Mysteries of the Mekong River: Cruise from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (2010)

Download the Mysteries of the Mekong River Brochure

From $3195.00, per person, plus air, based on double occupancy.

Operated by Thomas P. Gohagan & Company

Immerse yourself in the mysterious allure of Indochina while cruising in style and comfort aboard the deluxe M.V. JAYAVARMAN along the fabled “Waterway of the Nine Dragons,” the Mekong River. In the lush jungles of Cambodia, discover the magnificent 12th-century temples and sculptures of Angkor Wat.  Journey from the undiscovered gem of Phnom Penh, a rare pocket of “Old Asia,” to cosmopolitan Saigon and encounter a timeless world of tranquil rice paddies, authentic floating villages and grand pagodas that recall the glories of bygone kingdoms and empires. The Bangkok Pre-Program and Hanoi Post-Program options are also offered.

Day 1
Depart from the U.S.

Day 2
Cross International Dateline

Day 3
Siem Reap, Cambodia

Day 4
Siem Reap/Angkor

Day 5
Siem Reap/Prek K'Dam

Day 6
Kampong Chhnang

Day 7
Phnom Penh

Day 8
Chau Doc, Cambodia

Day 9
Cai Be/Vinh Long

Day 10
Ho Chi Minh City/My Tho/Embark M.V. JAYAVARMAN/Cai Be

Day 11
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

Day 12
Return to U.S.

Activity Level
Moderately Active

Highlights

• Return to the “Golden Age of Travel” aboard the newly launched M.V. JAYAVARMAN, a sanctuary of luxury and style that recalls old-world charm and elegance while providing 21st-century amenities and comforts.
• Enjoy an extended stay in Saigon, the old French colonial capital and one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and colorful cities.
• Travel by a traditional sampan (boat) from Cai Be to the Thoi Son Islands to explore the isles’ legendary pagodas, fruit orchards and colorful markets.
• Cruise to a traditional floating village, a Cham tribal village and catfish farms near the famous Vietnamese river town of Chau Doc.
• Discover the sublime beauty of Indochina during a scenic cruise along the Tonle River and the wetlands of Kampong Chhnang, where traditional floating houses line the river and picturesque landscapes are dotted with tranquil rice paddies and small villages.
• Immerse yourself in the exotic 12th-century sculptures and intricate architecture of Angkor Wat, the magnificent complex of Khmer temples where saffron-robed monks still pray by candlelight, and the waning light of the Asian sunset creates a mystical beauty like no other.

Included Features

• 4 nights in a deluxe hotel, including breakfast daily and one lunch.
• Tour of Angkor Wat, a series of Hindu and Buddhist shrines representing the zenith of Khmer architecture.
• Excursion featuring an elephant ride and visits to the National Museum, the ancient royal city of Angkor Thom and the temples of Ta Prohm.
• Farewell reception.

On board the deluxe M.V. JAYAVARMAN

• Five-night Mekong River cruise from My Tho, Vietnam, to Siem Reap, Cambodia, with port calls in Cai Be, Vinh Long and Chau Doc, Vietnam; and Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
• Spacious and comfortable outside cabin with private bathroom, private balcony and air conditioning.
• Captain’s welcome reception.
• All meals—buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner—featuring a choice of Asian and European foods with an emphasis on local produce, served at single, unassigned seatings.
• Excursion by a traditional sampan (boat) from Cai Be to the Thoi Son Islands to explore the isles’ pagodas, fruit orchards and colorful markets.
• Tour of Vinh Long, featuring a horse carriage ride and a fruit tasting at a nearby orchard.
  -Cruise to a traditional floating village, a Cham tribal village and catfish farms near the famous river town of Chau Doc.
  -Phnom Penh city tour including the exquisite Khmer collection of the National Museum, the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom and the Khmer Rouge “Killing Fields.”
  -Special Khmer-themed evening featuring traditional cuisine, music and dance.
  -Scenic cruise along the Tonle River and the wetlands of Kampong Chhnang, where traditional floating houses line the river and picturesque landscapes are dotted with tranquil rice paddies and small villages.

About the M.V. JAYAVARMAN
Return to the “Golden Age of Travel” aboard the newly launched M.V. JAYAVARMAN, a sanctuary of luxury and style that recalls old-world charm and elegance while providing 21st-century amenities and comforts. Designed in a distinctive French Colonial style, the M.V. JAYAVARMAN is uniquely equipped to navigate the waterways of Indochina and to call in small ports inaccessible to larger ships. All 27 outside staterooms and suites are extremely spacious (between 225 and 280 square feet) with private bathroom facilities; are furnished with vintage Vietnamese, Khmer and colonial décor; and have private balconies. Meals, featuring Asian and European cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients, are served in a spacious, inviting dining room. Additional amenities include a stylish bar, sun decks, library with Internet stations and a deluxe health and beauty spa.

In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

• Two nights in the deluxe Renaissance Riverside Hotel, with breakfast daily.
• Private welcome reception.
• Tour of Ho Chi Minh City featuring the Central Post Office, the War Remnants Museum, the former Presidential Palace and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
• A visit to the Cu Chi tunnels, an underground network built by the Viet Cong.

Enhanced Travel Services

• All transfers and luggage handling abroad for all participants who have purchased their air tickets through Gohagan & Company and whose arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s).
• All excursions and visits, as outlined in the itinerary, with experienced local guides.
• Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions.
• Experienced Travel Director(s) to accompany you throughout the program.
• Hospitality desk in the hotel and aboard ship.
• Travel document wallet, name badge and pre-departure information for each participant.
• Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by Gohagan & Company.

Bangkok Pre-Program Option
Extend your Southeast Asian odyssey with two nights in Bangkok, one of the most captivating cities in Asia. Marvel at the elegant grandeur of the city’s magnificent temples and palaces, mingle with local shoppers at traditional markets and enjoy deluxe accommodations in the heart of the city.

Hanoi Post-Program Option
Join this special Pre-Program Option to the ancient Vietnamese capital of Hanoi. Enjoy accommodations in the heart of the city in the historic deluxe Sofitel Metropole, ride a cyclo through the colorful markets of the “36 Streets” and discover Vietnam’s rich Confucian heritage during a visit to the 11th-century Temple of Literature.

Updated July 20, 2009.