CMYK (FROM PMS 357)
vietnam, cambodia
& the mekong river With Dr. Chris Andrews Featuring the Mekong Pandaw | October 20–November 4, 2009 100% K WHITE
experience the and lush lan
engage your mind Dear Traveler, Cambodia and Vietnam evoke images of illustrious imperial dynasties, magnificent Buddhist and Hindu sites, and lush landscapes dotted with patchwork rice paddies. Join Dr. Chris Andrews, Director of the Steinhart Aquarium and Chief of Public Programs, on this unique two-week program that examines the long history of human settlement and its impact on the Mekong River system. Explore the classical French architecture and Old Quarter of Hanoi, journey for four nights on a Mekong River cruise, and experience the misty romance and rich history of Hué. Enjoy bird watching from the deck during a crossing of the vast Tonlé Sap, a UNESCO biosphere reserve and Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Your journey will culminate in magnificent Angkor and a stay in the beautiful Sofitel Royal Angkor Hotel. We will be joined by former U.N. Ambassador Sichan Siv and members of the American Museum of Natural History on this private charter. A portion of your program rate will go toward a
group donation for a sampan (wooden boat) or fresh water well for a Mekong Delta family in need. I invite you to journey with us to fascinating and unforgettable Southeast Asia. Sincerely,
J. William Diebenow | Executive Vice President High Country Passage
To register, contact your professional travel advisor, call (800) 395-3288 or visit www.hcptravel.com.
e rich history ndscapes...
photography COVER Angkor Wat at sunset • Monk, Angkor Wat Above Woman, Hué • Rice paddies BACK Fishermen on the Perfume River • Vietnamese workers in rice fields • Lotus, Vietnam’s national flower
exceptional insight Your Academy Leader Dr. Chris Andrews, Director of the Steinhart Aquarium and Chief of Public Programs “Throughout my career I have been
fortunate to visit some wonderful and exotic locations, many of which are now undergoing quite tumultuous change. I have always been especially interested in the diversity of life in the tropics, and the contrast of nature and culture in those areas with what I have seen and experienced elsewhere. I looking forward to this trip in particular, since not only will we receive an appreciation of the spectacular wildlife and wild places in this fascinating part of the world, but also because we will get a glimpse of some old and extremely interesting cultures in a part of the world that is rapidly changing.”
Additional Expert Sichan Siv is a former U.S. ambassador
to the U.N. A onetime refugee from Cambodia, Ambassador Siv settled in Wallingford, Connecticut, in 1976. He earned a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University and held positions at the White House and U.S. Department of State between 1989 and 1993. Ambassador Siv is the author of the memoir Golden Bones: An Extraordinary Journey from Hell in Cambodia to a New Life in America and brings to the program a unique perspective informed by his personal experience. His lecture topics include the history of the region and issues facing Cambodia today.
R e s erv e y o ur Place now.
contact your professional travel advisor or call (800) 395-3288 | visit www.hcptravel.com
photography Painted stork • Tropical fruit • Bicyclist, Vietnam • Golden Temple, Laos • Classical tour boat on Hué’s Perfume River • Monks at Bayon temple • Grand Hotel d’Angkor
where enduring tradition meets br Departs Tuesday 10.20.09 | Returns Wednesday 11.4.09
October 20 & 21: U.S. | Hanoi, Vietnam Depart the U.S.
and arrive in Hanoi the next day (passengers originating on the U.S. East Coast will depart on October 19). Sofitel Metropole Hotel (D)
October 22 & 23: Hanoi Learn about Vietnamese culture at the 11th-century Confucius Temple of Literature and visit the Museum of Ethnology, which includes a special welcome from the director. See Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence from France in 1945. Stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter with a local historian and take in a private performance of water puppet theater. Sofitel Metropole Hotel (2B,2L,1D)
October 24: Hanoi | Hué Fly to the World Heritage site of
Hué, Vietnam’s capital from 1802 to 1945 and renowned for its imposing monuments and architecture. Stroll through the peaceful pine forest and past the lotus-filled lake that surrounds the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, the last Emperor of Vietnam to rule independently before French colonialism. La Residence Hotel (B,D)
October 25 & 26: Hué | Ho Chi Minh City Fly to
bustling Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon), Vietnam’s commercial hub.
