MEKONG RIVER CRUISE From Siem Reap to Saigon An exclusive charter deluxe cruise for the Canadian University Alumni Community October 29 - November 10, 2015 OVERVIEW Enjoy a deluxe Mekong River cruise with the added fillip of Cambodia s incomparable and iconic temple complexes. Begin with the landmark temples of Angkor Wat and remote jungle temples. Then board the deluxe 34 cabin Mekong Navigator for a seven-night journey along the legendary Mekong River, ending in vibrant Hanoi. Reminiscent in design of the French colonial-era, manor homes that once lined the streets of old Saigon, the 34-suite Mekong Navigator lends a sophisticated, yet comfortable ambience while cruising the mighty Mekong River. You will have intimate access to peoples and places, witness the local dances and crafts, shop ancient markets, and visit historic settings that have defined these nations both in war and peace, supplemented by a series of on board presentations by Canadian university experts.
MEKONG RIVER CRUISE From Siem Reap to Saigon An exclusive charter deluxe cruise for the Canadian University Alumni Community October 29 - November 10, 2015 DAILY ITINERARY October 29: Arrive Siem Reap Please contact Worldwide Quest for personalized flight arrangements. Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. This evening we meet for our Introductory Briefing and Welcome Dinner. Overnight: Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa, Siem Reap Meals: Welcome Dinner October 30: Siem Reap We ll begin our explorations at the Temple of Angkor Tom, reaching the temple by tuk tuk from our hotel. Angkor Thom was the last capital of the Great Khmer Empire under the reign of Jayavarman VII. This city is surrounded by an 8m high wall, with each side of the being 4km long, drawing a perfect square. We continue to the Bayon Temple in the exact centre of the city. This 12th century masterpiece is a study in grandeur, famous for the 54 towers with four enigmatically smiling faces. Overnight: Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa, Siem Reap Meals: Breakfast, Lunch October 31: Siem Reap We re off early this morning to visit the world s largest religious temple, magnificent Angkor Wat. Built by Suryavarman II in the early 12th century, Angkor Wat is considered a masterpiece of Khmer architecture. Afterwards, we re off to visit the magic of Ta Prohm temple, built in the mid 12th to early 13th centuries. Ta Prohm is unique in that it has been left largely as it was found: overgrown by jungle trees and vines, Phnom Penh with many parts of the temple crumbling to the ground. This makes Ta Prohm one of the most picturesque and memorable of the Angkor temples. Overnight: Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa, Siem Reap Meals: Breakfast, Dinner November 1: Embark the Mekong Navigator This morning guests transfer from Siem Reap to Kampong Cham, Cambodia. Upon arrival, embark the Mekong Navigator and enjoy a Welcome Reception on the Sun Deck as we begin our journey. Following the informative Welcome Briefing and meeting with our friendly crew, a Cambodian theme dinner is served in the Le Marché Dining Room.
November 2: Wat Hanchey, Kampong Cham This morning, guests visit a local, secondary school, which serves eight surrounding districts. Following a tour of the school and an interesting Q&A opportunity with the principal and students, guests walk up the hill to the Wat Hanchey, to receive a traditional Buddhist Water Blessing from the monastery s resident monks. After enjoying a walk around the monastery and the amazing views of the Mekong River valley, guests return to the ship for lunch. Following lunch, guests enjoy a drive through the city of Kampong Cham to visit the hills of Phnom Pros (man hill) and Phnom Srei (woman hill), the incredible Stupa, the 10-meter long reclining Buddha, and the 13-meter tall preaching Buddha. Today s final visit is to the 12th century, Angkorian-period complex of Wat Nokor Bachey, which features several original statues of Buddha and stone inscriptions. We then return to the ship and begin sailing downstream. November 3: Tonle Sap River Cruise, Kampong Chhnang Guests enjoy a full day of sailing up the scenic Tonle Sap River. This very narrow winding river provides a rare up-close glimpse of rural river life in Cambodia. After lunch, guests board a private excursion boat and experience a panoramic cruise of the floating villages at Kampong Chhnang. Here we observe the very friendly locals living, working, and even shopping on the river. We then return to the ship and set sail while enjoying the beautiful sunset and local children on the riverbanks bidding us farewell as we continue our journey down the Mekong. November 4: Phnom Penh After breakfast on board this morning, guests meet their cyclo driver for an exciting morning city tour of Phnom Penh. You are gently transported by your driver along the riverfront to the Royal Palace complex. Here guests enjoy a leisurely walk through the grounds viewing Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion, before visiting the famous Silver Pagoda, home of Cambodia s Emerald Buddha and Maitreya Buddha encrusted with more than 9,000 diamonds. Guests return to their cyclos for the short ride to the National Museum ending the morning with a comprehensive tour of the many Angkorian-period