Our special North South Travel group to South East Asia in November 2021 has been postponed until November 2022 due to Covid 19 restrictions. Our Adventure Travel Specialist Anne Bird has put together this group package where you will enjoy a wonderful 16 day/15 night journey called the Charms of the Mekong. You will explore Vietnam and Cambodia by land and cruise on the stunning AmaDara river cruise boat on the award-winning Ama Waterways. Travel dates for the program: Nov 26th - December 11th 2022.
Two lively cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, provide the perfect start and end to your incredible journey. Cruise along the Mekong, visiting rural villages, historic pagodas, local markets and a Buddhist monastery where you’ll witness a special blessing by monks. Indulge your inner adventurer in Siem Reap, exploring the grand temples of Angkor Archaeological Park. And luxuriate in an AmaWaterways’ Exclusive—an overnight sojourn on board an elegantly appointed ship in Ha Long Bay.
Take advantage of our group pricing - which starts at CAD7,260 per person for the 16 day all inclusive journey. PLUS enjoy exclusive special perks when booking through us.
- FREE pre-paid gratuities (a value of USD$208 per person)
This price includes the land program pre and post, the cruise, internal airfare and port charges so it's amazing value and must be booked by September 30th, 2022.
Space is very limited but we do currently have the last few cabins available to join this special departure so contact us today to reserve your spot to avoid disappointment!
For 7 nights you will be sailing on the AmaDara - here is a sneak peek of what the ship looks like:
During the Mekong Cruise, enjoy unlimited wine with lunch and dinner, or try some of the local beers, sodas, and house-brand spirits at any time. All of the on board dining options will be available, so you can savour the taste of regionally inspired food made with locally sourced ingredients.
Enjoy your time on ship with the on board spas, award winning cuisine, or sun deck pool. Get to know the other travelers in the Saigon Lounge, or just relax and watch the passing scenery.
Your time off ship will be very enjoyable and stress-free as you can enjoy included excursions every day.
Here is the Day by Day Itinerary & What to Expect:
Day 1 - Arrival to Ho Chi Minh City
Today, after arriving in Vietnam all you have to do is check into your hotel and relax. (D)
Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City
Today you'll start off with a morning city tour to visit some of the city's most famous landmarks. In the afternoon you'll get to cool off underground while visiting Cu Chi, an immense underground network built during the Vietnam War. (B,L)
Day 3 - Ho Chi Minh City
It's time to board your ship, the AmaDara! But not before you visit the Ben Thanh Market - one of the oldest and most iconic structures in Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Cai Be + Sa Dec
Once arriving in Cai Be, you'll get the opportunity to visit candy and rice paper making workshops, and the historic Kiet Old House. Later in the day, you journey to Sa Dec to see the colourful market, Cao Dai Temple, and the house of author Huynh Thuy Ke, which his prize winning novel was said to be based on. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Tan Chau
Enjoy the morning in Tan Chau, a small town that is unspoiled by tourism. Enjoy the authentic experience of a traditional xe-loi (trishaw) ride around the town, stopping at silk making and rattan mat workshops. Later in the day, you will cross over the Vietnamese and Cambodian border on your way to Phenom Penh. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Phnom Penh
You'll be able to check out the Killing Fields, and Genocide Museum, or if that doesn't interest you, check out the Central Market and look for those unique treasures to take home! After lunch aboard the AmaDara, you will get to visit the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Oudong + Kampong Tralach + Phnom Penh
Today, you'll be treated to a Buddhist Blessing Ceremony in Oudong, Cambodia's former royal capital. You will also have the chance to take a walking tour through Oudong. Afterwards, you will experience an authentic oxcart ride through a local village in Kampong Tralach. Later on, experience Phnom Penh through a tuk tuk ride. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Oknha Tey Village
In the morning, set sail for Oknha Tey Village, also known as "Silk Island." This lovely place is known for their rich tradition of silk weaving. While here, visit a local elementary school and observe their traditional silk weaving. Continue on your way to Angkor Ban afterwards. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Angkor Ban + Kampong Cham
Enjoy walking through Angkor Ban, one of the few villages in Cambodia that was not destroyed under the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970's. The ship sails to Kampong Cham, where you will have an afternoon excursion via motorcoach to the Twin Mountains, Phnom Pros, and Phnom Srei. End the day with a festive farewell dinner on board. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Kampong Cham + Siem Reap
Disembark in Kampong Cham and transfer to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor Archaeological Park and the former capital of the Khmer empire. You'll also visit nearby Ta Prohm, known as "Kingdom of the Trees," for the way in which the temple stones have become intertwined with thick forest vegetation. (B,D)
Day 11 - Siem Reap
Start the day off with an exploration of the temple complex at Angkor Wat, the most iconic of all Angkorian temples, built by King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century to honor the Hindu god Vishnu. An afternoon excursion takes you to see the fascination jewel in the crown of Angkorian art, Banteay Srei. enjoy a special "Apsara Dancing Show" at your hotel in the evening. (B,D)
Day 12 - Siem Reap + Hanoi
Today you will have a guided sightseeing tour of Angkor Thom. This is home to Bayon Temple, the Terrace of the Elephants, and the Terrace of the Leper King. Wind down the day with a flight to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. (B,L)
Day 13 - Hanoi
A morning sightseeing tour will showcase some of Hanoi's most famous sights, including Ba Dinh Square, and the Temple of Literature. You will also visit the "Hanoi Hilton" which is a prison for POW's that earned its sarcastic nickname during the Vietnam war. In the afternoon, experience an authentic rickshaw ride in the Old Quarter, followed by a traditional Water Puppet Show. (B)
Day 14 - Hanoi + Ha Long Bay
Take a scenic drive from Hanoi to one of Vietnam’s most renowned locations, Ha Long Bay. There, you will board an elegantly appointed ship designed with all the modern conveniences to ensure smooth sailing for an incredible once in a lifetime experience. (B,L,D)
Day 15 - Ha Long Bay + Hanoi
Spend the morning sailing across the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay. Later in the morning, disembark the ship and transfer back to Hanoi where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B,L)
Day 16 - Hanoi
Prepare for your flight home. (B)
Contact us today to reserve your spot on this incredible itinerary in November 2022. Call 604-736-7447 or contact your North South Travel advisor directly.
Prices are based on double occupancy. A deposit of $500 per person is required to secure your cabin.
During the land portion you will be staying in superior hotels and on the river cruise you will have a cabin with a French and Outside balcony. Prices include intra-Asia airfares and port charges.