Mysteries of the Mekong: Cruising from Siem Reap to Saigon Aboard Jayavarman
February 1 - 15, 2010
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Photo credit: B.Baron
Asuras Balustrade, Cambodia
Photo Credit: Bob Barron
Buddist Monks
Photo Credit: Tim Hall
Devas Balustrade, Cambodia
Photo Credit: Bob Barron
Vietnam Woman
Photo Credit: www.bigfoto.com
Ancient cultures, steeped in fantastic mythologies and serene philosophies, have infused the lands of Southeast Asia with a mysterious beauty. Some of the world's greatest art and architectural treasures lie hidden in the secluded jungles and breathtaking seascapes of Cambodia and Vietnam. The Mekong River, "Waterway of the Nine Dragons," winds its way through these two countries, forming the lifeline of a meandering network of tributaries in a timeless and tranquil world of rice paddies, floating villages and grand pagodas and palaces. Join us on this magical twelve-night journey, highlighted by a seven-night cruise down the Mekong River encompassing the history, culture, and modern life of Cambodia and Vietnam. Experience the energy and vitality of these ancient nations, which, until recently, have been obscured by the specter of war. Become enveloped in the mysterious allure of Indochina while cruising in style and comfort aboard the deluxe, colonial-style M.V. JAYAVARMAN, as well as staying in deluxe hotels for three nights in Siem Reap and two nights in Saigon. Travel from the sleepy pockets of "Old Asia" in Phnom Penh to the French Colonial districts of cosmopolitan Saigon. In the lush jungles of Cambodia, discover the magnificent 12th-century Khmer temples and sculptures of Angkor Wat, one of the world's most sublime monuments. And explore Vietnam's most splendid temples, local marketplaces and tranquil villages, where traditional ways of life blend with the modern world. This custom-designed itinerary offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to experience the living heritage and ancient cultural riches of Indochina. This program features an evening of authentic Khmer dance and cuisine, meetings with local residents—including a survivor of the Cambodian Killing Fields—and a lecture about the evolution of American-Vietnamese relations in the historic residence of former U.S. Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge in Saigon. We also invite you to complement your Indochina experience with the optional two-night Thailand Pre-Program in Bangkok and/or the three-night Vietnam Post-Program in Hanoi.
Tour Itinerary
February 1 and 2
U.S.A./Siem Reap, Cambodia. Cross the International Date Line
February 3
Siem Reap; Welcome Reception
February 4
Siem Reap; National Museum; Angkor
February 5
Siem Reap; Ta Prohm; Banteay Srei temple
February 6
Siem Reap; Prek K'dam; Embark Jayavarman
February 7
Tonle Sap River; Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary; Kampong Chhnang
February 8
Wat Hanchey; Kampong Cham; Wat Nokor; Cheung Kok Ecotourism Village
February 9
Phnom Penh; Royal Palace; Silver Pagoda; National Museum; Wat Phnom; Tuol Sleng Museum of Genocidal Crime
February 10
Cruising the main channel of the Mekong; Vietnamese cooking class
February 11
Chau Doc, Vietnam; Cham village
February 12
Cai Be
February 13
Ho Chi Minh City; Disembark Jayavarman; Walking tour
February 14
Ho Chi Minh City; Cu Chi Tunnels; Farewell reception
February 15
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam/U.S.A.
To register by credit card, please call 1-800-944-NTHP (6847); to register online, please fill out our reservation form. View our terms and conditions.
Please email National Trust Tours for questions about this program. Be sure to include your mailing address if you are requesting a paper copy of the brochure for this program.
