2017 cruise companion timeless wonders of vietnam ...€¦ · passports: all uniworld river...
TRANSCRIPT
2 0 1 7 C R U I S E C O M PA N I O N
Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia
& the Mekong
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Icon/Letter Code Legend
The symbols below will help guide you through the
descriptions of the daily itineraries. They will give you
an idea of the length and pace of the excursions, and
they will note which meals are provided.
Uniworld Signature Icons
u UNESCO Site b Motorcoach
d Flight S Boat
a Additional Cost e Embark/Disembark
Dining Letter Codes
CB Continental Breakfast BB Buffet Breakfast
L Lunch D Dinner
WD Welcome Gala Dinner FD Farewell Gala Dinner
Tour Duration Icons
5 1/4 Day 7 1/2 Day
9 3/4 Day 8 Full Day
Shore Excursion IconsAll tours involve walking unless strictly noted as a
panoramic tour. In many cases, the walking takes place
over uneven ground, cobblestones or flagstone walkways,
and several tours involve stairs or short uphill climbs.
Please wear comfortable, non-skid walking shoes while
on all tours. These symbols give an idea of what to
expect on each program.
1 Easy walking
Includes walking of 15 minutes or less from multiple
motorcoach stops to and around historical sites.
Possibly some steps, or gentle uphill and downhill walks.
2 Intermediate walking
Includes walks of up to two hours on uneven terrain.
Limited seating at sites. Multiple stairs and/or uphill/
downhill walking.
3 Strenuous walking
Involves walking at all sites. Many stairs and uphill/
downhill passages. Those with physical limitations
and those who may need private arrangements should
contact the Cruise/Tour Manager when onboard.
W E L C O M E
Our World Begins with YouThank you for selecting Uniworld Boutique River Cruise
Collection. We want to do everything we can to ensure
you have the most enjoyable and worry-free vacation.
With that in mind, we have prepared this booklet for
you, so you can plan your trip with the greatest of ease.
Consider it a guideline to help you get ready for your
upcoming trip. It contains valuable tips and advice
on what to pack, your flight and transfer experience,
onboard information, day-to-day details and much more.
We highly look forward to hosting you onboard our
beautifully appointed ships and making your vacation
the most memorable and enjoyable experience possible.
Sincerely,
The Uniworld Team
Cover: Monk in Bayon Temple, Siem Reap, Cambodia ▲ Hanoi, Vietnam
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C R U I S E / T O U R C O M PA N I O N
Helpful Hints Before You Go
4 Travel Documents Passports
Visa Requirements
Passenger Information Form
Travel Protection Plan
6 Cruise/Tour Documentation Final Documentation Includes
6 Baggage Limitations
7 Vaccinations
7 Travel Essentials
8 Health and Mobility Physical Limitations
Medical
Special Diets
9 General Money Matters
Getting There
10 Airport Security and Check-In
10 Transfers Airport Arrival Transfers
Airport Departure Transfers
Late Flight Arrivals and Missed Flights
Additional Contacts in Case of a Late Arrival
Baggage Delays
13 Pre- or Post-Cruise/Tour Land Stay or Optional Extensions
13 Hotel Check-In and Hotel Check-Out
About Your Uniworld Cruise/Tour Package and Onboard and Onshore Services
14 Crew-Only Areas
14 Dining
14 Electrical Current
14 Elevators
15 Emergency Procedures
15 Excursions
15 Fitness Centers
15 Footwear
15 Gift Shops
15 Going Ashore
16 Gratuities
16 Handicapped Facilities
16 Insect Precautions
17 Internet Access
17 Intra-Asia Domestic Air Ticket
17 Land Tours and Shore Excursions
17 Laundry
17 Massage
17 Mooring and Docking Facilities
17 Moving about the Ship
18 Muster Station
18 Responsibility and Waiver
18 Safety Deposit Box
18 Security
19 Ship’s Office
19 Shopping
19 Smoking
19 Suite Amenities
19 Visitors
20 Water
20 Weather
21 What to Wear
21 Omissions
22 Frequently Asked Questions
2 0 1 7 R I V E R C R U I S E / TO U R P R O G R A M
Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong
25 Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi / 15 Days
39 Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City / 15 Days
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For entry to Cambodia, our Cruise/Tour Manager will
take care of obtaining Cambodian visas for each guest
on the cruise/tour. Each guest will need to provide
the Cruise/Tour Manager with his or her passport, one
(1) passport photo and $50 US dollars (USD) in cash,
per person, while on the cruise/tour for this purpose.
The Cruise/Tour Manager will then submit all passports
to the Cambodian Immigration Authorities and obtain
the visas. For southbound Mekong cruises, this will be
done at the Siem Reap Airport. For northbound Mekong
cruises, this will be done onboard the Mekong Navigator prior to entering Cambodia.
Any visa(s) or other documentation required for a
particular itinerary is solely the responsibility of the
guest. As a courtesy, our website, uniworld.com, offers
a link to a visa service company in the “Already Booked”
section; this company can provide additional information.
Obtaining and carrying required documents is solely your
responsibility. Uniworld will not be responsible for advising
and/or obtaining required travel documentation for any
passenger, or for any delays, damages and/or losses,
including missed portions of your trip, related to improper
or absent travel documentation. Due to government-
imposed security immigration measures, passport infor-
mation and emergency contact information are required
for all passengers prior to release of documentation.
Passenger Information Form: By now, you should have
completed the Uniworld Passenger Information Form.
The information on this form is used to comply with
certain foreign government and airline security restrictions
in advance of your arrival. If you have completed this
form, we thank you for your prompt attention. If you
have not completed this form, please visit our website
at uniworld.com and complete the online Passenger
Information Form in the “Already Booked” section. Each
guest must complete the form.
Please note that the name on your airline tickets must
match your name exactly as it is shown in your passport.
This applies to both international flights as well as the
flight between Vietnam and Cambodia (or vice versa)
that we will book for you, so please be sure we have your
name correct on your booking.
Travel Protection Plan: Uniworld strongly recommends
that each guest purchase a Travel Protection Plan. Please
carry all policy information with you during the course of
your trip.
During the cruise/tour, it is advisable to have copies of
important documents (i.e., first page of your passport,
photo, credit card numbers and bank/credit card
company phone numbers) in a separate packet, in case
the originals are lost or stolen.
Helpful Hints Before You Go
Travel DocumentsPassports: All Uniworld river cruise/tours require a
passport. In most cases, passports must be valid for six
(6) months after the scheduled return date from the
trip. Travel to Vietnam and Cambodia will require visas.
Each guest is fully responsible for obtaining and carrying
the travel documents necessary for his or her travel
itinerary, with the exception of Cambodian visas.
Uniworld will not be responsible for any delays, damages
and/or losses (including missed portions of your trip)
related to improper or absent travel documents.
Visa Requirements: For US and Canadian citizens,
a multiple-entry visa is required for entry to Vietnam.
A visa is not required for entry to Thailand for US and
Canadian citizens.
Non-US or non-Canadian citizens must contact the
appropriate consular office for entry requirements
pertaining to their particular trip.
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Cruise/Tour DocumentationUniworld sends all final cruise and air documents
between 21 and 30 days prior to your trip departure,
provided that Uniworld has received a completed and
signed Passenger Information Form and your booking
is paid in full. All documents are sent via a priority mail
delivery service such as UPS or FedEx.
Final Documentation Includes:
▶ Cruise/Tour Ticket
▶ Passenger Ticket Contract (which is legally binding
between Uniworld and each guest)
▶ Airline Tickets or E-Ticket Confirmation (if international
air ticket was purchased from Uniworld)
▶ Cruise/Tour Companion
▶ Baggage Tags
▶ Leave-Behind Communication Card
▶ Travel Protection Plan Pamphlet (if Uniworld travel
protection was purchased)
▶ Pre- or Post-Cruise/Tour Optional Extension
Information (if optional extensions were purchased)
Baggage LimitationsAirline baggage restrictions change frequently, and each
guest needs to check with his or her specific air carrier
for limitations concerning baggage weight, baggage size,
carry-on regulations, and excess or overweight baggage
charges. This information can be found on the carrier’s
website or on Uniworld’s website at uniworld.com/
baggage. Remember to check for both international
(over the water) and intracontinental regulations since
limitations differ depending on flight routings.
Overweight or excess baggage charges vary, and guests
who exceed an airline’s recommended limits may be
asked to pay fees ranging from $25 to $80 USD, or
possibly more, per infraction.
For intra-Vietnam and intra-Asia flights, only one (1)
suitcase per person can be checked, and it must weigh
no more than 44 pounds (20 kilograms) total per person
(not per bag). Each checked bag should have dimensions
not exceeding 62 linear inches (157 centimeters). You may
be asked by the airline to pay fees of approximately $2.50,
$5 or more (USD) per pound (0.45 kilograms) in excess
of this weight limit. One (1) carry-on is allowed per
person. Your carry-on should not exceed 17” x 14” x 8”
(43 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 20 centimeters) and
should not weigh more than 15 pounds (7 kilograms).
There are no restrictions concerning the number of bags
each person can bring with him or her onboard the ship.
However, baggage storage space onboard is limited.
Guests are encouraged to limit their baggage to one (1)
piece per person for their own comfort and, in cases of
pre- or post-cruise/tour stays, for their own convenience.
Keep an eye on your baggage and all personal
belongings—they are solely your responsibility
throughout the trip. Uniworld is not responsible for lost,
stolen, or damaged baggage and personal belongings. A
Travel Protection Plan covering lost, stolen or damaged
baggage is highly recommended.
VaccinationsAll guests should direct questions about vaccinations to
their personal physician.
As an additional resource, guests may consult the
current recommendations of the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC). The CDC website is cdc.gov and the
phone number is 1-800-232-4636.
You may also contact the consulates of the countries to
be visited to determine vaccination requirements.
Travel EssentialsThe following items are essential for any destination:
walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, an umbrella,
and a lightweight raincoat or outerwear garment
appropriate for the seasonal weather conditions. It is
recommended that you bring duplicates of prescription
eyewear, copies of prescriptions for any medications,
copies of credit card information, and copies of your
passport information pages and visas. Make sure that
your baggage has identification tags both inside and
outside, with your contact information and address
clearly marked. Do not pack valuables or important
medication in your checked baggage unless required to
do so by the airline; these should be carried with you in
your carry-on baggage. Please contact your air carrier
for any additional regulations.
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Health and MobilityPhysical Limitations: Uniworld trips are exciting,
relatively active vacations. While there will be plenty
of time to relax, there will also be much to see and do.
Your included excursions generally require an extensive
amount of walking, as well as the navigation of numerous
steps and uneven terrain. During shore excursions,
guests with physical limitations will find access to sites
generally restricted. For your safety and enjoyment, we
recommend that all guests be in good physical condition.
