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Vietnam, Cambodia & the Riches of the Mekong




Overview

AMA Waterways’ Mekong River cruise-tours are extremely popular and fill up well in advance. Hume Travel has been fortunate to secure cabins on two departures that are already selling out very quickly.

Magnificent scenery • Historic wonders • Ancient cultures • Friendly people
One of the longest rivers in the world, the Mekong is truly a wonder in the ever-changing scenery as you travel between the wetlands of one of its tributaries, Tonle Sap, down into the famous Mekong Delta and Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon.

Exclusive Hume Travel departures
16 days/14 nights
April 3, 2012 from $4,088USD/person*

Journey Highlights:

  • Hanoi (2 nights) – Explore Vietnam’s bustling capital
  • Ha Long Bay (overnight) – Marvel at the bay’s marvellous scenery
  • Siem Reap, Cambodia (3 nights) – Discover fascinating Angkor Archaeological Park – a UNESCO world heritage site filled with magnificent temples that once heralded the grandeur of the Khmer empire.
  • Mekong River Cruise (7 nights) from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – Aboard your luxury river cruise, experience life on the river from small rural villages to booming capitals. Visit temples, floating markets and more along the way during your unforgettable Mekong River odyssey.

*Each of 2 sharing a room. Single and triple prices available upon request.

Book today!

Contact our travel professionals at
604-682-7581 or 1-800-663-9787 to book your voyage
or find out more about this sensational offer.
8:00AM - 5:30PM (Pacific)
Monday through Friday

 Request more information
 

Itinerary

Vietnam, Cambodia & the Riches of the Mekong - 2012
16 Days - Spend 2 nights in Hanoi, overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, then travel to Siem Reap for 3 nights before embarking on your 7-night Mekong River cruise, ending your journey with a 2-night stay in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

 

DAY 1, ARRIVE IN HANOI, VIETNAM.
Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital city, known for its graceful colonial architecture, frenetic streets, verdant parks and ancient temples. After your airport greeting, transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city on your own, or perhaps, visit the fabled Old Quarter.

DAY 2, HANOI
A morning sightseeing tour will take you to Hanoi’s most famous historical and cultural sites: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, One-pillar Pagoda and The Temple of Literature. In the afternoon, experience an authentic rickshaw ride (known as “cyclo”) in the Old Quarter, followed by a traditional water puppet show. (B)

DAY 3, HANOI – HA LONG BAY OVERNIGHT JUNK
After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a scenic motor coach ride to one of Vietnam’s most renowned locations: Ha Long Bay. Board a traditional wooden Junk that combines classic beauty with modern conveniences, plus luxurious overnight accommodations. Set sail to discover the Bay’s magnificent scenery set amidst stunning limestone cliffs. That evening, you’ll enjoy dinner on board, and overnight on the Junk. (B,L,D)

DAY 4, HA LONG BAY – HANOI – SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
This morning, your Ha Long Bay Junk continues its scenic cruising while a delightful breakfast is served in the dining lounge. Late morning, disembark for a motor coach transfer to Hanoi Airport. After a short flight, arrive in Siem Reap, Cambodia, gateway to Angkor, the former capital of the Khmer empire and one of the most renowned archeological sites in all of South East Asia. (B,L,D)

DAY 5, SIEM REAP – ANGKOR
After breakfast, begin a guided sightseeing tour of the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include Angkor Thom, Terrace of the Elephants, Terrace of the Leper King and the Bayon. This afternoon, visit the most iconic of all Angkorian temples - Angkor Wat. (B,D)

DAY 6, SIEM REAP –ANGKOR
This morning, travel through rural countryside to the pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei. Then visit Ta Prohm, the temple famous for its intertwined trees (showcased in the film Tomb Raider). (B)

