Itinerary

Sept. 12: TORONTO – HONG KONG Board flight CX827 departing from Toronto airport at 0935. Move your watch a day ahead as you cross the International Dateline.

Sept. 13: ARRIVE HONG KONG
Arrive Hong Kong International Airport 1300. You will be met by our professional guide and transferred to your hotel.

Sept. 14: HONG KONG (B)
Breakfast at hotel.

Enjoy a half day seat in coach Hong Kong island tour including the Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay and the Aberdeen Fishing Village.

Sept. 15: DEPART HONG KONG – BANGKOK - SIEM REAP ARRIVAL (B/ D)
Board flight CX713 from Hong Kong International Airport at 0855 and arrive Bangkok Airport at 1035. Depart in the afternoon at 1510 for transfer flight on PG913 to Siem Reap airport, arriving 1610. You will be met by our professional guide and transferred to your hotel.

Dinner at hotel.

Sept. 16: SIEM REAP (B/L)
Breakfast at hotel

This morning you will visit the monumental magnificence of Angkor Thom - last capital of the Khmers, with its Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King and the stunning Bayon temple. This 12th century masterpiece lies at the very centre of Angkor Thom and is an archaeological wonder of symmetry and grandeur.

The exterior gallery walls have extensive bas-reliefs but the highlight is the "faces", more than 200 of them, silent but with the famous half-smile playing on their lips.

Lunch at Sugar Palm Restaurant

This afternoon, you will visit Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world, with a volume of stone equaling that of the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. It is unlike all the other Khmer temples in that it faces west, and is inspired by 12th Century Hinduism.

Conceived by Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat took an estimated 30 years to build and is generally believed to have been a funeral temple for the king. Intricate bas-reliefs surround Angkor Wat on four sides and each tells a story.

Late afternoon, see the sunset from Angkor Wat.

Overnight at selected hotel, Siem Reap

Sept. 17: SIEM REAP (B/D)
Breakfast at hotel

This morning, you will visit Ta Prohm, the temple that has been left largely in its natural state since its "re-discovery" by French explorers. Surrounded by jungle, its labyrinth of stone hallways is overgrown with the roots and limbs of massive banyan trees, which envelop the stone like tentacles. It is one of the largest temples at Angkor, dedicated in 1186.

Historians have noted its mystical charm. You will continue to visit Preah Khan and Neak Pean "The Sacred Sword", an extensive monastic complex covering over 56 hectares built by the Khmer King Jayavarman VII as a monastery and teaching complex.

It is one of a group of temple complexes situated on a small 'Baray'. Preah Khan is the site of the World Monuments Fund 'prime' Asian project a painstaking renovation whilst maintaining it’s mysterious allures and superb original structure.

This afternoon, you drive to Banteay Srei; the citadel of women - a tiny, enchanting temple, which is one of the jewels in this remarkable city. Built of red sandstone in the tenth century and dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the carved male and female figures in the niches are exquisitely executed in both style and proportion. This is the most Indian of all the temples in Angkor and in the words of H.W. Ponder, is a fairy palace in the heart of an immense and mysterious forest.

Farewell dinner with Cultural Dance Show

Overnight at selected hotel, Siem Reap
Sept. 18: Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Lake
Breakfast at hotel

Free at leisure until transfer to Siem Reap pier for the Jayavarman Cruise.

"Waterworld"

Tonle Sap Lake is the heart of Cambodia. It is filled with more fish than any other lake, and surrounded by vast numbers of rare birds. The water level varies a great deal according to the time of the year and the amount of rainfall recorded. Thus, changes may occur for the different seasons. We will start our journey in high water.

At 11:00 AM gather at the meeting point and transfer to The Jayavarman, where the crew is looking forward to embracing our guests. Welcome cocktail and lunch on the cruise liner. The Jayavarman sets sail towards the little known stilt village of Kampong Phluk. Climb aboard small rowing boats and let the local children take you on a tour of this flooded forest.

Welcome dinner on the Sun Deck. Mooring and overnight on the lake.

At 8 AM, gather at the meeting point and transfer by coach to Prek K'Dam on the Tonle Sap River. Enjoy snacks and cold drinks on the way with a brief stop at Kampong Thom, one of the first settlements in the pre-Angkorian period.

Embarkation in Prek K'Dam and welcome cocktail early afternoon. The Jayavarman sets sail downstream towards Kampong Chhnang and the great Tonle Sap Lake. We wind our way through the jungle and as the river narrows, it makes you feel at peace with yourself and the community. Later that evening meet your fellow passengers on board for Welcome Dinner on the Sun Deck.

