Join us aboard the luxurious RV Mekong Princess and discover the diversity of the mighty Mekong as it flows through Vietnam and Cambodia. With just 28 guests on board, we can offer an intimate experience and close-up perspective of the river including some ports of call along both the Mekong and Bassac Rivers which are virtually untouched by tourism. Our cruise combines scenic interest with a study of local life and culture as well as ample time to relax on board our beautiful vessel admiring the passing scenery.
Our seven night river journey offers the most beautifully relaxing way to discover the stunning, unspoiled countryside, fascinating culture, bustling markets and timeless villages of the Mekong. We have combined our cruise with hotel stays in the iconic Vietnamese city, Ho Chi Minh as well as time in Siem Reap allowing the opportunity to visit the magnificent temple complex at Angkor Wat. During the cruise you will soak up the diverse culture of the region and everyday life of the local people for whom the Mekong plays such an important role and one of the greatest experiences of our journey will be encountering their great charm and natural warmth.
Mekong Princess
The RV Mekong Princess is an all-suite, luxurious river vessel with just 14 spacious suites. The friendly onboard staff of 28 will provide you with excellent service and do much to contribute to your enjoyment throughout your cruise.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 2 Ho Chi Minh City.
Arrive this morning into Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) and transfer to the centrally located Park Hyatt hotel for a two night stay. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure and tonight meet your fellow travellers for dinner at the hotel. (D)
Day 3 Ho Chi Minh City.
After breakfast, join a guided tour of the city which was built by the French in 1850. We begin our day with a visit to the Central Post Office and along the way we will also view the Saigon Opera House, constructed by the French in the 1898. We visit Independence Palace, also known as Reunification Palace, which was designed by the architect Ngo Viet Thu. The palace was the home and former workplace of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. We also visit the War Remnants Museum which primarily contains exhibits relating to the Vietnam War. Later today there will be the option to either learn how to make a traditional Vietnamese dish in a cooking class or alternatively take an optional tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a massive tunnel network on the outskirts of the city, which were used by the Viet Cong soldiers to house troops and move supplies during the Vietnam War. (B, L)
Day 4 Ho Chi Minh City.
This morning there will be some free time after breakfast before we transfer to the RV Mekong Princess. Enjoy lunch on board with breathtaking views as we set sail for our journey along the Mekong. Join your fellow travellers this evening for the welcome reception and dinner on board. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Ben Tre & Can Tho.
This morning we sail on traditional Vietnamese sampans through a channel lined with mangroves to visit a local coconut candy maker. After watching the candy-making process we will walk through the village to visit an orchard where fruits native to Vietnam can be seen in various stages of maturity on the vine. After a fresh fruit tasting, we continue to a pier where we board small, local boats (three to four guests per boat) for a trip through the narrow creeks lined with Nipah palm before returning to the ship. This afternoon we sail through an area of the Mekong Delta barely touched by tourism to Can Tho city, the riverside capital city of the Mekong Delta. Board your sampan for a city tour including a visit to the Zihuang Pagoda and experience the welcome unicorn dances. There will be some time at leisure to explore this charming city and visit the night market before dinner is served on board. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Can Tho & Hoa An.
We begin our morning before breakfast aboard the sampans for a cruise through the fascinating Cai Rang floating market near Can Tho. The sampans will weave in and out of the many boats that sail into the market each morning to sell produce and other items the residents of the Mekong Delta need in their daily lives. As they weave through the market, there will be many opportunities for amazing photographs, while enjoying fresh fruit and the Vietnamese “anti-aging drink,” fresh coconut water. Before returning to the ship for breakfast, we stop at a local noodle factory, where we witness the amazing process of how they are made. After lunch, the sampans take us to visit Hoa An village which is well-known for flower growing and handmade crafts. Starting with a visit to the flower gardens, we will see many different kinds of flowers and especially tropical ones. We will then take a short walk to a local house with an opportunity to meet the family and learn about their lifestyle. After a short break, we continue by local transportation to another village where we enjoy a walk. Before returning to the sampans, we stop by at the conical hat-making families, with an opportunity to speak with local family members and learn how to create products through hands-on experience. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Gieng Island & Hong Ngu - Border Crossing.
