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TRAVELMARVEL 2012 RIVER CRUISE EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS
20 Day Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong In-Depth
Travelmarvel River Cruise starting in Saigon and finishing in Saigon
Countries Visited: Vietnam  Cambodia 
Tour Type: River Cruise
Tour Duration: 20 Days (19 Nights)
From: Saigon to Saigon
Tour Code: VTM20
Operator: Travelmarvel
from AU $5,640 pp
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River Cruise Description

This 20 day adventure combines the best Vietnam and Cambodia including Hoi An, Hanoi, Angkor Wat and Siem Reap. The highlights include a Junk cruise around Ha Long Bay and a luxury 7 day Mekong River Cruise, see the real Vietnam & Cambodia with Travelmarvels inspiring river cruise.

Cruise Inclusions

  • Eight days cruising the Mekong River in luxury aboard the ms La Marguerite
  • Enjoy a walk around Chong Koh
  • Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director
  • Port charges and tipping included
  • Flights within Vietnam and Cambodia, airport transfers, excursions and entertainment included

Cruising Highlights

  • Explore the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Visit Tay Ninh Holy See near Saigon
  • Enjoy a Vietnamese cooking tour, class and lunch in Hoi An
  • Take a trip to the Marble Mountains
  • Explore a museum in Da Nang, visit Lang Co Beach and cross Hai Van Pass
  • In Hue, cruise the Perfume River, visit Thien Mu Pagoda and visit the Citadel
  • Enjoy a tour, a rickshaw ride and see a water puppet show in Hanoi
  • Absorb the scenery of Ha Long Bay
  • Explore Angkor Archeological Park
  • Visit a ‘grass roots’ ODA orphanage
  • Experience iconic Angkor Wat
  • During your Mekong River cruise, enjoy a range of small boat excursions
  • Visit Kampong Tralach and Chong Koh
  • See the sights of Phnom Penh
  • Tour Tan Chau, Sa Dec and Cai Be

Finest Dining

  • Enjoy 19 Breakfasts (B), 13 Lunches (L) and 13 Dinners (D)
  • Soft drink, local beer and spirits included at all times during your cruise
  • Enjoy a choice of different dining experiences on your river ship

