Duration:
8 days /7 nights
Prices:
1664
Start Date: Upon Request
Depart From:
Saigon
Destination(s) to visit:
Saigon - Mekong Delta - Phnom Penh Siem Reap
Tour Code:
ETV258
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Tour description:
Departure Date:
January
2010: 9, 26
February: 6, 20
March 2010: 13, 27
Boat trip from Ho Chi Minh to Cambodia - Travel from Mekong Delta to Cambodia by Boat
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Tour Program:
Day 1: Saigon – Cai Be
“The
Sea of Mangroves”
Bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon
while settling into your cabin. The ship will begin by meandering along
busy ports and waterways. Soon after, the change is abrupt and you’ll
find yourself in the UNESCO listed Mangrove Biosphere Reserve of Can Gio
which had been destroyed during the Vietnam War by toxic chemicals.
Amazingly, the 75 hectares of forest has come back to life through a
reforestation.
Enjoy a cocktail reception at the Funnel Bar and
Lounge followed by a Welcome Dinner on the Sun Deck. Drop anchor just
outside of Cai Be for the night.
Day 2: Cai Be – Chau Doc
“Vietnamese
inventiveness”
Today’s tour starts with the visit of Cai Be’s
colorful floating market. Cruise among local sampans coming from all
provinces of the delta full of fruits and vegetables. Proceed to Dong
Hoa Hiep island located between Vinh Long and Cai Be. During a 40 minute
cruise, discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the
typical Mekong Delta rural life. These evergreen islands among the
Mekong River still remain unknown to many people.
Back on the
sampans, we will lead to you to observe the activity of the biggest rice
stock market in Cai Be. Further stops will allow you to see traditional
brick and tile factories and how locals use palm leaves for houses.
Cruise 20 minutes further to Phu An hamlet passing by Cai Be’s beautiful
cathedral. Visit some interesting home factories to see how rice paste,
rice cookies and coco candies, are made, along with the longan fruit
drying process.
Lunch will await you at Le Longanier, a superb
Indochinese villa located in a lush tropical garden by the river,
surrounded by fruit orchards. After lunch, group 1 takes a stroll along
the canals to experience the local environment first hand while group 2
explores the edges of the canals on bicycle. After touring the canals,
head to the An Kiet ancient house to have tea with the descendants of
the former imperial residents. Board the Jayavarman for a relaxing
evening cruise towards Chau Doc. Moor midstream overnight.
Day
3:Chau Doc- border crossing
“Taste of aqua cultural life”
Welcome
to the circus of fish. The early birds will be treated to Thai Chi
lessons on the Sun Deck. Brace yourself for a boat excursion to the
exciting floating villages and catfish farms witnessing masses of bassa
fish being fed, hand in hand with a shore excursion to the village of
the local Muslim Cham community.
Take a ride through this fascinating
town of rich French colonial architecture and see its bustling market
flooded with tropical fruits in full display by women in cone shaped
palm leaf hats. Observe beautiful textiles being woven on old wooden
looms; a tradition that has been passed from generation to generation.
By
mid-afternoon, The Jayavarman casts off for the border towards Phnom
Penh.
Day 4:Phnom Penh
“Pearl of the East”
Off we
go early in the morning to witness a truly indescribable scene while
approaching Phnom Penh’s river promenade. After breakfast, embark on a
city tour in this dynamic, historical capital of Cambodia which has
retained its French colonial charm. Sightseeing in the morning will
include the dazzling white and gold architecture of the Royal Palace,
outstanding displays of Khmer crafts at the National Museum and the
temple on a hill - Wat Phnom.
After lunch in a local restaurant,
examine the painful, heart wrenching reminders of Cambodia’s ugly past
under the Khmer Rouge regime with an excursion to the infamous “Killing
Fields”; the former detention, torture and execution centers during the
Cambodian civil war. Introduction and onsite lecture by a local history
professor.
Thereafter, to ease the nerves a variety of cocktails will
be at your disposal, followed by Cambodia’s traditional Apsara dance
performance. Experience the brilliance and richness of the culture, the
soothing sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of incense
sticks and a delicious Khmer food buffet.
Day 5: Phnom Penh –
Kampong Cham
“Monks and hilltops”
Depart before the break of
dawn from Phnom Penh with a stop at the little known Chong Koh silk
weaving village for a leisure walk. We cruise past the Mekong’s tranquil
villages and mind blowing river life with scores of fishermen on duty.
Visit Wat Nokor, a wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple that
holds a timeless story. Then, travel to the Cheung Kok Ecotourism
Village, a small village developed with support from Assistance
Médiation Internationale (AMICA). Travelers can visit the village and
take part in activities to experience village life. Profits from tourism
go towards re-investment into long-term projects.
Day 6:
Kampong Cham – Wat Hanchey
“Cambodia’s province and the wetlands”
Wake
up in the wee hours of the morning, truly energized to embark on a
journey upriver to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Located at
the top of a hill overlooking the river, it offers some of the best
views in Cambodia. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient structures
do justice to the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the
glories of the mighty Angkor. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding
well organized rice paddy plains, as well as a travelers blessing
performed by the local monks.
Day 7: Kampong Cham – Kampong
Chhnang – Tonle Sap
“Waterworld”
Before the sun rises, The
Jayavarman sets sail to Kampong Chhnang via Prek K’dam along the
meandering Tonle Sap River, which narrows through leafy swaths of the
South East Asian jungle. Take a walk through Kampong Louang, one of the
last silversmith villages, to see the entire community involved in
making various silver items to sell. Get back aboard The Jayavarman to
eat lunch while cruising towards Kampong Chhnang.
After lunch, take a
motorboat excursion from Kampong Chhnang to see the wetlands, floating
houses and fish farms in the region. Make a stop at a Heritage Line
sponsored floating school to interact with the children and teach them
some English! This is the day to truly experience rural Khmer life. In
the evening, a mouth watering Farewell Dinner will be served on the Sun
Deck.
Day 8: Tonle Sap – Siem Reap
“Angkor Awaits”
This
great lake dominates Cambodia and is over 150 km in length. The
birdlife is profuse and from the middle of the lake one cannot even see
the shores. Witness stillness and tranquillity on the way to Siem Reap.
The
water level varies a great deal according to the time of the year and
the amount of rainfall recorded. Thus, changes may occur for the
different seasons.
High Water Program (approx. between July and
December)
Cross the Tonle Sap Lake at dawn and 11:00 disembark at
Siem Reap Port for onward coach transfer to the hotel by 12:00 pm
Low
Water Program (approx. between December and June)
Cruise early
morning to Prek K’dam where you will disembark Jayavarman after
breakfast. Board a coach at 9:00am which will take you to see a
pre-Angorian temple on your way to Siem Reap. A packed lunch and
refreshments will be available along the way. Arrive in Siem Reap early
afternoon.
8 Day Saigon - Siem Reap &
vica versa "The Lost of Civilization"
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Travel from Mekong Delta to Cambodia by Boat - Boat trip from Ho Chi Minh to Cambodia
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Note:
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Tour Prices(Price per person and in US$)
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8 Days Saigon - Siem Reap & vica versa "The Lost of Civilization"
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Includes:
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Excludes:
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