Overview

The RV Lotus leaves Ho Chi Minh City behind as she sets course for Far East and Vietnam on this 7-night Travelmarvel sailing. The RV Lotus makes 3 port calls on this voyage, weaving through Far East and Vietnam with stops in Cái Bè, Koh Chen, and Kampong Cham. Few things rival waking up in a new port most mornings, and this 7-night itinerary serves up exactly that kind of variety. At £3,895 per person, this is a compelling way to explore Far East and Vietnam with Travelmarvel.

Travelmarvel

Travelmarvel

APT Travelmarvel brings expertise, knowledge and luxury to the party. From Europe to Asia, you are guaranteed the best accommodation, the highest-quality meals, and unique must-see locations.

Flexibility is the name of the game. APT Essential River Cruises ensures that a great balance of sightseeing and leisure time creates the freedom to explore at your own pace, without missing out on bespoke destinations and exclusive culinary experiences. You won’t be disappointed!

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Cruise Itinerary

Day 1
Kampong Cham is one of Cambodia’s largest provincial cities, but it still feels relaxed. Sitting on the Mekong’s eastern bank, it blends colonial remnants and modern Khmer culture. Cruise excursions often visit Wat Nokor, a striking 11th-century temple. Not far off is the French-era bamboo bridge (rebuilt seasonally, depending on the river level), which once connected the town to nearby Koh Pen island.The town itself has tree-lined boulevards and crumbling French buildings dating back to the time the city served as a trading hub. Markets sell tropical produce and snacks, while cafes spill onto pavements in the evening. Though not a major tourist destination, Kampong Cham serves as a gateway to the rural east and is often a final or first port on Mekong river cruises.
Days 2-4
Ho Chi Minh City
Once a pivotal market town on the banks of the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, has blossomed into a high-energy metropolis, merging tradition with modernity. Its tropical climate enhances the lush, green expanses scattered throughout the city, perfect for those who seek respite within vibrant urban confines. The citys streets, a labyrinth of local food vendors, French colonial architecture, and bustling markets, offer an authentic snapshot of Vietnamese life. Intriguingly, its also the motorbike capital of the world, with over 8 million bikes weaving through the citys veins.
Day 5
Cái Bè
Days 6-7
Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s capital sits at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Cruise ships dock close to the Royal Palace, making it easy to explore the heart of Phnom Penh on foot or by tuk-tuk. At its core is the palace complex, home to the Silver Pagoda and murals depicting Cambodian legends. Nearby, the National Museum houses some of the finest Khmer sculptures in the world, including pieces from Angkor Wat.Phnom Penh is a city still grappling with its past. Most cruise itineraries include visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, sites that provide context on Cambodia’s recent history under the Khmer Rouge. Back in town, you'll discover riverside cafés, markets, rooftop bars and street food stalls.
Day 8
Koh Chen
Day 9
Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s capital sits at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Cruise ships dock close to the Royal Palace, making it easy to explore the heart of Phnom Penh on foot or by tuk-tuk. At its core is the palace complex, home to the Silver Pagoda and murals depicting Cambodian legends. Nearby, the National Museum houses some of the finest Khmer sculptures in the world, including pieces from Angkor Wat.Phnom Penh is a city still grappling with its past. Most cruise itineraries include visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, sites that provide context on Cambodia’s recent history under the Khmer Rouge. Back in town, you'll discover riverside cafés, markets, rooftop bars and street food stalls.
Day 10
Angkor Ban
Day 11
Kampong Cham
Kampong Cham is one of Cambodia’s largest provincial cities, but it still feels relaxed. Sitting on the Mekong’s eastern bank, it blends colonial remnants and modern Khmer culture. Cruise excursions often visit Wat Nokor, a striking 11th-century temple. Not far off is the French-era bamboo bridge (rebuilt seasonally, depending on the river level), which once connected the town to nearby Koh Pen island.The town itself has tree-lined boulevards and crumbling French buildings dating back to the time the city served as a trading hub. Markets sell tropical produce and snacks, while cafes spill onto pavements in the evening. Though not a major tourist destination, Kampong Cham serves as a gateway to the rural east and is often a final or first port on Mekong river cruises.
Days 12-13
Siem Reap
Day 14
Kampong Cham is one of Cambodia’s largest provincial cities, but it still feels relaxed. Sitting on the Mekong’s eastern bank, it blends colonial remnants and modern Khmer culture. Cruise excursions often visit Wat Nokor, a striking 11th-century temple. Not far off is the French-era bamboo bridge (rebuilt seasonally, depending on the river level), which once connected the town to nearby Koh Pen island.The town itself has tree-lined boulevards and crumbling French buildings dating back to the time the city served as a trading hub. Markets sell tropical produce and snacks, while cafes spill onto pavements in the evening. Though not a major tourist destination, Kampong Cham serves as a gateway to the rural east and is often a final or first port on Mekong river cruises.
Day 1 Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham is one of Cambodia’s largest provincial cities, but it still feels relaxed. Sitting on the Mekong’s eastern bank, it blends colonial remnants and modern Khmer culture. Cruise excursions often visit Wat Nokor, a striking 11th-century temple. Not far off is the French-era bamboo bridge (rebuilt seasonally, depending on the river level), which once connected the town to nearby Koh Pen island.The town itself has tree-lined boulevards and crumbling French buildings dating back to the time the city served as a trading hub. Markets sell tropical produce and snacks, while cafes spill onto pavements in the evening. Though not a major tourist destination, Kampong Cham serves as a gateway to the rural east and is often a final or first port on Mekong river cruises.

