Mekong Navigator

Step into a bygone era of charming and nostalgic sophistication enhanced by luxurious modern amenities. Offering an outstanding selection of 34 spacious and indulgent suites with meticulous attention to every modern detail and comfort. The Mekong Navigator features an extensive sun deck, atmospheric dining room and lounge area with bar, library, internet lounge and fitness centre with spa.

Built: 2014
Guests: 68
Staff: 34
Cruising Speed: 11 knots

The Suites

Superior Suite

Located on the Jasmine Deck (Lower Deck), the Superior Suite provides guests with 256 feet (24 square metres) of living space, with two oversized porthole style windows, providing a peaceful and private sanctuary. Superior Suites are furnished with two twin-size beds or one queen-size bed, as requested.

Vista Suite

Located on the Lotus Deck (Main Deck) the Vista Suite provides guests with 276 square feet (26 square metres) of living space, with French balcony, and a spacious seating area from which to enjoy the dramatic sunsets along the Mekong River. Vista Suites are furnished with two twin-size beds or one queen-size bed, as requested.

Signature Suite

Located on the Orchid Deck (Upper Deck), the Signature Suite provides guests with 291 square feet (27 square metres) of living space, including private balcony, where guests can relax in privacy while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. This calm haven offers guests the opportunity to enjoy daily continental breakfast on their balcony. Signature Suites are furnished with two twin-size beds or one queen-size bed, as requested.

Prestige Suite

Located mid-ship on the Orchid Deck (Upper Deck), the Prestige Suite provides guests with 387 square feet (36 Square metres) of living space, including private balcony. Thoughtfully designed for comfortable living, this elegant suite provides an expansive spa bath and premium bath amenities, living area with sofa, private balcony, and daily butler service. Prestige Suites are furnished with one king-size bed.

Grande Suite

Located forward on the Orchid Deck (Upper Deck), these two very private suites offer the most luxurious and spacious environment on board, measuring 584 square feet (54 square metres) with full French doors onto a private terrace where complimentary canapes are served at sundown as part of Lotus butler service.

Day 1 – Tuesday 12 December 2023: Arrive Singapore

Today you will meet your Tour Host and fellow travellers at Brisbane International Airport for your flights to Singapore. Interstate travellers will either meet your host at Singapore Airport or later at the hotel. On arrival into Singapore Changi Airport, we will be transferred to our hotel, check-in and retire to our room for a good night’s rest before we venture out to explore Singapore tomorrow.

Stay: Grand Copthorne Waterfront or similar (2 Nights)

Day 2 – Wednesday 13 December 2023: Singapore

After breakfat this morning, we will explore the city by coach driving round the Civic District, passing by the Padang, Singapore Cricket Club, historic Parliament House and the National Gallery Singapore. The Gallery consists of the former Supreme Court Building and the City Hall. Next, stop at the Merlion Park and enjoy the impressive views of Marina Bay. Do not miss out on this photo-taking opportunity with the Merlion, a mythological creature that is part lion and part fish. Visit Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, the latest iconic temple in the city. Later, we take a classic “bumboat” taxi cruise along Singapore River. Lunch will be at your own expense around the lively Clarke Quay area. Last stop, before heading back to the hotel, we visit Gardens by the Bay. Enter the world’s largest glass greenhouse – the Flower Dome consist of 9 different gardens. Tonight, we will come together for our Welcome Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 3 – Thursday 14 December 2023: Singapore – Siem Reap

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some time to relax before we have to check out and are transferred to Singapore Changi Airport in time for our flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival we will be met and transferred to our hotel to check in and freshen up. There will be time to explore the hotel facilities or nearby Royal residence before we meet for dinner in the hotel.

