Tour Highlights and Features
CRUISE PORTION:
MV “PRESTIGE II” & MV “MEKONG ADVENTURER” (7N/8D)
- 7 nights/8 days in all outside cabins in category of your choice
- 21 Meals (7 buffet breakfasts, 7 buffet/sit down lunches, 7 sit down dinners)
- Complimentary local beer, sodas, coffee, tea, water daily and wine with dinner
- All sightseeing tours and excursions as outlined
- Special highlights: Children Apsara Folk performance on board
- On board talks and lectures, movies, etc.
- English speaking Cruise Guides and Cruise Manager throughout
LAND PORTION:
SAIGON (2N/3D), VIETNAM
- Arrival transfer (groups flying on same aircraft): Airport to hotel
- 2 night superior, centrally located first class hotel (Park Royal or similar)
- 4 meals including 2 breakfasts 1 lunch & 1 dinner at local restaurants.
- 2 sightseeing tours including a city tour and excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Water Puppet show and English speaking local guide throughout
SIEM REAP (3N/4D), CAMBODIA
- All long distance and local arrival and departure transfers
- 3 nights* at superior centrally located first class hotels (Prince D’ Angkor or similar)
- 6 meals (3 buffet breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners at local restaurants)
- Half day city tour, including the Artists D’ Ankgor handicraft museum
- Full day tour of the Angkor Wat Temples with all entrance fees
- Farewell Apsara show and English speaking local guides throughout
Not Included:
- International airfare
- Visa fees: Vietnam – $95 to $145 depending on outside visa fee processors.
- Cambodia: $35 USD cash paid on the spot upon entry + 1 passport size photo
- Personal expenses, liquor, laundry, phones, meals, activities other than those listed
- TIPS to hotel staff, porters, local guides and drivers, CREW on ship and similar.
(Suggested amounts will be sent with your initial travel kit and final documents.)
DAY 0: OVERNIGHT FLIGHTS TO VIETNAM.
Services per airline policies.
DAY 1: HO CHI MINH CITY (Saigon) – VIETNAM (O)
Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Due to various arrival times, no activities or meals planned.
DAY 2: HO CHI MINH CITY (Saigon) – VIETNAM (B, L, D)
After breakfast depart on a full day of sightseeing starting with an excursion to the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels. Built during the Vietnam War to protect from bombing raids, the tunnels extend underground for over 212 km and range in depth from 3 to 12 meters! They feature remnants of a living city; schools, community kitchens, sleeping quarters, hospitals as well as military production facilities. Return to the city and enjoy a Vietnamese style lunch at a local restaurant. Then continue with a city sightseeing tour that will include the Post Office, built by Gustav Eiffel, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. End the tour with a unique performance of the Water Puppet show where puppet masters are submerged under water while their puppets entertain above! Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight.
DAY 3: HO CHI MINH CITY – MY THO – EMBARKATION – SET SAIL (B, L, D )
Meet at the Sofitel Plaza hotel in Saigon at 9 am for the 2 hour transfer to My Tho, located 70 kilometers away. The transfer includes a stop at the Cholon Market and visit to a lacquer factory. On arrival in My Tho board the RV PRESTIGE II/RV ADVENTURER*. Lunch on board. Set sail in the afternoon. An info meeting will precede a welcome Dinner followed by a Music Show.
DAY 4: CRUISE CAI BE – SA DEC (B,L,D)
Arrival at Cai Be in the morning. After breakfast we take a morning junk trip around Cai Be to visit a floating market and go ashore to see the French Gothic Cathedral. Take a stroll along the river bank and visit a local manufacturer producing rice paper and coconut sweets. Return to the ship for lunch. Cruise past Vinh Long to arrive at Sa Dec for an afternoon walk. The Famous French writer Marguerite Duras spent part of her childhood in Sa Dec, a sprawling busy town on the Mekong Delta. Both the school where Duras’ mother taught, the small house behind it where the family lived and the “Chinaman’s House” featured in her famous novel “The Lover”, also made into a movie, still stand. Night navigation through the Delta.
DAY 5: CRUISE TAN CHAU- BORDER CROSSING (B,L,D)
Arrival in the early morning at Tan Chau, a remote town on the main Mekong River. After breakfast, transfer to small boats to visit a local fishing farm. We also go ashore to visit a local workshop producing woven mats, and take a short walk in the village to visit a silk weaving workshop. A rickshaw ride round this fascinating town takes you back to the ship for lunch. Depart for the Cambodian border. An evening cruise along the broad Mekong River to Phnom Penh,
DAY 6: CRUISE PHNOM PENH (B,L,D)
Full day of sightseeing in Phnom Penh. The capital city of Cambodia still retains its old French colonial architecture in riverside streets. Visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts. Lunch on board. Afternoon excursion to the former High School « S21 », converted to a detention center under the Red Khmer’s rule between 1975 and 1979, is followed by a visit to Wat Phnom after which the city was named. Dinner on board will be followed by a traditional Khmer Apsara Dancing Show!
