The downstream itinerary of Mekong Eyes: Phnom Penh (Cambodia) – Saigon (Vietnam)

In the morning we pick you up at your hotel in Phnom Penh and bring you to the jetty where our boat departs. An English speaking guide accompanies all our speed boats to ensure your comfort and well being on board and to support the immigration to Vietnam. Drinks and snacks area available on our comfortable speed boats.

Around 13h the speed boat arrives in Tan Chau and you board your river cruiser. After a refreshing welcome drink, we show you our on-board facilities and your cozy cabin. Enjoy your lunch while the boat starts cruising through the branches and canals of the Mekong. Sit back on the sundeck or in our lounge and marvel the amazing sights – the lush vegetation and the diverse daily life of the people in the Mekong Delta. Round the day off with a Sunset Cocktail Party at the bar while the sun sets over the magnificent water landscape.

Wake up well rested to the sound of the river and get ready for another exciting day of sightseeing in the Mekong Delta. At 6:30h the cruise vessel sets off for a sunrise cruise. Watch the locals go about their daily work drying exotic fruits and building ships on the wooden yards while enjoying an early breakfast.

We cruise towards the Island of Cu Lao Gieng. Located between Chau Doc and Sa Dec on the small island of Cu Lao Gieng, the monastery here was once an important convent. It could accommodate more than 1,000 people and included an orphanage, a school, a hospice and a leprosy centre. Today, Cu Lao Gieng is mainly a retreat for retired nuns. The large building is completely cut off from villages and located in the middle of fields and green jungle. You will be very surprised to see such an architectural impressive monastery in the middle of nowhere. If you have time you should take the opportunity to visit the Catholic monastery which was built on the island in 1875 by French nuns of Saint Paul de Chartres.

In the afternoon we cruise towards the charming city of Sa Dec. There you can see the busy and colorful local market, enjoy a coffee on the nice riverside promenade and visit a nearby flower village with orchards. The charming town still has a lot of colonial architecture, in particular the old market, the church and many old villas and trader’s houses. We visit one of them, a beautifully renovated traditional house of a Chinese trader’s family. This sumptuous building belonged to the main character of the novel „The Lover” and indeed to the lover of Marguerite Duras.

Get back on board and enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on deck as the sun sets over the magnificent water landscape of the Mekong River. The cruise boat anchors for the night. The day ends with a delicious on-board dinner.

After breakfast, we enjoy a rowing boat excursion through the hidden small canals of Tan Phong Islet on a sampan. We also visit some of the local candy or rice cake making production or boat through the green water landscape to see local villages, verdant orchards or rice paddies.

Later in the morning your can discover the nearby town by foot or explore the small side canals of the Mekong on a bicycle. In the afternoon you can disembark for a guided leisurely stroll through a village and the surrounding fruit orchards or rice fields. Meet the friendly locals and taste the local produce and fruits.

Get back on board and enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on deck as the sun sets over the magnificent water landscape of the Mekong river. The cruise boat will anchor for the night. The day ends with a delicious on-board dinner. You stay overnight on board your floating hotel in the Mekong Delta.

(For those with a tight schedule it is possible to disembark in Cai Be from where we provide transfer to your hotel in Saigon and a lunch on the way).

Wake up well rested to the sound of the river and get ready for another exciting day of sightseeing in the Mekong Delta. At 6.30h the cruise vessel sets off for a sunrise cruise. Watch the locals go about their daily work drying exotic fruits and building ships on the wooden yards while enjoying an early breakfast.

After breakfast, we will board a sampan boat to Cai Rang floating market, the region’s busiest and most lively markets.  We will pull up to the boats for talking and bargaining with the merchants. We will also visit some of the local candy and cake making factories or boat through the green water landscape to see local houses, verdant orchards and ship-building yards.

The Mekong Delta cruise ends at around 11.00 — 11.30h on the pier. From there we provide you with a shuttle to your hotel in Saigon (Districts 1 and 3) where you arrive in the late afternoon.

