highlights - Stewart Tours

JOURNEY TO VIETNAM & CAMBODIA AND DISCOVER BEAUTIFUL SOUTHEAST ASIA
We invite you to join us this February as we journey to exotic Southeast Asia with a wonderful trip to exotic
Vietnam & Cambodia. This stunning 17-day trip we have designed will have us traveling 9 days by
land in both countries, then stepping onto the best riverboat in the region for a week of 5-star exploration
off-the-beaten-path to incredible villages and towns along the shores of Vietnam/Cambodia’s Mekong River.
The trip is full of amazing cultural experiences and a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the
legendary temple complex at Angkor Wat. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime trip to a fascinating region of the
world where the warmth of the people and the beautiful scenery will stay with you always!
Mark & Vicki Stewart
Owners / Stewart Tours
HIGHLIGHTS
17 Days Exploring Two Fascinating Countries
Overnight Junk Experience In Ha Long Bay
Multi-day Land Stays In Three Diverse Cities
5-Star River Journey in Cambodia & Vietnam
Numerous Special Cultural Experiences
39 Meals Included on Tour!
Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites
All-Internal Air Included in Price
All Touring Included – Wonderful Local Guides
Fully Hosted By Mark & Vicki Stewart – Stewart Tours
Vietnam & Cambodia
a 17-day journey by land & river
Day 1 – U.S.A. to Hanoi, Vietnam
You depart the USA bound for an adventure of a lifetime. The warm velvet
air of Vietnam awaits, the start of a grand travel journey. (meals in-flight)
Day 2 – Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, ranks among the world’s most attractive
and interesting cities. Originally named Thang Long or “City of the
Ascending Dragon,” the city was the first capital of Vietnam in A.D. 1010
and has had many names until its current incarnation. The name Hanoi, in
fact, means “bend in the river” and denotes the city’s strategic location
along the vital waterway. Historians liken the life-giving Red River – its
banks crowded with green rice paddies and farms – to the Tigris and
Euphrates rivers, a cradle of civilization.
This evening is free to relax for a fresh start of touring tomorrow. Enjoy
the beautiful centrally located hotel in the heart of Hanoi.
Day 3 – Hanoi, Vietnam
After a leisurely breakfast, we begin exploration of the charming capital of
Hanoi with ochre-colored colonial-style buildings, tree-lined avenues and
many lakes. We’ll set out on a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an
imposing monument made of generous amounts of marble and granite.
This is where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” can be viewed. Continue
visiting the lotus-shaped One-Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot). Visit the
Temple of Literature - the center of the Confucian education and the first
university of Vietnam, where a lecture on Vietnamese history would be
conducted by one of the most famous scholars of Hanoi, to give you an
authentic look at a Vietnam of the past and present. Lunch is at a local
restaurant today.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
After lunch, we visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum - a valuable center
for the exhibition and preservation of cultural heritages of the 54 ethnic
groups in Vietnam - to understand about their cultural diversity and the
uniqueness of each group and region as well as traditional values throughout
Vietnam.
Later in the afternoon, we continue with a visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son
Temple and enjoy a one-hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter – a
precious legacy of Hanoi’s ancient past with 36 streets and 36 wares to
experience more about the life of this city nowadays. This evening,
experience a Water Puppet Show, a uniquely northern Vietnamese
art form especially designed for depicting scenes of rural life closely (Cont.)
Hoan Kiem Lake
connected with the long-standing spiritual life of the Vietnamese people as well as many episodes of national history.
Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. Included Meals (B, L, D)
Day 4 – Hanoi, Vietnam / Bac Ninh Countryside
For early risers: This morning, we walk to Hoan Kiem Lake - one of the major
spots in the city serving as a focal point for public life - for a chance to
witness the early morning of Hanoi, participate in the Tai Chi groups and
return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, we take a scenic drive of 25 miles from Hanoi to Bac
Ninh. Enjoy leisure walking through the rice paddies with stops en route
to visit village temples, shrine houses and pagodas. A special visit will be
made to the house of the village head where we will have the
opportunity to interact with the villagers. You will also be a “tourist”
attraction to all the curious villagers.
Iconic Rice Patties in Vietnam
Experience lunch at a local family’s home. After lunch, enjoy a sweet melody of “Quan Ho Bac Ninh” an antiphonal
singing tradition in which men and women take turns singing in a challenge-and-response fashion. The singing ends with
songs in the farewell category. Quan Ho was designated a UNESCO intangible Heritage of Humanity in September
2009. Interact with local people about their lives and crafts.
Transfer back to Hanoi in the late afternoon with the rest of the day being free at leisure for your own shopping and
walking around the many streets of the Old Quarter. Dinner is independent tonight, a chance to venture out! (B,L)
Day 5 – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay
Situated in the Northeast region of Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is made up
of a dense cluster of 1,969 limestone islands of various sizes, 989 of
which have been given names. Viewed from above, Ha Long Bay
resembles a geographic work of art. While exploring the bay, you feel
lost in a legendary world of stone islands. It has been proven by
scientists that Ha Long was one of the first cradles of human existence
in the area at such archeological sites as Dong Mang, Xich Tho, Soi Nhu,
and Thoi Gieng. It is also a region of highly-concentrated biological diversity
with many ecosystems of salt water-flooded forests, coral reefs, and
tropical forests featuring thousands of species of animal and plant life.
