DISCOVER VIETNAM & THE MEKONG WATERWAYS in style! a small group tour

Transcription

1 DISCOVER VIETNAM & THE MEKONG WATERWAYS in style! a small group tour Discover the best of Vietnam & Cambodia on this quality 4-star tour at a leisurely pace. Discover the historical and cultural sights of Vietnam before enjoying a fascinating luxury cruise along the spectacular Mekong River into Cambodia and culminating with the incredible Angkor Temples. This tour offers a wonderful insight into the people, culture, historical sights and stunning landscape. Discover... Incredible history and friendly people Enjoy a luxury cruise on Halong Bay Travel through amazing landscapes Enjoy time at a beach-side resort Stay in great quality centrally located hotels Travel along waterways and through stunning landscapes on a Mekong River Cruise Experience the incredible Angkor Temples PLUS your booking supports local Charities Visit Hanoi with the bustling old quarter, cruise Halong Bay with a cruise onboard a replica superior junk with thousands of islands jutting from the sea. Tour the imperial city of Hue and the spectacular Hai Van Pass, a winding road where the sea stretches out before you with stops at China Beach and Marble Mountain. Enjoy an extended stay in delightful Hoi An, a charming beach town full of delightful art galleries, shops, markets and tailors before exploring Ho Chi Minh City including the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. Then board a luxury Mekong River Cruise. The mighty Mekong River is a fascinating flowing life of people, agriculture and activity. On your luxury cruise, you get daily shore excursions, combined with relaxed cruising and fine cuisine. End with the incredible towering Angkor Temples. To make the most of your holiday your tour includes 2 night stays throughout plus 3 nights in everyone s favourite spot Hoi An! Cruise Halong Bay Flights in Vietnam on Vietnam Airlines between cities Includes all key sightseeing including entrance fees Local friendly guides A luxury Mekong River Cruise including all meals.

2 DISCOVER VIETNAM & THE MEKONG WATERWAYS Small Group Tour Day 1 Arrive Hanoi Arrive Hanoi anytime today where you will be met for the transfer to your hotel. Upon arrival your local English Speaking guide will update you with all you need to know about Hanoi including money matters, how to get around, what s ahead on your tour plus you ll get our best of what to do and where to eat guide. 2 nights boutique 4 Star Hotel in the heart of the old quarter. Day 2 Hanoi (B, L) Optional Experience: This morning after a wonderful breakfast at your hotel meet your group for a Heritage Hanoi city tour beginning with a visit to the Women s Museum, which highlights the incredible role women have in Vietnamese culture and traditions in supporting their family and country. An incredible insight into Vietnamese community. Continue to tour Hoa Lo, the infamous prison nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton which once housed US Senator John McCain. The Temple of Literature built in 1070 was Vietnam s first University, dedicated to Confucius and is a superb example of traditional-style Vietnamese architecture. Lunch is included at KOTO a not-for-profit restaurant helping troubled youth learn culinary skills to bring them a higher education and a brighter future. After lunch, visit Ba Dinh Square to see Ho Chi Minh s Mausoleum, a major pilgrimage site for the Vietnamese people, where inside lies the country s famous leader. You ll tour his Historic House to learn more about the great man Ho Chi Minh and the famous One Pillar Pagoda. We then return to the Old Quarter for an Ancient City Walking Tour to discover the narrow streets of this 1,000-year-old city centre. Bustling streets filled with vendors, city life and narrow traditional homes make this an amazing place to explore. The evening is yours at leisure, you may like to shop, dine beside Hoan Kiem Lake or relax back at your hotel. Street Food Tour For the adventurous your guide will take you on a special walking tour of the street food of Vietnam s capital Hanoi. Guided, approx. 5pm start Day 3 Halong Bay (B, L, D) After breakfast depart to Halong Bay. A legendary world just waiting to be explored. Here board your cruise boat which combines oriental style with contemporary comfort. Together they are the perfect recipe for an enchanting holiday. On arriving at Halong Bay around midday, board your cruise vessel for a delicious buffet lunch as it sets sails out amongst the stunning seascape. Spend the afternoon cruising amongst the limestone islands with seeing floating villages, intriguing caves, deserted coves with the opportunity to Kayak or swim and to enjoy onboard activities including sunbathing, traditional massage and cooking demonstrations. Overnight and Dinner onboard your Deluxe Cruise. Your cabin offers all the amenities to feel comfortable: twin or queen-size bed, air-conditioner, ensuite bathroom with shower and expansive windows providing memorable views.