DAY 7: CRUISE CHONG KOH- PHNOM PENH (B,L,D)
Early morning sailing from Phnom Penh to Chong Koh or Oknathey (both located on Silk Island) Visit this silk weaving village on a morning walk. This excursion includes a visit to a pagoda and a meeting in a primary school. We cruise past the Mekong’s timeless villages and river life all centered around the river. Return to Phnom Penh in the afternoon. Balance of the day it at leisure.
DAY 8: CRUISE OUDONG – KAMPONG TRALACH (B,L,D)
In the morning, sail upriver heading towards Oudong. Lunch on board. Arrival at Prek Dam in the early afternoon. Excursion by coach to reach Oudong. Between 1618 and 1866, Oudong was the capital city of Cambodia. Erected on a hilltop, it is the home to numerous Stupas dating from the last Khmer Kings including the Vipassana Dhura Pagoda, a place of meditation for Buddhist Monks. Then, continue by bus to Kampong Tralach to visit the charming Vihara of the Wat Kampong Leu Pagoda dating back to the last century. Return to the ship by popular “local taxi” – ox-drawn carriages!. Dinner back on board.
DAY 9: CRUISE KAMPONG CHHNANG – FLOATING VILLAGE (B,L,D)
Kampong Chhnang is one of Cambodia’s largest fishing ports and the center of fish farming. It is also famous for its archaic pottery making which supplies the whole country. After the tour of this bustling town, board local boats and sail through the “Floating Village” of Chnok Tru, a unique town completely set on water! See the people living on boats, including a local “floating” school and church! The smiles of the local children are priceless! Captain’s Farewell dinner!
DAY 10: END CRUISE – DISEMBARKATION – SIEM REAP (B, L, D)
High water: Early this morning, set sail and observe the local farmers, water buffalo and other unspoiled views as you cross the vast 150 km in length. Tonle Sap Lake (approximate sailing time is 4 to 5 hrs). On arrival to the port (located 45 min. from the town) bid your wonderful crew and ship goodbye as you disembark and transfer to the city for the next part of your adventure (arrival around 13:00)! Check-in to your hotel and enjoy a light lunch.
Low water: After breakfast, you will transfer to Siem Reap via speed boat, hydrofoil or air conditioned motor coach bus (approximately 5 hrs) arriving at around 13:30. Check-in.
PM: In the early evening depart for the city center for a walking tour through the vibrant Pub Street and Night Market prior to enjoying dinner at the popular (and air conditioned) Champay restaurant! After dinner you may want to explore further on your own or return to your hotel which is only a 5 minutes tuk-tuk ride away!
DAY 11: SIEM REAP – ANGKOR TEMPLES (B,L,D)
The day is devoted to an in-depth exploration of the fascinating “Lost City of Angkor”. Once, the capital of the ancient Khmer empire, which ruled the area from the 9th to the 13th century, the city and its fascinating temples were slowly covered by jungle until the city was lost to civilization. The temples were rediscovered at the end of the 19th century, the jungle was cleared over the next 70 years to reveal the “8th Wonder of the World” – the ancient Temples of Angkor Wat – today a UNESCO Heritage sight. After a buffet breakfast at your hotel, your morning tour will take you to explore the south gates of Angkor Thom, Bayan Temple, Elephant Terrace, the Royal enclosure and the Terrace of the Leper King. A break for lunch will be held al fresco at a local restaurant nearby. The afternoon is reserved for a visit to Ta Phrom (Jungle Temple) and the magnificent main Temples of Angkor Wat!
End the day with dinner and farewell folk show at a popular local restaurant.
DAY 12: SIEM REAP – Overnight (OR late night flights out) (B)
Enjoy breakfast prior to departing on a half day city tour which will include a stop at the famous Artists D’ Angkor where you will see local artists at work. A great place to purchase those last minute souvenirs! The balance of the day is free to take a final stroll through Pub Street OR to transfer to the airport for your late night flights out. (LAND SERVICES END with transfer or final overnight- rooms are retained until departure.)
