presents Exotic Vietnam, Cambodia & River Cruise 18 Days..Oct 01 to Oct 19, 2016 The absolute best way of exploring these 2 exotic South Asian destinations! From the grand old dame of Asia, Hanoi to the bustling Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to the calm and pristine villages of the unspoiled Cambodian countryside, this fabulous itinerary will satisfy even the most demanding and sophisticated traveller! Superb hotels, most meals and an 8 day cruise aboard the (almost new) Deluxe m/v Mekong Prestige II, launched in 2014 this fabulous, teak enhanced modern vessel features all outside cabins with private French BALCONIES.
DAY 1: Oct 01. Depart Canada Overnight flight to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), Vietnam.. DAY 2: Oct 03. HO CHI MINH CITY (Saigon) - VIETNAM Upon arrival and clearing customs and immigration transfer to your hotel and chance to rest and relax after your international flights. DAY 3: Oct 04 HO CHI MINH CITY (Saigon) - VIETNAM After a leisurely breakfast you can relax around the hotel or explore Saigon at your own. ( B,D) DAY 4: Oct 05 HO CHI MINH CITY (Saigon) - VIETNAM 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! Dinner at a local restaurant.. DAY 5: Oct 06 HO CHI MINH CITY MY THO EMBARKATION SET SAIL This morning we will meet for the 2 hour transfer to My Tho, located 70 KM away. The transfer includes a stop at the Cholon Market and visit to a lacquer factory. On arrival in My Tho we will board our ship where Lunch has been prepared. We will set sail in the afternoon, time to relax before our information meeting and a welcome dinner followed by a music show. DAY 6: Oct 07 CRUISE CAI BE - SA DEC 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 7: Oct 08 CRUISE TAN CHAU: BORDER CROSSING Arrival at Tan Chau in the morning, a remote town on the main Mekong River. After breakfast, transfer on small boats to visit a fishing farm followed by a visit to a local workshop producing woven mats, and the local village to visit a silk weaving workshop. A rickshaw ride around this authentic town takes you back to the pier for lunch. Depart for the Cambodian border. Evening cruise up the broad Mekong River to Phnom Penh. On board activities. DAY 8: Oct 09 CRUISE PHNOM PENH Arrive in Phnom Penh in the morning. The capital city of Cambodia still retains its old French colonial architecture in riverside streets. Visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. The National Museum
is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts. Lunch on board. Afternoon excursion to the former High School «S21», converted to a detention centre under the Red Khmer s rule between 1975 and 1979, followed 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 9: Oct 10 CRUISE KOH CHONG - PHNOM PENH Early morning sailing from Phnom Penh to the unique silk weaving village of Koh Chong. The excursion will also include a visit to a Pagoda and a local primary school to meet the children (good place to bring crayons and school related gifts). Lunch back on board as we cruise past the Mekong s timeless villages and river life with extensive fishing activities. Arrive back to Phnom Penh with a free afternoon to explore on your own, take an exciting tuk-tuk ride along the riverside cornice, enjoy a drink at the famous Foreign Correspondents Club or go bargain shopping at the renowned Russian Market. Dinner on board and overnight. DAY 10: Oct 11 CRUISE OUDONG KAMPONG TRALACH In the morning, sail upriver heading towards Oudong. Lunch on board. Arrival at Oudong in the early afternoon. Between 1618 and 1866, Oudong was the capital city of Cambodia. Erected on a hilltop, it is the home to numerous Stupas dating from the last Khmer Kings including the Vipassana Dhura Pagoda, a place of meditation for Buddhist Monks. Then, continue by bus to Kampong Tralach to visit the charming Vihara of the Wat Kampong Leu Pagoda dating back to the last century. Return to the ship by popular local taxi - ox-drawn carriages!. Dinner back on board. DAY 11: Oct 12 CRUISE KAMPONG CHNANG FLOATING VILLAGE Kampong Chnang is one of Cambodia s largest fishing ports and the center of fish farming. It is also famous for its archaic pottery making which supplies the whole country. After the tour of this bustling town, board local boats and sail through the Floating Village of Chnok Tru, a unique town completely set on water! See the people living on boats, including a local floating school and church! The smiles of the local children are priceless! DAY 12: Oct 13 END CRUISE - DISEMBARKATION SIEM REAP (B,D) Early this morning, set sail and observe the local farmers, water buffalo and other unspoiled views as you cross the vast 150 km wide Tonle Sap Lake (approximate sailing time is 4 to 5 hrs). On arrival to the port (located 45 min. from the town) bid your wonderful crew and ship goodbye as you disembark and transfer to the city for the next part of your adventure (arrival around 13:00)! Check-in to your hotel and enjoy some rest time. 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 13: Oct 14 SIEM REAP - ANGKOR TEMPLES 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 the popular FCC club 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 and farewell Apsara show at a popular local restaurant. DAY 14: Oct 15 SIEM REAP Overnight (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 afternoon is free to enjoy a final night in Pub Street DAY 15: Oct 16. Arrive Hanoi. This afternoon we transfer to the airport for our flight to Hanoi. After clearing customs & immigration transfer to your Deluxe hotel and chance to relax and explore Hanoi. Balance of the day at leisure. Dinner at a local restaurant. Day16. Oct 17 HANOI HA LONG BAY (B, L) Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Ha Long Bay via the Hong Ngoc Humanity Centre, developed to provide support to local communities including the disabled. On arrival in Ha Long board a private boat for a cruise of the bay, famous for its scenic aspect of karsts jutting out of the sea. The cruise visits a fishing village to learn more about the culture and customs of the local inhabitants. The next stop is at one of the numerous limestone caves in the area. Also enjoy a seafood lunch on the boat, what a way to spend the day. DAY 17: Oct 18 HANOI - CITY TOUR (B, L) After breakfast we meet our guide at the hotel and depart for a busy and interesting day visiting the many sights of Hanoi. Last chance to do that final shopping. DAY 18 Oct 19 HANOI - CANADA (B) After breakfast and hotel checkout we will transfer to the airport for our flight back to Canada. Arrive home on the same day. (meals aboard flight back home)
