Vietnam & Cambodia Mekong River All-Gay Cruise 2027

12 nights from Siem Reap, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

October 06 – 18, 2027
Lotus Cruises Mekong Jewel

We invite you to join us for a 13-day, LGBT+, all-inclusive, guaranteed full ship charter, featuring the mighty Mekong River and the Temples of Angkor Wat. There can be no more striking cultural contrast than tranquil Cambodia and bustling Vietnam. From the diverse countryside of Cambodia to the Mekong Delta, so rich in human life and endeavor, you’ll discover two countries, two cultures, and two ways of life linked by one river, the Mekong.

Also included is a three-night stay in Siem Reap including an in-depth visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, and a two-night stay in bustling Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), each featuring five-star, centrally-located hotels.

Cruise aboard the all-suite, luxurious Mekong Jewel, specially built to ply the Mekong River from Kampong Cham, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City. Embracing an elegant French-colonial design similar to the many homes that once lined the streets of old Saigon, she boasts spacious suites from 323 square feet up to an expansive 915 square feet in size.

From here, you will enjoy all the wonders the Mekong has to offer in sophisticated, yet comfortable style. With never more than 24 guests per expert guide, you will enjoy enriching lectures, a comprehensive series of well-planned excursions, and most meals and beverages!

Vietnam & Cambodia Mekong River All-Gay Cruise Itinerary

Day 1 - October 06, 2027
Siem Reap, Cambodia

Arrive at the Siem Reap airport (REP), where you will be greeted by a Brand g representative, who will transfer you to the elegant and serene Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort.

There will be an informal meet and greet around 5:30 for those who have arrived.

Day 2 - October 07, 2027
Siem Reap - Angkor Wat

You’ll begin your day at Angkor Wat, the most recognizable landmark in Cambodia, and the largest religious monument in the world, with the longest continuous bas-relief sculpture in existence. Enjoy lunch at a local Khmer restaurant.

This afternoon, tour the city center of Siem Reap by tuk tuk (motorcycle rickshaw) for an introduction to Siem Reap’s many dining and shopping options, and a stop at a traditional artists’ workshop. This evening, guests will enjoy a private dinner with Apsara show at our hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dnner

Day 3 - October 08, 2027
Siem Reap - Angkor Thom

This morning, you have the opportunity to rise early to take part in the optional Bakeng Hill Sunrise and Gondola Boat Ride offered as Add-on.

Then after you’ll join the rest of the group as we enter through the south gate of Angkor Thom for a guided tour of Bayon (the temple with the faces), then walk around the back of Bauphoun, and along the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.

We continue to visit Ta Prohm, which has been overtaken by the jungle, with tentacle-like tree roots spilling over centuries-old walls and roofs, enveloping much of the structure. Then enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

This afternoon, you’ll visit Banteay Srey, considered to be the pinnacle of artistic achievement at Angkor, and Banteay Samré.

Enjoy this evening at your own leisure, or enjoy the optional Cambodian Acrobatic Drama offered as Add-on.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4 - October 09, 2027
Siem Reap / Kampong Cham / Embarkation

This morning is yours to relax and enjoy the hotel property or do some last minute shopping. This afternoon we travel to Kampong Cham, with lunch en route, to embark the ship.

Following the informative Welcome Briefing, and meeting with our friendly crew, a Cambodian themed dinner is served in the Topaz Dining Room.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Welcome Dinner

Day 5 - October 10, 2027
Wat Hanchey / Angkor Ban / Phnom Penh

This morning, you walk up the hill to the local monastery of *Wat Hanchey and receive a traditional Buddhist Water Blessing from the resident monks. After enjoying a walk around the monastery and the amazing views of the Mekong River valley, you descend 303 steps and return to the ship. *For gentle walkers, there is a coach provided to bring you up the hill.

In the afternoon, we will visit the charming town of Angkor Ban. Here, you will have a glimpse into the lives of the local people, starting with a visit to a family’s home to see how the locals live, along with an opportunity to meet the family and discuss their lifestyle.

Next, you will continue through the village to the local private school, where you will join the children in their classroom and experience what their typical school day is like. You will then walk back through the village to the ship, with an opportunity to take photos along the way, including a brief stop at the local monastery complex.

