The Mekong Delta is the bottom half of Vietnam's two rice baskets, the other being the Red River Delta in the North . This vast delta is formed by the deposition of the multiple tentacles and tributaries of the mighty Mekong River which has its origin in the Tibetan highland plateau 2,800 miles away. From its source, the river makes its way through China, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Cambodia and South Vietnam before flowing out into the South China Sea.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 THU : Angkor Wat (D)

Today we will Visit Prasat Kravan with its unique brick sculptures and Ta Prohm. One of the area's most beautiful temples, Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Its appeal lies in the fact that, unlike the other monuments of Angkor, it was abandoned and swallowed by the jungle, looking very much the ways most of the Angkor temples appeared when European explorers first stumbled upon them. Visit as well Takeo, Chau Say Tevoda and Thommanon. Dinner and overnight at Prince d'Angkor hotel.

Day 2 FRI : Angkor Wat (B,L,D)

Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Angkor Wat's five towers symbolize Meru's five peaks - the enclosed wall represents the mountains at the edge of the world and the surrounding moat, the ocean beyond. Lunch at local restaurant. Aftenroon visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century). See the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Royal Enclosure, Phimeanakas, the Elephants Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and Bayon Temple (unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara), until sunset. Dinner local restaurant and accommodation at hotel. Tonight we will enjoy diner with traditional Khmer folk performance of Apsara.Overnight at Prince d?Angkor hotel. in Siemriep

Day 3 SAT: Siem Reap - Phnompenh (B,L,D)

Breakast at the hotel. We then visit Banteay Srei temple (10th c), regarded as the jewel in the crown of Classical Khmer Art. Continue to Ta Prohm, one of the area?s most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Lunch at hotel. In the afternoon, transfer to airport for the flight to Phnompenh. Arrival transfer to the hotel. At leisure to walk in the city and and explore the local market. Dinner at local restaurant and overnight at hotel.

Day 4 SUN: Phnompenh - Chaudoc (B,L,D)

Breakfast at hotel followed by the city tour. A visit to Phnom Penh is a very interesting experience indeed. It is a city with an interesting pulse and it gives you a very true taste of Asia. We will visit the Wats Phnom, National museum, silver Pagoda and Royal Palace. Afternoon we will take the boat to Chaudoc, the boat ride leaves at 13pm and arrives Chaudoc at 5pm. Diner and overnight at Victoria Chaudoc hotel.

Day 5 MON: Longxuyen - Cantho - Mangthit - Traon (B,L,D)

After breakfast we head out to Longxuyen and embark on Le Cochinchine cruises for a cruise along the river while enjoying the scenic water way. Visit the unique farms where fish are bred in wooden cages suspended under floating houses on the river. Explore the long Xuyen market one of the most bustling floating markets in Mekong Delta with hundreds of small boats barging and jostling for space as owners attempt to sell their goods. A small boat will take you through the palm-shaded creek to see local houses and green orchards. Le Cochinchine set sails again torward Cantho. Lunch on board. Leisurely cruise down the Mekong while enyoying the beautiful scenery . A pleasant walk on the footpaths of the countryside to discover tropical fruit orchards and the local people's activities,especially somes orchards (orange grove) with its famer and sample various tropical fruits in LACH village. Enjoy the magnificent sunset on the Co Chien river. Dinner and overnight on board Lecochinche.

Day 6 TUE: Cantho - HoChiMinh city (B,L)

Rising early to the sounds of the Delta coming to life for another day, we breakfast and start our trip with a boat cruise on sparking streams along the endless waterway of Mighty Mekong River to Caibe floating markets. There will be hundreds of boats loaded with fruits, vegetables and fish jostling for trade. Sellers advertisers their wares by crying out across the waters. We visit the lush orchards and are treated to a delicious tropical fruits. Continue on to HCM city in the afternoon. Overnight at Grand hotel.

Day 7 WED: Departure (B)

Breakfast at the hotel At leisure to enjoy the pool or walk along DonKhoi str.. till your own departure

Some information about our boat:

About Le cochinchine

Le Cochinchine is a modern and tastefully designed  river barge. Built in traditional style Le Cochinchine measures around 30 meters long from bow to stern and has two 420 HP engines , one in back up, making Le Cochinchine a very powerful and safe river vessel.

Le Cochinchine offers an elegant, relaxing and fulfilling ways to explore endless water way of Mekong River. The cruise brings us into contact with people in different corner of the Delta . With Le Cochinchine, you will have ample opportunity to see Vietnam in its authenticity and sample local culture and food, in a one unpacking, unforgettable vacation where your "floating hotel" get you insight into Mekong Delta and quaint villages.

Aboard Le Cochinchine you will enjoy the continuous and ever-changing scenery as you encounter a lively world of legendary waterways and picturesque landscapes, floating markets, lush bonsais garden, rice fields, villages, pagodas and temples, fruit-filled orchards, boat laden bazaar and a host of smiling children.

Cabin

Each cabin has its own air-conditioning unit, which can be adjusted for your comfort. We recommend you do not over- cool your cabin as the sudden change from the outside temperature to a chilled cabin can bring on colds, respiratory illnesses and even stomach upsets. When you go out, we recommend you turn the setting to 'Lo Cool', set at about 4, and then when you return you can readjust the temperature to your preference without having to wait for cool air. At night you may prefer to use the fan only, and have the windows open. Insect netting covers the windows to enable you to do this. Please do not leave your air-conditioner on with the window open - this results in energy loss (the equivalent of switching on the heating and opening the windows in a cold country!

Dining

Meals on board Le Cochinchine are taken at one sitting. It is not necessary to sit at the same table each time and we have tables for individuals, couples right up to larger groups. We offer a mixture of local cuisine with richly flavor and taste and there are always vegetarian dishes offered. Passengers requiring special diets, such as vegetarian, low salt & low cholesterol meals, may make their requests to the chef when onboard. The chef will try to honor all requests. Exotic fruit, fresh organic vegetables, locally caught fish and prawns are the preference of most of our passengers.

The bar: The cruise bar is always open, it offers while selection of drinks including famous wine French, Australian, Italian wine.

Kid Room:This play rooms will keep your baby busy with different games as chess, playing card, darts, dominos, toys, and reading, painting books.

Sun Desk:The sun deck is located on the top of our boat, It is spacious for your relaxation and suntans . For your enjoyment, there are plenty of deck chairs.

Optional activities: Bicycles on board, Row boat on board, Sight-seeing excursions

Bicycles Bicycles: are carried onboard. Crew will be happy to help you with bike adjustments and getting it on and off the barge. Please remember to use caution when riding along towpaths or into villages. A decision to engage in cycling during the cruise constitute the travellers assumption of all risks associated and an agreement not to make a claim against the barge owners for any personal injury, death or property damage that arises out of such activity.

Kayaking: Exploring the Mekong Delta with kayak along the small canal and arrayos.

Cruise Manager:An experienced, English /French -speaking Passenger Service Manager accompanies every departure. They are there to ensure your comfort, answer questions and make your vacation the most memorable trip ever.