WALKING CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

A NOTE ABOUT WALKS:

We will be officially sanctioning 6 walks, with walk venues including the following:
VIETNAM: Saigon Walk and My Tho/Thoi Son Island/Sa Dec Walk
CAMBODIA: Koh Dek Chau Walk, Phnom Penh Walk, Kampong Cham/Kampong Tralach Walk, and Angkor Temples Walk
See Vietnam & Cambodia Walks for further details.

Day 1

ARRIVE HO CHI MINH CITY (Saigon), VIETNAM (D)

Welcome to Vietnam! A WAI representative will meet you and we’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour of this bustling capital city en route to our floating hotel, the luxurious R/V Indochine. Major sights will include the Post Office, built by Gustave Eiffel; the Notre Dame Cathedral; and the Presidential Palace. Before dinner aboard the ship, we’ll enjoy a “Welcome” cocktail and an orientation meeting as we greet our captain and crew.

Day 2

HO CHI MINH CITY (B, L, D)

This morning, we depart on an excursion to the fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels. Built during the Vietnam War to protect from bombing raids, the tunnels extend underground for over 212 km and range in depth from 3 to 12 meters! They feature the remnants of a living city: schools, community kitchens, sleeping quarters, and hospitals, as well as military production facilities. In the afternoon, we’ll experience a rickshaw ride to the main Chinese Market. After time there to explore, we’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 3

SET SAIL:MY THO–CAI BE–VINH LONG (B, L, D)

We cross the splendid canal of Cho Gao this morning. Upon arrival at My Tho, the R/V Indochine will weigh anchor close to Thoi Son Island. A visit to the Vinh Trang pagoda will be followed by a panoramic tour of the city, with stops at a local Snake Farm and market. Returning to the pier, we visit Thoi Son Island in local boats. Back on board, our ship weighs anchor and sets sail for Cai Be, where we’ll tour the floating market, then continue on to Vinh Long for sightseeing before our return to ship.

Day 4

SA DEC – CHAU DOC (B, L, D)

After breakfast, enjoy a panoramic tour of Sa Dec by coach, including a visit to a Bonsai Seedbed. We then sail to Chau Doc, where we visit the village of the local Cham community. Upon our return to Chau Doc, we depart by bus to the Nui Sam Hill, which offers splendid views of the river and the nearby Cambodian border. On our way back, we visit the Chua Xu Temple and the Tay An Pagoda. Returning to the ship in time for dinner, the evening is free to explore the nearby market or enjoy a cocktail at the lovely, colonial style Victorian hotel, located dockside.

Day 5

KOH DEK CHAU, CAMBODIA (B, L, D)

This morning, we cross the border into Cambodia. Arriving at Koh Dek Chau in the early afternoon, we have time to visit this tiny island and meet and mingle with the local people. Embarking once more, we’ll enjoy magnificent views as we continue sailing until nightfall.

Day 6

KAMPONG CHAM – PREK TA KUNG – PHNOM PENH (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we arrive at Kampong Cham, and will enjoy a tour of this city, famous for its many Wats (Temples) dating back to the Chenla Empire. In the afternoon, we arrive in Prek Ta Kung, renowned for its traditional craftsmen. Dinner will be served on board before we reach Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city. The evening is free; one optional activity would be a visit to the famous Foreign Correspondents Club. Another option would be a stroll down the bustling riverside promenade full of street vendors and night markets.

Day 7

PHNOM PENH (B, L, D)

We’ll start the day with a tour of Cambodia’s capital, which has retained its French colonial charm. Your morning’s sightseeing includes the Royal Palace, the National Museum, and Wat Phnom. After lunch in a local restaurant, we continue sightseeing with an excursion to the infamous “Killings Fields” – the former detention, torture and execution center during the Cambodian civil war. After dinner at the ship, we’ll enjoy a special performance on board, featuring a local folklore group and Cambodia’s traditional “APSARA” dances.

Day 8

PHNOM PENH – KAMPONG TRALACH (B, L, D)

Explore the city this morning at your leisure – some options include the nearby Russian market or the Museum of Genocide. Returning to the ship, we’ll set sail for Kampong Tralach. There we will tour the Pagoda Wat Kampong before we continue sailing along the Tonle River to Kampong Chhnang.

Day 9

KAMPONG CHHNANG – KAMPONG LUONG/CHNOK TRU (B, L, D)

At Kampong Chhnang, the river narrows and we can view the rich tapestry of rural life, including the city’s busy port and bustling markets. We have time to explore the area before we head toward either Kampong Luong (High water) or Chnok Tru (Low water). After enjoying the sights at our destination, we’ll attend our Captain's Farewell Dinner this evening.

Day 10

SIEM REAP DISEMBARKATION (B, L, D)

Today we bid our crew goodbye as we disembark and transfer to our hotel. This afternoon, we depart on an introductory tour of this fast-growing gateway to the Angkor Temples, with stops including the National Silk Center and a local market. This evening’s activities feature a dinner and an Apsara folk show.

Day 11

SIEM REAP (B, L, D)

Our morning tour takes us to explore the south gates of Angkor Thom, Bayan, Baphoun Temple, Elephant Terrace, the Royal Enclosure, and the Terrace of the Leper King. The afternoon is reserved for a visit to Ta Prhom and the magnificent main Temples of Angkor Wat, where an optional tethered balloon ride is said to offer the most magnificent sunset views in the world! After dinner, enjoy some free time to explore the lively downtown night life – featuring night bazaars, cafés and night clubs.

Day 12

RETURN HOME FROM SIEM REAP (B)

Our explorations of this fascinating part of Southeast Asia come to an end today! After a final breakfast, and farewells to new walking friends, we will check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport for our homebound flights.