Late this evening we arrive and dock in Phnom Penh.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 - October 11, 2027
Phnom Penh

After breakfast on board this morning, guests meet their tuk tuk driver for an exciting morning city tour of Phnom Penh. You are gently transported by your driver along the riverfront to the Royal Palace complex. Here guests enjoy a leisurely walk through the grounds viewing Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion, before visiting the famous Silver Pagoda, home of Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and Maitreya Buddha encrusted with more than 9,000 diamonds.

After, return to your tuk tuk for the short ride to the National Museum ending the morning with a comprehensive tour of the many Angkorian-period artifacts excavated at the Angkor Temple complex at Siem Reap.

Enjoy the afternoon in Phnom Penh on your own or spend some time shopping at the Central Market with a scheduled shuttle coach with your local guide provided from the port to the market.

This evening, before dinner, children entertain guests on our Sun Deck with a cultural performance including Apsara, Cambodia’s national dance as well as local traditional folk dances.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - October 12, 2027
Phnom Penh

This morning, learn more about the darkest days of Cambodian history. After a scenic 45-minute drive from the ship, you arrive at the Choeung Ek killing fields, where you may walk through the fields, visit the small museum and Memorial Stupa, and learn more about the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. Before returning to the ship, tour Tuol Sleng (also known as S-21), the former school converted to the main prison and torture headquarters of the Khmer Rouge.

After returning to the ship, enjoy another free afternoon in Phnom Penh – shopping or dining at one of the many wonderful restaurants, or exploring the city independently. You may also have the opportunity for an optional cooking class this afternoon.

This evening after dinner, we’ll have an optional excursion to explore the nightlife of Phnom Penh, possibly including some of the gay nightlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - October 13, 2027
Phnom Penh / Border Crossing / Long Khanh Island

This morning, we sail downstream to the Cambodia/Vietnam border for border crossing formalities. Enjoy a leisurely cruise, taking in the sights along the Mekong River. Some activities will be offered on board, as well.

This afternoon, we arrive to Long Khanh Island, where we’ll visit the local island village of Hong Ngu, not far from the Vietnam- Cambodia border. Hong Ngu produces a large number of the traditional, Khmer scarves exported to Cambodia. Woven in many homes around the village, you will have the opportunity to see the weaving process under several homes. Some villagers are also embroidery artists, displaying their art in and around the homes. The inhabitants of this area had only encountered one western visitor prior to the arrival of the Mekong Jewel, and are especially friendly and welcoming.

Before returning to the sampans, visit a temple dedicated to a unique form of Buddhism called Hoa Hao, which focuses on aiding the poor.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 - October 14, 2027
Cu Lao Gieng / Sa Dec

This morning, sampans will bring you to Gieng Island with a visit to a local village where hundreds of sampans and rowing boats are made daily. Experience a sampan cruise to an untouched canal and visit Phanxico monastery built in 1879 right after the Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon in 1863. You will have a chance to interact with a local priest at the Cathedral (subject to his availability).

After lunch, we arrive to Sa Dec, where your sampans return for a leisurely, scenic navigation of the narrow canals of the Mekong, where you will observe daily routines of the villagers en route to the historic town of Sa Dec. A stop is planned at a Cao Dai Temple, but a visit is depending on the Rivers water-level and accessible disembarkation area. In the town of Sa Dec you’ll have an external visit the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration of Marguerite Duras’ novel, L’Amant (The Lover), and walk through the town’s market, experiencing the sights, sounds, smells, and wonderful photo opportunities found in the colorful fresh produce, meat, and live fish and seafood for sale. Visit Kien An Cung, where you will enjoy the “unicorn dance”, a unique dance in celebrations of Vietnam and in Asia.

The ship will sail to Vinh Long this evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 - October 15, 2027
Vinh Long / Tien Loi / My Tho

This morning, we board our sampans to visit a traditional rice factory where workers produce rice paper, rice wine, popped rice, and many varieties of traditional candies.

This afternoon, following lunch, we arrive to the Tien Long area, and once again board the classically built sampans to explore the narrow canals and backwaters of this famed region. Tien Loi island is the unique excursion that created for our guests only. This untouched island with only a few families settled peacefully on the river. We start visiting the sedge weaving hat, experience how local farmers make the “rooster cages” and decorate bonsais on their gardens and yards. Our next visit to the “tree drafting and transplant” village will amaze you with many young garden-grafted trees on the island. Every year, this island produces millions of small plants, baby trees not only to the Mekong region but the Centre and North of Vietnam. The final “boat rowing” on the untouched canal will be a highlight of the excursion.