DAY 13: ARRIVE USA (B)
Depending on your flight arrangements, fly out of Siem Reap or your Asian Gateway and arrive to the USA today
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DAY 1 ARRIVAL – SIEM REAP BY FLIGHT (O)
Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, transfer to hotel for check-in. (Official hotel check-in time is at 14:00. Early check-in is subject to room availability.) Lunch & dinner at leisure. Accommodation at the hotel.
DAY 2 SIEM REAP (B,L,D)
After a sumptuous buffet breakfast, depart on a half day city sightseeing tour of this bustling resort town. Your tour will include a visit to the famous Artist D’ Angkor, a museum, exhibition center and a working production facility where local talented artists produce some of the finest silk and hand carved art in all of Cambodia. Return to your hotel for a light lunch. Afternoon at leisure. You will end the day at a restaurant where dinner will be accompanied by a live performance of the Apsara, Cambodia’s National Dance. Return to your hotel for overnight.
DAY 3 SIEM REAP (B,L,D)
The day is devoted to an in-depth exploration of the fascinating “Lost City of Angkor”. Once the capital of the ancient Khmer empire, which ruled the area from the 9th to the 13th century, the city and its fascinating temples were slowly covered by jungle until the city was lost to civilization. The temples were rediscovered at the end of the 19th century, the jungle was cleared over the next 70 years to reveal the “8th Wonder of the World” – the ancient Temples of Angkor Wat – today a UNESCO Heritage sight. After an early breakfast, your morning portion of the Temple tour will take you to explore the south gates of Angkor Thom, Bayan Temple, Elephant Terrace, and the Terrace of the Leper King. A break for lunch at a local restaurant will be made. The afternoon is reserved for a visit to Ta Phrom and the magnificent main Temples of Angkor Wat! In the early evening depart for the city center for a walking tour through the vibrant Pub Street and Night Market. You will end the day enjoying dinner at the popular (and air conditioned) Champay restaurant! After dinner you may want to explore further on your own or return to your hotel.
Note: To visit the Bakan tower of Angkor Wat temple, visitors are required to wear proper attire, covering shoulders and knees to show their culture respect, as this temple is still considered as a sacrificial site for the Khmer people (no short miniskirt nor short trousers). Children under twelve years old are restricted not to climb up the tower. The tower will be closed on the Buddhist Sabbath Days, the Buddhist religious days and four days a month in accordance with Lunar Calendar.
DAY 4 SIEM REAP – DEPARTURE BY BOAT EMBARKATION (B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from Sokha Angkor Resort hotel in Siem Reap to the pier at Phnom Krom in the morning *(Please note that in case of low waters, the transfer to the ship will be made by coach or speed boat). Welcome on board and settle into your cabin. Lunch on board. Afternoon departure crossing the Tonle Lake*. Welcome Dinner on board *Please note that in case of bus transfer, a light lunch buffet will be served on board upon arrival.
DAY 5 KAMPONG CHHNANG – KAMPONG TRALACH – OUDONG (B,L,D)
Arrival at Kampong Chhnang, located approximately 90 km from Phnom Penh. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. Board local boats to visit the authentic floating village. The life of the entire population is connected to the river with local people using the canal system which crisscross this little town. We go ashore to stroll through the scenic market. Return on board for lunch while sailing towards Kampong Tralach. Departure by ox-drawn carriage to discover the very charming Vihara of the Wat Kampong Leu Pagoda dating back from the last century which has retained beautiful wall paintings. Bus transfer to Oudong, the former capital city of Cambodia, between 1618 and 1866. Visit of the Vipassana Dhura Pagoda, located at the foot of a hill on the top of which were erected numerous Stupas dating of the last Khmer Kings, a place of meditation for Buddhist Monks. In the evening, navigation towards Phnom Penh.
DAY 6 CHONG KOH – PHNOM PENH (B,L,D)
Arrival in Chong Koh or Oknathey (both located on Silk Island) in the morning. Stop at this silk weaving village for a morning walk at leisure and a visit to the local workshop. Visit to a Pagoda and a primary school (when in session). Lunch on board. Sailing to Phnom Penh and visit to Wat Phnom after which the city was named. Dinner on board. Tonight enjoy a Traditional Khmer Apsara Dancing Show.
DAY 7 PHNOM PENH (B,L,D)
The capital city of Cambodia still retains its old French colonial architecture in riverside streets. Morning bus tour will include the Royal Palace & the Silver Pagoda. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts. Lunch on board. In the afternoon tour the former High School « S21 », which was converted to a detention center under the Red Khmer’s rule between 1975 and 1979. Leisure time and shopping at the “Central Market”. Dinner on board.