DAY 7, SIEM REAP – TONLE SAP LAKE/EMBARKATION – KAMPONG CHHNANG
Welcome aboard your luxurious vessel, moored at Tonle Sap Lake. The great lake dominates Cambodia and is known for its profuse bird life and tranquil fishing villages. Meet your fellow travelers at the Welcome Dinner as you cruise to Kampong Chhnang. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, KAMPONG CHHNANG – KAMPONG TRALACH-OUDONG
After breakfast, a motor boat excursion takes you into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the Tonle Sap river. Enjoy a stunning variety of birdlife, and see numerous great fish traps, some over a half-mile long. After your excursion, return to your vessel and cast off towards Kampong Tralach. An afternoon tour includes an oxcart ride from the river bank through the countryside to the beautiful Wat Kapong Tralach Pleu. Tour the pagodas, and then board a motor coach to Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia, where you will tour the Buddhist monastery. After the visit, you motor coach will take you to your vessel, which will cruise towards the village of Chong Koh. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, CHONG KOH- PHNOM PENH
This morning, visit the Chong Koh silk weaving village for a leisurely walk. Your vessel then departs for Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. An afternoon walking tour provides an orientation to this spectacular city. Return to the vessel for dinner, followed by a special Khmer folk performance on board. The vessel moors overnight in Phnom Penh. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, PHNOM PENH
A morning tour explores the highlights of Cambodia’s capital city, famous for its French colonial architecture, busy cafes, vibrant nightlife and renovated river “corniche.” Visit the Royal Palace and the spectacular Silver Pagoda. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts. After lunch onboard, another excursion leads to the infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention centre (Genocide Museum) situated in the suburbs of the city. An overnight on the waterfront provides an opportunity to dine in one of many nearby restaurants and experience Phnom Penh’s vibrant nightlife, should passengers so choose. (B,L,D)

DAY 11, PHNOM PENH – BORDER CROSSING – TAN CHAU, VIETNAM
Spend a day cruising the Mekong River and crossing the border into Vietnam. Your vessel moors at the small town of Tan Chau, Vietnam. (B,L,D)

DAY 12, TAN CHAU – SA DEC
After breakfast, transfer to small boats, which will navigate through narrow channels to visit an evergreen island. You will also visit a catfish farm and a rattan mat and slipper-making workshop . Back ashore, a traditional “xe-loi” (trishaw) awaits to transport you around Tan Chau. In the afternoon, your vessel cruises downstream to Sa Dec, where it will moor overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 13, SA DEC – XEO QUYT - CAI BE
In the morning, board a local boat for Sa Dec passing floating markets as you boat maneuvers through the river’s channels. Once ashore, you will tour Sa Dec, noteworthy as the town where the French writer Marguerite Dumas spent many years in her youth. Visit a local market, Fujian Temple and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Dura’s Chinese paramour, which is now a small museum. Afterwards board a motor coach for the 1-hour ride to Xeo Quyt, used as a base during the French and U.S. wars and now an important ecological site, with its jungle overgrowth. After lunch on board, a local boat will take you to Cai Be’s spectacular floating market; then you will go ashore to see candy and rice paper workshops. In the evening, enjoy a gourmet Farewell Dinner onboard. (B,L,D)

DAY 14, HO CHI MINH CITY – DISEMBARK
Your cruise comes to an end as the ship docks at My Tho Port, followed by a transfer to Ho Chi Minh City. As the capital of the French colony of Cochinchina, Saigon was known as “Paris of the Orient.” Today, Vietnam’s largest city is an industrial, cultural and educational hub, but still retains vestiges of its colonial past. Upon arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, you will enjoy a city tour that explores famous landmarks, such as the former Presidential Palace, Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral; Cho Lon (China Town) and its famous Binh Tay market and Thien Hau pagoda. Overnight at a luxurious hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L)

DAY 15, HO CHI MINH CITY
Today is free to explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own, perhaps venturing to nearby shops and markets for mementos of your Southeast Asian odyssey. (B)

DAY 16, DEPART HO CHI MINH CITY
Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)




PLEASE NOTE: A visa is required for travel to Vietnam and Cambodia; please consult with your Consulate for more information.


SIEM REAP EMBARKATION DAY During low water season, transfer from Siem Reap to the ship via motor coach to Preak Kdam, a small village on the Tonle River.


PHNOM PENH No bare shoulders or shorts for ladies during the Royal Palace visit.


Included Features

Vietnam, Cambodia & the Riches of the Mekong - 2012
16 Days - Spend 2 nights in Hanoi, overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, then travel to Siem Reap for 3 nights before embarking on your 7-night Mekong River cruise, ending your journey with a 2-night stay in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

