About the Journey 

Join us for a fascinating journey through the magnificent Buddhist and Hindu temples, lush tropical landscapes, and rich culture of Vietnam and Cambodia, including a seven-night Mekong River cruise aboard the 14-cabin Mekong Princess. Her small size and ultra-shallow draft allow us to experience this mighty river from an intimate and authentic perspective, stepping into local homes to see how people live and work, and gliding through floating markets in the early-morning hours as they come to life. 

Our Princeton-exclusive program begins with a stay in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, and ends with two full days to explore the remarkable Khmer temples and monuments of legendary Angkor, one of Asia's most exquisite archaeological gems. In between, the Mekong River takes us into the fascinating but seldom-visited world of Southeast Asia's longest waterway. Marvel at floating villages whose residents literally live on the water—working, shopping, even attending school and church. Tour a family-owned orchard, visit a noodle factory and a coconut candy maker, and experiment with typical Vietnamese ingredients during a cooking demonstration. 

A pre-trip extension to Hanoi and breathtaking Ha Long Bay is available for those wishing to explore this region further. 

Accommodation 

Park Hyatt Saigon Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 
The elegant, French Colonial-style Park Hyatt Saigon overlooks the Saigon Opera House and is located in the heart of the city, walking distance to the most popular cultural attractions. The five-star hotel features world-class bars and restaurants, a tranquil spa, fitness center, and outdoor pool. 

Mekong Princess 
The Mekong Princess offers 14 luxurious suites combining the elegance of French Colonial style with the peacefulness and comfort of a Southeast Asian spa. All suites have sliding glass doors that open to a French balcony (railing); Angkor Suites also feature a private veranda with seating area. Public spaces include open-air lounges with comfortable chaises, spa, and small fitness center. The small size and ultra-shallow draft of this elegant riverboat allow for visits to villages and tributaries not accessible to larger vessels, and the one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio ensures an unparalleled river cruise experience. 

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Siem Reap, Cambodia 
Grand Hotel d'Angkor's location in the leafy Old French Quarter of Siem Reap, facing the Royal Palace, make it an ideal home base for exploring Angkor. An authentic expression of 1930s French Art Deco style, the beautifully refined rooms, suites and villas blend old-world charm with Cambodian influences and contemporary detail, and the grounds feature an outdoor pool and two tennis courts. The hotel is said to have been visited by two highly revered figures of Cambodian folklore, the Big God and the Small God, with a shrine dedicated to each in the 15-acre gardens. 

Reservations 

Registration is not yet open for this journey. Please request a brochure or contact the Princeton Journeys team at journeys@princeton.edu / 609.258.8686 with questions.