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14 Days "Mekong River Luxury Cruise" package from $7,306pp, $5,199pp after Getaway Cash travel credits and a $100 Free Flights voucher.
Save up to 29% off full retail value.2edwscaxz
FULL RETAIL VALUE: $7,306pp. YOU PAY FROM $5,199, SAVE UP TO $2,107pp.
View Inclusions & Itinerary | Introduction for New Members | 4 Ways we Can Benefit You
G'day, ready to go? Request a travel plan and pricing for your preferred dates. Send a booking enquiry or call 1800 669 579.
Embark on a captivating adventure along the legendary Mekong River, where every bend reveals a new story. From the bustling markets of Vietnam to the ancient temples of Cambodia, this journey offers a tapestry of cultural treasures and natural wonders. Cruise in comfort, indulging in local cuisine and enjoying panoramic views of lush landscapes. Step ashore to explore traditional villages, witness timeless customs, and delve into the region's rich history. Whether wandering through vibrant markets or navigating tranquil waterways, each moment along the Mekong is filled with discovery. Don't just travel, immerse yourself in the magic of the Mekong and create memories to last a lifetime.
* Package price varies according to season and departure city.
In the style of most Global Escapes Independent Traveler itineraries, this is a perfect blend of self-guided adventure and forward-planning to ensure that the main elements are organised in advance allowing for plenty of time to relax and take in each place you visit.
We guarantee to beat any competitor accommodation-only quote or travel package price and/or value by a minimum of 15%. Conditions.
We guarantee to beat any competitor accommodation-only quote or travel package price or value by a minimum of 15% ("price-beat") on the following conditions:
Note: By requesting a price-beat you are under no obligation to place a booking with us or proceed with the final travel package as the case may be. A non-refundable deposit is required in the case of a tour/travel package price-beat (see below).
The following terms and conditions apply to travel plans and accommodation quotes requested from and supplied by Travel Directions Pty. Ltd. trading as Global Escapes Travel, Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club (Australian Escapes) and Kiwi Escapes (the company) and are subject to change without notice. These conditions are to be read in conjunction with our standard booking conditions and conditions applicable to Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club membership as defined in website FAQs.
There are two main scenarios:
(1) You request a price-beat on a specific property. Our objective is to provide at least 15% more total value or a price that is 15% lower than a competitor quote supplied to us for the same accommodation property, on the same conditions and with the same inclusions, provided we have access to be able to book the accommodation through our normal supplier channels.
If we do not have access to member rates that property we will offer an alternative that is of the same or higher standard, as per our hotel rating system and that meets the stated requirements, subject to availability, and subject to the following:
(2) We propose a property with member pricing: If the "you pay" price we submit is already discounted using GCash travel credits and the lowest available price at the time it was submitted, it does not qualify. Otherwise our objective is to provide at least 15% more total value or a price that is 15% lower than a competitor quote supplied to us for the same accommodation property, on the same conditions and with the same inclusions.
A price-beat will be deemed successful and this guarantee is therefore met when the applicable objective is achieved.
Inclusions in travel and tour packages assembled by competitor travel agents, tour companies, wholesalers, online travel promoters will all be different in some way. Packages will typically vary by inclusions, validity, suppliers, component type, standard, terms and conditions, travel date, etc ("package components").
Our objective in this type of price-beat situation is to assemble a package containing similar and/or higher value package components to that which you present to us. We guarantee to offer at least 15% more total value (through added value) or a price that is 15% lower than the competitor quote ("successful price-beat") subject to the following:
A price-beat will be deemed successful and this guarantee is therefore met when the above objective is achieved.
The price-beat must be requested before you place a booking with any other travel agent, online booking agent or property direct in relation to the subject accommodation or package.
A price-beat may be requested by providing clear, written evidence of the competitor quote as well as your requirements to an employee of the company who performs a reservations or travel consultant role ("company contact") as follows:
A competitor quote presented under this guarantee must be genuine (not contrived) and must be a final, fixed price, backed by verifiable evidence. A competitor quote that we determine is not genuine or final is excluded. The requested date range(s) for travel/tour commencement as well as for individual package components must be realistic and flexible.
This condition applies to travel/tour packages only. We require up to $900 deposit per person (amount depending on package complexity) as a guarantee that you will proceed with the travel plan after we are successful with the price/value beat. This requirement exists because of the amount of travel consultant time required to price according to a competitor quote.
Your Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club membership must be Gold level or above and active and paid up at the time of requesting the price beat.
FULL RETAIL VALUE $7,306pp SAVINGS APPLIED -$2,107 YOU PAY FROM* $5,199 |
SAVING OFF FULL RETAIL VALUE (UP TO): 29% |
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* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. The final price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. All prices are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Full booking terms and conditions are available HERE...
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From the bustling markets of Vietnam to the ancient temples of Cambodia, this journey offers a tapestry of cultural treasures and natural wonders. Cruise in comfort, indulging in local cuisine and enjoying panoramic views of lush landscapes. Step ashore to explore traditional villages, witness timeless customs, and delve into the region's rich history. Whether wandering through vibrant markets or navigating tranquil waterways, each moment along the Mekong is filled with discovery.