In addition, river ships, while spacious and comfortable,
are not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities
Act and do not have elevators. Uniworld, at its sole
discretion, reserves the right to refuse passage or to
require a current passenger to end his or her trip if the
passenger’s state of health or physical condition may
affect his or her own health, safety and enjoyment, or that
of other passengers. The use of mobility devices such as
wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, etc. is not recommended
for travel in Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, and such
devices cannot be readily obtained in the region.
Medical: Most of the hotels used in Vietnam and
Cambodia will be near a clinic staffed by a doctor, but
Uniworld does not employ staff nurses or doctors
onboard its ships. Medical expenses are the guest’s own
responsibility. Guests should bring their medications with
them. Uniworld is not responsible for any costs incurred
as a result of medical service or for the quality of medical
care received. A Travel Protection Plan covering medical
expenses is highly recommended.
Special Diets: Please advise us of any special dietary
restrictions in advance of your departure. This information
will be provided to the proper personnel. To the extent
possible, and in consideration of local conditions, every
effort will be made to accommodate your needs. It is the
guest’s responsibility to provide us with as much detail
as necessary concerning any medically related dietary
concerns. Not all dietary requests can be accommodated,
and we appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Dietary restrictions should be reiterated to the service
staff at the time of placing orders in restaurants.
General Money MattersCurrency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VDN).
Please note that ATMs do not supply US dollars in
Vietnam. In Cambodia the US dollar is widely accepted,
as is the Cambodian riel. ATMs in Cambodia supply
both currencies. Thailand’s currency is the baht. Please
note that crisp, new, untorn bills are necessary for
paying in cash and/or exchanging currencies.
Uniworld features a “cashless” environment onboard, and
all charges are billed directly to each guest’s onboard
account. Currency accepted onboard for settlement of
final bills is the US dollar. The major credit cards
accepted are Visa and MasterCard, and these will incur
extra bank charges for transactions, which will be your
responsibility. Credit cards will be charged in US dollars.
Please contact your bank and/or credit card companies
to let them know that you will be leaving the country to
avoid any problems using your credit card(s) overseas. It
is not advisable to bring Travelers Checks.
The ship does not have ATMs onboard, but ATMs linked to
major bank networks can be found throughout Vietnam,
Cambodia and Thailand. Most debit and major credit
cards can be used for cash withdrawals ashore. Your bank
can tell you which network your ATM card can access and
whether a debit or credit card must be used. Make sure
you have the correct PIN for the card you plan to use
before leaving home, as the PIN is required for all money
withdrawals. It is also recommended that you bring an
overseas contact number for your bank or credit card
company in case you require assistance while traveling.
Limited currency exchange is available onboard for the
exchange of cash only. Credit cards cannot be accepted
for money exchange. Most hotels and major tourist sites
have exchange facilities. Please note currency exchange
transactions and ATM cash withdrawals always involve
transaction fees. It is always best to inquire as to the fee
before exchanging any money. ATMs will typically ask
you if you accept the fee before enabling the transaction.
Most major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American
Express) are accepted worldwide. There may be some
stores or locations where cash is preferred or where a
particular credit card cannot be used for purchases. We
recommend bringing at least one major credit card, as
well as an ATM card that is both a debit and credit card.
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Getting There
Airport Security and Check-InIt is advisable to contact the airline in advance of your
departure to verify that there have been no changes
to the flight number or schedule found on your travel
documents. After your travel documents are issued and
sent to you, Uniworld is not responsible for notifying
guests of any changes in flight schedules.
Please make sure you arrive at the airport at least two
and a half (2.5) hours prior to your scheduled departure
to complete check-in and security procedures. For peak
travel times, you may even want to arrive three (3) hours
prior to your scheduled departure time.
TransfersAirport Arrival Transfers: If your cruise/tour package
includes a group arrival transfer (and your flights
coincide with our transfer guidelines and have been
communicated to Uniworld), you will be greeted by a
Uniworld representative and transferred to the hotel.
You will be met as you exit the airport’s secure customs
area. Please claim all of your baggage before exiting
the baggage claim area. From the airport, you’ll be
transferred to the hotel. Please note that transfers are
nonrefundable.
There may be a waiting period of up to one (1) hour for
scheduled airport transfers, depending on groupings
of flight arrivals. Upon clearing customs in the cruise/
tour start city, look for the Uniworld representative
outside the secure customs area. If you cannot find the
representative, please remain outside the customs area
until the representative comes to you. Uniworld will
not be responsible for late arrivals or missed transfers
due to delayed, changed, canceled or missed flights;
for missed cruise/trip days; or for extra costs resulting
from delayed, changed, canceled or missed flights.
Flight information and pre-trip arrangements for all
guests making their own flight arrangements must
be given to Uniworld no later than 45 days prior to
departure in order for transfers to be properly arranged.
Your flight arrangements must also be made in
accordance with Uniworld’s recommended transfer
guidelines. For complete details, please see the “Terms
and Conditions” section of our current brochure or our
website, uniworld.com.
Guests who have purchased an optional pre-cruise/tour
extension or extra hotel nights with Uniworld will be
provided transfers as part of the extension or extra
nights purchase.
If your cruise/tour package does not include arrival
transfers (i.e., for flights outside of Uniworld’s
recommended transfer time guidelines or if flight details
have not been communicated to Uniworld in time),
please make your own way to the hotel as per your trip
itinerary; transportation will be at your own expense.
Airport Departure Transfers: If your cruise/tour package
includes a group departure transfer (and your flights
coincide with our transfer guidelines and have been
communicated to Uniworld) or if you have purchased a
private departure transfer, you will be transferred to the
airport for your flight home.
In accordance with Uniworld’s recommended transfer
time guidelines, all guests making their own flight
arrangements are required to provide Uniworld with their
flight information and post-trip arrangements no later
than 45 days prior to departure in order to receive
transfers. For complete details, please see the “Terms
and Conditions” section of our current brochure or our
website, uniworld.com.
Guests who have purchased an optional post-cruise/tour
extension or extra nights with Uniworld hotel stays will
be provided transfers as part of the extension or extra
nights purchase.
If your cruise/tour package does not include departure
transfers (i.e., for flights outside of Uniworld’s
recommended transfer time guidelines or if flight details
have not been communicated to Uniworld in time), you
must schedule transportation from the hotel at your
own expense.
Late Flight Arrivals and Missed Flights: If your package
includes an arrival transfer and you experience a travel
delay of any kind while you are still within North America,
please contact Uniworld by calling 1-800-733-7820 and
advise them of the situation. They will do their best
to ensure that you are met and transferred upon your
revised arrival. If you are outside North America when
you experience the travel delay, please contact
+855 968 605 329 for advice and assistance.
Upon clearing customs in the cruise/tour start city, look
for the Uniworld representative outside the customs
area. If you cannot find the representative, please remain
outside the customs area until the representative
appears. Depending on the nature of the delay, our
ground staff can, at times, track flight changes. However,
if your flight arrangements were drastically altered, it is
unlikely that the ground staff will be notified in time of
your specific flight changes. Due to security protocols
enacted after September 11, 2001, airlines very rarely
provide updated flight information to third parties.
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If you cannot find the Uniworld representative, please
contact the transfer representative in your arrival city.
Their contact information is shown in the transfer section
of your Cruise/Tour Ticket. If unable to match you up with
a scheduled group transfer, the transfer representative
will ask you to make your way to the hotel at your own
expense. Costs incurred due to missed transfers are the
responsibility of the guest; in most cases, compensation
can be obtained from your Travel Protection Plan provider
or airline carrier. If any transfers are missed, guests
should take the green and white taxis approved by the
Vietnamese Department of Transportation (also called the
Ministry of Transport). Keep in mind that drivers may not
speak English. If not, guests should write down the name
of the hotel clearly and hand the note to the driver. The
same policy applies to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
If your delay is serious enough that you miss the starting
point of your cruise/tour, please contact our Local
Representative, using the number on your Cruise/Tour
Ticket to determine the exact location of your tour group
on your revised date of arrival. The office personnel will
advise you on the best course of action. Uniworld is not
responsible for missed transfers or additional costs due
to missed or delayed flights.
Additional Contacts in Case of a Late Arrival:
Mekong Navigator
Ship’s Cambodian Phone:
+855 968 605 329
Ship’s Vietnamese Phone:
+84 903 888 304
Land Program
Cambodia:
+855 12 506 222
Vietnam:
+84 973 068 181
Baggage Delays: Baggage delays do unfortunately occur
from time to time, especially during peak travel periods.
First and foremost, do not leave the baggage area
without completing a Lost Baggage Report with your air
carrier. This report is essential to the tracking of your
claim. If traveling with a companion, we recommend one
(1) person exit the baggage claim area and locate the
transfer representative to inform him or her of the
situation. This will allow the representative to ensure that
transfers are properly provided. Give the air carrier a copy
of your travel itinerary and the hotel and ship’s contact
information. Report your lost baggage to the Uniworld
representative and provide him or her with a copy of
your Lost Baggage Report. This will assist our staff in
helping to locate your baggage as quickly as possible.
Uniworld is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged
baggage and/or personal belongings. A protection plan
covering lost, stolen or damaged baggage is available
through the Uniworld Travel Protection Plan.
Pre- or Post-Cruise/Tour Land Stay or Optional ExtensionsAll Uniworld land programs are fully hosted and include
daily breakfast, transfers and porterage. Most feature at
least one (1) special sightseeing program. Your Cruise/
Tour Manager or on-site Uniworld representative will host
a welcome briefing upon your arrival to familiarize you
with the scheduled program and to provide additional
information about optional excursions, dining
recommendations and shopping tips. Details about your
pre- or post-cruise/tour land stay are included in this
booklet and details about your pre- or post-cruise/tour
optional extensions are included with final documents.
Hotel Check-In and Hotel Check-OutPlease note that every effort is made to ensure that your
hotel room is available and ready for occupancy upon
your arrival at the hotel. This is not always possible due
to differences in hotel check-in times and scheduled
airport-to-hotel transfers. A short wait for your room to
become available may be unavoidable.
Most hotels do not allow check-in earlier than 2:00 pm. If
you arrive at the hotel before 2:00 pm, you may need to
wait until the room becomes available. Hotel check-out
must be no later than 12:00 pm. If your arrival or
departure schedule does not coincide with these times,
you may ask the hotel to store your baggage while you
explore independently.
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About Your Uniworld Cruise/Tour Package and Onboard and Onshore Services
Crew-Only AreasSome areas are clearly indicated as “Crew Only.” We ask
you to respect these areas, as the crew may be working
there and your safety cannot be guaranteed. These areas
include the Main Deck bow area, the galley, engine
rooms, crew accommodation and the gangways aft of
the Sun Deck. Crew members have been instructed to
escort any unauthorized persons from these areas and
make a report to the Captain.