Sept. 19: Tonle Sap - Kampong Chhnang - Kampong Cham
"Cambodia's province and the wetlands"

Before the sun rises, The Jayavarman sets sail to cross the Tonle Sap Lake. As the ship is about to exit the lake, the marshlands exhibit spectacular scenery along the river banks of Kampong Chhnang province. We take a truly wonderful motorboat excursion from Kampong Chhnang to see the wetlands, floating houses and fish farms in the region. Join in on a humanitarian project lead by World Bank Illiteracy projects when we make a stop at a Heritage Line sponsored floating school to interact with the children and teach them some English! The afternoon cruise will follow the meandering Tonle Sap River, which narrows through leafy swaths of the South East Asian Jungle touching Phnom Penh. In the late afternoon we enter the upper Mekong River bound to Kampong Cham to stop for a walk through a rural village.

Sept. 20: Kampong Cham - Wat Hanchey
"Monks and hilltops"

Wake up in the wee hours of the morning, truly energized to embark on a journey upriver to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Located at the top of a hill overlooking the river, it offers some of the best views in Cambodia. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient structures do justice to the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of the mighty Angkor. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding well organized rice paddy plains, as well as a travelers blessing performed by the local monks.

After lunch and a short cruise downstream we drop anchor at the shores of Kampong Cham. Visit Wat Nokor, a wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple that holds a timeless story. Then, travel to the Cheung Kok Ecotourism Village, a small village developed with support from Assistance Mediation Internationale (AMICA). Travelers can visit the village and take part in activities to experience village life. Profits from tourism go towards re-investment into long-term projects. Back on board The Jayavarman sets sail towards the capital Phnom Penh.

Sept. 21: Phnom Penh
"Pearl of the East"

Get up early in the morning to witness a truly indescribable scene while approaching Phnom Penh's river promenade. After breakfast, embark on a city tour in this dynamic, historical capital of Cambodia which has retained its French colonial charm. Sightseeing in the morning will include the dazzling white and gold architecture of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, outstanding displays of Khmer crafts at the National Museum and the temple of a hill - Wat Phnom.

After lunch in a local restaurant, examine the painful, heart wrenching reminders of Cambodia's ugly past under the Khmer Rouge regime with an excursion to the Genocide museum to learn more about the Cambodian civil war. Introduction and onsite lecture by a local history professor.

Thereafter, to ease the nerves a variety of cocktails will be at your disposal, followed by Cambodia's traditional and opulent Apsara dance performance. Experience the brilliance and richness of the culture, the soothing sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of incense stick and a delicious Khmer food buffet.

Sept. 22: Phnom Penh - Border crossing

Wake up to the sun rising over the Mekong for Thai Chi on the Sun Deck. The Jayavarman then casts off for a day of cruising the main Mekong Channel. This is pretty much an international shipping route. Psyche yourself up for Pre-K Touch, a lively jungle village.

After that, visit well laid out fruit orchards.

Late afternoon we set off to the Vietnamese border for the usual formalities, which in this part of the world takes a bit of time. During the afternoon cruise, take the time to relax on the Sun Deck, get a massage in the Spa, or take part in Heritage Line's Vietnamese cooking class.

The ship moors midstream overnight.

Sept. 23: Chau Doc - Cai Be
"Taste of aqua cultural life"

Welcome to the circus of fish. Brace yourself for a boat excursion to the exciting floating villages and catfish farms witnessing masses of Bassa fish being fed, hand in hand with a shore excursion to the village of the local Muslim Cham community.

Stroll through a silk waving village and observe beautiful textiles being woven on old wooden looms; a tradition that has been passed from generation to generation.

Take a ride through this fascinating town of rich French colonial architecture and see its bustling market flooded with tropical fruits in full display by women in cone shaped palm leaf hats. By late-afternoon, The Jayavarman casts off, heading towards Cai Be.

Sept. 24: Cai Be
"Vietnamese inventiveness"

Today's tour starts with the visit of Cai Be's colorful floating market on board a traditional sampan, the Cai Be Princess. Cruise among local sampans coming from all provinces of the delta full of fruits and vegetables. During a 40 minute cruise, discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong Delta rural life. Further stops will allow you to see traditional brick and tile factories and how locals use palm leaves for houses. Cruise 20 minutes further to Phu An hamlet passing by Cai Be's beautiful gothic cathedral. Visit some interesting home factories to see how rice paste, rice cookies and coco candies, are made, along with the longan fruit drying process.

Lunch will await you at Le Longanier, a superb Indochinese villa located in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit orchards.