This morning we board sampans that will take us into Gieng Island. After a short walk around the local sampan village, where hundreds of sampans are produced daily by local families, we take a canal drive to explore the untouched floating area with duck farms, monkey bridges, and tropical orchards along the riverside. We will try one of the most popular local transportation modes named “xe loi” (motor trishaw) driving through the island to visit a Catholic monastery, built around the same time as the Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon in the 1870s. This afternoon we visit the local island village of Hong Ngu, not far from the Vietnam-Cambodia border. Hong Ngu produces a large number of the traditional Khmer scarves exported to Cambodia and we will have the opportunity to see the weaving process in several of the homes as well as displays of embroidery. The inhabitants of this area had only encountered one western visitor prior to the arrival of the RV Mekong Princess and are especially friendly and welcoming. Also visit the local temple dedicated to a unique religion founded in this area of Vietnam, Hoa Hoa. In the late afternoon, the RV Mekong Princess will cross the border into Cambodia and continue up the Mekong River. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
This morning the RV Mekong Princess sails towards Phnom Penh. After lunch on board join local cyclo drivers for an afternoon city tour of Phnom Penh. We ride along the riverfront to the Royal Palace, where we enjoy a leisurely walk through the grounds, with opportunities to visit the Throne Hall and moonlight Pavilion. Upon crossing into the second section of the complex, we walk amongst enormous stupas and spirit houses. We continue to the famous silver pagoda, home of Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and Maitreya Buddha, encrusted with more than 9000 diamonds. Following some free time we return to the cyclos for a ride to the National Museum which houses the largest pre- Angkorian and Angkorian holdings in Cambodia. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Phnom Penh.
After breakfast we depart on a drive to Choeung Ek, the ‘Killing Fields’. Here we visit the small museum and Memorial Stupa and learn about the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. On the return drive to Phnom Penh, we stop at Tuol Sleng (infamously known as S-21), which was converted by the Khmer Rouge from a large school to a prison and torture headquarters. Return to the vessel for lunch and enjoy the afternoon at leisure to relax on board or perhaps explore the city independently. Before dinner this evening there will be a performance of traditional folk dance on board. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Angkor Ban.
Today we visit the charming town of Angkor Ban. Here, we witness the daily life of the local people, starting with a visit to a family’s home, to meet the family and discuss their lifestyle. We continue through the village to the local school where we join the children in their classroom and experience what their typical school day is like. There will be opportunities to take photos during our return journey to the vessel, including a brief stop at the local monastery complex. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Kampong Cham to Siem Reap.
After breakfast we disembark the RV Mekong Princess in Kampong Cham and transfer to the Park Hyatt Siem Reap for a three night stay. The Park Hyatt Siem Reap is the city’s most prestigious address. Located in the heart of the city, the 108 rooms are encased in an elegant, contemporary, residential facade that dramatically rises above Siem Reap’s skyline and is surrounded by manicured gardens. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to enjoy this beautiful city independently. Enjoy dinner at the hotel this evening. (B, D)
Day 12 Siem Reap.
This morning we visit the famous Angkor Wat complex, situated 5.5 kilometres north of the modern town of Siem Reap and built during the reign of King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century. The modern name Angkor Wat means ‘Temple city’ or 'City of Temples’ in Khmer. After lunch at a local restaurant we ride on Tuk Tuks to visit the walled city of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. Bayon Temple is located at the end of the south gate entrance and is regarded as a 12th century masterpiece. Inside the city we will see impressive stone carvings. (B, L)
Day 13 Siem Reap.
Today, we travel to the gem of the Angkor area and the pretty temple of Banteay Srey. The so-called “Citadel of the Women” remains the best preserved temple in Cambodia. Next we visit Ta Prohm; it has been largely left as it was found, overgrown by jungle trees and vines, making it one of the most picturesque of the Angkor temples. This afternoon, we visit the Roulous temple group, the site of the ancient centre of the Khmer civilisation known as Hariharalaya. Enjoy dinner this evening at a local restaurant. (B, D)
Day 14 Siem Reap to London.
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for the scheduled indirect flight to London. (B)
Day 15 London.
Arrive this morning.