Stay: FCC Angkor by Avani or similar (3 Nights)
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 4 – Friday 15 December 2023: Siem Reap

We have an early morning wake up today and then transfer by Tuk Tuk to the West Gate of Angkor Wat where the sunrise can be best observed. Later, we will enter the temple complex which was built by Suryavarman II in the middle of the 12th century and was the spiritual, political and geographical heart of the Great Khmer Empire. We continue to the East Gate and a local restaurant where Picnic Box breakfasts await us. Then we move on to Ta Prohm, one of the most beautiful temples of the complex, built in 1186 as a Buddhist temple dedicated to the mother of Jayavarman VII, is one of Angkor’s jewels and is overgrown with fig trees, giving a haunting yet exotic atmosphere. We will then transfer back to the hotel for some leisure time before our Tuk Tuks take us, late afternoon, to visit South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Royal Palace, Terrace of Elephant and Terrace of Leper King. Angkor Thom is a heavily fortified city built in the 12th century by the greatest of the Khmer rulers King Jayavarman VII (1181-1201). With a population in excess of one million inhabitants Angkor Thom was larger than any city in Europe at the time. Bayon Temple was also constructed during the reign of King Jayavarman VII. This Temple complex marks the exact centre of Angkor Thom, making it the most venerated of the city’s temple. The structure is considered by most Angkor specialists to be one of the finest examples of classical Khmer architecture. Situated on front of the east entry tower of the enclosing wall at the Royal Palace is the Terrace of the Elephants. It has three platforms and shows signs of having been rebuilt and added to. The Terrace of the Leper King is supported by a base 80 feet long. The original statue of the Leper King can be found in the courtyard of the National Museum in Phnom Penh. Returning to our hotel, we have time to freshen up before going to dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 5 – Saturday 16 December 2023: Siem Reap

After breakfast today, our guide and driver will take us to experience the culinary arts through learning and sharing. A private cooking class awaits which will have us experiencing the authentic flavor of the local cuisine, culture and cooking techniques. The inspiring head chef will walk us through the market to pick up fresh ingredients and explore the local culture, before we go through the various cooking stages and techniques to cook our own dish. At the end of our cooking class, local beer will be served to toast our accomplishments as we are served lunch. We go back in time to one of the oldest villages in the Angkor area, where the villagers have been living for years and making their living by simple ways such as growing rice, sugar palm making and palm leaf waving. We will experience their way of living and be invited to participate is some of these activities. As the sun sets at the rice fields, we will enjoy a cool soft drink or local beer whilst listening to some traditional music. Later we are transferred back to the hotel where we will have the evening at leisure. Our tour host will be on hand for anyone that would like company or assistance in choosing somewhere for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch

Day 6 – Sunday 17 December 2023: Siem Reap – Kampong Cham

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some time relaxing in the hotel before we are due to check out and board our transfer to the river cruise ship. In the afternoon, we enjoy a scenic drive from Siem Reap to Kampong Cham, with a stop for lunch en route (own expense), then embark the luxurious Mekong Navigator. As our journey commences towards Kampong Cham, experience the cruise ship hospitality at a welcome reception and introduction to the friendly and professional crew who will present a safety briefing. This evening is a Cambodian themed dinner served in Le Marche Dining Room offering innovative local cuisine.

Stay: River Cruise Ship Mekong Navigator (7 Nights)
Meals: Breakfast & dinner

Day 7 – Monday 18 December 2023: Wat Hanchey – Angkor Ban

We can begin this morning with a walk up the hill to Wat Hanchey, a thriving religious complex of both Hindu and Buddhist temples with breath- taking panoramic views over the Mekong. There is the option to receive a traditional Buddhist Water Blessing from the monastery’s resident monks. There are many outstanding stupas, temples, pagodas and statues worth exploring here before descending all 303 steps when returning to the ship. For those passengers who are not avid walkers, there is a small coach provided for ascent and descent of the hill. In the afternoon we pay a visit to the rural and charming village of Angkor Ban, with its stilted houses and grazing Brahim cows seeking the shade of a banana tree. Feel a sense of timelessness here, whilst witnessing the rhythm of rural life. We’re invited in to the home of a local family who will discuss their lifestyle, before we move on to the local school to join children in their classroom and take a glimpse of a typical school day. A leisurely stroll through the village on the way back to the ship offers an opportunity to take photos of this place that time forgot. This walking route includes a brief stop at the local monastery before returning to the ship.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 8 – Tuesday 19 December 2023: Phnom Penh

