(1 May- 1 Sept): 1,898.6 $
(2 Sept- 31 April): 3,215.5 $
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THE LOST CIVILIZATION
Saigon – Siem Reap ( 8 Days – 7 Nights)
The mighty Mekong – a mysterious body of water. Flowing through six countries in Asia. Giving love and life to millions. Received its fame by the legendary God King of ancient Cambodia, King Jayavarman VII, who linked hands with the waters of the Mekong to build the magnificent Angkor civilization.
The classic Mekong River cruise, the Lost Civilisation combines places rarely visited with historical world heritage sites. Destinations include the market towns of Cai Be and My Tho as well as Kampong Cham and Kampong Tralach before docking in Siem Reap.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1: HO CHI MINH - MY THO - CAI BE
Bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon as we travel 70 kilometers south by land to My Tho to embark your boutique Ship. We will be served refreshing drinks and light lunch as the Ship steadily glides along the Mekong. We will bathe in the fading sunset on the balcony followed by a briefing at the lounge. Later, a welcome dinner awaits us.
When approaching Cai Be, the Ship drops anchor midstream. Light lunch, afternoon tea and dinner are included. Overnight in Cai Be.
DAY 2: CAI BE – SA DEC – TAN CHAU
Tai Chi lesson on the Sundeck.
Visit Cai Be’s boisterous and colorful floating market on a traditional sampan (a flat bottomed traditional Vietnamese wooden boat).
The cruise will halt intermittently to allow us to observe how rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies, rice pop, rice wine and coconut candies are made, enjoy local life along the canals on the way back to the Ship for lunch.
In the afternoon, we cruise to Sa Dec. Upon arrival, we embark a traditional sampan to tour Binh Thanh Island to visit an untouchable village.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. The Ship will moor midstream overnight near Tan Chau.
DAY 3: TAN CHAU – BORDER CROSSING – PHNOM PENH
Brace yourself for a short excursion in Tan Chau, a pleasant town near the Cambodian border with sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community.
Firstly, the journey takes you to the “evergreen” islands where you will be thrilled to learn the life of the locals.
We stop to visit a fish farm located in the Tan Chau canal.
You continue by boat to Tan Chau pier, disembark here and stroll around this colorful local market with lots of regional products.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Overnight we anchor midstream near Phnom Penh.
DAY 4: PHNOM PENH
Sightseeing in the morning will include the Killing Field outside town.
Visit the Genocide Museum, see the dazzling white and gold edifice of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, and witness exceptionally beautiful Khmer craft at the National Museum. We go back to the Ship by “cyclo” – traditional vehicle after our museum visit.
The evening starts with a comprehensive lecture on Cambodia’s modern history.
BBQ dinner is served right after the lecture.
Apsara dance performance.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
DAY 5: PHNOM PENH – ANGKOR BAN – KAMPONG CHAM
We will depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh with a stop at the little known Silk island community. We will then return to the Ship and pass by the Mekong’s tranquil villages, exhilarating river life and sun-hardened fishermen on their shift boats.
We will tour the rural Angkor Ban village where time stand still. We are transported back a hundred years into an era unaffected by modernity. The houses here are truly rustic, made by hand and without any concrete. But most of all, we feel overwhelmed by the unbridled warmth of the villagers.
Travelers can take part in the daily activities of the villagers to experience village life first hand. Then, we are back to the Ship to cruise towards Kampong Cham.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Overnight in Kampong Cham.
DAY 6: KAMPONG CHAM – WAT HANCHEY
We will wake up in the early morning, truly energized to embark on a land journey to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Travelers either take a motor-taxi or climb 303 steps to the top.
We even get to engage in light banter with some of the monks in the area. We will return to the Ship to witness a blessing ceremony performed by orange-clad local monks. Lunch on board.
We will then cruise towards Kampong Cham to visit Wat Nokor, a Wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple which holds a timeless story. Visit OBT project of Heritage Line and organization for Basic Training.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. Overnight in Kampong Cham.
DAY 7: KAMPONG CHAM – KAMPONG CHHNANG
We approach Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “Water World” where everything is on stilts balanced on water rich soil– it’s an awesome sight whilst practicing Tai Chi on the deck.
Here we take a minivan to see the Khmer-styled pottery at the Aundaung Russey village. Then, it is back to the river for an adventurous motorboat excursion to the wetlands, floating houses and fish farms in the region. The village has no electricity and has around 600 inhabitants.
We then return to the Ship for lunch while cruising the narrow and meandering Tonle Sap River.
In the evening, a sumptuous spread will be served. And for the big entertainment - bring along your dance shoes and learn to jiggle the Cambodian way with our staff doubling up as dance instructors
DAY 8: TONLE SAP – SIEM REAP
The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love and life to this nation.
Enjoy the stillness of the water and the quiet tranquility on the way to Siem Reap. The water level varies a great deal according to the time of the year and the amount of rainfall recorded. Thus, minor changes to the itinerary may occur during different seasons.
Our Heritage Line cruise liner comes to an end as we reach this city of the fabled Angkor temple complex. We bid farewell to the cruise as our journey comes to an end. But the memories and the friendships made on board linger on for a lot longer.
