Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong

Depart the USA on your transpacific flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia.

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 head, before enjoying a welcome dinner accompanied, as part of EmeraldPLUS program, by an Apsara dance performance. Meals: D

EmeraldPLUS: Apsara dance performance and dinner show

Today, start with a visit to Angkor Thom, not a single temple such as the historic sites it neighbors, 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 is free to visit ‘Pub Street’ or try a DiscoverMORE option this evening. Meals: B, L

DiscoverMORE: Sunset Drinks Gondola Boat at Bayon (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Dinner in the Rice Field (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Cambodian Street Food Discovery Tour (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. Later this evening, enjoy your farewell dinner as part of your EmeraldPLUS program, accompanied by an Apsara dance performance. Meal: B

EmeraldPLUS: Phare Cambodian Circus performance
DiscoverMORE: Vespa tour of Siem Reap (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: A visit to Banteay Srei (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: A visit to Tonlé Sap (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: A culinary tour of Cambodia (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 while you enjoy your first dinner on board with your fellow guests Meals: B, L, D

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. 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 as you please exploring our DiscoverMORE excursions or simply relaxing on board Emerald Harmony. In the evening, as part of your EmeraldPLUS program you will have a chance to experience an evening remork (local Tuk-Tuk) ride through Phnom Penh to enjoy the city lights. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: A tradtional 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)

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 program, enjoy a cultural performance bythe Cambodian Student and Children’s Organization, before setting sail to the border. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Cultural Performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organization

Cross the border then sail to Tan Chau. Here 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, program, 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 to then visit a Mekong fish farm before returning to Emerald Harmony.

Relax on board this afternoon or join our DiscoverMORE tour of Tràm Chim National Park, home to Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary. Return to Emerald Harmony where, later this evening as part of our EmeraldPLUS, program, you’ll be delighted by a traditional Lion Dance performance on board. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: A visit to a local Cao Dai Temple
EmeraldPLUS: A Lion Dance performance on board
DiscoverMORE: A visit to Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary in Tram Chim National Park (extra expense)

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. Recognized as a cultural and historical destination, this small village in rural Vietnam specialises in red-hot chili 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. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Listen to some local folk singing in My An Hung

After a short ride on a sampan to Sa Dec, enjoy a walking tour around town. Stop include the Chinese Congregational House in Kien An Cung, the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le (currently under renovation), 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. Traveling 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. Meals: B, L, D

After sailing from My Tho leave the Mekong Delta and enter the Cho Gao Canal. This canal is considered one of Vietnam 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). Meals: B, L

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.. Meals: B, L

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 in 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. Meals: B, D

After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the Ho Chi Minh City airport to catch your onward or homebound flight. Return home with memories of life enriching experiences of your amazing adventure through Cambodia and Vietnam. Meal: B