FASCINATING VIETNAM,CAMBODIA& THE MEKONG RIVER- NB

Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam's largest city and the engine driving the country's current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it's a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city's traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they're still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene's The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina's most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city's war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists' fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city's Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam's fixation on the future.

A vibrant province in Vietnam's Mekong Delta, Vinh Long is best known for it's captivating landscapes, intricate waterways and lively floating markets. The area offers a glimpse into authentic Vietnamese river lifestyle, with traditional wooden boats navigating the maze of canals, lush fresh fruit orchards and the Cai Be Floating market. 

Located in the An Giang Province of Vietnam, Châu Đốc, is known for its stunning natural beauty and cultural heritage. Alongside the banks of the Hậu River, the town blends influences from the Khmer culture with traditional Vietnamese charm with iconic landmarks such as the Sam Mountain, adorned with ancient pagodas and temples, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Celebrated for its vivid and colourful atmosphere that truly captures the essence of Vietnamese river life, Châu Đốc boasts lively floating markets featuring local traders gathered on the water to exchange goods.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

Angkor Ban is a beautiful city known best for its vibrant culture and enchanting temple complexes. Situated in Cambodia, in the north-western region of the Siem Reap Province, Angkor Ban has a population of approximately 48 thousand, many of whom are ethnic Khmer.

Kampong Tralach is located in the province of Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia, and is renowned for its range of contemporary and traditional attractions and vibrant culture. The small city, situated amidst the Mekong river and Tonle Sap River, is an ideal destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

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The menu at the Dining Room features a selection of Southeast Asia cuisine and local specialties, based on season and made with fresh local ingredients as well as popular Western dishes. Breakfast and lunch here are buffet-style, the 4-course dinner is served with complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks.

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For some casual relaxation and discussion guests can visit the Panorama Lounge, with floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows for a stunning view.

The Panorama Lounge is the Ship's entertainment venue, with stylish furniture, full-service bar and a self-serve beverage station. Here guests can watch a live evening show program by local performers, including dancers and musicians.

Depending on the visited ports along the Avalon Saigon itinerary on Mekong river, the Panorama Lounge also hosts Cambodia and Vietnam culture and history related lectures and multimedia presentations by local speakers. Another entertainment options at the Lounge are the Afternoon Tea service, cocktail hours and movie nights.

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There is an open-air observation lounge with shade system and premium lounge chairs, up on the Top Deck, gives guests a prime view to enjoy with a drink in hand. 

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The onboard Gift Shop offers guests the chance to purchase Cambodian and Vietnamese hand-made souvenirs, traditional clothing, fashion accessories, special occasion gifts, and jewellery.

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On the lower deck, guests can keep fit and release some tension in the small but well equipped Fitness Suite.

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Up on the Top Deck, guests can also make use of the serene Spa Treatment room, managed by professional masseurs. Treatments range from massage to body wraps, and booked by appointment only.

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• Comfort Collection Beds
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• Soft & firm pillows
• Choice of bed configuration
• Nightly turn-down service
• Bedside tables with reading lamps
• 14' Wall-to-Wall Panoramic window measuring that opens to create a large Open-Air Balcony
• Large private bathroom featuring full shower with glass door, hairdryer, and premium L'Occitane bath amenities
• Spacious closets with shelves for ample storage
• Easy under-bed luggage storage
• Alarm clock
• Writing desk/vanity with mirror & comfortable chair
• In-house telephone
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Complimentary water
• In-room safe
• Individual climate control
• One King-Sized Bed or Two Twins
• USB Ports

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• Comfort Collection Beds
• Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
• Soft & firm pillows
• Choice of bed configuration
• Nightly turn-down service
• Bedside tables with reading lamps
• 14' Wall-to-Wall Panoramic window measuring that opens to create a large Open-Air Balcony
• Large private bathroom featuring full shower with glass door, hairdryer, and premium L'Occitane bath amenities
• Spacious closets with shelves for ample storage
• Easy under-bed luggage storage
• Alarm clock
• Writing desk/vanity with mirror & comfortable chair
• In-house telephone
• Bathrobes & slippers
• Complimentary water
• In-room safe
• Individual climate control
• One King-Sized Bed or Two Twins
• USB Ports