This morning, for those with an interest in the darker side of the Cambodian history, there is the chance to learn more about the harrowing loss and sadness that haunts its people. For those that don’t wish to participate you may like to enjoy the ship facilities and some time at leisure. Those passengers going out with take a 45-minute drive through countryside to the Choeung Ek killing fields used by Khmer Rouge regime between 1975 and 1979. Walk through the fields, visit the small museum and buddhist memorial stupa and learn more about the atrocities committed during the Pol Pot’s regime. Before returning to the ship there is also a visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S-21), a former school that was converted to the main prison and headquarters of the Khmer Rouge. This afternoon there is the option to take the coach, accompanied by a local guide, from the port to the central market to explore the city of Phnom Penh for some shopping or sightseeing around the city.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 9 – Wednesday 20 December 2023: Phnom Penh

After breakfast we are greeted at the pier by our appointed Tuk Tuk driver for an enchanting tour of the best sites in Phnom Penh. We will be expertly pedalled along the riverfront to the Royal Palace which is the official residence of the King of Cambodia. Comprising several buildings, the main palace is an important symbol of the Kingdom set in beautifully manicured gardens. Stroll through the grounds to see the Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion, the famous Silver Pagoda, home of Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and Maitreya Buddha encrusted with more than 9,000 diamonds. The city tour continues by Tuk Tuk to the National Museum, Cambodia’s largest museum of cultural history with one of the world’s largest collections of Khmer art and ceramics as well as Angkorian artifacts, excavated at the Angkor Temple complex in Siem Reap and further afield in Cambodia. In the afternoon, we are free to further explore Phnom Penh on a variety of optional excursions. Alternatively, you can opt to go shopping or sample the city’s vibrant restaurants and bars. Pre-dinner cultural entertainment is provided on the Sun Deck where we enjoy a performance by local children of Aspara, the Khmer national dance, and other traditional folk dances.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 10 – Thursday 21 December 2023: Border Crossing Cruise Day

Relax and enjoy a morning of leisure on the sundeck, in the lounge, library or wonderful La Vie spa as the ship sails downstream towards the Cambodia/Vietnam border. Observe a fascinating transformation in the riverfront architecture and landscape. Throughout the day exciting cultural activities will take place on board and your tour host will be on hand for those that would like company.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 11 – Friday 22 December 2023: Long Khanh Island & My An Hung

This morning after breakfast we are taken by traditional sampans to the local island village of Hong Ngu in the Mekong Delta, close to the Vietnam-Cambodia border. Here, a large number of traditional Khmer scarves are woven in many village homes and exported to Cambodia. We have the opportunity to observe the weaving process passed down through many generations. Some villagers are also embroidery artists and display their art for visitors to enjoy. The inhabitants of this rural area have only recently become familiar with western travellers and always offer a friendly welcome. Before returning to the sampans, enjoy a walk around the beautiful evergreen island, stopping for a visit at the home of a local war veteran. After lunch on board, we make the short journey from ship to shore by sampan once more, landing on the charming evergreen village of My An Hung, a typical farming village on the Mekong Delta. We walk through the verdant village, interact with villagers, and enjoy fresh coconut in the garden. A local family may invite us for some honey tea and fruit while we enjoy the “don ca tai tu” folk music, followed by an impressive VOVINAM, Vietnam Martial Arts performed by the teenagers of the village.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 12 – Saturday 23 December 2023: Sa Dec – Cai Be – My Tho