An evening tour along the city’s wide, elegant boulevards features crumbling colonial French buildings, the former Hotel de Ville, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Visit the History Museum and former Presidential Palace, or explore the infamous underground tunnels of Cu Chi. Admire Thien Hau Pagoda’s intricate ceramic friezes and later tour the stirring War Remnants Museum. Caravelle Hotel (2B,2L,1D)
October 27: Ho Chi Minh City | Phnom Penh
(Embark) Fly to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital that was
once home to the Communist Khmer Rouge. Today it is a pleasant riverfront city. See the sparkling Royal Palace, admire impressive sculptures at the open-air National Museum, and view the spectacular Silver Pagoda’s solid-gold Buddha. Examine the painful reminders of Cambodia’s turbulent history at the somber Choeung Ek Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng detention center. Then embark the Mekong Pandaw for a four-night journey up the Mekong River toward Siem Reap. Mekong Pandaw (B,L,D)
October 28: Chong Koh | Peam Chi Kang After a stop at
Chong Koh village to visit a colorful silk-weaving center, continue to cruise through a scenic region of riverbank villages framed by distant hills. Stop at the small settlement of Peam Chi Kang to glimpse
Extend your journey with four days in regal Laos.
Sofitel Royal Angkor Set among tranquil gardens, Sofitel Royal Angkor is located mere minutes from the stunning Angkor Wat complex. The hotel comprises 175 elegantly appointed rooms featuring a blend of French and Khmer architecture. Each room commands superb views of the beautiful local scenery and is fully equipped with Sofitel’s exquisite standard of comfort and amenities.
reathtaking beauty everyday rural life, and continue to the pleasant, tree-lined capital of Kâmpóng Cham. Mekong Pandaw (B,L,D)
October 29: Kâmpóng Cham Admire the majestic pre-
Angkorian temples of Wat Hanchey and Wat Nokor, where young monks in saffron-colored robes study Buddhist scriptures. Visit the twin holy mountains of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srei and take in the spectacular views of the surrounding rice paddy plains. Mekong Pandaw (B,L,D)
October 30: Tonlé Sap Lake Visit Tonlé Sap Lake as it
narrows and winds through leafy swaths of jungle. This site of an ancient battle between the Khmers and the Chams is now a UNESCO biosphere and one of the world’s best examples of wetland development. See modern-day fish cultivation and view Cambodians’ “floating houses.” Mekong Pandaw (B,L,D)
October 31–November 2: Kâmpóng Chhnang
(Disembark) | Siem Reap (Angkor) Disembark the Mekong Pandaw at the port of Kâmpóng Chhnang and travel by boat to Siem Reap. Continue to the vast site of Angkor and spend three days exploring this mystical World Heritage site. Marvel at the 12th-century Buddhist Bayon temple, admire nearby carved-stone
bas-reliefs, and visit the new Angkor National Museum. At sunset, explore the incomparable Angkor Wat, widely regarded as the apex of classical Khmer art and architecture. See the ornately carved Preah Khan temple, built by Jayavarman VII in the 12th century. Gather for a festive farewell dinner and Khmer dance performance. Sofitel Royal Angkor (3B,2L,2D)
November 3 & 4: Angkor | Bangkok, Thailand Explore
moss-covered Ta Prohm, an ancient Buddhist monastery surrounded by tropical hardwood trees. The next day, transfer to Siem Reap for flights to Bangkok and the U.S., crossing the International Date Line and arriving home the same day. Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel (2B,1L)
Extend Your Journey On a four-day extension to regal Laos,
discover the peaceful UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang, the golden temples of Vientiane, and the magnificent Pak Ou Caves, accessible only by boat and home to hundreds of wooden Buddha sculptures. Further details and pricing will soon be available.
