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Road Scholar World Academy Segment 1: Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam & Hong Kong |
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Program Number: |
21082RJ |
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| Start
and End Dates: |
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1/1/2014 - 1/19/2014;
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| Duration: |
18 nights |
| Location: |
Malaysia/Singapore/Vietnam/China
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| Price starting at: |
$5,496.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city |
| Program Type:
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Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises
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| Meals: |
45;
16 Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 15 Dinners |
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| Meal
Options: |
Vegetarian |
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Experience Road Scholar World Academy 2014 on this segment of the voyage that brings you from Southeast Asia to Hong Kong.
Activity Particulars
Walking up to two miles per day. Uneven terrain and stone stairs without railings will be common. Conditions can be hot and humid.
Itinerary At-a-Glance
Aboard Voyager, 11 nights; Hanoi (Vietnam), 1 night; aboard Voyager, 4 nights.
Days 1-2: Overnight flight from the U.S.A. / cross International Date Line |
Days 3-4: Arrival Malaysia—Kuala Lumpur / embark Voyager: |
Begin your voyage in the modern metropolis of Kuala Lumpur. Visit the National Mosque and the Thean Hou Chinese Temple. Share a homemade lunch with a Malay family then take in spectacular views of the skyline from the observation deck of the Telekom Tower.
Sail down the coast of the Malay Peninsula to the city-state of Singapore, where your shore excursion includes the excellent Asian Civilisations Museum.
Days 6-10: At Sea / Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam): |
Continue across the South China Sea to Vietnam. Discover Ho Chi Minh City, chat with university students and enjoy a day to explore independently. Journey to the Mekong Delta to find traditional villages and a floating market.
Days 11-12: At Sea / Nha Trang: |
Visit a Nha Trang family’s countryside home and fruit orchard.
Days 13-15: Da Nang / disembark / flight to Hanoi / reembark: |
Experience Hoi An’s ancient port, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Hue, the imperial seat of the Nguyen dynasty. Fly to Hanoi, the bustling capital, to discover Ho Chi Minh’s home and mausoleum and the National Fine Arts Museum. Lodging: Four-star Hanoi hotel.
Transfer to a traditional sailing vessel to navigate among the wondrous limestone islands of Ha Long Bay.
Days 17-19: At Sea / Hong Kong / disembark / departure: |
Follow China’s southern coast to Hong Kong, once a British colony, now a special administrative region of China. Learn about this city’s unique origins and view its spectacular skyline from atop Victoria Peak.
Voyager
Sail aboard the 540-guest Voyager, Voyages of Discovery’s newest flagship.. Newly upgraded in 2012, Voyager boasts all the amenities and facilities of a large ocean liner while offering the convenience, flexibility, and intimate ambience of a small ship. It features spacious public areas, comfortable staterooms and balcony suites, a choice of open seating restaurants and al fresco dining, a variety of lounges and bars including the elegant Scott’s Lounge, a library and internet center, a swimming pool, two whirlpools, a beauty center and a gym. Voyager is your home at sea and you will be welcomed back warmly each time you return to the ship.
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Meals and Lodgings |
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MV Voyager |
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Aboard the MV Voyager, USA |
11 nights
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Mercure Hanoi La Gare Hotel |
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Hanoi, Vietnam |
1 night
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MV Voyager |
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Aboard the MV Voyager, USA |
4 nights
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| MV Voyager |
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Type: |
Cruise Ship |
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Description: |
Voyager, built by Spanish yard Union Navale le LeVante, is a spacious and well-appointed vessel offering 278 cabins, 86% of which are outside, 35 suites, 30 of which have balconies, open seating dining in three restaurants and the personal service and comfort levels that have been the hallmark of our cruises since 2003. Carrying just 550 passengers, Voyager has all the amenities and facilities of a larger liner while offering the convenience and flexibility of a small ship. She is able to visit and berth alongside where others have to pass by, yet is able to traverse the world's oceans with ease. On board, passengers will be able to relax in the comfortable public lounges, enjoy a drink in atmospheric Harry's Bar, in the sunshine on deck, at the Lido Bar. Alternatively, read a book in the well-stocked library. |
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Ship
Information: |
Owner / Operator: All Leisure Group
Year Built: 1990
Builder: Union Navale de LeVante, Spain
Former Names: Crown Monarch, Walrus, Jules Verne, Alexander von Humboldt
Gross Tonnage: 15,271
Length: 152.5 meters (500.2 ft)
Beam: 20.6 meters (67.6 ft)
Passengers: 550
Crew: 215
Service Speed: 18.0 knots |
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Contact
info: |
Voyages of Discovery - North America
1800 S E 10th Avenue, Suite 205
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 USA
phone: 866-623-2689
web: www.voyagesofdiscovery.com
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Facility amenities: |
Three restaurants with option for open dining
Al-fresco dining (Veranda)
Third restaurant within Discovery Restaurant (Explorer Grill)
Two lounges - Atlantic Lounge and Vista Lounge
Four bars (Vista Lounge, Harry's Bar, Pacific Lounge, Lido Bar)
Card/Function room
Medical Centre
Internet Centre
Two Shops
Swimming pool
Two whirlpools
Beauty Centre
Gym
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Smoking allowed: |
Yes |
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Elevators available: |
Yes |
| Mercure Hanoi La Gare Hotel |
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Type: |
Four-Star Hotel |
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Description: |
Located opposite Hanoi Central Railway Station, Mercure Hanoi La Gare is an inviting oasis in the heart of the bustling city centre. Situated close to the Old Quarter, commercial precinct and ICE Exhibition Center, this Hanoi hotel features modern design and facilities, plus 102 spacious rooms, a French brasserie, internal courtyard and gym. Ideal for business and leisure guests, Mercure Hanoi La Gare offers easy access to Hanoi attractions including the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake.