3 Day 4 Halong Bay Hoi An (B) For the early risers you can join in with Tai Chi on the sundeck, feel the early morning salt water scent or watch the sun rising from behind the mountains. Or simply enjoy dawn break with coffee and a light breakfast. Then cruise back to port with stops at a fishing village before enjoying a buffet Brunch at the end of your memorable trip. On disembarking your guide greets you for the return drive to Hanoi with a visit to a local village popular for embroidery and textile products. Late afternoon arrive Hanoi airport for the short flight to Danang in Central Vietnam. Bonus: We have included access to the airport lounge for you to relax before your flight On arrival, transfer to Hoi An and your seaside hotel. 3 nights 4 Star boutique beachfront Resort Day 5 Hoi An (B, L) This morning discover the ancient Ruins of My Son. Between the 4th and 13th centuries a unique culture which owed its spiritual origins to Indian Hinduism developed on the coast of contemporary Viet Nam. This is graphically illustrated by the My Son remains of impressive towers located in a dramatic site that was the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom for most of its existence. My Son is Vietnam s counterpart to the grand cities of other Asian civilizations such as Angkor (Cambodia), Bagan (Myanmar), Ayutthaya (Thailand), and Borobudur (Java). You ll return to Hoi An for a lunch of traditional Hoi An food. A short Ancient Hoi An walking tour showcases the historic old buildings. Ancient shop houses line the streets, the Japanese covered bridge is a landmark and you ll discover the history of this ancient trading port. You can return to your hotel to relax, swim and freshen up - then the evening is yours at leisure. Hoi An offers a huge range of lovely restaurants and is very popular for shopping! Day 6 Hoi An (B) We have included a full day at leisure in Hoi an as it is the jewel in anyone s visit to Hoi An. Relax, explore, swim or shop the choice is yours. Hoi An is one of the most popular places to visit in Vietnam with its charming old town filled with art shops, home-wares, cafés and tailors. During the 17th and 18th centuries Hoi An was a major Asian trading centre, it is a wonderful town for getting clothes tailor-made or for buying souvenirs, Hoi An also boasts an excellent beach. Optional Experiences: For those who want to maximize their time we offer optional tours (additional cost) Red Bridge cooking class Red Bridge offers one of the most professional and fun cooking classes in Vietnam. Beginning with a market visit to purchase produce, followed by a boat trip to the school. Red Bridge will teach you how to create many of the popular Vietnamese dishes you will encounter on your holiday. Begins at 8.15am in Hoi An town. Countryside Village by bike - Using quality local bikes your guide will collect you from your hotel for a cycle through the countryside to a local village where the way of life remains as it has for generations. You ll see pottery making and visit the Tra Que farming Village, the fresh vegetable gardens and many of local farmers work at their fields using traditional methods. On the way see small handicrafts, such as rice paper making. Lunch is included of local food before biking back to your hotel. Fitness level: Average. Grade: Easy

4 Ethnic Village by Jeep Travel by American Army Jeep for an exciting ride inland towards the Ho Chi Minh Trail, through stunning countryside to a traditional ethnic community still living the ways of their ancestors. Full Day Tour, Guided. Optional tours can be pre-paid with your tour or available for you to book with your guide. Day 7 Hai Van Pass (B, D) This morning travel to Hue via the spectacular Hai Van Pass. After leaving Hoi An, the first stop is Marble Mountain, a whole village devoted to carving beautiful sculptures, then stop briefly at the Cham Museum filled with artefacts from the ancient Cham Kingdom, before heading over the pass. Climbing the pass, once rated by National Geographic as one of the 50 must-do journeys in the world, stunning views await of Lang Co Beach and out to Sea. Continue to Hue to check in and relax. Bonus: This evening you ll be pampered like Royalty as you discover the cuisine the Emperor s dined on at a special Imperial Banquet dinner. 2 nights 4 Star hotel. Day 8 Hai Van Pass (B, L) Today discover the historical significance of the Royal Capital, the city of Hue the former Imperial City. Start the day with a boat trip along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, built in Then continue by car to the Ancient Citadel, the capital of Vietnam from , where the last King of Vietnam Bao Dai King abdicated on 30 August, After lunch at a delicious local restaurant visit the tomb of the Emperor Khai Dinh with its mix of Asian and Western architecture. On the return to your hotel a stop is made at a roadside village to observe how locals make incense. Day 9 Hue to Saigon (B) This morning transfer to Hue airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). On arrival transfer to your hotel for check-in and to freshen up. Then a Saigon City Tour includes a stop at the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral and Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office before visiting the War Museum a stark reminder of the atrocities of war. Then a special insight with a visit to a traditional medicine museum where you ll discover the use of natural herbs in traditional medicines, used in Asia dating back to the Stone Age. We end the day at a local boutique brewery for those who want to sample an ice-cold local beer to end their day! 2 nights historic central 4 Star Hotel Day 10 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) (B) Tip! After breakfast at your hotel, we transfer to the wharf for a magical speedboat trip up the River to visit the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels. Dug by hand the tunnels were home to the Viet Cong during the US war. A video shows their use and parts have been excavated for you to see inside. Returning to Saigon the afternoon is yours at leisure for that last-minute shopping or to enjoy the cafés and bars. For shopping enjoy the luxury brand names around Dong Khoi Street or head to Ben Thanh market to test your bartering skills.