Your Exotic Vietnam & Cambodia Cruise Tour Includes Return international airfare (from Edmonton, other cities available) Intra Asia flight Siem Reap to Hanoi 9 Nights Deluxe ( 4 & 5 Star) Hotels Halong Bay river cruise 8 Day (7 nights) River Cruise All Meals as per itinerary English speaking Guides throughout Guided excursions as per itinerary Your 18 Day Package Costs.. Cabin Cat.C Price (Was $6,469). Main deck Fr. Balcony.. 215 sq. feet Only $5,729. Cabin Cat. B Price (Was $6,919). Upp deck Fr Balcony.215 sq. feet Only $6,249. Jr. Suite (was $7,499) Only $6,729 Terrase Suite (was $7,719.) Only $6,979. main deck Balcony 290 sq. feet Upper deck Balcony 335 sq. feet (Junior, & Terrase Suites, only 2 of each..however, on request) Port & Air Taxes add l $589. All prices per person with 2 sharing. Costs in Canadian Dollars. Viet Nam Visa $175. (issued in Canada) Cambodia $35. (U.S. cash upon entry) Great Tour, Great Ship & Great Price now is the time to visit Exotic Viet Nam and Cambodia! Contact Harold Smith Travel Phone 780.496.9015 harold@haroldsmithcruisetours.com toll free 1.888.496.9015 Please scroll down for ship deck plans and other important information.
RV Mekong PRESTIGE II MEKONG CRUISES Standard Twin Balcony Cabin Sun Deck
Dipping Pool Casual Lounge Smiling Staff! Sun Deck Covered Lounge & Bar Area
Lovely Open Air Restaurant Elegant Dining Service
R/V MEKONG PRESTIGE II SHIP DECK PLAN & SPECIFICATIONS Length: 68 m Width: 13 m Draft: 1.6 m 3 Decks: Main, Upper & Sun Cabin: 32 doubles (215 sq ft) Crew: 30 Flag: Vietnam Passenger s capacity: 64 We strongly recommend heath, interruption & cancellation insurance coverage.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Reservations To confirm a reservation, a non refundable deposit of $1250. per person is required upon booking. Full payment is required 100 days prior to departure. However, we will have to issue airline tickets upon group size confirmation and will advise for payment at that time. We accept cash, cheque, debit, Visa or Mastercard. Cost does not include Passport fees, tips to local guides and drivers, personal items such as medical expenses, room service, laundry, additional food and beverages, excess baggage charges and items of a personal nature that are not specifically listed as included. Single Supplement The cost for a person not sharing is available upon request Travel Documents A valid Canadian passport is required to travel on this cruise tour. Your passport must be valid 6 months after the day of return to Canada. Health Requirements Currently, there are no mandatory vaccinations required. We recommend that you check with your doctor, who knows your medical history, or the Local International Health Authorities for advice. Luggage Classic Vacations Inc., and their agents assume no responsibility for lost or damaged luggage. You are permitted to bring 2 pieces of luggage.(the airline may impose a fee on one bag or all). Passengers with Special Needs All passengers with special needs must be self-sufficient and must be accompanied by a passenger who will take full responsibility for any assistance needed during the tour and in the event of an emergency. Tour Prices The prices indicated in this brochure are based on rates in effect at time of creation. These prices are established in accordance with airfares, exchange rates, and various other factors. In the event of an increase of these rates, Classic Vacations Inc. and their agents reserve the right to increase the cost of the tour without notice prior to payment being received. Itinerary, Hotels & Escort Travel arrangements are at the final discretion of the authorities concerned. Classic Vacations Inc. and their agents have no control over this portion and cannot be held responsible for changes. On the occasions where a hotel has overbooked it s capacity, it may be necessary to change the hotel to one of a similar grade or upgrade. Generally, there must be a minimum of 4 participants traveling for this tour to operate at the same price as offered. A minimum number of 20 participants required to have an escort from our office. If the number of participants falls below the required minimum, the cruise/tour will not be escorted but the price and inclusions are still protected. Ship cruise director and local guides will be available for every excursion Cancellations The following charges apply from the date we are advised of your cancellation: Deposit is non-refundable. 99-60 days prior to departure 50% of total tour price (less airline tickets) 59 0 days prior to departure - 100% of total tour price Airline tickets are 100 % non-refundable. (the airline may issue a credit for future travel less a penalty) Unused Travel Services No refund is permitted for unused tour services, including unused accommodation. All air tickets are non-refundable, valid only for the flight and/or dates purchased and cannot be exchanged or transferred. Responsibilities Classic Vacations Inc, Harold Smith Travel Ltd. and their agents do not own, manage, control, or operate any transportation vehicle, hotel, restaurant, or other supplier of services. In making travel and tour arrangements, Classic Vacations Inc. is acting in the capacity of an agent for the airlines, hotels, and other suppliers stated in the tour literature. Classic Vacations Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability for any injury, damage, loss, or accident with any services resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, strikes, war declared or undeclared, government regulations, thefts, failure of any means, discrepancies or changes over which it has no control.