Begin your journey in Ho Chi Mihn City, the largest city in the south of Vietnam, which was formerly known as Saigon. This bustling city has tons to see and do, from the ancient to the modern. Join a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels and see how the Vietcong created the network of tunnels and what they were used for. Then climb down yourself to see how tight the fit is and to try and imagine living in such conditions. Afterwards, spend some time getting to know the city and exploring the historic center. Practice haggling at the Binh Than or Binh Tay Markets, or see the Vietnam War from the perspective of the Vietnamese at the War Remnants Museum. Join a cooking class to learn how the Vietnamese turn simple ingredients into delicious creations.

Get ready to experience true southeast Asian culture, as you board your cruise ship. Transfer from Ho Chi Mihn City to My Tho, the port on the river. Walk the city to orient yourself and experience the city that has seen a lot of turmoil in its time. One of the first cities invaded by the French, and the city also suffered during the Vietnam war, the city has been recovering by becoming a tourism destination for visitors to the Mekong in recent years. Visit the gilded Vinh Trang Pagoda or get scientific with Dong Tam Snake Farm, one of the largest producers of snake venom, which offers a venom museum and tours.

Visit Sa Ðéc, most well known as the former home of Marguerite Duras, a French writer whose most famous autobiographical novel, The Lover, is set in the city during the French Colonial Era. Walk the colorful streets full of historic villas and see the way the former trade center is returning to the Mekong. Next, travel a little down the river to Cái Bè, where you can tour candy and rice paper workshops. Travel deeper to the Kiet House, a historic manor house which shows the lifestyle of the wealthy along the Mekong in the late 1800s. End the night with some dinner theater with Cài Luong, a traditional folk opera about rural life.

Tân Châu, near the Cambodian border is a serene small village where locals still maintain their traditional way of life. Here you can visit the isolated Evergreen Island and visit the local farmers. You can also take a trishaw ride into the historic city center to see the artisan workshops and shop for some handmade souvenirs. See how silk is hand woven then dyed an array of bright colors, and how the rattan rugs and woven baskets are created. If you are felling more active, head to Trim Cham National Park, also known as the Plain of Reeds, a protected wetland which houses rare birds, if you are lucky, you may catch the red capped Sarus Crane. Later in the day, prepare for your border crossing into Cambodia.

Enter Phnom Penh for an overnight visit. One of the most ancient cultures in Asia, the Khmer once headed a thriving empire which spread though Southeast Asia leaving their ruins behind. Taste and see the ancient culture of the Khmer on a food tour through the city and experience the traditional and modern flavors of the city. Spend the afternoon learning about the height of the Khmer Empire with a tour of the Royal Palace. The ornate golden palace is still the home of Cambodia’s King to this day, so you can only tour the Throne Hall, however, the Silver Pagoda, with its gemstone Buddha’s and lavish décor can be visited, along with Napoleon’s Pavilion, donated by the late emperor. Continue to the National Museum to learn about the history of the Khmer people and see example of Cambodian handicrafts through the ages. Alternate excursions to the Killing Fields and Genocide Museum, to learn more about the recent dark history and how the nation has worked to move on, are also possible.

Kampong Cham is a small town full of traditional charm. Relax on the banks of the river and reset to a slow provincial pace. Amble along the waterfront promenade and meet with the local people to learn about life in rural Cambodia. Venture out to Banteay Prei Nokor, known to the locals as Wat Nokor, a 12th century temple older than the famous Angkor Wat, and admire the black sandstone structure and intricate carvings. Within some of the ancient painted murals have been restored, along with the carved reliefs of religious figures and symbols. Your guide will lead you through the complex, detailing the history and meanings of what you see.

A city more famous than the capital, Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat, the largest temple complex in the world and so dearly held by the Cambodians that it adorns their flag. In the morning, you will disembark and be transferred to Siem Reap. After on the way to the city, pass by Angkor Ban, one of the few towns not destroyed by the Khmer Rouge. Here, you can see the original wooden stilt houses that the Cambodians have lived in for centuries, and experience the untouched Khmer culture. Once in Siem Reap, opt to for a pilgrimage to Angkor Wat, or tour one of the smaller local temples. More intimate than their sprawling cousin, but no less ornate, the temples of Ta Prohm and Angkor Thom are fascinating options for those who want to avoid the crowds. Wrapped in the roots of Banyon Trees which grew around and through them between their abandonment and rediscovery, the three temples are beautiful examples of the beauty of nature and the harmony that is possible between humanity and nature.

Say goodbye to Cambodia and prepare for your flights home. Not ready to leave? Post cruise extensions are available to visit Hanoi, so you can experience the difference between northern and southern Vietnam. With delicious street food, welcoming people, and fascinating history, Hanoi can help continue your journey in Southeast Asia. Visit the Women’s Museum, Lake Hoan Kiem, the night market and Imperial Citadel to learn about Vietnamese history and to meet the locals. Or add a third country to your trip with an extension in Bangkok, Thailand. Visit the Grand Palace, with its famous "Emerald Buddha" carved from a single emerald, and Reclining Buddha, where you can learn about the origins of Thai massage. Tour the small canals along the river to get an in depth look at how the river is intertwined with daily life for the locals.