Vietnam, Mekong & the Riches of Cambodia with Tim Taggart

Dates Oct. 3-18, 2017
Destination Cho Tan Chau, Vietnam; Sa Dec, Vietnam; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Hanoi, Vietnam; Ha Long Bay, Vietnam; Siem Reap, Cambodia; Ankgor, Cambodia; Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia; Koh Chen, Cambodia; Oudong, Cambodia; Phnom Penh, Cambodia;
Duration 16 days 15 nights
Price From N/A
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Religious Focus:

Sightseeing:

Activity Level:


Join Tim Taggart on one of AmaWaterways' most exotic and unforgettable journeys to Vietnam, Cambodia & Riches of the Mekong river cruise.

Your journey begins in Vietnam's bustling capital, Hanoi, followed by an excursion of breathtaking Ha Long Bay for an overnight sojourn. A short flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia, brings you to the gateway of the ancient Khmer empire. Spend three days touring the temples of Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before embarking your Mekong cruise on Tonle Sap Lake. During the cruise your will see ancient temples, mist-covered mountains, a Buddhist monastery,and colorful floating markets as you cruise through two of Southeast Asia's most beautiful countries. You will conclude your cruise in lively Ho Chi Minh City, where you will enjoy a two-night stay.

Questions? Contact:

Dani Edmunds, Tour Manager
Tel: (801) 483-6114
Email Dani

Day 12: Sat, Oct. 14, 2017

Cho Tan Chau - Sa Dec

This morning, youll visit Tan Chau, a small Mekong River town unspoiled by tourism. You will have the opportunity to take one of two tours this morning. Your first option is to take a traditional xe-loi (trishaw) ride around the town, with stops at a silk-making workshop and another that produces rattan mats and slippers. Alternatively, you will take a boat ride through the narrow channels of the Mekong River to several scenic locations, including a small village known as Evergreen Island. Return to Tan Chau, where you will visit workshops that make silk and rattan mats in the village. This afternoon, your ship cruises to Sa Dec, where it will moor overnight. (B,L,D)

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Sun, Oct. 15, 2017

Sa Dec - Xeo Quyt - Cai Be

In the morning, board a local boat for Sa Dec. Once ashore, you will tour the town where French writer Marguerite Duras spent many years in her youth. Visit a colorful local market, and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras' Chinese paramour, now a small museum. Afterwards, board a motor coach for Xeo Quyt, once used as a base during the French and U.S. wars and now an important ecological site. After lunch on board, a local boat will take you to Cai Bes spectacular floating market. You will also have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper workshops. This evening, enjoy a festive Farewell Dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Mon, Oct. 16, 2017

Ho Chi Minh City - Disembarkation

Your cruise comes to an end as the ship docks at My Tho Port followed by a transfer to nearby Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately referred to by locals as Saigon. This former capital of Indochina was once known as Paris of the Orient. Today, Vietnams largest city is an industrial, cultural and educational hub, but still retains vestiges of its colonial past. Explore such famous landmarks as the former Presidential Palace, a photo stop at the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. You will also visit the War Remnants Museum, one of the citys most popular tourist attractions, known for its vast collection of artifacts from the Vietnam War. Finish with a visit to the Ben Thanh Market  one of the oldest and most iconic structures in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can search for local handicrafts, colorful textiles, as well as other unique souvenirs and gifts. You will spend the night at a fine hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L)

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15: Tues, Oct. 17, 2017

Ho Chi Minh City

Today is free to explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own, perhaps venturing to nearby shops and markets for mementos of your Southeast Asia adventure. You may also participate in an optional hands-on cooking class with a chance to taste your culinary creation. (B)

Meals : Breakfast
Day 16: Weds, Oct. 18, 2017

Depart Ho Chi Minh City for Home

Bid farewell to Ho Chi Minh City and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

Meals : Breakfast
Day 1: Tues, Oct. 3, 2017

Arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnams capital city, known for its graceful colonial architecture, frenetic streets, and verdant parks and temples. After checking into your hotel mid-afternoon, the remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own.

Day 2: Weds, Oct. 4, 2017

Hanoi

A morning sightseeing tour will take you to some of Hanois most famous historical and cultural sites, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, One-pillar Pagoda and The Temple of Literature. You will also visit the infamous prison that American POWs sarcastically dubbed the Hanoi Hilton during the Vietnam War. In the afternoon, experience an authentic rickshaw ride (known as cyclo) in the Old Quarter, followed by a traditional water puppet show. (B)

Meals : Breakfast
Day 3: Thurs, Oct. 5, 2017

Hanoi - Ha Long Bay Overnight Junk Cruise

After breakfast, leave Hanoi behind and take a scenic ride to one of Vietnams most renowned locations, Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Board a traditional wooden Junk, where you will spend the night  an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience and an AmaWaterways exclusive. After visiting a floating village, enjoy an onboard dinner set against the Bays magnificent scenery and dramatic limestone cliffs and rock formations. (B,L,D)

