Mekong River Cycling Cruise
January 31 to February 10, 2025
Working with local experts we developed a Mekong River Cycling Cruise that was tested in 2017, and perfected in 2018, 2019, & 2023. In late January 2025, you have the chance to experience this exclusive adventure. This 11-day itinerary embarks at the center of Ho Chi Minh City and travels Vietnam’s Saigon and Mekong Rivers before crossing into Cambodia, where we cruise and cycle along the Ton Le Sap River to reach Siem Reap.
The first four days of cycling will occur in non-touristed portions of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. In this remote area, without major highways, cycling is a way of life. Cruising overnight we’ll enter the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia to tie up near the King Norodom’s Palace for a non-cycling Phnom Penh layover day that includes a professionally-guided exploration of Cambodia’s Capital.
The following two days of cycling follow the Ton Le Sap River to where we disembark in Siem Reap. We’ll transfer to a five-star hotel & spa at the edge of Cambodia’s National Archaeological Parks at Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. The following pair of days allow us to explore the world’s most famous collection of temples. Within this UNESCO World Heritage Preserve, bicycles are the most efficient way to experience two days with our licensed interpretive guides.
RV Indochine II
All the cabins are on the outside of the ship, two low beds can be moved together, designed with ample storage space, air-conditioning, and onboard Wi-Fi.
Cabins are spacious (193 sq. ft.) and comfortable, with plenty of light . They each have a 43-sq. ft. private balcony with a table & two chairs.
Indochine II’s restaurant – where our 5-star chef will create a new regionally inspired menu for each meal.
Indochine II’s lounge – a great place to relax after a day of cycling, grab a drink, or catch up on emails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the exact dates?
A: January 31 to February 10, 2025. The end of Winter is an amazing time of year for cycling so close to the equator. In this tropical region of Southeast Asia, January-March has the least rainfall of the year, perfect for enjoying days of short-sleeve cycling in the 80s.
Q: What’s the cost?
A: Our per-person pricing for this 11-day Cycling Cruise on the Mekong is lower than ever. Booking early is easy and RISK FREE.
Q: What about tipping?
A: Jan and I don’t accept tips. Our comprehensive “cruise extras” fee of $550 per person covers port fees and a long list of off-ship activities, admissions, and guides. Shipboard gratuities of $150 per person includes valet bike handling and a wash-and-fold laundry.
Q: Are some staterooms better than others?
A: Certainly. All of the Indochine II’s staterooms are identically spacious (~193 square foot) floor plans with scenic (~43 square foot) walk-out balconies. The rooms are air-conditioned and soundproofed. The comfortable euro-king bed can be remade into a pair of full-width twins. Rooms on the top deck provide better views over docks and levees.
Q: Upper Deck Balcony vs Upper Deck Terrace?
A: Four of the Upper Deck Staterooms at the corners of the ship have an additional large window. In addition to the (~43 square foot) private balcony these 4 rooms have a large (~63 square foot) terrace to enjoy.
Q: What’s the next step?
A: To lock-in availability and the lowest pricing on a RISK-FREE basis, reserve your space through our PayPal portal. PayPal’s secure website is open 24 hours per day, accepts all major credit cards, and automatically adjusts for remaining stateroom availability.
Q: What’s the Risk-Free Booking Policy?
A: When you use your credit card and book through PayPal, we’ll give you 14 risk-free days to think it over and clear your schedule. If you change your mind, send an email to Cancellations@SantanaAdventures.com within 14 days to cancel the PayPal transaction and obtain a full refund. Here is a full listing of Santana Adventures’ Terms & Conditions.
Q: When do we need to decide on the PreTour?
A: We won’t need your PreTour decision until fall 2024. In the meantime we’ll send you information on flight dates.
Q: What if we change our minds after 14 days?
A: Because full-boat charters are binding, non-cancelable contracts, Jan and I will only enter into this charter based on your confirmed-through-PayPal commitment. In effect, we undertake a huge risk by guaranteeing full payment on your behalf. After entering into this obligation, we cannot afford for you to back out—for any reason. This is no different than the clear written policy that existed for all of Santana’s prior chartered-ship cruises. Here it is (again) in writing:
Santana’s acceptance of your registration and non-refundable deposit for this event is subsequent to your agreement to pay the remaining balance in full. While Santana allows limited refunds on rallies and tours, Santana’s cruises are non-cancelable and non-transferable. When the possibility of paying yet not attending is unacceptable, Jan and I recommend Travel Guard trip insurance. For the past 20 years hundreds of our clients have relied on Travel Guard coverage without complaint. An informative application will be mailed with your invoice; and further information is available online. Here is a full listing of Santana Adventures’ Terms & Conditions.
Q: Have you ever relaxed your refund policy?
A: Jan and I have willingly resold a number of fully prepaid staterooms for a fee of $1,000 per-stateroom—which was waived when a vacating couple found someone to take their place. When there has been more than one pending resell request, those who paid-in-full earliest had their space resold next. Using this non-guaranteed method (which is grossly inferior to trip insurance) Jan and I have cheerfully refunded over $500,000 in otherwise non-refundable and non-transferable cruise fares. Here is a full listing of Santana Adventures’ Terms & Conditions.
Q: How do we get to and from the tour?
A: You fly into Ho Chi Minh City’s SGN International Airport and return from Siem Reap’s REP International Airport. Further details will be provided in Event Update Emails.
Q: Are rental bikes available?
A: Yes, a sturdy lightweight rental bike with upright bars and controls can be rented for about $500. If you own a nice road bike that fits, bringing bringing it with you is relatively easy and inexpensive. We’ll send full instructions on flying with your bike in an Event Update Email.
Q: What if we have more questions?
A: The quickest and easiest way to get help is to use Santana’s Contact Form. One of our team members will follow up with you as soon as possible.
