Vietnam & Cambodia New Year 2026
Mekong River All-Gay Cruise

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

December 31, 2025 – January 12, 2026
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 - December 31, 2025
Siem Reap, Cambodia

Arrive at the Siem Reap airport (SAI), 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.

Ring in the New Year early with a meet and greet around 5:30 for those who have arrived. (Welcome Reception)

Day 2 - January 01, 2026
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 - January 02, 2026
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.

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.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4 - January 03, 2026
Siem Reap / Kampong Cham / Embarkation

This morning is yours to relax and enjoy the hotel property or do some last minute shopping.

Late morning 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 - January 04, 2026
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 - January 05, 2026
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 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 - January 06, 2026
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 to explore the nightlife of Phnom Penh, possibly including some of the gay nightlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 - January 07, 2026
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 - January 08, 2026
Cu Lao Gieng / Sa Dac

This morning, sampans will bring you Gieng Island with visit to a local village where hundreds of sampans and rowing boats are made daily. Experience a sampan cruise to untouched canal and finally visiting to 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 (now launching a 6-month renovation), 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 - January 09, 2026
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 or transplant” village will be your amazes with lots of gardens drafting “baby 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 - January 10, 2026
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 - January 11, 2026
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 - January 12, 2026
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
Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi

Breakfast at the Reverie Saigon Hotel. Today lunch is on your own and you are at leisure until transfer to the Tan Son Nhat airport for taking a short domestic flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival at Hanoi airport, proceed outside the terminal, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel.

Late afternoon, we’ll depart for a tour of the Hoa Lo prison (“Hanoi Hilton”) and learn about the decades preceding its use as a place for holding American POWs. It was also used by the French to imprison Vietnamese patriots.

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

After we watch a charming water puppet performance. Then enjoy dinner an included dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hanoi at Intercontinental Westlake Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 14 - January 13, 2026
Hanoi – Half Day City Tour

This morning, following breakfast, we meet our guide in the hotel lobby and transfer to visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex: The Vietnamese leader’s mausoleum, which overlooks Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh’s house, behind the mausoleum, built on top of stilts, this simple, traditional house sits in a botanical garden by a lotus pond, walk up the steps to see some of his belongings in his bedroom.

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

Then, we take an electronic cart tour through the city’s charming historic quarter to explore the hidden alleys, cafes and shops. After, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

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.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 15 - January 14, 2026
Hanoi – Ha Long Bay

This morning following breakfast, we transfer to Ha Long via motor coach. We’ll arrive to the Ambassador Ha Long Bay cruise around 12:30. After check-in and a short briefing about our cruise, we’ll enjoy our welcome lunch. During lunch enjoy the majestic views of the World Natural Wonder, Ha Long Bay limestone islets.

Following lunch, your first excursion is a visit Luon Cave – one of the most unique caves in Halong Bay featuring the self-contained lake inside a closed arch-shaped mountain, where you can experience sitting on a bamboo boat rowed by a local or Kayaking* (Additional charges).

Your second stop of the day is the Titop island where you can climb to the top for the panoramic view of the surrounding area and spend some time on the beach.

For guests who are not participating in any excursions, home-made cakes will be served in the Piano Lounge. Or, opt for an afternoon of pampering at Atelier de Beauté Spa* (Additional charges) or immerse yourself in the outdoor Jacuzzi pool.

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

After dinner, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy live music at Le Piano Bar. Or, take the opportunity for squid fishing, a spa treatment at Atelier de Beauté Spa* (Additional charges), or movies at your cabin.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 16 - January 15, 2026
Halong Bay - Hanoi

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

Later, 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 en-route.

Upon arrival to Hanoi, we return to the Intercontinental Hotel for check-in. Later this evening we enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 17 - January 16, 2026
Hanoi - Flights Home

Meals: Breakfast