Emerald Mekong River Cruise Tour

Xin Chao and welcome to Hanoi. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to downtown Hanoi for your included one-night stay. Relax at the hotel, explore the city, or wander Hanoi’s romantic West Lake. This evening, meet your tour director for your welcome briefing.

Meals Included: Dinner

This morning after breakfast, leave Hanoi and travel to Halong Bay where you will board your elegant Au Co cruise ship. Cruise through the bays and islets enjoying the stunning scenery of this magnificent region. Enjoy the tours offered on board, learn more about the main livelihood of the locals in the area or simply choose to relax. Towards the end of the day, the ship anchors for the night in the Trinh Nu area among the karst formations where dinner will be served on board.

Included Excursion: A two-night Halong Bay cruise on the elegant Au Co cruise ship.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, continue sailing further into the region’s more untouched areas towards Lan Ha Bay. From a smaller boat, enjoy swimming on quiet beaches and kayaking in Ho Ba Ham Lake. Then visit Cua Van fishing village by rowing boat. After a full day’s exploration, you’ll return to your cruise ship and after dinner, try your hand at squid fishing.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy breakfast and sunrise over this magical ‘Bay of the Descending Dragon.’ Then cruise through incredible rock formations and explore mythical Sung Sot Cave, before arriving back at port for your transfer to Hanoi. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure in Hanoi.

For your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy lunch at KOTO (Know One Teach One), a special restaurant established to train and educate disadvantaged children.

EmeraldPLUS
Lunch at KOTO Restaurant: Dine at KOTO Restaurant, a Hanoi social enterprise that supports young people through hospitality training. Enjoy Vietnamese cuisine in a welcoming setting while learning how the organisation creates opportunities for its students and helps build brighter futures.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, embark on a guided city tour and learn about ‘Uncle Ho,’, Ho Chi Minh, revered as the father of modern Vietnam. Admire the stark exterior of his imposing mausoleum, before continuing to the Ho Chi Minh Quarter to glimpse his humble stilt house and the small, but iconic One Pillar Pagoda. Then explore the nearby Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university established to educate Vietnam’s royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years, and its charming gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s storied past.

After lunch, visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter also known as the ‘36 streets’. This atmospheric and bustling area of ancient narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses as well as revered temples and traditional ‘tube houses.’ The Old Quarter is a fascinating place to explore, with plenty of photo opportunities at every turn. You can also visit the local-style Hang Be Market. Then enjoy a stroll around the legendary Hoàn Kim Lake, located nearby in the heart of Hanoi. Here, you can walk across the iconic Red Bridge to ancient Ngoc Son Temple located on Jade Islet within the lake.

Later, choose to enjoy an optional traditional water puppet show, a unique North Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of historical significance.

Included Excursion
Hanoi’s Old Quarter: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where narrow streets and traditional shopfronts reveal the city’s enduring character. Wander amid bustling markets, fragrant food stalls and historic temples, discovering a lively blend of local life, centuries-old trading traditions and Vietnamese culture.

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Traditional water puppet show with backstage pass (extra expense)
Enjoy a Hanoi Water Puppet performance, a centuries old cultural specialty of North Vietnam. Unlock its secrets with a special backstage pass to meet and interact with the puppeteers.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Bid farewell to Hanoi and transfer to the airport to board your flight to Laos and Vientiane, Southeast Asia’s smallest capital city, resting along the banks of the Mekong River. After lunch, visit The Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE). Check in to your hotel for your included stay at the Laos Poet Hotel or similar and afterwards, enjoy time at leisure to discover the ‘Old World’ charms of this delightful city.

Included Excursion
The Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise (COPE). This organisation’s key mission is to help people with mobility-related disabilities move on by supporting access to physical rehabilitation services in the Lao PDR.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a morning city tour of Vientiane, which includes a visit to iconic landmarks, Pha That Luang and Patuxay (Victory) Monument. After lunch, you’ll drive into the rugged interiors of Laos and the quaint riverside town of Vang Vieng, where you’ll check in to the Riverside Boutique Resort or similar for your included stay. For the remainder of the day, soak up the stunning mountain and karst scenery that surrounds Vang Vieng, or prior to sunset, join an Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion.