This is a first-class travel itinerary that's fully flexible. Want more or fewer days or you want to include a special destination or activity? No problem, we’ll customise a travel plan for you.
Read about our new accommodation ratings standards here.
Read about our accommodation rating standards and the methods used to assess quality.
This itinerary is fully customisable to suit your requirements. Your personal travel consultant is available to discuss changes and additions that will enhance your travel experience.
Lonely Planet is renowned for its first-hand approach, up-to-date maps and commitment to providing the best information for travelers. Lonely Planet authors are experienced, insightful travel experts. They personally research the places they write about - both in the first and in subsequent editions - and provide essential travel details along with a wealth of insider information and first-hand tips.
You will receive these guides to help you gain the most out of your holiday. Recommendation: Take the time to read suggestions for things to see and do before you leave home. Take your Lonely Planet guides with you in your luggage.
* All prices are per-person on a twin-share basis and bookings are subject to availability. Price and deposit amount varies according to travel date. If flights are shown as included then a flight cost provision (allowance) applies and is based on travel from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. Travel can be arranged from any other major centre and for any number of people. All prices shown are estimates only. A firm quote (travel plan) with payment terms will be submitted for consideration prior to agreement to proceed. Total price after member discount (using Getaway Cash travel credits and Australian Escapes Free Flights Vouchers if applicable) is generally payable as follows: Deposit on booking, balance 120 days prior to departure. Packages can be priced for families and groups on request. Standard price and full retail value comparisons are with similar packages offered elsewhere or what we estimate would be payable by a non-member for the same or similar package and may include a value we define for specialty travel agency services. Travel insurance if included is a provision only and may be declined on requestTravel insurance pricing if stated is based on comprehensive travel insurance for two travellers aged 69 years or less as at the date of departure from Australia. No recommendations or advice are given in regard to travel insurance suitability. Travel Directions Pty Ltd (t/as Australian Escapes Holiday & Travel Club) standard booking terms and conditions apply to all booking enquiries and bookings and are available here to view (or visit our website and go to either the "Booking Enquiry" or "About Us" menu item.)
Venture from the lively markets of Vietnam to the historic temples of Cambodia, where a rich blend of cultural gems and breathtaking scenery awaits. Sail in luxury, savoring the flavors of local cuisine against the backdrop of verdant landscapes. Disembark to wander through quaint villages, observe age-old traditions, and uncover the depths of the region's past. Whether strolling through bustling markets or gliding along serene waterways, every instant on the Mekong promises an adventure waiting to unfold.
"The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Ho Chi Minh airport, meet your driver and transfer to your Ho Chi Minh hotel. This city offers layers of Chinese and French influence, gaggles of scooters and a wealth of world-class restaurants. Among the busy comings and goings of this thriving metropolis, you can spend the rest of your day at leisure.
Join an insightful half-day tour of Ho Chi Minh City, guided by a knowledgeable local expert eager to unravel the city's rich history.
Explore key landmarks that bear witness to Saigon's turbulent past, including the iconic Reunification Palace and the poignant War Remnants Museum, which offer poignant insights into the Vietnam War era. Marvel at the architectural wonders of colonial-era buildings like the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, remnants of French Indochina's influence in the 19th century.
Wander through the bustling aisles of Ben Thanh Market, where vendors peddle an array of fresh produce, and pay a visit to the serene Jade Emperor Pagoda. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, this small-group tour ensures a personalized experience, allowing you to delve deep into the fascinating history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City.
Delve into the history of the American-Vietnam War with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a sprawling 136-mile network used by Viet Cong soldiers. Explore hidden storage areas, trapdoors, and supply tunnels, learning about their strategic significance. Enjoy seamless hotel pickup from Ho Chi Minh City and choose from morning or afternoon tours to suit your schedule.
After the tour, you'll have the entire day to explore Saigon at your leisure, allowing you to discover the city's charms at your own pace.
Be picked up at ÊMM Hotel Saigon, 157 Pasteur Street, District 3. Depart Ho Chi Minh City via coach and drive towards Can Tho, the beating heart of the Mekong Delta. Stop at the rustic, riverside town of Cai Be where lunch is served at the elegant Le Longanier Restaurant set amidst lush fruit trees by the river.
Board the Victoria Mekong Cruise at Victoria Can Tho Pier at 04:00 PM.
Familiarize yourself with the ship while she sets sail towards Long Xuyen and watch the sunset over the Hau River. Enjoy a traditional Southern Vietnamese folk music performance know as “Don Ca Tài Tu?” with cocktail in hand. As day turns into night, sit down to a welcome dinner to officially welcome you onboard your Victoria Mekong Cruise, accompanied by the entertainment activities onboard ”.
Overnight near Long Xuyen.
