Beautiful Holland

Day 1: Saigon Embarkation (D)

Our guide awaits you at the Meeting Point, Park Hyatt Saigon, then transfer to the
RV Mekong Princess docking at Saigon Port. Once aboard, you will be welcomed
by your Vietnamese and Cambodian ship’s crew, before embarking on the most
extraordinary journey of discovery. We sail at midday through the famed Mekong
Delta on our way to the ‘Mighty Mekong River’.
Lunch, with highly attentive oriental hospitality, will be served soon after departure,
as we cruise along the Saigon River. Having settled into your luxurious suites, you
can relax and enjoy the new scenes and watch the world pass by.
Late in the day we anchor in the heart of the Mekong Delta, where cocktails are
served as sun sets, and sampans pass by. A traditional Vietnamese dinner is soon
ready, embracing a subtle fusion of dishes for the most eclectic tastes.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: RV Mekong Princess Cruise

Day 2: Ben Tre – Tien Loi Island (B, L, D)

For early risers, sunrise tea or coffee provides the perfect start to your day.
Today, you witness the hustle and bustle of delta river life as the local traders take
their produce to market. After breakfast, we board the classically built sampans to
explore the narrow canals and backwaters of this famed region.
Cruising amidst the mangroves and Nipah Palm plantations, we will disembark to
visit the handcrafted coconut candy-makers. This is a famous cottage industry
and a local delicacy, enjoyed throughout Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Upon ship's arrival in Ben Tre, meet your guide and sampan driver, we head to
Tien Loi island. Tien Loi island is untouched by tourist activity. You will be amazed
by honest welcome from rustic locals.
Arrive Tien Loi island, just a few steps from pier, you will see a big fish pond fed by
a local family for selling, then take a short walk to a local family and learn how to
manually weave mat and make chicken coops. Take a seat chatting with host and enjoying tropical fruits with tea.
Another few minute walk to other family making hats & baskets from sedge. You
have chance buying thier products at whole sale rates. Then, walk to pier for
sampan driving through a cannel to the ship.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Mekong Princess Cruise

Day 3: Can Tho – Hoa An (B, L, D)

We begin our morning before breakfast aboard the sampans for a cruise through
the fascinating Cai Rang floating market near Can Tho. The sampans will weave
in and out of the many boats that sail into the market each morning to sell produce
and other items the residents of the Mekong Delta need in their daily lives. As they
weave through the market, there will be many opportunities for amazing
photographs, while enjoying fresh fruit and the Vietnamese “anti-aging drink,” fresh
coconut water. Before returning to the ship for breakfast, we stop at a local noodle
factory, where we witness the amazing process of how they are made.

After lunch, continue excursion by boat to Hoa An village, where is untouched and
well- known with flower growing and handmade craft. Our first stop at flower
gardens where we will see many different kinds of flowers and learn how to grow
and take care of them. Then, a short walking to a local house and chat with the
host to see how they live and work in their daily life.

After a short break, continue our excursion on motor cart to another village. We
stop by at the conical hat-making and mat weaving families, have memorable time
chatting with local family members and learning how to create products though
hands-on experience. Enjoy your walk in the peaceful village with rice fields, fruit
trees...in between visiting 2 local families. Then, we say goodbye and go back to
the ship by boat.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Mekong Princess Cruise

Day 4: Gieng Island (B, L, D)

This morning we board sampans that will take us into Gieng Island. After a short
walk around the local sampan village, where hundreds of sampans are produced
daily by local families, we take a canal drive to explore the untouched floating area
with duck farms, monkey bridges, and tropical orchards along the riverside. We will
try one of most popular local transportation named “xe loi” (motor trishaw) driving
through this island to visit a Catholic Church, built around the same time as the
Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon in the 1870s.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Mekong Princess Cruise

Day 5: Hong Ngu - Border Crossing (B, L, D)

Today we visit the local island village of Hong Ngu, not far from the Vietnam-
Cambodia border. Hong Ngu produces a large number of the traditional, Khmer
scarves exported to Cambodia. Woven in many homes around the village, here we
have the opportunity to see the weaving process under several homes. Some
villagers are also embroidery artists, displaying their art in and around the homes.
The inhabitants of this area had only encountered one western visitor prior to the
arrival of the RV Mekong Princess, they are especially friendly and welcoming.
Guests will also visit the local temple dedicated to a unique religion founded in this
area of Vietnam, Hoa Hoa. This afternoon, the RV Mekong Princess will cross the
border into Cambodia and continue up the Mekong River.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Mekong Princess Cruise

Day 6: Phnom Penh (B, L, D)

After breakfast this morning, local cyclo drivers meet you for an exciting city tour of
Phnom Penh. You begin your ride along the riverfront to the Royal Palace, where
a leisurely walk takes you through the grounds, with opportunities to visit the
Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion. Upon crossing into the second section of the
complex, you walk amongst enormous stupas and spirit houses, on the way to the
famous Silver Pagoda, home of Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and Maitreya
Buddha, encrusted with more than 9,000 diamonds. Following a short break, your
cyclos take you to the National Museum. Housing the largest pre-Angkorian and
Angkorian holdings in Cambodia, the National Museum ends the morning tour with
a comprehensive look at many of the artifacts excavated around the Angkor
Archeological Area in Siem Reap, as well as other areas around the former Khmer
Empire. After a return cyclo ride to the ship, you may wish to take some time to
have lunch at a local restaurant, walk along the quay, or visit some of Phnom
Penh’s famous markets and lovely boutiques.

