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Vietnam/Cambodia

Angkor Wat & the Mekong River: The Wonders of Cambodia & Vietnam

Program No. 19033RJ
On a riverboat voyage along the legendary Mekong River, meet the people and discover the places that make Vietnam and Cambodia two of the most fascinating countries in Southeast Asia.
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  • Angkor Wat and the Mekong River
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  • CF Mekong Toum Teav
  • Angkor Wat and the Mekong River
  • CF Mekong Toum Teav
  • Angkor Wat and the Mekong River
  • Angkor Wat and the Mekong River
Regional StudiesAdventures Afloat Study CruiseBargeSmall Group
Length
15 days
Rating (4.98)
Activity Level
Starts at
4,899
Special Offer
Flights start at
FREE
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
All itineraries and excursions are subject to change. Weather and water conditions may affect the progress of the ship, and we may miss ports if it is not safe to dock. The operators reserve the right to change the content and duration of excursions without prior notice and so the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. Whenever possible, Road Scholar’s published daily schedule will indicate port arrival and departure times. Prior to departure, if there is a major change, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
15 days
14 nights
What's Included
33 meals ( 12B, 11L, 10D )
3 expert-led lectures
23 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Participants arrive throughout the day and early evening. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to rest and relax after your journey to Vietnam.
Dinner:
Program Orientation will be held at the hotel at 6:30pm. The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and go through any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. We will learn from the Group Leader as well as local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach [or bus] unless noted otherwise. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings and include water, coffee/tea, and additional drinks will be available for purchase. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. River conditions and water levels could affect progress of the barge, causing it to run late or miss ports when it becomes unsafe to dock. Because of this, the cruise itinerary should always be regarded as provisional. The operators reserve the right to change the content of field trips and excursions without prior notice. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We then walk to dinner at a nearby restaurant, steps from the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Ho Chi Minh City exploration in the afternoon involves walking up to 2 miles along busy streets with lots of traffic and noise
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Our first excursion is to transfer by motorcoach to the National University for a lecture on the history of Vietnam with a focus on the Mekong River and the region you will be traveling. We then enjoy tea with university students, giving us the opportunity to discuss the cultural climate of today's Vietnam as well as their own goals and aspirations. We board our motorcoach and transfer back towards our hotel and downtown for lunch.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant and thriving metropolis reflecting Vietnam's contentious past as well as its fast-forwarding future. On a walking field trip led by our Group Leader, we will take note of the past and present amidst intricate traditional French colonial architecture, Chinese pagodas and sleek skyscrapers. We will visit such sites as the Rex Hotel, the People's Committee Building (originally the Hôtel de Ville), Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. We'll walk down the famous Le Duan street to the Reunification Palace (the former Presidential Palace), built as a modern administrative center. We'll return to our hotel via Ben Thanh Market. As the rest of the afternoon and evening is free, you may choose to linger there and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and embarkation in the morning.
Activity Note
While cruising upstream over the next few days, we stop for shore excursions along the way. Be prepared for getting on and off the riverboat by ladder and getting into and out of smaller boats to go ashore. Many shore landings have limited stairs and railings. Water levels on the Mekong vary depending on when you go and, the water level variations in the seasons from year to year. Our itinerary is subject to change based on the water levels during the program.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. We will then check out of the hotel before making our way by motorcoach to our riverboat.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant, enjoy the taste of Vietnam as you sample Pho, a local favorite!
Afternoon:
We'll embark the Toum Tiou to begin our fascinating journey up the Mekong River. After comfortably settling into our cabins, we will meet the crew and review ship safety procedures.
Dinner:
We will begin our evening with a welcome drink aboard the Toum Tiou, followed by dinner on board.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. This will be an active day. There will not be a lot of walking, but participants must be able to climb ladders on the side of the barge without assistance. Participants must also be comfortable getting in and out of small wooden boats at least 3 to 4 times today.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
We begin to cruise on the lively and vibrant Chao Gao canal located on the northern arm of the Mekong. We will arrive at My Tho and drop anchor on the river. My Tho, which translates as "fragrant herb," is where visitors come to discover the beauty of the delta. It's a quiet, prosperous city of about 100,000 inhabitants, famous for its many fruit orchards, gardens and the huge rice fields that surround it. The climate is warm and pleasant all year round. We will leave the boat and transfer by motorcoach to Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the best known Buddhist temples in the region. We return to the ship, making a stop at My Tho market known for its fresh produce, bustling atmosphere, and noodle soup. We continue cruising up the river, making a stop at Dragon Island, to enjoy local seasonal fruit.
Lunch:
On board.
Afternoon:
We cruise to Cai Be and disembark to visit a craft village, where we observe local artisans. The journey continues to Vinh Long, stopping at a brick and pottery factory, the Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet fruit tree nursery, a traditional house, and a showroom featuring farming tools.. We arrive at Vinh Long, which translates as "Majestic Dragon," and is located right in the middle of the delta, between two arms of the Mekong. The soil of Vinh Long is enriched by silt deposits, making it ideal for growing mandarins and other citrus fruits. Life is organized around the water - houses on stilts, hawkers on boats, and hundreds of small crafts crisscrossing the river in all directions.
