|
14 Days
Tour Cost
until 30Sep2010
4* Hotels
AUD$3636 pp t/s
AUD$1931 SRS From 1Oct2010: on request Departs every Sunday with min two persons This tour includes the major attractions of Saigon followed by a delightful, nine-day cruise on the Mekong River, in both Vietnam and Cambodia, in a luxury river cruise ship. The cruise includes traditional music and dance entertainment, all meals and guided tours to villages, temples and floating markets along the Mekong. You will explore remote regions, visit local schools, learn a bit about the unique cultures and traditions of the river-dwelling tribes, and complete the tour with a visit to magical Angkor Wat. Includes: All airport-hotel transfers, 3 nights 4* hotel accommodation, 9 nights Cruise accommodation, meals as indicated, English speaking local guides and cruise ship’s guide, entry fees to included sites, a/c coach touring. Not included: international and domestic air tickets, visas, tipping, personal expenses, travel insurance
ITINERARY
Day 1: Saigon/HCMC [D]
You are met on arrival and transferred to a 4* hotel in Downtown Saigon.
Day 2: Saigon [BLD]
Your guide meets you after breakfast for a tour of the city visiting several of the colonial buildings constructed by the French, the Chinese Pagoda and a stroll through the market
Day 3: Cu Chi [BLD]
After breakfast drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the ingenuous underground system that enabled the VietCong to reach close to Sai Gon. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 4: Mekong Cruise [BLD]
Morning transfer to the MS Toum Tiou and embarkation for 9 nights. Sailing for My Tho. Evening traditional entertainment on board.
Day 5: Mekong Cruise [BLD]
Morning visit to the Vinh Trang Pagoda and a brief tour of My Tho. Sailing to CaiBe.
Day 6: Mekong Cruise [BLD]
Sightseeing in CaiBe before sailing includes a small-boat cruise through the Floating Market and visits to local craft workshops. Sailing to SaDec. Afternoon visit to the town and a local primary school.
Day 7: Mekong Cruise [BLD]
After lunch arrival at the Victoria Hotel’s jetty in ChauDoc. Afternoon visit to the markets in the heart of this vibrant city. Evening tie up at the jetty.
Day 8: Mekong Cruise [BLD]
Sailing across the border into Cambodia with formalities at the Vinh Xuong and Kaam Samnaar check-points. Continue sailing to Koh Dek Chau Island (population 600) and disembark for a close up look at Cambodian culture. Continue sailing to Phnom Penh.
Day 9: Mekong Cruise [BLD]
Disembark after lunch for a visit to the ‘Killing Fields’. After dinner a local group performs the ‘Apsara’ traditional dance for your entertainment.
Day 10: Mekong Cruise [BLD]
A half-day tour from Phnom Penh to the Royal palace and National Museum. Lunch on board. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 11: Mekong Cruise [BLD]
Early sailing for Koh Chen, a small village where craftspeople specialize in silver and copper smithing. Continue sailing to Kampong Tralach where you visit the Wat Kampong Tralach Leu Pagoda.
Day 12: Mekong Cruise [BLD]
Morning sailing to Kampong Chnang, a large fishing port famous for its pottery. Continue sailing to Chnok Tru where small, local boats will ferry you to the largest floating market on the Tonle Sap River. Pre-dinner Farewell Cocktails, followed by dinner with the captain and crew. Overnight on board.
Day 13: Disembarkation [BD]
Morning at leisure before disembarkation and transfer by speedboat to Phnom Krom pier and lunch in Siem Reap. Afternoon guided tour of Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom (time permitting), and overnight near Angkor Wat.
Day 14: Angkor Wat [BD]
A second visit to the temples and terraces of Angkor Wat during the morning, followed by transfer to the airport for onward flight to Saigon. HCMC airport for onward arrangements. Note: Cruise schedule may vary during high water season. |