artifacts excavated at the Angkor Temple complex at Siem Reap. Guests will enjoy a free afternoon in Phnom Penh with a variety of optional excursions which to pick from, or simply enjoy their time independently shopping or at one of the many wonderful restaurants and pubs nearby. Before dinner, children entertain guests on our Sun Deck with a cultural performance including Apsara, Cambodia s national dance as well as local traditional folk dances. November 5: Phnom Penh This morning, guests learn more about the darkest days of Cambodian history. After a scenic 45-minute drive from the ship is the Choeung Ek killing fields, where guests will walk through the fields, visit the small museum and Memorial Stupa, and learn more about the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. Before returning to the ship, guests will also tour Tuol Sleng (also known as S-21), the former school that was converted to the main prison and torture headquarters of the Khmer Rouge. Guests enjoy one last free afternoon in Phnom Penh, before we set sail this evening to the border of Cambodia & Vietnam. November 6: Border Crossing, Chau Doc Following clearing formalities and crossing the border, guests witness a fascinating change in the architecture along the riverfront as they are now in Vietnam. After lunch, guests board beautiful sampans for a panoramic cruise of Chau Doc harbor with its traditional Vietnamese floating market. After visiting the main town of Chau Doc and the colorful Tay An Pagoda, guests continue their panoramic tour aboard sampans to visit a local family s fish farm. Here we will learn about various types of fish being caught and farm-raised in this region and the importance of this industry to Vietnam s economy. November 7: Sa Dec, Cai Following breakfast this morning, we board sampans to navigate the narrow canals of the Mekong. Guests observe daily routines of the villagers en route to the historic town of Sa Dec. We stop en-route at a local brick factory where guests can view the complete process of brick-making by local men and women utilizing clay from the Mekong River. We continue to the town of Sa Dec, where a short visit will be made to the home of Mr. Hyun Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras novel, L Amant (The Lover) as well as a fascinating walk through the town s market experiencing the sights and smells of the colorful fresh produce, meat, live fish and seafood being sold.
After returning to the ship for lunch guests enjoy an afternoon cruise to Cai Be. We pass the city s beautiful French gothic cathedral then tour the historic An Kiet House with its beautiful surrounding gardens. Following we board our sampans to visit a traditional rice factory where workers produce rice paper, rice wine, popped rice, and many varieties of traditional candies. We then set sail towards My Tho enjoying a Reception and elegant Vietnamese theme dinner as we bid farewell to the magnificent Mekong. November 8: Disembark and transfer to Ho Chi Minh City Following breakfast guests disembark the vessel at My Tho and transfer to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, we ll discover the historic centre called Saigon including the Reunification Hall, formerly known as the Presidential Palace, as well as the Old Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Ben Thanh Market - the central market for the city and one of its liveliest and most colourful areas. Overnight: Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City Meals: Breakfast, Lunch November 9: Ho Chi Minh City We re up early this morning to visit the world famous Cu Chi Tunnels this morning. The tunnels were dug with simple tools and bare hands during the French occupation in the 1940s, and further expanded during the Vietnam War in the 1960s to provide refuge and a defensive advantage over the American soldiers. Despite all the bombings in their town, the Cu Chi people were able to continue their lives beneath the soil, where they slept, ate, planned attacks, healed their sick, and taught their young. Some even wed and gave birth underground, but over 10,000 lost their lives here. The afternoon is free to enjoy the city independently before our celebratory dinner this evening. Overnight: Park Hyatt Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City Meals: Breakfast, Dinner November 10: Depart Ho Chi Minh City Participants are transferred to the airport today for homeward bound flights. Or consider extending your tour with our optional six-night program to the Imperial cities of Hue and Hoi An and onward to Hanoi and Halong Bay. Meals: Breakfast Note: All itineraries are subject to change without notice. OUR VESSEL Reminiscent in design of the French, colonial-era manor homes that once lined the streets of old Saigon, the 34 suite Mekong Navigator lends a sophisticated, yet comfortable ambience while cruising the mighty Mekong River. Around every corner, guests will enjoy a blend of timeless elegance and modern luxuries as they experience the sights and sounds of a landscape that forever changes. Read more u
