DETAILS
Commence your exploration with two nights in the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City (still known as Saigon), a dynamic hub that exudes energy. Next, board the exquisite Mekong Princess, an exclusive riverboat with only 14 suites, elegant French colonial appointments, and all modern comforts. Its ultra shallow draft allows access to the remote corners of the river, offering a unique perspective. Cruise for seven nights from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, immersing yourself in the beauty of Buddhist and Hindu temples, vibrant floating markets, and the everyday lives along the Mekong River.
- Pricing from
- $7,995
- Trip Type
- Group Travel Tour, International River Voyages
- Departure Dates
-
Feb 3, 2025 - Feb 16, 2025
Tonle Suite
Angkor Suite
Apsara Suite
Boutique
Library/Internet Lounge
Outdoor Lounge
Saigon Suite
PRE-TOUR EXTENSON – JANUARY 30–FEBRUARY 4
HANOI & HA LONG BAY
Begin your Southeast Asian experience with two nights in Hanoi, Vietnam’s leafy green, lake studded capital. A panoramic tour will introduce you to Hanoi’s best-known sights, including the Temple of Literature, the “Hanoi Hilton,” the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, and the modest “House on Stilts” in which this key figure in Vietnam’s independence movement lived for many years. Take a cyclo tour through the alleyways of the city’s charming historic quarter, and enjoy a delightful performance by traditional water puppets. Then travel to the coast for an overnight cruise on a small luxury boat on Ha Long Bay, a mystical seascape of limestone islets, where you’ll explore caves with fantastic stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Per person,.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,895
sharing accommodations
Single Supplement.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $955
-
Grace Gary
> Grace Gary’s relationship with the National Trust began when, while in graduate school, she was chosen as a National Trust Maritime Intern. She’s hard to pin down on how many years ago that was, but she admits to having served as a lecturer on more-than fifty Trust tours over a span of more-than thirty years. She is also the author of two titles in the Trust’s “Information” series and served as director of the Trust’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Office. She also served as executive director of Preservation Pennsylvania, Longue Vue House and Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg’s Tourism Leadership Program, and Nemours Mansion and Gardens. While at Nemours she oversaw an $80 million restoration program, which received the highest award from the AIA ever bestowed on a restoration project. She and fellow National Trust Tours lecturer Dwight Young also co-authored “Nemours: A Portrait of Alfred I. DuPont’s Home,” which was published by Rizzoli. She is a graduate of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College and has a Master’s in architectural history from the University of Virginia, where she had the privilege of living on the Range in one of the original, Thomas Jefferson-designed rooms.
Upon payment of the $1,000 per person deposit, all reservations are subject to the cancellation provisions set forth below and by which the passenger agrees to be bound. Cancellations shall not be in effect until they are received in writing and confirmed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Deposits are refundable (less a $250 per person administration fee) if written notice of cancellation is received within 30 days of reservation; after that, deposits are 100% nonrefundable. After final payment deadline all payments are 100% nonrefundable, regardless of booking date. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended.
TOUR MAP
ITINERARY
-
day 1& 2
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM
Depart the U.S. on an overnight flight to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, transfer to the Park Hyatt hotel. The evening is at leisure to rest or explore on your own.
-
day 3
HO CHI MINH CITY
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s most economically dynamic city, and the streets are always abuzz with activity. During a motorcoach tour, drive past the city’s best known monuments—Notre Dame Cathedral, City Hall, the Old Saigon Post Office, and the Presidential Palace. After lunch, take an excursion accompanied by a local expert to the Cu Chi tunnels, a vast underground network that hid thousands of Viet Cong guerrillas and Vietnamese villagers during the Vietnam War. This evening enjoy the company of fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.
-
day 4
Ho Chi Minh City
Visit the Ben Thanh market, where anything and everything is for sale, including handicrafts, traditional clothing and textiles, and local food specialties. Embark the intimate and elegant Mekong Princess, your home for the next seven days, and begin cruising the Mekong River.
-
day 5
Ben Tre & Can Tho
Today, cruise by sampan (small wooden boat) through a channel lined with mangroves to a coconut candy maker. After walking through a family-owned orchard, travel aboard horse-drawn carts to a local pier and board small boats to explore narrow creeks lined with Nipah palms. This afternoon, cruise through an area barely touched by tourism to Can Tho, the main city of the Mekong Delta and its economic, cultural and transportation center. Take a guided walking tour and enjoy a free evening to visit the night market and souvenir shops.