DiningAll breakfasts on land and onboard are American-style
buffets. Most other included meals onshore will be held
at local restaurants. Lunch onboard offers a selection of
fresh salads, daily soups and entrées. Dinner onboard is
seated. Please notify Uniworld in advance if you have any
special dietary concerns or considerations that need to
be taken into account while traveling with us. We will do
our best to ensure that your request is accommodated,
but we cannot guarantee that this will happen in all cases.
During meals held ashore, guests will be able to enjoy
complimentary beverages: For lunch, guests may choose
to have water, coffee, hot tea or soft drinks; for dinner,
guests may also choose from a selection of house wine
and local beer.
During onboard dinners, complimentary red and white
house wine, locally produced spirits, ice water, iced tea,
beer, soft drinks, coffee and hot tea will be included.
Complimentary select domestic spirits are available
throughout the day at the bar located on the Sun Deck
of the ship (excluding premium spirits and premium
wines, which are available for purchase).
Electrical CurrentVoltage is 220V/50Hz in all hotels and onboard the ship.
On the ship, outlets that accommodate both 110V and
220V appliances are available in the staterooms and
suites. In the hotels, dual-voltage appliances or a voltage
converter will be needed. In addition, you will need a
two-round-pin-type plug adaptor in Cambodia, and a
three-flat-pin-type plug adaptor in Vietnam.
ElevatorsThe ship does not have an elevator. All the hotels
have elevators.
Emergency ProceduresThe ship is outfitted with modern smoke detectors,
fire alarms, extinguishers and hoses. Alarms are situated
at regular intervals along the Promenade Deck. An
individual emergency alarm button is situated in each
stateroom and suite. Fire extinguishers are located at
regular intervals around the Promenade Deck and
outside all public rooms.
ExcursionsGroup shore excursions are organized by the Cruise/Tour
Manager and are accompanied by a member of the
ship’s staff. Details about group shore excursions are
posted on the Daily Schedule, and passengers are
requested to note this before disembarkation. When
disembarking, passengers should hang their keys on the
key board found adjacent to the dining room so that we
know if anyone has left the ship and not returned. If you
go ashore with your stateroom or suite keys and we
leave without you, we cannot be held responsible.
Fitness CentersThere are fitness centers in all hotels, with the exception
of the Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa. There is no
fitness center onboard the ship.
FootwearSlippers are provided for your comfort onboard the
vessel. When ashore, guests should wear comfortable—
but safe—walking shoes. At certain times, the river banks
and paths we use can be muddy and therefore slippery.
Due to the possibility of muddy—or, conversely, very
dusty—walking conditions, we ask you to remove your
footwear when returning onboard so that we can clean
your shoes for you and return them to you later.
Gift ShopsThe only hotel on the tour with a gift shop is the Victoria
Angkor Resort and Spa. There is a small gift shop
onboard the ship as well.
Going AshoreWhen the ship is docked, you are welcome to move
freely between ship and land as much as you like. From
time to time, the ship will be anchored in the middle of
the river. Because of the varying nature of the riverbank,
methods of getting ashore may differ from time to time
and, on occasion, access may be difficult. We will ensure
that the gangways are safe and that crew members are
on hand to assist you.
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GratuitiesGratuities are customary expressions of appreciation
for a job well done, and it is our goal to ensure that the
service you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit.
The amount of the gratuity you choose to give is entirely
subject to your satisfaction with your travel experience.
To assist you in determining the amount of your gratuities,
we recommend the following as a guideline:
▶ Cruise/Tour Manager: $8 to $10 USD per guest, per
day (given on the last day of the cruise/tour before
departure)
▶ Ship staff and crew: $8 to $10 USD per guest, per day,
to be shared among all ship’s staff and crew (given on
the last day of the cruise before disembarking the ship)
Tips and gratuities are included for local experts, drivers,
local river guides, the rickshaw driver and boatman
during your trip.
Gratuities cannot be billed to onboard accounts, so please
ensure that you have cash on hand for this expense.
Travelers Checks cannot be used to pay gratuities.
Handicapped FacilitiesEmbarkation/disembarkation facilities may be impossible
to navigate with wheelchairs, scooters, walkers or any
other mechanical devices. The ship was not designed
to accommodate physically challenged travelers; it does
not have elevators and is not handicapped or wheelchair
accessible.
Additionally, most shore excursions involve walking over
uneven ground. Some excursions are walking tours only,
and for your safety and enjoyment, we recommend that
all guests be in good physical condition.
Uniworld, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to
refuse passage or to require a current passenger to
end his or her trip if the passenger’s state of health or
physical condition may affect his or her own health,
safety and enjoyment, or that of other passengers.
Insect PrecautionsExternal doors and gauze windows should be kept
closed at all times. At night, if on deck or going ashore,
make sure to apply repellent to ankles and other
exposed skin. While you can expect to encounter
insects, these insects are relatively harmless. Make sure
to switch off lights when leaving your cabin so as not
to lure them in. On the fast-flowing river, mosquitoes
are rarely to be seen while sailing.
Internet AccessComplimentary Wi-Fi is available in the public areas of all
hotels; charges may apply for Internet access in guest
rooms. Internet is available onboard, but it is cellular-
based and can be unreliable.
Intra-Asia Domestic Air TicketYour intra-Asia domestic air ticket will be issued on tour,
and your boarding passes will be given to you by your
Cruise/Tour Manager at the airport.
Land Tours and Shore ExcursionsEach cruise/tour program includes comprehensive shore
excursions led by a local English-speaking expert or your
Cruise/Tour Manager; these excursions have been
designed to provide you with the best possible
experience ashore. On motorcoach tours, we ask that
passengers rotate to allow everyone to sit near the front.
A complete day-by-day shore excursion itinerary is
provided in this booklet. Details of your particular
itinerary can also be found at uniworld.com.
LaundryThe Mekong Navigator provides washing, drying and
ironing services for a fee. Please note that there is no
self-service launderette and there are no dry cleaning
facilities onboard. Your hotels, however, will offer full-service
laundry and dry cleaning options at an additional cost.
MassageMassage services are available onboard the Mekong
Navigator. These services are available for a fee and can
be paid for in cash or with a credit card at the time of
purchase or at the time you settle any of your onboard
charges prior to disembarkation from the ship.
Mooring and Docking FacilitiesThe local river authorities allocate docking space around
ship arrivals and departures in port. There are times
when port conditions require ships to tie up alongside
each other, and guests may be required to walk through
another ship to access their own ship. This is part of the
river cruise experience and is perfectly normal. Guests
may experience obstructed views from staterooms or
suites when the ship is docked.
Moving about the ShipBecause the ship will often be in motion and the decks
will sometimes be slippery, you will need to take care
when moving about the decks. Please be extra cautious
when using the stairs onboard, as they may be steeper
than you are used to. It’s best to always use the handrails.
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Muster StationA deck plan of the ship is provided in your suite. Please
familiarize yourself with the location of the ship’s muster
station. In the event of an emergency, the ship’s whistle
will blast repeatedly and alarm bells will ring. Proceed
immediately to the muster station, where you will put on
a life vest and await further instructions. The muster
station is located in the dining room on the Lotus Deck
and is clearly indicated with signs.
Note that we are not required by Class Societies to carry
lifeboats since it is much quicker to beach the vessel on
the nearest sand bar or river bank and evacuate by foot
than to transfer passengers onto lifeboats.
Responsibility and WaiverThe guest accepts the terms and conditions of the
Passenger Ticket Contract when participating in any
organized shore excursion/tour that is provided by
Uniworld. Participation in some shore excursions or tours
may also be subject to an independent operator’s own
Terms and Conditions.
Safety Deposit BoxEach hotel room and onboard stateroom or suite comes
equipped with a safe. We urge you to leave valuables at
home. We are not responsible for any valuables left in
staterooms or suites. Any charge to return “lost and
found” property will be at the owner’s expense. Please
beware of pickpockets when ashore.
SecurityIn the countries in which we operate, tourists are rarely
targets for theft, but caution is encouraged nonetheless.
A 24-hour watch is kept on the gangplank in order to
control access to the ship, but please keep your deck
door locked when it is not in use and at night. All
staterooms and suites have a combination-type safe;
please use a number you can remember, like the last four
digits of your phone number or your date of birth. The
company cannot be held liable for loss of money, jewelry
or other valuable items from the ship, from a hotel or
while on an excursion ashore during a voyage. In the
Conditions of Carriage, you are required to have taken
out personal travel insurance to cover these possibilities.
ShoppingTime for shopping is usually, but not always, allowed for
within the framework of the sightseeing programs. The
actual amount of time available for shopping may be
limited due to tour constraints. Shopping recommen-
dations can be made by your Cruise/Tour Manager.
Larger stores accept most major credit cards, while
market vendors and small stores usually only accept
local currency (with the exception of Cambodia, which
widely accepts the US dollar). It is a good idea to take a
small amount of cash in local currency to use for on-the-
spot gratuities and to purchase souvenirs or sundries.
SmokingThe ship enjoys a non-smoking environment in all public
areas and in the staterooms and suites. Smoking is
allowed only on the aft section of the upper Sun Deck.
Hotels do not permit smoking except in specific areas; all
guest rooms reserved are non-smoking. Hotels offer
smoking rooms; smoking rooms must be requested at
the time of booking and are very limited. For the comfort
of all passengers, smoking is not permitted on
sightseeing or transfer vehicles.
Suite AmenitiesWe want you to be as comfortable as possible during
your voyage with us. Our stewarding team will do their
best to ensure the highest possible standards of
cleanliness and comfort in your room. Please do not
hesitate to ask if you require anything at all, and please
let us know if you are not satisfied with any aspect of
our service. Suites have minibars. Note that suites do not
have phones. All suites have their own air-conditioning,
mini-safe, luggage storage, wardrobe, writing desk,
emergency button and amenities, including hair dryers,
robes and slippers. All suites on the Orchid Deck have
private balconies, and all suites on the Lotus Deck have
French balconies.
VisitorsVisitors are generally not permitted onboard the
ship and are not allowed to join any shore excursions.
Please make arrangements to meet your friends and
relatives onshore.
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WaterPlease do not drink or brush your teeth with the tap
water while onboard or onshore. The ship’s water supply
comes from the river after passing through a sterilization
plant. This water is suitable for washing but should not
be consumed. Complimentary bottled water for drinking
and brushing teeth is provided onboard, and additional
bottled water will be made available free of charge on
excursions. To save water and reduce detergent use, we
will only change towels daily if they are placed on the
floor. All hotels also provide complimentary in-room
bottled water.
WeatherWeather forecasts are widely available on the Internet.
Uniworld’s favorite resource for up-to-the-minute
international weather is weather.com.
