Vietnam & Cambodia Mekong River All-Gay Cruise 2025

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

October 08 – 20, 2025
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 08, 2025
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 09, 2025
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 10, 2025
Siem Reap - Angkor Thom

This morning, 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.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4 - October 11, 2025
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 12, 2025
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 13, 2025
Phnom Penh

After breakfast on board this morning, meet your cyclo/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, 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.

Return to your Cyclo 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 a free afternoon in Phnom Penh with a variety of optional excursions from which to choose, or simply enjoy your time independently shopping or dining at one of the many wonderful restaurants and pubs nearby.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 - October 14, 2025
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 a free afternoon in Phnom Penh – shopping, dining at one of the many wonderful restaurants, participating in an optional cooking class, or exploring the city independently.

This evening after dinner we’ll have an optional excursion visiting the local gay bars of Phnom Pehn.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - October 15, 2025
Phnom Penh / Border Crossing / Long Khanh Island

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

Late this afternoon, we undergo border formalities, then cruise to Long Khanh Island.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9 - October 16, 2025
Long Khanh Island / Cu Lao Gieng

This morning, sampans take you to the local island village of Hong Ngu. Hong Ngu produces a large number of the traditional, Khmer scarves exported to Cambodia. Created in many homes around the village, you will have the opportunity to see the weaving process. Some villagers are also embroidery artists, displaying their art in and around the homes. The inhabitants of this area are especially friendly and welcoming. Before returning to the sampans, we will walk around this evergreen island and visit the home of a local War Veteran.

In the afternoon, your sampans will bring you to Gieng Island, for a visit to a local village where hundreds of sampans and rowing boats are made daily.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10 - October 17, 2025
Sa Dec / Cai Be / My Tho

Upon arrival to Sa Dec, visit the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, the inspiration of Marguerite Duras’ novel, L’Amant (The Lover), as well as the Chinese Temple which was build in honor of the Huynh Thuy Le Family. There, you will be welcomed by traditional Chinese Lions Dances.

On your itinerary is a walk through the town’s market, where you experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the colorful fresh produce, meat, live fish and seafood for sale. After returning to the ship for lunch, guests enjoy an afternoon cruise to Cai Be.

After, 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 evening, we will gather 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 18, 2025
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 19, 2025
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 20, 2025
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 20, 2025
Hanoi Arrival

Morning flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.

Following lunch, we visit The Temple of Literature. Built in the early 11th century, it became Vietnam’s first university.

After, we enjoy an electric cart ride through the city’s charming historic quarter to explore the hidden alleys, cafes and shops.

After some time to relax and refresh, we enjoy an included dinner.

Overnight in Hanoi at Intercontinental Westlake Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 14 - October 21, 2025
Hanoi – Half Day City Tour

Today we visit the Hoa Lo prison ("Hanoi Hilton") and learn about the decades preceding its use as a place for holding American POWs. It was used by the French to imprison Vietnamese patriots.

We then transfer back to the center to Hoan Kiem Lake & its legendary Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Bridge.

Then watch a charming water puppet performance, followed by dinner at the Ly Club.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 15 - October 22, 2025
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 Tung Sau Pearl Farm, an area in Ha Long Bay dedicated to growing pearls and practicing a handmade technique based on Vietnamese tradition and Japanese technology. This is also an ideal destination for kayaking.

Later this afternoon we visit the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, where you can take in the panoramic views across Halong Bay after visiting the cave. Alternatively, you can opt for an afternoon of pampering at Le Parfum Spa or an afternoon tea in Le 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 Le Marin restaurant, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy live music at Le Piano Bar. Or, take the opportunity for squid fishing, a spa treatment at Le Parfum Spa or watch movies in your cabin.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16 - October 23, 2025
Hanoi – Halong Bay

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

Around 7:30 we make a visit to Titov Island, where you can go swimming or hike to the top for another stunning, panoramic view of the bay. 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 en-route.

Following lunch, we visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex: The Vietnamese leader’s mausoleum, which overlooks Ba Dinh Square; and Ho Chi Minh’s house, which is built on top of stilts surrounded by a botanical garden and lotus pond. Walk up the steps to see some of his belongings in his bedroom.

Following the tour, we return to the Intercontinental Hotel for check-in and some time to refresh before our farewell dinner tonight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17 - October 24, 2025
Hanoi - Flights Home

Meals: Breakfast