“ I just can’t say enough about the crew, food, and architecture of the Mekong Pandaw… ” – Peter Voll, 2006 passenger
Mekong Pandaw
The recreates the atmosphere and character of the original colonial-era steamers of the 1920s and affords passengers the luxury of peaceful cruising through the landscapes of the Mekong Delta. Fully air-conditioned, the Mekong Pandaw offers 32 generously sized staterooms, each with private facilities and finished in brass and teak. With ample lounge space for lectures and a sundeck for socializing, the Mekong Pandaw is the perfect vessel on which to explore the riches of the Mekong Delta.
reserve your place now Program Rates Include Comprehensive
educational program by study leaders, on-site guides, and local experts • Three nights at the Sofitel Metropole Hotel in Hanoi, one night at La Residence Hotel in Hué, two nights at the Caravelle Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, four nights on a Mekong Pandaw cruise, three nights at the Sofitel Royal Angkor in Siem Reap, and one night at the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Hotel in Bangkok • Meals as indicated in the itinerary • Bottled water on coaches during excursions • All on-tour coach and boat transportation • Transfers and baggage handling between airports and hotels for those traveling on group flights • Gratuities to guides, drivers, ship, and wait staff for all group activities • Complete packet of pre-departure information including educational materials • Professional tour management throughout • A percentage donation of one sampan (wooden boat) or water well to a Mekong Delta family in need
Airfare
U.S. domestic and international airfare is not included in the program rates. As of January 2009, economy-class airfare from San Francisco to Hanoi, Vietnam, with return from Bangkok, Thailand, is estimated at $1,365 and is subject to change. High Country Passage is happy to assist you in making individual travel arrangements.
Potential Fuel Surcharge
Every effort is made to keep program costs as low as possible, and rates do not include allowances to cover possible increases in fuel costs. Please be aware that the volatile nature of oil prices may make it necessary to assess a fuel surcharge. We appreciate your understanding.
Book by April 1st, 2009, and receive $500 off your cabin!
Upper Deck 317
315
313
311
309
307
305
303
301
318
316
314
312 310
308
306
304
302
Middle Deck 203
201
206 204
202
205
Lower Deck 107 105
103
101
108 106
104
102
Program Rates
Double
Single^
● Lower Deck
$8,395
$10,295
● Middle Deck*
$8,645
—
CHART PROVIDED FOR REFERENCE ONLY; OK TO REBUILD IN InDESIGN
● Upper Deck*
$8,845
$10,745
PROGRAM RATES DOUBLE SINGLE * Upper and Middle Decks cabins feature private outdoor deck space with rattan chairs and table. LOWER DECKNeed a roommate? $0 We will $0 try to find LEAST EXPENSIVE ^ CATEGORY Special OfferCfor Single Travelers: a share for you and you will be charged the double occupancy rate even if no roommate is found. CATEGORY B
MIDDLE DECK
$0
-
CATEGORY A
UPPER DECK
$0
$0
MOST EXPENSIVE
Terms and Conditions Reservations and Payments A deposit of
$1,000 per person (payable to High Country Passage) is required to confirm all reservations. Please mail the check to High Country Passage, 500 Third Street, Suite 455, San Francisco, CA 94107. Final payment deadline is June 19, 2009, 120 days prior to departure.
Cancellations and Refunds Deposits are fully refundable if a written notice of cancellation is received by High Country Passage within 30 days of receipt of deposit; after that, they are 100% non-refundable. Cancellations after final payment deadline: 100% penalty. All cancellations must be made in writing.
Health All participants should be in good health and capable of walking over rough terrain. By forwarding the deposit for passage, the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers.
Rates Do Not Include International and U.S.
domestic airfare • Passport and visa fees • Immunization costs • Airport security fees imposed by the government or airline • Meals and beverages other than those specified as included • Excess baggage charges • Baggage and cancellation insurance • Transfers and baggage handling for those not participating in group flights • Laundry, room service, telephone and fax calls, excess baggage charges, and other items of a purely personal nature
Itinerary, Program, and Cost Modifications The itinerary, as contained in this
brochure, is subject to modifications and change by High Country Passage. Every effort will be made to carry out this program as planned, but alterations may still occur after the final itinerary is sent. Costs, although given in good faith and based on information available upon publication of the brochure, are also subject to change and revision. Due to fluctuations in oil prices, a fuel surcharge may be added to your tour fee. Details and costs will be advised prior to your departure.
Insurance Trip cancellation/interruption insurance is
highly recommended and should be considered for your financial protection. Another important consideration is medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage. A comprehensive package will be made available to you upon receipt of your initial deposit. Early purchase will provide coverage of pre-existing medical conditions.