Average Temperatures (Fahrenheit):
Average Low/High (F)
Jan Feb Mar Sep Oct Nov Dec
Hanoi 57/67 59/68 65/73 77/87 72/84 65/77 60/71
Ho Chi Minh City
70/89 73/91 76/93 76/88 76/88 73/88 71/88
Siem Reap 67/90 69/92 79/94 76/90 75/88 72/87 69/88
Bangkok 70/90 74/91 79/95 76/90 76/90 74/89 69/88
Luang Prabang
56/82 58/89 63/93 73/91 69/89 64/85 59/81
Average Temperatures (Celsius):
Average Low/High (C)
Jan Feb Mar Sep Oct Nov Dec
Hanoi 14/19 15/20 18/23 25/30 22/29 18/25 16/22
Ho Chi Minh City
21/32 23/33 24/34 24/31 24/31 23/31 22/31
Siem Reap 19/32 21/33 26/34 24/32 24/31 22/31 21/31
Bangkok 21/32 23/33 26/35 24/32 24/32 23/32 21/31
Luang Prabang
13/28 14/32 17/34 23/33 21/32 18/29 15/27
What to WearPrepare for a variety of weather conditions depending
on your travel season. Layering clothing is smart because
it allows each person to adjust to most temperatures,
including artificially maintained temperatures, by
removing or adding items throughout the day.
Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is appropriate
both onshore and onboard. For warmer temperatures,
we suggest lightweight clothing that can be layered,
such as a mix of sweaters, lightweight knit shirts, everyday
khakis, slacks, skirts/dresses and walking shorts. Mix-
and-match solid color schemes work best to help keep
baggage light. This program is very different from
European river programs; attire is more casual due to the
region’s warmer temperatures. During the cruise portion
of your program, comfortable, lightweight clothing in
lighter colors is strongly recommended.
Shorts, cotton shirts, good walking shoes and sun hats
during the day are recommended. However, to enter the
temples and other holy sites in Cambodia, guests should
ensure that their shoulders and knees are covered. For
evenings, we recommend casual and cool-weather attire,
and we require footwear to be worn at all times in the
dining room.
You will engage in a significant amount of walking over
uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend
comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support.
Sport jackets and cocktail dresses are not needed at any
time during this program.
Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, waterproof jacket
(preferably hooded), or even a heavier-weight wind-
breaker, for colder temperatures that can be found in
Hanoi and Ha Long Bay in late October through February.
OmissionsUniworld is not responsible for omissions or printing
and/or presentation errors in brochures, on Internet
sites, or in any other media where such information
may be presented; we reserve the right to make
corrections as required.
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What time will excursions depart?
All shore excursions are carefully coordinated to the
ship’s daily schedule. Prior to dinner each evening, your
Cruise/Tour Manager will brief all guests about what
activities will take place the next day. This briefing
includes information about departure times, specifics
about the shore excursions/tours not covered in this
booklet, shopping and restaurant recommendations, and
other important information about the port of call. In
addition to the briefing, a daily program will be distributed
to each guest’s stateroom or suite every evening. This
program provides a written overview of all events taking
place the next day—whether onboard or ashore.
Does each motorcoach or walking group have its own
tour guide?
Yes. Each motorcoach or walking group has its own
English-speaking local tour guide. Uniworld tries very
hard to ensure that our guides are of the highest quality
and are well-versed in their subjects to make sure that
you have the best possible time ashore.
What about tipping?
Gratuities should always be in accordance with each
guest’s personal satisfaction. Uniworld endeavors to work
with the best Cruise/Tour Managers and local guides
available. Please refer to the “Gratuities” section of this
book for specific recommendations and guidelines.
What is the transportation like on excursions?
Uniworld works with some of the world’s best tour
companies, all of which are chosen with our exacting
standards in mind. To ensure your maximum enjoyment
of each excursion, all motorcoaches seat 29 to 45
people at most and are air-conditioned whenever
possible. There are a few destinations where the
equipment may not be of a similar standard, and, in
such cases, the best possible transportation will be
arranged. Rest stops are provided throughout the
course of the excursion, as the motorcoaches used for
excursions will not have onboard toilets.
Is smoking allowed on shore excursions/tours?
Smoking is not allowed while on the motorcoach, and
many historical venues now request that visitors not
smoke anywhere on-site. We ask all our guests who
smoke not to do so while on excursions/tours.
Frequently Asked QuestionsI have concerns about my physical ability. What do I do?
Guests with mobility concerns should discuss their
concerns with Uniworld staff in advance of their
departure. Guests requiring the use of a mobility device,
such as a wheelchair, motorized scooter or walker, may
not be able to participate in many shore excursions or
use them onboard the ships. Also, guests who are limited
in their ability to walk long distances may have difficulties
as there is often uneven terrain on many shore excursions.
How accurate are the shore excursion/tour descriptions?
Uniworld does everything possible to ensure that shore
excursions are performed as promoted and as outlined
in the following pages. In certain circumstances or for
reasons beyond the control of Uniworld, it may not be
possible or practical for the excursion to be performed
exactly as written. The decision not to operate, to alter the
operation, to change content, and/or to otherwise adjust
or modify any element of the excursion as advertised is at
the sole discretion of Uniworld, always taking into account
the safety and best interests of the guests and overall
product delivery. Any such modifications to excursions
will not result in eligibility for a refund.
Can the itinerary change? What happens if it
does change?
You can count on the value of Uniworld’s experience
and regional knowledge to make sure you enjoy your
cruise/tour even when conditions beyond our control
occur. The very nature of a river, with its sources and
networks of bridges and locks, means that there will
be times when weather or other conditions in a region
require Uniworld to make adjustments and modifications
to the operation of an itinerary. Itineraries may need to
be altered specifically because of water levels. Although
every effort is made to keep itineraries as advertised,
Uniworld reserves the right to make changes and
substitutions as necessary to ensure the safety of our
guests and the vessels. Time permitting, every possible
effort will be made to alert guests in advance of boarding
of any known changes. Otherwise, all guests will be
informed onboard of amendments. Any changes to
itineraries, including the addition of extensive motorcoach
touring to effect delivery of the intended itinerary
operation, will not result in eligibility for a refund.
CRUISE FLIGHTLAND UNESCONIGHTS ONSHORERiverStart/End EXTENSION
uniworld.com / 25
Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong
HO CHI MINH CITY TO HANOI / 15 DAYS
Explore the old and the new, the grand and the intimate
as you tour this dynamic region of Southeast Asia
From the lively and changing metropolises of Vietnam’s
Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and Cambodia’s Phnom
Penh, to the towns and fl oating villages of the Mekong
(where life is still lived much as it was centuries ago), you’ll
be given an up-close view of two amazing countries.
Throughout your journey, enjoy a plethora of authentic
experiences. Visit traditional Vietnamese fl oating markets
by way of luxury sampan. Take a morning cyclo ride
through Phnom Penh. Receive a water blessing from
monks at a temple overlooking the Mekong. Explore
Cambodia’s UNESCO-designated Angkor Wat temple
complex, and be treated to a traditional Apsara dance
during dinner in Siem Reap. These extraordinary
experiences offer you a chance to discover the sights,
the sounds and the tastes of two countries joined by
one river. The expedition of a lifetime begins now.
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about the history and cultural significance of a craft
that has been practiced in Vietnam for at least 700
years before enjoying lunch on your own.
Ho Chi Minh City is famous for the excellence of its food,
which reflects, inevitably, a certain French influence
combined with the unique flavors of the region. Tonight
you’ll be treated to a special Welcome Dinner at a local
restaurant, featuring an exquisitely presented traditional
meal and complimentary wine—a delightful start for your
exciting Southeast Asian adventure.
Optional Excursion:A O Show a 5 1 bJoin us for a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s handsome Municipal
Theater, with its striking neoclassical facade. Built in
1900 and refurbished in 2009, it now hosts a variety of
companies, including the A O Show, a lively theatrical
performance featuring astonishing acrobatics and
bamboo props—poles, baskets, boats—used in ways you
never would have imagined.
DAY 3 Ho Chi Minh City, transfer to My Tho
b e BB L D
Featured Excursion:Vestiges of war—Cu Chi Tunnels 7 2 bReady for an adventure? Explore a fascinating aspect of
Vietnam’s long struggle to free itself from Western control.
Begun by the Viet Minh on the outskirts of Saigon in
1945, as shelter from French air raids, these tunnels were
expanded in the 1960s by the Viet Cong, who extended
them for many miles. A network of booby-trapped tunnels
led to underground chambers where people lived—in
considerable privation, generally—wounds were treated
and children were taught. Only a small stretch of this
network is open to the public, but if you’re venturesome,
you may climb down into a tunnel for a close (and we
do mean close—don’t expect to stand upright) look.
Following lunch, you’ll be taken to your ship—your
elegant home for the next seven nights—and set sail on
the beautiful Mekong. Onboard your ship this evening,
savor a delicious Vietnamese-themed dinner.
DAY 1 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
b
Arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, where you
will be greeted by a Uniworld representative who will
transfer you to your luxury hotel. You will be greeted
with a private check-in, welcome drink and information
packet at the hotel. An elegant flower arrangement and
fruit platter await you in your room. Tonight, consider
popping out to explore the lively Ben Thanh Night Market
or one of the city’s quintessential evening cafés—either
choice would mark a splendid start to your adventure.
DAY 2 Ho Chi Minh City
BB WD
History melds with the boisterous present in Vietnam’s
largest city, where skyscrapers tower over ancient
temples and motorbikes putter along picturesque alleys.
It was founded in 1690; became the capital of French
Cochinchina in the 1860s, when it was known as Saigon;
and acquired its modern moniker in 1976, when it was
named for Communist leader Ho Chi Minh.
Featured Excursion:Dynamic Ho Chi Minh City 7 1 bA landmark in Vietnamese history is the first destination
on your panoramic city tour today, as you travel the city’s
busy streets, passing elegant French Colonial buildings
and bustling shopping centers. On April 30, 1975, a
North Vietnamese army tank crashed through the gates
of the building now called the Reunification Palace,
symbolizing the downfall of the South Vietnamese
government and the end of the Vietnam War. It’s a
modern structure, commissioned in 1962 by the president
of South Vietnam after his own air force tried to kill him
by bombing the 19th-century French palace that had
stood on the site. As you will see when you step inside,
he intended to enjoy living here: It has a cinema and a
nightclub—and, not too surprisingly, a spacious bomb
shelter. A few blocks away, two monuments from the
colonial days still stand: the lofty General Post Office,
designed by Gustav Eiffel (of tower fame), and, across the
street, twin-towered Notre Dame Cathedral, built entirely
with materials shipped from France. Your motorcoach
will carry you past other remnants of French colonial
glory—the Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater (also known
as the Saigon Opera House, built in 1901 and modeled
on Paris’s Petit Palais) and the City Hall (based on the
Hôtel de Ville in Paris)—as well as the contemporary
American consulate. But the day includes more than
sightseeing: Visit a lacquer showroom to learn a bit
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DAY 5Sa Dec, Gieng Island, cruising the Mekong River
BB L D
Two very different destinations await you today: busy
Sa Dec and peaceful Gieng Island. Both reflect Vietnam’s
multicultural history.