DAY 8 PHNOM PENH – NAVIGATION – BORDER CROSSING (B,L,D)
The ship departs towards the border with Vietnam in the morning. We cruise past the Mekong’s timeless villages and river life with extensive fishing activities. Crossing of the border and completion of the required formalities.
DAY 9 TAN CHAU (B,L,D)
Arrival at Tan Chau in the morning, a remote town on the main Mekong River. After breakfast, transfer via small boats to visit a fishing farm. Then go ashore to visit a local workshop producing woven mats, and take a short walk through the village to visit a silk weaving workshop. A rickshaw ride round this fascinating town takes you back to the pier for lunch. Navigation in the afternoon.
DAY 10 SA DEC – CAI BE (B,L,D)
Arrival at Sa Dec. The French writer Marguerite Duras spent parts of her childhood in Sa Dec, a sprawling busy town on the Mekong Delta. Here you will see the house of Marguerite’s Chinese Lover. Followed by a visit to a Caodaist Temple and a stroll through the colorful local market. Lunch on board. We cruise past Vinh Long Province, located in the middle of the Delta region, between the two tributaries of the Mekong. On arrival at Cai Be, tour via local boats to see the French Gothic Cathedral. Walk along the river bank and visit a manufacturer of rice paper and coconut sweets. Dinner on board.
DAY 11 MY THO – DISEMBARKATION – SAIGON END CRUISE (B,D)
Disembarkation after breakfast and bus transfer to Saigon city center. The transfer includes a stop at the Cholon Market and the visit to a lacquer factory. Arrive to Sofitel Plaza around 1pm and transfer to your hotel for check in (check in time 14.00) Lunch on own account In the afternoon, depart on a panoramic sightseeing tour of this bustling former capital which will include the Post Office built by Gustav Eiffel, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Presidential Palace and other attractions along the way such as the Opera House and City Hall. In the early evening, depart for a unique performance of the Water Puppet show where puppet masters are submerged under water while their puppets entertain above! Then enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant followed by a visit to the popular Ben Thanh open market where you can browse and bargain for gifts and souvenirs! Overnight.
DAY 12 HO CHI MINH – CU CHI TUNNEL (B,L)
After breakfast at your hotel, you will depart on half day excursion to the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels located about an hour outside of the city. Built during the Vietnam War to protect from bombing raids, the tunnels extend underground for over 212 km and range in depth from 3 to 12 meters! They feature remnants of a living city; schools, community kitchens, sleeping quarters, hospitals as well as military production facilities. For those with no fear of claustrophobia, you will have an opportunity to explore a 50 meter portion of the tunnels open to the public. Then return to the city and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The balance of the day is free of activities to allow you to shop ‘till you drop or a final dinner on your own at one of the many local restaurants. Overnight*
*For passengers departing on late night flights, your rooms will be retained until departure.
DAY 13 HO CHI MINH – DEPARTURE (B)
Breakfast and free time until check out and transfer to the airport for flights home.
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[/fusion_tab][fusion_tab title=”FAQ’s” icon=””]Download the detailed list of Travel Tips For to Vietnam/Cambodia.
[toggle Title=”Will I need to obtain a visa in order to travel to Vietnam & Cambodia?”]Yes, visas are currently required for traveling to Vietnam & Cambodia. So before leaving home, please ensure that you have your valid PASSPORT and appropriate VISA. Please make sure your U.S. passport has a minimum of 3 empty pages and a validity of at least 6 months beyond your scheduled travel dates so as to not encounter any unnecessary problems. For visa updates, please check with the U.S. or the appropriate foreign consulates at least 90 days prior to your departure. If you are a foreign national – please check with your country’s consulate, as rules may be different.***Remember: obtaining a visa and proper travel documents are YOUR responsibility!*** [/toggle]
[/fusion_tab][/fusion_tabs][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]From bustling Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to the calm and pristine villages of the unspoiled Cambodian countryside, this fantastic itinerary will satisfy even the most demanding traveler! Superb hotels, most meals and an 8 day cruise aboard our 5* DELUXE M/V MEKONG PRESTIGE OR ADVENTURER” these fabulous, teak enhanced modern vessels feature all outside cabins with private BALCONIES, a maximum of 66/60 passengers and spacious public areas including a spa/jacuzzi! Sumptuous meals are accompanied by FREE beer, soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages all day and added wine with dinner, a crew of 30, plus multi-lingual Cruise Managers – and all your on board activities and shore excursions are included!
Please contact us at 800-795-1633 to inquire about our river cruises.
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Read full article Know Before You Go – River & Small Ship Cruising to learn more.
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