Skip to Main Content
Road Scholar logo
The Vientiane Arc de triomphe stands behind a tranquil reflecting pool and palm trees in a park under a clear blue sky.
whole ship icon
Vietnam/Cambodia

Go Solo: The Wonders of Angkor Wat & the Mekong River

Program No. 25726RJ
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
34 meals ( 12B, 11L, 11D )
4 expert-led lectures
24 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
12 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Expand All
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 2:00pm
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Rest and relax after your long journey to Cambodia. At 7:00 p.m. we will come together for our program orientation in the hotel meeting room. The Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please be aware that program activities and scheduled times could change due to local circumstances or weather. River conditions and water levels could affect the progress of the ship, making it run late and sometimes miss ports because it is not safe 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.
Dinner:
Welcome dinner at the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Settle in and get a good night’s rest for the days ahead.
Activity Note
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. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Participants must be able to walk on uneven terrain. Climbing is required on stone steps, sometimes without railings.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
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. The temple is in the high classical style of Khmer architecture. After this breathtaking experience, we return to the hotel for a full breakfast. We will then continue our morning with the temple exploration of Angkor Thom, the last and most enduring capital city of the Khmer Empire. Established in the late twelfth 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:
At own arrangements. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Water levels vary. If traveling during the high water season (roughly September to end of October), we will sail downstream on Toum Tiou. If traveling during the low water season (November to August), we will coach south for 5-6 hours with stops along the way. Midway, we visit a Silk Farm (we do not visit the farm when traveling on Toum Tiou). The cruise itinerary is subject to change based on water levels.
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 or a 5-6 hour coach ride 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.
Activity Note
While cruising downstream 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 2 to 3 times per day. Many shore landings have limited stairs and railings. Water levels on the Mekong vary depending on when you go and, obviously, also because of variations in the seasons from year to year. Our itinerary is subject to change based on the water levels during the program.
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.
Activity Note
Participants will be walking 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 a local tuk-tuk ride and cross 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 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.
Activity Note
Participants need to be able to walk and stand 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 Russian Market, to experience an authentic market experience. Explore handmade crafts to clothes, souvenirs, and local street food.
Dinner:
On board.
Evening:
At leisure.
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 to 1 1/2 miles in the morning 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 proceeds toward Chau Doc in Vietnam. Located to the north at the beginning of Mekong's famous delta, Chau Doc straddles both banks of the Mekong, which fans out to the dimensions of a river mouth here. Floating fish farms have sprung up everywhere. Bamboo fish drying racks are set up a meter above the water's surface.
Lunch:
On board.
Afternoon:
We arrive in Chau Doc and visit a floating village to observe how locals raise fish in rafts under their homes. Many families' livelihoods on the river involve raising fish, mainly tilapia and snakehead. 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
Walking 1 - 1.5 miles in the morning.
Breakfast:
On board.
Morning:
We cruise from Chau Doc to Sa Dec this morning. We enjoy a historical overview of Vietnam and Cambodia on our way to Sa Dec. 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 small city of 30,000 inhabitants 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).
Lunch:
On board.
Afternoon:
We arrive in Vinh Long and visit a brick and pottery factory, the Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet Nursery of fruit trees, as well as a typical house and a show room for traditional farming tools. Vinh Long, which translates to "Majestic Dragon," is 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
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:
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 a late lunch.
Lunch:
On board.
Afternoon:
At leisure on the boat as we cruise towards Vietnam. Ship sets sail from My Tho to Ho Chi Minh City. We cruise 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.
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.
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 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, Dong Khoi Street (also called the People's Committee Building) and the Waterfront. We return to the hotel and have some down time before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
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:
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 you 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 with complimentary glass of wine or local beer. Share your favorite adventures with new Road Scholar friends
Evening:
Say farewell to new Road Scholar friends; pack and prepare for departures home tomorrow.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out is 12:00 noon.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Program concludes.
Morning:
Transfer to the Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). 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 another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and Instagram Feed to share photos of our program. Best wishes for all your journeys!