Featured Excursions:Sampans and colonial romance 7 2 STake to Sa Dec’s narrow canals just as the locals do.
Children frolic in the water, fishermen ply their trade, and
women care for their families. From here, you’ll head into
town, where you will walk through a crowded and
colorful local market—stands sell everything from snake
blood, fresh fish, clothing and flowers to mangosteens—
on your way to the romantic, lacelike Huynh Thuy Le
House, a late-19th-century home made famous by
best-selling French novelist Marguerite Duras. Duras
spent her teen years in Sa Dec, and her prize-winning
novel, The Lover, is said to be based on her doomed love
affair with Huynh Thuy Le, the son of a wealthy Chinese
landowner. Sail from bustling Sa Dec to serene Gieng
Island to dip into another aspect of Vietnam’s past: The
triangle-shaped island is home to a surprising array of
19th-century Catholic churches and monasteries that
date to an era when it was the largest Catholic parish in
Vietnam. Though the Franciscan monastery and the
Providence nunnery have been largely abandoned,
stately Gieng Island Church is still in daily use. Some
records indicate that the graceful French baroque-style
church predates the famous basilica in Ho Chi Minh City,
but it’s more likely that it was built in the 1870s.
Regardless of origin or the ups and downs the Catholic
community has experienced over the years, the church
remains a beautiful tribute to the faith of its founders.
Did You Know? The French film based on Duras’ 1984 novel was the first Western movie to be shot in Vietnam since 1975. It was released in 1992 and was a huge hit in France.
DAY 4 Cai Be, Vinh Long
BB L D
Today’s itinerary features two towns that have been
shaped by the Mekong in this agrarian but densely
populated region, Vinh Long and Cai Be.
Featured Excursion:Village life on the Mekong 7 2 SChinese herbal-medicine shops, French Colonial houses
and Buddhist temples mingle with modern offices on
the streets of Vinh Long, the capital of Vinh Long
province. The range of buildings hints at the changes
that the region has seen. Hop into a trishaw for a ride
through these streets, crossing over some of the many
canals that lace through the town, on your way to meet
some of the village elders, who will tell you about their
experiences living life on the delta. Vinh Long is a
gateway to some of the region’s most colorful
destinations: Step aboard a sampan—the style of this
vessel is traditional, but the one you’ll board is much
more luxurious than those generally used on these
waters—and join the locals thronging the harbor of
Cai Be. At the floating market here, merchants advertise
their wares by attaching a sample—such as a
watermelon, a coconut or a bunch of bananas—to a tall
bamboo pole so their potential customers can easily
see what they’re selling. It’s a colorful and lively scene,
typical of Mekong Delta towns, though few similar
villages feature a handsome French Gothic–style
cathedral as a background. You’ll sail into the town and
land near the An Kiet House, built early in the 19th
century for a member of the royal family. Its ornately
carved antique screens and furnishings give you an
idea of how wealthy Southern Vietnamese families
lived. While you’re on solid ground, take a look at
another aspect of life of the delta: Vietnam is one of
the world’s largest producers and exporters of rice, and
the Mekong Delta is known as the country’s “rice bowl.”
You’ll learn all about this staple food and its importance
to the region as you visit a local establishment where
workers make everything from rice paper and rice wine
to traditional rice candy.
Did You Know? Though the exterior of Cai Be’s church is traditional, the interior features an array of colorful neon lights outlining the altar fixtures, including the cross.
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DAY 6Tan Chau, Evergreen Island, cruising the Mekong River BB L D
Thousands of boats ply the waters of the Mekong—
wooden cargo boats, water taxis, dredges, fishing craft.
Traditional and modern elements mingle in this region,
but the river rules everything.
Featured Excursion:Daily life on the great delta 7 3 S In the Mekong Delta, hardworking residents live and
labor on the water, harvesting what the delta gives them
and turning it into products they can sell to earn a living
or food they can eat, wasting nothing. Today you’ll get a
taste of this way of life during a sampan tour that carries
you through the floating villages that line the banks of
the great river to the town of Tan Chau. Stop at a temple
devoted to Vietnam’s homegrown religion Cao Dai
(a faith that incorporates most major world religions,
including Buddhism, Islam and Christianity, as well as
a pantheon of saints that range from Joan of Arc to
Thomas Jefferson and Victor Hugo); an image of the
Divine Eye appears in every temple, and each color that
decorates the temple has a specific meaning. After
visiting the temple, hop aboard a rickshaw for a ride to
a factory where you can watch baskets and mats being
handwoven from reeds grown on the delta, and check
out a floating fish farm. The raising and harvesting of
seafood is one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing industries,
and you’ll be amazed by the efficiency and ingenuity on
display. You may even get a chance to feed the fish. Then
return to your sampan to cruise through the canals to
Evergreen Island, where a rickshaw ride through the
village reveals traditional houses built on stilts, an essential
precaution during the rainy season, when the Mekong
rises and spills into all of the towns that line the river.
This afternoon, you’ll cross the Vietnamese border, and
tomorrow you’ll awake in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s
capital city, for the next leg of your exciting journey.
DAY 7 Phnom Penh BB L D
Founded in the 15th century, Phnom Penh is the thriving
capital of the kingdom of Cambodia. It stands at the
juncture of three rivers and is divided into three distinct
districts: the French colonial area, a handsome residential
district and a rapidly changing Old Town.
Featured Excursion:Cambodia’s capital—Phnom Penh 7 1 A cyclo (a cycle rickshaw) will whisk you down wide
boulevards laid out by French colonial administrators in
the 1860s, when Cambodia was part of French Indochina,
past old French-influenced buildings, beautiful pagodas
and (with a bit of luck) saffron-robed monks, on your way
to the Royal Palace. Spacious grounds—you might notice
a resemblance to formal French parterres—are home to
a group of structures featuring classic Khmer architecture.
Each one has a specific function: The Throne Hall, with
its spires and flying celestials, hosts royal coronations,
while the Moonlight Pavilion was intended as a venue
for dance performances (but is now used for receptions).
The famed Temple of the Emerald Buddha, commonly
known as the Silver Pagoda, boasts a floor-covering of
5,329 silver tiles. In the center of the pagoda are both an
emerald and a gold Buddha statue (the latter of which
is studded with nearly 10,000 diamonds). You’ll also tour
the National Museum, which features an incomparable
collection of the nation’s archaeological and artistic
treasures. Following lunch onboard, enjoy the afternoon
and evening at leisure, taking in the shopping and lively
entertainment venues of Phnom Penh.
Optional Excursion:Banana Tree Culinary cooking school a 7 1 bAre you curious about the unique flavors of traditional
Khmer cuisine? Cinnamon, garlic, chiles, fish sauce,
coconut milk—many of the ingredients will be familiar,
but they are combined in distinctive ways. Get some
hands-on cooking experience as an expert local chef
teaches you how to make several typical Khmer dishes
in her modern demonstration kitchen, and then sit
down and enjoy the fruits of your labors.
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Did You Know? Tucked among the traditional Khmer buildings on the Royal Palace grounds is an ornate white pavilion, complete with wrought-iron balustrades, that would fit perfectly in New Orleans. Napoleon III had it built for the opening ceremonies of the Suez Canal, then disassembled and sent as a gift to King Norodom.
DAY 8 Phnom Penh, cruising the Mekong River BB L D
Featured Excursion:The Killing Fields—tragedy and reconciliation
in Cambodia 7 1 bIt’s hard to reconcile the pastoral serenity of the orchards
and rice fields surrounding Choeung Ek with the horrific
mass executions that took place here during the brutal
reign of the Khmer Rouge, yet the memorial stupa filled
with the skulls of Pol Pot’s victims tells the tale. These
were the Killing Fields, where more than 17,000 men,
women and children were slaughtered and buried in mass
graves. First, however, they were tortured in Security
Prison 21 (also known as S-21), a former high school
on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, now the Tuol Sleng
Genocide Museum, which you will also visit today. The
guards and staff of the prison were mostly adolescent
males—aged 15 to 19—among whom was a young
photographer whose job was to document the prisoners.
Though many of his photos were destroyed, 6,000 of
them remain, displayed on the walls here; as you look at
these portraits, you’ll see grief, fear and defiance—and
you’ll be heartbroken to learn that out of the thousands
held here, only seven survived. Those who were killed at
Choeung Ek were just a small fraction of the almost two
million Cambodians who died in a three-year period
between 1975 and the beginning of 1979.
DAY 9 Angkor Ban, Wat HancheyBB L D
The mighty river carries you into the Cambodian
countryside today, giving you an opportunity to meet
and chat with locals.
Featured Excursion:Cambodia’s vibrant cultural life 7 3 bBe ready to answer questions when you visit a local
school—because the children love to practice their
English—and deepen your understanding of Cambodia
when you meet villagers in their homes. You may
encounter more children when you stop at a beautifully
situated temple complex on a hilltop. Wat Hanchey has
incredible views of the Mekong River—you get a real
sense of just how huge the river is as you see it stretch
into the distance, looking more like a great lake than a
river. The complex itself is a remarkable mixture of the
ancient and the new: An eighth-century Angkor temple
and a modern Buddhist temple share the area—along
with playful gibbons and enormous, colorfully painted
concrete statues. Before your departure you’ll receive
a traditional water blessing from the local monks—one
of the most personal and touching moments you’ll
experience on this journey.
To mark the end of this special day, and to commemorate
your last evening onboard the ship, you’ll be treated to a
decadent Cambodian-themed dinner. Take your place in
the dining room and enjoy delectable dishes prepared in
the style of those once served to Cambodian royalty.
DAY 10Kampong Cham, transfer to Siem Reap
e b BB L
You’ll disembark in the morning and transfer via executive
motorcoach to Siem Reap, a place name that means,
literally, “Defeat of Siam”—which tells you something of
its history. It is the gateway to Angkor, the legendary
archaeological site. Enjoy a day at leisure.
DAY 11 Siem Reap
u BB
The next two days are devoted to the astonishing
Angkor Wat complex.
Featured Excursion:Amazing Angkor Wat 9 3 bEvery aspect of Angkor Wat had religious meaning to
its builders 900 years ago: the great rectangular moat,
the main gate facing the west, the towers topped with
stone lotuses, the huge smiling stone heads, the layout of
the lanes and buildings. The largest religious monument
in the world, magnificent Angkor Wat is the single most
recognizable landmark in Cambodia. It is simply breath-
taking in both size and scope and boasts the longest
continuous bas-relief in the world. Although Angkor Wat
is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its importance is so
Notes:
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immeasurable, several other conservation organizations
have been enlisted to help ensure its protection.
And yet, Angkor Wat is just one piece of this enormous
complex at the heart of the ancient Khmer Empire (which
ruled this region between the ninth and 12th centuries). It
was part of a roughly 250-square-mile (64,749-hectare)
city that has largely disappeared into the jungle, though
excavation efforts are ongoing (recent laser imaging has
revealed another, even larger nearby city under the jungle
floor that was linked to the temple city). Today’s lunch
will be on your own.
