Mekong River Cruise

Sunday 23 November

Depart Auckland on Singapore Airlines with a late evening arrival in Singapore. Overnight at the Airport Hotel.

Monday 24 November

A leisurely start with a midday flight to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. Welcome dinner tonight.

Tuesday 25 November

This morning we enjoy a walking Tour of Ho Chi Minh City’s historic landmarks, including a stop at the Rex Hotel for a refreshing drink at the rooftop bar where the U.S. Military held the infamous “Five O’clock Follies” during the war. Then visit the War Remnants Museum featuring the history and relics of the Vietnam War, before spending time in bustling Ben Thanh Market.

Participate in a hands-on Vietnamese Cooking Class before free time this afternoon. This evening dinner is at a local restaurant. 

Wednesday 26 November

Our morning begins with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels constructed during the Vietnam War. This is a unique experience to feel what life was like underground for the Viet Cong during the war years as well as seeing the countryside. We return to Ho Chi Minh and enjoy free time.

Thursday 27 November

Today we transfer to the local port on the Saigon River for embarkation on the Avalon Saigon. Get acquainted with the ship as we begin our cruise to Vinh Long before our welcome reception this evening. 

Friday 28 November

This morning board a sampan ( flat bottomed wooden boat ) to visit a local workshop where you will see how rice paper, rice wine, and traditional candies are made. This afternoon, enjoy scenes of daily life on Cu Lao Gieng Island. Our experience includes a local workshop and the home of a family that makes Vietnamese conical hats, or “Non la,” from materials available to them such as palm leaves and bamboo. Late afternoon we continue our cruise to  Chau Doc. 

Saturday 29 November

This morning enjoy a guided walk through the local market and absorb the atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. Then embark on a river excursion down the backwaters of the Mekong. Along the way, see traditional floating homes, speedboat merchants, religious sites and more. After lunch explore the village of Long Khanh A for a Cotton-Weaving demonstration before an evening cruise to Phnom Penh.

Sunday 30 November

Today we enjoy a City Tour by private cyclo to visit the Royal Palace with the spectacular Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum featuring an outstanding display of Khmer artifacts. Afternoon at leisure. Consider a Guided Optional Tour of a local brewery with free-flowing local beer!

Monday 01 December

This morning, a choice between visiting the Genocide Museum or a visit to the lively Central Market by tuk-tuk to see its unique Art Deco design. After lunch, depart Phnom Penh and enjoy some time at leisure onboard.

Tuesday 02 December

Visit Wat Hanchey, a hilltop temple dating back to the 8th century. After lunch, enjoy a Walking Tour through the rural village of Angkor Ban. Here, you will visit a traditional Khmer house and interact with children at a local school.

Wednesday 03 December

We start our day at the silversmith village in Konpong Louang. Here, see talented craftsmen use age-old techniques to turn pure silver into works of art. In Kampong Tralach, board an ox cart for a ride through the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, stop to meet a local farmer and learn about his daily life.

Thursday 04 December

This morning we disembark the ship and fly to Siem Reap. After lunch a special tour of Angkor Wat, the UNESCO site built in the 12th century and last capital of the Khmer Empire. The complex looks much the same as it would have done when the French explorers came here 140 years ago – shrouded in undergrowth with huge roots of old Banyan trees growing over and down the ruins. The Southern Gate is guarded by giant carvings of gods and demons all preserved in time. 

Friday 05 December

After breakfast we return to Angkor Wat to complete our experience with an afternoon at your leisure.  This evening enjoy a private Apsara Dance Performance which brings ancient Khmer culture to life through music, song, and dance. 

Saturday 06 December

Today we transfer to the airport and fly to Singapore. Change planes and fly overnight to Auckland.

Sunday 07 December

Arrive Auckland