This afternoon, private motor-coach take you on a scenic 45-minute drive from the
ship, arriving at Choeung Ek, the killing fields depicted in the movie, and the center
of the darkest days of Cambodian history. You may walk through the fields, visit
the small museum and Memorial Stupa, and learn more about the atrocities
committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. On the return drive to Phnom Penh, a
stop is made at Tuol Sleng (infamously known as S-21), which was converted by
the Khmer Rouge from a large school to a prison and torture headquarters.
Before dinner, children from a local orphanage entertain guests with a cultural
performance including Apsara, Cambodia’s national dance, as well as several traditional folk dances.
Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Mekong Princess Cruise

Day 7: Angkor Ban (B, L, D)

Today we start the day with a visit to the charming town of Angkor Ban. Here, we
witness the daily life of the local people, starting with a visit to a family’s home, to
meet the family and discuss their lifestyle. We continue through the village to the
local school where we join the children in their classroom and experience what their
typical school day is like.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Mekong Princess Cruise

Day 8: Kampong Cham - Disembarkation (B)

After breakfast we disembark the RV Mekong Princess in Kampong Cham.
Transfer by motor-coach to Siem Reap. Arrive Meeting Point at the Park Hyatt Siem
Reap Hotel at noon.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: N/A

Important Notes

Price includes

• Road transfer from Siem Reap to board and vice versa
• Drinking water, instant coffee, tea
• Soft drinks bottles.
• Meals as mentioned on board
• Land tour services
• Port taxes

Price  excludes

• Domestic flights
• Hotel
• Selective excursions
• Alcoholic beverages (beer or/and wine)
• Tips
• Personal expenses
• Courses on board
• Crew gratuity
• Equipment rentals
• Travel insurance
• Fuel surcharge
• Marine park fees

Remark:

• Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather and operating conditions. Unused services are not subject to a refund.
• Meals on board are fusion: Vietnamese, Cambodia & international. Guests should advise of any special food preferences, allergies or dietary requirements at least three days prior to the cruise date.
• Advance registration is required with full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, passport number and visa expiry date for all passengers. A valid passport is required upon check-in. Otherwise, boarding may be denied by port authority.
• Surcharge on Christmas and New Year & Surcharge on Lunar New Year.

Day 1: Kampong Cham - Embarkation (D)

In the morning, transfer by motor-coach from Siem Reap to Kampong Cham and
embark the RV Mekong Princess for lunch. After enjoying the afternoon at leisure,
enjoy a Welcome Reception and Cambodian Welcome Dinner on board.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: RV Mekong Princess Cruise

Day 2: Angkor Ban (B, L, D)

Today we will visit the charming town of Angkor Ban. Here, you will have a glimpse
into the lives of the local people, starting with a visit to a family’s home to see how
the locals live, along with an opportunity to meet the family and discuss their
lifestyle. Next, you will continue through the village to the local school, where you
will join the children in their classroom and experience what their typical school day
is like. You will then walk back through the village to the ship, with an opportunity
to take photos along the way, including a brief stop at the local monastery complex.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Mekong Princess Cruise

Day 3: Phnom Penh (B, L, D)

After breakfast this morning, local cyclo drivers meet you for an exciting city tour of
Phnom Penh. You begin your ride along the riverfront to the Royal Palace, where
a leisurely walk takes you through the grounds, with opportunities to visit the
Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion. Upon crossing into the second section of the
complex, you walk amongst enormous stupas and spirit houses, on the way to the
famous Silver Pagoda, home of Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and Maitreya
Buddha, encrusted with more than 9,000 diamonds. Following a short break, your
cyclos take you to the National Museum. Housing the largest pre-Angkorian and
Angkorian holdings in Cambodia, the National Museum ends the morning tour with
a comprehensive look at many of the artifacts excavated around the Angkor
Archeological Area in Siem Reap, as well as other areas around the former Khmer
Empire. After a return cyclo ride to the ship, you may wish to take some time to
have lunch at a local restaurant, walk along the quay, or visit some of Phnom
Penh’s famous markets and lovely boutiques.

This afternoon, private motor-coach take you on a scenic 45-minute drive from the
ship, arriving at Choeung Ek, the killing fields depicted in the movie, and the center
of the darkest days of Cambodian history. You may walk through the fields, visit
the small museum and Memorial Stupa, and learn more about the atrocities
committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. On the return drive to Phnom Penh, a
stop is made at Tuol Sleng (infamously known as S-21), which was converted by
the Khmer Rouge from a large school to a prison and torture headquarters.
Before dinner, children from a local orphanage entertain guests with a cultural
performance including Apsara, Cambodia’s national dance, as well as several
traditional folk dances.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Mekong Princess Cruise

Day 4: Border Crossing - Hong Ngu (B, L, D)

This morning, the MV Mekong Princess will process through immigration and
customs, cross the border into Vietnam, and continue downstream to Hong Ngu.