Dates and Prices
SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE £200 PER PERSON FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Prices per person based on double occupancy
| 17 February to 3 March 2025 • 3 to 17 March 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Category 4 Saigon Suite with French Balcony | £6995 | £6795 |
| Category 3 Apsara Suite with French Balcony | £7295 | £7095 |
| Category 2 Tonle Suite with French Balcony | £7795 | £7595 |
| Category 1 Angkor Suite with Private Veranda | £8495 | £8295 |
| Category 5 Junior Suite with French Balcony for Sole Use | £8695 | £8495 |
| Category 4 Saigon Suite with French Balcony for sole use | £9095 | £8895 |
| 2 to 16 March 2026 • 23 November to 7 December 2026 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Category 4 Saigon Suite with French Balcony | £7295 | £7095 |
| Category 3 Apsara Suite with French Balcony | £7595 | £7395 |
| Category 2 Tonle Suite with French Balcony | £8095 | £7895 |
| Category 1 Angkor Suite with Private Veranda | £8795 | £8595 |
| Category 5 Junior Suite with French Balcony for Sole Use | £8995 | £8795 |
| Category 4 Saigon Suite with French Balcony for sole use | £9395 | £9195 |
Tour Reference Code: RCMPRMEKONG
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Two nights accommodation at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City • Seven nights aboard the RV Mekong Princess • Local spirits, house wine, beer & soft drinks included with lunch and dinner on board • Three nights accommodation at the Park Hyatt Siem Reap Hotel • Meals as indicated (B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner) • Cruise Director and Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Shore excursions with local English speaking guides • Entrance fees • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, Cambodian visa, optional tour to Cu Chi Tunnels on day 3.
Important Visa Information: A visa is required for Cambodia for British passport holders (passport holders of other nationalities will need to check with their nearest relevant embassy/ consulate). Noble Caledonia will provide further information about the visa application process to booked passengers. Visa information is subject to change.
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All Decks
Mekong Princess
The RV Mekong Princess is an all-suite, luxurious river vessel with just 14 spacious suites. The friendly onboard staff of 28 will provide you with excellent service and do much to contribute to your enjoyment throughout your cruise.
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Ship Directory
Ship Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the ship or click on the adjacent Directory to download.
SHIP TECHNICAL DETAILS
Passengers: 28
Length: 61.50 metres
Beam: 9.50 metres
Draft: 1.60 metres
Registered: Vietnam
Crew/Staff: 28
Year built: 2015
Language: EnglishAIR-CONDITIONING
All public rooms and suites on board are air-conditioned. Adjustable climate control allows you to regulate the temperature in your suite. For maximum efficiency, keep windows and doors closed whenever the air-conditioning is switched on.ALARM
An alarm will be sounded in the event of an emergency. Please follow the instructions provided on board for what to do should an emergency occur.BAR/BEVERAGES
Complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks, house wine, local beer and spirits are included with lunch and dinner on board. Premium drinks are available for purchase. Bottled water is available in your suite and is replenished daily.SUITE FACILITIES
All suites feature individual climate control, luxury cotton bed linens with duvet, premium mattresses, pillow menu, dressing gown and slippers. Each suite also contains an electronic safe, multi-configuration plugs, generous closet space, under-bed storage, hairdryer, telephone and television with satellite TV channels. Please note that TV channels may not be available in some areas where the satellite signal is weak.
