Mekong River Experience - Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City Adventure Tour

Experience the beauty of both Cambodia and Vietnam during this eight-day river cruising journey. Take in Wat Phnom, the Grand Palace, the S21 Museum, and the Tra Su Bird Sanctuary and prepare to see things you'll never forget (but bring your camera anyway). Get a true taste of river cruising while visiting the Cai Be floating market and the fishing port of Kampong Chhnang, where you'll learn about fish farming, pottery, and sugar palm production. Opt for bikes, tuk tuks, or local boats to get around and see rice paddies, monasteries, and local businesses.

Solo Travellers  

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Accommodation  

Aboard the Toum Tiou II Riverboat (7 nts).

Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Safety and Security  

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).

Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

Optional Activities  

Phnom Penh
- Silver Pagoda Visit (10USD per person)
- Royal Palace
- Russian Market
- National Museum Visit (10USD per person)
- Wat Phnom Visit

Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.

Travel Insurance  

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

Joining Hotel  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.

Detailed Trip Notes  

Border crossings during AOVZSE:
Kaam Sam Nar Border - Cambodia to Vietnam

Local Dress  

In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

About Accommodation  

Cabins on board the Toum Tiou II all have exterior view windows and private bathrooms.

Length: 38m (125 ft) riverboat
Built: 2008
Flag: Cambodian
Draft: 1.8m
Engine power: 450 HP
Speed: 11 Knots
Capacity: 28 Passengers
Cabins: 14 - 6 upper, 8 lower
Boat Layout: Large screen television in lounge showing movies nightly. Library with classic literature, Wifi in public areas, outdoor dining and lounge areas with comfortable seating

Packing List  

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

Tipping  

In Asia, it is customary to tip service providers, such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and expresses satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. If you have a local guide or a driver on your tour, tipping $2-5 USD (in local currency) per person, per service is recommended. If someone helps you carry a bag, you can offer to tip a few USD (in local currency) if you feel it is deserved. Ask your CEO for specific advice if you are unsure.

?If at the end of the riverboat sailing you find the staff on board were exceptional, a tip of $5-10 USD per day is recommended. You can leave this tip at the end of the riverboat portion of your tour.?

At the end of each tour if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however, as a guideline $20-30 USD per person, per week can be used.

Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Group Size Notes  

Max 28

What's Included  

7 nights aboard the Toum Tiou II Riverboat. Kampong Chhnang visit. Vihara and pagoda visit (Kampong Tralach). Koh Chen island visit include cottage industries. Cyclo tour (Phnom Penh). Choeung Ek (Killing Fields) guided tour. Tuol Sleng Museum (S-21 Prison) guided tour. Apsara show. Tra Su Bird Sanctuary visit. Sam Mountain sunset visit. Kien An Cung Pagoda visit (Sa Dec). Vinh Long excursion. Vinh Trang Pagoda visit. Thoi Son Island cottage industries tour. Farewell cocktail and Captain's Dinner. All transport to/from included activities and between destinations.

Joining Instructions  

Meeting at the Royal Angkor Resort in Siem Reap at 13:30. We will then transfer the passengers to Phnom Krom pier, embarking at 14:30. However, please note, during low water season there will be a 4-5 hour transfer to Koh Chen for boarding.

Royal Angkor Resort
Address: Phum Kasekum, NR6, Krong Siem Reap 93279, Cambodia
Tel: +855 63 767 555

To arrive at the joining point in Siem Reap take a public taxi or tuktuk. As you leave the airport there is a booth for arranging your taxi. The price is US$10

What to Take  

Most airlines allow up to two checked bags and one carry-on per person. To avoid any problems upon check-in and with possible excess baggage charges, please consult the airline for specific restrictions.

Dress on board the Toum Tiou II is informal. Plan to bring comfortable, casual clothing for all activities. When packing, we suggest that you do not weigh yourself down with too many clothes or too much gear. Select informal, practical attire that can be worn in layers.

Laundry  

On-board laundry service is offered for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Important Notes  

Low Water: While it is our intention to follow the itinerary as advertised, some modifications to the itinerary are occasionally needed to reach Siem Reap while water levels are very low (December - August). The Toum Tiou II was built with a steel hull and sleek low draft, so occasions like this are rare.
If changes need to be made, they may involve docking the boat just before Siem Reap and using overland transportation to reach the final destination.

Riverboat Payment Method: Only cash is accepted for payment aboard the riverboat. There are several locations along the riverboat route with ATMs that dispense USD or VND.

BORDER CROSSING
Please note for visa purposes that the official name of the border in Vietnam is Son Tien border and in Cambodia it is Kaam Samnar border.

Meals Included  

7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport  

Toum Tiou II Riverboat, private vehicles, cyclo, walking.

Highlights  

Sail the mighty Mekong, explore floating markets, discover Phnom Penh and get to know the locals of Kampong Chhnang, visit ancient temples and small villages, enjoy the atmosphere of a floating market.

Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Minimum Age  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.