Wonders of Indochina and the Mekong

Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam's largest city and the engine driving the country's current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it's a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city's traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they're still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene's The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina's most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city's war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists' fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city's Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam's fixation on the future.

Xin Chao and welcome to Ho Chi Minh City! On arrival, you will be met by your Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your hotel, situated in downtown District 1, for a two-night stay. After checking in, you will be free to explore the city before meeting your tour director for your welcome briefing and dinner at a local restaurant.

Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam's largest city and the engine driving the country's current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it's a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city's traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they're still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene's The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina's most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city's war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists' fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city's Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam's fixation on the future.

Drive away from Ho Chi Minh City to Cu Chi Tunnels, watching the city skyline fade into the distance as the road winds through rice paddies, villages and scenes typical to southern Vietnam. Spend a couple of hours walking around Cu Chi’s rugged grounds with a local guide. Upon your return to Ho Chi Minh City, enjoy a Pho (noodle soup) lunch with the remainder of the afternoon and evening yours to enjoy at leisure or venture out on one of our DiscoverMORE excursions.

Included Excursion
Cu Chi Tunnels

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An evening Saigon Street Food walking tour (extra expense)

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Saigon After Dark by Vintage Jeep (extra expense)

Romantically referred to by the French as the Pearl of the Orient, Ho Chi Minh City today is a super-charged city of sensory overload. Motorbikes zoom day and night along the wide boulevards, through the narrow back alleys and past vendors pushing handcarts hawking goods of all descriptions. Still called Saigon by most residents, this is Vietnam's largest city and the engine driving the country's current economic resurgence, but despite its frenetic pace, it's a friendlier place than Hanoi and locals will tell you the food—simple, tasty, and incorporating many fresh herbs—is infinitely better than in the capital.This is a city full of surprises. The madness of the city's traffic—witness the oddball things that are transported on the back of motorcycles—is countered by tranquil pagodas, peaceful parks, quirky coffee shops, and whole neighborhoods hidden down tiny alleyways, although some of these quiet spots can be difficult to track down. Life in Ho Chi Minh City is lived in public: on the back of motorcycles, on the sidewalks, and in the parks. Even when its residents are at home, they're still on display. With many living rooms opening onto the street, grandmothers napping, babies being rocked, and food being prepared, are all in full view of passersby.Icons of the past endure in the midst of the city’s headlong rush into capitalism. The Hotel Continental, immortalized in Graham Greene's The Quiet American, continues to stand on the corner of old Indochina's most famous thoroughfare, the rue Catinat, known to American G.I.s during the Vietnam War as Tu Do (Freedom) Street and renamed Dong Khoi (Uprising) Street by the Communists. The city still has its ornate opera house and its old French city hall, the Hôtel de Ville. The broad colonial boulevards leading to the Saigon River and the gracious stucco villas are other remnants of the French colonial presence. Grisly reminders of the more recent past can be seen at the city's war-related museums. Residents, however, prefer to look forward rather than back and are often perplexed by tourists' fascination with a war that ended 40 years ago.The Chinese influence on the country is still very much in evidence in the Cholon district, the city's Chinatown, but the modern office towers and international hotels that mark the skyline symbolize Vietnam's fixation on the future.

After checkout, enjoy a guided city tour, visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House and Town Hall. Then, visit the Reunification Palace before transferring to the port where you will board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, Emerald Harmony. You’ll be welcomed on board by your captain and crew before setting sail down the Saigon River to Cho Gao canal where you will anchor for the night. This evening, enjoy your first dinner on board with your fellow travellers. Your Cruise Director will conduct a port talk to review the activities and itinerary for the days ahead.

Included Excursion
An orientation tour of Ho Chi Minh City

This morning, you’ll cruise through the bustling Cho Gao canal, one of the major arterial canals of Vietnam connecting Tien Giang Province in the Mekong Delta with Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll be fascinated watching the heavy commercial traffic navigate this important waterway, where upwards of 1,800 vessels transit each day.

Once on the Mekong River, this afternoon you’ll visit the Tan My Floating community followed by a ride through local plantations to visit a mushroom farm, a fruit farm with sampling and a honey farm with local sweets. Later, you’ll sail onwards to Sa Ðéc, a Mekong Delta hidden gem.

Included Excursion
Visit the Thoi Binh hamlet and its farming and fishing communities, untouched by tourism

After a short sampan ride to Sa Ðéc, enjoy a walking tour with a visit to the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ celebrated novel, L’Amant, and the town’s bustling central market.

Return to Emerald Harmony by sampan, then sail on to My An Hung Island. Recognised as a cultural and historical destination, this small rural village specialises in cultivating red-hot chilli and peppers. As part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, listen to local folk singing during your visit.

EmeraldPLUS
Listen to some local folk singing in My An Hung

Included Excursion
A visit to the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le and the bustling Sa Dec Markets

Included Excursion
A visit to My An Hung village

Known as ‘Mango Island,’ Cu Lao Gieng is a small, scenic island untouched by tourism, located along the upper Mekong River. Travel by local motorcycle rickshaw through the island’s villages to visit families who work in a variety of local industries including Mango farming, different types of boat building and a factory making incense sticks for temples.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure on board. As part of our EmeraldPLUS experience, you’ll delight in a traditional Lion Dance performance on board.