Included Excursion
City tour of Vientiane – Pha That Luang stupa began construction in 1566 after King Saysetthathirath moved the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane and Patuxay (Victory) Monument is a 60 meters high monument to victory, in memory of those who died in the war of independence.

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Long Tail Boat cruise (extra expense)
Enjoy a 30min long tail boat cruise along the Nam Song River, cruising past the township of Vang Vieng and into the countryside beyond to admire the spectacular scenery from a different angle.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 45mins

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Vang Vieng is home to some breathtaking natural formations and beautiful landscapes. Take in the sheer natural beauty of the region with a visit to Chang Caves. Later, transfer to the local train station to experience travelling on the new high-speed train to Luang Prabang, the heart of Laotian spirituality and former royal capital. Here, enjoy a three-night included stay at your hotel – within walking distance to Luang Prabang’s the famous night markets.

Included Excursion
Chang Caves, a combination of karst caves and rocky outcrops was originally discovered by villagers seeking refuge deep in the forest during the Yunnanese Chinese invasion in the early 19th Century.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Discover key landmarks within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, including the exquisite, 16th century temple, Wat Xieng Thong and former Royal Palace, now converted into the National Museum. Later, enjoy a boat cruise along the Mekong River, stopping at a local village which specialises in traditional rice wine before continuing to the Pak Ou Caves, a sacred grotto crammed with thousands of multi-sized golden Buddhas. After returning to Luang Prabang, let the locals show you how to play Pétanque, also known as Petong in Laos. Tonight, enjoy your free time, perhaps shopping for souvenirs and sampling local cuisine at the vibrant night market.

Included Excursion
Pak Ou Caves – Cruise along the Mekong River by long boat to Pak Ou Caves, a sacred grotto crammed with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and images made of wood, resin, and bronze. Originally sites of animist river-spirit worship, the caves became Buddhist sanctuaries under royal patronage starting in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Rise early to witness the incredible sight of Buddhist monks move silently through the atmospheric streets as they collect alms. Later, travel to Kuang Si waterfalls, a set of picturesque, tiered falls and swimming holes set amongst the lush, dense jungle. This afternoon, join an Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion, before enjoying dinner with your fellow guests this evening.

Included Excursion
Drive to Kuang Si waterfalls, a set of picturesque, tiered falls and swimming holes set amongst the lush, dense jungle, located about 29 kilometres south of the town of Luang Prabang. The main fall has a drop of over 60 metres.

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Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre – natural dyeing class (extra expense)
Set in lush tropical gardens and located on the banks of the Mekong, the Living Crafts Centre is the perfect place to learn more about the fascinating world of Lao textiles and handicrafts. The Centre brings the concept of “East Meets West” alive. Alongside our Master Weavers and experienced teachers, learn more about the textiles and traditional crafts of Laos. Try your hand at natural clothe dyeing and bring home a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours

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Ban Chan (Laos Pottery House) – Pottery lesson (extra expense)
Travel by local tuk tuk and ferry to the small village of Ban Chan Nua. After a short tour of the village to learn all about its history in pottery production including seeing the pottery centre, a traditional kiln as well as the brick factory, create your own unique souvenir from clay and learn traditional Lao pottery techniques. Since the firing process will take at least 2 weeks, you will be offered to choose a piece that is already fired from a prepared selection instead to take home.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Say farewell to Laos and fly 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. Stay at the beautiful Shinta Mani or similar, a deluxe boutique property of world-class design that takes great care in honouring the environment and paying homage to the traditional and local aesthetics. In the evening, you’ll meet your Cambodian tour director to learn more about the days ahead.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today, start with a visit to Angkor Thom, not a single temple such as the historic sites it neighbours, 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 afternoon is free time to visit the markets or try a DiscoverMORE tour.

