Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River (Northbound)

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM Historic Ho Chi Minh

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

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HO CHI MINH CITY Motorbikes, Monuments, and Mouth-watering Cuisine

CLASSIC Take a Walking Tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s historic landmarks, including a stop at the Rex Hotel for a refreshing drink at the rooftop bar where the U.S. Military held the infamous “Five O’Clock Follies” during the war. Then visit the War Remnants Museum and bustling Ben Thanh Market.

DISCOVERY For lunch, participate in a hands-on Vietnamese Cooking Class. Learn to prepare several local dishes and how to recreate them at home. Last, but not least, sample your delicious creations!

Explore the city further during free time this afternoon.

This evening join your traveling companions for a special welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

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HO CHI MINH CITY. EXCURSION TO CU CHI TUNNELS Secret Passageways and Underground Hideouts

CLASSIC Drive out of the city for a Guided Visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels—an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length—used as a hideout and secret village by the Viet Cong.

Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. Consider stopping for a drink at the famous rooftop bar at the Caravelle Hotel.

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HO CHI MINH CITY (EMBARKATION) Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding

Transfer to the port in the heart of Ho Chi Minh on the Saigon River for embarkation. Get acquainted with the ship and relax before your welcome reception this evening.

AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO VINH LONG

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VINH LONG–CU LAO GIENG Sweets, Sampans, and Sun Hats

DISCOVERY Board a sampan this morning to visit a local workshop in Vinh Long where you will see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candies are made.

DISCOVERY This afternoon, enjoy scenes of daily life on Cu Lao Gieng Island via sampan and local motor cart. Your Guided Excursion starts at a local workshop, where a skilled family hand-crafts sampan boats. Then, visit the home of a local family that makes Vietnamese conical hats, or “Non la,” from materials available to them such as palm leaves and bamboo. These iconic hats are primarily used as protection from the sun and rain but you may also see them used as a basket to carry home goods from the market. Lastly, stop at one of Vietnam’s oldest Catholic churches.

AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO CHAU DOC

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CHAU DOC–LONG KHANH A–BORDER CROSSING, CAMBODIA Colorful markets, Charming Locals, and Cotton Weavers

DISCOVERY In Chau Doc take a Guided Walk through the local market and absorb the atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. Then embark on a River Excursion down the backwaters of the Mekong. Along the way, see traditional floating homes, speedboat merchants, religious sites, a market selling dried goods, and more.

DISCOVERY After lunch, a sampan brings you to the village of Long Khanh A for a Cotton-Weaving Demonstration of a well-preserved artisan’s tradition.

Return to the ship to set sail for the Cambodian border.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH

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PHNOM PENH The Royal Treatment

CLASSIC Take a City Tour by private cyclo to visit the Royal Palace with the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum featuring an outstanding display of Khmer artifacts.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy the city at your leisure.

Just before dinner, children from a local orphanage will perform a show featuring local song and dance.

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PHNOM PENH A Dark History and Bright Markets

CLASSIC This morning, a Guided Visit of the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and one of the Killing Fields offers a glimpse into the atrocities inflicted on the Cambodian people by the Khmer Rouge regime, OR:

DISCOVERY Visit the lively Central Market by tuk-tuk to see its unique Art Deco design.

After lunch, depart Phnom Penh and enjoy some time at leisure on the ship.

AFTERNOON/EVENING CRUISE TO WAT HANCHEY

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WAT HANCHEY–ANGKOR BAN Water Blessings and Back To School Adventures

DISCOVERY Visit Wat Hanchey, a hilltop temple dating back to the 8th century. Climb or be driven to the top where you will enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area and partake in a traditional water blessing given by local monks.

DISCOVERY After lunch, enjoy a Walking Tour through the rural village of Angkor Ban. Here, you will visit a traditional Khmer house and interact with children at a local school.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO KONPONG LOUANG

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KONPONG LOUANG–KAMPONG TRALACH Calm Cambodian Countryside

DISCOVERY Start your Guided Sightseeing at the silversmith village in Konpong Louang. Here, see talented craftsmen use age-old techniques to turn pure silver into works of art. In Kampong Tralach board an ox cart for a ride through the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, stop to meet a local farmer and learn about his daily life.

This afternoon, enjoy scenic cruising on the Tonle River.

EVENING CRUISE TO PHNOM PENH

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PHNOM PENH (DISEMBARKATION)–SIEM REAP A Pilgrimage of Inspirational Beauty

Fly to Siem Reap, home to the Temples of Angkor, considered by many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on Earth!

CLASSIC After lunch, begin your Sightseeing Tour by tuk-tuk to explore the temples. Start at the best preserved and most famous of all the temples: Angkor Wat. Featuring five trademark towers, it is the symbol of Cambodia. Then, visit Angkor Thom, where you will explore Bayon Temple with its 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers and impressive bas-relief sculptures.

The evening is yours to explore charming Siem Reap, stay to witness the sunset at Angkor Wat, or consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the Cambodian circus.

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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