Dinner:
On board.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking 1 - 1.5 miles in the morning.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
We board a local boat to go ashore to Sa Dec. With our Group Leader, we will stroll around Sa Dec Market, located along the riverbank.. This small city of 30,000 inhabitants is fascinating in its unspoiled authenticity and is undisturbed by visitors. Sa Dec was known as the "Garden of Cochin Chine" during colonial times. We will get a glimpse of a few colonial houses still standing including the "Chinaman's House" from Duras' novel "The Lover," which was also made into a movie. We will board a local boat and return to the Toum Tiou for lunch.
Lunch:
On board.
Afternoon:
We arrive at Chau Doc, and visit a floating village to observe how locals raise fish in rafts under their homes. If the timing allows, we will take a field trip to Sam Mountain, the highest elevation on the Mekong. Sam Mountain provides a spectacular view of the region's rice paddies and canal system. We can also see the Cambodian border from the summit. On our way back to the ship, we will pause to view some of the temples such as Tay An Pagoda, the Temple of Lady Xu and the Tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau.
Dinner:
On board.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Full day on the river. The exit point for your Vietnamese e-Visa is "Vinh Xuong international land and river border gate, An Giang province." Your Group Leader and the crew of the barge can assist with this process. Please refer to the passport and program notes section of the participant mailing for more information on the Cambodian Visa and what is required.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
We will depart for the Vietnamese-Cambodian border. Upon arrival at the check-point in Vietnam, the Toum Tiou undergoes some formalities as it gains clearance to cross into Cambodia. For your Vietnamese e-Visa purposes, the exit checkpoint is "Vinh Xuong international land and river border gate, An Giang province." The vessel leaves the border and proceeds toward Phnom Penh, where participants' visas are obtained. The Group Leader and the crew of the vessel will assist with this process.
Lunch:
On board.
Afternoon:
Enjoy free time aboard the ship as we cruise towards Phnom Penh. From the deck or your cabin, relax and enjoy the diverse sights, from bustling urban life to serene rural landscapes.
Dinner:
On board.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking mainly flat level ground, 1-2 miles.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
On board the boat, we will hear a presentation from our Group Leader about the modern history of Cambodia. Next, we set of to explore the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, some of the most impressive examples of Cambodian architecture. We will then visit the National Museum located on the same Royal Palace grounds. Our Group Leader will lead us through the most significant public repository of Khmer artifacts in the country, displaying many important rare pieces.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will visit the the S-21 (Tuol Sleng) Interrogation Center, where Cambodians were tortured and forced to confess to crimes they did not commit. Through these visits, we will gain a better understanding of this tragic period in Cambodian history, the scars it left, and how it affects both the social and economic development in the country today.
Dinner:
On board.
Evening:
Enjoy an 'Apsara' dance preformance. As evidenced in part by the innumerable Apsaras (celestial dancers) that adorn the walls of Angkorian and pre-Angkorian temples, this dance has been a part of Khmer culture for more than a millennium.
Activity Note
Walking and standing for at least 3-4 hours throughout the day. We suggest bringing a pair of socks for the temple visit afterwards (no shoes allowed).
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
Phnom Penh is renowned for its traditional Khmer and French-influenced architecture. Enjoy free time to explore the city, visit one of the local markets, walk the city streets or just relax on board. Late morning, we set of and start cruising towards Kampong Tralach.
Lunch:
On board.
Afternoon:
We arrive at Kampong Tralach and visit its wonderful Vihara (Buddhist Monastery) belonging to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To reach it, we will cross vast stretches of emerald rice paddies, led by our Group Leader. The Vihara dates back to the early 20th century. It was probably built on an older site, as indicated by the laterite foundations. The Vihara is celebrated for its deep historical roots and its culturally significant 17th-century murals, which reflect Cambodia’s rich artistic heritage. Standing by itself in the middle of rice fields, the modest Vihara receives very few visitors. Its isolation may well be its undoing, as was the case for several other Viharas in nearby provinces.
Dinner:
On board.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking mainly flat level ground, 1-2 miles. Must be comfortable climbing up and down the ladder on the side of the boat to get in and out of smaller, wooden boats. Landings may have limited stairs and railings. Sitting and standing at various sites for at least 4 hours today.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
Located some 56 miles from Phnom Penh, the town of Kampong Chnang is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonle Sap, making it an important village for both fishing and fish farming in the region. The town is not only know for fishing but also for its pottery, which has retained the same distinctive style for centuries, producing enough pottery to supply the entire country. The village also offers a taste of local products made from the Thnot tree (a type of palm tree), mellow tasting, caramel-colored sugar sold in large cakes, and palm wine. With our Group Leader, we will sample some local palm specialities. Next, we will explore the nearby Yeaytep Pagoda, considered the most famous and sacred Buddhist monastery in Kampong Chhnang province
Lunch:
On board.