ACCOMMODATIONS: All-Suite Luxury Vessel 2 Grande Suites with Panoramic French Balcony and Wraparound Veranda (584 Square Feet/54 Square Meters) 2 Prestige Suites with Private Balcony (387 Square Feet/36 Square Meters) 16 Signature Suites with Private Balcony (291 Square Feet/27 Square Meters) 10 Vista Suites with French Balcony (276 Square Feet/26 Square Meters) 4 Superior Suites with Portholes (256 Square Feet/24 Square Meters) Superior, Vista & Signature Suites can be converted from two twin-size to one queen-size bed. Grande & Prestige Suites Feature Fixed King Beds Luxury Honeycomb Spa Robes with Slippers All-Natural Spa-Quality Bath Amenities Pillow Menu In-room Electronic Safe Individual Climate Control 500-Thread Count Linens with Duvet Premium Mattresses Bottled Water Replenished Daily Welcome Flower Arrangement & Fresh Fruit Upon Arrival Wireless Internet in All Public Areas (Free of Charge) Make-up Mirror Multi-Configuration Plugs Generous Closet Space and Under-bed Storage iphone Docking Station with Alarm Clock Hair Dryer Flat Screen LCD Television with Movie System Mini Bar Additional Amenities for Grande & Prestige Suite Guests: Butler Service to Including: Nightly Turndown Service Assist with Pillow Menu Selection Presents a selection of Bath Amenities Explains Entertainment System Ensures your Accommodations are Immaculate Polishes and Conditions Shoes Upon Request Refreshes Ice Bucket Prepares and Packs Luggage Upon Request Scented Bath on Request Complimentary One-Hour Spa Treatment Complimentary Laundry Service Complimentary Evening Canapés SUPERIOR VISTA SUITE CHOICES GRAND PRESTIGE SIGNATURE
Tour Cost (per person based on double occupancy): Superior Suite: US$4595 Vista Suite: US$4995 Signature Suite: US$5295 Prestige Suite: US$5595 Grande Suite: US$6195 TOUR DETAILS EARLY BOOKING BONUS: US$400 per person credit for bookings made before April 1, 2015 Tour Cost for Guaranteed Single Accommodation: please enquire If you are travelling on your own and would like to share accommodation, we would be happy to try to match you with a suitable roommate. If we are unable to do so, the single cost applies. Group Size: 68 participants What s Included: Individual arrival and departure transfers Full size motor air-conditioned motor coach on all excursions Accommodation for five nights in first class hotels Breakfast daily Two lunches and three dinners in Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City Accommodation for seven nights based on double occupancy in selected suite on board the Mekong Navigator Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily on board ship Complimentary coffee, tea, mineral water, soft drinks, local beer, local spirits and free-flow house wine (house wine with dinner only) Shore excursion program including all admissions (22 guests per guide on all excursions) Vox listening devices throughout the program All on board activities including cultural performances, cooking classes and ship tour Fully program of presentations by our Resource Educators Not Included: Roundtrip airfare from your home to Siem Reap and from Ho Chi Minh City to your home Fuel surcharges Cancellation / Interruption and Medical Insurance Items of a personal nature Gratuities (Suggested US$10 per person per day) Port Taxes: US$73 (subject to change) Additional arrangements required due to any emergency or other situation Payment Details: A non-refundable deposit of US$500 per person is required to reserve a space on this tour. A second deposit of US$1000 per person is required at six months prior to departure. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payments by VISA and MasterCard. We would also like to let you know that we offer a 1% discount when the balance of payment is paid by cheque. Please let us know if you would like to take advantage of this discount.
WHAT TO EXPECT Level of Activity: Moderate Good health is necessary, daily walks of 3-4 hours at a comfortable pace, excursions on a variety of terrain, including stairs, small hills and uneven surfaces. Accommodation We are staying in first class hotels in Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City. Please refer to ship details for specific information on our vessel. Weather It will be warm and hot throughout our trip. Daytime temperatures will be about 30 degrees celsius during the day and about 25 degrees Celsius overnight. Travel Documents You will require a valid passport for this expedition. ADDITIONAL INFO Terms and Conditions For additional information about our terms and conditions, please refer to your booking form, the current brochure or our website. All participants booking with Worldwide Quest are covered by the terms of the Ontario Travel Industry Act (Worldwide Quest International, Ontario - License # 2667946). Cancellation Policy All deposits are non-refundable, however you may transfer your deposit to another trip 90 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are non-refundable. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Worldwide Quest immediately and in writing. Travel Insurance We urge you to ensure that you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance in place, should an unexpected event cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip or should the tour not be operable per our terms and conditions. We will offer you Manulife insurance coverage. Medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory on all our tours. HOW TO BOOK When you re ready to book, please contact Kerry at the Worldwide Quest Office. 1-800-387-1483 Kerry@worldwidequest.com