EmeraldPLUS
A Lion Dance performance on board

Included Excursion
See the local industries in Gieng Island

Embark on a sampan ride to Evergreen Island for a walk through a local village, giving you a glimpse into the lives of the local farming community. Reboard your sampan and return to Tan Chau and as part of our EmeraldPLUS experience, visit the local Cao Dai Temple. Cao Dai is a syncretic, monotheistic religion established in Tây Ninh, southern Vietnam, in 1926. At the temple, learn more about this fascinating and complex religion. Afterwards, ride in a Xe Loi (local form of cyclo) back to your sampan before returning to Emerald Harmony. Back on board your Star-Ship, you’ll sail to the border between Vietnam and Cambodia.

EmeraldPLUS
A visit to a local Cao Dai Temple and Xe Loi ride, unique to the Mekong Delta

Included Excursion
A visit to Evergreen Island

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

This morning, you’ll awake in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. Known as the ‘Pearl of Asia,’ the city was almost entirely evacuated by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. Today, you’ll learn about the Khmer Rouge and the darkest days of Cambodia’s history. A short drive will take you to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek, where you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through the fields, visit the memorial and understand more about this country’s sombre chapter.

Afterwards, visit Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as ‘S-21’), a former school converted to the Khmer Rouge’s main prison and torture HQ. Spend the afternoon as you please, either exploring our DiscoverMORE excursions, visiting the Central Market located in the heart of Phnom Penh, or simply relaxing on board Emerald Harmony.

This evening, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy a remork (local Tuk-Tuk) tour through Phnom Penh to admire the city lights.

EmeraldPLUS
Phnom Penh by night on a remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour

Included Excursion
Killing Fields at Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

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A silk farm tour at Koh Oknha Tei (extra expense)

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Craft Beer Adventure by remork (extra expense)

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Samai Distillery (extra expense)

Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, sits at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It was a hub for both the Khmer Empire and French colonialists. On its walkable riverfront, lined with parks, restaurants and bars, are the ornate Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, displaying artifacts from around the country. At the city’s heart is the massive, art deco Central Market.

Located north of Phnom Penh, Oudong was the former royal capital of Cambodia until it relocated to Phnom Penh in 1866. Start your day with a visit to the Oudong Monastery and Temples. Important remnants here include the burial sites of Khmer kings as well as religious artefacts dating back more than a century. In Oudong Monastery’s main temple, receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from the resident monks, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the majestic Royal Palace, with its French-inspired gardens and Silver Pagoda. Back on board, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation. Afterwards set sail, gliding past the illuminated Phnom Penh at night, to Rokar Koang, a small town located further up along the up the Mekong River.

EmeraldPLUS
A traditional Buddhist Monk blessing

EmeraldPLUS
Cultural Performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation

Included Excursion
A visit to the Royal Palace

Disembark Emerald Harmony in the morning and continue by road to Siem Reap for your included three-night stay, a deluxe boutique property of world-class design that takes great care in honouring the environment and paying homage to the traditional and local aesthetics. This evening as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, attend Phare, The Cambodian Circus, where a combination of acrobatics, music and dance tell a uniquely Cambodian story. Take advantage of our DiscoverMORE dinner at the circus to further support Phare’s work.

EmeraldPLUS
Phare Cambodian Circus performance.

DiscoverMORE
Evening – Local Fare at Phare Circus (extra expense)

Today, start with a visit to Angkor Thom, not a single temple such as the historic sites it neighbours, but rather one of the most remarkable royal cities of the Angkor Period and an architectural wonder. As the last capital of the Khmer Empire, it was a fortified city, home to priests, officials of the palace, military and buildings for administering the kingdom. Afterwards, visit the sacred Temple of Ta Prohm. In an incredible standoff between human creation and nature, the jungle's root systems have reclaimed this spiritual location now enshrouded in wild vegetation. The backdrop to many Hollywood scenes, the incredible Ta Prohm is both a cinematic and contemplative location. This evening is free to visit ‘Pub Street’ or try a DiscoverMORE option.

Included Excursion
Visit to Angkor Thom

Included Excursion
Visit to Ta Prohm Temple

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Vespa tour of Siem Reap (extra expense)

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Evening – Gondola Boat ride at Banyon with drinks (extra expense)

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Evening - Cambodian Street Food Discovery Tour (extra expense)

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Evening – Local Fare at Phare Circus (extra expense)

Witness a mesmerising sunrise over Angkor Wat. Afterwards, walk through this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, renowned for its intricate carvings. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to explore the town, or join a DiscoverMORE excursion. Later, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy an immersive evening and farewell dinner, accompanied by an Apsara dance performance.

