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! End the day with dinner at a local restaurant and return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest!
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 a visit to a lacquer factory. On arrival in My Tho board the RV PRESTIGE II. 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 the village where you will see a local workshop producing woven mats, and a silk weaving workshop. A rickshaw ride round the 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)
Arrive to Phnom Penh in the morning. The capital city of Cambodia still retains its old French colonial architecture in its riverside streets. Your full day of sightseeing will include the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts. Lunch on board. The afternoon is reserved for an excursion to the former High School « S21 », converted to a detention center under the Red Khmer’s rule between 1975 and 1979, ollowed 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 a visit a local work shop. This excursion includes a visit to a pagoda and a local primary school (when in session). Afterwards, enjoy the passing vistas as we cruise past the Mekong’s timeless villages and river life. Return to Phnom Penh in the afternoon. The balance of the day it at leisure to explore Phnom Penh’s vibrant nightlife and maybe take a fun tuk-tuk ride along the popular waterfront promenade.
DAY 8: CRUISE ANGKOR BAN (B, L, D)
Morning navigation on the Upper Mekong. Arrival at Angkor Ban in the morning. Overlooking the River Mekong, Angkor Ban offers a peaceful and majestic image of the river bathed in morning light in this still pristine area. Angkor Ban is one of the very few villages that was not burned or destroyed during the Khmer Rouge period. It is an authentic view of an intimate Cambodia where most of the village houses are built on stilts, some of which are more than a century old. Back on board, sail on!
DAY 9: CRUISE WAT HANCHEY – KAMPONG CHAM (B, L, D)
Stop at Wat Hanchey in the morning and after breakfast, visit the pre-Angkorian temple located on top of a hill overlooking the Mekong. Dating back to the 8th century, its ancient brick structures characterize the architecture of the Chenla Empire, which preceded the glory of Angkor. Back on board for lunch.
Continued navigation and arrival at Kampong Cham during lunch. In the afternoon, departure by bus to discover the temple of Wat Nokor. This twelfth century Buddhist temple built on the ruins of an ancient temple, is unique in Cambodia. Tonight enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner!
DAY 10: END CRUISE – DISEMBARKATION – SIEM REAP (B, L, D)
Early morning, disembarkation and transfer via air conditioned motor coach (5h) to Siem Reap. Along the way, stop at the Kampong Kdei Bridge dating from the Angkorian period, built during the reign of Jayavarman VII. Arrive Siem Reap around 13:30, transfer to your hotel for a light lunch and 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 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
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. 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 a popular local restaurant! After dinner you may want to explore further on your own or return to your hotel.
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.
After a break for lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is reserved for a visit to Ta Phrom and the magnificent main Temples of Angkor Wat! End the day with dinner and a performance of the Apsara, Cambodia’s national dance.
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 – EMBARKATION – KAMPONG CHAM (B, L, D)
After breakfast and check out from your hotel, transfer by comfortable motorcoach from Sokha Angkor Resort hotel to Kampong Cham (approximately 5 hours). Stops will be made to view Kampong Kdei Bridge dating from the Angkorian period and for a light lunch. On arrival, check-in and settle into your cabin. Welcome Dinner on board.
DAY 5 WAT HANCHEY – KAMPONG CHAM (B, L, D)
Stop at Wat Hanchey in the morning and after breakfast, visit the pre-Angkorian temple located on top of a hill overlooking the Mekong. Dating back to the 8th century, its ancient brick structures characterize the architecture of the Chenla Empire, which preceded the glory of Angkor. Back on board for lunch. Continued navigation and arrival at Kampong Cham during lunch. In the afternoon, departure by bus to discover the temple of Wat Nokor. This twelfth century Buddhist temple built on the ruins of an ancient temple, is unique in Cambodia.
DAY 6 ANGKOR BAN – SILK ISLAND – PHNOM PENH (B, L, D)
Morning navigation on the Upper Mekong. Arrival at Angkor Ban in the morning. Overlooking the River Mekong, Angkor Ban offers a peaceful and majestic image of the river bathed in morning light in this still pristine area. Angkor Ban is one of the very few villages that was not burned or destroyed during the Khmer Rouge period. It is an authentic view of an intimate Cambodia where most of the village houses are built on stilts, some of which are more than a century old. Back on board to sail to Silk Island and visit the silk weaving village. Return to Phnom Penh for overnight
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. Dinner on board followed by free time to explore the city’s bustling riverside at nighttime.
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 local 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. At the end of the tour, enjoy a unique performance of the Water Puppet show where puppet masters are submerged under water while their puppets entertain above! End the day with dinner at a local restaurant followed by an optional visit to the popular Ben Thanh open market where you can browse and bargain for gifts and souvenirs! Overnight.
DAY 12 HO CHI MINH (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.