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Day
1
Arrive Saigon
Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is Vietnam’s largest city, located on the banks of the Saigon River. On arrival at the airport here today, you’ll be met by a Travelmarvel representative and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, get to know your fellow travellers and Travelmarvel Tour Director during a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant – the perfect start to your Vietnam & Cambodia journey. Stay: Hotel Continental SaigonHotel Continental Saigon (2 Nights)
Day
2
Cu Chi Tunnels, Tay ninh, Saigon
This morning pay a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. Part of a larger network, the tunnels were used by Viet Cong guerrillas as hiding spots during combat. They also served as communication and supply routes, hospitals, weapon caches and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters. Afterwards, drive through the picturesque southern Vietnamese countryside to the town of Tay Ninh. Here, you’ll enjoy lunch at Thu Thao restaurant before visiting the impressive Tay Ninh Holy See, a temple of the indigenous Cao Dai faith. Observe the noon service at the temple then return to Saigon. (B/L)
Day
3
Saigon, Da Nang, Hoi An
Transfer to the airport for your included flight to Da Nang on Vietnam’s South Central Coast. Here, travel by coach to the beautiful trading city of Hoi An. Check in to your hotel, then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. . Stay: Hoi An Hotel (2 Nights) (B/L/D)
Day
4
Hoi An
Today attend a cooking tour and class with the Morning Glory Cooking School. Begin with a tour of Hoi An’s market to learn about Vietnamese ingredients. Then head to the cooking school and learn how to prepare a selection of Vietnamese dishes. Afterwards, sample the results at lunch. This afternoon is at your leisure for you to explore. (B/L)
Day
5
Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue
Travel to the Marble Mountains, a cluster of five marble and limestone hills. Visit one of the many beautiful pagodas and explore a craft village before heading to Da Nang to explore the Museum of Cham Sculpture. Continue via beautiful Lang Co Beach and across the Hai Van Pass, one of the most scenic hillside roads in Vietnam, to Hue. Stay: Gerbera Hotel Hue (2 Nights) (B/L)
Day
6
Hue, Perfume River Cruise
This morning in Hue, cruise the Perfume River, which runs through the heart of Hue. Disembark and enjoy time at historic Thien Mu Pagoda, Vietnam’s tallest pagoda, then drive to the tomb of former emperor Minh Mang, a complex consisting of temples, pavilions and palaces set among tranquil gardens and lakes. After lunch, visit Hue’s Imperial City. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. (B/L/D)
Day
7
Hanoi
Board you included flight to Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, this morning. Check in to your hotel before dinner at a local restaurant. Stay: Hanoi, Silk Path Hotel (2 Nights) (B/D)
Day
8
Hanoi
A tour today will take you to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, The Temple of Literature and the Buddhist temple, One Pillar Pagoda. Afterwards, take a rickshaw ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter then head for Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and enjoy a unique water puppet show. (B)
Day
9
Hanoi, Ha Long Bay
After breakfast, travel to World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay and transfer to a traditional wooden junk for your overnight cruise. Enjoy a lunch of local seafood as you set off cruising amid the grottoes and spectacular limestone islets of the bay. Stop to explore famous Sung Sot Cave then continue to the beautiful white-sand beach on Titop Island. Perhaps go kayaking or swimming or just relax on the beach, before a delicious dinner back on board this evening. Stay: Ha Long Bay, Bai Tho Deluxe Junk (B/L/D)
Day
10
Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Siem Reap
Wake this morning in one of the world’s most beautiful places. Enjoy breakfast as you return to land. Disembark and transfer to the airport in Hanoi for your included flight to Siem Reap. Stay: Siem Reap, Prince D'Angkor Hotel and Spa (2 Nights) (B/L)
Day
11
Siem Reap, Angkor
After free time, explore Ta Prohm, famous for its intertwined trees. Visit a ‘grass roots’ orphanage before returning to Siem Reap. Tonight, dine on Khmer cuisine and see a performance of Apsara Dance. (B/D)
Day
12
Siem Reap, Angkor
Today head to World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park and experience the iconic temple of Angkor Wat. After, visit the last capital of the Khmer empire, Angkor Thom, where you’ll see the 13th century temple, Bayon as well as the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King. (B)
Day
13
Siem Reap, Embark Ship
Transfer by small boat to your ship for the start of your Mekong River cruise. Enjoy lunch as your ship sets off over the lake of Tonle Sap. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner. Stay: ms La Marguerite (7 Nights) (B/L/D)
Day
14
Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Tralach, Oudong, Prek K’dam
A small boat excursion today takes you past fishing villages into the wetlands that form the river-mouth of the Tonle Sap. Afterwards, return to your ship and set out for Kampong Tralach. Here, you’ll enjoy an ox-cart ride past rice fields and a small village. Visit the town’s pagodas then travel by coach via a Buddhist monastery in Oudong to Prek K’dam, where you’ll re-board your ship. (B/L/D)
Day
15
Chong Koh, Phnom Penh
Today enjoy a walk around the silk-weaving village of Chong Koh then cruise to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital. Here, set off on a walking tour to Wat Phnom, one of the city’s most important pagodas. Afterwards, return to the ship for dinner, followed by a Khmer folk performance on board. (B/L/D)
Day
16
Phnom Penh
FOn a tour of Phnom Penh today, visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda as well as the National Museum of Cambodia. After lunch back on board, head to the infamous Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, on the site of the Khmer Rouge’s notorious Security Prison 21 (S-21). After dinner, perhaps step out for an evening walk around this fascinating capital. (B/L/D)
Day
17
Border Crossing, Tan Chau
Spend today on board as your ship cruises to the Vietnamese border. This afternoon, perhaps attend a fruit-carving demonstration while the border formalities are carried out. Later, arrive in the Vietnamese town of Tan Chau. This evening, perhaps take a leisurely stroll through this lovely town. (B/L/D)
Day
18
Tan Chau, Sa Dec
Take a small boat ride through narrow channels to visit an evergreen island. Visit a floating fish farm and then go ashore for a rickshaw tour of Tan Chau, visiting a rattan mat and slipper-making workshop. In the afternoon, perhaps attend a lecture on Vietnam in the ship’s lounge. (B/L/D)
Day
19
Sa Dec, Cai be
In the morning, enjoy a boat ride past floating markets to Sa Dec, the city where the French writer Marguerite Duras met her Chinese lover, Huynh Thuy Le. Disembark for a tour that takes you to Huynh Thuy Le’s old house as well as Thien Hau Pagoda and the Fujian Temple. After lunch, a boat will take you to Cai Be, an intriguing river-land town. Visit the floating markets then go ashore to visit the French Gothic Cathedral as well as the colourful port area. Afterwards you’ll drop in on a local rice paper manufacturer and learn how rice paper is made, before returning to your ship for a Farewell Dinner. (B/L/D)
Day
20
Disembark Ship, Depart Saigon
isembark at My Tho Port and transfer to the airport in Saigon for onward flight.
Travelmarvel Vietman & Cambodia 2012 Brochure Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online.

River Cruise Prices

Cruise prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*

2012/13 Travelmarvel Sale! Save up to $450 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify! Subject to availability at the time of booking.

General Information

The information below relates to this itinerary only.

Tour Operator: APT Travelmarvel

APT TravelmarvelAs a member of APT, you can think of Travelmarvel as the "everyday touring option from APT." Travelmarvel offers affordable coach touring in Australia, New Zealand, Canada & Alaska and river cruising in Europe and along the Mekong in Vietnam. When you travel with us, you will receive the great value for money touring for which Travelmarvel is known, as well as all the reassurances of travelling with a well respected and reliable tour operator.



Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the deck plans, cabin types and more ship information?

Cruise down the Mekong river onboard the ms La Marguerite. We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Travelmarvel river cruises including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel, and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their cruises. Read more> (Note: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).

