Born from the snows of the Himalayan range in Tibet, the Mekong, one of the greatest rivers in Asia, begins its irresistible journey through southern China. Over more than 4,000 km, the deep gorges of Yunnan, the four thousand islands of Laos, the lakeside villages of Tonle Sap, the emerald rice fields and the incessant traffic of boats in Vietnam make up the identities of this king of rivers. At the end of its course, on the edge of the China Sea, it languishes in a delta so vast that it could be a country in itself. Through the monumental splendors of the successive capitals of the ancient Khmer Kingdom, through the lukewarm languors of My Tho or Vinh Long, through the bustling Cholon, the Chinese quarter of Saigon, you will cross worlds, marked by an ancestral tradition and a smiling modernity… In Cambodia, you will discover the universe of Theravada Buddhism in which the monks play an essential role in the organization of society, particularly in education, health and justice. In Vietnam, cults can be associated: Mahayana Buddhism is joined, particularly in the delta region, by the cult of ancestors.
The price includes
- Flights Zurich/Siem Reap and Saigon/Zurich (or vice versa) on scheduled flights with stopovers (Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways or Vietnam Airlines)
- Air taxes (€430 to date)
- Port taxes (€75 to date)
- All transfers mentioned in the program
- Accommodation in a double room with breakfast at Sokha Angkor Resort 4* (NL) in Siem Reap (3 nights) and Sofitel Plaza 5* (NL) in Saigon (1 night) (hotels listed or similar)
- Accommodation on board the R/V La Marguerite during the cruise in the chosen category
- Full board from lunch on day 2 to lunch on day 13
- Drinks on board the R/V La Marguerite: water, canned soft drinks, local beers, tea, coffee at will all day long, as well as local wine during meals
- Drinks during meals during your stay in Siem Reap and Saigon: mineral water (50 cl/pers.), tea or coffee
- 2 shows on board according to the program
- Tips for the crew of the R/V La Marguerite
- All visits and entrances to the sites mentioned in the program with a local French-speaking guide
- The services of a French-speaking cruise director-guide for the entire duration of the trip.
The price does not include
- Drinks other than those mentioned
- Tips for guides and drivers (70 USD / pers. recommended)
- Cambodian and Vietnamese visa fees for Swiss nationals
- Travel insurance (see below)
- Possibility of business class flights: contact us.
Minimum number of participants
30
Optional excursions
Saigon Panoramic Tour (group of 40 people maximum)
Visit to the History Museum in Saigon (group of 40 people maximum)
Discovery of a lacquer factory (group of 40 people maximum)
Meeting with a family specializing in the artisanal production of rice paper and coconut candies (group of 40 people maximum)
Sa Dec City Tour (group of 40 people maximum)
Visit to the "Chinese House" (group of 40 people maximum)
Discovery of Tan Chau (group of 40 people maximum)
Visit to the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh and the National Museum (group of 40 people maximum)
Visit to the S21 center (group of 40 people maximum)
Walk in the village of Tisserands (group of 40 people maximum)
Phnom Penh Walking Tour (group of 40 people maximum)
Discovery of the sanctuary dedicated to Mrs. Penh. (group of 40 people maximum)
Visit to the village on stilts (group of 40 people maximum)
Temple discovery at Wat Hanchey (group of 40 people maximum)
Discovery of the Wat Nokor temple (group of 40 people maximum)
Discovery of Angkor (group of 40 people maximum)
Visit to Angkor Thom (group of 40 people maximum)
Banteay Srei Tour (group of 40 people maximum)
Visit to Ta Prohm temple (group of 40 people maximum)
Continue to Angkor Wat Temple (group of 40 people maximum)
Tour of the Scents of Angkor (group of 40 people maximum)
Language: French (in some cases, a guide may be able to provide translations when a French-speaking guide is not available)
Possible extensions
Pre-cruise program in Halong Bay 4 days.
Post cruise program in Laos 4 days.
Formalities
Passport valid for 6 months after the return date and Cambodian visa for French nationals.
Information :
French nationals are exempt from Vietnamese visa for stays not exceeding 45 days and a single entry. This exemption is valid until March 15, 2025.
Health formalities
Anti-malarial treatment recommended.
The boat
To discover this very special region of the Mekong, you have to give up the road and take the route of the great river. On board the Marguerite, this boat that refers to Marguerite Duras offers 46 cabins, in a refined decor to go back in time to the colonial past, everything is focused on contemplating the river. At the stopovers, the visits follow one another to enrich your curiosity at the whim of the cities and villages, monuments and markets, workshops and factories.
Boat characteristics
- Length: 71 m - Width: 12 m
- Draft: 1.8 m
- Decks: Main, Upper, Panorama and Sun
- Cabins: 46 - Passengers: 92 maximum
- Crew members: 38
- Current: 220 V.
- Currency on board: Dong, US dollar and bank cards
- Vietnamese Pavilion
Important note
Attention! Depending on the water level, the program may be subject to changes. Only the captain is authorized to make the necessary decisions for navigation. The program may also be modified due to local cultural events or technical requirements.
Accommodation
Day 2: SAIGON SOFITEL PLAZA 5* (local standards) or similar
Day 10, 11, 12: SIEM REAP SOKHA ANGKOR RESORT 5* (local standards) or similar
Highlights
A unique itinerary on the upper Mekong, with wilder and more preserved banks
Two full days dedicated to the major temples of the Angkor site
Discovering Phnom Penh and Saigon and meeting the inhabitants of the river in the heart of the villages
Possibility to discover Halong Bay/Hanoi and Luang Prabang/Kuangsi Falls in Laos (optional)
Departure information
Possible departures from: Zurich
Valid identity card
Not required
Valid passport
Not required
Passport valid for 6 months after the return date
Not required
Passport valid for 6 months after the return date and Visa
Required
Passport valid for 6 months after the return date, Visa and insurance
Not required
Other information
Flight included
Vietnam