| Countries Visited:
Vietnam Cambodia |
Tour Type: River Cruise
Tour Duration: 19 Days (18 Nights)
From: Hanoi to Siem Reap
Tour Code: VTMR19
Operator: Travelmarvel |
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 Click Map To Enlarge
River Cruise Description
Your 19 day Travelmarvel cruise starts in the very north of Vietnam, with 2 nights in Hanoi and an overnight crusie of the Ha Long Bay. Then fly to Hue and enjoy a 2 night River Cruise, and then experience 2 nights in Hue and experience the beauty of Hoi An, with scenic hillsides and beautiful beaches. Finish the tour by flying to Saigon (2 nights) and then cruising up the Mekong into Cambodia, disembarking in Siem Reap for another 2 days of sight seeing!
Cruise Inclusions
- Eight days cruising the Mekong River in luxury aboard the ms La Marguerite
- Two-day cruise on Ha Long Bay
- Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director
- Port charges and tipping included
- Flights within Vietnam, airport transfers, excursions and entertainment included
Cruising Highlights
- Enjoy a tour, a rickshaw ride and see a water puppet show in Hanoi
- Absorb the scenery of Ha Long Bay
- Cruise the Perfume River in Hue
- See Lang Co Beach, cross Hai Van Pass and visit a museum in Da Nang
- Take a trip to the Marble Mountains
- Enjoy a Vietnamese cooking tour, class and lunch in Hoi An
- Explore the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels
- Visit Tay Ninh Holy See near Saigon
- During your Mekong River cruise, enjoy a range of small boat excursions
- Tour Cai Be, Sa Dec and Tan Chau
- See the sights of Phnom Penh
- Visit Chong Koh and Kampong Tralach
- Explore Angkor Archeological Park
- Visit a ‘grass roots’ ODA orphanage
- Experience iconic Angkor Wat
Finest Dining
- Enjoy 18 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 Hanoi
On arrival in Vietnam’s busy capital, Hanoi, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, get to know your fellow guests at a Welcome Dinner. Stay: Hanoi, Silk Path Hotel (2 Nights) |
Day
2 |
Hanoi
This morning, a tour of Hanoi will take you to the city’s most famous historical and cultural sites. Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, The Temple of Literature and the historic Buddhist temple, One Pillar Pagoda. In the afternoon, experience a rickshaw ride through the city’s charming Old Quarter. Late this afternoon, head for Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre and enjoy a unique water puppet show. Witness a series of short stories and legends presented through the use of traditional music, song, and puppets. (B/D) |
Day
3 |
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
4 |
Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Hue
After breakfast this morning, you’ll transfer from Saigon to the inland port of My Tho to board the luxurious ms La Marguerite for the beginning of your eight-day Mekong River cruise. After settling in to your suite, enjoy lunch and an afternoon of cruising. This evening, indulge in a Welcome Dinner. Stay: Gerbera Hotel Hue (2 Nights) (B/L) |
Day
5 |
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
6 |
Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An
Today visit beautiful Lang Co Beach and cross the Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam’s most scenic hillside roads. Arrive in Da Nang and explore the Museum of Cham Sculpture, which houses the world’s largest collection of Cham sculptures. Afterwards, travel to the Marble Mountains, a cluster of marble and limestone hills south of Da Nang. Visit one of the pagodas and explore a craft village then continue to Hoi An. Stay: Hoi An Hotel (2 Nights) (B/L/D) |
Day
7 |
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 signature Vietnamese dishes. Afterwards, sample the results of your efforts at lunch. This afternoon is at your leisure for you to explore. (B/L) |
Day
8 |
Hoi An, Saigon
This morning board your included flight to Saigon. On arrival, check in to your hotel then enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Stay: Saigon, Hotel Continental (2 Nights) (B/L/D) |
Day
9 |
Cu Chi Tunnels, Tay Ninh, Saigon
Today you’ll visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, constructed during the Vietnam War, then drive to the town of Tay Ninh. Enjoy lunch at Thu Thao restaurant then visit the Tay Ninh Holy See, a temple of the Cao Dai faith. Later, return to Saigon and enjoy free time. (B/L) |
Day
10 |
Saigon, Embark Ship
Transfer to My Tho Port this morning to embark your river ship. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board. Stay: ms La Marguerite (7 Nights) (B/L/D) |
Day
11 |
Cai be, Vinh long
A local boat will take you to Cai Be today, an intriguing river-land town. Visit the incredible floating markets then go ashore to visit the French Gothic Cathedral as well as the colourful port area, which is filled with colonial buildings and delightful flower gardens. Afterwards you’ll drop in on a local rice paper manufacturer and learn how rice paper is made, then enjoy lunch back on board as your ship cruises towards Vinh Long – the second biggest city by the Mekong River. Enjoy a boat ride and visit a bustling afternoon market where you’ll see an array of aquatic life being sold. (B/L/D) |
Day
12 |
Sa Dec, Tan Chau
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. Upon disembarking here, a guided sightseeing tour takes you to Huynh Thuy Le’s old house as well as Thien Hau Pagoda and the beautiful Fujian Temple. Following lunch back on board, your ship will cruise to the peaceful town of Tan Chau. On arrival, disembark for a leisurely stroll before dinner back on board. (B/L/D) |
