Wonders of Cambodia, Vietnam & the Mekong

Sous Sdei and welcome to Cambodia. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for your included three-night stay in Siem Reap. In the evening, you’ll meet your Cambodian tour director to learn more about the days ahead.

Today, start with a visit to Angkor Thom, not a single temple such as the historic sites it neighbours, but rather one of the most remarkable royal cities of the Angkor Period and an architectural wonder. As the last capital of the Khmer Empire, it was a fortified city, home to priests, officials of the palace, military and buildings for administering the kingdom. Afterwards, visit the sacred Temple of Ta Prohm. In an incredible standoff between human creation and nature, the jungle's root systems have reclaimed this spiritual location now enshrouded in wild vegetation. The backdrop to many Hollywood scenes, the incredible Ta Prohm is both a cinematic and contemplative location. This evening as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, attend Phare, The Cambodian Circus, where a combination of acrobatics, music and dance tell a uniquely Cambodian story.

EmeraldPLUS
Phare Cambodian Circus performance

Included Excursion
Visit to Angkor Thom

Included Excursion
Visit to Ta Prohm Temple

DiscoverMORE
Evening – Sunset Drinks Gondola Boat at Bayon (extra expense)

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Evening - Cambodian Street Food Discovery Tour (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE
Dinner at Phare Circus (extra expense)

Rise early and witness the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Afterwards walk through this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site known for its elaborate decorations and intricate carvings throughout. This afternoon is free time to visit the town and markets or try a DiscoverMORE tour, before enjoying dinner accompanied, as part of EmeraldPLUS programme, by an Apsara dance performance.

EmeraldPLUS
Apsara dance and dinner show

Included Excursion
Sunrise visit to Angkor Wat

DiscoverMORE
Vespa tour of Siem Reap (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE
A visit to Banteay Srei & Apopo Visitor Centre (extra expense)

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A visit to Tonlé Sap (extra expense)

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Khmer Cooking Class (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE
Senteurs d’Angkor Workshop (extra expense)

Today, leave Siem Reap and venture to the town of Koh Khsach Krao to embark your Emerald Cruises award-winning Star-Ship. En route, stop in Kampong Kdei and see the impressive Angkor Bridge, before having lunch at a local restaurant. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your captain and crew. Later, set sail to Phnom Penh whilst you enjoy your first dinner on board with your fellow guests.

Wake up in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. The city, known as the “Pearl of Asia”, was almost entirely evacuated by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. Start your day with a visit to the Oudong Monastery and Temples. Located north of Phnom Penh, Oudong was the former royal capital of Cambodia up until it moved to Phnom Penh in 1866. Important remnants on the temple site include the burial sites of Khmer kings as well as religious artefacts dating back more than a hundred years. In the main temple of the Oudong Monastery, receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from the temple’s resident monks as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme. Spend the afternoon as you please exploring our DiscoverMORE excursions or simply relaxing on board Emerald Harmony. After dinner, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, enjoy Phnom Penh by night on a remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour.

EmeraldPLUS
A traditional Buddhist Monk blessing

EmeraldPLUS
Phnom Penh by night on a remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour

DiscoverMORE
A silk farm tour at Koh Oknha Tei (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE
Craft Beer Adventure by remork (extra expense)

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

This morning, you will learn more about the Khmer Rouge and the darkest days of the country’s history. A short drive will take you to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. Here you will have the opportunity to walk through the fields, visit the memorial and learn about this sad historic chapter. Afterwards visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S-21). This is a former school that was converted to the main prison and torture headquarters of the Khmer Rouge.

Back on-board Emerald Harmony, enjoy a Cambodian Street Fair lunch, before visiting the majestic Royal Palace with its French-inspired gardens, followed by a shopping trip at the Central Market located in the heart of the city. This evening, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation, before setting sail to the border.

EmeraldPLUS
Cultural Performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation

Included Excursion
Killing Fields at Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

Included Excursion
A visit to the Royal Palace and Central Market

Cross the border then sail to Tan Chau. Relax on board this morning or join our DiscoverMORE tour of Tràm Chim National Park, home to Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary.

This afternoon, embark on a sampan to Evergreen Island for a walk through a local village to get a glimpse into the lives of the local farming community.  Reboard your sampan to travel back to Tan Chau and as part of our EmeraldPLUS, programme, visit the recently renovated Cao Dai temple. The religion of Cao Dai is a syncretic, monotheistic religion established in southern Vietnam in the city of Tây Ninh in 1926. Here, you will learn more about the mix of ideas that form the basis of this fascinating religion. Afterwards ride in a Xe Loi (local form of cyclo) from the temple back to your sampan before returning to Emerald Harmony.