After lunch, hop on a bike or take a stroll along the winding canals of this peaceful village to experience it first hand. After touring the canals, head to the An Kiet ancient house to have tea with the descendants of the former imperial residents and listen to the family story. Board The Jayavarman for a relaxing evening cruise with a Farewell Dinner on the Sun Deck while heading towards Saigon.

Sept. 25: ARRIVE HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON)
"The Sea of Mangroves"

Your cruise with The Jayavarman comes to a close as the ship winds its way to Saigon through the UNESCO listed Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. During the Vietnam War, it had been destroyed, but amazingly the 75 hectares have come back to life through reforestation efforts.

Saigon, surely one of the most evocative place names in Asia and definitely one of the most extraordinary cities in the world. The most Western in atmosphere of Vietnam's cities, Ho Chi Minh City (to use it's official name - although to residents and visitors alike it is universally and affectionately known as Saigon) has a population of 5 million, and a booming free-market economy. It is a city of amazing contrasts: elegant new international hotels, exclusive restaurants and trendy bars side-by-side with roadside noodle stalls, street children and vociferous cyclo drivers. Golf courses, bowling alleys and shopping malls vie for space with fruit and vegetable markets, pagodas and karaoke rooms.

Bustling, booming, crowded, noisy - all words that barely scratch the surface of the addictive and often mesmerising chaos that is Saigon. And yet there are the elegant colonial French boulevards and buildings, the Cathedral, the riverfront, the quiet moments at a sidewalk cafe watching the world literally go by you at breakneck speed. Saigon. A city that is almost indescribable and completely unforgettable.

Designed for travellers keen on experiencing the diversity of Vietnam, but with limited time. You'll take in Vietnam's two key cities: beautiful Halong Bay and the rich culture of Hoi An and Hue in central Vietnam.

After disembarking the Jayavarman at 10:00am, you will be met our professional guide at Saigon pier and transferred to your hotel

ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL IN SAIGON

Sept. 26: HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON) SIGHTSEEING – CU CHI TUNNELS (B/L)
Start your day by driving to Cu Chi district. Discover the amazing network of underground tunnels, which stretch for more than 200 kilometres across the region. Return to Ho Chi Minh for lunch, then explore the banks of the Saigon River on foot, viewing the impressive Opera House, Town Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace (museum) and the renowned Ben Thanh Market

ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL IN SAIGON

Sept. 27: HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON) TO HUE (B/L)
Transfer to the airport and fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer to restaurant for lunch.

Take a dragon boat in the afternoon to the Thien Mu Pagoda and enjoy an evening of relaxation and leisure in this quiet town.

ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL IN HUE

Sept. 28: HUE – HOI AN / DA NANG (B/D)
Visit the Imperial Citadel and tomb of Emperor Tu Duc in the morning. Travel through imperial capital nestled on the banks of the Perfume River, over the spectacular Hai Van Pass, the Marble Mountains and onto Da Nang. Drive past famous China Beach to the charming town of Hoi An. Admire the town's distinctive Chinese influence, seen in the low tiled-roof houses and narrow streets. Sample Hoi An's culinary delights at dinner in a local restaurant.

ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL IN HOI AN

Sept. 29: HOI AN / DA NANG TO HANOI (B/L)
This morning, explore the city on a walking tour and visit the 300 year-old Tan Ky and Phuc Kien houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge and Hoi An market Transfer to the airport in the afternoon for your flight to Hanoi. You'll be met by your friendly guide on arrival at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL IN HANOI

Sept. 30: HANOI TO HALONG BAY (B/L)
Experience the rich cultural and artistic traditions of Vietnam's capital. Visit Ho Chi Minh's former residence and mausoleum (closed Mondays & Fridays and during the months or Oct-Nov), the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. Enjoy a cyclo ride through the old quarter, travelling past Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple en route to a local restaurant for lunch. Enjoy an authentic meal, then visit the History Museum before driving to Halong Bay. More than 1,500 limestone islets rise up from the waters of Halong Bay, creating breathtaking grottoes, making this one of Vietnam’s most treasured places

ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL IN HALONG

Oct. 1: HALONG BAY TO HANOI (B/L)
Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise through Halong Bay. Feast on a delicious, fresh seafood lunch on board as you cruise around the islands, relaxing and swimming before returning to Hanoi. Enjoy a water puppetry performance in the evening a traditional art form that dates back to the 11th century.

ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL IN HANOI

Oct. 2: DEPART HANOI (B)
Enjoy the last day for leisure and packing up before transferring to Noi Bai International Airport to board flight KA294 at 1950. A brief stop over at Hong Kong airport to transfer to your last flight on CX826 0245 arriving Toronto at 0545 the same day.

Worldwide Central Travel Ltd.
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