Day
13 |
Tan Chau, border Crossing
This morning, transfer to a small boat and travel along the tiny tributaries where stilt houses are haphazardly leaning on each other. After visiting an evergreen island and a floating fish farm, you’ll go ashore for a tour of Tan Chau by rickshaw. The remainder of today is then spent on board. This afternoon, perhaps attend a fruit-carving demonstration by the ship’s chef while the border formalities are carried out and you cross into Cambodia. Your ship will continue cruising throughout the night, bound for Cambodia’s intriguing capital city, Phnom Penh. (B/L/D) |
Day
14 |
Phnom Penh
On arrival in Phnom Penh today, a tour will take you to visit the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda as well as the National Museum of Cambodia, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Khmer art. Following lunch back on board, you’ll set off on an excursion 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 tonight, you may choose to step out for an evening walk around this fascinating capital. (B/L/D) |
Day
15 |
Chong koh, Prek k’dam, oudong, kampong Tralach
Following breakfast, you’ll enjoy a walk around the little-known silk-weaving village of Chong Koh. Afterwards, continue cruising to Prek K’dam, where you’ll disembark and set off by coach on an afternoon tour of Oudong, the royal capital of Cambodia from 1618 until 1866. At the conclusion of the tour, head to Kampong Tralach for a visit to Wat Kapong Tralach Pleu. Then board an ox-cart – a popular form of transportation in rural Cambodia – and enjoy the fresh air and tranquil countryside scenery as you travel past rice fields and through a small village to the Tonle River. Here, you’ll rejoin your ship and continue cruising. (B/L/D) |
Day
16 |
Kampong Chhnang, Tonle Sap
A guided small boat excursion this morning takes you past a number of fishing villages into the wetlands near Kampong Chhnang. Returning to your ship, you’ll cast off towards the impressive lake of Tonle Sap – which stretches more than 150 kilometres in length. Absorb the tranquillity of the lake as you cruise past several floating fishing villages. This evening, enjoy a delicious Farewell Dinner on board. (B/L/D) |
Day
17 |
Disembark Ship, Siem Reap
Following breakfast this morning, a short boat ride will take you past more floating fishing villages to port. Once ashore, you’ll transfer to your hotel in Siem Reap. After checking in, set off to explore nearby Ta Prohm, a well-preserved temple famous for its intertwined trees (seen in the film ‘Tomb Raider’). Before returning to Siem Reap, visit a ‘grass roots’ orphanage. This evening is then at your leisure to absorb the nightlife of Siem Reap. Stay: Siem Reap, Prince D’Angkor Hotel & Spa (2 Nights) (B) |
Day
18 |
Siem Reap, Angkor
With free time this morning, perhaps explore the bustling markets of Siem Reap. Later, head to World Heritage-listed Angkor Archaeological Park. Here, explore Angkor Wat, the best-preserved temple of Angkor and said to be the world’s largest single religious monument. This afternoon, visit the last and most enduring 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. This evening head to the Apsara Theatre for a special Farewell Dinner. As you dine on a typical Khmer meal, enjoy a traditional performance of Apsara Dance. (B/D) |
Day
19 |
Depart Siem Reap
After breakfast this morning, your Travelmarvel adventure in Vietnam & Cambodia concludes and you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B) |
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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 $430 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify!
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
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Tour
Start |
Tour
Finish |
Cruise
Ship Name |
Brochure
Price |
OUR
PRICE |
| 07 Jul 2012 |
25 Jul 2012 |
La Marguerite |
AU $5,545 |
AU $5,350 | | 15 Sep 2012 |
03 Oct 2012 |
La Marguerite |
AU $5,745 |
AU $5,545 | | 13 Oct 2012 |
31 Oct 2012 |
La Marguerite |
AU $6,145 |
AU $5,930 |
Note:
All departures above are guaranteed to depart. Single prices available, please request.
We will check the availability of your departure in your quote along with all applicable cruise specials.
Cabin Upgrades:
Upgrade your cabin from Category C (Mekong Deck) |
Deck Plans: La Marguerite
| Tonle Deck (Category B) |
AU $395 |
| Saigon Deck (Category A) |
AU $695 |
| Sadec Deck (Category Sadec Balcony) |
AU $1,095 |
| Sadec Deck (Category Owners Balcony) |
AU $1,495 |
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General Information
The information below relates to this itinerary only. |
Tour Operator: APT Travelmarvel
As 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
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).
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.
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.
The 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.
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.
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.
Gratuities to your Cruise Director and ship crew are included
in the tour price.
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.
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.
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:
Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!
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