Featured Excursion:Art School & Artisan Visit by remork 5 1 bClimb aboard a remork for a relaxing tour of the streets of
Siem Reap, with stops at several artisans’ workshop that
will introduce you to Siem Reap’s thriving arts scene. Your
first stop is Tlai Tno, an art association where young
performers learn the intricate moves of traditional Apsara
dance. You’ll also visit Artisans Angkor’s workshops, which
promote the resurrection of traditional Khmer crafts:
hand-carved sculptures in wood or stone, lacquerwork,
silk paintings and silk fabrics—all locally made by hand in
the traditional way—are available at the shop.
Note: Order of sightseeing may change throughout the day. Temple visits are subject to change due to factors beyond our control.
DAY 12 Siem Reap
u BB D
Featured Excursions:South Gate Angkor Thom, Bayon and Ta Prohm,
Apsara show and dinner 9 3 bPass between the stone figures lining the lane leading
to the intricately decorated south gate and enter the
spectacular remnants of Angkor Thom, the royal city.
Once a huge, square city, Angkor Thom was founded
in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII after his
people’s previous capital had been overrun by the
Chams. You can still see the defensive measures that
surrounded the city—in fact, you’ll enter through one,
crossing over the moat and passing through the
intricately decorated south gate in the great wall around
Angkor Thom. The king’s palace, made of wood, has long
since vanished, but the ruins that remain are astonishing:
the pyramidal temple of Bayon (with the enormous
carved heads that have become an iconic symbol of
the Angkor archaeological area), the Baphuon temple,
the grand Terrace of the Elephants and the lichen-
covered Terrace of the Leper King.
You’ll have some time for lunch on your own before
heading to the amazing “jungle temple” of Ta Prohm.
Unlike the other Angkor temples, which have been
painstakingly excavated and restored, Ta Prohm has
been left almost as it was found. Massive trees grow like
magic out of stone walls and roofs, their tentacle-like
roots pouring over doorways and stretching across
courtyards. This manmade wonder has been reclaimed
by the jungle over the course of many centuries, and
exploring it is sure to bring out the adventurer in you.
From Ta Prohm, you’ll move on to the unfinished temple
of Ta Keo. Legend has it that construction on Ta Keo was
suspended when the temple was struck by lightning—an
event that was considered a bad omen.
After an exciting day of sightseeing, you’ll indulge in a
lavish dinner with an Apsara dance show. Apsara is the
traditional Khmer dance form that tells stories and
conveys messages using ornate costumes, graceful
movements, codified facial expressions, and distinctive
hand and foot positions. The many Apsara figures that
adorn Angkor and pre-Angkor temples you’ve just visited
testify to the dance form’s long and esteemed history.
Note: Order of sightseeing may change throughout the day. Temple visits are subject to change due to factors beyond our control.
Optional Excursion:Bakheng sunrise and Angkor Thom gondola
boat tour a 7 3 b For a once-in-a-lifetime dawn experience, watch the sun
rise gloriously above the distant towers of Angkor Wat
from the summit of Bakheng, savor breakfast at a local
café—and then the adventure really begins: Step into a
traditional Khmer gondola, with its carved scales and
dragonhead prow, and drift serenely among the ancient
ruins, stopping to inspect a small cave and make a short
trek up to the ruins of Prasat Chrung.
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Notes:
later, the university opened its doors to gifted students
from throughout the land, teaching them the principles
of Confucianism for another 300 years. Today you can
experience Confucian tranquility among its beautiful
gardens and pavilions. You can see another aspect of
Vietnam’s history if you step into one of the dank cells
at the notorious “Hanoi Hilton,” as Hoa Lo, a French
colonial–era prison, was known to the American pilots
who were held there as prisoners of war during the
Vietnam War. Much of the original prison has been
demolished, but the remnants are now a museum.
After an included lunch, it’s time to hop aboard an
electric car for a tour of colonial Hanoi. The city’s
elegant, tree-lined boulevards and weathered colonial
buildings are sure to delight you, as are the affable street
vendors selling everything from flowers to ice cream off
the backs of their bicycles. Take in a traditional water
puppet show, a thousand-year-old musical performance
that tells tales from northern Vietnam’s rural villages.
The action takes place on a pool of water that stands in
for rainy-season rice paddies; the beautifully crafted
puppets seem to float on the water—and those seated
in the front rows might just get wet.
Tonight, you’ll be treated to a special Farewell Dinner
with complimentary wine at a local restaurant featuring
live music and an authentic northern Vietnamese dining
experience. It’s the perfect combination of delectable
fare, warm atmosphere and traditional entertainment—a
fitting finale for such a remarkable adventure.
Optional Excursion:Bat Trang ceramic village a 7 2 bThe people of Bat Trang have been making fine porcelain
since the 14th century, and these days their wares are
exported all over the world. Walk through the alleys to
a workshop where you can see dishes and many other
objects being made by hand. You can even try making a
piece yourself—a truly special memento of your trip.
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DAY 13 Siem Reap, fly to Hanoi, Vietnam
b d BB
Today you’ll fly from Siem Reap to Hanoi and check into
your luxury hotel, where you’ll be greeted with a private
check-in and a welcome briefing with complimentary
drinks. You’ll also find that an elegant flower arrangement
and fruit platter await you in your room. The remainder of
your time today is yours to spend at leisure in Vietnam’s
charming capital city.
Featured Excursion:Khmer Noodle House at Preak Dak Village 5 1 bKhmer legend holds that China got the recipe for
noodles from a Cambodian exile. Modern-day foodies
know that if Cambodia has a national dish, it’s num banh
chok, the traditional rice noodles that are most often
combined with fish sauce and fresh vegetables—and the
num banh chok made in Preah Dak is famous throughout
the country. This village, near the Angkor Wat temple
complex, abounds in noodle stalls, but the highlight for
visitors may be the chance to see the traditional process
by which these noodles are made. Watch as the rice flour
and water are hand-kneaded to form a dough, which is
then laboriously pressed through a heavy mill to create
the noodles. Preah Dak itself is as almost as traditional as
the noodle-making process, as you’ll see as you stroll
among the stilt houses: water buffalo graze nearby,
water is drawn from wells, and meals are cooked over
open fires.
DAY 14 Hanoi BB L FD
The capital of Vietnam, millennium-old Hanoi gracefully
mixes the old and new. French Colonial mansions line
handsome boulevards, lakes and parks invite lingering,
and modern office buildings tell of economic revival.
Featured Excursion:Atmospheric Hanoi 9 1 bSpend the day exploring a city some call Asia’s most
beautiful. You’ll visit a complex honoring Ho Chi Minh,
founder of modern Vietnam, that contains his residence,
a museum devoted to his life, and the famous One Pillar
Pagoda, which has been built and rebuilt since 1049. Also
on the agenda: the Temple of Literature, originally built
as a Confucian temple in 1070 AD. Six years later on the
same grounds, Vietnam’s first university was founded
to educate members of the nobility. Four hundred years
CRUISE FLIGHTLAND UNESCONIGHTS ONSHORERiverStart/End EXTENSION
uniworld.com / 39
DAY 15 Depart Hanoi
b CB/BB
Transfer to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport for your
fl ight home or continue your tour with an extraordinary
Ha Long Bay optional extension program or unique Sapa
optional extension program.
Note: Visit uniworld.com for visa information in the “Already Booked” section.
Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modifi cation due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise/tour.
Note: All extras, such as optional excursions, bottled water, gratuities for the Cruise/Tour Manager and Crew, drinks, telephone calls, laundry and items of a personal nature, are not included in the cost of the trip.
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Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong
HANOI TO HO CHI MINH CITY / 15 DAYS
Explore the old and the new, the grand and the intimate
as you tour this dynamic region of Southeast Asia
From the lively and changing metropolises of Vietnam’s
Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and Cambodia’s Phnom
Penh, to the towns and fl oating villages of the Mekong
(where life is still lived much as it was centuries ago), you’ll
be given an up-close view of two amazing countries.
Throughout your journey, enjoy a plethora of authentic
experiences. Visit traditional Vietnamese fl oating markets
by way of luxury sampan. Take a morning cyclo ride
through Phnom Penh. Receive a water blessing from
monks at a temple overlooking the Mekong. Explore
Cambodia’s UNESCO-designated Angkor Wat temple
complex, and be treated to a traditional Apsara dance
during dinner in Siem Reap. These extraordinary
experiences offer you a chance to discover the sights,
the sounds and the tastes of two countries joined by
one river. The expedition of a lifetime begins now.
.
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Notes:
DAY 1 Hanoi, Vietnam
b
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, where you will be
greeted by a Uniworld representative who will transfer
you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy a private check-in with a
complimentary welcome drink and briefing at the hotel.
You’ll also find that an elegant flower arrangement and
fruit platter await you in your room. The remainder of
your time today is yours to spend at leisure in Vietnam’s
charming capital city.
DAY 2 HanoiBB L WD
The capital of Vietnam, millennium-old Hanoi gracefully
mixes the old and new. French Colonial mansions line
handsome boulevards, lakes and parks invite lingering,
and modern office buildings tell of economic revival.
Featured Excursion:Atmospheric Hanoi 9 1 b Spend the day exploring a city some call Asia’s most
beautiful. You’ll visit a complex honoring Ho Chi Minh,
founder of modern Vietnam, that contains his residence,
a museum devoted to his life, and the famous One Pillar
Pagoda, which has been built and rebuilt since 1049.
Also on the agenda: the Temple of Literature, originally
built as a Confucian temple in 1070 AD. Six years later
on the same grounds, Vietnam’s first university was
founded to educate members of the nobility. Four
hundred years later, the university opened its doors
to gifted students from throughout the land, teaching
them the principles of Confucianism for another
300 years. Today you can experience Confucian
tranquility among its beautiful gardens and pavilions.
You can see another aspect of Vietnam’s history if you
step into one of the dank cells at the notorious “Hanoi
Hilton,” as Hoa Lo, a French colonial–era prison, was
known to the American pilots who were held there as
prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Much of the
original prison has been demolished, but the remnants
are now a museum.
After an included lunch, it’s time to hop aboard an electric
car for a tour of colonial Hanoi. The city’s elegant, tree-
lined boulevards and weathered colonial buildings are sure
to delight you, as are the affable street vendors selling
everything from flowers to ice cream off the backs of
40 uniworld.com / 41
their bicycles. Take in a traditional water puppet show,
a thousand-year-old musical performance that tells tales
from northern Vietnam’s rural villages. The action takes
place on a pool of water that stands in for rainy-season
rice paddies; the beautifully crafted puppets seem to float
on the water—and those seated in the front rows just
might get wet.