Included Excursion
Sunrise visit to Angkor Wat

EmeraldPLUS
Apsara dance performance and dinner show

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Siem Reap Countryside by Vespa (extra expense)

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Banteay Srei Temple and APOPO (extra expense)

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Tonlé Sap and Lotus Workshop (extra expense)

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Khmer Cooking Class (extra expense)

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Senteurs d’Angkor Workshop (extra expense)

After a morning at leisure in Siem Reap, join your included flight to Laos and Luang Prabang, a former royal capital and the heart of Laotian culture and Buddhist spirituality. In this enchanting riverside city, enjoy a three-night stay at your hotel – within walking distance to Luang Prabang’s famous night markets.  

Discover key landmarks within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, including the exquisite, 16th century temple, Wat Xieng Thong and former Royal Palace, now converted into the National Museum. Later, enjoy a boat cruise along the Mekong River, stopping at a local village which specialises in traditional rice wine before continuing to the Pak Ou Caves, a sacred grotto crammed with thousands of multi-sized golden Buddhas. After returning to Luang Prabang, let the locals show you how to play Pétanque, also known as Petong in Laos. Tonight, enjoy your free time, perhaps shopping for souvenirs and sampling local cuisine at the vibrant night market.

Rise early to witness the incredible sight of Buddhist monks move silently through the atmospheric streets as they collect alms. Later, travel to Kuang Si waterfalls, a set of picturesque, tiered falls and swimming holes set amongst the lush, dense jungle. This afternoon, join an Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion, before enjoying your Farewell Dinner with your fellow guests this evening.

DiscoverMORE
Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre – natural dyeing class (extra expense)

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Ban Chan (Laos Pottery House) – Pottery lesson (extra expense)

This morning after breakfast, bid farewell to Laos and transfer to the airport for your included flight to Thailand and its vibrant capital, Bangkok, where your extraordinary Indochina journey ends.

Please book your flight to depart out of Bangkok after 07:00 PM.

Rivers and waterways are subject to variations in water levels. While every effort is made to adhere to the planned itinerary, changes in river conditions, ad hoc local government regulations or local festivities may require journey modifications. These will be made based on the advice of local authorities or for safety reasons. Hotels are indicative and are subject to change.

Bangkok, also known as the City of Angels and Venice of the East thrills with energy. There's such a vast array of sightseeing, shopping, and eating possibilities that you'll have little time to rest. When you do find a moment, pamper yourself with spa treatments, skyline-view bars, luxurious hotels, and excellent restaurants. The city is a mesmerizing blend of old and new, East and West, and dizzying contradictions. Temples and red-light districts, languid canals and permanent gridlock, streetside vendors and chic upscale eateries, all make their home together, all at the same time. Bangkok rarely fails to make an impression, and yes, you might need to go spend a few days on the beach to recover from it all. Although Bangkok is not known for jaw-dropping tourist attractions, it does have an endless supply of worthwhile pilgrimages. The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and the Emerald Buddha are tops on every visitor's itinerary, and lesser-known temples, such as Wat Benjamabophit, the golden stupa of Wat Sakhet, and Wat Suthat, are all worthy of a stop. Besides temples, there are plenty of other interesting niches and touring possibilities to fit just about every interest. Take in a venom extraction and python feeding show at the Queen Saowapha Snake Farm, or go to the nearby Jim Thompson House to learn all about the famed Thai silk industry. If architecture is your forte, there is the Suan Pakkard Palace with its antique teak house collection, and the even more astounding Vimanmek Palace, which contains the world's largest golden teak building. Bangkok's Chinatown merits at least a day on every travel itinerary—be sure to check out the sprawling labyrinthine Flower and Thieves markets. Thai food is unrivaled for spice, taste, and variation. From multicourse meals to small street vendors, the one constant here is fresh and delicious at every level. You can have superlative roast duck or wonton noodles on a street corner for lunch and then be dining on world-class chef creations in the Oriental or Shangri-La hotels for supper. It doesn't have to be all spicy Thai either, as Bangkok is home to excellent French, Italian, and other world cuisines, and you need a few years just to make a dent in all the options that are available. The Old City is a major destination for travelers, as it's home to opulent temples like Wat Po and Wat Phra Kaew. Across the river is Thonburi, a mostly residential neighborhood, where you can find Wat Arun. At the northern tip of the Old City is Banglamphu, one of Bangkok's older residential neighborhoods. It's best known now for Khao San Road, a backpacker hangout, though the neighborhood has much more to offer, especially when it comes to street food. North of Banglamphu is Dusit, the royal district since the days of Rama V. East of the Old City is Chinatown, a labyrinth of streets with restaurants, shops, and warehouses. Farther down the Chao Phraya River is bustling Silom Road, one of the city's major commercial districts. Patpong, the city's most famous of several red-light districts, is also here. Bang Rak is home to some of the city's leading hotels: the Mandarin Oriental, the Peninsula, the Royal Orchid Sheraton, and the Shangri-La. To the north of Rama IV Road is Bangkok's largest green area, Lumphini Park. Continue north and you reach Sukhumvit Road, once a residential area. More recently, Thong Lor, farther east along Sukhumvit, has become the "in" neighborhood for those want to see and be seen. The Nana and Asok areas of Sukhumvit are now home to the even busier red-light entertainment districts (Nana and Soi Cowboy) than Patpong.