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Vietnam and Cambodia: Life Along the Mekong River by Barge

Program Number: 19033RJ
Start and End Dates:
10/3/2012 - 10/15/2012; 7/23/2013 - 8/4/2013; 7/30/2013 - 8/11/2013; 8/28/2013 - 9/9/2013; 9/6/2013 - 9/18/2013; 9/12/2013 - 9/24/2013; 9/21/2013 - 10/3/2013; 1/10/2014 - 1/22/2014; 2/9/2014 - 2/21/2014; 3/11/2014 - 3/23/2014;
Duration: 12 nights
Location: Vietnam/Cambodia
Price starting at: $2,295.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; River Boats
Meals: 28; 10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 10 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

In the 19th and 20th centuries the nations of Vietnam and Cambodia — the offspring of ancient empires that dominated Asia for more than 1,000 years — were beset by imperial warfare and sundered by ethnic violence. Today, these modern states are integrating into the global community even as they mend the wounds of an era of atrocity. Consider legacies both bleak and beautiful as you navigate up the Mekong River to access villages and rice paddies where authentic Khmer and Vietnamese culture lives on.




Activity Particulars

Walking up to 1 mile per day and standing for up to 1 hour at a time; uneven sidewalks and stairs without railings. Climbing ramps and stairs to board and get off boat. Hot and humid conditions. Program cost excludes 2 meals to enjoy on your own.



Please note that some dates operate in reverse.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Siem Reap (Cambodia), 1 night; aboard mv Toum Teav, 7 nights; Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), 2 nights.



Days 1-3:
Overnight flight from the U.S.A./Cross International Date Line / Arrival Siem Reap:

Program Orientation and Welcome Dinner at hotel on the first evening, then a free morning before boarding the mv Toum Teav for the journey.
Lodging: Comfortable full service hotel in Siem Reap.



Days 4-7:
Tonle Sap/Kampong Chhnang/Phnom Penh:

Board the mv Toum Teav near Siem Reap, Cambodia. Cross the Tonle Sap, starting at a floating village where daily activities take place entirely on the water. Visit Kampong Chhnang village and stop at a pottery house to learn about the traditional Cambodian method of producing pottery. Learn about the depredations of the Khmer Rouge, visiting the Killing Fields and the S-21 Interrogation Center outside Phnom Penh. Step back in time as you visit the cultural sites of Cambodia's Capital. Voyage along the Cambodian Mekong and see farmers work in their emerald green rice paddies along the shore.
Lodging: Comfortable river barge with private baths.



Days 8-10: Mekong Delta/ Cho Gao Canal/ Ho Chi Minh City:

View the Mekong Delta at sunset from Sam Mountain. Chat with Vietnamese schoolchildren eager to practice their English or French. Sail along the Cho Gao Canal and observe local life as people tend the land, fish and travel to and from market. Stop to explore Vinh Trang Pagoda and the Cai Be Floating market. Transfer to the program hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and begin discovering this vibrant and historic center of Southern Vietnam.



Days 11- 13: Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam)
Disembark in Ho Chi Minh City, 2 nights

Chars

Learn about Vietnam's history and explore some of Saigon's famous sites including the Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Hotel d'Ville, Reunification Hall and the War Remnants Museum.
Lodging: Comfortable full service hotel.





mv Toum Teave

Built in 2001, this river vessel has two large decks with 10 air-conditioned rooms accommodating up to 18 participants on exclusive charters. Each room has a window facing the water and a private toilet, shower and sink.
Meals and Lodgings
   Tara Angkor Hotel
  Siem Reap, Cambodia 1 night
   Toum Tiou, Mekong River Boat
  Toum Tiou, Mekong River Boat, At Sea 7 nights
   Grand Hotel
  Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 2 nights
 Tara Angkor Hotel
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: The Tara Angkor is equipped with modern amenities and elegantly furnished to make your stay luxurious and enjoyable. With exceptionally warm hospitality and traditional Cambodian sincerity and kindness your stay will be something not to be forgotten.
  Contact info: Vithei Charles de Gaulle
Siem Reap,   Cambodia
phone: (+855) 63 966 661
web: www.taraangkorhotel.com/facility.php
  Facility amenities: The Tara Angkor Hotel's stylish 4 star property has cemented its status as one of the jewels in Siem Reap’s accommodation sector. Facilities include 213 magnificent rooms and suites, two restaurants, a lobby bar, and a swimming pool with jacuzzi, fitness center and sauna, free wi-fi and a small business center.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: TBD Please contact RS Travel Services for more information.