-
day 6
Can Tho & Hoa An
Explore by sampan the fascinating Cai Rang market, a feast for the senses and a boon for photographers. Weave in and out among floating watercraft loaded with produce and anything the residents of the Mekong Delta need in their daily lives. Stop at a factory to learn how instant noodles are made, and tour a family-owned orchard to see and savor exotic Asian fruits. Continue to Hoa An, a small village known for its flowers and handicrafts. Meet with local families, including weavers who make hats and mats.
-
day 7
Gieng Island / Hong Ngu
Visit a village on Gieng Island where local families make sampans. Continue along a canal to a remote riverside area with duck farms, a tropical orchard, and monkey bridges. Then ride on a xe loi (motorized 3-wheel rickshaw) to visit a Catholic church that was built in the 1870s. At several family homes, observe residents weaving and embroidering traditional Khmer scarves. Visit a temple dedicated to a unique form of Buddhism called Hòa Hâo, which focuses on aiding the poor. Cross the border into Cambodia and continue upstream.
-
day 8
Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, retains vestiges of its French charm, including a riverfront corniche and some examples of French Colonial architecture. Ride along the riverfront aboard cyclos to the Silver Pagoda, home to an “Emerald Buddha” made of Baccarat crystal and a life-size Buddha encrusted with diamonds. Stop by the National Museum for a comprehensive look at its spectacular collection of artifacts excavated in Angkor.
-
day 9
Phnom Penh
Travel to the killing fields of Choeung Ek, the center of the darkest days of Cambodian history. Walk through the fields, visit the small museum and Memorial Stupa, and learn more about the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. On the return drive to Phnom Penh, stop at Tuol Sleng (infamously known as S-21), which was converted by the Khmer Rouge from a school to a prison and torture headquarters. Afternoon is at leisure to explore the city of Phnom Penh. Back aboard the Mekong Princess, enjoy a cultural performance including Apsara, Cambodia’s national dance, as well as several traditional folk dances.
-
day 10
Angkor Ban
Angkor Ban is a unique village on the banks of the Mekong, one of the few that survived destruction under the Khmer Rouge regime. Centuries-old houses stand on stilts above water while the bustle of local life swirls below. Visit the pagoda for a special blessing ceremony by local Buddhist monks and stop at the local monastery before returning to the ship.
-
day 11
Kampong Cham / Siem Reap
Disembark in Kampong Cham and transfer to Siem Reap, the gateway to the magnificent Angkor, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest religious monument in the world. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit and audio tour of the Ankgor National Museum to learn all about the history of the Khmer civilization. Through the use of interactive exhibits, develop a deeper understanding of the customs, traditions and different beliefs of the ancient empire, giving you a great foundation for the remarkable temples you will see the next day. Enjoy dinner on your own and an evening at leisure.
-
day 12
Angkor/Siem Reap
Spend an entire morning exploring the grandest of the temples, fabled Angkor Wat, a miniature universe carved in stone. Its central tower represents mythical Mt. Meru, home of the gods. Intricate carvings of deities and demons, graceful Apsaras (female spirits of the clouds and waters), and scenes of everyday life grace its corridors. In the afternoon, travel around Siem Reap by tuk tuk (auto rickshaw) on an art tour, visiting galleries and artisan workshops to view the arts and crafts of the region. Dinner is on your own this evening.
-
day 13
Angkor/Siem Reap
Early this morning visit Bakheng Temple, the perfect vantage point for a sunrise view over Angkor Wat and the surrounding plain. After a picnic breakfast, relax on a traditional Khmer gondola ride to Angkor Thom, once an enormous walled city, to investigate the temple at its heart. Its 55 large and small towers are topped by carved heads, each one wearing a mysterious smile. In the afternoon, when the light is best, visit Ta Prohm, a silent ruin shrouded in jungle vegetation. This evening bid farewell to your fellow travelers during a festive farewell dinner with live Cambodian music and dance performances.
-
day 14
Return to U.S.
This morning transfer to the airport for flights home, crossing the International Date Line and arriving the same day.
Everything you need to know about the tour
Save this information for later by downloading the full tour brochure.
Be prepared with the National Trust Travel Plan
Since 1973, USI Affinity Travel Insurance Services has served travelers just like you, to help protect their travel plans