Why should we choose to cruise with Travelmarvel?

As market leaders, our resources, experience, passion, expertise and proven track record ensure that we're the most reliable cruise operator on Europe's waterways. With a 98% satisfaction rating, and having launched all of our ships on schedule, there's no company more reliable or trustworthy than Travelmarvel. We promise we'll continue to set the amazing standards for which we are known, making your choice easy. Put simply, Travelmarvel are Australia and New Zealand's true European river cruising experts.

When will I receive my documents?

Travel documents, including your travel kit (with luggage labels, ticket wallet, personalised itinerary, touring information and travel bag), are sent approximately two to three weeks prior to departure from your home country, provided full payment has been received.

What will our river cruise ship be like?

Travelmarvel River CruisesThe ms La Marguerite is a state-of-the-art ship, and was designed with our valued travellers in mind. Our operation allows us total control in delivering the standards for which we are famous. The ms La Marguerite signify's the evolution of modern river cruising. From the intricate elegance of the interior appointments and the opulence of the suites to the wealth of recreational choice provided in the vessel's public areas, this river ship is truly one of the finest on Vietnam & Cambodia's waters.

What kind of meals are included onboard?

All meals are prepared by onboard chefs. Meals consist of exotic Asian fare, with Western-style food always available should you desire the more familiar taste of home. Every morning enjoy a lavish breakfast buffet, offering a choice of English, Continental or Asian inspired cuisine. Have your eggs cooked to order at the breakfast bar. Lunch also offers an extensive buffet, with an a la carte dining menu. For dinner enjoy a four-course a la carte feast of Vietnamese & Cambodian cuisine (with equally impressive Western style alternatives available). Soft drink, Beer, Spirits, Coffee and tea are available free of charge throughout the day and during meals. Regional wine is also included during lunch and dinner on board.

What are your handicapped facilities like?

Handicapped facilities on board are limited. River cruise vessels are not equipped with wheelchair ramps and hallways and doors may not be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. Ships are equipped with an elevator but it does not access all decks. Additionally, motorcoaches and minibuses used for transfers and shore excursions may not be equipped with wheelchair ramps. Any condition requiring special attention must be reported to Travelmarvel at the time of booking.

Facilities and services for passengers with disabilities differ among destinations and, in some cases, may be limited or non-existent. Participants requiring special assistance must be accompanied by a person responsible for and physically able to provide such assistance. Transfers and shore excursions follow a predetermined timetable and thus participants should have no physical impairment(s) that would affect the time schedules or interfere with the rights of other passengers on their holiday. Without limitation, Travelmarvel and its affiliates are not responsible for any denial of services by airline carriers, cruise vessels, hotels, lodges, coaches, local guides, operators or other independent suppliers.

Are gratuities included??

Gratuities to your Cruise Director and ship crew are included in the tour price.

How do I pay for purchases and services onboard?

For your convenience, all purchases and paid services on board are billed with a guest check and added to your shipboard account. At the end of the cruise, you will receive a total, which can be paid with cash or credit card. The ships do not accept payments made by Diners Club cards.

Do you have a share program for singles?

A limited number of single rooms are available by request at time of booking. Single rooms are usually smaller and often only have one single bed. On Exclusive Sailings we will match up those who are willing to share a suite with another single traveller of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single supplement. If no match is found then single supplements apply.

When is the best time to travel to Vietnam & Cambodia?

The climate on Vietnam is tropical in the south; monsoonal in the north with the hot, rainy season (May to September) and warm, dry season (October to March). The climate in Cambodia is also tropical with the rainy, monsoon season in (May to November) and the dry season (December to April). There is little seasonal temperature variation. We have average temperatures and rainfall listed on every itinerary (look to the right hand side of your screen)


Arrival & Departure Information

Prebooked Transfers

All Travelmarvel clients travelling on an Exclusive Sailing or Exclusive land tours receive a transfer on the first and last day of the tour. This will be from the airport to/from either the ship or tour hotel. A transfer is not included, though may be purchased, should you be arriving or departing on days other than the first and last day of touring. These additional transfers are only applicable when your pre and/or post tour arrangements are booked with Global Journeys & Travelmarvel.

On Your Own Transfers

If you have not arranged an arrival transfer with Global Journeys, make your own way to the ship or hotel with the help of the information provided in your itinerary. If you have independent travel arrangements prior to your Travelmarvel tour and do not have an Travelmarvel transfer, the Tourist Information office at your arrival city will be able to offer assistance with directions to the ship or hotel. If you transfer to the ship on your own, we recommend you call the ship prior to confirm the ships docking location. The Travelmarvel Europe Office is available in case of an emergency.


Terms & Conditions:

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Georgie Walpole

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Georgie Walpole
Tour Consultant
Email: georgie@globaljourneys.com
Expertise: International Coach Touring & River Cruising
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Ha Long Bay CruiseLa Marguerite Travelmarvel cruise shipWat PhnomTay Ninh Holy SeeVietnamese Dancing
 
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