Mekong River Cruise

During this tour, you’ll explore French Colonial architecture in Ho Chi Minh City before cruising the Mekong River. The cruise makes several stops along the way at local villages, where you can see Hindu statues from the Khmer period, and Buddhist temples trimmed in gold and silver. Passengers also have some leisure time along the way to explore each port of call on their own. The vacation includes:

• Round-trip airfare from Los Angeles
• Round-trip transfers, all intra-tour transfers and air, including taxes
• 3 nights of accommodations at the InterContinental Asiana Saigon or similar
• 7 nights in an outside stateroom on board the Avalon Angkor from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
• 2 nights of accommodations at the Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa or similar in Siam Reap
• 1 night of accommodations at the InterContinental Bangkok or similar
• Tours and sightseeing as described in the itinerary
• Expert local guide with all excursions
• Tour director for the duration of your trip
• Meals: daily American breakfast, nine lunches and nine dinners including a welcome dinner in Ho Chi Minh City and a farewell dinner in Siem Reap
• Cruise taxes

Days 1–3: Arrival and Ho Chi Minh City

The tour kicks off in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. A walking tour takes you down Dong Khoi Street and past the shops and restaurants that populate Ho Chi Minh Square.

• Notre Dame Cathedral reflects the city’s French colonial influence. Built in the late 19th century, the building typifies neo-Romanesque architecture with its iron spires and arched windows.
• Reunification Palace: Once the South Vietnamese presidential headquarters, the palace was stormed by North Vietnamese troops in 1975, bringing an end to the Vietnam War.
• Ben Thanh Market: Navigate between bustling vendor stalls to browse bamboo goods and souvenirs or sample che, a soup-like dessert traditionally made with coconut and tapioca balls.
• Cu Chi Tunnels weave for thousands of miles below Ho Chi MInh City. Guerilla troops dug these tunnels to shelter troops and move supplies during the Vietnam War.

Days 4–6: Embark, Cai Be-Sa Dec, Chau Doc

Board the Avalon Angkor ship on the Saigon River and you’ll set out on a 7-night cruise of the scenic Mekong River. Along the way, you’ll stop at the villages if Cai Be-Sa Dec, Chau Doc to marvel at ornate French Gothic Cathedrals and see how rice paper and candies are made.

• An Kiet House: The Vietnamese emperor once dwelled in this 19th-century home, which you can tour to see antique furnishings and detailed wood carvings.
• Floating markets in Chau Doc: Vendors pile small boats with fresh produce, fragrant flowers, and silk garments on the banks of the Mekong.

Days 7–8: Phnom Penh, Prek Bang Kong

On day 7, you’ll head to Cambodia’s capital city, Phnom Penh for a private tour that includes a stop at the Royal Palace and a live show featuring traditional Cambodian song and dance. On this leg of the trip, you’ll also visit the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum; both are powerful and sobering looks at the victims of the Khmer Rouge violence. Day 8 wraps up with a silk-weaving demonstration in Prek Bang Kong.

• 9,584 diamonds adorn a life-sized Buddha statue inside the Royal Palace’s Silver Pagoda. The decadent structure gets its name from its floor, which is lined with thousands of sparkling silver tiles.
• National Museum: Fourth-century pottery and bronze statues of Vishnu and other Khmer era sculptures are housed in this terra cotta museum. Tour the surrounding courtyard gardens for a peaceful change of pace.

Days 9–10: Wat Hanchey, Angkor Ban

The highlight of this part of the tour is a climb to the hilltop Wat Hanchey temple. After taking in the temple’s river views, you’ll have a chance to check out daily life in the nearby village of Angkor Ban before taking a cruise on the Tonle River, if weather permits.

• Wat Hanchey Temple perches high up on a hill that affords a panoramic view of the Mekong River. Inside, you can observe monks performing a water-blessing ceremony.
• Kompong Louang: Silversmiths craft tiny statues of animals and collectible souvenirs in this village.
• Ride an ox cart through the countryside in Kompong Tralach to see rice paddies and get acquainted with local farmers.

Days 11–14: Siem Reap

Delve into Siem Reap’s long-standing history during your last few days of the tour. Most of the activity centers around Angkor’s ancient sandstone temples, which comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site deep within the rainforest. The best known among these is Angkor Wat—a monument to the Hindu lord Vishnu—and the Buddhist Angkor Thom, which features more than four dozen towers adorned with carved-stone faces.

• Banteay Srei was built in the 11th century to honor Shiva. Its detailed sandstone relief carvings depict scenes from Hindu folklore.
• Les Artisans d’Angkor: Wood-carving, silk-making, and painting are among the trades THAT artisans perform here. Watch artisans-in-training, or browse goods to take home as souvenirs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal?
Departures from airports that are not included in the deal options may be available (and may cost more). Purchase the JFK option and call Great Value Vacations at (800) 495-4903 for pricing from any airport that isn’t listed on the Groupon Getaways deal page.

Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal?
Yes, for an additional fee you can arrange for that over the phone when you redeem your vacation.

How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available?
After your purchase, call Great Value Vacations at (800) 495-4903 for the most up-to-date availability.

What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available?
If Great Value Vacations is unable to book the stay you want during the available dates and before the book-by date, Groupon will refund your purchase.

Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room?
Children under 8 years old are not permitted on this escorted tour. Each traveler must purchase a Groupon voucher.

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