Asia Holidays is a subsidiary of the Travelcation Group
Our Brands
Quick link
- About Us
- Contact Information
- Terms & Conditions
- Privacy Policy
- Make Payment
The Mekong Navigator offers an unparalleled 7-night downstream cruise, seamlessly blending luxury with cultural immersion as you journey from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City. 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 Cambodia and Vietnam.
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 Khmer scarves in Long Khanh A, 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 Ho Chi Minh City, where the city’s vibrant energy and historical landmarks provide a fitting finale to this unforgettable journey.
Your journey begins with a scenic morning drive from Siem Reap to Kampong Cham, Cambodia, with a lunch stop en route. Upon arrival in the afternoon, you’ll board the luxurious Mekong Navigator. After settling into your elegantly appointed suite, the evening unfolds with a warm welcome reception, a comprehensive safety briefing, and introductions to key crew members. The day concludes with a delectable Cambodian Welcome Dinner served in the Le Marché Dining Room, setting the tone for the culinary delights ahead.
Meals: Dinner
This morning’s excursion takes you to Opopel Village, where life moves at a peaceful, unhurried pace. Stilted houses line the riverbanks, and Brahman cattle graze in the shade of banana trees. Walking through the village, you’re greeted by friendly locals who share insights into their daily routines. A visit to a traditional family home provides an intimate look at rural Cambodian life, followed by a stop at the village school, where children eagerly greet visitors. Their enthusiasm and curiosity make for heartwarming interactions, offering a rare glimpse into local education.
In the afternoon, you visit Wat Roka Kaong, a temple complex dating back to 1840. As you explore its intricate carvings and golden stupas, you learn of its fascinating history, including the discovery of an emerald Buddha statue during renovations. A traditional water blessing ceremony by resident monks provides a serene and meaningful experience, believed to bring peace and good fortune. Returning to the ship, there’s time to relax before arriving in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is dedicated to Cambodia’s modern history, with a visit to the Choeung Ek Killing Fields. A short drive from the city brings you to this solemn site, where a Buddhist stupa filled with the skulls of victims stands as a stark reminder of the Khmer Rouge’s dark past. Walking through the grounds and museum, you gain a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s resilience and recovery.
Next, the tour continues to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S-21), once a high school turned into a brutal prison during the regime. The harrowing displays and firsthand accounts serve as a powerful tribute to those who suffered. The afternoon is free for independent exploration—perhaps browsing the lively Central Market, visiting a riverside café, or enjoying Phnom Penh’s eclectic dining scene. A scheduled shuttle is available for those who’d like to shop at the market before returning to the ship for a relaxing evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The morning begins with a tuk-tuk ride along the lively riverfront to the Royal Palace, home to Cambodia’s monarchy. Strolling through its manicured gardens, you explore the Throne Hall and the Silver Pagoda, where the Emerald Buddha and a golden Maitreya Buddha adorned with over 9,000 diamonds are displayed.
A short ride takes you to the National Museum, a treasure trove of Khmer artefacts, including statues and carvings from the Angkor temples. Wandering through its open-air galleries, you gain a deeper appreciation for Cambodia’s artistic heritage. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, whether relaxing on board or venturing into Phnom Penh’s bustling streets.
As the sun sets, guests gather on the Sun Deck for a special Apsara dance performance, a mesmerising display of Cambodia’s classical dance traditions. The evening is a celebration of Cambodian culture, marking a memorable end to our time in Phnom Penh.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A day of leisure unfolds as we cruise downstream towards the Vietnam border. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind and absorb the tranquil scenery of the Mekong River. Lush riverbanks dotted with fishing boats and wooden stilt houses glide past as the ship makes its way south.
Throughout the day, onboard activities offer engaging cultural insights. A tropical fruit tasting session introduces you to exotic Mekong flavours, while a spring roll-making demonstration teaches you the art of Vietnamese cuisine. A presentation on traditional Cambodian costumes showcases the elegance of Khmer textiles.
As evening approaches, the Captain invites guests to a cocktail and sabering event, setting a festive mood before dinner. This leisurely day provides a perfect balance of relaxation and cultural enrichment before crossing into Vietnam.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The morning begins with a visit to Long Khanh A Island, a traditional Khmer weaving village. Here, artisans create Cambodia’s famous checked scarves, known as krama, using techniques passed down through generations. Observing the intricate weaving process, you gain insight into the craftsmanship behind these symbolic garments. Many villagers are also skilled embroidery artists, adding vibrant floral motifs to their textiles. Before departing, a visit to a local war veteran’s home provides a personal perspective on the country’s past.
In the afternoon, we visit My An Hung, a lush farming village in the Mekong Delta. Strolling through the fruit orchards, we interact with locals who generously share fresh coconut and honey tea. A highlight is a “don ca tai tu” folk music performance, followed by an exciting Vovinam martial arts demonstration by local youth. These intimate experiences create a deep connection with the welcoming people of the Mekong.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The final full day of the journey begins in Sa Dec, a riverside town rich in colonial history. A guided walk leads to the former home of Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration for Marguerite Duras’ novel The Lover. A visit to the Kien An Cung Temple, dedicated to his family, provides further insight into the town’s Chinese heritage. The bustling Sa Dec market is a feast for the senses, filled with exotic produce, spices, and seafood.
In Cai Be, board a rowing boat for a peaceful glide through the narrow canals. The sampan navigates towards a rice paper and candy-making workshop, where artisans craft traditional treats. A stop at a floating market allows for unique photo opportunities, capturing the daily rhythms of Mekong commerce. The day ends with a farewell dinner, celebrating the unforgettable journey through Vietnam and Cambodia.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As the cruise comes to an end, guests enjoy a final breakfast before disembarking in My Tho. From here, a comfortable transfer takes you to Ho Chi Minh City, where new adventures await or where you bid farewell to the Mekong’s timeless beauty.
Meals: Breakfast
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:
Cabin options:
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.
If you’d rather chat, give one of our Travelcation Experts a call today to begin crafting your bespoke holiday experience.