 
  • 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Hanoi at the Sofitel Legend Metropole (or similar) with daily Buffet Breakfast
  • Overnight stay on board a luxurious
  • Traditional Wooden Junk in Ha Long Bay
  • 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Siem Reap at the Sofitel Royal Angkor (or similar) with daily Buffet Breakfast
  • 7 Nights Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom - 82% of the Staterooms with Balconies
  • Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary
  • Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise
  • Free-flowing Wine, beer and soft drinks with every Dinner on board the Ship
  • Bottled Water in every stateroom replenished daily
  • Welcome Dinner and Farewell Cocktail Party & Dinner
  • 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza (or similar) with Buffet Breakfast
  • Onboard Special Highlights including Folklore Dances and Music Performances, Culture Discussion Forums, Theme Dinners and Piano Entertainment
  • Non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)
  • All Transfers with the Purchase of Cruise, Land & Air package




ms Amalotus

OVERVIEW
New for 2012 is the 124-passenger MS Amalotus, joining MS La Marguerite in offering the most luxurious river cruise vacations available on the exotic Mekong River through Cambodia and Vietnam. The elegant, 302-foot long Amalotus features 62 exquisitely decorated staterooms accented with traditional Colonial touches and regional Khmer artifacts. All staterooms and suites are outside accommodations and more than 90% feature balconies. The ship features elegant public areas that include a restaurant, two lounges, library, fitness room, outdoor whirlpool and inviting Sun Deck with its own bar.


AMENITIES
MS Amalotus features an array of amenities specifically designed for comfort, convenience and luxury on the great Mekong River.

DELUXE STATEROOMS: The ship’s exquisitely decorated 226 sq. ft. deluxe staterooms feature all the amenities of a fine hotel, with 2 twin size beds, a cozy sitting area, individually controlled air-conditioning, writing desk, mini-bar, safety deposit box, in-house telephone, bathroom with shower, bathrobe, slippers, hairdryer and in-house television. All staterooms and suites are outside accommodations, with more than 90% featuring balconies.

SADEC JR. SUITES: These ten junior suites offer an extra spacious 290 sq. ft. accommodation. In addition to all the amenities of the deluxe staterooms, Sadec Jr. Suites feature a King-sized bed, balcony, comfortable sitting area, plus a bathroom equipped with both a shower and separate tub.

INDOCHINA SUITES: These two suites provide the ultimate in onboard luxury. At 452 sq. ft., the suites feature all the amenities of the deluxe staterooms, plus a King-sized bed, the comfortable sitting area, a bathroom with whirlpool tub and separate shower, plus an extra-spacious private balcony.

WELLNESS AREA: Located on the Sun Deck, passengers can relax in an indulgent area that includes a fitness room, spa and outdoor whirlpool.


DINING & CUISINE
MS Amalotus’ culinary staff offers sophisticated menus comprised of wonderful soups, fresh produce, high quality meats and seafood. Start your day with a bright smile and welcome from the Purser Enjoy a lavish gourmet buffet breakfast consisting of assorted pastries, fresh fruits, yogurts, cereals, and daily regional specials. An array of traditional breakfast items is also available from the menu.

After your shore excursions, return back onboard to a delicious buffet lunch. Choose from mouthwatering soups, fresh salads, a selection of Western and Asian hot entrées, plus magnificent desserts and refreshing tropical fruits.

In the evening, be our honored guest for an elegant dinner or a traditional theme night with a feast of regional specialties. Enjoy delicious multi-course cuisine, sure to provide the perfect ending for your daily river cruise odyssey.

Throughout your cruise, enjoy free local beer, soft drinks, house brand spirits, local bottled water and filtered coffee and tea with meals.



Sadec (Sun Deck)

Saigon (Upper Deck)

Tonle (Main Deck)

Mekong (Lower Deck) | Click image to enlarge

Cabin Categories
Suite Sadec Deck Balcony & Large Fixed Window 452 sq. ft.
Jr. Suite Sadec Deck Balcony & Large Fixed Window 290 sq. ft.
Cat. A Saigon Deck Balcony & Large Fixed Window 226 sq. ft.
Cat. B Tonle Deck Balcony & Large Fixed Window 226 sq. ft.
Cat. C Mekong Deck Porthole 226 sq. ft.


Technical Data
Built: 2010
Built in: Vietnam
Length: 302 feet
Width: 42 feet
Staterooms: 62
Jr. Suites: 12
Ship Registry: Built in Vietnam
Home port: Vietnam
 
 


ms La Marguerite

OVERVIEW
The brand-new 92-passenger MS La Marguerite was specifically built to provide the most luxurious and immersive experience on South East Asia’s legendary Mekong River. With a design that combines colonial elegance with local artifacts and regional Mekong touches, MS La Marguerite is the perfect setting for an unforgettable river odyssey.

