Vietnam and the Historic Mekong River Cruise

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36-39 vietnam mekong 02
Cruise Vietnam and Cambodia on the RV Mekong Prestige
Vietnam and the Historic
Mekong River Cruise
Angkor Wat • Phnom Penh • Ho Chi Minh City • Hanoi
16 Day River Cruise Holiday • 31 Meals
Cambodia's Angkor Wat shimmers in the evening sun
36 | www.mayflowertours.com
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Overnight
Cruise Overnights
Start City
End City
NETHERLANDS
Visit
Amsterdam
Tour Route
Cruise Route
Keukenhof
Gardens
Cologne
Rhine
River
GERMANY
Boppard
Cochem
Rüdesheim
Mannheim
Mosel
River
Heidelberg
FRANCE
Speyer
7
Strasbourg
Basel
1
1
11
1
1
1
1
1
1
Zurich
1 Lucerne
SWITZERLAND
Siem Reap
Siem Reap is the capital city of Siem Reap Province in northwestern Cambodia
and is the gateway to the Angkor region. Siem Reap has colonial and Chinesestyle architecture in the Old French Quarter and around the Old Market. In the
city, there are traditional Apsara dance performances, craft shops, silk farms,
rice-paddy countryside, fishing villages and a bird sanctuary near the Tonle Sap
Lake. During an excursion to Angkor Thom, the last capital city of the Khmer
Empire, see the Bayon Temple. The uniqueness of the towers and gates are a tribute to the city’s past.
Angkor Wat
Spend a full day exploring Angkor Wat temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
since 1992. Famous for its beauty and splendour, Angkor Wat features the
longest continuous bas-relief in the world, which runs along the outer gallery
walls and narrates stories from Hindu mythology. The Temple was built for the
King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city.
As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious centre since its foundation—first Hindu, dedicated to the god
Vishnu, then Buddhist. Experience an excursion by boat to Kampong Kleang on
the edge of Tonle Sap Lake.
continued ä
THE MAYFLOWER WAY
4 Experience the Mekong River aboard the
exclusively chartered river vessel the
RV Mekong Prestige on a seven-night cruise
4 After boarding, unpack just once in your
comfortable river view stateroom with large
window and private balcony
4 Spend three nights in Siem Reap, two nights
in Saigon and two nights in Hanoi
4 Visit Cambodia including Phnom Penh,
Vietnam including Ho Chi Minh City (also
known as Saigon) and Hanoi
4 Visit to Angkor Wat temples – a UNESCO
World Heritage Site
4 Local Insights in Les Chantier Ecoles to see
stone sculpting and wood carving; local artisan
silk weaving and mat-making workshop in
Tan Chau
4 All shore excursions included with local
English-speaking guides
4 All meals included onboard the RV Mekong
Prestige featuring local and international
specialties served at one leisurely seating
4 All local drinks are included during the cruise
at anytime
4 Evening events and Insights onboard
4 Spacious public areas, Sun Deck with
Whirlpool, two massage salons, indoor bar,
spa and fitness center
4 Included gratuities for the ship’s crew
4 All staterooms have river views and private
balcony
4 Airfare from Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) to
Hanoi, Vietnam, is included
4 Complimentary WiFi in the lounge area
Local INSIGHTS
• Visit a local school and meet the students
• Traditional Apsara Dance show performed by
local children onboard
• Ox cart ride in Kampong Tralach
• Rickshaw ride in Tan Chau
• Cyclo ride in Hanoi
• Traditional Music Show onboard
• Water Puppet show in Hanoi
• Silk weaving, mat-making and coconut candy
making demonstrations
• History of Cambodia and Vietnam onboard
• Culinary demonstration onboard
YOUR RIVER SHIP
Spend a full day exploring Angkor Wat
The RV Mekong Prestige is a brand new, state-ofthe art ship designed in a modern and contemporary style which incorporates luxury amenities
and local artifacet. With a maximum of 64 passengers, the atmosphere aboard the RV Mekong
Prestige is intimate and the service top class. See
page 47 for details.