The Apsara Suites, Junior Suites and Saigon Suites have a convertible bed configuration and can be made up as twin or double beds. The Angkor and Tonle Suites feature a fixed king sized bed.SUITE SIZES
• Category 5 Junior Suites with French Balcony measure 20 square metres
• Category 4 Saigon Suites with French Balcony measure 24 square metres
• Category 3 Apsara Suites with French Balcony measure 24 square metres
• Category 2 Tonle Suites with French Balcony measure 30 square metres
• Category 1 Angkor Suites with Private Veranda measure 52 square metresDAILY PROGRAMME
The daily programme is printed on board and delivered to your suite each evening during dinner. It provides details of the following day’s programme, mealtimes and other activities, as well as interesting and helpful information about your next port of call.DRESS CODE
Comfortable and practical attire is recommended during the day and something a little dressier for the evening (black tie is not necessary).ELECTRICITY
The voltage in both Vietnam and Cambodia is officially 220/50Hz. The ship has multi-configuration outlets, which accommodate most western plugs.EMERGENCY & SAFETY PROCEDURES
Full details of the ship’s emergency and safety procedures will be provided following your embarkation. A safety evacuation plan is posted on your suite door. Please take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with your closest emergency exit and indicated routes to all Muster Stations.A number of crew are fully trained and certified to provide First Aid. Further medical assistance can be sought from one of the hospitals along the river in the event of an emergency. Please note there is no doctor on board.FIRE SAFETY
On your suite door is a deck plan displaying your closest (and all other) emergency exits. Emergency exits are marked in green and fire extinguishers are fitted in all corridors. An alarm button is fitted in your suite should an emergency arise. Should you detect fire or smoke please alert the reception desk immediately and await instructions from the crew.FITNESS ROOM
The small fitness room offers modern equipment in a comfortable atmosphere, with floor-to-ceiling windows so guests may exercise without missing a moment of the beautiful Mekong River scenery. The fitness room is open from 6.00 am to 8.00 pm daily.GIFT SHOP
There is a boutique gift shop on board selling a selection of local handicrafts.GRATUITIES
Gratuities have been included in your holiday price.HEALTH & HYGIENE
In order to maintain health standards you will find hand sanitisers at key positions around the ship particularly at the entrance to restaurants and near the gangway.HOUSEKEEPING
Your suite will be serviced twice daily: a morning service and an evening turndown service.KEYS TO SUITE
Each suite will receive a key. Before leaving the ship we kindly ask all passengers to swap the suite key with a shore pass which will be provided to you by the ship’s reception desk. After your return to the ship, please exchange your shore pass for your suite key at reception.LAUNDRY
A laundry bag and price list are available in your closet. Please leave the items to be laundered and the completed list on your bed and the housekeeping attendant will collect it during the morning or evening service. Generally, laundry service requires a 24-hour turnaround time. Please note that there is no dry cleaning service available on board and that the laundry service is not available the day before disembarkation.LOUNGE/LIBRARY
The Ramvong Lounge on the Upper Deck provides a full-service cocktail bar with ‘mixologist’ bartenders as well as tea and coffee. There is also an open library in the lounge with a selection of fiction and non-fiction books including literature about the Mekong River and its surrounding countries.LOST PROPERTY
Lost property should be handed in to the ship’s reception. Please ensure you have all of your belongings with you before you return home. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.MEALS
Using locally-sourced, fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables, some of which are rarely seen elsewhere, the chef and his team will ensure each meal is an experience to delight all of your senses. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, with a variety of Asian and western dishes. The multi-course dinners are paired with wine, and offer a selection of healthy, local dishes, as well as western favourites.
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian, low salt, gluten free or low cholesterol, please notify the Reservations Department at Noble Caledonia. We regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed. If you have any specific or special foods that you require we recommend that you take some with you although we will endeavour to accommodate your needs. Once on board please speak to the Chef or the Maitre D’ at dinner on your first night to reconfirm your requirements.MOSQUITOES/INSECT PRECAUTIONS
While you can expect to encounter insects during your cruise, most are relatively harmless. Switching off lights when exiting your suite and ensuring that glass or screen doors or windows are closed at all times will minimise the number of insects entering your room. On the fast-moving river, mosquitoes are rarely seen while sailing. If planning to be outside in the early morning or evening hours, applying an insect repellent to exposed skin is recommended.NEWSPAPERS
Daily news bulletins are available on board.OBSERVATION AREA
The observation area is comfortably outfitted with chairs, loungers and sun beds. This area may be closed in the evenings and/or overnight to ensure your safety.PAYMENTS ON BOARD
The currency used on board is the US Dollar. During the cruise, the ship operates a cashless system, with all purchases billed to your onboard account. At the end of the cruise you will be presented with your final bill which can be settled in cash in US Dollars or by credit card (Visa or MasterCard). All credit card payments will be charged in Vietnamese Dong based on the exchange rate of the day. The ship does not provide a currency exchange service, nor is there an ATM on board.QUESTIONNAIRES
We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and the services provided and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests. Your comments are important to us therefore we request that you complete the questionnaire that will be provided to you by your Tour Manager.QUIETVOX/AUDIO SYSTEM
You will be provided with individual audio devices to use on shore excursions for the duration of the cruise. This device enables you to clearly hear the guide’s commentary so you can enjoy each tour to the fullest. The audio device can be found in your suite in a charger unit on the desk. Please make sure to always re-insert the device once you return to your room to ensure it is fully charged for the next day.RECEPTION
The reception office can be contacted 24 hours a day.