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Fri, Oct. 6, 2017

Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Siem Reap, Cambodia

This morning, your Ha Long Bay Junk continues its scenic cruising during breakfast onboard. Late morning, disembark the ship and transfer to Hanoi Airport, stopping for lunch en route. A short flight will take you to Siem Reap in Cambodia, the gateway to Angkor, the former capital of the Khmer empire and one of the most renowned archeological sites in all of Southeast Asia. (B,L)

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Sat, Oct. 7, 2017

Siem Reap - Angkor

After breakfast, you will have a guided sightseeing tour of the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include Angkor Thom, the newly restored Baphuon Temple, Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. You will also see the Bayon Temple, best known for its gigantic smiling stone faces. 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. This afternoon, travel through the rural countryside to visit the pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei, the "jewel of Khmer art." Afterwards, you will visit an English-language school sponsored by AmaWaterways in the village of Ta Toum. Tonight, you will enjoy a special Apsara Dancing Show at your hotel, featuring local Cambodian/Khmer folk dancers. (B,D)

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6: Sun, Oct 8, 2017

Siem Reap - Angkor

This morning you will visit the most iconic of all Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat. This intricate and massive temple complex was built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god, Vishnu. The temple stands as a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. (B,D)

Meals : Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7: Mon, Oct. 9, 2017

Siem Reap - Prek Kdam - Embarkation - Kampong Chhnang

Today you will board your river cruise ship at Prek Kdam, a small village on the Tonle River. Meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Kampong Chhnang. (B,L,D)

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Mon, Oct. 10, 2017

Kampong Chhnang - Koh Chen

After breakfast, a local boat will take you into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the Tonle Sap River. Enjoy the stunning variety of bird life here, and be on the lookout for the traps used to catch fish in this area  some are over a half-mile long! In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk to the Koh Chen village. You will also visit home workshops specializing in silversmithing and copper-smithing. (B,L,D)

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Weds, Oct 11, 2017

Oudong - Kampong Tralach - Phnom Penh

This morning you will be transferred to Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia, and tour a monastery where you will receive a special Buddhist blessing. In Kampong Tralach, you will have a truly memorable excursion  an oxcart ride through the rice paddies surrounding a small village. Later, your ship will depart for Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, where an afternoon walking tour will give you a wonderful introduction to the city. Your tour includes a stop at Wat Phnom. Return to the ship for dinner and an onboard Khmer folk performance presented by local children. The vessel moors overnight in Phnom Penh. (B,L,D)

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Thurs, Oct. 12, 2017

Phnom Penh

This morning you will take an excursion to Cambodias infamous Killing Fields and also visit the Khmer Rouges grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum) just outside the city. After lunch on board, your afternoon tour explores the highlights of the city, famous for its French colonial architecture, busy cafés and colorful nightlife. Visit the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts. An overnight on the waterfront provides an opportunity to dine on your own in one of many nearby restaurants, if you so choose. (B,L,D)

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Fri, Oct. 13, 2017

Phnom Penh - Border Crossing - Cho Tan Chau, Vietnam

Spend the day cruising the Mekong River and crossing the border into Vietnam. Your vessel moors at the small town of Tan Chau, Vietnam. (B,L,D)

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included:

  • Tour Director Tim Taggart
  • Air from Las Vegas
  • Meals included in the itinerary (B,L,D)
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Hanoi at the Sofitel Legend Metropole (or Similar)
  • Overnight stay on board a traditional wooden Junk in Ha Long Bay
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation in Siem Reap at the Sofitel Royal Angkor (or similar)
  • 7 nights deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom with French & Outside Balcony
  • Life enriching tours and excursions
  • Fine dining with all meals included during your cruise
  • Unlimited wine with every lunch and dinner on board
  • Complimentary soft drinks during the cruise
  • Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily
  • Welcome Dinner and Farewell Cocktail Party & Dinner
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) at the Sofitel Plaza Saigon (or similar)
  • Onboard special highlights including folklore dances and music performances, culture discussion forums, theme dinners and piano entertainment
  • Non-Smoking environment
  • All Transfers with the cruise & air package
  • Port Charges

Not Included:

  • Visa's into Vietnam and Cambodia
  • 7 night Cruise Gratuities (Recommended $84 per person)
  • Local Tour Guide Gratuities
  • Tour Director Gratuities
  • Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Checked baggage fees

Optional Pricing:

  • Cat. C, French & Outside Balcony $6,776 per person
  • Cat. B, French & Outside Balcony $7,337 per person
  • Cat. A, French & Outside Balcony $7,618 per person
  • Cat. Suite, French & Outside Balcony $8,085 per person
  • Cat. Luxury Suite, French & Outside Balcony $9,300 per person

*Cabin space in each category is subject to availability. 

Payment Terms:

  • A $500 per person deposit is due at the time of booking.
  • 2nd deposit of $500 per person due Feb 1st, 2017
  • Final payment is due prior to July 1, 2017