This evening as part of our EmeraldPLUS, programme, you’ll be delighted by a traditional Lion Dance performance on board.

EmeraldPLUS
A visit to a local Cao Dai Temple

EmeraldPLUS
A Lion Dance performance on board

Included Excursion
A visit to Evergreen Island

Included Excursion
Experience a Xe Loi ride, unique to the Mekong Delta

DiscoverMORE
A visit to Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary in Tram Chim National Park (extra expense)

Tân Châu sits in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, and is acclaimed for its traditional craftmanship and high-quality silk weaving. Across Tân Châu, skilled artisans intricately craft exquisite fabrics, often used to create elegant garments. The town gives visitors an opportunity to enjoy a serene atmosphere, whilst also offering a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese craftmanship.

On Gieng Island you can travel through the island’s villages to visit families who work in a variety of local industries including boat building of different types and creating incense sticks for temples. Also visit Vietnam’s oldest church.

Return to Emerald Harmony by sampan and sail to My An Hung Island. Recognised as a cultural and historical destination, this small village in rural Vietnam specialises in red-hot chilli and peppers. As part of our EmeraldPLUS excursion enjoy some local folk singing during the visit, wander through coconut farms, meet the locals and learn about life in the village.

EmeraldPLUS
Listen to some local folk singing in My An Hung

Included Excursion
See the local industries in Gieng Island

Included Excursion
A visit to My An Hung village and its Monkey Bridge

Situated in Vietnam's countryside, My An Hung is a beautiful verdant village offering a tranquil escape from urban life. Framed by rolling hills and rice fields, My An Hung is celebrated for its long-standing agricultural traditions, where the cultivation of rice, vegetables and fruits thrives using time-honoured methods passed down through generations. 

After a short ride on a sampan to Sa Dec, enjoy a walking tour around town. Stops include the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant, and enjoy a walk through the central market to peruse its varied produce.

Return to Emerald Harmony by sampan and, after lunch on board, you’ll arrive in Cai Be. Travelling via sampan, visit a coconut candy workshop to learn how coconut candy and other local sweets are made, then visit a local French colonial heritage villa.

Cái Bè, nestled in the picturesque Mekong Delta, is a vibrant town renowned for its lively floating markets and scenic waterways. The Cái Bè Floating Market is a highlight, where local farmers sell fresh produce and handcrafted goods directly from their boats, offering visitors an authentic taste of daily life in the delta. Surrounding the town are lush orchards and tranquil rice paddies, perfect for cycling and exploring the serene countryside. With its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, Cái Bè invites travellers to experience the enchanting rhythms of rural Vietnam, making it a delightful stop on any Mekong Delta adventure.

After sailing from My Tho leave the Mekong Delta and enter the Cho Gao Canal.  This canal is considered one of Vietnam's major arterial canals that connects Tien Giang Province in the Mekong Delta with Ho Chi Minh City. Today is a fascinating day watching the heavy commercial traffic navigate this important waterway which can see upwards of 1,800 vessels transit each day. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the ever-changing vistas from the pool, to enjoy a treatment in the Wellness Area (additional expense), or to read a book and chat with new friends. Cruise past mangroves, narrow canals, fish farms, busy cargo barges and local fishing boats alike. Tonight, dock in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City with views of the city lights. (Due to customs regulations, you will not be able to go ashore this evening)

Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam's largest city and the engine driving the country's current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it's a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city's traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they're still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene's The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina's most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city's war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists' fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city's Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam's fixation on the future.

Drive away from Ho Chi Minh City port to Cu Chi Tunnels, watching the city skyline fade into the distance as the road winds through rice paddies, villages and scenes typical to southern Vietnam. Spend a couple of hours walking around Cu Chi’s rugged grounds with a local guide. Upon your return to Ho Chi Minh City, check into the Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers for a two-night stay with the afternoon and evening yours to enjoy at leisure or venture out on one of our DiscoverMORE excursions.

Included Excursion
Cu Chi Tunnels

DiscoverMORE
An evening Saigon Street Food walking tour (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE
One Night in Saigon (extra expense)

Enjoy a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City, starting with a visit to the city’s most iconic building, the Reunification, or Independence Palace. Formerly the South Vietnamese Presidential Palace, images of the building were seen around the world on 30 April 1975 when tanks stormed the gates as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. Then, stroll through Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way. Admire the beautiful architecture of the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, City Hall and the old Saigon Post Office and listen to the stories about the glory days of French Indochina and how that era continues to influence aspects of modern Vietnamese culture. Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner with your fellow guests.

