11-Nights Cruising the Mekong: Siam, Saigon & Angkor Wat - Luxury Small Group Journeys — CALL
Abercrombie & Kent
OFFER ID 1493680
Cruising the Mekong: Siam, Saigon & Angkor Wat
Discover astonishing Angkor Wat and cruise for seven nights on an exclusive charter along the Mekong River to experience its varied cultures in rural settings not easily reached by land, on a journey that includes vibrant Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon.
11 nights | Call for pricing
Itinerary Details
Abercrombie & Kent: Cruising the Mekong: Siam, Saigon & Angkor Wat
DAY 1 Bangkok, Thailand
Arrive in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, and transfer to your luxurious hotel.
The Peninsula Bangkok
Meals:
DAY 2 Bangkok
Discover Wat Pho temple, with its massive Reclining Buddha statue, and listen to the musical sound of coins dropping into brass offering bowls. Then, travel by tuk-tuk to the sprawling Grand Palace to view the royal Siamese court, home to Thailand’s most important shrine, the green-jade Emerald Buddha. Next, gather for a light lunch aboard a traditional wooden rice barge. Cruise the Chao Phraya River in a relaxed atmosphere, taking in sights along the waterfront, including glittering Wat Arun. Later, fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, where you transfer to your Khmer-style hotel and enjoy a welcome dinner.
La Résidence D’angkor, A Belmond Hotel, Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 Siem Reap, Cambodia
Set off to explore the extraordinary temples of Angkor, a breathtaking city lost in the jungle and Cambodia’s most prized national treasure. Enter the monumental gates of Angkor Thom and visit the Bayon Temple, with its 172 large-scale faces wearing enchanting smiles. Continue to Ta Prohm Temple to see crumbling towers embraced by massive tree roots. This afternoon, visit magnificent Angkor Wat, where you stay until sunset, marveling as the diminishing, moody light washes over this unforgettable, faraway world.
La Résidence D’angkor, A Belmond Hotel, Siem Reap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4 Cruising the Mekong
Drive through the lush and scenic Cambodian countryside to Kampong Cham, where you board A&K’s private charter of all-suite ‘Mekong Princess,’ your boutique river cruiser for the next seven nights. Tonight, enjoy a Khmer-inspired dinner.
'mekong Princess'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 Cruising the Mekong
Explore the charming town of Angkor Ban, where you enjoy glimpses into the lives of local people, starting with a visit to a family home. Stroll through a small market frequented by locals and stop briefly at a monastery complex. Then, board ‘Mekong Princess’ and cruise to Phnom Penh, where you Ride Like a Local through Cambodia’s lush and alluring capital city on an engaging cyclo tour. Discover the ornate Royal Palace, and wander past huge stupas (Buddhist monuments) and spirit houses en route to the Silver Pagoda, home of Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and the diamond-encrusted Maitreya Buddha. Visit the National Museum before returning to the ship to enjoy a professional exhibition of traditional folk dances.
'mekong Princess'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Cruising the Mekong
This morning, learn about Cambodia’s darker days as you visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, and then walk the notorious killing fields of Choeung Ek, one of history’s most infamous places. Your afternoon is free for you to relax on your own.
'mekong Princess'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Cruising the Mekong
Cruise into Vietnam early this morning and continue downstream to little-known Hong Ngu, which nimble ‘Mekong Princess’ can enter with ease. In this place where few Westerners have ever been, experience an especially friendly welcome, followed by a visit to a local family home, where you watch the weaving of kromas (traditional Khmer scarves). Later, explore a local temple dedicated to Hoa Hao, a unique Vietnamese religion. In the afternoon, board a sampan (wooden boat) to Gieng Island, where hundreds of the vessels are built each day. Cruise a canal past orchards and rice fields. Continue to a historic Christian monastery built by the French in 1879.
'mekong Princess'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Cruising the Mekong
Disembark at the village of Hoa An, well known for its floral and craft industries. See how locals grow and use flowers, and meet a family in their home. Later, reboard the ship and cruise downstream toward Can Tho, where you disembark to visit Zihuang Pagoda. Back on board, relax on a Scenic Sundowner this evening, observing local life at the close of day along the delta.
'mekong Princess'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Cruising the Mekong
Rise early for a sampan cruise through a fascinating floating market near Can Tho, weaving between boats that sell goods and produce. Fresh coconut water, the Vietnamese “anti-aging drink,” refreshes you before a stop at a local factory to see the making of traditional noodles. Back on board ‘Mekong Princess,’ cruise deeper into parts of the Mekong Delta rarely touched by travellers to see the fourth-century Phuoc Hau Pagoda, where you interact with local monks to learn about their daily life and practices.
