Vietnam, Cambodia & the Riches of the Mekong 2014

Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s vibrant capital city, known for its graceful colonial architecture, frenetic streets, verdant parks and ancient temples. After your airport greeting, transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the city on your own, or perhaps, visit the fabled Old Quarter.

A morning sightseeing tour will take you to Hanoi’s most famous historical and cultural sites: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, One-pillar Pagoda (Buddhist temple) and The Temple of Literature (Confucius temple). In the afternoon, experience an authentic rickshaw ride (known as “cyclo”) in the Old Quarter, followed by a traditional water puppet show. (B)

After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a scenic motorcoach ride to one of Vietnam’s most renowned locations: Ha Long Bay. Board a traditional wooden Junk that combines classic beauty with modern conveniences, plus luxurious overnight accommodations. Set sail to discover the Bay’s magnificent scenery set amidst stunning limestone cliffs. That evening, you’ll enjoy dinner onboard, and overnight on the Junk. (B,L,D)

This morning, your Ha Long Bay Junk continues its scenic cruising while a delightful breakfast is served in the dining lounge. Late morning, disembark for a motorcoach transfer to Hanoi Airport. After a short flight, arrive in Siem Reap, Cambodia, gateway to Angkor, the former capital of the Khmer empire and one of the most renowned archeological sites in all of Southeast Asia. Tonight, enjoy a special "Apsara Dancing Show" at your hotel, featuring local Cambodian/Khmer folk dancers. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, begin a guided sightseeing tour of the Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include Angkor Thom, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, Bayon. Also see the Bayon Temple, best known for its gigantic smiling stone faces. This afternoon, travel through the rural countryside to visit the pink sandstone temple of Banteay Srei. Afterwards, you will visit an English-language school sponsored by AmaWaterways in the village of Ta Toum. (B,D)

This morning visit the most iconic temple of all Angkorian temples, Angkor Wat. This massive temple complex was built in the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god Vishnu. Also visit Ta Prohm, known as the "Kingdom of Trees" for the way in which the temple stones have become intertwined with thick forest vegetation over the centuries (an incredible sight that will be easily recognized by fans of the film "Tomb Raider"). The afternoon is yours to spend however you wish. (B)

Today board your river cruise ship in Kampong CHam. Meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Wat Hanchey. (B,L,D)

This morning, explore Wat Hanchey, a hilltop pagoda with beautiful panoramic views of the Mekong river. This ancient 8th century pagoda is characteristic of the Chenla Empire, which pre-dates the Angkor period. Your afternoon excursion takes you the Kampong Cham area on your way to visit the Mahayana Buddhist temple of Wat Nokor, where the 12th century temple has been "fused" with a modern wat. Afterwards see the Twin Holy Mountains of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey (man and woman hill) symbolic of marriage in Cambodian culture. (B,L,D)

Today, your morning excursion begins with a blessing from the monks of a local temple followed by a visit to the village of Angkor Ban, one of the only villages that was not burned down or destroyed during the Khmer Rouge tragedies, where you can see stilted houses up to 100 years old. After lunch take a leisurely walk Chong Koh village best known for its silk-weaving artists. The ship arrives in Phnom Penh this evening. (B,L,D)

A morning tour explores the highlights of the city, famous for its French colonial architecture, busy cafes and colorful nightlife. Visit the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts. After lunch onboard, you will take an afternoon excursion to Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields, and also visit the Khmer Rouge's grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum) just outside the city. An overnight on the waterfront provides an opportunity to dine on your own in one of many nearby restaurants, if you so choose. (B,L,D)

Spend the day cruising the Mekong River, stopping at the jungle village of Preak Dach to visit fruit orchards before continuing to the Cambodian/Vietnamese border. The ship moors overnight mid-stream in Tan Chau, Vietnam. (B,L,D)

Today, take a small local boat through narrow channels to several scenic locations, including a small village known as "Evergreen Island." Later, visit Tan Chau from the vantage point of a traditional "xe-loi" (trishaw) that takes you around to all the sights, with stops at a silk-making workshop and another that produces rattan mats and slippers. This afternoon, your ship cruises to Sa Dec, where it moors overnight. (B,L,D)

In the morning, board a local boat for Sa Dec. Once ashore, tour the town where French writer Marguerite Duras spent many years in her youth. Visit a colorful local market, and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras' Chinese paramour, now a small museum. Afterwards, board a motor coach for Xeo Quyt, once used as a base during the French and U.S. wars and now an important ecological site. After lunch on board, a local boat takes you to Cai Be’s spectacular floating market. You also have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper workshops. This evening, enjoy a festive Farewell Dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Your 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." Today, Vietnam’s largest city is an industrial, cultural and educational hub, but still retains vestiges of its colonial past. Upon arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, enjoy a city tour that explores famous landmarks such as the former Presidential Palace, Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral; Cho Lon (China Town) and its famous Binh Tay market and Thien Hau pagoda. Also visit the War Remnants Museum, one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions, known for its vast collection of artifacts from the Vietnam War. An optional tour of Thanh Market is available this afternoon. Spend the night at a fine hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L)

Today is free to explore Ho Chi Minh City on your own, perhaps venturing to nearby shops and markets for mementos of your Southeast Asian odyssey. (B)

Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)