Vietnam/Cambodia
Angkor Wat & the Mekong River: The Wonders of Cambodia & Vietnam
Program No. 19033RJ
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Angkor Wat & the Mekong River: The Wonders of Cambodia & Vietnam
Angkor Wat & the Mekong River: The Wonders of Cambodia & Vietnam
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Itinerary
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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
34 meals (
12B, 11L, 11D
)
4 expert-led lectures
26 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Activity Note
Depart North America on international flights to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Please refer to your individual air itinerary for exact departure and arrival times.
Day
2
In Transit To Program
Location:
In Flight
Activity Note
Flights cross the International Date Line
Day
3
Arrive Siem Reap, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Siem Reap
Meals:
D
Stay:
Tara Angkor Hotel
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Remember to bring your name tag. Arrivals throughout the day and early evening.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Please note that if you arrive at the program late and miss Orientation, the Group Leader will give you a brief overview the following day. Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from the Group Leader as well as local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings. 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. During free time, the Group Leader will often be available for informal excursions, activities, or meals not included in the program. You are welcome to join if you wish, with any associated costs at your own expense, or you may explore independently. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Settle in and get a good night’s rest for the days ahead.
Day
4
National Museum, Ta Promh, Landmine Museum, Banteay Srei
Location:
Siem Reap
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Tara Angkor Hotel
Activity Note
Walking 2-3 miles today, on mainly level paths with few stone steps without railings. Participants must be able to get in and out of the bus, and sit and stand for nearly the whole day in hot and humid weather conditions.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We begin our day with a field trip to the Angkor National Museum. This modern museum offers an informative introduction to Cambodian temples, art, and the religious beliefs that shaped the ancient Khmer Empire. Next, we board our motorcoach and begin our introduction to the temples of Angkor with a visit to Ta Prohm, also known as 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 - who can't help but feel a little like Indiana Jones or Lara Croft (which was filmed here) as we explore the ruins.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will transfer by motorcoach to the Landmine Museum and enjoy a lecture. We will gain an understanding of the efforts being made to rid the countryside of these terrible munitions. Later in the afternoon we visit 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 and considered among the finest in the Angkor region. We return to the hotel by motorcoach and take time to relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for early morning visit to Angkor Wat.
Day
5
Sunrise at Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Free Time
Location:
Siem Reap
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Tara Angkor Hotel
Activity Note
Early rise and transfer to Angkor Wat to watch sunrise. Driving about 8 miles for the day, approx. 1/2 hour. Walking approximately 2 miles on uneven surfaces with many steps, some without railings. Prepare for hot and humid weather and little shade in the morning activities.
Breakfast:
We rise early and are joined by a local guide 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 centuries. 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 return to the hotel for breakfast.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will 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 free time, we 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 makes a donation to this school. We return to our hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon and evening at leisure.
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.
Day
6
Free Time, Board Riverboat for Mekong Cruise
Location:
Tonle Sap
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
CF Mekong Toum Tiou
Activity Note
Water levels vary seasonally, and the cruise itinerary may change accordingly. During high water season (roughly September through October), we board the vessel near Siem Reap. During low water season (November–August), we travel by motorcoach (5–6 hours, with rest stops) to board the vessel farther south, stopping for lunch along the way. Boarding is typically via ramp walkways. At some low-water locations, participants may need to use a short ladder and transfer by small boat to go ashore.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We have some free time this morning before coming together to travel to our vessel. Depending on the water levels in the river, we will either have a short transfer to the vessel (1 hour) or a longer transfer (5-6 hours) motorcoach ride (with rest stops enroute) to join the vessel in Koh Chen.
Lunch:
During high water season, lunch at the hotel. During low water season, lunch at a silk farm en route to board the vessel.
Afternoon:
Upon boarding the Toum Tiou, the captain and crew will give everyone a safety briefing. We have time to settle into our cabins before dinner.
Dinner:
Captain's 'Welcome Drink and Dinner' on board.
Evening:
At leisure. You must obtain your Vietnam visa in advance. This evening the Ship Manager and Group Leader will collect and check passports and visas in preparation of the Vietnamese border crossing on Day 10.