Included Excursion
An orientation tour of Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the Ho Chi Minh City airport for your flight to the UK.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above.

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With open seating and elegant design, Reflections Restaurant sets the benchmark in on board dining across our luxury yacht and fleet of boutique Star-Ships. Here, savour delightful chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with dishes inspired by local flavours and a few favourites you may recognise from home.

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A beautifully decked area at the front of our Yacht and Star-Ships, The Terrace provides a lovely retreat from which to enjoy a light snack or refreshing drink. Depending on the ship, this partly indoor and outdoor space is a spectacular vantage point from which to soak up the scenery, whatever the weather. This peaceful setting is also a great spot to enjoy a glass of local wine or beer with your loved ones or new-found companions as the wonders of Europe and Asia pass you by – what could be better.

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From our elegant Star-Ships to our inclusive EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE events, every aspect of an Emerald Cruises river cruise is designed to bring you closer to the heart of local life, discovering hidden gems and rare insights that go beyond ordinary travel encounters. And now, to help you immerse further in local history and culture, we’re proud to introduce DiscoverMORE – a collection of special events that invite you to delve deep into the wonders of Europe.

For those who want to experience more of the continent’s rich cultural tapestry, DiscoverMORE provides in-depth excursions which complement those provided by EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE. These optional events can either be booked before you go or while you’re on-board. Look out for details of the DiscoverMORE options available on each of our detailed river cruise itineraries.

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During your time with Emerald Cruises, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy our EmeraldACTIVE programme of excursions, encouraging you to stretch your legs, find your centre and keep active, whether you’re on board or onshore. This may consist of guided hikes to centuries-old castles, cycle rides from one spectacular town to the next, and a canoeing excursion, inviting you to get even closer to the river.

Introducing our on-board Activity Manager to all seven of our Star-Ships sailing the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Rhône and Douro rivers in Europe. These dedicated members of the team perform a varied role, from coordinating on board fitness classes and active onshore excursions, to organising the evening’s entertainment.

With at least one EmeraldACTIVE* activity included in all our cruise itineraries, you can look forward to yoga and Pilates sessions, aqua aerobics in our heated pool and our ‘walk-a-mile’ classes on the Sun Deck. And, on selected evenings, we’ll have karaoke nights, cards tournaments and gameshow-style quizzes.

As we continue to receive excellent feedback for our current programme, we’ll continue introducing new and exciting activities and adventurous excursions, with the guidance of our experts, both on land and on the water. We also provide unguided experiences, if you’d prefer to explore independently, allowing you to savour a destination’s highlights on a route of your making.

To get you started, we’ve picked our favourite EmeraldACTIVE excursions on each of the European rivers we navigate.

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Immerse yourself further with EmeraldPLUS

EmeraldPLUS are our collection of extra-special excursions and events designed for you to see the destinations we visit in a different light, giving you memorable experiences that go beyond that of the ordinary traveller.

EmeraldPLUS is about seeking out rare insights, giving you the chance to uncover hidden gems you may not have discovered without the guidance of a local expert, as well as beloved tourist hotspots that cannot be missed. We believe it’s these special touches that make a holiday with Emerald Cruises truly unforgettable, offering moments of joy, wonder and discovery that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

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With a different port call almost every day of your cruise; Emerald Cruises have organised a series of inspiring days ashore – taking you to the very heart of the beautiful towns and cities we visit. Exploring authentic local cultures, Emerald Cruises excursions are led by experienced, knowledgeable guides – introducing you to a wealth of knowledge.

Featuring as many as 16 destinations across up to five different countries, an Emerald Cruises cruise provides the perfect platform to absorb a huge array of cultures and traditions in one fell swoop. Every Emerald Cruises cruise itinerary is carefully planned to ensure the ship visits only the most fascinating, rewarding port towns and cities – affording you the opportunity to derive maximum reward and pleasure.

Whether exploring a new town on foot or navigating the streets of an ancient city by coach, English-speaking guides will be on hand to bring your destination to life through educational and enlightening commentary. And to ensure you don’t miss a second of the tour, we will provide all of our guests with a personal headset.

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If you want to purchase a drinks package, enquire about a DiscoverMORE excursion or simply catch-up with our friendly crew, you’ll always receive a warm welcome in our on-board reception area.

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Enjoy a regional beer, glass of wine, cocktail or mocktail in the Asian-inspired surrounds of the Horizon Bar & Lounge. Dark wooden interior and indigenous plants create an authentic environment. And, of course, delicious teas and coffees are always available.

