LGBT Group Trip: Vietnam And Cambodia River Cruise

Once settled in your hotel, your adventure begins at Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most well-known landmark and the biggest religious settlement in the world no less! Not only this but you’ll be able to discover the many things that the city centre of Siem Reap has to offer on a traditional tuk-tuk; in addition to the captivating culture at Banteay Srei and Banteay Samre, two terrific temples dedicated to the Hindu Gods. Your time in Siem Reap goes out with a bang at the tremendous Ta Prohm.

Today we’ll be heading to Angkor Tom for a guided tour of the temple of Bayan. We’ll then walk along Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King to Ta Prohm. This is one of the most spectacular temples in Cambodia. It’s been submerged in the jungle. Tree roots like tentacles envelop the centuries-old building.

After lunch, we’ll head to Banteay Srey, the most artistically accomplished temple in Angkor. Evening at leisure.

After a relaxing morning, we’ll head to Kampong Cham, have lunch, and then embark the ship. We’ll meet the crew, have a welcome briefing and then enjoy a Cambodian meal in the Le Marche Dining Room.

In the morning, we’ll head to the Wat Hanchey monastery and receive a traditional Buddhist Water Blessing. We’ll explore the monastery and then descend 303 steps as we return to the ship.

Over in Angkor Ban, we’ll catch a glimpse of daily life in Cambodia. This will include a visit to a private home. We’ll also visit the local private school and see what a Cambodian school day looks like. As we make our way back to the ship, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos.

Today we’ll learn about Cambodia’s darkest chapter. At the Choeung Ek killing fields, we’ll hear about the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime. Their bizarre attempt to impose a Marxist worker’s utopia on the country led to mass poverty, killings and torture.

Afternoon at leisure when we return to the ship. After dinner, we’ll have an optional excursion to Phnom Penh’s gay bars.

Today we’ll sail downstream to the Vietnam/Cambodia border. Enjoy the sites of the Mekong River as we cruise to Long Khanh Island.

In the morning, we’ll sail to Hong Ngu, an island village that produces Khmer scarves. We’ll learn about the weaving process. Some locals are embroidery artists, and they display their art around their homes. As we explore the island, we’ll visit the home of a local war veteran.

In the afternoon, our sampan will take us to Gieng Island where we’ll visit a local village. We’ll sail down an untouched canal and visit Gieng Cathedral.

Today we’ll arrive in the historical town of Sa Dec, where you will visit the residence of Mr. Hyun Thuy Le, the man who gave inspiration for Marguerite Duras’ novel, L’Amant (The Lover), and take a wonderful walk through the town’s market. The latter part of your day will see you visiting a traditional rice factory where you can see the production of lots of the rice products, such as rice paper.

When we return to the ship, we’ll have lunch and go for a cruise down Cai Be.

Today we’ll say goodbye to the Mekong Navigator and drive to Ho Chi Minh City. We’ll explore the city’s beautiful French colonial architecture and have lunch in a local restaurant. Evening at leisure.

Your time in Ho Chi Minh starts with a terrific tour of the city’s fabulous French Colonial architecture of the Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral. After which you’ll experience the underground passages with a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels; followed by a farewell dinner complete with lots of multi-cultural cuisines full of colour and flavour; including classic Vietnamese, more exotic foods and traditional French.

Today your epic adventure comes to an end. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight home.