Group Size: 14-24 participants Price: Starting from $8,995 per person, double occupancy / $14,495 single occupancy Co-sponsored with: Harvard Exclusive
Indochina. The Mekong River. Angkor Wat. These evocative names conjure images of ancient cultures, majestic temples, and lush tropical landscapes woven with emerald rice paddies. Join us on an unforgettable journey through Vietnam and Cambodia, featuring a seven-night Mekong River cruise aboard the Mekong Princess, a graceful riverboat that blends the timeless elegance of French colonial design with the rich heritage and warmth of Southeast Asia. Her intimate size and shallow draft allow for an authentic experience of this legendary river, visiting local homes and markets, gliding past floating villages, and witnessing daily life unfold along its storied banks.
Our journey begins in Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant metropolis still affectionately known as Saigon, and concludes with two full days exploring the awe-inspiring Khmer temples and monuments of Angkor, one of Asia’s most exquisite archaeological treasures. Between these iconic destinations, the Mekong reveals its quieter charms, with communities that live in harmony with the river, their floating markets and stilted homes offering a glimpse into a world shaped by water.
Delight in a variety of immersive experiences such as strolling through a family-owned orchard, visiting a local noodle workshop and coconut candy maker, and learning the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine during a hands-on cooking demonstration.
Enhance your journey with an optional pre-tour extension to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, where limestone karsts rise dramatically from tranquil waters.
Schedule by Day
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Depart home on overnight flights to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival on January 19, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to the luxurious Park Hyatt Saigon, an elegant five-star hotel that blends French colonial architecture with modern sophistication. Nestled in the heart of the city, the hotel offers serene gardens, refined accommodations, and exceptional service. After a brief welcome orientation, spend the remainder of the evening unwinding at your leisure. Dinner this evening will be on your own.
Overnight: Park Hyatt Hotel
Meals: N/A
Today you will choose between two compelling excursions: a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels with a former Viet Cong officer or expert guide, or an insightful tour of the War Remnants Museum, followed by a panoramic city tour showcasing Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant energy and architectural heritage. After returning to the hotel, enjoy the afternoon at leisure. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Overnight: Park Hyatt Hotel
Meals: B, L, D
After checkout, enjoy a guided visit to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a cultural landmark known for its rich array of local goods. Later, transfer to the port and board the Mekong Princess, your home for the coming week. Once onboard, you will gather for the first lecture of the program.
Overnight:Mekong Princess
Meals: B, L, D
Enjoy a peaceful sampan ride through narrow mangrove channels, followed by a visit to a traditional coconut candy workshop and a local orchard. Travel by small boat through winding creeks framed with lush Nipah palms, offering a glimpse into daily life along the Mekong Delta. In the afternoon, cruise onward to Can Tho. Visit the serene Zihuang Pagoda and enjoy a colorful welcome performance featuring a traditional unicorn dance.
Overnight:Mekong Princess
Meals: B, L, D
Glide on a sampan through the floating market in Can Tho, where merchants trade fresh produce from boat to boat. Visit a noodle factory and then a family orchard to see exotic fruits before continuing to Hoa An to explore its flourishing flower gardens and meet craftspeople skilled in traditional mat- and hat-making.
Overnight:Mekong Princess
Meals: B, L, D
Visit a traditional sampan-making village on Gieng Island to observe skilled craftsmen at work. Travel along rural canals, then explore a historic Franciscan monastery. In Hong Ngu, visit a vibrant women’s weaving cooperative and a colorful temple dedicated to the Hoa Hao faith. Later in the day, cruise across the border into Cambodia as your journey continues upstream.
Overnight:Mekong Princess
Meals: B, L, D
Take an authentic cyclo ride through the city to visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, followed by a guided tour of the National Museum, home to an impressive collection of Khmer art and artifacts. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at your leisure to explore Phnom Penh independently. Guests may choose to dine ashore and/or experience the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Overnight:Mekong Princess
Meals: B, L, D
In the morning, visit the Choeung Ek Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, the former Khmer Rouge prison known as S-21. These powerful historical sites offer deep insight into Cambodia’s resilient spirit and complex past, providing an opportunity for reflection on the country’s journey toward healing and recovery. The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace. This evening, be uplifted by a vibrant performance from children at a local orphanage, showcasing their talents and joy.
Overnight:Mekong Princess
Meals: B, L, D
Start your day with a visit to Angkor Ban village, one of the few communities that was not destroyed during the Khmer Rouge era. Its centuries-old stilted homes stand as a testament to the village’s resilience and enduring spirit. Meet local children at a nearby primary school and experience the warmth of rural life along the river. In the afternoon, unwind with a scenic cruise and enjoy a final gourmet dinner aboard the Mekong Princess.
Overnight:Mekong Princess
Meals: B, L, D
Disembark the Mekong Princess in Kampong Cham and journey to Siem Reap. Discover the fascinating history of the Angkor Empire at the Angkor National Museum, home to a remarkable collection of artifacts that bring the region’s ancient past to life. Upon arrival, check in at the Raffles Grand Hotel for a relaxing evening at leisure. Enjoy some time to unwind or explore the vibrant streets of Siem Reap.