In the evening, we gather on the Sun Deck in front of the Le Salon Lounge for a Farewell Reception with the entire crew, before enjoying a Cambodian Farewell Dinner in Le March Dining Room.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 - October 16, 2027
My Tho (Disembarkation) / Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, bid farewell to the Mekong Jewel and enjoy a scenic drive to Ho Chi Minh City, where we begin our tour of the city’s incredible French Colonial architecture, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Tonight is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 12 - October 17, 2027
Ho Chi Minh City - Cu Chi

After breakfast at the hotel this morning, enjoy a tour to the town of Cu Chi, where the local Vietnamese lived underground during the Vietnam war. This incredible complex features underground homes and tunnels, as well as examples of the traps used to maim and kill soldiers.

This evening, we bid farewell, with a special farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 13 - October 18, 2027
Ho Chi Minh City Departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or continue with us to Hanoi & Halong Bay. Hotel check out is at Noon.

Meals: Breakfast

Hanoi and Halong Bay – Optional Post-Program Itinerary

Day 13 - October 18, 2027
Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

Breakfast at the Reverie Saigon Hotel, then transfer to the Tan Son Nhat airport for a short domestic flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, we proceed outside the terminal, meet our guide and transfer to a local restaurant for lunch. Following lunch we proceed to the hotel for check-in and some time at leisure.

Later we make our way to old Hanoi for a charming water puppet performance followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi at Intercontinental Westlake Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14 - October 19, 2027
Hanoi – Half Day City Tour

This morning, following breakfast, we meet our guide in the hotel lobby for city tour. We first enjoy a thrilling electric car tour through the city’s charming historic quarter to explore the hidden alleys, cafes and shops. After, we visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex including the Vietnamese leader’s mausoleum, which overlooks Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh’s house, behind the mausoleum, which is built on top of stilts. This simple, traditional house sits in a botanical garden by a lotus pond. Next, we visit the Temple of Literature, a temple dedicated to Confucius and Vietnam’s first national university, founded in 1070.

After a full morning, we enjoy an included lunch.

Following lunch we continue on to visit the Hoa Lo prison (“Hanoi Hilton”) to learn about its use as a place for holding American POWs. It was also used by the French to imprison Vietnamese patriots.

Finally, we transfer back to hotel for an evening at leisure and dinner on your own. If you choose, you may enjoy an included light buffet in the Club Intercontinental Lounge.

Overnight in Hanoi at Intercontinental Westlake Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 15 - October 20, 2027
Hanoi – Ha Long Bay

This morning following breakfast, we transfer to Ha Long via motor coach. We’ll arrive to the Paradise Elegance around 12:30.

After check-in and a short briefing about our cruise, we’ll enjoy our welcome lunch at Le Marin Restaurant. During lunch we sail toward Ha Long Bay, passing the famous Fighting Cocks Islet, and Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves.

Following lunch, your first excursion is a visit to Titov island where you can climb to the top for the panoramic view of the surrounding area and spend some time on the beach.

Our next visit is to Luon Cave – a fascinating natural wonder located in the heart of Halong Bay. You will have the chance to travel und?r th? lim?st?n? m?unt?in and admire at the amazing rock formations and crystal-clear waters via bamboo boat or kayak (kayaks are an additional charge).

Alternatively, you can opt for an afternoon of pampering at the Spa or an afternoon tea in the Piano Bar.

Once back on board there will be a cooking demonstration and pre-dinner sunset cocktails. We anchor overnight at Coconut Tree Island.

After dinner in the restaurant, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy live music at the Piano Bar. Or, take the opportunity for squid fishing, a spa treatment at the Spa or watch movies in your cabin.

Overnight on the Ambassador Cruise boat.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16 - October 21, 2027
Halong Bay - Hanoi

Early this morning, watch the sunrise while taking part in a Tai Chi session on the Sundeck, followed by a light breakfast in the Piano Bar.

Later this morning we make a visit to the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, where you can take in the panoramic views across Halong Bay after visiting the cave. Once back on board, enjoy breakfast as we once again cruise past Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves and Fighting Cocks Islet.

After a late morning check out, we return to shore and journey back to Hanoi, with an included lunch after returning to the Old City.

Following lunch, we return to the Intercontinental Hotel for check-in and some time to rest.

Later we depart for a visit to Ngoc Son Temple, before enjoying a delicious farewell dinner.

Overnight in Hanoi at Intercontinental Westlake Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17 - October 22, 2027
Hanoi - Flights Home

Meals: Breakfast