A Culinary Adventure Like No Other

Embark on an extraordinary journey along the mighty Mekong River, where every moment is steeped in culture, history, and breathtaking scenery, on a cruise hosted by Chef Chanthy Yen, the 11th Season winner of Top Chef Canada. Glide through the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia, uncovering a vibrant mosaic of customs, ancient wonders, and local life while enjoying the intimacy of Emerald Harmony Star-Ship, sailing from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to Siem Reap, Cambodia on October 3, 2026. This will be Emerald Cruises’ first ever celebrity chef cruise on the Mekong presenting a perfect balance of in-depth cultural exploration and exclusive onboard culinary events, all within the comfort of inclusive luxury.

Thoughtfully designed for the Mekong, Emerald Harmony carries only 84 guests and blends modern sophistication with Southeast Asian charm, offering spacious suites, contemporary lounges and world-class dining. The ship’s intimate setting ensures personalized service from 40 dedicated crew-members, and a relaxed, luxurious experience. Emerald Harmony’s guests can indulge in a full dining experience onboard, complete with wine and beer with lunch and dinner. Their journey is enhanced with personalized service from an English-speaking crew and immersive tours led by expert local guides, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi and fully covered gratuities, both onboard and during onshore excursions. 

Chef Yen will be sharing a glimpse of the country and culture that his family comes from through food, connecting to his roots and cherished memories of cooking with his grandmother. Exclusive onboard experiences will include a multi-course, exclusive gourmet dinner inspired by the bold flavours and rich traditions of Cambodian cuisine, crafted exclusively by Chef Chanthy. A live cooking demonstration showcasing traditional Southeast Asian flavours, an interactive Q&A session where the chef will share stories from his culinary journey, personal insights, and Cambodian food inspirations, as well as an opportunity to mingle with the Chef during an exclusive cocktail reception. Chef Chanthy Yen will be on board for the 8-day cruise portion of the trip (from October 3-10, 2026) with the opportunity for guests to extend their adventure through a variety of cruise and land itinerary combinations, unlocking an even deeper cultural experience across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

About Chef Chanthy Yen
Born in Windsor, Ontario with Cambodian roots, Top Chef Canada winner Chanthy Yen brings his passion for authentic flavours. His culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen and led him to work with some of the world’s top chefs, such as Ferran Adrià and Andoni Aduriz. Blending traditional roots with global techniques, Yen opened acclaimed restaurants, earning accolades such as the Michelin Bib Gourmand and the Rising Star Award from the Cambodian Canadian community. Currently crowned Canada’s Top Chef, Chef Yen serves as the Culinary Director for Kitchen Table and leads the Michelin-recommended Bácaro Restaurant in Vancouver.   
His expertise and passion for authentic flavours will offer guests a truly enticing dining experience, where every dish tells a story of heritage and craftsmanship and presents a rare opportunity to experience Southeast Asia’s rich gastronomic legacy firsthand.

13-day Wonders of Cambodia, Vietnam & the Mekong
October 1-October 13, 2026

Day 1 – 3: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
On arrival, you will be met by your Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your hotel in downtown District 1, for a two-night stay. Enjoy a guided city tour, with visits to the Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House, the Town Hall, Reunification Palace and a visit to Cu Chi Tunnels, enjoying a visit to the local countryside. 

Day 4 – 9: Visits to Ben Tre, Sa Dec, My An Hung, Gien Island, An Long, Tan Chau, Phnom Penh, Outdong and Prek K’Dam
Enjoy visits to popular Vietnamese and Cambodian sites as well as traditional performances on board and ashore. In Ben Tre (Day 4), join Chef Chanthy Yen for a cocktail reception on board. On Day 7, spend the afternoon with Chef Yen as he hosts a cooking demonstration, and celebrate your final evening with a special farewell dinner crafted by Chef Chanthy, inspired by the authentic flavours of his Cambodian heritage.

Day 10 – 13: Siem Reap, Cambodia 
Enjoy a three-night stay in a deluxe boutique property with visits to the architectural wonder of Angkor Thom, one of the most remarkable royal cities, Angkor Wat, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, and the sacred Temple of Ta Prohm.  Delight in a Cambodian Circus performance, a dinner at Satcha Handicraft Centre and an Aspara dance performance, all telling a unique Cambodian story.

Other available cruise & land options:
•    16-Day Wonders of Indochina and Mekong (October 1-16, 2026)
•    21-Day Grand Tour of Vietnam and Cambodia (September 23 - October 13, 2026)
•    24-Day Grand Tour of Indochina (September 23 - October 16, 2026)  
 

Save CA$250 per person on 13 to 24-day long itineraries featuring Chef Chanthy Yen. Offer is combinable with Best Available and Flexi Fare offers and will be available till October 31, 2025 or until sold out. Ask for offer code BONUS. 

Contact your Travel Professional for complete details or visit here.