Overnight: Raffles Grand Hotel
Meals: B, L
Start the day at Angkor Wat, where the early morning light gently illuminates the temple’s majestic silhouette. Then, take a tuk tuk tour through Siem Reap, visiting peaceful monasteries, the Tlai Tno art school, and local artisan workshops. Enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure.
Overnight: Raffles Grand Hotel
Meals: B, L
Begin the day with a breathtaking sunrise view over Angkor Wat from Ba Kheng Temple. Then enjoy a traditional Khmer gondola ride to Bayon, known for its serene stone faces. Explore the Terrace of the Elephants, part of an ongoing archaeological dig, and visit the atmospheric Ta Prohm, where jungle roots intertwine with ancient stone. Conclude your journey with a festive farewell dinner, savoring the rich flavors of Cambodian cuisine.
Overnight: Raffles Grand Hotel
Meals: B, L, D
Transfer to the airport for your return flight, crossing the International Date Line and arriving home the same day.
Meals: B
Pricing
More information on the cabin categories can be found on the ship webpage here.
Cabin Category
Double Occupancy
Single Occupancy
Junior Suite
$9,995 per person
$14,495
Saigon Suite
$9,995 per person
$16,495
Apsara Suite
$10,995 per person
$18,495
Tonle Suite
$12,495 per person
Inquire
Angkor Suite
$13,995 per person
Inquire
Five hotel nights and seven nights aboard Mekong Princess • Meals and excursions as specified in the itinerary, including twelve breakfasts, eleven lunches, nine dinners • Comprehensive program of briefings, lectures, and presentations • Shared airport transfers for any arrival and departure date • Baggage handling • Gratuities to porters, waitstaff, guides, and drivers • Gratuities to shipboard personnel • Port charges • Entrance fees • Local beer, soft drinks, water, coffee and tea with all group lunches and dinners on land, and wine with dinners • All local liquor, beer, and soft drinks on board Mekong Princess (wine and imported liquors available for an additional cost) • Bottled water throughout • Professional tour manager throughout the program
U.S. domestic and international airfare • Passport/visa expenses • Medical expenses and immunizations • Private airport transfers • Travel and trip cancellation insurance • Excursions that deviate from the scheduled tour options • Airline baggage charges • Meals not specified in itinerary; dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; liquor or soft drinks except as noted • Laundry or dry cleaning • Telephone, Internet, and email charges • Room service • Other items of a personal nature
To reserve a space on this program, a $2,000 deposit is required per person. Final payment is due 120 days before departure (September 20, 2026) payable by check, wire transfer, or credit card (credit card payments will incur a processing fee of 2%). Participants will receive an invoice directly from the tour operator, Criterion Travel for all subsequent payments after the initial deposit.
Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Cancellations received within 14 days of booking are eligible for a full refund, provided that initial deposits were made 121 days or more prior to departure. After 14 days, $1,000 per person becomes non-refundable.
The program terms and conditions can be found here and must be acknowledged upon registration.
Accommodations
Two nights at Park Hyatt Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City
Seven nights aboard Mekong Princess
Three nights at Raffles Grand Hotel in Siem Reap
Optional Pre-Tour Extension: Hanoi and Ha Long Bay
January 15 - 19, 2027
Begin your journey with two nights in Hanoi, including a city tour featuring the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, the “Hanoi Hilton,” Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum and stilt house, and a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, followed by a traditional water puppet performance. Then travel to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise aboard the Paradise Elegance, featuring a visit to Me Cung Cave, a pearl farm or kayaking, afternoon tea, and a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. Conclude with a morning visit to Ti Top Island before flying to Ho Chi Minh City.
Overnight: Apricot Hotel Hanoi (2 nights), Paradise Elegance (1 night)
Meals: 3B, 2L, 2D
$2,895 per person, double occupancy
$3,850 single occupancy
The opportunity to register for the extension will be provided directly from the tour operator following the participants confirmation on the program
What to Expect
Activity Level 3
This is a moderately strenuous itinerary that includes physical activity and busy days with considerable walking at certain sites. You may walk up to three miles a day on cobbled streets and uneven surfaces. Elevators may not be available, and stairs may not have handrails. Participants should be in good health and physically active. The average temperature in Vietnam and Cambodia during January is in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F, with lower humidity than in the rainy season and occasional light rain. While the riverboat, hotels, and motorcoaches are air-conditioned, local transport such as cyclos, sampans, and some venues may not be. Travelers should be able to climb in and out of small boats and local vehicles with assistance. The Mekong Princess does not have an elevator, so stairs will need to be navigated. Onboard medical facilities are limited.
The Mekong Princess offers 14 luxurious suites combining the elegance of French Colonial style with the peacefulness and comfort of a Southeast Asian spa