The area was designated by UNESCO (in Thailand on December 17th, 1994),
as a Natural Heritage Site of Worldwide Importance.
UNESCO World Heritage Site – Ha Long Bay
After an early breakfast, we enjoy a scenic drive (3.5hrs) to Ha Long Bay
with stop en route at Sao Do for a local coffee break. On arrival in
Ha Long City, we board a traditional wooden junk and cruise out into
the mystic bay to see the amazing karsts and the spectacular formation.
We will enjoy a seafood lunch on board as we head to Luon cave for
swimming (if weather permits) or a climb to Ti Top peak for a
panoramic view of the bay. Tonight, enjoy a private luxury dinner at
a cave in Ha Long Bay. We overnight onboard the junk right on the
Bay, maybe join the junk crew for squid fishing in the bay tonight? (B,L,D)
Wooden Junk, Ha Long Bay
Cave Dinner Ha Long Bay
Relax on Deck
Beautiful Staterooms on Junk
Day 6 – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Siem Reap, Cambodia
You are welcome to start the day with calming Tai Chi - a good exercise
method for health, on the sundeck. After coffee, tea and breakfast
pastries, we’ll dock to visit Sung Sot Cave. At around 9:30am, the boat
starts cruising toward the harbor while a lunch/brunch is served. We’ll
say goodbye to the crew and transfer straight to the airport for our
flight to Siem Reap.
The star of the show in Siem Reap is the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE
SITE of Angkor Wat. The ruins of the ancient city of Angkor, capital
of the Khmer kingdom from 802 until 1295 AD, are among the world’s
great marvels. The “City of Kings,” Angkor boasts some of the largest
religious monuments ever constructed. It is a vast and mysterious
complex of great laterite and sandstone blocks. Unknown to the world
until French naturalist Henri Mouhot literally stumbled onto it in
1861, the area of Angkor existed for centuries only as a myth –
a wondrous city (or cities, to be precise), its exact location in the
Cambodian jungle unknown. After Mauhot in 1861, archaeologists
flocked here, only to be foiled by years of conflict that left the temples
in the hands of the Khmer Rouge. Tomorrow we visit Angkor Wat and
learn about the amazing Cambodian temples. Dinner is independent
this evening. (B,L-Brunch)
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Day 7 – Siem Reap / Angkor Wat, Cambodia
We start early to explore the intricately carved remains of Angkor Wat,
one of the world’s most impressive temple sites. The temple still
displays hundreds of fine carvings of Apsara and scenes from Hindu
mythology. The Khmer constructed the temple between the 9th and
13th centuries. Strolling around the massive hallways, you will find
many small shrines still in use by the Cambodians.
After a late breakfast we continue to visit the Angkor National
Museum, known as the grand entrance to a world-class heritage
that reveals the glory of Angkor Civilization. This museum enhances the
cultural heritage of the Golden Era of Khmer Kingdom through amassed
collection of invaluable artifacts and through state-of-the-art multimedia
technology exhibition for a full picturesque legendary story. Here a
special lecture on Khmer civilization and archeology will be conducted
by Mr. Chamreoun, a famous archeologist and co-executive director of
the Museum. Late lunch is at a local restaurant today.
UNESCO World Heritage Site – Angkor Wat
This afternoon, we’ll head 30km north to visit the captivating and
beautiful temple of Banteay Srei or “Fortress of the Women.” The
journey allows us to experience the beautiful Cambodian
countryside as we pass through small typical villages. Banteay Srei
is the birthplace of Khmer classical-style architecture. One of the
smallest temples in the region, Banteay Srey is also one of the
most beautiful, showcasing the most exquisite, deep and complex
carvings in all Khmer architecture. Our small give back project
today is a donation of a well to a poor family living in the area.
Return to our hotel to refresh and prepare for dinner.
Early in the evening, we will experience a Tuk Tuk (three-wheeled
vehicle)open-air tour through the suburban streets of Siem Reap,
and afterwards, attend a blessing ceremony by Buddhist monks for
happiness, prosperity and safety for our journey. Then, we continue
in our tuk-tuk to a local restaurant for dinner. (B,L,D)
Stunningly Beautiful Angkor Wat
The famous trees of Angkor Wat
Day 8 – Siem Reap, Cambodia
After a leisurely breakfast, we take a short walk along the road in front of the King’s Residence to see the Main Shrine,
where the local people usually worship, with its statue of Yeay Teap, Preah Ang Chek and Preah Ang Chorm. Buying
jasmine and lotus flowers to worship is very important for the Cambodians. We continue to one of the city’s lively open
markets, Psar Chars, also called the “Old Market,” surrounded by elegant French Colonial colonnades.
