Mekong Moments Afloat: The Avalon Saigon Boutique River Cruise

Duration: Typically 7 nights (with options for shorter or longer voyages)
Route: Ho Chi Minh City ↔ Cambodia (Phnom Penh) or beyond to Siem Reap
Vessel: The elegant Avalon Saigon—intimate just 18 suites, all designed for panoramic river views
Ideal For: Culture-minded travelers, couples, boutique cruise lovers, photography enthusiasts

✨ Why Choose Avalon Saigon?

• A boutique river ship with only 18 luxurious suites; each features wall‑to‑wall floor‑to‑ceiling windows that slide open to create a sleek French balcony—offering uninterrupted views of the Mekong landscape aboard your plush comfort. avalonwaterways.com+10Architectural Digest+10avalonwaterways.com+10avalonwaterways.com

• Thoughtfully curated itineraries focus on immersive cultural experiences: floating markets, Khmer and Vietnamese craft villages, historical landmarks, and heritage cuisine. The Times

• Stringent attention to detail onboard—from carved teak accents in the dining room to wellness lounge spaces and refined staff service—reflects a high‑end travel ethos. Architectural Digest

🗓 Sample 7-Night Downstream Itinerary

Day 1 – Saigon
Board the Avalon Saigon, settle into your suite, and enjoy a welcome reception onboard before dinner as the vessel slips out of Ho Chi Minh City in the evening.

Days 2–3 – Floating markets & local life
Each morning features a guided shore excursion—explore vibrant river markets, traditional fish farms, or silk‑weaving communities. Return for an afternoon cruise and dinner while drifting alongside tropical landscapes. avalonwaterways.com+10Cruise Critic+10jventuri.cruiseone.com+10

Days 4–5 – Chau Doc & Cambodian Border
Sail past riverside villages, cross into Cambodia, and disembark in Chau Doc. Learn about local traditions—cotton weaving, temple culture, and village hospitality. Continue on to Phnom Penh with a riverfront dinner amid Khmer melodies. Architectural DigestThe Cruise Web

Day 6 – Phnom Penh city & royal splendor
Spend a morning exploring the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and national museum—or choose a moving and reflective visit to a historical memorial site. Return for on‑deck cocktails and regional cuisine.

Day 7 – Tonlé Sap & Siem Reap
Cruise across Cambodia’s Tonlé Sap lake to floating communities. Arrive in Siem Reap in the afternoon; some itineraries include optional evenings at temple concerts or artisan showcases.

Day 8 – Disembark after breakfast
Farewell brunch onboard before disembarking in Siem Reap or returning to Saigon, depending on your extended itinerary.

🛏 Suite & Onboard Amenities

• All 18 suites come with king- or twin-size bed, ensuite bathroom with separate shower, minibar, safe, premium bathrobes, and complimentary bottled water. Every suite opens via floor‑to‑ceiling glass doors onto a narrow balconet—so the view is ever-present. CruiseMapper

• Public spaces include a panoramic lounge/bar, wellness area, mid‑deck dining room, sundeck viewing platform, and wellness or enrichment lounge. Complimentary Wi‑Fi is available near the lounge areas. AAdvantage CruisesCruiseMapper

✅ What’s Included

• Luxury river suite cabin with daily housekeeping

• Full board dining: elevated breakfasts, lunches, gourmet dinners—with regional beverages included at meals

• Guided excursions each day with certified local guides—includes floating markets, temple tours, craft villages, and city highlights

• Cultural onboard events: cooking demos, music evenings, historic talks, or local storytelling

• Complimentary soft drinks, local spirits & beer at dinner, bottled water during tours

• Port fees, gratuities, and insurance for cruise portion included

❌ What’s Not Included

• Optional land extensions (e.g. Angkor temples tour, Vietnam war-era tunnels)—bookable in advance

• Airfare or airport transfers, spa treatments, high-end beverages, or private dinners

• Visa fees if crossing into Cambodia or returning to Vietnam

• Gratuities beyond standard cruise coverage

🌍 Highlights Summary

• Suite-style cruising: panoramic river views through expansive windows—no visual compromises.

• Culturally rich experiences: floating markets, Khmer traditions, heritage cuisine, and village interactions.

• Small ship intimacy: only 18 suites ensures personalized attention from crew and guides.

• Wellness ambience: serene sundeck, calm lounges, soft evening programming—ideal for slow travel and reflection.