 Toum Tiou, Mekong River Boat
Type: Barge
  Ship Information: Built in 2001, the Toum Tiou is 124.67 ft long and 21.33 ft wide in the middle. Accommodates 20 passengers.
  Contact info: N/A
N/A,   Cambodia
phone: +855 12 24 08 59
web: www.cfmekong.com/intro.html
  Room amenities: It has 10 comfortable cabins (10.83 ft x 8.20 ft), 4 on the first deck and 6 on the second, each air-conditioned and with a private bathroom (8.20 ft x 4.59 ft) including toilet, shower and sink featuring a fan, one 220V plugs, one 115V (razor outlet).
  Facility amenities: Public services include outdoor restaurant and bar, an inside TV lounge, sun deck, and forward deck.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: Bathroom with showers only.

 Grand Hotel
Type: Full Service Hotel
  Description: Surrounded by a downtown ambiance, handicraft shops, restaurants - Grand Hotel, a modern comfort in a very classical French atmosphere and architecture since 1930, is an ideal place for businessmen, travellers as well as the ones who seeking rest and entertainment.
  Contact info: 08 Dong Khoi, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City,   Vietnam
phone: +84-8-823-0163
web: www.grandhotel.vn/
  Room amenities: Satellite TV (65 channels...), Mini-bar, IDD telphone with bathroom extension In-room safe box, Electricity current: 220 volts Water purification, Air Conditioning, Hair dryer, Wireless Internet access.
  Facility amenities: Souvenir Shop, Concierge, Currency Exchange, Laundry and dry cleaning service, shoe-shining service, internet access, roof-top restaurant, swimming pool.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Additional nights after: Contact Road Scholar Travel Extra nights can be arranged with Road Scholar Travel Services.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
In the late afternoon at the program hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia. You will be staying at Tara Angkor Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
In the morning at the program hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. You will be staying at Grand Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Driving in these countries is not recommended. It can be difficult to drive with the traffic and the driving style.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Participants can reach the site from the airport via taxi.
To Start of Program
  Location:  Siem Reap
  Nearest airport:  Siem Reap International Airport.
  Transportation to site: If independent flights do not coincide with the designated group transfer, it will be the responsibility of the participant/s to make arrangements to get to the program site. Outside the terminal is a ticket booth for registered taxis into town. Independent taxis and motorcycles wait just outside the airport. Usually, the price ranges from $2 for motorcycles and $10 (subject to change) for taxis. Most hotels also offer free transportation from the airport but you must notify them in advance of your arrival. The transfer from the airport to the hotel will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Private arrival and departure transfers -at an additional cost- may be arranged in advance by calling Road Scholar Travel Services
  From End of Program
  Location:  Ho Chi Minh City
  Transportation from site: Transfer at the end of the program can be arranged two ways. Participants can always contact the concierge desk at the Grand Hotel to get more information about taxi or private car services to the airport. Participants can also ask the group leader to arrange for a local taxi. The transfer from the hotel to the airport will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes (7 km) depending on the traffic. Private arrival and departure transfers -at an additional cost- may be arranged in advance by calling Road Scholar Travel Services
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Depart the U.S.
(Wednesday, October 3)
   
 Depart From: Depart US for flight to Cambodia.

Day 2: En Route
(Thursday, October 4)
   
 In Transit: Overnight flight to Cambodia.

Day 3: Arrival Siem Reap / Orientation
(Friday, October 5)
   
 Arrive To: Arrive to Siem Reap International Airport. Transfer to the hotel for check in.
 Afternoon: Convene at the hotel with other participants for the Program Orientation.
 Dinner: 'Welcome Dinner' featuring a taste of local food.
   
Accommodations: Tara Angkor Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 4: Free Morning / Transfer to Boat / Tonle Sap
(Saturday, October 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Free morning to explore on your own.
 Lunch: Lunch on own.
 Afternoon: Depart for the Toum Teave after lunch. Enjoy as the Toum Teave cruises along the Tonle Sap Lake. (The Captain and crew will give you a safety briefing shortly after boarding).
 Dinner: Welcome drink and dinner.
   
