Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City - 16 days |
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Ship - Mekong Jewel
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Detailed itinerary:
Day 1:Hanoi
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city boasts a rich cultural heritage that blends in harmony with its vibrant present. From ancient temples to French Colonial architecture and modern-day skyscrapers, along with beautiful parks and lakes, Hanoi is an eclectic and lively city.
Day 2: Hanoi
Discover some of Hanoi’s most famous historic and cultural sites on your guided tour that includes: Ba Dinh Square and The Temple of Literature. You’ll also visit the infamous prison that American POWs sarcastically dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War. Take an authentic rickshaw ride, known as “cyclo,” in Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, and then enjoy a traditional water puppet show. (B)
Day 3: Hanoi - Ha Long Bay
Ethereal Ha Long Bay is considered by many to be the Eighth Natural Wonder of the World. Board an elegantly appointed ship designed with all the modern conveniences to ensure smooth sailing for an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. The backdrop of the bay’s magnificent scenery and dramatic limestone cliffs and rock formations provide you with the perfect setting for a memorable sojourn. (B,L,D)
Day 4:
Ha Long Bay
Spend the morning sailing across the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay with more than 2,000 small islands rising from the water like a dragon’s back. Later in the morning, disembark the ship and transfer to Hanoi Airport for a short flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, the gateway to Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Khmer empire. (B,L)
Day 5:
Siem Reap
Begin your morning exploration of the Angkor temple complex at Angkor Thom, meaning “the great city." This is home to Bayon Temple, best known for its gigantic smiling stone faces, as well as the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. You’ll then visit nearby Ta Prohm, known as the “Kingdom of Trees,” for the way in which the temple stones have become intertwined with thick forest vegetation over the centuries. Afternoon excursions take you to the fascinating jewel in the crown of Angkorian art, Banteay Srei, meaning “Citadel of Women,” as it has been said that the carving is too fine to have been done by the hand of man. Cap this memorable day off with a special “Apsara Dance Show” at your hotel, featuring local Cambodian/Khmer folk dancers. (B,D)
Day 6: Siem Reap
Discover the heart and soul of Cambodia and the most iconic of all Angkorian Temples, Angkor Wat. This is one of the largest religious monuments ever constructed and a true masterpiece of Khmer architecture built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god, Vishnu. (B,D)
Day 7: Siem Reap - Kampong Cham (Embarkation)
Transfer via motorcoach to the AmaDara in Kampong Cham for your seven-night cruise. Board a motorcoach to the Twin Mountains, known as Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei (male and female mountains). In the annals of Khmer legend, the twin mountains were formed as the result of a competition between the men and women of an ancient Cambodian kingdom to resolve which gender would be responsible for wedding proposals. Later, join fellow guests for an evening Welcome Dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 8:
Angkor Ban
During the morning, go on a walking tour to Angkor Ban, one of the few villages in Cambodia that was not destroyed under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s. Here people still live in their traditional wooden abodes and keep their old cultural traditions alive. Hundreds of wooden houses stand intact on stilts, shaded with banana trees, among the hustle and bustle of the daily agricultural on-going of the local villagers. After visiting here, the ship sails to Oknhatey or “Silk Island,” located on the lush banks of the Mekong River. This island is known for its rich tradition of silk weaving. While here, you’ll visit a local elementary school and observe the traditional silk weaving that have been preserved for centuries. Your ship moors in Oknhatey village. (B,L,D)
*Based on seasonality, the port of Angkor Ban may be inaccessible from August - September. During this time, Wat Hanchey will replace Angkor Ban as the port of call.