'mekong Princess'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Cruising the Mekong
Today, board a sampan to wend your way through a channel lined with mangroves, whose tangled roots provide a sheltered habitat for the smallest denizens of the river’s ecosystem. Pause to see an artisan produce coconut candy, a favorite local snack. Next, board an intimate, two-seater boat for a cruise through lush, narrow creeks lined with nipa palms, a native species and the only one of its kind adapted to the mangrove habitat. Participate in a Chef ’s Table cooking demo this afternoon, led by your onboard chef.
'mekong Princess'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Ho Chi Minh City
Unlike other river ships that are forced to dock outside of Saigon, ‘Mekong Princess’ takes you right into the heart of this lively, evocative metropolis, now known as Ho Chi Minh City. Disembark your river cruiser to enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities.
Visit the War Remnants Museum to view photographs by Bunyo Ishikawa, a Vietnam War photojournalist, and then explore Reunification Palace.
Sample Local Specialties, experiencing the culinary treasures to be found on a Saigon street-food tour.
Cycle the Countryside, exploring the nearby Thanh Da Peninsula.
Tonight, gather for a special farewell dinner.
The Reverie Saigon
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 12 Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to depart.
Meals: Breakfast
The village of Choeung Ek, Cambodia, is located a 40-minute drive from Phnom Penh.
At one point or another, everyone who visits Cambodia will have to confront the country’s horrific past. One place to do so is at the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek.
From 1975 to 1979, it is estimated that at least 1.7 million Cambodians were murdered by the Khmer Rouge regime. Leader Pol Pot and his followers targeted "enemies," a broad term given to professionals, educated individuals, ethnic minorities and anyone who lacked agricultural or hard labor skills.
The Choeung Ek memorial site is one of many places where the unfortunate were sent to be murdered, usually in excessively violent ways, and left in mass graves. Choeung Ek is a somber experience and many visitors become emotional when coming face to face with vestiges of genocide, such as the Mass Grave of 450 Victims, the Killing Tools Storage Room or the Memorial Stupa, containing nearly 9,000 human skulls. Visitors often feel compelled to put money in the Memorial Stupa's donation box, light incense or leave flowers in honor of the victims.
Located along the Mekong River, and part of the Sampov Loun District in north-western Cambodia. Activities while visiting this rural hamlet include, a walking tour of the area, visiting traditional Khmer homes, and visiting with monks at the local Buddhist monastery. The nearby town of Chong Koh is also worth visiting as it is know for silk and cotton weaving offering intricately crafted scarves.
Excursions
Cu Chi Tunnels & Sai Gon Highlights Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Cu Chi Tunnels & Sai Gon Highlights Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Highlights:
- Visit Cu Chi Tunnels
- Visit Reunification Palace
- Stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral, Centre Post Office
- Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda
- Shopping at the Central Ben Thanh Market
Tour Duration: 10 hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up/ Drop off at Phu My Port
- Tours and transfers as specified including entry fees, on a private basis in modern air-conditioned vehicles.
- Service of English Speaking Local Guides.
- Ports permit arranged
- Meals (food only) as stated in the above itinerary
- One 0.5 litre of bottled water and cold towel in vehicle during sightseeing
- Vietnam Government tax and services charge
Not Included:
- All international and domestic air tickets
- Accommodation
- Vietnamese visa arrival
- Other meals than those specified
- Travel insurance
- Tips for tour guides, drivers, waiters at included meals, local assistants
Highlights of Ho Chi Minh City Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Highlights of Ho Chi Minh City Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Highlights:
- Visit Reunification Palace
- Photo stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral, Centre Post Office
- Visit History Museum & Jade Emperor Pagoda
- Visit China Town & Cao Dai Temple en-route
- Shopping at the Central Ben Thanh Market
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up/ Drop off at Phu My Port
- Tours and transfers as specified including entry fees, on a private basis in modern air-conditioned vehicles.
- Service of English-speaking local guides
- Ports permit arranged
- Meals (food only) as stated in the above itinerary
- One 0.5 litre bottled water and cold towel in the vehicle during sightseeing
- Vietnam Government tax and services charge
Not Included:
- All international and domestic air tickets
- Accommodation
- Vietnamese visa on arrival
- Other meals than those specified.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips for tour guides, drivers, waiters at included meals, local assistants, etc.