Day
7
Kampong Chhnang
Location:
Kampong Chhnang
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
CF Mekong Toum Tiou
Activity Note
Total walking today 1-2 miles on mainly flat level surfaces with a few stairs in the village and at the pagoda.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
A wonderful morning awaits us in Kampong Chhnang, also known as Pottery Village, where locals continue to craft pottery using traditional methods passed down through generations. Located about 56 miles from Phnom Penh, Kampong Chhnang is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonlé Sap, with fish farming being a major activity in the area. In addition to its pottery, which has remained unchanged for centuries, the village is known for other unique products. The Thnot tree (sugar palm), a national symbol, thrives here, providing the area with its famous caramel-colored sugar, sold in large cakes, as well as palm wine.
Lunch:
On board.
Afternoon:
We will next explore Wat Yeaytep Pagoda which was built in 1677 before returning on board and beginning to cruise to Kampong Tralach and Phnom Penh. Enjoy free time aboard the ship as we cruise south towards Vietnam. 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.
Day
8
Kampong Tralach, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh, Apsara Performance
Location:
Phnom Penh
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
CF Mekong Toum Tiou
Activity Note
Walking 2-3 miles today and standing on and off for at least 3 to 4 hours today. A pair of socks may come in handy for the temple visits.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
We arrive at Kampong Tralach and visit its wonderful Vihara belonging to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To reach it, we will take local tuk-tuks, and ride nearby gorgeous stretches of emerald rice paddies. The Vihara dates back to early last century. It was probably built on an older site, as indicated by the laterite foundations. The Vihara is home to some outstanding mural paintings. Standing by itself in the middle of rice fields, it is a modest pagoda that receives very few visitors. Unfortunately, its isolation may well be its undoing, as was the case for Wat Tani Pagoda in the province of Kampot.
Lunch:
On board.
Afternoon:
En route to Phnom Penh, we will stop at the small village of Koh Chen and learn about the local villagers' craftsmanship in silver and copper work. Later, we will reboard the ship and enjoy a lecture by our study leader on the "Economic Development along the Mekong Delta." Upon our arrival, we have some free time to explore Phnom Penh. Visit one of the local markets, walk the city streets or just relax. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
On board.
Evening:
In the evening, we enjoy an 'Apsara' dance performance aboard the ship. 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.
Day
9
Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, S-21 Interrogation Center
Location:
Phnom Penh
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
CF Mekong Toum Tiou
Activity Note
Walking 2-3 miles today and standing on and off for at least 3 to 4 hours today. Heat and humidity need to be taken into account.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
Phnom Penh is renowned for its traditional Khmer and French-influenced architecture. We take a step back to ancient times by exploring the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. We then visit the National Museum. This museum is the most significant public repository of Khmer artifacts in the country, displaying many important rare pieces.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We visit 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 hopefully gain a better understanding of the recent tragic period in Cambodian history, the scars it left, and how it affects both social and economic development in the country today. We next travel to the Central Market, to experience an authentic market experience. Explore handmade crafts to clothes, souvenirs, and local street food.
Dinner:
On board.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Border Crossing into Vietnam, Chau Doc
Location:
Chau Doc
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
CF Mekong Toum Tiou
Activity Note
The entry gate for your Vietnamese e-Visa is 'Vinh Xuong international land and river border gate, An Giang province.' Must be able to comfortably walk anywhere from 1-2 miles today.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
We navigate towards Kaam Samnaar, arriving mid-morning at the river border crossing between Cambodia and Vietnam. The barge undergoes some formalities as it is cleared to cross into Vietnam. The entry gate to Vietnam is 'Vinh Xuong international land and river border gate, An Giang province.' From the border, the Toum Tiou continues toward Chau Doc in Vietnam. Located at the northern gateway to the Mekong’s famous delta, Chau Doc spans both banks of the river, which widens here to the scale of a river mouth. Floating fish farms line the waterways, and bamboo fish-drying racks rise a meter above the water’s surface, creating a vivid portrait of life along the Mekong.
Lunch:
On board.
Afternoon:
We arrive in Chau Doc and board vans to 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 the Temple of Lady Xu and The Tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau, two of the most revered and historically significant cultural sites in the Mekong Delta.