Continue to walk to Wat Bo, a large, highly respected pagoda, founded in the 18th century. Like the Silver Pagoda in
Phnom Penh, Wat Bo contains unique wall paintings of the Reamker that are said to be late 19th century. Look for the
daily-life market scenes such as an opium smoking Chinese merchant, the colonial era French officer at the market and
the French soldiers attending a traditional dance performance. Also of interest is the large collection of Buddha statues
located behind the main Buddha. Then, drive to explore the picturesque Ta Prohm, which has nearly disappeared into
the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene.
In the afternoon, we drive to visit the walled city of Angkor Thom, the royal city itself, covering four square miles and
located in the complex’s geographic center. The Bayon is an awesome sight. We then go on to the surroundings of the
complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, King's Terrace and Royal Palace area. Afterwards, we will embark on
a boat to enjoy a sunset cruise around Angkor Thom with High Tea served on board and a stop en-route to visit Prasat
Chrung Temple. (B,L)
Day 9 – Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake
This morning we venture toward Tonle Sap Lake, this great lake
dominates Cambodia and is known for its profuse bird life and
tranquil fishing villages. Tied up shore side is our 5-star riverboat
where we will spend the next seven nights exploring the lakes &
rivers of Cambodia and Vietnam.
The riverboat sails this evening for Kampong Chhang, where we will
overnight for touring tomorrow. (B,D)
5-Star Riverboat - AmaLotus
Day 10 – Kampong Chhang – Oudong, Cambodia
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 bird life and see numerous great fish traps some over a half-mile long. After your excursion,
return to the riverboat and cast off towards Kampong Tralach. An afternoon tour includes an oxcart ride from the river
bank through the countryside to the beautiful Wat Kampong 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
return to the riverboat, which will cruise towards the village of Chong Koh. (B,L,D)
Day 11 – Chong Koh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
This morning, we visit the Chong Koh silk weaving village for a leisurely
walk. Our riverboat departs for Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. An
afternoon walking tour provides an orientation to this spectacular city.
Returning for dinner followed by a special Khmer folk performance on
board. The riverboat moors overnight in Phnom Penh. (B,L,D)
Royal Palace – Phnom Penh
Day 12 – Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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 center (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 you so choose. (B,L,D)
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Day 13 – Phnom Penh, Cambodia -Tan Chau, Vietnam
Spend a day cruising the Mekong River and crossing the border into
Vietnam. The riverboat moors at the small town of Tan Chau,
Vietnam. (B,L,D)
Day 14 – Tan Chau – Sa Dec, Vietnam
After breakfast, transfer to small boats, which will navigate through narrow channels to visit an evergreen island. We 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, the riverboat cruises downstream to Sa Dec, where we will
moor overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 15 – Sa Dec – Xeo Quyt – Cai Be, Vietnam
In the morning, board a local boat for Sa Dec. Once ashore we will tour the town noteworthy as the place where the
French writer Marguerite Duras spent many years in her youth. Visit a local market, Fujian Temple and the house of Mr.
Huynh Thuy Le, Duras’ Chinese paramour, which is now a small museum. Afterwards board a motor coach for 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 us to Cai Be’s spectacular floating market; ashore you will see candy and rice paper
workshops. This evening, we enjoy a gourmet Farewell Dinner on board. (B,L,D)
Day 16 – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam
Our river 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.” Ho
Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam’s commercial headquarters – brash
and busy. During our tour this morning we will visit some historic
landmarks including the Post Office - with its notable decorated
ceiling - where you can send some postcards of your trip back home
and Notre Dame Cathedral circa 1880. Lunch today will be at Nha
Hang Ngon. Further we visit the outside of the Opera House, the City
Hall and the Rex Rooftop Bar (located at the top of the Rex Hotel).
Ho Chi Minh City
The Rooftop Bar was made famous and popular by Americans during the Vietnam War when its conference room hosted
a daily press conference named The Five O'clock Follies. The Rooftop Bar was a well-known hangout spot for military
officials and war correspondents. End the day at Ben Thanh central market for some shopping.
Day 17 – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam
Today is a free day in Ho Chi Minh City. A great chance for stepping out
on your own for some last minute shopping and discovery. Soak up the
amazing non-stop energy of this Southeast Asian city and look back at
the incredible experiences over the last 17 days! (B)
Our Riverboat – the AmaLotus
5-Star Luxury on the Mekong River
The Trip Fare
The type of Stateroom category you choose for the 7-night Riverboat journey
determines your final cost of the trip.
SIMPLE & STRAIGHTFORWARD
17-Day Tour
39+ Meals Included
Amazing Touring Included
All Hotels & Transfers
Beautiful Hotels/Five Star Riverboat
Fully Escorted By Two Hosts*
Choose Port Hole Stateroom
Choose Balcony Stateroom
$5,699pp
ADD $479pp
*Fully Escorted By Mark & Vicki Stewart
Trip Deposit is $400pp
Group Airfare Available From Los Angeles
Limited Space – Only 25 Spots – www.StewartTours.com
Reservations: 866.944.3036