We will cross the Tonle Lake at dawn and at 09:00am, we will disembark at the Siem Reap Port for onward coach transfer to the drop off point in town.
Please click here to view more boat pictures and Mekong delta River
General Inclusions of cruise packages
Accommodation, daily (group) shore-excursions as mentioned in the program, all entrance fees, transportation as mentioned in the program, transfers to/from the meeting point/ship, tour guide services (English speaking), taxes, fuel, river pilots, local anchorage fees, daily Tai Chi classes and onboard entertainment, sauna or steam bath (The Jahan only), welcome drink, breakfast – lunch - dinner (on full sailing days or as indicated in program), free flow of beverages - mineral water, soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee - at all times, free flow of local beer and house wine by glass during lunch and dinner, drinking water in cabin and during excursions, insurance (passenger liability),internet throughout the boat (subject to cellular network signal).
Special (cabin type) inclusions
Please review detailed inclusions per cabin and refer to our detailed cruise program(s) (both documentsare regularly updated in the download section on our website).
Exclusions
Port tax, crew and guide gratuities, any visa fees, private transfers and any other transfer not statedin the program, personal expenses and purchases, all further beverages, premium spirits and other services not mentioned under General Inclusions of cruise packages or in the program, fuel surcharges if any, medical services, spa treatments (please see special cabin inclusions), telephone.
Rate condition Rates are per person based on double occupancy
Rates are subject to terms of the contractual agreement
Peak season surcharge: 120 USD per person per cruise for cruises including Christmas Evening (24. December) or New Year’s Evening (31. December)
Note:
High Season: January – March & October – December
Low Season June– September
Rate for : Twin share Cabin
Important information
Upstream and Downstream indicate the direction, the Ships will travel. Downstream means from Siem Reap to Saigon. Upstream is the opposite direction from Saigon to Siem Reap.
Low water season: The water level goes down and very low in Tonle Sap, so the Ships have to dock in Kampong Cham, where the embarkation and disembarkation will take place. It takes 4.5 hours for our coaches to transfer to the meeting point in Siem Reap (Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa).
For downstream (REP-SGN) we will meet at 08:00am for the check-in formality.
For upstream (SGN-REP) the coaches will drop you off around 13:30pm at Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa.
Low water season is approximate from January to middle of September.
High water season: The Ship could cruise along in Tonle Sap and dock near Siem Reap pier. It just takes 45 minutes for our coaches to transfer to the meeting point (Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa). The embarkation and disembarkation of the Ship will take place near Siem Reap pier.
For downstream (REP-SGN) we will meet at noon (12:00pm) at the meeting point for check in formality.
For upstream (SGN-REP) the coaches will drop you off around 10:00am at Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa.
High water season is approximate from middle of September to the end of December.
High water and low water season just make itinerary timing schedule changeable in Siem Reap, there will be no changes at other destinations.
Visa in Saigon and Siem Reap
For most foreigners visa are needed for both countries. Please check with the Vietnamese and Cambodian embassies in your country.
During the upstream cruises (SGN-REP), Heritage Line could support to arrange Cambodia visa at the border. The visa fee of USD 37 per person (subject to change during public holidays and Cambodia Immigration policy) will be added to their onboard account.
For downstream cruises (REP-SGN), Heritage Line could support to arrange Vietnam visa as well. But as the visa has to be issued in Phnom Penh, the processes is difficult and expensive (visa fee will be advised at the time you request). We strongly recommend arranging Vietnam visa before arrival in Vietnam or Cambodia.
E-Visa a in Vietnam and Cambodia
Please note that both Vietnamese and Cambodian E-Visas are not accepted for waterway entry to either country.
Passengers who wish to obtain their own Visas before the trip must apply directly at a Cambodian or Vietnamese Consulate or Embassy, or by other methods, that will allow them to receive a normal Tourist Visa-for the country they will enter into on the water.
For upstream journeys (Vietnam to Cambodia) a Vietnamese E-Visa is acceptable for entry by air to Vietnam-but for the water way entry to Cambodia, a Cambodian E-Visa is not acceptable.
For downstream journeys (Cambodia to Vietnam) a Cambodian E-Visa is acceptable for entry by air to Cambodia-but for the water way entry to Vietnam, a Vietnamese E-Visa is not acceptable.
Passengers who have obtained E-Visas-for the country that will be entered by water-will be required to apply for new onboard and pay all visa fees.
Boat information:
Technical figures
Built 2011
Length / Width / Height 72m / 12,5 m / 9 m
Beam / Draft 12,8 m / 1,7 m
Gross tonnage 1400 tons
Cruising speed 11 nautical knots
Electricity 220v
Capacity / Cabins 52 passengers 26 cabins (four categories)
Water Reverse osmosis and UV water treatment plant, sewage treatment plant.
Safety Radio Comm., Radar, GPS, PA system, life jackets, life rafts, fire hydrants, flares and signals, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors in
each cabin, CO2 engine room fire fighting system.
