AVALON 2024: Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River with Bangkok (Northbound) (WHSB)

16 Day River Cruise Ho Chi Minh City to Bangkok

On this unique and inspiring Southeast Asia river cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia-including a stay in Bangkok, Thailand-you'll be immersed in the cultures and ancient traditions as you sightsee and spend time with locals in the most fascinating places along the mighty Mekong River.

Spend time in the bustling Ho Chi Minh City which combines historic architecture with modern skyscrapers. See the famous landmarks and try your hand in the kitchen-Vietnamese-style, with a cooking class. On an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels, you'll have an opportunity to walk through a section of the immense underground tunnel system used during the Vietnam War.

Embark on your river cruise along the Mekong River and visit a vibrant market, the home of a local family making handcrafted sampans, and a workshop to learn how rice wine and traditional candies are made. In the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, tour the National Museum and Royal Palace with its striking Silver Pagoda. On a hilltop at the site of the 8th-century temple of Wat Hanchey, take in the stunning views before walking through the rural village of Angkor Ban to visit with welcoming schoolchildren. Continue your river cruise vacation in Siem Reap, home to the phenomenal Temples of Angkor with an intricacy and architectural grandeur unmatched in the world.

Your Southeast Asia adventure concludes in Bangkok, the enchanting capital of Thailand, where you'll get up close to its most renowned temples, including the Temple of the Reclining Buddha-the oldest and largest of its kind. You'll also have plenty of leisure time to explore the 'Venice of the East'-a perfect ending to this remarkable and cultural journey!

Call 410-638-5822 for more information or to book today! Mention code 16442418

Tour Operator: Globus

Duration: 16 Days

Escorted: Escorted - Yes

Day	Destination	Description
Day 1	Ho Chi Minh City	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.
Day 2	Ho Chi Minh City	Motorbikes, Monuments, and Mouthwatering 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. (B,L,D)
Day 3	Ho Chi Minh City	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. (B)
Day 4	Ho Chi Minh City	Your Suite Ship is Ready for Boarding Transfer to the port 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 (B,L,D)
Day 5	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 (B,L,D)
Day 6	Border Crossing	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 (B,L,D)
Day 7	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. (B,L,D)
Day 8	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 (B,L,D)
Day 9	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 (B,L,D)
Day 10	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 (B,L,D)
Day 11	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. (B,L)
Day 12	Siem Reap	Roots Carved in Stone and Celebrated in Dance CLASSIC Continue your Guided Sightseeing of the Angkor Temples at Ta Prohm. Tree roots cover the ruin walls, allowing you to experience the temple with the same wonder as early explorers. Then visit Banteay Srei, a unique temple built on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like wood. En route stop at a local village famous for making Khmer noodles by hand. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. You may choose a Guided Optional Excursion to further explore Siem Reap or the temple complex by tuk-tuk. DISCOVERY This evening, a private Apsara Dance Performance brings ancient Khmer culture to life through music, song, and dance. (B,D)
Day 13	Bangkok	Bangkok Bound This morning, fly to Bangkok. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. (B)
Day 14	Bangkok	Klongs, Canals, and Timeless Temples This morning, your Guided Sightseeing begins with a boat ride on the klongs, Bangkok's famous canals. Stop at the stunning Grand Palace featuring the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Also, Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses more than 1,000 Buddha images, including the 49-foot-high and 151-foot-long massive Reclining Buddha. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B,L)
Day 15	Bangkok	Bold Colors of the City Enjoy a full day at your leisure. (B)
Day 16	Bangkok	Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Dates/Pricing

Click Quote or call 410-638-5822 to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

Date	Price / Description	Quote
11/11/2024	$7,869.00* (USD) / Land Only Price Saigon	Quote
11/25/2024	$7,869.00* (USD) / Land Only Price Saigon	Quote

Disclaimer: US$ Price Details

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