Travelmarvel, A Journey of Temples, Silk & Villages on the Mekong

Itinerary: Majestic Mekong Cruise (Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City)
Sailing Date: 1 September 2026
Ship: RV Lotus
Author: David Sykes – Infinity Cruise                                              

The Majestic Mekong takes you from the temples of Siem Reap to the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City aboard a boutique river ship. Here are the moments that stood out most for me.

1. Shinta Mani Angkor – I started with a pre-cruise stay at Shinta Mani Angkor in Siem Reap. My superior room was spacious with contemporary Khmer-inspired styling, and the grounds include two pools, one a striking geometric plunge pool. Green, the relaxed all-day restaurant, served a strong breakfast buffet.

2. RV Lotus, a Boutique River Ship – With just 54 suites and 50 crew, RV Lotus feels intimate. Every cabin category has both a French balcony and an outside balcony. I sailed in a Category C Deluxe Twin Balcony (21m2), a great entry point with twin beds, a glass shower and balcony seating with river views. For more room, the Sadec Twin Balcony Suite (26.9m2) adds a full bathtub and a seating nook. Onboard, the Mekong Restaurant has river views and live cooking stations, while the Saigon Lounge and sun deck, with its plunge pool and shaded bar, are perfect for unwinding.

3. Koh Pen Island by Tuk Tuk – Our first excursion was a tuk tuk tour of Koh Pen Island, taking in stilt houses, farmland and local livestock. The villagers gave us a warm welcome, and it was a great introduction to rural Cambodian life.

4. Angkor Ban, the Lucky Village – Angkor Ban is known as The Lucky Village as it is one of the few to escape destruction under the Khmer Rouge. I loved wandering past the pagoda and stilt houses and seeing daily village life up close.

5. Oknha Tey Silk Island – Here I followed the whole silk process, from silkworms and cocoons through to hand-spinning and loom weaving. It is a fascinating stop, and the finished silk is beautiful.

6. Oudong Monastery Blessing – Oudong is a former capital of Cambodia. We walked through the village to the monastery and received a blessing from local monks, which was a special and peaceful moment.

7. The Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng (S21) – A reflective morning in Phnom Penh, with a guide giving historical context on the Khmer Rouge era. It is a sobering visit, but one I would recommend to anyone wanting a deeper understanding of Cambodia. My tip is to mind the strict dress code: shoulders and knees covered, and no tight-fitting clothing. Guests who are not appropriately dressed may be refused entry to S21.

8. Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda – The Royal Palace, built in 1866, is a highlight of Phnom Penh. Next door, the Silver Pagoda is named for its floor of 5,000 silver tiles.

9. Tan Chau by Rickshaw – After crossing into Vietnam, we explored Tan Chau by rickshaw, with stops at the Cao Dai Temple, a rattan weaving workshop and Evergreen Island. A colourful, relaxed way to see the town.

10. Sa Dec Market and Cai Be – The Sa Dec Central Market is a busy wet market full of produce, flowers and local life. We then visited Cai Be Cathedral and a cottage workshop making puffed rice and rice paper, a great way to finish the cruise.