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Contact
info: |
94 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem Dist,
Hanoi, Vietnam
phone: +84439447766
web: www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-7049-mercure-hanoi-la-gare/index.shtml
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Facility amenities: |
Restaurant : 1
Bar : 1
WiFi Internet access (paying)
Room(s) : 102
Non-smoking rooms : 51
Reduced mobility rooms : 1
Number of free children in parent's room : 2
Fitness centre |
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Smoking allowed: |
Yes |
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Bathroom: |
usual bath configuration |
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Elevators available: |
Yes |
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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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Day 14: |
Da Nang / Drive to Hue / Hue Exploration / fly to Hanoi
(Tuesday, January 14)
Note: Today will be a long day. Transfer from Da Nang to Hue is about 3.5 hours. It will be a late night as the flight out of Hue is late in the evening.
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| Breakfast: | Breakfast on board the ship. | | Morning: | This morning transfer to Hue via Hoi Van Pass - Vietnams geographical and physiological boundary between north and south. Hue was once an outpost of the Hinduized Cham Empire, the area around Hue was conquered in the 14th century by the Viets from the north. In 1687 the Viets made Hue their capital, and continued their expansion into Cham territory. It remained the capital under the Nguyen dynasty, which had thirteen emperors, the last of whom ruled until 1945. Hue is still the intellectual capital of Vietnam with 12 schools of higher learning. It maintained its cultural identity while other cities were accumulating foreign influences. The Nguyen dynasty left an Imperial city of citadels, palaces, tombs and temples set in the peaceful countryside bordering the Perfume River. Hue today has regained its royal demeanor and is a calm, peaceful and relaxed place to visit. The remaining French colonial garden houses and villas, quiet streets, riverbanks, and outlying tombs and pagodas that escaped damage - all give Hue a unique atmosphere of tranquility. | | Lunch: | Lunch in town. | | Afternoon: | This afternoon, explore the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Continue on a cyclo ride from ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors used to come to relax; full of lotus flowers in summer there are many local style coffee shops around the lake where university students come to study. Continue to visit Thien Mu (Celestial Lady) Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River. | | Dinner: | Dinner on your own. | | Evening: | Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, check into hotel. | |
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Day 15: |
Hanoi Discovery / Transfer to board ship
(Wednesday, January 15)
Note: Transfer time from Hanoi to the ship is approximately 2.5 hours.
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| Breakfast: | Breakfast at the hotel. | | Morning: | Explore Ba Dinh square, which includes Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, as well as his private residence from 1954 until 1969. The wooden ethnic minority style house, which was built on stilts, is surrounded by lovely peaceful gardens. In the same complex is One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049, the structure has become an important symbol for the people of Hanoi. Continue to that National Fine Arts Museum which has an eclectic mix of contemporary Vietnamese art, religious pieces, lacquer-ware and sculptures. Then explore that Temple of literature, the first Vietnamese University. | | Lunch: | Lunch on own. | | Afternoon: | Time in the afternoon to explore the old quarters of Hanoi before transferring back to the ship in Haiphong. | | Dinner: | Dinner on board the ship. | |
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| Accommodations: |
MV Voyager |
| Meals
Included: |
Breakfast, Dinner |
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Free Time Opportunities |
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| Phnom Penh |
Central Market
One of the largest and busiest markets in Phnom Penh, the market was built in 1937 by French architects. This market is a good place to purchase silk scarves, silverware, gems and antiques.