Dinner:
On board.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
Cruise Mekong, Sa Dec Exploration
Location:
Sa Dec
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
CF Mekong Toum Tiou
Activity Note
Walking 1-2 miles today, mainly on flat level ground with a few stone steps to enter a house.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
We cruise from Chau Doc to Sa Dec this morning. Enroute to Sa Dec, we will enjoy a historical overview of Vietnam and Cambodia led by our Group Leader.
Lunch:
On board.
Afternoon:
Local boats will pick up and take us on a short panoramic tour of Sa Dec and make a stop for a stroll around Sa Dec Market. This city is fascinating in its unspoiled authenticity and remains largely undisturbed by visitors. It provides a glimpse of the delta where a few colonial houses still remain, including the "Chinaman's house" (from Duras' novel "The Lover", also made into a movie).
Dinner:
On board.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Vinh Long, My Tho, Vinh Trang Pagoda, Cao Dai Temple
Location:
My Tho
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
CF Mekong Toum Tiou
Activity Note
This will be an active day. Boarding small boats to go ashore and walking mainly on flat level surfaces with a few stairs.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
We arrive in Vinh Long and visit Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet, a lush island renowned for its orchards and ornamental gardens. Situated between two branches of the Mekong River, Vinh Long—whose name means “Majestic Dragon”—lies at the heart of the delta. The region’s fertile soil, enriched by centuries of silt deposits, provides ideal conditions for growing mandarins and a wide variety of citrus fruits. Here, life revolves around the water: houses stand on stilts along the riverbanks, vendors ply their trade from boats, and countless small vessels weave across the waterways, creating a vibrant and ever-changing scene.
Lunch:
On board.
Afternoon:
On the banks of a northern arm of the Mekong, 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 disembark the boat and transfer to Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the best known Buddhist temples in the region. Next, we will stop at a nearby Cao Dai temple, home to a religion that blends elements of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism, and Islam. We return to the vessel for dinner.
Dinner:
Captain's 'Farewell Drink and Dinner' to mark our final evening on the water together.
Evening:
At leisure. Pack and prepare for our arrival in Ho Chi Minh City tomorrow morning.
Day
13
Chao Gao Canal, Arrive Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Lecture
Location:
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sila Urban Living
Activity Note
Transfer by private motorcoach approximately 2 miles. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) exploration in the afternoon by bus on busy streets with lots of traffic and noise.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
We cruise from My Tho to Ho Chi Minh City, navigating the magnificent Chao Gao Canal, the entrance to Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon. The canal is the only inland waterway channel for river transport with large tonnage transporting rice, agricultural products, and goods from the Mekong Delta to Ho Chi Minh City. We arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) this morning. This vibrant city is a thriving metropolis reflecting Vietnam's contentious past as well as its fast-forwarding future. We clear port formalities and transfer to the hotel.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we check into our hotel. We regroup for a lecture by a local educator on Vietnam's history. We then board our motorcoach to explore the city. We will pass by some of the major sites, including the General Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Hotel d'Ville, (also called the People's Committee Building), Dong Khoi Street, and the Waterfront. We return to the hotel and have some down time before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
14
Reunification Hall, Traditional Medicine Museum, Free Time
Location:
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sila Urban Living
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:
Buffet at hotel.
Morning:
This morning, we first head to the Reunification Hall. Also known as the Independence Palace, this stunning building was the former residence and workplace of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. Later, we visit the FITO Museum which is dedicated to traditional Vietnamese medicine and pharmacy. There are nearly 3,000 items, some dating back to the Stone Age, including instruments used to prepare traditional medicine, objects from a traditional pharmacy, books, documents, and much more.
Lunch:
Enjoy the taste of Vietnam as we sample Pho - a local favorite!
Afternoon:
This afternoon is free for you to explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own. Refer to the free time suggestions provided in the first mailing packet. The Group Leader will also be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening:
Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends; pack and prepare for departures home tomorrow.
Day
15
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers. Hotel located 5 miles (+/- 30 minutes with traffic) from hotel to Ho Chi Minh City International Airport.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Program concludes.
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 9 - Nov 23, 2026 Itinerary Differences:
This departure commences in Siem Reap, Cambodia and concludes in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam.