CLASSIC MEKONG 18 DAYS FROM PER PERSON
$7,680 FULLY INCLUSIVE WITH FLIGHTS FROM NEW ZEALAND
ALL MEALS
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS Drift along Angkor’s moat
at sunset See local life on Tonle Sap Cruise the Mekong for 3 nights Discover vibrant Saigon Wander charming Hoi An E xplore Hanoi’s Old Quarter 1 night Halong Bay Cruise
ITINER ARY
PRICE INCLUDES • 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 15 dinners • International flights and current taxes • Domestic transportation • 3 – 4 star accommodation • Touring with guides and entrance fees • Visa fees for NZ passport holders
DAYS 1-2: FLY OVERNIGHT TO SIEM REAP Fly overnight to bustling Siem Reap, the gateway to the temples of Angkor. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to soak up the local culture. DAY 3: THE TEMPLES OF ANGKOR Journey into the old city of Angkor Thom. At its heart is the enigmatic Bayon, an iconic temple of innumerable sculptural decorations. Admire the Elephant Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King before continuing to the atmospheric Ta Prohm. The rest of the afternoon is dedicated to Angkor Wat, the most magnificent and best preserved of all of Angkor’s treasures. As the sun sets, float peacefully on the moat that surrounds Angkor Thom, soaking up the atmosphere. Sit down to a welcome dinner with the group this evening.
Visit an organic Vietnamese farm
EXPERIENCES YOU’LL LOVE T ry your hand at traditional cultivation techniques with members of the local farming community in Tra Que village and enjoy a cooking demonstration of a regional speciality. 3 night Mekong River Cruise. With state-of-the-art facilities and an itinerary packed with culturallyimmersive shore excursions and onboard activities, there’s no better way to experience life on the Mekong. V isit Hanoi’s charming Reaching Out Teahouse for a rejuvenating cup of tea and the chance to learn about the work the project does with local people with disabilities.
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Discover enchanting Ta Prohm
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DAY 4: TONLE SAP Travel to the shores of Tonle Sap and visit the floating village of Kampong Phluk (Oct to Feb) or Chong Kneas (Mar to Sep). Stop at Chansar village for a glimpse at rural life before visiting the home of a local Khmer family. DAY 5: FLY TO PHNOM PENH Fly to Cambodia’s charming capital, Phnom Penh. Board a cyclo and head into the heart of the city to visit the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda before perusing the treasures of the National Museum. Stop to visit Wat Phnom before ending the day with a glass of refreshing local beer. DAY 6: BOARD THE VICTORIA MEKONG Spend the morning confronting Phnom Penh’s tragic past with visits to Tuol Sleng Museum and the Killing Fields. Transfer to Sisowath Quay and board
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the Victoria Mekong whilst being serenaded with traditional music. Relax with a sundowner on deck and enjoy an Apsara dance performance before sitting down to a sumptuous gala dinner. DAY 7: INTO VIETNA M The ship departs this morning, with plenty of onboard activities available; alternatively, spend the morning relaxing in the pool. Sail into Vietnam around lunchtime, anchoring near Tan Chau. Tender ashore to visit a Taoist temple and see the intriguing stilt houses. Return to the ship in time for a traditional lion dance performance. DAY 8: FLOATING M ARKET AND TAN LOC ISL AND Continue downstream to Long Xuyen and disembark to visit the bustling floating market and a local museum. After lunch back onboard, arrive at Tan Loc Island, where you’ll be able to explore the Ancient House and a lush garden for tea and fruit – a taste of Mekong hospitality. Later, go by local motorcart to a plum wine’ distillery and taste this intriguing local beverage made from fermented rose apples. Sail on to Can Tho, a Mekong Delta city where the ship will dock. Enjoy a performance of Don Ca Tai Tu – traditional music of the Mekong, while you sip a farewell cocktail and enjoy dinner. DAY 9: DISEMBARK IN CAN THO Enjoy breakfast onboard and visit a local floating market by boat. Disembark and bid farewell to the Victoria Mekong, boarding the ship’s shuttle bus from Can Tho to Saigon, stopping en route in Cai Be for a delicious local lunch. Dinner this evening will be at Noir, a restaurant that supports Saigon’s visually impaired, for a sensory ‘dining in the dark’ experience.
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