Vietnam and the Historic Mekong River | 37
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Vietnam and the Historic Mekong River Cruise
The Royal Palace in Phnom Penh with its most holy of temples, the Silver Pagoda
Kampong Chhnang – Oudong
A busy rural port town with bustling markets, Kampong Chhnang is an anthentic floating village. The life of the entire population is connected with the river
and the local people travel by boats through the canal system which criss-crosses this little town. Once ashore you will have the chance to stroll through the
scenic markets. Between 1618 and 1866, Oudong was the capital city of
Cambodia. Erected on a hilltop, this place counts numerous Stupas dating of the
last Khmer Kings. Visit the charming Vihara of the Wat Kampong Leu Pagoda
which has retained its beautiful wall paintings and dates from the last century.
Khmer Aspara Dancers
A floating village on the Mekong River
Two full days to take in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon
38 | www.mayflowertours.com
Koh Chong
Known as ‘the silk weaving village,’ Koh Chong is filled with local artisans who
will showcase their craft. Almost every house has one or more looms among the
stilts supporting the house and the women in the village produce silk cloth to
help support the family. A visit to a local school provides the opportunity for you
to meet and interact with the students.
Phnom Penh
The capital city of Phnom Penh was once considered the loveliest city of
Indochina. Despite its recent turbulent history, it still maintains considerable
charm. A city tour acquaints you with some major sights, including the Royal
Palace, now home to the royal family. At the northern area of the palace grounds
is Silver Pagoda, the most sacred shrine in the country. Visit the National
Museum, exclusively dedicated to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the
exhibits are from the Angkor period between the 9th and 15th centuries, but
some date back as early as the 4th century.
Tan Chau
Experience local life in Tan Chau when you visit a fishing farm in this remote
town on the Mekong River. While ashore, the included walking tour will make
stops at mat-making and silk weaving workshops to give you insights on these
local crafts. A rickshaw ride will take you around town before returning to the
ship for lunch. Cast off for the Cambodian border and continue cruising up the
broad Mekong River to Sa Dec.
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DAY BY DAY
• 31 Meals (14 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 10 dinners)
• Airport transfers when air is provided by Mayflower
• International Cruise Director and Mayflower Tours
expert staff onboard, plus local English-speaking
guides for shore excursions
• $80 in Mayflower Money
DAY ONE Overnight flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia
DAY TWO Arrive late night in Siem Reap and transfer to
hotel
DAY THREE Breakfast at hotel • Included visit to
Angkor Thom and the temples of Ta Prohm • Afternoon
at leisure • Dinner at a local restaurant based on your
selection
One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi, an architectural treat
Sa Dec
Sa Dec is a small, sleepy town in the Dong Thap province and it was the original
setting of the autobiographical novel The Lover by Marguerite Duras. This
romantic and charming town is a true hidden gem in the Mekong delta. In Cai
Be, enjoy a stroll along the river bank and a floating market. See the French gothic cathedral and the manufacturing of rice paper and coconut sweets.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly named Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. Under
the name Saigon, it was the capital of the French colony of Cochinchina and later
of the independent republic of South Vietnam from 1955–75. Enjoy a city tour
and see Reunification Palace, Emperor of Jade Pagoda, Notre Dame Cathedral
and the Central Post Office.
Hanoi
The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is the country’s second largest city. October 2010
officially marked 1,000 years since the establishment of the city. On an included city tour visit the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh
Mausoleum and the Museum of Ethonolgy. A Water Puppet show, a rare art form
originating in northern Vietnam, will be presented.
Vietnam and the Historic
Mekong River Cruise
2014 DEPART USA
September 21
PER PERSON TWIN
SINGLE ROOM ADD
MAIN
DECK
UPPER
DECK
JUNIOR
SUITE
TERRACE
SUITE
$4,299
$2,999
$4,499
$3,099
$4,999
N/A
$5,199
N/A
Please add $65 per person for port charges
All staterooms are river view with a private balcony, private bathroom and shower, hair dryer, radio,
television, individually controlled heating and air conditioning, safe and telephone.
