Working with local experts, we developed a Mekong River Cycling Cruise that was tested in 2017, and perfected in 2018, 2019, 2023, & 2025. In late January 2027, you have the chance to experience this exclusive adventure. This 11-day itinerary embarks in 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
Mekong River Cycling Cruise
Vietnam & Cambodia
Saigon to Siem Reap
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
Mekong River Cycling Cruise
Vietnam & Cambodia
Saigon to Siem Reap
Q: What are the exact dates?
A: January 2 to 12, 2027. 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: Why isn’t there a day-by-day itinerary?
A: We don’t publish a rigid day-by-day itinerary for our Mekong River Cycling Cruise because this journey is meant to unfold as a true adventure, guided as much by the rhythm of the river and local conditions as by a map. Many of the villages and backroads we explore are wonderfully authentic and largely unfamiliar to Americans — which is precisely the point: this is discovery in its purest form, not a checklist of predictable ports.
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: Santana’s tour leaders don’t accept tips. Included in our “total price fares” are a cruise extras fee, port taxes, and shipboard gratuities for the ships crew. The comprehensive “cruise extras” fee includes a long list of off-ship activities, tours, admissions, interpretive guides, site fees, non-rider touring coach, and ride support (gps route files and a pair of SOS vans driven by pro mechanics). Shipboard gratuities include wash & fold laundry and valet bike handling.
Q: Are some staterooms better than others?
A: Certainly. All of the Indochine II’s staterooms have identical spacious (~193 square feet) floor plans with scenic (~43 square feet) 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 the 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: How many miles each day?
A: In addition to our daily pair of zero-mile options (remaining on the ship or reaching prime attractions via Santana’s non-rider touring coach), every day has multiple cycling routes. Anyone who can ride 35 flat miles will be able to enjoy multiple days of easy cycling. Longer routes are available, and typically allow 60 or more miles. Our welcome aboard page has more info on mileage. At each morning’s breakfast you’ll get a map charting the day’s cycling routes and recommended stops. During a brief route talk you’ll hear about each route’s attractions. Santana’s vets have learned to love and rely on their handlebar-mounted GPS units. Available for less than $170, these touch-screen marvels prevent the age-old problem of getting lost or riding unplanned miles. Would you rather use the smartphone you already own? No problem, use the tips in our GPS Guide to make sure you’re ready to go. Santana supplies the electronic mapping and route files. Simply select the route and follow the highlighted map.
Q: What’s the next step?
A: A near-immediate sell-out of this event is anticipated. Early-in pricing is limited to the first few rooms in each category. Pricing listed on the Stateroom Reservations section is the current pricing. Refresh your browser to see any changes that may have occurred if you delay booking after loading this page. To lock-in availability and the lowest pricing on a RISK-FREE basis, reserve your space through our reservations portal. Our secure website is open 24 hours per day, accepts all major credit cards, and automatically adjusts for remaining stateroom availability. Reserving your spot is RISK-FREE. In each category the prime location staterooms will be assigned in the same order as the timestamp of your booking.
Q: What do you mean by RISK-FREE?
A: When you use your credit card or checking account and book through our Reservations Portal, 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 two weeks to cancel the PayPal transaction and obtain a full refund. Please do not send your request to any other email addresses. Here is a full listing of Santana Adventures’ Terms & Conditions.
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 except one 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 25 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 is waived when vacating participants 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: What’s the difference between a SAG-wagon and Santana’s SOS/treasure vans?
A: Most tour companies use SAG-wagons that haul luggage and “sweep” the route between overnight stops. The drivers refill water-bottles, fix flat tires, and retrieve riders who can’t manage the easiest route between the widely spaced hotels. The problem, of course, is that the roving vans tend to be annoying until you actually need help. At that point it’s common to wait for two or more hours until one shows up. Although SAG drivers can fix a flat, they don’t have the tools or know-how to handle serious mechanical problems. Instead, they drive you to a bike shop (which explains why SAG-wagons disappear for hours at a time). This tour’s pair of SOS vans are driven by pro bike mechanics who bring tools and spares. When you phone one of our drivers with the coordinates from your GPS, they’ll arrive in a flash to get you back in the saddle. Because Santana expects participants to fill their own bottles, fix their own flats, and choose a ride they can finish, our SOS drivers are underworked, and have time to retrieve your shopping treasures.
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 it with you is relatively easy and inexpensive. We’ll send full instructions on flying with your bike in an Event Update Email.
Q: Are beverages included?
A: Beer & Wine are included at dinner. Other alcohol is not included but can be charged to your room. Soft Drinks, Coffee, Espresso Drinks, and Juice are all complimentary at meal times.
Q: Which meals are included?
A: During Santana’s earlier charters of Croisi cruises the culinary staff appreciated our appetites as much as we appreciated their multi-course gourmet meals. A 5-star chef will curate a new menu for each meal, and will always include a surprising selection of local fruits and produce, regional specialties, the freshest-possible seafood, vegetarian options, and grilled-to-order meats. A changing assortment of desserts and pastries are produced aboard each day. Breakfast and Lunch are served from a viewing queue, perfect for active cyclists. Dinner is a plated multi-course menu with plenty of gourmet options for all of our participants.
Q: Does the Indochine II offer WiFi? Will there be menu selections for vegetarians, vegans and picky eaters?
A: Yes to all of the above.
Q: Does the ship have an elevator?
A: No, the Indochine II does not have an elevator.
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.
Stateroom Reservations
Mekong River Cycling Cruise
Vietnam & Cambodia
Saigon to Siem Reap
January 2 to 12, 2027