Tonight, you’ll be treated to a special Welcome Dinner with
complimentary wine at a lively local restaurant featuring
live music and an authentic northern Vietnamese dining
experience. It’s the perfect combination of delectable fare,
warm atmosphere and traditional entertainment—a fitting
start for your exciting adventure.
DAY 3 Hanoi, fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia
b d BB
Spend the morning exploring Hanoi on your own before
flying to Siem Reap, where you’ll enjoy a private check-in
and welcome drink at your luxury hotel. You’ll also find
an elegant flower arrangement and fruit platter in your
room, a friendly touch. The evening is at your leisure. You
might want to go out and try some of the local Khmer
cuisine or simply relax over dinner on your own at the
hotel. Tomorrow you will be journeying deep into the
heart of the Angkor temple complex.
Optional Excursion:Bat Trang ceramic village a 7 2 bThe people of Bat Trang have been making fine porcelain
since the 14th century, and these days their wares are
exported all over the world. Walk through the alleys to
a workshop where you can see dishes and many other
objects being made by hand. You can even try making a
piece yourself—a truly special memento of your trip.
Notes:
DAY 4 Siem Reap
u BB L
Siem Reap means, literally, “Defeat of Siam,” which tells
you something of its history. It is the gateway to Angkor,
the legendary archaeological site, and you’ll dip into both
destinations today.
Featured Excursion:Angkor Wat and Khmer Noodle House at
Preah Dak Village 7 3 bPut on your walking shoes and prepare to explore one of
the wonders of the world: the vast, fascinating and
stunning temple complex known as Angkor Wat. Every
aspect of Angkor Wat had religious meaning to its
builders 900 years ago: the great rectangular moat, the
main gate facing the west, the towers topped with stone
lotuses, the huge smiling stone heads, the layout of the
lanes and buildings. The largest religious monument in
the world, magnificent Angkor Wat is the single most
recognizable landmark in Cambodia. It is simply
breathtaking in both size and scope. Today you’ll get
your passes to the site and take a tour of the broad
outlines of the complex; tomorrow you’ll explore further.
Following your introduction to Angkor Wat, you’ll head
off to nearby Preah Dak, a village famous for its num
banh chok, the traditional rice noodles that are
Cambodia’s unofficial national dish. (Noodles are so
intrinsic to Cambodian cuisine that the nation claims
China got the recipe for noodles from a Cambodian
exile.) Noodle stalls abound in Preah Dak, but the
highlight for visitors may be the chance to see the
traditional process by which these noodles are made at
the Khmer Noodle House. Watch as the rice flour and
water are hand-kneaded to form a dough, which is then
laboriously pressed through a heavy mill to create the
noodles. Preah Dak itself is as almost as traditional as the
noodle-making process, as you’ll see as you stroll among
the stilt houses: water buffalo graze nearby, water is
drawn from wells, and meals are cooked over open fires.
Featured Excursion:Art School & Artisan visit by remork 5 1 bClimb aboard a remork for a relaxing tour of the streets
of Siem Reap, with stops at several artisans’ workshop
that will introduce you to Siem Reap’s thriving arts scene.
Your first stop is Tlai Tno, an art association where young
performers learn the intricate moves of traditional Apsara
dance. You’ll also visit Artisans Angkor’s workshops, which
promote the resurrection of traditional Khmer crafts:
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hand-carved sculptures in wood or stone, lacquer work,
silk paintings and silk fabrics—all locally made by hand in
the traditional way—are available at the shop.
Note: Order of sightseeing may change throughout the day. Temple visits are subject to change due to factors beyond our control.
Dinner tonight will be on your own.
DAY 5 Siem Reap
u BB D
Featured Excursions:South Gate Angkor Thom, Bayon and Ta Prohm,
Apsara show and dinner 9 3 bPass between the stone figures lining the lane leading
to the intricately decorated south gate and enter the
spectacular remnants of Angkor Thom, the royal city.
Once a huge, square city, Angkor Thom was founded
in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII after his
people’s previous capital had been overrun by the
Chams. You can still see the defensive measures that
surrounded the city—in fact, you’ll enter through one,
crossing over the moat and passing through the
intricately decorated south gate in the great wall
around Angkor Thom. The king’s palace, made of wood,
has long since vanished, but the ruins that remain are
astonishing: the pyramidal temple of Bayon (with the
enormous carved heads that have become an iconic
symbol of the Angkor archaeological area).
You’ll have some time for lunch on your own before
heading to the amazing “jungle temple” of Ta Prohm.
Unlike the other Angkor temples, which have been
painstakingly excavated and restored, Ta Prohm has
been left almost as it was found. Massive trees grow
like magic out of stone walls and roofs, their tentacle-
like roots pouring over doorways and stretching
across courtyards. This manmade wonder has been
reclaimed by the jungle over the course of many
centuries, and exploring it is sure to bring out the
adventurer in you. From Ta Prohm, you’ll move on
to the unfinished temple of Ta Keo. Legend has it that
construction on Ta Keo was suspended when the
temple was struck by lightning—an event that was
considered a bad omen.
Notes:
After an exciting day of sightseeing, you’ll indulge in
a lavish dinner with an Apsara dance show. Apsara is the
traditional Khmer dance form that tells stories and
conveys messages using ornate costumes, graceful
movements, codified facial expressions, and distinctive
hand and foot positions. The many Apsara figures that
adorn Angkor and pre-Angkor temples you’ve just visited
testify to the dance form’s long and esteemed history.
Note: Order of sightseeing may change throughout the day. Temple visits are subject to change due to factors beyond our control.
Optional Excursion:Bakheng sunrise and Angkor Thom gondola
boat tour a 7 3 b For a once-in-a-lifetime dawn experience, watch the sun
rise gloriously above the distant towers of Angkor Wat
from the summit of Bakheng, savor breakfast at a local
café—and then the adventure really begins: Step into a
traditional Khmer gondola, with its carved scales and
dragonhead prow, and drift serenely among the ancient
ruins, stopping to inspect a small cave and make a short
trek up to the ruins of Prasat Chrung.
DAY 6 Siem Reap, transfer to Kampong Cham
u b e BB L D
Board your intimate ship and get your first taste of life
on the mighty Mekong River. To mark the end of this
special day, you’ll be treated to a decadent Cambodian-
themed dinner.
DAY 7 Wat Hanchey, Angkor Ban BB L D
Relax onboard as your ship cruises along the Mekong,
the great river that is the lifeblood of Southeast Asia,
on your way to Wat Hanchey.
Featured Excursion:Cambodia’s vibrant cultural life 7 3 b A beautifully situated temple complex on a hilltop, Wat
Hanchey has incredible views of the Mekong River—you
get a real sense of just how huge it is as you see it stretch
into the distance, looking more like a great lake than a
river. The complex itself is a remarkable mixture of the
ancient and the new: An eighth-century Angkor temple
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and a modern Buddhist temple share the area—along with
playful gibbons and enormous, colorfully painted concrete
statues. Before your departure you’ll receive a traditional
water blessing from the local monks—one of the most
personal and touching moments you’ll experience on this
journey. Follow it up with another personal encounter as
you visit a local school—be ready to answer questions as
the children practice their English—and meet villagers in
their homes.
DAY 8 Phnom Penh BB L D
Founded in the 15th century, Phnom Penh is the thriving
capital of the kingdom of Cambodia. It stands at the
juncture of three rivers and is divided into three distinct
districts: the French colonial area, a handsome residential
district and a rapidly changing Old Town.
Featured Excursion:Cambodia’s capital—Phnom Penh 7 1 A cyclo (a cycle rickshaw) will whisk you down wide
boulevards laid out by French colonial administrators
in the 1860s, when Cambodia was part of French
Indochina, past old French-influenced buildings,
beautiful pagodas and (with a bit of luck) saffron-robed
monks, on your way to the Royal Palace. Spacious
grounds—you might notice a resemblance to formal
French parterres—are home to a group of structures
featuring classic Khmer architecture. Each one has a
specific function: The Throne Hall, with its spires and
flying celestials, hosts royal coronations, while the
Moonlight Pavilion was intended as a venue for dance
performances (but is now used for receptions).
The famed Temple of the Emerald Buddha, commonly
known as the Silver Pagoda, boasts a floor-covering
of 5,329 silver tiles. In the center of the pagoda are
both an emerald and a gold Buddha statue (the latter
is studded with nearly 10,000 diamonds). You’ll also tour
the National Museum, which features an incomparable
collection of the nation’s archaeological and artistic
treasures. Following lunch onboard, enjoy the afternoon
and evening at leisure, taking in the shopping and lively
entertainment venues of Phnom Penh.
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Featured Excursions:South Gate Angkor Thom, Bayon and Ta Prohm,
Apsara show and dinner 9 3 bPass between the stone figures lining the lane leading
to the intricately decorated south gate and enter the
spectacular remnants of Angkor Thom, the royal city.
Once a huge, square city, Angkor Thom was founded
in the 12th century by King Jayavarman VII after his
people’s previous capital had been overrun by the
Chams. You can still see the defensive measures that
surrounded the city—in fact, you’ll enter through one,
crossing over the moat and passing through the
intricately decorated south gate in the great wall
around Angkor Thom. The king’s palace, made of wood,
has long since vanished, but the ruins that remain are
astonishing: the pyramidal temple of Bayon (with the
enormous carved heads that have become an iconic
symbol of the Angkor archaeological area).
You’ll have some time for lunch on your own before
heading to the amazing “jungle temple” of Ta Prohm.
Unlike the other Angkor temples, which have been
painstakingly excavated and restored, Ta Prohm has
been left almost as it was found. Massive trees grow
like magic out of stone walls and roofs, their tentacle-
like roots pouring over doorways and stretching
across courtyards. This manmade wonder has been
reclaimed by the jungle over the course of many
centuries, and exploring it is sure to bring out the
adventurer in you. From Ta Prohm, you’ll move on
to the unfinished temple of Ta Keo. Legend has it that
construction on Ta Keo was suspended when the
temple was struck by lightning—an event that was
considered a bad omen.
After an exciting day of sightseeing, you’ll indulge in
a lavish dinner with an Apsara dance show. Apsara is
the traditional Khmer dance form that tells stories and
conveys messages using ornate costumes, graceful
movements, codified facial expressions, and distinctive
hand and foot positions. The many Apsara figures
that adorn Angkor and pre-Angkor temples you’ve
just visited testify to the dance form’s long and
esteemed history.
Note: Order of sightseeing may change throughout the day. Temple visits are subject to change due to factors beyond our control.
Optional Excursion:Banana Tree Culinary cooking school a 7 1 b Are you curious about the unique flavors of traditional
Khmer cuisine? Cinnamon, garlic, chiles, fish sauce,
coconut milk—many of the ingredients will be familiar,
but they are combined in distinctive ways. Get some
hands-on cooking experience as an expert local chef
teaches you how to make several typical Khmer dishes
in her modern demonstration kitchen, and then sit down
and enjoy the fruits of your labors.
