Special Notes for 3-Day Saigon-Phnom Penh Mekong Cruising Tour
The 3-day Saigon-Phnom Penh river cruising tour is perfect for those seeking a unique discovery of the two beautiful countries in Southeast Asia: Vietnam and Cambodia, as well as desiring a river cruise in line with their budget. During the journey, you can experience local life and culture and visit famous destinations of the vast Mekong Delta such as Cai Be, Can Tho, and Chau Doc. In this post, we will guideline some necessary notes you need to know before embarking on this river cruise tour.
Special Notes Before Boarding Your 3-Day Lower Mekong Cruise Trip
+ Vietnam Visa: In case you need a Vietnam visa before entering the country, you can go to your local embassy or apply for an E-visa.
+ Cambodia Visa: The cruise staff will assist you in getting a Cambodia visa at the border crossing where the speed boat stops for immigration. You need to prepare 35 USD in cash and 2 passport-size photos.
+ River Cruise's shuttle bus will only pick up at hotels in District 1 and part of District 3. If you stay in other districts, there will be a surcharge for the pickup and drop-off services.
+ If you want to explore the Cai Rang floating market, you should choose a departure date on an even day, and then, on the morning of the second day, you will be able to explore this floating market.
+ This 3-day river cruise tour from Saigon to Phnom Penh is not suitable for families with toddlers and small children since you have to travel on road and boat a lot. The travel time from Saigon to Cai Be/Can Tho takes about 3-4 hours, from Cai Be/Can Tho to Chau Doc takes about 4-5 hours, and from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh is about 6 hours.
+ On this tour, you will sleep 01 night on board and 01 night at Victoria Hotel in Chau Doc.
+ Dinner on day 2 at the Victoria Hotel in Chau Doc is not included in the tour; guests can book their own meals at the hotel or at a Chau Doc restaurant.
Detailed Itineraries For Reference
Itinerary SAIGON – CAI BE – CAN THO – CHAU DOC – PHNOM PENH
Departures only available on even dates
DAY 1
08.00 - 08:30 Pick-up at the hotel in Saigon to Cai Be. (District 1 and parts of District 3)
11.30 Boarding of the cruise vessel and check-in.
12.00 Panorama cruise and lunch on board around 13.00
16.00 Guided land excursion – walk in orchards and small villages.
17.30 Return to the boat for refreshment and to enjoy the sunset on the top deck.
19.00 Dinner on board; night on board.
DAY 2
07.00 Morning cruise and morning tea break served on board.
08.00 Check-out cabin. Excursion on a long sampan to Cai Rang floating market and noodle producing family.
11.00 Drive to Chau Doc. (shuttle bus service)
12.30 Lunch en route.
15.30 Arrival in Chau Doc, check in hotel.
Evening at free disposal.
Night in hotel in Chau Doc.
DAY 3
07.00 Departure of speed boat to Phnom Penh.
~ 13.00 - 13.30 Arrival at Sisowath Quay International Port in Phnom Penh (arrival time may vary due to current and immigration formalities). Transfer to the hotel in Phnom Penh by shuttle bus.
Itinerary SAIGON - CAN THO – CAI BE – CHAU DOC – PHNOM PENH
Departures only available on odd dates
DAY 1
07.00 - 07.30 Pick-up at the hotel in Saigon to Can Tho. (District 1 and parts of District 3)
11.30 Boarding of the cruise vessel and check-in.
12.00 Panorama cruise and lunch on board around 13.00
16.00 Guided land excursion – walk in orchards and small villages.
17.30 Return to the boat for refreshment and to enjoy the sunset on the top deck.
19.00 Dinner on board, night on board.
DAY 2
07.00 Morning cruise and morning tea break served on board.
08.00 Check out of cabin. Excursion on rowing sampan to explore small canals, enjoy & “Đờn ca tài tử” (Folk Music) and visit home-made handicrafts family on Tan Phong islet.
10.00 Bicycle ride on back roads or walk in a small village along the Mekong Canals.
11:00 Drive to Chau Doc. (shuttle bus service)
12.30 Lunch en route.
17.00 Arrival in Chau Doc, check in hotel.
Evening at free disposal. Night in hotel in Chau Doc.
DAY 3
07.00 Departure of speed boat to Phnom Penh.
~ 13.00 - 13.30 Arrival at Sisowath Quay International in Phnom Penh (arrival time may vary due to current and immigration formalities). Transfer to the hotel in Phnom Penh by shuttle bus.
With a Mekong River cruise tour, you will have one-of-a-kind memories of Southeast Asia's temples, cultures, landscapes, and people! Alongside the above notes, we hope that you will have a smooth cruise trip in Vietnam and Cambodia. If you need more details on Mekong River cruises, feel free to contact our travel consultants at any time.