• Road transfer from Saigon to the embarkation port
• Accommodation in cosy double or twin bedded cabins
• Guided excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
• English speaking guide
• Speed boat from Phnom Penh to Tan Chau with Mekong Eyes guide
• Transfer from from your hotel Phnom Penh to the jetty
• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• Mineral water placed in your cabin on your cruise boat
• Free flow of coffee and tea

• Visa fee for Cambodia (you can get a visa for Cambodia at the border crossing where the speed boat stops for immigration; for this you need to bring 35 USD and a passport photograph)
• Private transfer from Saigon available
• Drinks (except for breakfast and the mineral water in your cabin)
• Tips

Route and excursions may be subjects to changes without prior notice.

The most beautiful option to travel from Cambodia to Southern Vietnam — or vice versa — is to take the various waterways and therefore the traditional transport routes, where travelers can watch the hustle and bustle on the rivers and canals. The new Mekong Eyes Explorer is perfect for your individual river cruise (from 1 to 3 nights) on the northern route of the Mekong connecting Southern Vietnam with Phnom Penh.

Our new boutique cruiser is designed to roam through the narrow and winding rivers and canals of the river system that cannot be accessed by the larger cruise boats. That way we can show you the hidden gems of the northern Mekong Delta.

A modern boutique cruiser with traditional materials

The cruise ship has 12 superior cabins that are all designed as outside cabins, slightly larger than the ones on the Mekong Eyes Classic. In addition to the deluxe cabins the cruiser has 4 suites, which are located on the upper deck and equipped with a private balcony. The interior design is using a lot of local materials and design patterns and is hand-crafted by local craft masters.

Accommodation

• 4 upper deck suites with private balcony and panorama day-bed
• 12 Superior cabins
• Panoramic window with river view
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Spa-branded amenities
• Daily free mineral water
• Unlimited tea and coffee available
• Safe in room
• Convertible bed configuration twin or double
• Mirror & Hair dryer

With its huge panorama windows that can be opened to enjoy the afternoon breeze, the restaurant of Mekong Eyes Explorer is a real highlight. Our local chefs pamper you with international dishes and local specialities.

Bar, Lounge and Restaurant

Recall your personal impressions of the day and meet fellow travelers to share your experiences while having some cool drinks at our bar — the perfect place to round off the day! Enjoy a cup of tea or a sundowner in the outdoor lounge, our bar area above the bridge, and enjoy the spectacular views over the mighty Mekong.

On the sun deck you can relax on cosy lounge chairs and sun beds to enjoy the sun and a fabulous view over the river scenery.

The Mekong Eyes Classic combines regional boat-building traditions with modern comforts to become the perfect holiday vessel to cruise the Mekong Delta in style. At 39 m long and 8.5 m wide, the Mekong Eyes river cruiser was built out of an old, traditional rice barge with the finest quality wood, and artfully decorated by skilled craftsmen of the Mekong Delta.

Why the name Mekong Eyes? — One of the traditional ceremonies performed on a newly constructed Mekong boat is the “eye opening”. The eyes are painted on the bow for good luck, a wide-awake crew and fast and safe journeys.The river cruise boat can comfortably accommodate up to 28 passengers on a large area of approx. 250 m2, it’s like a floating hotel:

• There are 14 lavishly furnished twin and double rooms, each with a private bathroom with shower and hot water, wardrobe and air-conditioning. All rooms offer a fantastic panoramic view over the Mekong River.
• There is a large dining room in the lower deck, where you can enjoy culinary specialities of Vietnam or a sundowner in the cosy bar.
• A stylish upper-deck inside panorma lounge invites you to sit back and take in the impressions of the fantastic scenery and the busy every day life on the river.
• On the top deck you will find an open sitting area and sun deck with breathtaking views. While you are basking on the sun deck our friendly staff will pamper you with cool drinks and freshly cooked delicacies.
• Our crew will do their utmost to provide you with all the services and comfort you need during your Mekong Delta cruise. The captain and his deck hand as well as the engineer are in charge of the technical details and the routing. An experienced chef and sevice staff will take you on a culinary journey through Vietnam. A local guide will explain the life and culture of the Mekong Delta to you and answer any questions you might have. Our staff also get regular safety trainings.

Accommodation

• 14 Deluxe cabins private bathrooms
• Panoramic window with river view
• Bathrobe and slippers
• Spa-branded amenities
• Daily free mineral water
• Unlimited tea and coffee available
• Safe at reception
• Convertible bed configuration twin or double
• Mirror & Hair dryer

The Dragon Eyes is a vacation paradise for couples, families or friends. Cruising on the vast waters and the small canals of the mighty Mekong river is a great way to discover the Mekong Delta.