5 Day 11 Cruise departure (B, L, D) Today, transfer to the departure point of your River Cruise. Say farewell to your local Vietnam guide and any tour guests only doing the Vietnam tour as you will be hosted and guided by the River Cruise Company during your luxury cruise. The Lost Civilization Cruise Saigon to Siem Reap (8 days/7 nights) This classic Mekong river cruise, on board a luxury river cruise ship takes you on an amazing journey to places rarely visited as you travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap in Cambodia. The Mekong River & Tonle Sap (The Great Lake of Cambodia) are the flowing heart of the area, giving love and life to this nation. NOTE: Please note that the cruise itinerary varies slightly throughout the year as water level vary according to the time of the year and the amount of rainfall recorded. Bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of the city. Join other guests and transfer south 70 kilometres by land to My Tho to embark on the boutique ship. After the crew warmly welcomes you, you check in to your stateroom. The ship sets sail and a fascinating voyage along the Mekong begins. Lunch buffet is served in the restaurant while the vessel steadily glides upstream to reach the overnight spot. Make yourself familiar with all the ship facilities. Now it is time to become one with one of the largest rivers in Asia. The afternoon allows you to pass time leisurely on your private balcony or join our tea time at the open-air bar as the twilight bathes the Mekong Delta in a golden haze. During the time you savour your dinner, the ship reaches Cai Be. It is a charming town, famous for its Catholic French church and the manufacturing of traditional crafts and food products. The floating market of Cai Be is getting smaller every year, since trading on the water is shifting more and more to the modern central markets. We anchor mid-stream near Cai Be for dinner and moor there overnight. After dinner our lounge cinema features selected classic movies. Settle into your Superior Stateroom featuring bright tones with white wood furnishings and hand painted wall to ceiling décor. Gracefully designed the good-sized cabin has a private balcony with seating to watch the river flow past and a queen size bed. The in-cabin bathroom features a stand-up shower and a partition separates the bed from a small desk and wardrobe. Amenities: Air conditioner, hot water kettle, ILLY espresso machine, balcony with two chairs and table, mini bar, hair dryer, internal phone, desk, chairs, luggage rack, bath robe, sun hat, binocular, hand fan, sandals, in-room safe, music and cabin sound system. Day 12 Cai Be to Chau Doc, Mekong (Vietnam) (B, L, D) If you wish, join in the Tai Chi lesson on the sun deck before your sumptuous breakfast. Today a visit is made to Cai Be, a main floating market, which you will visit onboard a smaller boat. Go on-shore to visit a workshop and learn how rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies and rice wine is manufactured. Cai Be and its surrounding areas are covered with palm trees and hence the region is also famous for the production of coconut candies. With our local boat we continue to explore the lush and green canal network and observe the farmers working in the fields. Back on-board lunch is served. You can enjoy time for yourself then to either enjoy a true Vietnamese coffee at the bar or simply watch the life on the riverbanks floating by.

