail. Each package follows a tried-and-tested itinerary that includes a combination of pre-booked services, such as accommodation and transport, and optional group tours or private experiences. You’ll have the flexibility to discover each destination at your own pace, with the confidence of having essential logistics taken care of and access to local support if needed.

Accommodation Flexibility
We understand that every traveller has different needs, so our itineraries offer flexibility in accommodation. You can choose from a range of hotels, from 3-star options to luxury 5-star properties, in most locations. If your first-choice hotel is not available at the time of booking, we will offer you an alternative of similar standard, quality, and location.
Travellers are welcome to customise their accommodation preferences before confirming their booking. If you’re unsure about the best options for your travel style, our team is happy to recommend alternatives.

Booking On Request
All packages are offered on request basis. In most cases, a deposit may be required before we can secure accommodation and services.
Once we receive your deposit and booking enquiry, we aim to confirm your package within 24 hours (longer if weekends or public holidays apply).
If your preferred travel dates are not available, we’ll suggest the closest alternatives or offer a full refund of your deposit.

Dynamic Pricing
Many of our accommodation providers and local suppliers use dynamic pricing models, which means prices fluctuate depending on factors such as demand, travel seasons, and availability.
Our listed “from” prices represent the lowest available rates based on low season travel with full availability. When you request a quote for your preferred travel dates, we’ll provide an accurate, up-to-date price based on availability at the time of quoting.
Prices may vary between the time we provide a quote and when you confirm your booking. Should there be any price differences, we will notify you before final confirmation and payment.

Itinerary Order & Availability
The order of your itinerary, including accommodation, tours, and transport, may be adjusted to secure the best availability and ensure a smooth travel experience. While we strive to follow the proposed itinerary as closely as possible, changes may be necessary, particularly during peak travel periods or when bookings are made close to your departure date.
For bookings made well in advance and outside of peak seasons, itinerary changes are uncommon. Any adjustments will be communicated to you in advance and are made with the aim of maintaining or improving the overall experience.
The final itinerary—including the order of your activities and accommodations—will be confirmed after your booking is secured.

Payment Terms
• A deposit may be required to secure your booking.
• Full payment is due no later than 45 days prior to your scheduled arrival date.
• If additional deposits are required by certain hotels or service providers, we will advise you at the time of confirmation.
• Your booking is not confirmed until full payment is received.
• Payments can be made via direct deposit, credit card, or other approved methods (merchant fees may apply).

Changes & Cancellations
• Your deposit is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed.
• Changes to your booking are permitted up to 45 days prior to departure, subject to availability and supplier approval. Additional fees may apply depending on the nature of the change.
• Cancellations within 45 days of arrival will incur a 100% cancellation fee, unless otherwise stated in your booking confirmation.
• Any rail tickets and flight tickets included in your package are non-refundable once issued and confirmed. These are subject to airline and supplier policies, which may include strict cancellation and amendment terms.
• We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect against unforeseen changes or cancellations.

Additional Information
• Please review visa requirements, health advice, and local regulations for your chosen destination prior to travel.
• We recommend allowing extra time for processing visas or travel documentation, especially during busy travel seasons.
• Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings to cover unexpected events, including illness, cancellations, or delays.

Price on Application
Trip Summary
● Duration:
4 Nights
● Starts: Ho Chi Minh City
● Ends: Phnom Penh
● Trip Type: Luxury
● Accommodation: Cabin Selection of Your Choice
● Transportation: Coach Transfers

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