This evening as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, attend Phare, The Cambodian Circus, where a combination of acrobatics, music and dance tell a uniquely Cambodian story.

EmeraldPLUS
Phare Cambodian Circus performance: Experience Phare Circus, where theatre, music, dance and contemporary circus arts bring Cambodian stories to life. Performed by young artists from Phare Ponleu Selpak’s vocational training centre, each show explores the country’s history, folklore and contemporary life with energy and heart.

Included Excursion
Visit to Angkor Thom: Explore Angkor Thom, the last great capital of the Khmer Empire. Enter through its monumental gates and discover the Bayon Temple, renowned for its serene stone faces, alongside the Terrace of the Elephants. Ancient carvings and towering ruins reveal the scale and artistry of Cambodia’s imperial past.

Included Excursion
Visit to Ta Prohm Temple: Explore Ta Prohm, where ancient stone corridors and carved towers are entwined with towering tree roots. Built during the Khmer Empire, this atmospheric temple blends intricate architecture with the surrounding jungle, creating one of Angkor’s most evocative and distinctive settings.

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Evening – Local Fare at Phare Circus (extra expense)
Between Phare Boutique and the big top, you will discover Phare Café, an outdoor local ‘hawker market’ serving drinks, snacks and delicious Asian inspired meals. Start your evening entertainment dining at the Cambodian Street Food Festival. With your voucher grab a table and choose your dinner with drinks from a selection of Cambodian and other Asian specialty food stalls, all whilst enjoying the pre-show performances. By having dinner here you are further supporting the great work and mission of Phare’s social enterprise.
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 1.5 hours

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Siem Reap Countryside by Vespa (extra expense)
Riding on the back of an iconic and elegant Vespa scooter, this is a tour like no other. This incredible tour will take you in style to the most authentic and fun experiences available in Siem Reap. You will be driven away from the tourists and into the Cambodian countryside where the splendour of these striking surroundings and its local people will let you discover a new side to Cambodia away from the temples. Exotic foods, drinks and experiences will let you experience Khmer life in the way the Khmer people do.
Activity Level: Active, Duration: 3 hours

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Gondola Boat ride at Bayon with drinks (extra expense)
On the moat of Angkor Thom, cruise the waters surrounding the ancient city wall in a private gondola paddle boat. Enjoy the scenery as you sip your sparkling wine and enjoy canapes on a 40-minute paddle out to the southwest corner of the wall. Enjoy the setting sun from your gondola boat before returning back to the South Gate of the city.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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, enjoy free time to explore Siem Reap, or join a DiscoverMORE excursion. Later, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy an immersive evening dinner at Satcha Handicraft Centre, accompanied by an Apsara dance performance.

EmeraldPLUS
Apsara dance performance and dinner show: Experience the grace of Cambodia’s classical Apsara dance, where elegant hand gestures, intricate costumes and live traditional music bring ancient stories to life. This captivating performance celebrates the artistry and enduring cultural heritage of the Khmer people.

Included Excursion
Sunrise visit to Angkor Wat: Watch dawn break over Angkor Wat, as the temple’s iconic towers emerge against the changing sky. Explore the world’s largest religious monument, where detailed bas-reliefs and grand galleries reveal the artistry and spiritual legacy of the Khmer Empire.

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Banteay Srei Temple and APOPO (extra expense)
This afternoon travel to the “gem” of the Angkor area, the pretty temple of Banteay Srei. The so- called “Citadel of the Women” was built between the 11th and 13th century and remains the best preserved temple in Cambodia. It displays some of the finest examples of classical Khmer art as this small temple is noted for its truly remarkable fine bas-reliefs, depicting Hindu god Shiva. Banteay Srei is unique in that it is constructed of pink sandstone, which is seen nowhere else in Angkor. Continue on to the APOPO visitor centre for an exclusive tour of this fascinating and life-saving organization. Spend up to an hour learning about the devastating impact of explosives that lie buried in the Cambodian countryside and get first-hand experience about this creative solution to the problem.
Activity Level: Active, Duration: 3 hours

