The first highlight of the trip is Mai Chau, a beautiful village which is surrounded by lush greens and stilt houses inhabited mainly by the White Thai ethnic group. The journey from Hanoi to Mai Chau only takes about three hour and a half. Mai Chau is the closest place near Hanoi where different treks are available. The most popular hiking tours are the half-day and one-day easy hiking tour that is offered by Lotussia Travel Vietnam. The tour begins in the Poom Coong village, Mai Chau. The half-day hiking tour takes travelers through different Thai hamlets and terraced rice fields.

Another highlight of the trip is the two-hour boat trip in Tam Coc and the fun countryside cycling tour. The river trip in Tam coc is wonderful for photo hunters, especially when local people come to harvest the water rice planted along the river, or when they transplant some seedling for the next crops. The tourists often compare the place with Guilin – China, or more closely, to the limestone islets of Halong Bay in the Tonkin Gulf for their similar geological structures and shapes.

A short countryside cycle tour will be added before the trip concludes in Hanoi. The cycling route starts in Tam Coc, taking cyclists through countryside villages and rice fields.

“Joining this trip, the travelers will have the opportunity to visit Mai Chau and Tam Coc are the two most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. Our highlight is not in the fact of visiting of these places, but the way of experiencing it. We are able to combine easy hiking and countryside cycling activities making the trip more different and exceptional. Moreover, those who book this trip before October 2011 will get a free dinner in a boutique restaurant in Hanoi.” – Said Nguyen Khuong, the company director.

Lotussia Travel is a privately-owned tour company offering the widest selection of multisport tours in Vietnam such as jungle trekking, mountain hiking, road cycling, motorcycle touring, sea kayaking, scuba diving and more. The company is headquartered in Hanoi with branches in Danang and Ho Chi Minh City. The company sells Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

For further information email to sales at lotussiatravel.com or visit the company official website at lotussiatravel.com

Ha Long Glory Cruise Junk

The Hanoi-based tour operator Lotussia Travel announces Special Discount Offer the company is making on tours packages.

Glory Cruises are modern and tastefully designed boats, the boats feature spacious, well-appointed cabins and suites with large en-suite bathrooms, large sundecks with comfortable lounging furniture and elegant dining rooms and bars. We have designed and fitted our boats to international standards while maintaining traditional style, creating the perfect balance of modern comforts and nostalgic ambiance.

Glory Cruises offer an elegant, relaxing and fulfilling ways to explore endless style in Halong bay. The cruise brings us into contact with local people in different floating villages of the Halong bay. With Glory Cruises, you will have ample opportunity to see Vietnam in its authenticity and sample local culture and food, in a one unpacking, unforgettable vacation where your “floating hotel” get you insight into Halong bay Vietnam.

Our goal is to offer a soothing as well as stimulating experience that you will remember and cherish. Our dedicated and professional management and staff await you and look forward to serving you on magnificent Halong Bay.

From M arch 1, 2011 to April 30, 2011 discount of 20$ per pax will be applied for all room types upon the launching of the Glory Cruises, Including kind of rooms following: Deluxe cabin, Suite cabin, Family suite . Every order’s valididy is comfirmed only by email or fax.

Lotussia Travel is a privately-owned tour company offering the widest selection of active outdoor adventure tours including jungle trekking, mountain hiking, road cycling, motorcycle touring, sea kayaking, river rafting, scuba diving, snorkeling, honeymoon, beaches vacation ,bird watching and more.