Accommodations: Toum Tiou, Mekong River Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Chnok Tru/ Kampong Chhnang
(Sunday, October 7)

Note: Must be comfortable climbing up and down the barage ladder. Will require that participants get in and out of small wodden boats. Must be able to be active between sitting and standing for at least 4 hours a day.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the boat.
 Morning: Almost entirely overlooked by visitors because of its remoteness and difficult access, the Chnok Tru village is completely self-sufficient. The village has a floating school, factories to make ice for fish preservation, church, pagoda, service stations, pigsty, stores, boat and television repair shops, video club, karaoke bar, police station... everything is on the water. Everyone, from children to grandparents, goes by boat through the network of canals that cross the little town.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the boat.
 Afternoon: A great day awaits you in Kampong Chhnang village, or Pottery Village, where villagers still produce pottery using traditional methods. Located some 56 miles from Phnom Penh, the town of Kampong Chhnang is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonlé Sap. Fish farming is also widely practiced in the area. The area is famous for its pottery ware, unchanged in style for centuries, which is produced in sufficient quantities to supply the entire country. Other village products are not to be overlooked, such as the Thnot tree (sugar palm – a real national symbol) that abounds in the area, a mellow tasting, caramel-colored sugar sold in large cakes, and palm wine.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the boat.
   
Accommodations: Toum Tiou, Mekong River Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Kampong Tralach / Phnom Penh
(Monday, October 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the boat.
 Morning: Arrive at Kampong Tralach to visit its wonderful Vihara belonging to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To get to it, we will approach Kampong Tralach Krom village along a small road perpendicular to the river, crossing some stretches of emerald rice paddy. The Vihara dates back to early last century. It was probably built on an older site, as indicated by the latérite foundations. The Vihara is home to some outstanding mural paintings; however they are starting to suffer from weathering. They remain some of the last survivors of cultural destruction that continues unabated due to widespread indifference. Standing by itself in the middle of rice fields, it is a modest pagoda that receives very few visitors. Its isolation may well be its undoing, as was the case for Wat Tani Pagoda in the province of Kampot.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the boat.
 Afternoon: Step back into time, as you arrive to Phnom Penh - renowned for its French influenced architecture. Begin the afternoon by attending an expert lecture on Khmer Culture and Cambodian History, and then take explore Phnom Penh on your own. Visit one of the local markets, walk the city streets, or just relax.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the boat.
   
Accommodations: Toum Tiou, Mekong River Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Phnom Penh / S-21 / Killing Fields / National Museum / Royal Palace
(Tuesday, October 9)

Note: Will need to be able to walk and stand on and off for at least 3 to 4 hours minium. Heat and humidity needs to be taken into account.



   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the boat.
 Morning: Explore Choeung Ek Killing Fields, where thousands of Cambodians were executed for unwarrented crimes. Then return to town to visit the the S-21 (Tuol Sleng) Interrogation Center, where Cambodians were tortured and forced to confess to crimes they did not commit. Through these visits, you will hopefully gain a better understanding of the recent tragic period in Cambodian history, the scars it left, and how it affects both social and economic development in the country today.
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: This afternnon, discover the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, and finish the afternoon at the National Museum. The National Museum in Phnom Penh is the most significant public repository of Khmer artifacts in the country, displaying many important Angkorian artifacts and rare pieces from later periods.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the boat.
 Evening: Enjoy an 'Apsara Dance' preformance danced by a group of local artist that are working to preserve the traditional Cambodian classical arts. As evidenced in part by the innumerable apsaras (celestial dancers) that adorn the walls of Angkorian and pre-Angkorian temples, this dance has been a part of Khmer culture for more than a millennium.
   
Accommodations: Toum Tiou, Mekong River Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Kaam Samnaar / Border Crossing / Chau Doc
(Wednesday, October 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the boat.
 Morning: Navigation towards Kaam Samnaar - the Cambodian Border.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the boat.
 Afternoon: Depart for the Vietnamese Cambodian border. Arrival at Kaam Samnaar check-point in Cambodia. Enjoy a lecture by your Study Leader on the Economic Development along the Mekong Delta. The ship leaves the border and proceeds toward Chau Doc.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the boat.
 Evening: Overnight near Chau Doc.
   