On arrival at Sa Dec port the traditional sampan is again used to navigate the tapestry of Mekong canals, giving us the opportunity to observe traditional village life before arriving at the historic town of Sa Dec. If water levels allow, a stop is planned at Cao Dai Temple. A visit to Sa Dec would not be complete without a visit to the former home of Mr. Hyunh Thuy Le, who was the inspiration for Marguerite Duras’ famous novel, L’Amant (The Lover), as well as the Chinese Temple called Kien An Cung, built in honour of the Huynh Thuy Le Family. We will return to the ship on foot through the town's market which is a bustling, extraordinary and colourful experience, providing many wonderful photo opportunities of the fresh and unusual produce of meat, live fish and seafood for sale. After a short sail to Cai Be, the English-speaking guide will accompany you along the waterways by sampan, passing a colourful collection of local boats from the delta provinces, larger boats selling their goods and the characterful stilted houses of Cai Be. Continuing into the narrower canals of Cai Be, a stop is made to visit Ba Duc House, a traditional Vietnamese home and garden. Back on board the sampans, it’s a short paddle through the canals to reach a traditional rice factory where industrious artisans produce rice paper, rice wine and popped rice. There’s a selection of postcards, souvenirs, and beautiful oil paintings on sale should they take your fancy. Before dinner we will gather on the Sun Deck, as the ship sets sail for My Tho, and enjoy a farewell reception with all the crew, followed by a Vietnamese Farewell Dinner in Le Marche Dining Room.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 13 – Sunday 24 December 2023: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Following breakfast the crew bid us farewell as we disembark and then board our transfer to Ho Chi Minh City. Enroute we stop and visit China Town including the Binh Tay Market or Cho Lon Market, Thien Hau temple and the FITO Museum. We’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before we are taken to our hotel to check in and having time to relax. This evening we attend the hotels Gala Dinner, celebrating Christmas with delicious foods and beautiful decorations. In the streets the local people will be throwing confetti, taking pictures, enjoying the Christmas decorations and lights of big hotels and department stores, attending church services and family dinners.

Stay: Intercontinental Hotel Saigon (3 nights plus late checkout) or similar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 14 – Monday 25 December 2023: Ho Chi Minh City – Merry Christmas!

We will have a leisurely breakfast at the hotel this morning followed by a cooking class at a local restaurant where we will be able to make our own unique Vietnamese dishes. We experience the Vietnamese culture and the authentic & contemporary taste of Vietnamese food with a visit to the local market to purchase our ingredients, and then enjoy a hands-on cooking class. We get to enjoy our lunch at the class and will be given the detailed recipes at the end of the class so we can re-make the dishes at home. Returning to the hotel there is time for some time at leisure to either take a nap or enjoy the hotel facilities before we come together tonight for dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 15 – Tuesday 26 December 2023: Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Former Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, City Hall, and the Municipal Theater. Later we visit Ben Thanh market for last minute shopping and enjoy the rest of afternoon and evening at leisure. Our tour host will be on hand to assist anyone or for those that would like company.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch

Day 16 – Wednesday 27 December 2023: Cu Chi Tunnels / Ho Chi Minh City – Singapore

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The tunnels contained hospitals, plus accommodation and schools, and were used as a military base for the Viet Cong in the American war. We then return to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch at a local restaurant. The rest of day will be at leisure before checking out of the hotel and transferring to the airport for our flight to Singapore.

Meals: Breakfast & lunch

Day 17 – Thursday 28 December 2023: Singapore - Brisbane

Say goodbye to our interstate passengers as we all board our flights home filled with memories of a fantastic Mekong Christmas Experience.

Travel dates: 12 - 28 December 2023

Interested in staying closer to home this year? Join us for A Victorian Christmas as we travel along the rugged, wild and windswept coast where we’ll see the towering twelve apostles, stunning hinterlands and inspiring landscapes. Then, it’s on to Melbourne for a special Christmas Day lunch, local regional touring and to bring in 2024!

*Price is per person sole use and subject to availability. Price is correct as of 08 September 2023. Airfare based on Economy class airfare with Singapore Airline. Tour requires minimum number of passengers to depart. Prices may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currencies change. A deposit is required within 7 days of booking. All International bookings will require a non-refundable deposit of $750.00 to $3,500.00 per person, varying due to tour inclusions, plus an additional $500 deposit should you upgrade to Business Class flights. All Australian, including Norfolk Island, bookings will require a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person. The balance will be due 120 days prior to Tour Departure Date or as otherwise stated on your invoice. For bookings confirmed within 120 days prior to departure, full payment of the total amount and a signed booking form will be required immediately. If full payment is not received by the due date, Solo Connections reserves the right to cancel all reservations and apply the normal cancellation fees. Itinerary is subject to change. Further booking conditions apply, please check all prices, availability and other information with your RAC travel consultant at time of or before booking. Package cancellation fees apply. Further terms and conditions apply. Please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for further details.

A further $165 deposit per person is due at time at booking. General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.