Toum Tiou

8 Day Mekong Cruise from Siem Reap to Saigon

Launched in 2002, the Toum Tiou was the first Cambodian cruise boat offering international standard accommodation in a vessel constructed using traditional methods and local design. Fully-panelled in wood, Toum Tiou exudes charm and comfort, while her modest size and shallow draft allow access to some of the most remote villages along the Mekong River. The Toum Tiou has 10 elegant double cabins, each with private en suite facilities, and her spacious public areas include a large lounge area, a panoramic viewing area, a half-covered bar and restaurant, and a roof patio, where guests can relax as they take in the sights of the Mekong.

Info

Embark

A transfer from the FCC Angkor Hotel in Siem Reap to the ship is included and departs at 13.30hrs between January and June and at 15.00hrs between July and December.

Day 1: Siem Reap

You will be met at the FCC Hotel in Siem Reap this afternoon and transferred to the ship. In the high water season (usually Jul - Dec), you will cross Tonle Sap on board the Toum Tiou. During low water season (usually Jan - Jun), you will be taken across the lake in speedboats to meet the ship near Chnok Tru. If the water levels are very low, which can heppen between March and June, you may need to transfer to the ship by road. This evening there is a welcome drink and introduction to the ship and crew. Later, enjoy your welcome dinner on board.

Day 2: Kampong Chhnang

The Toum Tiou departs early this morning and sails towards Kampong Chhnang, with breakfast served on the way. This is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonlé Sap and is located 56 miles from Phnom Penh. The area is known for its traditional pottery. The Thnot tree, or sugar palm, a national symol, can also be found in the area and is used to make cakes and palm wine. The Toum Tiou moors close to Kampong Chhnang for the night. In high water season, there will usually be an additional morning stop at Chnok Tru, a remote and totally self-sufficient village where everything, from the local school to the police station is built on the water.

Day 3: Kampong Tralach - Phnom Penh

Set sail early this morning and head to Kampong Tralach, enjoying breakfast en route. Upon arrival visit the Vihara, belonging to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu Pagoda. Later, cross Kampong Tralach Krom village via a small road, passing some beautiful stretches of emerald rice paddy fields as you leave the river behind. Re-join the Toum Tiou and enjoy lunch as you sail towards Phnom Penh. Spend the afternoon exploring the Cambodian capital at your leisure. You may wish to visit the Russian market or the antique shops to pick up a unique souvenir.

Day 4: Phnom Penh

This morning you depart for the Killing Fields of the Khmer Rouge and the Tuol Sleng Museum, a detention centre of torture and execution from 1975 to 1979. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. During the afternoon there will be city sightseeing tour, taking in the Royal Palace and the National Museum.

Day 5: Kaam Samnaar - Chau Doc

The ship leaves Phnom Penh and heads towards Kaam Samnaar, on the Cambodian border, to pass through the immigration check point. Sail towards Chau Doc, taking lunch on board as you cruise. Chau Doc is situated at the beginning of the Mekong's famous delta and straddles both banks of the river. Enjoy a short panoramic tour of the city to see the fish farms for which Chau Doc is famous, and the buzzing local market. Dinner will be taken at the Victoria Hotel in Chau Doc.

Day 6: Chau Doc - Vinh Long

Breakfast will be served as you continue your cruise downstream to Sa Dec today. There will be a short panoramic tour of the town and a visit, by bus, to a local primary school. Continue to Kien An Cung Pagoda and stroll around Sa Dec Market, which is located on the river bank. Return to the boat and depart for Vinh Long, enjoying dinner as you cruise.

Day 7: Cai Be - My Tho

Arrive at Vinh Long this morning and board local boats to visit a brick and pottery factory, the Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet Nursery of Fruit Trees and a typical local house. Life in Vinh Long is organised around the water, with houses on stilts and hundreds of vessels drifting in all directions. From Vinh Long continue to Cai Be to visit the floating market. Re-board the Toum Tiou in Cai Be and head for My Tho, enjoying lunch en route. The ship drops anchor adjacent to Thoi Son Island and from here you will transfer to the mainland by local boat. My Tho is known for its many fruit orchards, pretty gardens and expansive rice fields. The area benefits from a warm climate and the surrounding countryside is stunning, with coconut palms, mango and banana trees. After a panoramic tour of My Tho, the Toum Tiou departs for Saigon and you will enjoy a leisurely afternoon sailing through the impressive Cho Gao Canal. This evening enjoy a farewell cocktail on board followed by a Captain’s Farewell Dinner. The ship moors overnight on the river.