6 In the afternoon, we reach the area of Sa Dec. We embark on a traditional local boat and head towards Binh Thanh Island. This island is one of the larger ones in the vast stream of the Mekong. Some communities have settled here and make their living by growing water hyacinths. We exclusively visit one of those untouched areas. By wandering through the village, we get a deep understanding of the native life. Moreover, we see the whole process of mat making. You can try weaving yourself, which is still done manually. We will meet also an elderly local couple who shares their story on this island. They are happy to engage in a conversation with you. Back on board you may like to pamper yourself with a spa treatment or take a dip into the pool on the sun deck. Our expert guide offers a presentation on the Life on the Mekong Delta as the ship continues sailing to Chau Doc near the border to Cambodia. We moor midstream near Chau Doc. Day 13 Border Crossing (B, L, D) For early risers, take the local boat trip to a bustling floating market on the river before returning for your breakfast. At Chau Doc, a pleasant, slow-paced town with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community, we hop on xelois to explore. A xeloi is a local vehicle which is still used as a taxi in this region. We slowly move around the streets to see all the workshops, houses and domiciles. Get to feel the laid-back vibes of this place. We stop at the colourful local market near one of the town s temples. This is the best time to interact with the vendors of this friendly town to practice your bargaining skills. Boarding a local boat to cruise past floating houses to a fish farm. This region is the source of a fish production that is sold all over the world. Back on board our home we sail towards the Vietnamese-Cambodian border. Get ready for a fascinating and leisurely cruise through the deep Cambodian countryside towards Phnom Penh. The afternoon is cruising up River, a chance to get into cruise mode, enjoy the pool, spa, your balcony or join in the culinary class to learn some of the local cuisine. Float into a state of mild bliss and join our afternoon High Tea for sweet treats before you totally drift away in relaxation. Dinner is served before we arrive at the capital of Cambodia. Around seven o clock the boat docks at the pier of Phnom Penh. You are free to go for your first exploration by yourself. Stroll along the river promenade and watch the locals chit-chatting, selling odds and ends or have a drink in one of the numerous bars Day 14 Phnom Penh (Cambodia) (B, L, D) We start with a full sight-seeing tour right after breakfast. By bus we visit the Killing Fields at outside of the city and after, the centrally located prison S21. Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter of Khmer history when the Khmer Rouge ruled the country with terror and suppression. Those places have not changed much since this horrific time back in the early seventies and it can be heart-breaking. Alternatively, explore the city in the morning on your own before re-joining the group.

7 Lunch is at a fine restaurant in town, before a tour of the fascinating cultural heritage of Phnom Penh. The golden edifice of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the exceptional Khmer crafts at the National Museum are the afternoon highlights. The day trip ends with a cyclo ride back to the ship through the bustling streets of downtown Phnom Penh. Take some rest in your spacious cabin or join other fellow passengers at the bar for some refreshing drinks before our captivating evening activities start. A lecture about Cambodian modern history, by a professor of the Royal University is followed by a barbecue dinner feast on the sun deck commences. The dinner is accompanied with an Apsara dance performance. You must witness the brilliance and richness of this dance along with the soothing sounds of traditional music. As the evening unwinds, enjoy your supper with a glass of wine and marvel at the skyline of Phnom Penh, and the calming flow of the Tonle River. Day 15 Angkor Ban Kampong Cham (Cambodia) (B, L, D) The ship departs Phnom Penh before the break of dawn cruising on to pass tranquil villages, exhilarating river life and sun-hardened fishermen on their shift boats. Depending on the River water level the cruise today will include a visit to a small rural Cambodian school supported by your cruise, an incredibly heartwarming experience. A village visit showcases either a local monastery or a small village where they manufacture pottery. Overnight onboard. Day 16 Kampong (Cambodia) (B, L, D) This morning s excursion is by tuk-tuk to explore an island to and learn how silk is processed from its source, provided by little silkworms, to a final top-quality product made of original Cambodian silk. Before lunch, our expert guide offers a presentation about Geography of the Mekong and Tonle Sap. Depending on the season a visit will either be made to a village for an exciting Ox-cart ride or a friendly river-side village for an evening cocktail party. Overnight onboard. Day 17 Kampong (Cambodia) (B, L, D) Again dependent on water level, today s excursion may include a visit to the Cambodian water world village, where everything is on sticks balanced on water-rich soil. This is perhaps the most fascinating cruise locale in Cambodia, or a visit to the enchanting pre-angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey, built in the 7th Century. This small complex sits on a hill top right on the shore with breath taking views of the Mekong. Return to the ship for lunch while cruising the narrow and meandering Tonle Sap River. Come evening, a sumptuous dinner and for the big entertainment - bring along your dance shoes and learn to jiggle the Cambodian way with our staff doubling up as dance instructors!