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Tonle Sap and Lotus Textiles (extra expense)
Tonle Sap is the largest lake in Southeast Asia as well as a UNESCO Biosphere site due to its ecology and endangered flora and fauna. The lake is of extreme importance to Cambodians who live on it and earn their living from fishing. The uniqueness of this lake lies in the fact that the water feeding it changes directions twice annually. As a result, the lake bottoms out during the dry season but can then swell by over 10 meters in the rainy season. You will have the unique opportunity to visit some of the local floating villages located on the lake and experience the lifestyle of these inhabitants. Before returning to your hotel, visit a local Cambodian handicraft factory, Samato Lotus Textiles to see how many products can be made from the flower of the Lotus.
Activity Level: Active, Duration: 3.5 hours

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Khmer Village Cooking Class (extra expense)
Uncover the secrets of Khmer cuisine with a hands-on Siem Reap cooking class. Join a chef to prepare the meal step by step, from buying the ingredients at a local market, to cooking them up in a traditional village kitchen. Taste delicious dishes and embrace the local culture throughout the experience.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours

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Senteurs d’Angkor Workshop (extra expense)
Visit this Botanical garden to learn all about Cambodia’s herbs, spices and fruits and see locals at work in workshops dedicated to the preservation of the arts and crafts of Cambodia. Through the different workshop stations, be guided by the scents and flavours of Cambodia as local artisans make by hand soap with coconut oil, natural cosmetics, subtly scented balms, aromatic candles and also their packaging called “smok” and “krebei riel” boxes. Try your hand at making your own lip balm and packaging to take home as a keepsake.
Activity Level: Easy, Duration: 3.5 hours

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, leave Siem Reap and venture to the town of Rokar Koang to embark your Emerald Cruises award-winning Star-Ship Emerald Harmony. En route, stop in Kampong Kdei and see the impressive Angkor Bridge. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your captain and crew. Later, set sail up the Tonle River, past Phnom Penh at night to Kampong Tralach whilst enjoying your first dinner on board with your fellow guests.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with an Ox Cart ride in Kampong Tralach to a local temple before driving to Oudong. Oudong was Cambodia’s former royal capital until it relocated to Phnom Penh in 1866. In Oudong Monastery’s main temple, receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from the resident monks, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience.

Return to Emerald Harmony and sail to Phnom Penh. Spend the afternoon at leisure, either experiencing one of our DiscoverMORE excursions, visiting the Central Market, or relaxing on board. After dinner, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy Phnom Penh by night on a remork (local Tuk-Tuk) tour.

EmeraldPLUS
A traditional Buddhist Monk blessing: Receive a traditional blessing from a Buddhist monk in a local pagoda. Learn how to pray and take part in a meaningful ceremony that supports the resident monks’ daily meal, gaining a respectful insight into Cambodian spiritual traditions.

EmeraldPLUS
Phnom Penh by night on a remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour: See Phnom Penh after dark from a traditional remork, Cambodia’s tuk-tuk. Travel through lively streets and past illuminated landmarks, taking in the capital’s changing rhythm as markets, cafés and evening gatherings bring the city to life.

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A silk farm tour at Koh Oknha Tei (extra expense)
Board a ferry boat and cross the Mekong River to Koh Oknha Tei Island. Travel by tuk-tuk through the local villages and learn about the farmers lives with a stop at a villager’s house for some local fruit tasting. Continue to Chamka Snae Silk Craft where you can witness the entire process of silk creation, through the life cycle of the silk worm, to the harvesting of the silk cocoons and the creation of beautiful silk weavings on wooden hand looms. Best of all, you may find a lovely handmade souvenir of what you saw being created.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours

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Craft Beer Adventure by remork (extra expense)
Travelling around Phnom Penh by local remork, visit a couple of local breweries to enjoy a tour of their facilities, and of course, some samples of their craft and local pub grub. Try tasting boards of some of Cambodia’s best–selling craft beers to determine which is your favourite to try again! The tour includes lively visits to an underground brewery, cosy beer gardens, personal brewery tours with the brewers, when available, giving you the opportunity to mix with the locals and expats at their favourite hangouts.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours