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Days 2-4 Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City

Once a pivotal market town on the banks of the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, has blossomed into a high-energy metropolis, merging tradition with modernity. Its tropical climate enhances the lush, green expanses scattered throughout the city, perfect for those who seek respite within vibrant urban confines. The citys streets, a labyrinth of local food vendors, French colonial architecture, and bustling markets, offer an authentic snapshot of Vietnamese life. Intriguingly, its also the motorbike capital of the world, with over 8 million bikes weaving through the citys veins.

View more
Day 5 Cái Bè
Cái Bè
Days 6-7 Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital sits at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Cruise ships dock close to the Royal Palace, making it easy to explore the heart of Phnom Penh on foot or by tuk-tuk. At its core is the palace complex, home to the Silver Pagoda and murals depicting Cambodian legends. Nearby, the National Museum houses some of the finest Khmer sculptures in the world, including pieces from Angkor Wat.Phnom Penh is a city still grappling with its past. Most cruise itineraries include visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, sites that provide context on Cambodia’s recent history under the Khmer Rouge. Back in town, you'll discover riverside cafés, markets, rooftop bars and street food stalls.

View more
Day 8 Koh Chen
Koh Chen
Day 9 Phnom Penh
Phnom Penh

Cambodia’s capital sits at the meeting point of the Mekong and Tonle Sap Rivers. Cruise ships dock close to the Royal Palace, making it easy to explore the heart of Phnom Penh on foot or by tuk-tuk. At its core is the palace complex, home to the Silver Pagoda and murals depicting Cambodian legends. Nearby, the National Museum houses some of the finest Khmer sculptures in the world, including pieces from Angkor Wat.Phnom Penh is a city still grappling with its past. Most cruise itineraries include visits to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, sites that provide context on Cambodia’s recent history under the Khmer Rouge. Back in town, you'll discover riverside cafés, markets, rooftop bars and street food stalls.

View more
Day 10 Angkor Ban
Angkor Ban
Day 11 Kampong Cham
Kampong Cham

Kampong Cham is one of Cambodia’s largest provincial cities, but it still feels relaxed. Sitting on the Mekong’s eastern bank, it blends colonial remnants and modern Khmer culture. Cruise excursions often visit Wat Nokor, a striking 11th-century temple. Not far off is the French-era bamboo bridge (rebuilt seasonally, depending on the river level), which once connected the town to nearby Koh Pen island.The town itself has tree-lined boulevards and crumbling French buildings dating back to the time the city served as a trading hub. Markets sell tropical produce and snacks, while cafes spill onto pavements in the evening. Though not a major tourist destination, Kampong Cham serves as a gateway to the rural east and is often a final or first port on Mekong river cruises.

View more
Days 12-13 Siem Reap
Siem Reap
Day 14 Siem Reap
Siem Reap

Kampong Cham is one of Cambodia’s largest provincial cities, but it still feels relaxed. Sitting on the Mekong’s eastern bank, it blends colonial remnants and modern Khmer culture. Cruise excursions often visit Wat Nokor, a striking 11th-century temple. Not far off is the French-era bamboo bridge (rebuilt seasonally, depending on the river level), which once connected the town to nearby Koh Pen island.The town itself has tree-lined boulevards and crumbling French buildings dating back to the time the city served as a trading hub. Markets sell tropical produce and snacks, while cafes spill onto pavements in the evening. Though not a major tourist destination, Kampong Cham serves as a gateway to the rural east and is often a final or first port on Mekong river cruises.

View more
50
Crew
2011
Launched
2016
Last refit
1300t
Tonnage
93m
Length
12.8m
Width
10kts
Speed
4
Decks
EUR
Currency
RV Lotus

RV Lotus

Cruise the Mekong River

Glide along the Mekong River on the RV Lotus and discover the alluring destinations of Vietnam and Cambodia in premium comfort. Featuring only 54 cabins, this boutique vessel boasts spacious and elegant Vietnamese-inspired suites, each with a private balcony. Sip a cool drink or enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool on the Sun Deck after a day of exploration.

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Cabins

All Prices

Customer reviews

Reviews The Marvellous Mekong
The Marvellous Mekong
We travelled with APT Travelmarval (4th time) on the river ship the Mekong Apsara , it was amazing the ship not like the European ones but in keeping with the surroundings every cabin had a balcony. The staff couldn’t do enough for us friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. The food was amazing with local dishes and there was never a time when we couldn’t find something to enjoy. One day the chefs prepared a fruit tasting table for us I can honestly say I had never heard of half of them, the fresh mango was my favourite tasting nothing like the mangoes we can buy in England. We had lovely dancing demonstrations in Cambodia the “ Apsara “ we started off in Siem Reap in Cambodia sailing down the Mekong over the Vietnamese border and continuing to Ho Chi Min City staying in a hotel for 2 nights before flying home. Amazing experiences along the way visiting villages, schools, temples, palaces tasting local cuisines although I did give the deep fried tarantulas and crunchy crickets a miss. All in all it was a trip of a life time sailing along the Mekong enjoying the luxury of our river ship, we can highly recommend this trip and APT Travel Marvel company , looking forward to choosing where to go next year.
5
Travelmarvel Travelmarvel Vega
Reviews 2022-07-03 18:16:34
2022-07-03 18:16:34
Stylish ship with limited facilities. Friendly, helpful and pleasant crew. Excellent Cruise Director. Meals for Vegans, notified to Company at the time of booking, were really poor and at times insulting. Picking bacon out of a pasta dish is unacceptable to a Vegan. Main concern was around the lack of masks required on all excursions by coach despite being required onboard A lot of quarantining onboard due to Covid.
4
Travelmarvel Travelmarvel Vega

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Ho Chi Minh City 1 xyby787
Cai Be
Phnom Penh
Kampong Cham

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