Your sampans take you to the local island village of Hong Ngu, not far from the
Vietnam- Cambodia border. Hong Ngu produces a large number of the traditional,
Khmer scarves exported to Cambodia. Woven in many homes around the village,
you will have the opportunity to see the weaving process under several homes.
Some villagers are also embroidery artists, displaying their art in and around the
homes. The inhabitants of this area had only encountered one western visitor prior
to the arrival of the Mekong Princess, and are especially friendly and welcoming.
Before returning to the sampans, guests will visit the local temple dedicated to a
unique religion founded in this area of Vietnam, Hòa Hóa.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Mekong Princess Cruise

Day 5: Gieng Island - Hoa An (B, L, D)

This morning, your sampan returns to take you into Gieng Island. After a short walk
around visiting to a local sampan village, where hundreds of sampans are
produced daily by local families, we will take a canal drive to explore the untouched
floating area with duck farms, monkey bridges, and tropical orchards along the
riverside. We will try one of most popular local transportation named “xe loi” (motor
trishaw) driving through this island to visit a Catholic Church, which was built as old
as the Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon in the 1870s.

In the afternoon, your sampan takes you to Hoa An village, where is untouched and well- known with flower growing and handmade craft. Our first stop at flower
gardens where we will see many different kinds of flowers and learn how to grow
and take care of them. Then, a short walking to a local house and chat with the
host to see how they live and work in their daily life.

After a short break, continue our excursion on motor cart to another village. We
stop by at the conical hat-making and mat weaving families, have memorable time
chatting with local family members and learning how to create products though
hands-on experience. Enjoy your walk in the peaceful village with rice fields, fruit
trees...in between visiting 2 local families. Then, we say goodbye and go back to
the ship by boat.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Mekong Princess Cruise

Day 6: Can Tho – Tien Loi Island (B, L, D)

Your sampans return early this morning before breakfast for a cruise through the
fascinating Cai Rang floating market near Can Tho. The sampan will weave in and
out of the many boats that sail into the market each morning to sell produce and
other items the residents of the Mekong Delta need in their daily lives. As they
weave through the market, you will have many opportunities for amazing
photographs, while enjoying the Vietnamese “anti-aging drink,” fresh coconut
water. After the market visit, a stop is made at a local factory to see the amazing
process of making instant noodles. After one final pass through the market, you
return to the ship for breakfast.

Upon ship's arrival in Ben Tre, meet your guide and sampan driver, we head to
Tien Loi island. Tien Loi island is untouched by tourist activity. You will be amazed
by honest welcome from rustic locals.

Arrive Tien Loi island, just a few steps from pier, you will see a big fish pond fed by
a local family for selling, then take a short walk to a local family and learn how to
manually weave mat and make chicken coops. Take a seat chatting with host and
enjoying tropical fruits with tea.

Another few minute walk to other family making hats & baskets from sedge. You
have chance buying thier products at whole sale rates. Then, walk to pier for
sampan driving through a cannel to the ship.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Mekong Princess Cruise

Day 7: Ben Tre (B, L, D)

Today, sampans take you through a channel lined with mangroves to visit a local
coconut candy maker. After watching the candy-making process and walking
through the family’s orchard, a horse cart will take you on a 15-minute ride to a pier
where you board small, local boats (two guests per boat) for a trip through the
narrow creeks lined with Nipah palm before returning to the ship.
This evening, we enjoy a Vietnamese Farewell Dinner as the ship sails into the
heart of Saigon.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Accommodation: RV Mekong Princess Cruise

Day 8: Saigon - Disembarkation (B)

After breakfast onboard, it’s time to say farewell to the RV Mekong Princess and
your ship’s crews. A transfer is provided for your convenience from the ship to the
Meeting Point (Park Hyatt Saigon Hotel).

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: N/A

Important Notes

Price includes

• Road transfer from Siem Reap to board and vice versa
• Drinking water, instant coffee, tea
• Soft drinks bottles.
• Meals as mentioned on board
• Land tour services

Price  excludes

• Domestic flights
• Hotel
• Selective excursions
• Alcoholic beverages (beer or/and wine)
• Tips
• Personal expenses
• Courses on board
• Crew gratuity
• Equipment rentals
• Travel insurance
• Fuel surcharge
• Marine park fees

Remark:

• Cruise itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather and operating conditions. Unused services are not subject to a refund.
• Meals on board are fusion: Vietnamese, seafood & international. Guests should advise of any special food preferences, allergies or dietary requirements at least three days prior to the cruise date.
• Advance registration is required with full name, date of birth, nationality, gender, passport number and visa expiry date for all passengers. A valid passport is required upon check-in. Otherwise, boarding may be denied by port authority.
• Surcharge on Christmas and New Year & Surcharge on Lunar New Year on Feb.