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Mekong River Cruise
January 18 - February 1, 2025
Join Defined Destinations & Stephanie Hansen on a once-in-a-lifetime, 13 day tour of Southeast Asia (11 days in country) from the comfort of your semi-exclusive cruise ship. Historic temples, extraordinary cuisine, 'locals-only' excursions, and beating the cold by visiting some of the friendliest people on the planet. Experience beautiful hotels and Upper Deck cabins on our intimate ship during the cruise on the Mekong! This is how you see Asia!
Highlights & Inclusions:
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RT Airfare included from Los Angeles
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Meals On Board Cruise Ship
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Professional Tour Director
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Local Selected Guides
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Historic Cities: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam; Phnom Penh & Siem Reap, Cambodia
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Angkor Wat's Renowned Temple
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Phnom Penh-Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda
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National Museum of Cambodia
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Khmer Rouge Historical Sites
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Cruising the Mekong River with Numerous Cultural Stops including:
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Fish Farming Villages
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Artisans in Silver, Copper, Textiles
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Open Air Markets, Honey Bee Tea Farm, Food and Wine Tastings - All Locally Sourced!
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Cambodian Circus Performance
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Khmer Dancing and Music
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Small Boat Canal Tours
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Wartime Cu Chi Tunnels
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Ho Chi Minh Highlights: Notre Dame Cathedral, Museum of Vietnamese History, Reunification Palace
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Loads of Free Time Interspersed for Your Adventures (guides and maps available)
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Leisure Time Onboard the Indochine II - By the Pool, At the Bar and Lounge, or From Your Chaise Lounge Chair
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And so much more!
Day 1: January 18
Fly from Los Angeles to
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Depart LAX at 10:05PM on Singapore Airlines for Siem Reap, Cambodia (connection in Singapore). Airfare from MSP or other cities can be added.
Day 2: January 20
Arrive in Siem Reap
We arrive in Siem Reap, Cambodia on January 20 arrival as we lose a day flying over the International date line. After a day of travel, we arrive in Siem Reap during the afternoon and get settled into our hotel (4-star Sofitel Hotel or similar), relax a bit, and get to know one another over an authentic Cambodian Welcome Dinner hosted by Stephanie Hansen - our adventure begins!
Included Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 3: January 21
Siem Reap & Angkor Temples
After a leisurely morning, lunch will be served at the hotel. Afterward, we will explore the enigmatic Beng Mealea temple, a once jungle-consumed ruin dating back to the 12th century, constructed with a floor plan similar to Angkor Wat. Dinner will be in the city, followed by an overnight stay at the beautiful Sofitel Angkor (or similar hotel).
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: January 22
Siem Reap & Ta Prohm
Today our Cambodian experience begins by touring the historic sites of Siem Reap. The first stop is at Ta Prohm, a temple overgrown with trees, and Angkor Thom, a ruined city with many temples and palaces. We’ll then stroll through the grounds of the former Royal Palace and see the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King, both known for their intricate carvings. After lunch, we’ll visit Senteurs d'Angkor, a local business with silk, carvings, beauty products, and spices. We’ll end the day with Phare, the Cambodian circus, and spend the night at the hotel.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: January 23
Angkor Wat - Tonle Sap Lake
Board the Ship
We’ll visit Angkor Wat temple, the most famous monument in Angkor and a great example of Khmer architecture. We’ll have lunch at the hotel before transferring to our ship where our 30+ person crew will welcome you and help you settle into your cabin. We’ll have dinner onboard, formally meet the crew, and remain anchored overnight before setting sail in the morning.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: January 24
Our River Cruise Begins!
In the morning, we will cross Tonle Sap Lake. We'll enjoy lunch on board before visiting Kampong Chhnang, one of the largest fishing ports on the lake, known for its abundant fish farming. The region is also famous for its traditional pottery, blending ancient knowledge with modern techniques—Chhnang means "pot." We will also have a tasting of regional products before returning to the ship to begin our cruise to Kampong Tralach, where our ship will remain anchored overnight.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: January 25
Kampong Tralach - Koh Chen Phnom Penh, Cambodia
We will set out to visit the beautiful Vihara at the Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To reach the pagoda, we will cross the village of Kampong Tralach in ox carts, traveling along a small road that winds through magnificent rice fields. After enjoying lunch on board, we will explore the small village of Koh Chen, known for its skilled craftspeople specializing in silver and copper work. Following our tour, we will return to the ship and begin our cruise to Phnom Penh. Upon arrival, we will take a brief tour of the area by "tuktuk," the most convenient way to navigate the city. We'll return to the ship for a performance of classical Khmer dancing and music, and our ship will remain docked overnight in Phnom Penh.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: January 26
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
We'll embark on a tour of the magnificent Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, which is adorned with more than 5,000 silver tiles. Following this, we'll visit the National Museum of Cambodia before enjoying lunch in the city. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Tuol Svay Prey School, a former detention, torture, and execution center operated by the Khmer Rouge during the civil war. Afterwards, enjoy some free time at the market. After our tour, we'll return to the ship and begin our cruise to Vietnam, where our ship will remain anchored overnight.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: January 27