Call for air rates and schedules from your city to
Siem Reap, Cambodia and from Hanoi, Vietnam
CRUISE AND HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Days Two Through Four– Royal Angkor Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia
Days Five Through Eleven – Aboard the RV Mekong Prestige
Days Twelve and Thirteen – Sofitel Saigon Plaza, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Days Fourteen and Fifteen – Pullman Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam
EASY
1 2 3 4
DAY FIVE Breakfast at hotel • Visit to Les Chantiers
Ecoles • Transfer to RV Mekong Prestige, your ship for
the next seven nights • Lunch onboard • Welcome
reception and dinner onboard
DAY SIX Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard • Arrive
Kampong Chhnang where you board small boats to visit
the authentic floating village and a walking tour of the
town • Ship sails to Kampong Tralach
DAY SEVEN Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard •
Travel by coach to Oudong and visit the charming Vihara
of the Wat Kampong Leu Pagoda • Board the ship in
Prek K’Dam and sail towards Phnom Penh • Evening at
leisure to explore Phnom Penh
DAY EIGHT Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard •
City tour of Phnom Penh • Afternoon visit to the Khmer
detention center and the Killing Fields • Overnight in
Phnom Penh
DAY NINE Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard •
Continue sailing after border crossing towards Tan Chau
DAY TEN Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard •
Experience a rickshaw ride through the streets of Tan
Chau • Visit a floating fish farm before returning to your
ship • Depart for Sa Dec
DAY ELEVEN Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard •
Pricing includes inter-country air between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi
TOUR ACTIVITY LEVEL
DAY FOUR Breakfast at hotel • Included visit to
Angkor Wat temples (a UNESCO World heritage site) •
Afternoon at leisure to explore the town and shop
ENERGETIC
Arrive Sa Dec for a walking tour of the town and visit ‘The
Lover’s Museum’ made famous by French writer
Marguerite Duras • Cruise to Cai Be and see the French
gothic cathedral • Farewell dinner onboard followed by a
traditional music show • Ship sails to My Tho
DAY TWELVE Breakfast onboard • Arrive My Tho •
Disembark ship and transfer by coach to Ho Chi Minh
City (Saigon) for a city tour • Visit the Reunification
Place and the Colonial Post Office • Dinner at a local
restaurant based on your selection
DAY THIRTEEN Breakfast at the hotel • Included
excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels
DAY FOURTEEN Breakfast at the hotel • Transfer to
Saigon airport for flight to Hanoi • Transfer to hotel in
Hanoi upon arrival
DAY FIFTEEN Breakfast at the hotel • Included city
tour of Hanoi with visit to the Temple of Literature, Ho
Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Museum of Ethnology •
Enjoy a Water Puppet show • Farewell dinner at a local
restaurant based on your selection
DAY SIXTEEN Breakfast at the hotel • Transfer to
Hanoi airport for flight home
Vietnam and the Historic Mekong River | 39
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RV Mekong Prestige
Vietnam and the Historic Mekong River Cruise
Suite
Sun Deck
Salon
The RV Mekong Prestige is a brand new, state-of-the art ship designed in a modern and contemporary style which
incorporates luxury amenities and local artifacet. With a maximum of 64 passengers, the atmosphere aboard the
RV Mekong Prestige is intimate and the service top class.
UPPER DECK
MAIN DECK
Built: 2012
Suites: 4
Speed: 15 mph
Length: 157 ft.
Staterooms: 32
Crew: 30
Stateroom (243 sq. ft.)
4 All Staterooms feature a private balcony, two twin beds
that can be put together, wardrobe, storage space, sofa,
coffee table, writing desk and safe. Private bathroom
with shower and hairdryer. Air conditioning and
climate control are individually adjustable.
Terrace Suite (329 sq. ft.)
4 Terrace Suites feature a larger private balcony, queen bed, a
larger sofa, wardrobe, storage space, coffee table, writing desk
and safe. The private bathroom has a shower, a separate
whirlpool bathtub and hairdryer. Air conditioning and climate
control are individually adjustable.
Junior Suite (286 sq. ft.)
4 Junior Suites feature a larger private balcony, queen bed, a
larger sofa, wardrobe, storage space, coffee table, writing desk
and safe. The private bathroom has a shower, a separate
whirlpool bathtub and hairdryer. Air conditioning and climate
control are individually adjustable.
Public Areas
4 Reception
4 Lounge with complimentary local drinks
4
4
4
4
throughout the day
Dining Room
Sun Deck with pool
Free WiFi in the Lounge
Voltage: 110V
Deck Plans | 47