  • 46 Staterooms; Passenger Capacity: 92
  • Length: 235 feet;Width: 41 feet
  • 2 Indochina Suites (452 sq.ft) with a large fixed window, private balcony, shower and whirlpool tub
  • 6 Sadec Jr. Suites (290 sq.ft.) with a large fixed window and balcony
  • 30 Staterooms (226 sq ft) on Tonle and Saigon Deck with a large fixed window and balcony
  • 8 Staterooms (226 sq ft) on the Mekong Deck with a Porthole
  • Restaurant and Lounges: Mekong Restaurant, Saigon Lounge, Panoramic Lounge/Library, Sun Deck Bar

AMENITIES
MS La Marguerite features an array of amenities specifically designed for comfort, convenience and luxury on the great Mekong River.

DELUXE STATEROOMS:
The ship’s exquisitely decorated 226 sq. ft. deluxe staterooms feature all the amenities of a fine hotel, with 2 twin size beds, a cozy sitting area, individually controlled air-conditioning, writing desk, mini-bar, safety deposit box, in-house telephone, bathroom with shower, bathrobe, slippers, hairdryer and in-house television. All staterooms and suites are outside accommodations, with more than 82% featuring balconies.

SADEC JR. SUITES: These six junior suites offer an extra spacious 290 sq. ft. accommodation. In addition to all the amenities of the deluxe staterooms, Sadec Jr. Suites feature a King-sized bed, balcony, comfortable sitting area, plus a bathroom equipped with both a shower and separate tub.

INDOCHINA SUITES: These two suites provide the ultimate in onboard luxury. At 452 sq. ft., the suites feature all the amenities of the deluxe staterooms, plus a King-sized bed, the comfortable sitting area, a bathroom with whirlpool tub and separate shower, plus an extra-spacious private balcony.

WELLNESS AREA: Located on the Sun Deck, passengers can relax in an indulgent area that includes a fitness room, spa, beauty salon and outdoor whirlpool.


DINING & CUISINE
MS La Marguerite’s culinary staff offers sophisticated menus comprised of wonderful soups, fresh produce, high quality meats and seafood. Start your day with a bright smile and welcome from the Purser Enjoy a lavish gourmet buffet breakfast consisting of assorted pastries, fresh fruits, yogurts, cereals, and daily regional specials. An array of traditional breakfast items is also available from the menu.

After your shore excursions, return back onboard to a delicious buffet lunch. Choose from mouthwatering soups, fresh salads, a selection of Western and Asian hot entrées, plus magnificent desserts and refreshing tropical fruits.

In the evening, be our honored guest for an elegant dinner or a traditional theme night with a feast of regional specialties. Enjoy delicious multi-course cuisine, sure to provide the perfect ending for your daily river cruise odyssey.

Throughout your cruise, enjoy free local beer, soft drinks, house brand spirits, local bottled water and filtered coffee and tea with meals.



Sadec (Sun Deck)

Saigon (Upper Deck)

Tonle (Main Deck)

Mekong (Lower Deck)

Cabin Categories
Suite Sadec Deck Balcony & Large Fixed Window 452 sq. ft.
Jr. Suite Sadec Deck Balcony & Large Fixed Window 290 sq. ft.
Cat. A Saigon Deck Balcony & Large Fixed Window 226 sq. ft.
Cat. B Tonle Deck Balcony & Large Fixed Window 226 sq. ft.
Cat. C Mekong Deck Porthole 226 sq. ft.


Technical Data
Built: 2009
Built in: Vietnam
Length: 235 feet
Width: 41 feet
Crew: 38


Request a Quote

Book today!

Contact our travel professionals at
604-682-7581 or 1-800-663-9787 to book your voyage
or find out more about this sensational offer.
8:00AM - 5:30PM (Pacific)
Monday through Friday

 Request more information

 

 

*Rate is per person based on double-occupancy in Category C; to upgrade to a higher category, add per person Category B: $299, Category A: $599, Jr. Suite: $899 and Suite: $1499. $400 deposit per person is due at the time of booking. Final payment is due June 1, 2011. Pricing includes internal flights. Pricing does not include required visas, cancellation or medical insurance. Roundtrip air fares, taxes and fuel surcharges are additional. AMAWATERWAYS reserves the right to revise any errors on the flyer; itinerary subject to change. All prices are US Dollars.

 

Hume Travel Corporation 500-1525 Robson Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6G 1C3, Canada
B.C Registration Number: 1204-0 GST Vendor Number: 121679559