Mekong Delta Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Mekong Delta Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Highlights:
- Get on a motorized sampan to experience the life of local people, visit local brickwork, local fruit farms, family workshops Photo stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral, Centre Post Office
- Take rowing-boat along water palm creek and cruise back to the Pier
- If time permits, have a quick visit of Sai Gon or shopping at Ben Thanh Market
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up/ Drop off at Phu My Port
- Tours and transfers as specified including entry fees, on a private basis in modern air-conditioned vehicles.
- Service of English-speaking local guides
- Private boat cruise on Mekong River
- Ports permit arranged
- Meals (food only) as stated in the above itinerary
- One 0.5 litre of bottled water and cold towel in the vehicle during sightseeing
- Vietnam Government tax and services charge
Not Included:
- All international and domestic air tickets
- Accommodation
- Vietnamese visa on arrival
- Other meals than those specified.
- Travel insurance
- Tips for tour guides, drivers, waiters at included meals, local assistants, etc.
Saigon Port
Meet with guide at the ship docking and transfer to town. Car and guide is at disposal.
Limited area: Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: Within 4 hours OR within 8 hours
Meals: None
TOUR INCLUSIONS
| Inclusive of: | Non-inclusive of: |
| · Private transfers and transportation with Local English speaking guide · Cold towels and water on car · Dock permit · Tips & gratuities |
· Vietnam visa · Accommodation with daily breakfast · Entrance fees · All meals · All flights · Personal expenses · Travel insurance · Other services not listed in inclusive column |
Full Day Saigon City Tour (8 hours)
Full Day Saigon City Tour (8 hours)
On arrival to Saigon (Nha Rong Port), drive 20mins to the city centre for a tour of some of Saigon’s historic landmarks reflecting its French and Chinese influences. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France (entrance is only permitted when no services are being performed). Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, completed in 1891. Appreciate the restored exteriors of the Saigon Opera House and the elegant City Hall (the former Hotel de Ville), two of Saigon’s most stunning colonial monuments. If time permits, we will visit the iconic Ben Thanh Market, one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and popular wholesale market for local handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs and street food.
Drive to the former residence of the US Ambassador of South Vietnam in the early 1960s, Mr. Henry C. Lodge Jr., who supported the overthrowing of the South Vietnamese Government. Enjoy a cold drink while watching a 10min documentary film about Saigon during that time.
After lunch on your own, we then drive to Saigon’s Chinatown to visit the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese community in the early 19th century to honour the Goddess of the Sea. Take time to make a wish, write it on a small card and attach it to one of the incense coils according to local custom. Continue your visit to FITO, the first museum of traditional medicine in Vietnam, offering insight into the history and application of traditional medicine in everyday life before taking the scenic route through the city back to the ship.
NOTES:
· There is an extra charge for the transfer at the other ports.
· Outside visit only due the renovation at Notre Dame Cathedral until further notice
· Tour duration: 08 hours
Meals: None
TOUR INCLUSIONS
| Inclusive of: | Non-inclusive of: |
| · Private transfers and transportation on tour · Sightseeing with Local English speaking guides · Entrance fees and boat rides if any · Cold towels and water on sightseeing days · Welcome pack · Dock permit · Tips & gratuities |
· Vietnam visa · Accommodation on board · All meals where not mentioned in the program · Drinks/water at included lunches and dinners · All flights & airport taxes · Hotel early check in/ Late check out · Overweight luggage · Personal expenses · Travel insurance · Other services not listed in inclusive column |
Half-Day Saigon: History of Architecture with History Researcher (4 hours)
Half-Day Saigon: History of Architecture with History Researcher (4 hours)
On arrival to Saigon (Nha Rong Port), drive 20mins to the city center for a tour of some of Saigon’s historic landmarks reflecting its French and Chinese influences. Meet with a local cultural and history researcher at your hotel lobby and take a short trip to local coffee shop for an overview of the impressive history of the city once known as “The Pearl of the Orient”. Then take a step back in time to visit several of the very best examples of “storytelling” architecture. Start at Jade pagoda established in the early 1900s to get a glimpse of ancient history when a group of Chinese fled the new regime to Saigon around the end of 17th century under the reign of Lord Nguyen.
Then wind your way to Archbishop's Palace – with a prayer house more than two hundred-years old (outside visit) as the home for the first French Catholic missionary. Gain an overview about the first approach of the French during the Cochinchina period in the early 18th century. Stroll around the University of Social Sciences & Humanities which used to be the 11th infantry regiment colonial military barracks for an insight into French campaigns against Viet Minh at the time. Your stop will be at the former residence of the US Ambassador, Henry C. Lodge in the 1960s for a drink and watch 10-min movie about Saigon back in the day.