Did You Know? Tucked among the traditional Khmer buildings on the Royal Palace grounds is an ornate white pavilion, complete with wrought-iron balustrades, that would fit perfectly in New Orleans. Napoleon III had it built for the opening ceremonies of the Suez Canal, then disassembled and sent as a gift to King Norodom.
DAY 9 Phnom Penh BB L D
Featured Excursion:The Killing Fields—tragedy and reconciliation
in Cambodia 7 1 b It’s hard to reconcile the pastoral serenity of the orchards
and rice fields surrounding Choeung Ek with the horrific
mass executions that took place here during the brutal
reign of the Khmer Rouge, yet the memorial stupa filled
with the skulls of Pol Pot’s victims tells the tale. These were
the Killing Fields, where more than 17,000 men, women
and children were slaughtered and buried in mass graves.
First, however, they were tortured in Security Prison 21
(also known as S-21), a former high school on the outskirts
of Phnom Penh, now the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum,
which you will also visit today. The guards and staff of
the prison were mostly adolescent males—aged 15 to
19—among whom was a young photographer whose job
was to document the prisoners. Though many of his
photos were destroyed, 6,000 of them remain, displayed
on the walls here; as you look at these portraits, you’ll
see grief, fear and defiance—and you’ll be saddened to
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learn that out of the thousands held here, only seven
survived. Those who were killed at Choeung Ek were just
a small fraction of the almost two million Cambodians
who died in a three-year period between 1975 and the
beginning of 1979.
DAY 10Cruising the Mekong River, Evergreen Island, Tan Chau BB L D
You leave Cambodia behind and cross into Vietnam
today, delving into a region where traditional and
modern lifestyle elements mingle: Agriculture may still
reign supreme, but TV satellite dishes dot rooftops of
houses built on stilts.
Featured Excursion:Daily life on the great delta 7 3 S In the Mekong Delta, hardworking residents live and
labor on the water, harvesting what the delta gives
them and turning it into products they can sell to earn
a living or food they can eat, wasting nothing. Today
you’ll get a taste of this way of life during a sampan
tour that carries you through the floating villages that
line the banks of the great river to the town of Tan Chau.
Stop at a temple devoted to Vietnam’s homegrown
religion Cao Dai (a faith that incorporates most major
world religions, including Buddhism, Islam and Christianity,
as well as a pantheon of saints that range from Joan of
Arc to Thomas Jefferson and Victor Hugo); an image of
the Divine Eye appears in every temple, and each color
that decorates the temple has a specific meaning. After
visiting the temple, hop aboard a rickshaw for a ride to
a factory where you can watch baskets and mats being
handwoven from reeds grown on the delta, and check
out a floating fish farm. The raising and harvesting of
seafood is one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing industries,
and you’ll be amazed by the efficiency and ingenuity
on display. You may even get a chance to feed the fish.
Then return to your sampan to cruise along the canals
to Evergreen Island, where a rickshaw ride through the
village reveals traditional houses on stilts, which are
essential during the rainy season, when the Mekong
rises and spills into all of the towns that line the river.
DAY 11Cruising the Mekong River, Gieng Island, Sa DecBB L D
Two very different destinations await you today: busy
Sa Dec and peaceful Gieng Island. Both reflect Vietnam’s
multicultural history.
Featured Excursion:Sampans and colonial romance 5 2 S Take to Sa Dec’s narrow canals just as the locals do.
Children frolic in the water; fishermen ply their trade; and
women care for their families. From here, you’ll head into
town, where you will walk through a crowded and
colorful local market—stands sell everything from snake
blood, fresh fish, clothing and flowers to mangosteens—
on your way to the romantic, lacelike Huynh Thuy Le
House, a late-19th-century home made famous by
best-selling French novelist Marguerite Duras. Duras
spent her teen years in Sa Dec, and her prize-winning
novel, The Lover, is said to be based on her doomed
love affair with Huynh Thuy Le, the son of a wealthy
Chinese landowner. Sail from bustling Sa Dec to serene
Gieng Island to dip into another aspect of Vietnam’s
past: The triangle-shaped island is home to a surprising
array of 19th-century Catholic churches and
monasteries that date to an era when it was the largest
Catholic parish in Vietnam. Though the Franciscan
monastery and the Sisters of Providence nunnery have
been largely abandoned, stately Gieng Island Church is
still in daily use. Some records indicate that the graceful
French baroque-style church predates the famous
basilica in Ho Chi Minh City, but it’s more likely that it
was built in the 1870s. Regardless of origin or the ups
and downs the Catholic community has experienced
over the years, the church remains a beautiful tribute to
the faith of its founders.
Notes:
DAY 12 Vinh Long, Cai Be BB L D
Today’s itinerary features two towns that have been
shaped by the Mekong in this agrarian but densely
populated region, Vinh Long and Cai Be.
Featured Excursion:Village life on the Mekong 5 2 S Chinese herbal-medicine shops, French Colonial houses
and Buddhist temples mingle with modern offices on
the streets of Vinh Long, the capital of Vinh Long
province. The range of buildings hints at the changes
that the region has seen. Hop into a trishaw for a ride
through these streets, crossing over some of the many
canals that lace through the town, on your way to meet
some of the village elders, who will tell you about their
experiences living life on the delta. Vinh Long is a
gateway to some of the region’s most scenic destinations:
Step aboard a sampan and join the locals thronging the
harbor of Cai Be. At the floating market here, merchants
advertise their wares by attaching a sample—such as
a watermelon, a coconut or a bunch of bananas—to a
tall bamboo pole so their potential customers can easily
see what they’re selling. It’s a colorful and lively scene,
typical of Mekong Delta towns, though few similar
villages feature a handsome French Gothic–style
cathedral as a background. You’ll sail into the town
and land near the An Kiet House, built early in the 19th
century for a member of the royal family. Its ornately
carved antique screens and furnishings give you an idea
of how wealthy Southern Vietnamese families lived.
While you’re on solid ground, take a look at another
aspect of life of the delta: Vietnam is one of the world’s
largest producers and exporters of rice, and the Mekong
Delta is known as the country’s “rice bowl.” You’ll learn
all about this staple food and its importance to the
region as you visit a local establishment where workers
make everything from rice paper and rice wine to
traditional rice candy.
Onboard your ship this evening, savor a delicious
Vietnamese-themed dinner.
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DAY 13 My Tho, transfer to Ho Chi Minh City
e b BB
You’ll leave the river behind today, disembarking and
heading to the last stop on your Southeast Asian
adventure, Ho Chi Minh City. History melds with the
boisterous present in Vietnam’s largest city, where
skyscrapers tower over ancient temples and motorbikes
putter along picturesque alleys. It was founded in 1690;
became the capital of French Cochinchina in the 1860s,
when it was known as Saigon; and acquired its modern
moniker in 1976, when it was named for Communist
leader Ho Chi Minh.
Featured Excursion:Dynamic Ho Chi Minh City 5 1 b A landmark in Vietnamese history is the first destination
on your panoramic city tour today, as you travel the city’s
busy streets, passing elegant French Colonial buildings
and bustling shopping centers. On April 30, 1975, a
North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through the gates
of the building now called the Reunification Palace,
symbolizing the downfall of the South Vietnamese
government and the end of the Vietnam War. It’s a
modern structure, commissioned in 1962 by the president
of South Vietnam after his own air force tried to kill him
by bombing the 19th-century French palace that had
stood on the site. As you will see when you step inside,
he intended to enjoy living here: It has a cinema and a
nightclub—and, not too surprisingly, a spacious bomb
shelter. A few blocks away, two monuments from the
colonial days still stand: the lofty General Post Office,
designed by Gustav Eiffel (of tower fame), and, across the
street, twin-towered Notre Dame Cathedral, built entirely
with materials shipped from France. Your motorcoach will
carry you past other remnants of French Colonial glory—
the Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater (also known as the
Saigon Opera House, built in 1901 and modeled on Paris’s
Petit Palais) and the City Hall (based on the Hotel de
Ville in Paris)— as well as the contemporary American
Consulate. But the day includes more than sightseeing:
Visit a lacquer showroom to learn a bit about the history
and cultural significance of a craft that has been practiced
in Vietnam for at least 700 years. The rest of the day
is yours. Perhaps you’d like to explore on your own—or
join one of our optional excursions.
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Optional Excursion:Mai Home cooking class a 5 1Pho may be the nation’s best-known dish in the
United States, but that’s just the beginning. Learn more
about Vietnamese cuisine with a hands-on cooking
class that starts with a visit to a local market, where a
knowledgeable chef will meet you and tell you about
the foodstuffs on display (some may seem quite exotic).
Once you’ve gathered what you need for a delicious
lunch, you’ll prepare it under the chef’s guidance at the
Saigon Culinary Art Centre. You’ll leave with a new under-
standing of Vietnam’s traditional cooking, as well as a
certificate of participation and a handbook of recipes.
Optional Excursion:A O Show a 5 1 bJoin us for a visit to Ho Chi Minh’s handsome Municipal
Theater, with its striking neoclassical facade. Built in
1900 and refurbished in 2009, it now hosts a variety of
companies, including the A O Show, a lively theatrical
performance featuring astonishing acrobatics and
bamboo props—poles, baskets, boats—used in ways you
never would have imagined.
DAY 14 Ho Chi Minh City BB L FD
Featured Excursion:Vestiges of war—Cu Chi Tunnels 7 2 b Ready for an adventure? Explore a fascinating aspect
of Vietnam’s long struggle to free itself from Western
control. Begun by the Viet Minh on the outskirts of
Saigon in 1945, as shelter from French air raids, these
tunnels were expanded in the 1960s by the Viet Cong,
who extended them for many miles. A network of
booby-trapped tunnels led to underground chambers
where people lived—in considerable privation,
generally—wounds were treated, and children were
taught. Only a small stretch of this network is open to
the public, but if you’re venturesome, you may climb
down into a tunnel for a close (and we do mean
close—don’t expect to stand upright) look.
Following this morning’s tour you’ll enjoy lunch at one of
Ho Chi Minh City’s well-known restaurants. Afterwards,
enjoy the rest of the day on your own in this vibrant city.
Ho Chi Minh City is famous for the excellence of its food.
Tonight you’ll be treated to a special Farewell Dinner at a
local restaurant, featuring an exquisitely presented
traditional meal and complimentary wine—the perfect
finale for your Southeast Asian adventure.
DAY 15 Depart Ho Chi Minh City
b CB/BB
Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International
Airport for your flight home, or continue your tour with
an extraordinary optional Bangkok extension program.
Note: Visit uniworld.com for visa information in the “Already Booked” section.
Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise/tour.
Note: All extras, such as optional excursions, bottled water, gratuities for the Cruise/Tour Manager and Crew, drinks, telephone calls, laundry and items of a personal nature, are not included in the cost of the trip.
54CST #2075415-20
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