8 Day 18 Siem Reap (Cambodia) (B) After a leisurely breakfast and farewell to your friendly crew its time to disembark for the transfer to Siem Reap. Departure point, and transfer time varies between low and high-water season, so the transfer by coach may take between 1 to 4 hours. On arrival in Siem Reap, farewell your fellow cruise passengers as you check in for 2 nights at the Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa. The afternoon is yours to relax. Tip! This evening you may like to take in Siem Reap s most popular nightlife and dining area Pub Street. Filled with restaurants and bars and surrounded by markets fantastic! Day 19 Siem Reap - Angkor Wat (B, L) Best of Angkor - Discover the incredible key temples of the Angkor complex. Today you have a private tour as your local English speaking Cambodian guide will collect you from your hotel to begin with Angkor Thom entering via the South Gate and the Bayon complex. The vast area of the Angkor Thom ruins, over a mile on one side, contains many stone temples and other features to explore. The city has five monumental gates (one in each wall plus an extra in the eastern wall), each is 20m high and decorated with stone elephant trunks and the king's favourite motif, the four faces of Avalokiteshvara. The Bayon Temple (circa 1190) is a Buddhist temple but retains elements of Hindu cosmology and imagery. Standing in the exact center of the walled city, it represents the intersection of heaven and earth. It is known for its enigmatic smiling faces of Avalokiteshvara and its extraordinary bas-reliefs. Enjoy a break for lunch at a restaurant set in a garden setting close to the temples. Then continue to visit Angkor Wat, the jewel in the crown of Angkor. Angkor Wat is the best-preserved example of Khmer architecture in Cambodia and is so grand in design that some rank it among the Seven Wonders of the World. It appears on the Cambodian national flag, a very rare instance of a flag incorporating an image of a building. The "lost city" of Angkor first attracted the interest of Europeans in the 1800s after Cambodia was colonized by the French. Transfer back to hotel around 5pm. Day 20 Departure (B) Sadly, today is the end of your tour, we include a transfer to the airport for your departure.

9 Discover Vietnam & the Mekong Waterways Small Group Tour This tour is fully escorted with local English speaking guide. Maximum group size 14. (Minimum 2) Staying in quality 4-star hotels PRICE 2019 DEPARTURES: PRICE 2020 DEPARTURES: From: $9,039 per person share twin Travel Jan Apr, Oct -Dec From: $6,925 per person share twin Travel May-Sep From: $9,039 per person share twin Travel Jan-Apr Single supplement: $3805 per person Travel Jan-Apr, Oct-Dec $2885 per person Travel May-Sep We will happily room-share same-sex single travellers on request and where available. However, we regret that should a rooming partner not become available the single supplement will apply. Departure Dates: Guaranteed Departures Wednesday 9 th January, Wednesday 23 rd Jan, Wednesday 6 th February, Wednesday 20 th February, Wednesday 6 th March, Wednesday 20 th March, Wednesday 3 rd April, Wednesday 26 th June, Wednesday 10 th July, Wednesday 24 th July, Wednesday 7 th August, Wednesday 21 st August, Wednesday 18 th September, Wednesday 2 nd October, Wednesday 16 th October, Wednesday 30 th October, Wednesday 13 th November, Wednesday 27 th November Wednesday 8 th January, Wednesday 22 nd January, Wednesday 5 th February, Wednesday 19 th February, Wednesday 4 th March, Wednesday 18 th March, Wednesday 1 st April, Wednesday 15 th April Guaranteed Departure applies as soon as 2 people are booked on this tour. NOTE: We regret we do not accept children under 15 years old on our Discover Tour. Vietnam Tour Price Includes: Small group tour of Vietnam with local English speaking guide throughout tour including all accommodation in 4-star hotels, all transfers and sightseeing tours detailed including all entrance fees, all domestic flights in Vietnam, meals as indicated (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch, D = Dinner), full pre-departure information and an emergency contact phone number in Vietnam Vietnam Tour Price excludes: International flights, Vietnam entry visa, travel insurance, beverages during lunches and dinners, departure taxes (if applicable), personal expenses (laundry, mini-bar, internet, etc) and gratuities (tips) Cruise Price Includes: Group shore-excursions, entrance fees, cruise tour guide services (English speaking), fuel, full board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) including mineral water, coffee and tea from 6.30am and afternoon tea, transfers in Saigon and Siem Reap from or to the meeting point to/from embarkation / disembarkation point or vv included Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, Phnom Penh port taxes USD$65 (nett non-commissionable) per person levied by the Cambodian Port Authority which will be collected with your booking, gratuities (we recommend USD$10 per passenger/per day), Cambodian visa (available on Upstream cruise only USD$42 per person), laundry, alcoholic beverages including mini-bar, wines, premium spirits and liqueurs, fancy soft drinks like Perrier, espressos and cappuccinos at bar VISA Requirements: On board the cruise, you can receive your Cambodian visa via ship s assistance, however we strongly recommend you arrange your Cambodian visa prior to departing from New Zealand. NOTE: Itinerary and price subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. Please refer to our full terms and conditions available on our brochure or from our website. Active Asia reserves the right to alter the hotels and/or the itinerary if needed due to availability and/or adverse weather conditions.