Day 9: Phnom Penh
Your cruise continues to sail to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. The morning excursion takes you to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital from the early 17th century until 1866. Today, Oudong is a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians. While here, be treated to a memorable Buddhist Blessing Ceremony at a monastery. After visiting Oudong, be treated to a truly authentic excursion, an oxcart ride through a local village Kampong Tralach. Later in the day, experience Phnom Penh via a tuk tuk ride and be enchanted by the city's French Colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards set amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Phnom Penh
This morning’s excursion takes you to Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum). Alternatively, you may wish to shop for unique treasures at the bustling yellow-colored Central Market. After lunch on board, you’ll explore the highlights of the city, followed by a visit to the Royal Palace*, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts. (B,L,D)
*NOTE: No bare shoulders or shorts for ladies during the Royal Palace visit.
Day 11: Border Crossing
Spend the day cruising the Mekong River as your ship crosses the border into Vietnam. (B,L,D)
Day 12:Tan Chau
Visit Tan Chau, a small Mekong River town unspoiled by tourism. You will have the opportunity to enjoy an authentic experience via a traditional “xe-loi” (trishaw) ride around the town, with stops at silk-making and rattan mat workshops, followed by a boat ride through the narrow channels of the Mekong River to “Evergreen Island.” Alternatively, take a boat ride to Evergreen Island and return to Tan Chau, where you will visit a rattan mat workshop. Later in the day, cruise to Sa Dec. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Sa Dec
Once ashore in Sa Dec, tour the town where French writer Marguerite Duras spent many years in her youth. Visit a colorful local market and the 19th-century house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras’ Chinese paramour, on whom her prize-winning novel “The Lover” is said to be based. Later, board a motorcoach for Xeo Quyt, once used as a military base during the French war and now an important ecological site. You will have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper making workshops, and the historic Kiet Old House. In Cai Be, cap the day off with a festive Farewell Dinner on board. (B,L,D)
Day 14: My Tho (Disembarkation) - Ho Chi Minh City
Disembark the AmaDara in My Tho Port and transfer via motor coach to Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam’s former capital of Indochina was once known as “Paris of the Orient,” and today, it is an industrial, cultural and educational hub. Explore such famous landmarks as the former Presidential Palace, the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum before visiting the Ben Thanh Market—one of the oldest and most iconic structures in Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L)
IMPORTANT: For those not booking the Ho Chi Minh land extension, we recommend that you schedule your onward flight to depart Ho Chi Minh after 2:30pm to avoid potential missed connections.
Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City
Visit Chu Chi Tunnels, an immense underground network built during the Vietnam War. Spend your afternoon at leisure exploring more of Ho Chi Minh City. (B)
Day 16: Ho Chi Minh City
Bid farewell to Vietnam as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
Departures & Pricing
Advisements:
- The following visas are necessary for travel to Vietnam & Cambodia: Vietnam – a MULTIPLE ENTRY VISA. This is very important because Guest will enter Vietnam TWICE during the trip. Cambodia – a SINGLE ENTRY VISA. Note: a Cambodian e-visa (obtained online through the Cambodian Embassy) is NOT ACCETABPTLE FOR A BORDER CROSSING ON THE RIVER. The visa must be a standard issue visa.
- Order of sightseeing may change throughout the itinerary.
- Substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water levels and uncontrollable factors.