From Cambodia to Vietnam
Set your sights on the colorful border town of Chau Doc, where Cambodia and Vietnam meet! This bustling city thrives on the Mekong River's bounty, boasting a vibrant fish market and fascinating fish farms. We'll delve into local beliefs at the Ba Chua Xu Temple, followed by a visit to the serene Tay An Pagoda, adorned with intricate carvings. After a delicious lunch on board, we'll set sail towards Sa Dec, ready for a relaxing evening and dinner as we cruise along the Mekong.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: January 28
Mekong's Canals and Crafts
Enjoy a morning of free time to explore Sa Dec's charming streets, and then come aboard to cruise towards Vinh Long. We'll then hop into nimble local boats, navigating a labyrinth of canals and lush orchards. This is the Mekong up close! The journey culminates in Cai Be, a vibrant delta town brimming with local crafts like brick and pottery making, puffed rice treats, and the region's signature rice wine. As the sun dips low, we'll return to our home on water for dinner and an evening sail.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: January 29
Entering Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon)
Our morning begins at a local bee farm where we savor cups of fragrant honey tea alongside a selection of exotic fruits (you'll never forget the yummy mangoes! We then hop aboard traditional sampans, gliding down tranquil, mangrove-lined canals where local villagers go about their daily routines. After lunch on board, we'll navigate a narrow canal, marking the gateway to the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City. As the sun sets, our ship will dock in the heart of the city, offering you a night of relaxation conveniently located for exploring the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: January 30
Ho Chi Minh City
We dive into Ho Chi Minh City's rich past with a captivating city tour that includes: the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office (charming remnants of French colonial influence), and visit The Museum of Vietnamese History. After lunch on board, we descend the Cu Chi Tunnels and explore these eerie but fascinating wartime sites. For our last sunset, we remain docked in the heart of the city for you to either explore the nightlife or just relax.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: January 31
Ho Chi Minh City - Farewell Dinner
Today, we say farewell to the Mekong River and our home aboard our private ship. After our included lunch, we check into the Hotel Liberty Riverside Central. Enjoy leisure time before joining Stephanie and fellow travelers over an included Farewell Dinner!
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner
Day 14: February 1
Fly Home
Following our included breakfast, It's time to collate those pictures, capture some journal entries, and reflect on everything you experienced. Whether this is your first or fiftieth trip to Southeast Asia, you'll never forget these moments. Nature abounds everywhere, and you taste the difference that 'local' makes, in the fruit, the veggies, spices, and more. The people are lovely and the Eastern cultures are rich in history and beauty. And the best part is that your 'home away from home' is always floating nearby and ready to sail through another postcard-worthy countryside. It's going to be hard to say goodbye on this trip! Our included flight departs Ho chi Minh City at 12:15PM (connection in Singapore) before arriving in LAX at 7:55PM on Feb 1. Stay the night in LA or fly home.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
RV Indochine II: Your Gateway to an Enchanted Mekong Adventure
The Defined Destinations group enjoys Upper Deck Cabins
Embark on a mesmerizing journey aboard the RV Indochine II, cruising along the legendary Mekong River. Experience enchanting stopovers, explore classified sites, and immerse yourself in the centuries-old traditions and culinary delights of Vietnam and Cambodia. This voyage promises an exotic and authentic adventure, brimming with vibrant colors, captivating scents, and tantalizing flavors.
The RV Indochine II is a premium, intimate-sized ship built in 2017. It measures 213 feet long by 43 feet wide and can accommodate 62 passengers in 31 spacious, comfortable, and bright cabins spread over two decks. Each cabin features a private balcony, offering luxurious amenities to ensure guests have all the comforts they need during their stay. Crafted entirely from exotic wood paneling, the ship’s style flawlessly blends colonial and contemporary influences, combining charm and comfort with elegance and refinement.
Dining aboard the RV Indochine II is a delight, with the restaurant located on the main deck. Guests can savor delicate cuisine in a warm and friendly atmosphere, where large picture windows provide breathtaking views of the passing landscapes. The main deck also houses the reception area and a massage salon.
On the sun deck, guests will find the perfect spot to relax and admire the scenery, featuring a swimming pool and a spacious lounge/bar. Indulge in the serene environment, enjoy a refreshing dip, or simply lounge with a drink while taking in the majestic views of the Mekong River.
Conveniences: All cabins are exterior-facing and equipped with two low beds that can be joined together, large storage space and TV, private bathroom with shower, air-conditioning, safe, hairdryer, dresser. Toiletries are available for your use. Onboard Wi-Fi.
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Tour Price:
AIRFARE INCLUDED RATE
$7999
PER PERSON
(Based on 2 people in a room)
RT AIRFARE INCLUDED OUT OF LAX
Flights from other cities can be added
LAND ONLY RATE
$6599
PER PERSON
(Based on 2 people in a room) INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED
AIRFARE INCLUDED RATE
$9999
SINGLE RATE
(Based on 1 person in a room)
RT AIRFARE INCLUDED OUT OF LAX
Flights from other cities can be added
LAND ONLY - SINGLE RATE
$8599
PER PERSON
(Based on 1 person in a room) LAND ONLY - AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED
Pricing Details
We are nearing our departure date, but there's still time to join us and we'd love to have you! Important caveats:
1. We need payment in full at registration, and
2. The airfare was booked months ago, so we will work with the airline to hold this price. We will let you know if they have increased it and give you two options. You can either:
(1) request and receive a full refund from Defined Destinations and choose not to join us, or
(2) decide to pay the additional difference and join the trip!
Final Payment Due at Registration