NOTES:
· There is an extra charge for the transfer at the other ports.
· Total duration: 04 hours
Meals: None
TOUR INCLUSIONS
| Inclusive of: | Non-inclusive of: |
| · Private transfers and transportation on tour · Sightseeing with Local English speaking guides · Entrance fees and boat rides if any · Cold towels and water on sightseeing days · Welcome pack · Dock permit · Tips & gratuities |
· Vietnam visa · Accommodation on board · All meals where not mentioned in the program · Drinks/water at included lunches and dinners · All flights & airport taxes · Hotel early check in/ Late check out · Overweight luggage · Personal expenses · Travel insurance · Other services not listed in inclusive column |
Half-Day Saigon: Retracing the Past (5 hours)
Half-Day Saigon: Retracing the Past (5 hours)
On arrival to Saigon (Nha Rong port), disembark the ship and meet your guide. Commence with a visit of the shrine outside of the US Consulate then continue to the former CIA building (outside visit only), where helicopters evacuated the remaining US citizens in 1975. Head to the rooftop café of the Rex hotel, a familiar landmark for Americans during the Vietnam War. Sit down for a drink, enjoy the view and this piece of history which your guide will help to explain. Then visit the Reunification Palace for a guided tour of the former headquarters of the South Vietnamese Government and residence of the presidents. Drive to the former residence of the US Ambassador of South Vietnam in the early 1960s, Mr. Henry C. Lodge, who conducted a mission to overthrow the South Vietnamese Government. Watch a 10 minutes documentary film about Saigon during that time while enjoying a cold drink. Then drive to a secret weapon chamber which VC used as a place to hide and store weapons during Vietnam War. Then weave through tiny back alleys and meet and chat with the locals who are living in tiny houses. Head to a historic venue for a late lunch of “pho” (noodle soup). The house number 07 on Ly Chinh Thang Street (former Yen Do street) is now known as Pho Binh restaurant which used to be the headquarters of Viet Cong Commanders where they gathered to plan for the 1968 Tet Offensive. Take a walk upstairs to learn more about the history through the family’s photo collection. Then drive back to the port to embark the ship.
NOTES:
· There is an extra charge for the transfer at the other ports.
· Total duration: 05 hours
Meals: None
TOUR INCLUSIONS
| Inclusive of: | Non-inclusive of: |
| · Private transfers and transportation on tour · Sightseeing with Local English speaking guides · Entrance fees and boat rides if any · Cold towels and water on sightseeing days · Welcome pack · Dock permit · Tips & gratuities |
· Vietnam visa · Accommodation on board · All meals where not mentioned in the program · Drinks/water at included lunches and dinners · All flights & airport taxes · Hotel early check in/ Late check out · Overweight luggage · Personal expenses · Travel insurance · Other services not listed in inclusive column |
Half-Day Saigon: Culinary Experience at Former Ambassador's Residence (4 hours)
Half-Day Saigon: Culinary Experience at Former Ambassador's Residence (4 hours)
On arrival to Saigon (Nha Rong port), disembark the ship and meet your guide. Drive 20 minutes to Ben Thanh market to buy all the fresh ingredients before continuing an historic Ambassador's home for a private hands-on cooking demonstration. The American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s, Mr. Henry Cabot Lodge, carried a mission of overthrowing the southern government at that time. When Lodge arrived in Saigon, an old villa in District 3 was converted into the Ambassador’s residence. Mr. Lodge lived in this home between1960-1965 and the architecture is a mix of Vietnamese, French and American. Today it remains a private residence owned by Trails of Indochina and it has been fully restored to its former glory. The guide will provide an orientation tour of the house while the chef prepares the ingredients. Learn typical Southern style dishes throughout the morning. The chef will show you how to serve each dish before the meal, and you will need to master the chopsticks before you can savor your own culinary creations in the old world ambiance of the villa.
After lunch, transfer back to your ship.
Note: There is an extra charge for the transfer at the other ports.
Meal: Lunch
TOUR INCLUSIONS
| Inclusive of: | Non-inclusive of: |
| · Private transfers and transportation on tour · Sightseeing with Local English speaking guides · Lunch · Entrance fees and boat rides if any · Cold towels and water on sightseeing days · Welcome pack · Dock permit · Tips & gratuities |
· Vietnam visa · Accommodation on board · All meals where not mentioned in the program · Drinks/water at included lunches and dinners · All flights & airport taxes · Hotel early check in/ Late check out · Overweight luggage · Personal expenses · Travel insurance · Other services not listed in inclusive column |
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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