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Samai Distillery (extra expense)
Embark on an immersive journey through the art of rum-making at Samai, Cambodia’s first premium rum distillery. Delve into the meticulous process behind creating handcrafted local rums, each one a testament to the unique flavour profiles and character derived from Cambodia’s rich terroir and natural resources. Engage your senses as you explore the raw materials, savour signature rum tastings, and uncover the secrets of crafting creative rum cocktails. Elevate your experience and skills with a hands-on bartending techniques training session led by an expert mixologist, where you’ll create your own cocktails. Then, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the free-flow bar, accompanied by Latin music and a selection of cold cuts, as you soak in the ambiance before returning to the ship.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, learn more about the Khmer Rouge and the darkest days of Cambodia’s history. A short drive will take you to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, where you’ll be able to stroll through the fields, visit the memorial and understand more about the country’s sombre chapter. Afterwards, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (known as ‘S-21’), a former school converted to the Khmer Rouge’s main prison and torture headquarters. Back on board, savour a Cambodian Street Fair lunch, before visiting the majestic Royal Palace, with its French-inspired gardens. This evening, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation.

EmeraldPLUS
Cultural Performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation: Enjoy an engaging performance by young Cambodian artists, where traditional music and dance share stories of the country’s cultural heritage. Colourful costumes, graceful movements and live melodies create an uplifting celebration of Cambodia’s enduring artistic traditions.

Included Excursion
Killing Fields at Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum: Visit the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum for a respectful insight into Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge era. Reflect among the memorials at Choeung Ek, then explore the former S-21 prison, bearing witness to those who suffered during this devastating period.

Included Excursion
Visit to the Royal Palace: Explore Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace, the ceremonial residence of Cambodia’s monarchy. Admire its ornate Khmer architecture, gilded roofs and elegant courtyards, then visit the Silver Pagoda, home to treasured Buddhist artworks. This striking complex offers a vivid introduction to Cambodia’s royal traditions and spiritual heritage.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner

Today, enjoy a relaxing morning on board Emerald Harmony as you sail to the Cambodia and Vietnam border. Cross the border into Vietnam, then continue onwards to Tan Chau.

This afternoon, embark on a sampan to Evergreen Island for a stroll through a local village, revealing the lives of the local farming community. Reboard your sampan to travel back to Tan Chau and 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 before returning to Emerald Harmony where, later this evening as part of our EmeraldPLUS programme, you’ll be delighted by a traditional Lion Dance performance on board.

EmeraldPLUS
Lion Dance on board: Enjoy a traditional lion dance performed by young artists from rural Vietnam. Colourful lions, dragons and unicorns move to the rhythmic sound of drums, cymbals and gongs in a vibrant performance believed to ward off evil spirits and welcome good fortune.

Included Excursion
A visit to Evergreen Island: Explore Evergreen Island, where peaceful waterways and lush landscapes reveal the rhythms of Mekong Delta life. Wander through rural lanes and meet local residents, discovering everyday traditions shaped by the island’s close connection to the river.

Included Excursion
Local Cao Dai Temple and Xe Loi ride: Visit a local Cao Dai Temple to discover the distinctive beliefs and vivid symbolism of this Vietnamese faith. Then ride by xe lôi, a traditional form of transport unique to the Mekong Delta, along rural lanes framed by everyday village life and verdant landscapes.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Known as ‘Mango Island,’ Cu Lao Gieng is a small, scenic island untouched by tourism located along the upper Mekong River. Travel by local motorcycle rickshaw through the island’s villages to visit families who work in a variety of local industries, including mango farming, boat construction and temple incense sticks.

Return to Emerald Harmony by sampan and sail to My An Hung Island. Recognised as a cultural and historical destination, this small rural village specialises in cultivating red-hot chilli and peppers. As part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, listen to local folk singing, wander through coconut farms and immerse yourself in traditional village life.

