Following The Mekong - 19D/18N

photo of the Nam Song River, courtesy of Laos Tourism BoardAn incredible itinerary from Vietnam through Cambodia and Laos along Indochina’s main highway: the Mekong. The Mekong River, known as the Mother of waters, is the heart and soul of mainland Southeast Asia crossing through Yunnan, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Million of people have depended on the Mekong for most aspects of their daily lives, its annual floods are essential to agriculture and many legends have been born along its course. This great river has seen the rise and fall of empires and battles between foes of different races and cultures. Explorers, traders and simple fishermen and farmers have used the Mekong River for thousands of years. In recent times, peace has returned and the ordinary life of the river goes on as it always has.

Included: Accommodation and meals as described (please note that some hotels provide only Continental Breakfast) - All transfers within the journey, including pick-up at airport - Economy class on domestic flights - All entrance fees - English, French or German speaking guides (other languages available upon request) - Accommodation - American Breakfast - Visa-approval letter for Vietnam.

Not Included: Visas and passports - Any personal expenses (like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses, airport departure tax etc) - Meals other than those specified in the itinerary - International airfare - Airport taxes.

Departures: Daily. Guaranteed with 2 passengers minimum.

Accommodation: There are three levels of Hotels to choose: Standard, First Class and Deluxe.

photo of a rural scene of a boy swimming with a water buffalo, courtesy of Cambodia Tourism BoardDay by day Itinerary:

  • Day 1 Saigon - Arrival in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Transfer. Overnight in Saigon.
  • Day 2 Saigon - Sightseeing in Saigon and Cholon (Chinatown). Overnight in Saigon.
  • Day 3 Saigon / Can Tho - By vehicle from Saigon to Can Tho, with a boat ride from Cai Be floating market to Vinh Long. Overnight in Can Tho.
  • Day 4 Can Tho - Excursion by boat to Cai Rang Floating Market.
  • Day 5 Can Tho / Chau Doc - By vehicle from Can Tho to Chau Doc. Sightseeing in Chau Doc with boat trip. Overnight in Chau Doc.
  • Day 6 Chau Doc / Phnom Penh - On board the Tu Trang Speedboat from Chau Doc to Phnom Penh. Arrival in Phnom Penh - Transfer - Overnight in Phnom Penh.
  • Day 7 Phnom Penh - Sightseeing in Phnom Penh. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
  • Day 8 Phnom Penh / Kampong Cham - By vehicle from Phnom Penh to Kampong Cham. Sightseeing in Kampong Cham - Overnight in Kampong Cham.
  • Day 9 Kampong Cham / Kratie - By vehicle from Kampong Cham to Kratie. Sightseeing in Kratie. Overnight in Kratie.
  • Day 10 Kratie / Dong Kalaw / Don Khone - By vehicle from Kratie to Dong Kralor (Lao/Cambodian border). By vehicle and boat from Dong Kralor (Lao/Cambodian border) to Khone Island with sightseeing at Khone Phapeng. Overnight in Don Khone.
  • Day 11 Don Khone / Don Khong - Sightseeing in Khone Island. By boat from Khone Island to Khong Island. Sightseeing on Khong Island. Overnight in Don Khong.
  • Day 12 Don Khong / Pakse - By vehicle from Khong Island to Pakse with sightseeing at Wat Phou. Overnight in Pakse.
  • Day 13 Pakse / Vientiane - Transfer. Flight from Pakse to Vientiane. Transfer. Sightseeing in Vientiane. Overnight in Vientiane.
  • Day 14 Vientiane / Vang Vieng - By vehicle from Vientiane to Vang Vieng. Sightseeing around Vang Vieng with short trek. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
  • Day 15 Vang Vieng / Luang Prabang - By vehicle from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
  • Day 16 Luang Prabang - Sightseeing in Luang Prabang. Visit Mount Phousi for sunset. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
  • Day 17 Luang Prabang / Pakbeng - Transfer. On board the Luangsay Cruise from Luang Prabang to Pakbeng (Upstream), day 1 of 2. Overnight in Pakbeng.
  • Day 18 Pakbeng / Huay Xai - On board the Luangsay Cruise from Pakbeng to Huay Xai (Upstream), day 2 of 2. Transfer. Overnight in Huay Xai.
  • Day 19 Huay Xai - Transfer.

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Also tagged with: Escorted Journeys, Asia, Special Destinations, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indochina, Educational, Cultural, Art / Architecture, Classic Visit, Hosted Tours, Private Tour, Private Escorted Journey


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