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TRAVEL ITINERARY
DAY 0: Transpacific
airline departure from LAX or SFO
Note: travel to LA or SF day prior
DAY 1:
Arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam
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.
DAY 2: Hanoi
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)
DAY 3: Hanoi / Ha Long Bay Overnight Junk
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)
DAY 4: Ha Long Bay / Hanoi / Siem Reap, Cambodia
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 South East Asia. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: Siem Reap / Angkor
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 Terrace of the Leper King, Bayon. This afternoon,
visit the most iconic of all Angkorian temples - Angkor Wat. (B,D)
DAY 6: Siem Reap / Angkor
This morning, travel through rural countryside to the pink sandstone
temple of Banteay Srei. Then visit Ta Prohm, the temple famous for its
intertwined trees (showcased in the film Tomb Raider). (B,D)
DAY 7: Siem Reap / Tonle Sap Lake - Embarkation / Kamping Chhnang
Travel to Tonle Sap Lake to embark the luxurious MS La Marguerite. Enjoy
your Welcome Dinner onboard as you cruise to Kampong Chhnang. The ship
moors overnight. (B,L,D)
DAY 8: Kampong Chhnang / Kampong Cham
After breakfast, enjoy a motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands
that form the mouth of the Tonle Sap River. Enjoy a stunning variety
of birdlife, and observe numerous great fish traps, some over a half-mile
long. Later, the ship enters the jungle as the river narrows. Temples
abound along the riverbanks offer a unique opportunity to observe the
rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. Arrive in the capital city of
Phnom Penh in the afternoon and enter the Upper Mekong bound for Kampong
Cham. The ship makes an afternoon stop, in time for a walk through the
quaint silk-weaving village of Chong Kho. Overnight, the ship moors mid-stream
in Kampong Cham. (B,L,D)
DAY 9: Kampong Cham / Phnom Penh
This morning, journey upriver to the hilltop pre-Angkorian temple of
Wat Hanchey. Over lunch, sail back downstream to explore the Kampong
Cham area. Travel by motorcoach to the 12th-century Angkorian temple
of Wat Nokor, which has been “fused” with a modern Wat. Continue
by motorcoach to the Eco-village of Cheung Kok. The ship departs late
in the afternoon from Kampong Cham, arriving at Phnom Penh for an overnight
mid-stream mooring. (B,L,D)
DAY 10: Phnom Penh
Early morning, the ship cruises into spectacular Phnom Penh and docks
at the passenger port terminal. 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 passengers so
choose. (B,L,D)
DAY 11: Phnom Penh / Border Crossing / Tan Chau, Vietnam
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)
DAY 12: Tan Chau / Sa Dec
After breakfast, transfer via small boats to the pier, where a Trishaw
awaits to transport you around Tan Chau. Visit a mat-making workshop
and silk coloring workshop. Back at the pier, embark on a local boat
for a channel cruise and visit to a fish farm before returning to the
ship. Overnight mid-stream on the Mekong near Sa Dec. (B,L,D))
DAY 13: Sa Dec / Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
After breakfast, board small local boats for the village of Sa Dec, where
you will enjoy a morning stroll. Noteworthy as the town where the French
writer (and our ship’s namesake) Marguerite Duras spent some of
her childhood, Sa Dec is a sprawling town on the Mekong Delta. Visit
the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras’ Chinese paramour, which
is now a small museum. After lunch onboard, the ship continues cruising
to Cai Be. A local Junk trip in the afternoon will take you to Cai Be’s
spectacular floating market; then go ashore to see the French Gothic
Cathedral and visit delightful flower gardens, ancient Kiet House and
local rice paper manufacturers. In the evening, cruise to Ho Chi Minh
City, formerly Saigon, while enjoying a gourmet Farewell Dinner onboard.
(B,L,D)
DAY 14: Ho Chi Minh City
(Saigon) - Disembark
In the early morning, the ship docks at the Saigon River Frontage. 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. After breakfast,
disembark for 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. Overnight at a luxurious
hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L)
DAY 15: Depart Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Transfer to the airport for your transpacific flight to LAX or SFO. (B)
Overnight in LA or SF recommended before travel to home city.
PLEASE NOTE: U.S. Citizens require a visa for Vietnam and Cambodia.
Interlude will assist with this process.