EmeraldPLUS
Listen to local folk singing in My An Hung: In My An Hung, listen to local folk singing that brings the village’s cultural traditions to life. The gentle melodies and shared performance offer a warm insight into the community’s heritage and everyday spirit.

Included Excursion
Local industries on Gieng Island: Discover the local industries of Gieng Island, where skilled artisans preserve traditional livelihoods passed down through generations. Visit family-run workshops to see the work behind handmade crafts and local produce, gaining an engaging insight into the island’s resourceful community and enduring traditions.

Included Excursion
My An Hung Village: Step into everyday life in My An Hung, a rural village in the Mekong Delta. Discover traditional Vietnamese customs through local crafts and cultural performances, meet residents and experience the warmth of a community where time-honoured traditions remain part of daily life.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take a short ride on a sampan to Sa Ðéc, a Mekong Delta hidden gem. Enjoy a walking tour around town with a stop at the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ celebrated novel, L’Amant, and a stroll through Sa Ðéc’s bustling central market. Return to Emerald Harmony by sampan for lunch, while cruising to Cái Bè.

Upon arrival, travel via sampan to Tan Phong, a small island located nearby, rich in alluvial soil suitable for cultivating tropical fruit orchards year-round. At this established ecotourism destination, try a hands-on experience at a workshop specialising in weaving water hyacinth into artistic crafts. Board a motorised buggy for a ride through fruit orchards, stopping to sample tropical fruits. Reboard the sampan and cruise back to Cái Bè, discovering local cottage industries where families produce rice-paper and sweets from popcorn, pop-rice and coconuts. Return to Emerald Harmony.

Included Excursion
Mr. Huynh Thuy Le and bustling Sa Ðéc: Discover the lively Mekong town of Sa Ðéc, where colourful market stalls and riverside streets reveal everyday local life. Visit the former home of Huynh Thuy Le, whose romance with French novelist Marguerite Duras inspired The Lover, and explore its blend of Chinese, French and Vietnamese architectural influences.

Included Excursion
An excursion to the local industries of Cai Be: Discover Cai Be’s local industries, where family-run workshops preserve traditional skills and flavours. See how regional specialities are made using time-honoured methods, meet the people behind these small-scale enterprises and gain an engaging insight into the Mekong Delta’s industrious community life.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After sailing from My Tho, you’ll leave the Mekong Delta and enter the Cho Gao canal, considered one of Vietnam’s major arterial canals that connects Tien Giang Province with Ho Chi Minh City. Today, you’ll be fascinated watching the heavy commercial traffic navigating this important waterway, where upwards of 1,800 vessels transit each day. Relax on board, taking in the everchanging vistas of mangroves, cargo barges and local fishing boats. Tonight, you’ll dock in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, where you can admire the city lights; due to Vietnamese customs regulations, you’ll not be permitted to venture ashore.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After disembarkation, 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, enjoy a traditional Pho (noodle soup) lunch then check in to the Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers or similar for your included two-night stay. Tonight join a DiscoverMORE excursion.

Included Excursion
Cu Chi Tunnels: Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War. Learn how Vietnamese fighters lived and moved through this complex system, gaining a powerful insight into the ingenuity, resilience and human experience shaped by the conflict.

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Dinner and show at Chào Vietnam: A Cultural Symphony (extra expense)
Also known as the “The Sound of Vietnam” Chào Show is a multi-sensory 90 minute live cultural performance that blends traditional Vietnamese music with modern stage technology and traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours

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Saigon After Dark by Vintage Jeep (extra expense)
Ho Chi Minh City shines at night and there is no better way to see and taste the street food of Vietnam’s commercial centre than by a vintage US Army Jeep. Try local street food at local restaurants with drinks, visit the night flower market and conclude the evening with a visit to a rooftop bar to enjoy a panoramic view of the city for a final nightcap.
Activity Level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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 on 30 April 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 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.