After breakfast, tender ashore to visit the authentic Long Xuyen Floating Market and the An Giang Museum, with fascinating exhibits on Kinh, Chinese, Khmer and Cham cultures in the region. During lunch the ship sails on before anchoring near Tiger Island. Head ashore by sampan and explore Tiger Island by 3-wheeled “xe loi”, visiting cottage industries such as plant pot and incense making. Visit a site locally known as “Mr. Tiger’s Temple” and hear the story that won the island its name. Return on board in time for the cocktail competition and the evening’s entertainment as the ship continues cruising to Vam Nao where we anchor and overnight.
Wake up to another leisurely breakfast in Phu Tan, the provincial capital of An Giang in the Mekong Delta. Tender ashore to visit a craft village famed for handmaking Ca Rang clay stoves. Used for hundreds of years by the southern Vietnamese, these stoves have a unique design which allows them to block the wind, retain heat, and keep ash from dispersing.
Enjoy lunch onboard as we cruise towards the village of Tan Chau where we’ll travel by local rickshaw to visit the local market and colorful temple which is the spiritual center for local residents. Return to the ship in time for a traditional Vietnamese lion dance, followed by dinner and the evening’s entertainment.
Overnight in Tan Chau.
Enjoy early morning scenery on the Sky deck while the ship begins cruising towards the Vietnam – Cambodia border. After the leisurely breakfast in the Claypot restaurant, select from the many onboard activities including a ship’s tour, mini-golf tournament, or simply enjoy the scenery as we cross the border between Vietnam and Cambodia and sail on towards Phnom Penh.
We arrive late afternoon in the charming capital of Phnom Penh, once known as the “Pearl of the Orient” for its French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic river walk. Before dinner, enjoy an interesting pre-dinner lecture about Cambodia as well as learn some basic Khmer phrases. Overnight in Phnom Penh.
This morning, hop on a three-wheeled cyclo and be driven to the majestic Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex. Admire the elaborately constructed palace buildings, some of the 5,000 silver floor tiles that give the Silver Pagoda its name, as well as spectacular gold and bejeweled Buddha statues that are considered national treasures. Walk to the nearby National Museum, a beautiful sandstone building that showcases the world’s largest collection of Khmer art.
Set off for lunch afterward before driving to Choeung Ek, one of the mass grave sites of the Killing Fields where the Khmer Rouge executed over a million men, women, and children between 1975 and 1979. Today, Choeung Ek is a memorial with a Buddhist stupa filled with skulls and bones to honor the victims. Finish off the afternoon in style at Raffles Hotel Le Royal, sipping on a signature cocktail at the famed Elephant Bar.
Return to the ship and take in a lively performance of Khmer Apsara dancing with the opportunity to meet the performers afterward.
After breakfast, go on a walking tour of the village of Koh Chen where the highlight is meeting a local copper and silversmith. Afterward, travel by coach to Oudong, the ancient capital of Cambodia with a stop at the fascinating Vipassana Dhura Meditation Center. After having lunch on board, travel by three-wheeled tuk tuk to Silk Island where you will learn about the process of silk weaving, from worm to loom, with the chance to observe local families weaving the iconic Cambodian krama.
This morning, explore the village of Angkor Ban with its wooden stilt houses and local vibe. Enjoy lunch on board as the Victoria Mekong sails to Wat Hanchey. Walk up the steps to this 7th-century hilltop temple built under the Chenla Empire, and take in gorgeous panoramic views over the Mekong River.
Disembark from the ship at Kampong Chham and travel through the lush Cambodian countryside. Upon arrival to Siem Reap, gateway to the mystical Angkor Complex, sit down to a final lunch where the cruise program ends.
Head to your accommodation in Siem Reap to continue your trip.
Join on a tour to Banteay Srei and the grand circuit, starting with a visit to the magnificent Banteay Srei temple, also known as the Citadel of Women, renowned for its intricate design found nowhere else in Siem Reap. Then, we'll explore Banteay Samre, a 12th-century Hindu temple adorned with well-preserved carvings depicting Hindu mythology.
After lunch, our journey continues to Neak Pean temple, an ancient fountain situated in the center of a pool. We'll also discover the Holy Sword Temple, or Preah Khan, known for its intricate architecture, followed by a visit to the small Buddhist temple of Ta Som. Finally, we'll explore East Mebon, once an artificial island in the now dry East Baray. Join us for an unforgettable exploration of these captivating sites.
For the last leg of your trip, explore the renowned UNESCO-listed temples of Angkor, Cambodia's most iconic attraction and one of the Wonders of the World, on this small-group tour. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide as you travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned minivan.
Discover the majestic Angkor Wat, the enchanting Ta Prohm jungle temple, and the captivating Bayon Temple and Angkor Thom. Benefit from insightful commentary about the temples and the Khmer Empire from your guide. With a maximum of 10 people, this hassle-free tour includes convenient pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Siem Reap.
Your adventure comes to an end this morning as you enjoy one last breakfast and take your transfer to Siem Reap International Airport (SAI) for your flight home.
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