Why not spend your romantic honeymoon on board? You can even charter the vessel and explore the Mekong river in exclusive privacy.

Cruise Boat Design

The two sister boats Dragon Eyes I and Dragon Eyes II were built in the traditional style of the Mekong Delta river boats. Their elegant, slender and shallow hulls enable the Dragon Eyes to cruise also the secondary side canals of the Mekong river which are too small for the larger cruisers to explore. There we find serene river front life that makes the Mekong Delta so unique.

At the same time the river cruise boats are big enough to provide you with ample space for relaxation and privacy. Each of the Dragon Eyes provides around 100 m2 for its guests. It’s like a floating hotel:

• Two spacy private cabins (14 — 16 m2), providing a nicely designed bath room, a French balcony, sitting area, individual air conditioning, fans and fantastic Mekong river views through the panorama windows.
• In the indoor panorama lounge you can watch the hustle and bustle of the Mekong Delta sitting in the cool and cosy front salon with air condition and large panorama windows and 270° views on the river.
• On the sun deck on the top deck you can enjoy a sun bath while watching the scenery passing by. Indulge in the culinary specialities of Vietnam in the roofed outdoor restaurant or enjoy a sun-downer in your private bar on the top deck — all with fantastic river views.
• Our crew of five will do their utmost to provide you with all the services and comfort you need during your Mekong Delta river cruise. Your captain and his deck hand are in charge of the technical details and the routing. An experienced chef and the service staff will take you on a culinary journey through Vietnam. Your personal guide and cruise director show you all the sights you need to see and will explain life and culture of the Mekong Delta. Our staff get regular safety trainings. They will do their best to fulfill the special requests of our customers to make their luxurious cruise unique.
• The boats were built by local ship builders from following traditional designs. The cabins and the interior were build by Vietnamese master craftsmen. Most interiors and furnitures are built from exclusive tropical woods, where available with certification for sustainable forest plantation. All critical technical equipment like engine, navigation, rudder, air-conditioning, water purification or fire protection system are imported from Japan or Europe.

Did you always dream of exploring the Mekong in an individual way? The new Gecko Eyes houseboats are perfect for you. The fleet consists of three beautiful vessels and the private houseboats are perfect for two people, made for tours on a high level — for couples and small families.

Our Private River Cruisers

Based on the traditional An Giang fishing boats we are offering you new luxurious houseboats for private and exclusive tours through the Mekong delta. The vessels, built by local craftsmen, are made of local woods decorated with elegant carvings for a special touch.

To provide your safety and well-being, our staff on board (captain, sailor, chef, tour guide) is at your constant disposition.

The guest area (40 sqm) has a luxurious cabin (double or twin occupancy) with a French balcony, air-con, a private bathroom, a panoramic lounge with French balconies and a sun deck at the bow. On request, the salon can be changed into an additional bedroom with two beds.

The staff area, with a well equipped kitchen, is at the back of the ship. This area is completely separated from the guest area by a lockable door to ensure your privacy.

Visit the famous floating markets with the Gecko Eyes, travel through small canals along orchards and floating villages up to the boarder to Cambodia or down to the port cities of Ha Tien or Rach Gia.

Due to its shallow draft, the Gecko Eyes is able to glide through small tributaries and canals of the Mekong delta. The sailing area is from My Tho and Cai Be, near Saigon, through the lovely colonial town of Sa Dec, along Can Tho with its famous floating markets to Long Xuyen an Chau Doc near the Cambodian border. Basically the Gecko Eyes has the whole Mekong delta region at its disposal, as the ships are self-sufficient for several days.

There are always bikes on board for spontaneous trips on the river islands along the small canals.

For your safety and your well-being

An electrical generator provides an on-board electricity supply of 220V and a battery pack ensures a quite night. Modern on-board waste-water treatment and solar hot water boilers reduce the environmental impact of our boats.

Modern safety equipment (heat and smoke detectors and fire fighting system) a total of six separate compartments and a regular emergency training of the staff ensures the safety of the guests.