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Rates are in $ USD and are PER PASSENGER sharing twin cabin. Cruise fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. |
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| Program Start Date |
Cruise Embarkation Day (in Kampong Cham) |
Cat. C - French & Outside Balcony |
Cat. B - French & Outside Balcony |
Cat. A - French & Outside Balcony |
Suite - French & Outside Balcony |
Luxury Suite - French & Outside Balcony |
Aug 9, 2022 |
Aug 15, 2022 |
$4,698 |
$5,397 |
$5,697 |
$6,197 |
$7,597 |
Aug 23, 2022 |
Aug 29, 2022 |
$4,798 |
$5,497 |
$5,797 |
$6,297 |
$7,697 |
Sep 6, 2022 |
Sep 12, 2022 |
$4,998 |
$5,697 |
$5,997 |
$6,497 |
$7,897 |
Sep 20, 2022 |
Sep 26, 2022 |
$5,198 |
$5,897 |
$6,197 |
$6,697 |
$8,097 |
Oct 4, 2022 |
Oct 10, 202 |
$5,398 |
$6,097 |
$6,397 |
$6,897 |
$8,297 |
Oct 18, 2022 |
Oct 24, 2022 |
$5,398 |
$6,097 |
$6,397 |
$6,897 |
$8,297 |
Nov 1, 2022 |
Nov 7, 2022 |
$5,398 |
$6,097 |
$6,397 |
$6,897 |
$8,297 |
Nov 15, 2022 |
Nov 21, 2022 |
$5,398 |
$6,097 |
$6,397 |
$6,897 |
$8,297 |
Nov 29, 2022 |
Dec 5, 2022 |
$5,398 |
$6,097 |
$6,397 |
$6,897 |
$8,297 |
Dec 13, 2022 |
Dec 19, 2022 |
$5,398 |
$6,097 |
$6,397 |
$6,897 |
$8,297 |
Aug 8, 2023 |
Aug 14, 2023 |
$4,698 |
$5,397 |
$5,697 |
$6,197 |
$7,597 |
Aug 22, 2023 |
Aug 28, 2023 |
$4,798 |
$5,497 |
$5,797 |
$6,297 |
$7,697 |
Sep 5, 2023 |
Sep 11, 2023 |
$4,998 |
$5,697 |
$5,997 |
$6,497 |
$7,897 |
Sep 19, 2023 |
Sep 25, 2023 |
$5,198 |
$5,897 |
$6,197 |
$6,697 |
$8,097 |
Oct 3, 2023 |
Oct 9, 2023 |
$5,398 |
$6,097 |
$6,397 |
$6,897 |
$8,297 |
Oct 17, 2023 |
Oct 23, 2023 |
$5,398 |
$6,097 |
$6,397 |
$6,897 |
$8,297 |
Oct 31, 2023 |
Nov 6, 2023 |
$5,398 |
$6,097 |
$6,397 |
$6,897 |
$8,297 |
Nov 14, 2023 |
Nov 20, 2023 |
$5,398 |
$6,097 |
$6,397 |
$6,897 |
$8,297 |
Nov 28, 2023 |
Dec 4, 2023 |
$5,398 |
$6,097 |
$6,397 |
$6,897 |
$8,297 |
Dec 12, 2023 |
Dec 18, 2023 |
$5,398 |
$6,097 |
$6,397 |
$6,897 |
$8,297 |
Dec 26, 2023 |
Jan 1, 2024 |
$5,858 |
$6,557 |
$6,857 |
$7,357 |
$8,757 |
Jan 9, 2024 |
Jan 15, 2024 |
$5,858 |
$6,557 |
$6,857 |
$7,357 |
$8,757 |
Jan 23, 2024 |
Jan 29, 2024 |
$5,858 |
$6,557 |
$6,857 |
$7,357 |
$8,757 |
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iMPORTANT: Dates, Prices & Itineraries are subject to change. |
| Port charges are additional $196 USD per person; $210 USD per person for sailings August 2023-onwards. |
| Intra-Asia Air (Hanoi to Siem Reap): Additional $360 USD per person inncluding taxes and fuel surcharges. |
| Single Supplement For Cruise: Category C, B, A and Suite 50% of twin price; Luxury Suite 100% of twin price, |
| Single Supplement For Land: A single supplement charge will be applied to pre- and post-cruise hotel extensions. Please call for pricing details. |
Dates above do not include international air travel. When planning your trip, allow one extra day before tour date for travel between USA and Asia. |
| VISA: A visa is required for travel to Vietnam and Cambodia. Passengers with a cruise and land itinerary must obtain a multiple entry visa for Vietnam (as there are two different points of entry into the country), and a single entry visa for Cambodia. Please consult with your Consulate for more information. |
| Dates above do not include international air travel. When planning your trip, allow one extra day before tour date for travel between USA and Asia. |
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