Accommodations: Toum Tiou, Mekong River Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Chau Doc / Sa Dec
(Thursday, October 11)

Note: Must be able to comfortably walk anywhere from 1 to 1 1/2 miles in the morning.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the boat.
 Morning: In the morning, take a tour of this little city. Take a field trip to Sam Mountain, the highest elevation on the Mekong provides a spectacular view of the region's Rice Paddies and canal system and the Cambodian border. Stop at a few spots to look at some of the temples such as Tay An Pagoda, the Temple of Lady Xu and the Tomb of Thoai Ngoc Hau.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the boat.
 Afternoon: This afternoon, arrive in Sa Dec. Continue to Kien An Cung Pagoda. Stroll around Sa Dec Market along the Sa Dec River bank. Sa Dec is a small city of 30,000 inhabitants is fascinating in its unspoiled authenticity and undisturbed by visitors. It provides a glimpse of the delta where a few colonial houses still remain, including the "Chinaman's house" (from Duras' novel "The Lover", also made into a movie). Return to the boat with stopover at a nursery of flower and bonsai trees. Famous for its horticulture (it has many varieties of fabulously exotic flowers) Sa Dec was known as the "Garden of Cochin Chine" during colonial times.
 Dinner: Dinner on board the boat.
   
Accommodations: Toum Tiou, Mekong River Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Vinh Long / Cai Be / My Tho
(Friday, October 12)

Note: This will be an active day. Though there won't be a lot of walking, participants must be able to easily climb ladders on the side of the barge. Participants must also be comfortable getting in and out small wooden boats at least 3 to 4 times a day.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the boat.
 Morning: This morning arrive in Vinh Long and explore the brick and pottery factory, the Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet Nursery of fruit trees as well as a typical house and a show room of traditional farming tools. Vinh Long, which translates as "Majestic Dragon", is right in the middle of the delta, between two arms of the Mekong. The soil of Vinh Long is enriched by silt deposits, making it ideal for growing mandarins and other citrus fruits. Life is organized around the water. Houses on stilts, hawkers on boats, hundreds of small crafts crisscross in all directions. Then continue to Cai Be floating market.
 Lunch: Lunch on board the boat.
 Afternoon: This afternoon arrive in My Tho and depart for Vinh Trang Pagoda with a view of My Tho town. On the banks of a northern arm of the Mekong, My Tho, which translates as "fragrant herb", is where vistors come to discover the beauty of the delta. It's a quiet, prosperous city of about 100,000 inhabitants, famous for its many fruit orchards, gardens and the huge rice fields that surround it. The surrounding countryside is home to one of the most luxuriant gardens of Vietnam, with its coconut palms, banana and mango trees.
 Dinner: Captain's farewell dinner on board the boat.
   
Accommodations: Toum Tiou, Mekong River Boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Cruise towards Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) / City Orientation / Family-hosted dinner
(Saturday, October 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast on board the boat.
 Morning: Arrive at Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon) in the morning. The vibrant city of Saigon is a thriving metropolis reflecting Vietnam's contentious past as well as its fast-forwarding future. Clear port authorities and transfer to hotel.
 Lunch: Lunch at the hotel.
 Afternoon: Led by an expert historian, begin the afternoon learning about the history of Vietnam. Then visit some of the main sites in Saigon including the Rex Hotel, the People’s Committee Building which was built as the Hotel D’Ville by the French in 1908, Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office.
 Dinner: Enjoy a family-hosted dinner.
   
Accommodations: Grand Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: War Remnants Museum
(Sunday, October 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at hotel.
 Morning: Take an excursion to Reunification Hall (the former Presidential Palace) built as a modern administrative center. Then continue to the War Remnants Museum, which holds a large collection of weapons, machinery, artifacts and photographs illustrating the War.
 Lunch: For lunch enjoy the taste of Vietnam as you sample Pho - a local favorite!
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to explore Saigon on your own.
 Dinner: Convene for a farewell dinner and program wrap-up.
   
Accommodations: Grand Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Departure
(Monday, October 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Transfer to the airport for return flight home.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


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