Afternoon:
We will depart Kampong Chhang and cruise north towards Siem Reap. We drop anchor before the Tonle Sap Lake.
Dinner:
Aboard the boat, we’ll enjoy the captain’s dinner to mark our final evening on the water.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and disembarkation in the morning.
Activity Note
Please note that water levels on Tonle Sap vary greatly depending on the time of year. When possible during the high water season (generally September to the end of October) we will continue to cruise all the way to Siem Reap. During the low water season we will travel by motorcoach from Koh Chen to Siem Reap (approximately 5 - 6 hours with stops along the way). Mid-way on this coach journey, we visit a silk farm (we do not visit the silk farm when traveling by boat).
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
Please note that this itinerary varies based on the season, the climatic conditions and the water levels on Tonle Sap. When water levels allow during the high-water season (generally September and October), we will enjoy our last morning on the boat while cruising towards Siem Reap. We will arrive at the pier near Siem Reap and transfer to our hotel. During low-water season (generally November to August) or when water levels dictate, we will board a motorcoach and drive to Siem Reap. In Kampong Thom, we will stop at a silk farm and learn about the process of creating Cambodian silk.
Lunch:
During high water season: Lunch at the hotel. During low water season: Lunch at the silk farm before we continue by motorcoach to Siem Reap.
Afternoon:
Upon our arrival in Siem Reap, we will check in and have some time to do as we wish. We will then head out to the Angkor National Museum, where our Group Leader will lead an introduction to the temples and art surrounding us. We'll gain an understanding of the religions and beliefs of the ancient Khmer empire.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Motorcoach 3 miles (20 minutes) from hotel to Angkor Wat. Must be able to walk on uneven terrain. Climbing is required on stone steps, sometimes without railings.
Breakfast:
We rise early this morning to take in the breathtaking beauty of Angkor Wat at sunrise. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Angkor Archaeological Park contains the magnificent remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. The best-preserved temple at the site, Angkor Wat is also the only temple to have remained a significant religious center since its construction. It was built to embody the Hindu tradition – specifically dedicated to the god Vishnu – but gradually shifted to become a primarily Buddhist site as the official religion of the Khmer Empire changed. We will then return to the hotel for breakfast.
Morning:
We explore Angkor Thom, the last and most-enduring capital city of the Khmer empire. Established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII, at the center of the city is the mesmerizing temple of Bayon.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After enjoying some independent time, we'll go off the beaten path and visit an elementary school, where we will be introduced to the educational system of Cambodia (subject to school holidays and exam schedules). Road Scholar donates to this school.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Driving 20 miles, approximately 1 hour. Getting in/out of a motorcoach throughout the day, interspersed with periods of sitting and standing, in hot and humid weather.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Traveling by motorcoach, we will continue our discovery of the Angkor Temples with a visit to Ta Prohm, the Jungle Temple. Unlike most of the temples of Angkor, Ta Prohm has been largely left to ruins. With its dynamic interaction between nature and man-made art, this atmospheric temple is a favorite for many - some may feel a little like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft (which was filmed here) as we explore the rubble. We will later visit the temple Banteay Srei, the Citadel of Women. This pink sandstone temple was built in the latter half of the 10th century by Rajendravarman II and Jayavaraman V. The carvings of Banteay Srei are among the oldest and most intricate that we will see. Next, we visit the Cambodian Landmine Museum. This facility was established by Aki Ra, believed to have served as a child soldier during the Khmer Rouge regime. Mr. Ra or one of his assistants will provide a lecture and then we will explore the museum.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will then take the motorcoach back to Siem Reap for some free time to explore on our own. The Group Leader will be happy to provide suggestions.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
Please Note: This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Nov 09, 2025 - Nov 23, 2025 (Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon))
Dec 02, 2025 - Dec 16, 2025 (Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Siem Reap)
Jan 01, 2026 - Jan 15, 2026 (Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Siem Reap)
Jan 08, 2026 - Jan 22, 2026 (Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon))
Jan 16, 2026 - Jan 30, 2026 (Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Siem Reap)
Jan 23, 2026 - Feb 06, 2026 (Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon))
Jan 31, 2026 - Feb 14, 2026 (Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Siem Reap)
Feb 22, 2026 - Mar 08, 2026 (Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon))
Mar 02, 2026 - Mar 16, 2026 (Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Siem Reap)
Mar 09, 2026 - Mar 23, 2026 (Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon))
Mar 17, 2026 - Mar 31, 2026 (Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Siem Reap)
Aug 26, 2026 - Sep 09, 2026 (Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon))
Sep 18, 2026 - Oct 02, 2026 (Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Siem Reap)
Oct 03, 2026 - Oct 17, 2026 (Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Siem Reap)
Oct 10, 2026 - Oct 24, 2026 (Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon))
Oct 18, 2026 - Nov 01, 2026 (Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Siem Reap)
Oct 25, 2026 - Nov 08, 2026 (Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon))
Nov 02, 2026 - Nov 16, 2026 (Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Siem Reap)
Nov 09, 2026 - Nov 23, 2026 (Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon))
Dec 02, 2026 - Dec 16, 2026 (Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to Siem Reap)