SPA SALON
The Princess Spa is an oasis where relaxation and pampering are offered. With the most extensive spa menu of any ship on the Mekong River, guests can rejuvenate both mind and body. The spa therapists offer several types of massages, facials, scrubs, and body wraps, and will customise a treatment to fit each guest’s specific needs. A menu of available spa treatments can be found in your suite.SAFE
Your suite is equipped with a small safe for your personal use. We recommend placing valuables in the safe whenever you are away from your suite. Please remember to remove all items from the safe and leave the safe open before disembarking.SMOKING
The ship enjoys a non-smoking environment in all public areas and suites, including balconies. Smoking is only allowed on the aft section of the Sun Deck, behind the bar. If smoking on the Sun Deck, please use the ashtrays provided to discard the cigarette butts and do not throw them overboard. Every suite and public area on board is equipped with an automatic heat and smoke detector.WATER
Please do not drink tap water while on board or ashore. The ship’s water supply comes from the river after passing through a sterilization process. This water is sufficient for bathing but should not be consumed - complimentary water is provided on board for drinking. To save water and reduce detergent use, the ship will only change towels daily if they are placed on the bathroom floor.WI-FI
You may use your Wi-Fi compatible devices in all public areas to send and receive emails. Internet service is generally not available due to the remote locations of our destinations but can be available when close to larger cities.
There is complimentary Wi-Fi in all public areas on board the vessel. Please note that there may be times when the internet connection is slow or not available due to the remoteness of where the ship will be sailing.Please note: These details should be used as a guideline only. Information is subject to change.
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Deck Plan
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All Decks
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All Decks
Charitable Trust Project
It is our vision to use the Noble Caledonia framework to improve economic, social and environmental conditions in the areas we work and visit. To this end, in 2013 we established the Noble Caledonia Charitable Trust (NCCT): Registered Charity No. 1153281.
Noble Caledonia Ltd cover the costs of administering the NCCT so that 100% of your donation will go directly to the beneficiaries. Money is raised from a percentage of Noble Caledonia’s profits and through fundraising by staff and donations from our travellers and business partners.
Cambodia - Vocational Training
Though recent progress has been made, 40% of Cambodia's population still lives just above the poverty line, pushing children, youth and families onto the margins of society.
In Phnom Penh, thousands of children and young people are living on the streets. In order to survive, these children often undertake dangerous occupations such as scavenging, begging, construction, and sex work, making them highly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.
Vocational training that leads to employment can help break the poverty cycle and give vulnerable young people the opportunity to reach their full potential and build a safer and more sustainable future.
Friends-International, an award-winning international NGO and social enterprise, offers vocational training and social services enabling marginalized young people to overcome the many barriers they face and re-integrates them into society as productive, skilled, and empowered citizens.
NCCT are funding five students to go through Friends-International’s hospitality vocational training, the most popular of their vocational training programs as it meets growing demand for a qualified workforce in a booming hospitality industry and opens the doors to wide range of careers, from kitchen porters all the way to head chefs.
In Cambodia, Friends-International has three successful training restaurants. They place emphasis on preserving local culinary heritage and providing guests with a tasty insight into local food culture, while offering marketable cooking and serving training skills both theoretical and practical to students.
In 2018, they have trained 297 students and placed all graduates in employment.
Two students at Friends the Restaurant tell you more about it: Friends Restaurant video
Your donation could provide:
£15 - a starter pack with material & uniform for a student
£50 - one month of training for a student
£100 - accommodation and food for a student for a month
£200 - support for a graduate to start his business
DONATING
If you would like to make a donation by cheque please make it payable to ‘NCCT’ and send it to NCCT, 2 Chester Close, London, SW1X 7BE, stating the name of the project you wish to donate to. Or 
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000