Particulars:
British-Indian Colonial
26 cabins (4 categories)
Viceroy Dining Hall
East India Club
The Raj of India Lobby Lounge
Obervatory Lounge
Apsara Spa
Gym and Steam Bath
Sundeck with Jacuzzi pool
Vietnampathfinder commitment is the delivery of bespoke, safe and best services
With a focus on experience, guest safety, quality control and service delivery, we will check every details to make sure that our travel sevices or your booking travel with us a most enjoyable. Each request is dutifully responded to within 24 hours unless negotiations and special requests are required on your behalf; our team of Vietnampathfinder will ultimately inform and follow up or you also can call us any time at 084. 913323 977 (Mr Pham).
Payment
+ For FIT booking (group of less than 7 cabins):
40% of the total tour cost to be deposited upon commitment of the tour, this deposit is non-refundable. The remaining 60% of the total tour cost to be paid 7 days prior to arrival date. If booked less than 7 days from arrival, full payment is required immediately.
+ For GIT booking (group of from 7 cabins)
50% of the total tour cost to be deposited upon commitment of the tour, this deposit is non-refundable. The remaining 50% of the total tour cost to be paid 60 days prior to arrival date. If booked less than 60 days from arrival, full payment is required immediately
We do accept payment methods:
+ Bank transfer = 25$/ 1 time bank fees/ whole amount (takes 3 days to complete and easy, this is low bank fees for big amount)
+ Credit card = 2.7% bank fees is levied in addition to the invoiced amount. Kindly make sure you include the invoice number or contact our Accounting Department for an invoice number so that your payment can be identified. Please also check with the bank who issued your credit card to ensure that no other bank fee is applied.
+ Paypayl online = 4.7%, fast but high fees
+Cash on arrival: 50% deposit for booking services (after confirmation) and the balance by cash on arrival Vietnam ( collect by tour guides, drivers directly from tour leader or your clients).
Cancellations & Refunds
Any cancellations should be made in writing to VietnamPathfinder Travel (email at: info@vietnampathfinder.com ). Cancellations beyond your control subject to Force Majeure can be covered under travel insurance. We recommend you buy Travel insurance before you complete payment of your travel and review its relevant product disclosure statement. Cancellation fees of loss of deposit will be applied:
For FIT booking (group of less than 7 cabins)
More than 7 days prior to trip departure: No charge
7 days - 3 days before arrival: 50% charge
Less than 72 hours prior to check-in: 100% of total rate
No show: 100% of total rate
For GIT booking (group of from 7 cabins)
More than 60 days prior to trip departure: No charge
60 days - 31 days before arrival: 50% charge
From 30 to 15 days prior to check-in: 75% of total rate
Less than 15 days prior to check-in: 100% of total rate
No show: 100% of total rate
For Charter Boat Cancellation
More than 60 days prior to check-in : No cancellation charge
From 60 to 31 days prior to check-in : 50% of total rates
From 30 to 15 days prior to check-in : 75% of total rates
Less than 15 days prior to check-in: 100% of total rates
For Cancellation policy due to bad weather conditions, cruising and sailing in Halong Bay and Mekong Delta River is regulated by the Local Port Authority. Every morning, the Port Authority delivers a permit to each cruise company allowing them to start the sail trip. Both day cruises and overnight cruises are regulated this way.
In case of bad weather conditions and risks of tropical storms, the Port Authority might limit the possibilities of cruising and even decide to cancel all cruises.
In those cases, final decision by the Port of Authority is usually announced only at 3.00 pm on the day of departure (time can be changed). Vietnampathfinder will contact with passengers to update with information and negotiate with boat suppliers to waive or minimize these charges to you at best.
Refund & Non-Refundable
+ Any refund may takes from 15 days to 3 Months and We reserve the right to modify these refund policy without prior notice.
+ A Non-refundable of 100 USD for booking boat cabins when complete the booking confirmation
Child Policies
FOC Baby cost for infrant (Subject to availability)
Only 1 (one) child under 5 years old traveling with two (2) adults is allowed for FOC per cabin
Last Minutes Booking Policies
Last minutes bookings if the bookings are made in 72 hours, 48 hours or 24 hours before departure
Less than 24 hours before your trip departure, please email us at: info@vietnampathfinder.com or Call at 084 913323977 and only process the final booking on our website when get confirmation emails from our sale teams.
Refund and amendment will not be applied for last minute bookings.
Voucher
Voucher will be issued by Vietnampathfinder Travel after the booked trip is confirmed and payment is completed. A service voucher will be sent by email to passenger.
Liability and Insurance
Vietnampathfinder Travel accepts no responsibility for any loss, injury, damage or delay due to natural disaster, politic actions, weather or causes beyond its control. Travel insurance and medical precautions are essential. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability. We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance at the time of booking.
Passengers’ Information
Client is requested to submit all passenger details at least 24 hours prior to check-in of passengers (Full name, Date of birth, Gender, Nationality, Passport number, Vietnam visa expiry date, Contact number).
Should you have any question, please don’t hesitate to write us, we are here to help!
With appreciation for your:
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