EMBARKATION DAY: During low water season, transfer to ship via motorcoach
to
Preak Kdam, a small village on the Tonle Sap River.
PHNOM PENH: No bare shoulders or shorts for ladies during the Royal
Palace visit.
OPTIONAL PRE/POST TOUR EXTENSIONS:
Central Vietnam Extension: 8 days pre-extension, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hoi
An and Hue, from $1299 per person***
DAY 1: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City and transfer to the hotel. (D)
DAY 2: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Enjoy a morning drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Tay
Ninh province. Visit the Cao Dai Temple, a fusion of different religions that
combines the mixture of elements from other world religions, and observe the
noon service. This afternoon, visit famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground
tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the long
struggle for independence. (B,L)
DAY 3: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) / Da Nang / Hoi An
Transfer to airport for a morning flight to Da Nang, Vietnam’s fourth largest
city. A motorcoach awaits to transfer you to the ancient trading town of Hoi
An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,D)
DAY 4: Hoi An
Hoi An today, looks very much the same as in its heyday centuries ago. A walking
tour takes you to the town’s most famous landmarks, such as the Hoi An
Museum, the old Chinese Merchants’ houses, Assembly Hall and the Japanese
Covered Bridge. This afternoon, travel by sampan on the Thu Bon River or spend
leisure time on the beautiful sandy beach of Cua Dai. (B,L)
DAY 5: Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
This morning, enjoy a Red Bridge Cooking tour in Hoi An. Highlights include a
visit to the colorful local village market and the herb garden. Learn how to
prepare some of Vietnam’s best-known dishes in this hands-on experience,
and enjoy the lunch you have prepared. Observe the local life along the river,
as you take a boat ride on the Hoi An River before returning to the hotel. (B,L)
DAY 6: Hoi An / Da Nang / Hue
Leaving behind the peaceful atmosphere of Hoi An, travel north to Da Nang and
Hue. En route, visit Marble Mountains and enjoy a scenic view from the pagoda
located inside the mountain. You will also visit a stone-cutting craft village
nearby before continuing to Da Nang for a tour and visit to the Cham Museum.
Continue heading north with a stop at scenic Lang Co Beach. Cross the beautiful
Hai Van Pass, before arriving in Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam, whose monuments
have earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. (B,L)
DAY 7: Hue
This morning, enjoy a boat trip along the serene Perfume River to visit Thien
Mu Pagoda, the best known pagoda in central Vietnam. Then, drive to the Tomb
of former Emperor Minh Mang, visit the elaborate tomb of Emperors Tu Duc and
Khai Dinh, and the Royal Citadel with its Imperial Purple City. (B,L)
DAY 8: Hue / Hanoi
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi, where you will meet fellow
travelers beginning their Mekong river cruise journey. (B,D)
***Rate based on double occupancy; Single Supplement $699. Intra-Vietnam
air is not included; please add: Intra Vietnam Air Ho Chi Minh City-Da Nang:
$99 per person; Intra Vietnam Air Hue-Hanoi: $99 per person; Air taxes and fuel
surcharges are additional.
Hong Kong Extension: 4 days post extension from $799 per person
DAY 1: Hong Kong
Upon arrival, you will be met and assisted with your transfer to the hotel. (B)
DAY 2: Hong Kong
After breakfast at the hotel, your half-day sightseeing tour includes the world-famous
Stanley Market, filled with shops selling silk items, jewelry, sportswear and
every possible type of souvenir. Continue on to one of the most beautiful beaches
in town, Repulse Bay, with its lifeguard clubhouse built in traditional Chinese
style. Aberdeen fishing village is another tour highlight, home to hundreds of
people living on fishing junks, practicing a way of life unchanged for more than
a century. The tour ends with a coach ride to Victoria Peak for a panoramic view
of Hong Kong and its spectacular harbor. (B)
DAY 3: Hong Kong
Enjoy a free day to explore the wonders of Hong Kong on your own. Some suggestions
include a short ride to the world’s tallest, outdoor, seated bronze Buddha,
sitting serenely atop Ngong Ping plateau overlooking Lantau Island. If you prefer
to shop, bargains abound throughout Hong Kong’s famous streets. And, the
evening provides ample opportunity to sample authentic Chinese cuisine. (B)
DAY 4: Hong Kong
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
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ms La Marguerite
