Embark on a Transformative Retreat

As a prelude to this mindful cruise, admire the magnificent temples of Angkor. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 400 km² sacred complex holds priceless treasures such as the sanctuary of Ta Prohm, embraced by lichen and strangling fig trees, Bayon with its serene four-faced Buddhas, the Terrace of the Elephants, once the scene of royal parades, and above all Angkor Wat, the crown jewel and spiritual heart of the site.

We are thrilled to present our latest program, designed to weave together exploration, Buddhist cultural immersion, contemplative practices, and gentle activities for a memorable cruising experience on-board the Toum Tiou II. Our charming vessel offers personalized service in an intimate environment, ideal for small groups seeking an authentic Mekong River journey that blends outer discovery with inner reflection.

Our itinerary includes a range of experiences: guided meditation sessions, biking, kayaking, sampan rides, and walking tours that bring you closer to the spiritual life of the Mekong River, including visits to monastic villages and climbing the sacred Udong Hill. Moreover, we’ll take you on a motor & rowing boat tour of the serene Tra Su Forest, where you’ll witness incredible flora and fauna alongside peaceful shrines nestled within this natural sanctuary.

Experience the perfect balance of Buddhist-inspired immersion, mindful personal development, and light adventure, while embracing the authentic charm of the Mekong River. With an emphasis on personalized service, spiritual exploration, and a touch of adventure, our program promises an unforgettable retreat.

After lunch, we will explore the local Chinatown and experience the daily life of the people. We will also visit the Giac Lam Pagoda, which is over 300 years old and is the oldest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. Lastly, we will visit the Flower Market and Binh Tay market for a 15-minute walking tour to explore how locals buy and sell local food and products.

Transfer to the barge.

After comfortably settling into your cabins, we will introduce our crew at a welcome session, shortly followed by your first exquisite dinner.

Take a short downtown drive to the city. We’ll take a walking tour where you may stop for some photographs at notable sites like Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Municipal Post Office, City Square and the Opera House all of which were heavily influenced by French colonialism in the 19th century. Enjoy the vibrancy of this city by foot and explore the city’s green space enjoying the beauty of nature in the middle of this dynamic city. Experience the local coffee scene – Vietnam is famous for producing high-quality coffee and coffee shops are a common sight in the downtown.

Transfer back to the barge for lunch.

After lunch we will then proceed to the War Museum to learn more about the history of Vietnam before returning to the barge.

Barge leaves Saigon for My Tho and dinner on board. Night on board.

In My Tho we will kick off with a local boat pick-up that will take us on a boat cruise to Thoi Son Island where we will have the opportunity to explore the daily lives of the local people and enjoy seasonal fruits. We will also take a Sampan ride along the scenic canals for a closer look at the Mekong Delta and its unique features. Later we will go biking on our own and explore the village to see firsthand how the local people live and admire the magnificent fruit orchards in the area. This is the perfect chance to connect with the locals and witness their way of life.

Back to barge. Barge leaves for Cai Be and we will enjoy lunch whilst cruising. Arrival at Cai Be.
Start Cai Be with a local boat trip to cruise along the Mekong River. Disembark to visit the craft village where you can witness how the local products are made.

Continue cruising on the boat. Get off at the fruit orchards comprising of many kinds of fruits such as: jack-fruit, durian, guava, rambutan, longan etc… Drink hot tea, eat fresh fruits and enjoy a live local music performance.

We will then embark on a kayaking adventure. Don’t worry if you are a first-time paddler, it is not difficult. This is a unique experience in the Mekong Delta providing a unique aquatic perspective of the surrounding natural beauty. Then there is the opportunity to explore the countryside by mountain bike providing another view of the local scenery. Whichever of the activities you do, you will get a distinctive glimpse into the beauty and authenticity of the Mekong River.

This small town of 30,000 inhabitants is fascinating for its preserved authenticity. A few colonial houses remain, including the former residence of Huynh Thuy Lê, the main character in the famous novel “The Lover” by Marguerite Duras, which we will visit. A perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Barge leaves Sa Dec for Chau Doc, lunch and dinner on board during cruising.

We’ll then transfer to Tra Su Forest. We’ll experience this beautiful forest with small local boats, where you can witness this incredible and diverse flora and fauna.

Return to the barge for lunch. In the afternoon, we will board a cable car and embark on an unforgettable journey to Sam mountain. You will see  breathtaking panoramic views as the ride unfolds. Upon the summit of Sam Mountain, we will see spectacular views. We will pay a visit to the Ba Chua Xu Temple before heading back to the barge. Continuation to the Vinh Xuong border. Customs clearance and entry formalities into Cambodia. Set sail for Phnom Penh, which you will reach in the evening. Dinner on board, overnight at anchor.

Enjoy an afternoon tour of the area by “tuk-tuk,” for an authentic and immersive experience like no other. Visit the beautifully renovated Art Deco Central Market and experience the local shopping scene firsthand. Known as “Phsar Thmei” locally the market is a bustling hub for clothing, food and souvenir shopping.

After exploring the market, we will stroll through the city’s off-the-beaten-path alleyways, where you will have a chance to engage with the locals and see how they live their daily lives in the city. Observe and experience the locals enjoying their coffee while playing Cambodian-style chess and see the local food in its most authentic form, learning about the way of life in this vibrant city.

Continue your visit to the city’s namesake, Wat Phnom. Founded in 1373, the pagoda was built to house Buddhist relics washed ashore by the river. From there, we will take a short walk to the French Quarter, where you will get a glimpse of the city’s colonial era while admiring the beautiful architecture. The area boasts a number of Belle Époque and Art Deco houses and public buildings dating from the French Protectorate (1863-1953).

As we get back on board, we will offer an Apsara dance show. Dinner and overnight on board, in the port of Phnom Penh.

It is accessed by crossing the village via a small road perpendicular to the river, surrounded by a magnificent landscape of rice fields. The vihara dates back to the early 20th century and was probably built on an older site, as suggested by the laterite foundations. It features beautiful wall paintings. On the return, you can join the boat by bike through the stunning countryside, admiring the beauty of the rice fields surrounding the area before reaching the barge.

Lunch on board.

Departure towards Oudong, which was the royal residence and capital of Cambodia for over 250 years. Visit the Vipassana Dhura Pagoda, located at the foot of a hill where many stupas from the last Khmer kings are found. It is also a meditation place for Buddhist monks. Then, you will have the opportunity to discover Oudong Hill, which requires climbing many steps. The ascent may seem a bit tough, but your effort will be rewarded at the top with a fantastic view of the surrounding countryside, the rice fields, and Tonlé Sap, before strolling through this historic place imbued with Cambodia’s history.

Here they also have many fish farms. The region is also known for its traditional pottery combining ancient knowledge with modern techniques – Chhnang itself means “pot.” We will enjoy a tasting of regional products before returning on board.

Option: For those seeking more activity, there will be an option at Kampong Chhnang to cycle alongside the riverside and then to the pottery village to explore this area. Return to the barge, lunch on board whilst cruising to Koh Chen.

This is our last night on the barge and we will have a farewell dinner and spend the night on board.

After, we’ll visit the Angkor Wat temple: the epitome of Khmer architectural art and the most famous and imposing of all the monuments in Angkor (visitors must cover their shoulders and wear long pants or a long skirt). Enjoy a stroll through the Angkor Night Market. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Lunch, and then visit of the Senteurs d’Angkor, a local business with a diverse collection of silk and carvings, as well as a superb range of traditional beauty products and spices, all made locally. We’ll end the day with Phare, the Cambodian circus, and spend the night at the hotel.