Responsibility High Country Passage (HCP) acts only
as an agent for the suppliers and contractors providing transportation and/or all other travel-related services and assume no responsibility howsoever caused for personal injury, or for personal or property loss or damage, in connection with any service. Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness, weather, strikes, terrorism, wars, or other such causes. HCP reserves the right to make changes to the published itinerary whenever, in their judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour. Occasionally, unforeseen
changes in transportation schedules or other pressing matters necessitate a change in the land portion of the tour or cause a tour to be extended beyond its scheduled completion; any extra costs incurred in such cases are the responsibility of the passenger. HCP reserves the right at their discretion to alter, change, omit, and/or feature any part of the itinerary or any reservation, conveyance, or routing at any time and without notice and for any reason whatsoever without allowance of refund. HCP also reserves the right to decline or accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any person to withdraw from the tour at any time, when such action is determined by their representative to be in the best interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of the tour group or the individual participant. HCP reserves the right to withdraw without penalty any tour announced. Personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times.
Photography © Steve Raymer / Corbis (Angkor Wat);
© iStockphoto.com / © Robert Churchill (monk); © iStockphoto.com / Pichai Khaola (rice paddies); © Arindom Chowdhury / Dreamstime.com (stork); © iStockphoto.com / Serdar Yagci (tour boat); © Gina Smith / Dreamstime.com (fruit); © iStockphoto.com / David Mody (monks); © iStockphoto.com / Keith Molloy (bicyclist); © iStockphoto.com / Simon Gurney (temple); © Christina Hebert (Mekong Pandaw) © iStockphoto.com / Serdar Yagci (fishermen); © Roberto Colonello / Dreamstime.com (workers); © iStockphoto.com / Hsing-Wen Hsu (lotus) Printed on recycled paper CST #2070901-40 091017 CMK HCP
To reserve your place, contact your professional travel advisor or call (800) 395-3288. Visit www.hcptravel.com.
vietnam,cambodia & the mekong river Featuring the Mekong Pandaw | October 20–November 4, 2009 Please send your completed reservation form and deposit to High Country Passage, 500 Third Street, Suite 455, San Francisco, CA 94107, contact your professional travel advisor, or call us at (800) 395-3288.
Please Print Contact Information __________________________________________________________ Name 1 (as it appears on passport)
_______________________________________ __________________ Cardholder Signature Date
__________________________________________________________ Address
Accomodations Cabin category preference (refer to deck plan):
__________________________________________________________ Name 2 (as it appears on passport)
_______________________________ ___________ _____________ City State Zip
(______)_____________________ (______)_____________________ Home phone Work phone (______)_____________________ (______)_____________________ Cell phone Fax __________________________________________________________ Email Payment
❍ Enclosed is my check for $ _________ ($1,000 per person, made
payable to “High Country Passage”) for _________ place(s) on the
Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River program.
❍ Please charge my deposit of $_________ ($1,000 per person) to my ❍ VISA ❍ MasterCard ❍ American Express.
_____________________________ _________ __________________ Card Number Sec. Code Exp. Date
__________________________________________________________ Cardholder name (as it appears on card) ____________________________ ____________________________ 1st choice 2nd choice Bed Preference (not guaranteed): ❍ Two beds ❍ One bed Single Applicants Only
❍ I prefer single accommodations.
❍ I plan to share accommodations with:_________________________ ❍ Please arrange a share for me.
I am a ❍ non-smoker ❍ smoker. We will try to find a share for you and you will be charged the double occupancy rate even if no roommate is found.
Acceptance of Terms
I/We have read the program information and the Terms and Conditions in this brochure and agree to the terms as stated therein.
_______________________________________ __________________ Signature Date _______________________________________ __________________ Signature Date
CMYK (FROM PMS 357)
Make an authentic connection and a world of difference to one family in need. A portion of your program rate provides a sampan (wooden boat) or a fresh water well to a Mekong Delta family.
leave a positive footprint 100% K
500 Third Street, Suite 455 San Francisco, Ca 94107
WHITE
Book by April 1st, 2009, and receive $500 off your cabin!
Halong Bay
Hanoi
SH I P LAN D AIR
Mekong River
Hué
Thailand Bangkok
Siem Reap (Angkor) Tonlé Sap Lake
Cambodia
Phnom Penh
Kâmpóng Cham
Vietnam
Peam Chi Kang Chong Koh
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
vietnam, cambodia
& the mekong river With Dr. Chris Andrews Featuring the Mekong Pandaw | October 20–November 4, 2009