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National Library
Located near Wat Phnom, this graceful building, another example of French colonial architecture, was built in 1924 and set in floral gardens. It was sacked by the Khmer Rouge and turned into a stable.
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Russian Market (Psah Toul Tom Poung)
This popular market has a more varied selection of souvenirs, curios and silks than the Central Market. It also has a good selection of CDs, videos, fabric, electronic goods and the city's best source of objets d'art. Items for sale include wooden and stone carvings, various ritual objects, silverware, and old Indochinese notes and coins, antiquities, Cambodian and Chinese silk and clothing.
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Sisowath Quay
Sisowath Quay is an attractive boulevard running along the banks of the Mekong and Tonle Sap, fronted by a pleasant park. The built-up side of the street houses cafés and shops and the better class of bars, and is extremely popular with tourists and expatriate Westerners. The esplanade along the river is equally popular with Cambodians, who come here in the cool of the evening to enjoy the quasi-carnival atmosphere. It begins at the riverfront park opposite the Palace and is perhaps best experienced in the early evening.
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| Siem Reap |
Akira's Land Mine Museum
During the Khmer Rouge period, Akira's parents were killed by the Khmer Rouge and he was raised by them. Later, he worked for the Vietnamese army and the U.N. force. Now he is removing land mines. The museum houses a huge volume of the land mines removed by him, unexploded bomb shells and photos. Volunteers who lost arms or legs guide you around this museum. TEL: 012-598951. Free.
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Tonle Sap
The Tonle Sap is the largest fresh-water lake in Southeast Asia. Its size changes five-fold from dry season to the end of the rainy season. The lake is home to a number of floating villages; half-day tours can be arranged through the hotel.
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| Bangkok, Thailand |
A Stroll Through Chinatown
One of the best ways to experience the true flavor of a city is to walk its streets. Discover Bangkok’s Chinatown, one of the most densely populated, richly ethnic neighborhoods in the city. Walk at your own pace through narrow lanes, peer into the doorways of apothecary shops with their medical herbs and natural cures. Take the opportunity to watch fresh Chinese delicacies being prepared and served while the aromatic fragrance of spice and herbs saturates the air. Pay special attention to the “funeral shops,” where they sell paper models of worldly items that ensure the deceased will have the complete comforts of home on the journey to the afterward. Wonder at the intricate architecture of ancient Chinese Temples, perhaps even donating some coins to the temple “burial society,” a charity devoted to recovering the bodies of unfortunate road accident victims.
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Suan Pakkad Palace
Suan Pakkad was built by Prince and Princess Chumbhot of Nakhon Sawan, who moved five traditional Thai houses from Chiang Mai in 1952. The cabbage garden was turned into one of Bangkok’s finest landscaped gardens and is calm in a uniquely Eastern way. The princess was one of the country’s most dedicated art collectors, and the house has been turned into a museum displaying objects such as perfume bottles, betel nut boxes and musical instruments. Antiques including an exquisite Buddha head from Ayutthaya, Khmer statues and European prints of old Siam. Located Prayatahi Road.
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Vimanmek Palace
The Palace is a magnificent, golden, teakwood residence of King Chulalongkorn that houses numerous exhibits, including antiques furniture, glassware, porcelain and many other items of historic interest. Located on Ratchavithee Road.
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Wat Pho
The temple was originally built in the 16th century and covers twenty acres. One of its pavilions houses a 150-feet long reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is also home to Thailand’s most famous school of massage. (See listing). Respectful dress required: Shorts, flipflops and bare shoulders are not permitted inside the temple complex and you should be prepared to take off shoes to enter temples. Open daily 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission fee of 20 baht. For additional information, visit www.watpho.com
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Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School
In the eastern end of the Wat Pho complex is the country’s most famous school of massage. Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis, so it is a good idea to start your exploration of Wat Pho here before the line becomes too long. A 60-minute, full body massage costs approximately 300 baht ($8 U.S.) and is done fully dressed. A set of cotton clothing is provided for the 60-minute herbal massage that costs 400 baht ($10 U.S.). For additional information, visit www.watpho.com
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Wat Phra Kaeo
Home of the Emerald Buddha and located within the grounds of the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew is the most sacred and the most beautiful of Thailand’s temples. Open daily 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. Admission 200 baht ($5 U.S.). The dress code is very strict: No shorts, no bare shoulders, no slippers or sandals. For additional information, visit thailandforvisitors.com/north/chiangrai/prakeo/index.html
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