Included Excursion
An orientation tour of Ho Chi Minh City: Discover Ho Chi Minh City’s dynamic blend of French colonial architecture, Vietnamese heritage and modern energy. Explore its lively streets and landmark buildings, gaining an engaging introduction to the city’s history, culture and everyday rhythm.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the Ho Chi Minh City airport to catch your onward or homebound flight.

While every effort is made to adhere to the planned itinerary, changes in river conditions, ad hoc local government regulations or local festivities may require journey modifications. These will be made based on the advice of local authorities or for safety reasons. Hotels are indicative and are subject to change.

Sail the Mekong River in style on board Emerald Harmony, the luxury cruise ship custom-built to journey through the region, with the ability to dock in exciting destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City. The bespoke Star-Ship sailing the Mekong River through Southeast Asia has set the precedence for luxury cruising in the region, fusing contemporary design with authentic Asian style.

Emerald Harmony exceeds expectations as she introduces you to the majesty of the Mekong. Unlike other similar sized ships, she is specifically designed to sail into the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, allowing them to dock in the heart of this fantastic city.

Reaching 239ft (73m) in length, 42 cabins accommodate 84 guests and 40 crew members, enabling Emerald to provide spacious suites and public areas, as well as an excellent staff-to-guest ratio. Every minute you spend on board will be one of complete relaxation. Unwind in the serene surroundings of the Lotus Lounge, rejuvenate by the pool on the Pool Deck, or enjoy a locally flavoured cocktail in the Asian-themed Horizon Bar & Lounge.

At Emerald Cruises, they are dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of your stay on board the Star-Ships goes above and beyond your expectations. The wealth of amenities on board are complemented by the highly-trained, skilled and attentive crew, dedicated to ensuring your Emerald Cruises holiday is unforgettable.

ON BOARD ENTERTAINMENT

With Emerald Cruises the journey is just as important as the destination. It’s about enjoying every moment and creating memories that will last a lifetime. That’s why they believe that entertainment is an integral part of your cruise experience. To ensure there’s never a dull moment on board, the Cruise Directors oversee a fantastic range of entertainment activities for you to enjoy. From their ever-popular crew show and bar quizzes to local performances in a traditional style, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

The crew members will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the entertainment schedule and point you in the direction of the latest activities taking place on board. With so much to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

HORIZON BAR & LOUNGE

The Horizon Bar & Lounge is the social heartbeat of the Star-Ships. Surprisingly spacious and exceedingly modern, this contemporary and comfortable haven is one of the most popular areas of the vessels day or night. There’s a fully stocked bar with attentive bartenders, help-yourself to a selection of coffees from out high-tech coffee-machine, or try one of the speciality teas, and take a seat in our plush and spacious sofas and chairs. In the day it’s a place to catch up with new friends and unwind.

Each evening before dinner, your Cruise Director welcomes you to the Horizon Bar and Lounge for an informal yet fascinating talk on your forthcoming ports of call. With tips on what you’ll see and things to look out for, this is an ideal opportunity to plan for the day ahead. When the evening arrives, we have a medley of entertainment planned especially for you.

Experience à la carte and fine dining on board the Star-Ships. Whether you’re sailing the Mekong in the Southeast Asia or the rivers of Europe, you’ll find delectable meals on board inspired by the regions you’ll sail through.

With a selection of wines, beers, and soft drinks included with lunch and dinner, there’s always a delightful pairing for your meals. If you’d like to extend your selection of beverages, there’s a range of drinks packages to choose from.

Wellness and active experiences are at the heart of Emerald’s river cruises, with a number of activities available.

Their activity managers are on hand to ensure you make the most of your cruise. Join them on board for classes such yoga or aqua aerobics—or head to the gym if you prefer to work out on your own schedule.

Ashore, you’ll find a number of EmeraldACTIVE excursions to take part in, from guided hikes to canoeing trips and cycling tours.

Whichever cabin option you choose on board your Europe or Southeast Asia Star-Ship, you can be assured of a comfortable and restful getaway. Every suite and stateroom benefits from an en-suite bathroom, complete with a selection of luxury ESPA toiletries, as well as a sumptuous bed, draped in luscious linens.