Our bar tenders are experts when it comes to mixing up delicious cocktails, and we’ve sourced the best local and international wines and beers, all complimentary with lunch and dinner. Also available are a delicious selection of mocktails, created using local flavours, like lemongrass and tamarind.

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On our Emerald Harmony Star-Ship, we have introduced the Lotus Lounge, where dark wooden tones and muted colours relax you as you sail towards your next destination. Located at the front of the Vista Deck, nibbles and snacks will be available here throughout the day, as well as teas and coffees. Watch the endless horizons unfold as you sip your favourite drink and nibble something delicious.

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These truly remarkable spaces have been designed with your total relaxation in mind. Take a refreshing dip in the pool on warm days, before enjoying a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from the bar. Sit back and relax in one of the comfortable chairs or sun loungers in the open-air space, or take shelter from the sun, as the river breeze invigorates you.

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During downtime on-board Emerald Harmony, feel free to enjoy our games area and golf putting green. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the scenery while you challenge new-found friends.

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These truly remarkable spaces have been designed with your total relaxation in mind. Take a refreshing dip in the pool on warm days, before enjoying a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from the bar. Sit back and relax in one of the comfortable chairs or sun loungers in the open-air space, or take shelter from the sun, as the river breeze invigorates you.

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Treat yourself to a soothing massage or facial in our beautiful on-board spa, where our experts are on-hand to make you feel great. And keep active in the well-equipped gym.

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In need of a quick trim during your travels? You can treat yourself at any point during your cruise with our dedicated hairdressers – perfect if you’re looking to get spruced up for a special evening.

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Providing excellent value for money, they are bigger than the average standard staterooms. Enjoy your time on-board in your home-away-from-home, with everything you could possibly need. Emerald Staterooms have porthole river views perfect for seeing the picturesque landscape pass by.

• Picture window (150cm x 34cm)
  
• Bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
  
• Queen-size of twin hotel-style beds
  
• Telephone
  
• Alarm click
  
• Hairdryer
  
• Safe for your valuables
  
• Individual climate control
  
• Flat screen TV and infotainment system
  
• Mini-fridge
  

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Reaching a colossal 452ft² (42m²), there are just two of these spectacular suites on-board Emerald Harmony, boasting a separate bedroom and lounge area. In addition you’ll enjoy a private 323ft² (30m²) terrace with Jacuzzi. You’ll also be entitled to four laundered items per day, pre-dinner canapés in your suite and an invite to dine at the Captain’s Table. 

• Private terrace with Jacuzzi
  
• Separate bedroom and lounge area
  
• Bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  
• Walk-in wardrobe
  
• Complimentary in-suite mini-bar, restocked daily with wine, beer and soft drinks
  
• Complimentary Nespresso machine
  
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
  
• Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  
• Pillow menu
  
• Telephone
  
• Alarm Clock
  
• Hairdryer
  
• Safe for your valuables
  
• Individual climate control
  
• Flat screen TV and infotainment system
  
• Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in your suite
  
• Four items of laundry a day
  
• Invite to dinner at the Captain's Table
  

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Beautifully appointed with a private balcony, these luxurious suites reach 398ft² (37m²) and host a separate bedroom and lounge. Guests staying in these suites can enjoy the opulent surrounds of the en-suite bathroom, as well as breakfast, canapés and after-dinner treats.

• Indoor private balcony with open-air system and separate door to close from living room
  
• Separate bedroom and lounge area
  
• Bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers.
  
• Walk-in wardrobe
  
• Complimentary in-suite mini-bar, restocked daily with wine, beer and soft drinks
  
• Complimentary Nespresso machine
  
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
  
• Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  
• Pillow menu
  
• Telephone
  
• Alarm clock
  
• Hairdryer
  
• Safe for your valuables
  
• Individual climate control
  
• Flat screen TV and infotainment system
  
• Continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in your suite
  
• Two items of laundry a day
  
• Invite to dinner at the Captain's Table.
  

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A private balcony with drop-down window is perfect for enjoying the ever-changing views. Reaching 273ft² (25.4m²), relax and unwind in your opulent en-suite bathroom, complete with toiletries, and sleep soundly in your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed.

• Indoor balcony with open-air system
  
• Bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hair dryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes and slippers
  
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
  
• Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds
  
• Telephone
  
• Alarm clock
  
• Hairdryer
  
• Safe for your valuables
  
• Individual climate control
  
• Flat screen TV and infotainment system
  
• Mini-fridge