For more information, please visit www.lotussiatravel.com

2
AUSTRALIA
Add: 8 Dao Tan St.
Tel: (84-4) 831 7755
Fax: (84-4) 831 7711
Email: Austemb@fpt.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12 & 13h00 – 17h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)
Add: 5th floor, The landmark, 5B Ton Duc Thang St., Dist.1
Tel: (84-8) 829 6035
Fax: (84-8) 829 6031
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 8h30 – 16h55

3    AUSTRIA
Add: Prime Center 8th floor, 53 Quang Trung St.
Tel: (84-4) 943 3050/1
Fax: (84-4)  943 0355
Email: austrianembassyhanoi@fpt.vn
and  hanoi-ob@bmaa.gv.at
Office hours: Mon-Fri 9h00 – 12h30 & 13h30 – 17h00

4    BELARUS
Add: 52 Tay Ho St.
Tel: (84-4) 829 0494
Fax: (84-4) 719 7125
Email: vietnam@belembassy.org
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 9h00 – 18h00

5    BANGLADESH
Add: 7th floor, Deaha Building 360 Kim Ma St.
Tel: (84-4) 771 6625
Fax: (84-4) 771 6628
Office hours: Mon – Fri:  9h00 – 17h00

6    ROYAL NORWEGIAN
Add: Vincom City, 191 Ba Trieu
Tel  : (84-4) 39742930
Fax : (84-4) 39743301

7    BELGIUM
Add: 9th floor, Hanoi Tower, 49 Hai Ba Trung St.
Tel: (84-4) 934 6179 / 80
Fax: (84-4) 934 6183
Email: ambabel@hn.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h00 & 13h30 – 16h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)

Add: 17th floor, Sun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue St., Dist.1
Tel: (84-8) 821 9354
Fax: (84-8) 821 9304
Email: Consubel@hcm.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 9h00 – 12h00

8    BRAZIL
Add: T72 – 14 Thuy Khue St.
Tel: (84-4) 843 2544/ 0817
Fax: (84-4) 843 2542
Email: Vetbrem@netnam.org.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 9h00 – 12h00 & 14h00 – 17h00

9    BRUNEI
Add: 27 Quang Trung St.
Tel: (84-4) 943 5249/50/51
Fax: (84-4) 943 5201
Email: Bruemvie@hn.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Thu 8h30 – 12h00 & 13h30 – 16h30
Fri: 8.30 – 12h00 & 14h30 – 16h30

10
BULGARIA
Hanoi
Add: Van Phuc Quarter
Tel: (84-4) 845 2908
Fax: (84-4) 846 0856
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 12h00 & 14h00 – 17h00

11    CAMBODIA
Add: 71 Tran Hung Dao St.
Tel: (84-4) 942 4788/ 4473/ 1149
Fax: (84-4) 943 3225
Email: arch@fpt.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 11h30 & 14h00 – 17h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)
Add: 41 Phung Khac Khoan, Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 829 2751
Fax: (84-8) 827 7696
Email: Cambocg@hcm.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 07.30 – 11h30 & 14h00 – 17h00

12    CANADA
Add: 31 Hung Vuong St.
Tel: (84-4) 823 5500
Fax: (84-4) 823 5333
Office hours: Mon – Thu: 8h00 – 17h00 Fri: 8h00 – 13h30
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)
Add: 235 Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 854 5025
Fax: (84-8) 829 4528
Office hours: Mon – Thu: 8h00 – 17h00 Fri: 8h00 – 13h30

13    CHINA
Add: 46 Hoang Dieu St.
Tel: (84-4) 845 3736
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 11h30 & 14h00 – 17h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)
Add: 39 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 829 2457
Fax: (84-8) 829 5009
Email: cgchinahcmc@hcm.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 11h30 & 14h00 – 17h00
Consular hours: 8h30 – 11h00

14    CUBA
Add: 65A Ly Thuong Kiet St.
Tel: (84-4) 942 4775/ 5070/ 5071
Fax: (84-4) 942 2426
Email: embacuba@netnam.org.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 12h00 & 14h00 – 17h00
Consular hours: Tue – Thu: 14h00 – 17h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)

Add: 45 Phung Khac Khoan St., Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 829 7350
Fax: (84-8) 829 5293
Email: cubacons@hcm.netnam.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 11h30 & 13h30 – 16h30

15    DENMARK
Add: 19 Dien Bien Phu St.
Tel: (84-4) 823 1888
Fax: (84-4)  823 1999
Office hours: Mon – Thu: 8h30 – 16h00 Fri: 8h30 – 15h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Economic & Commercial Office)

Add: 8th floor Sun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue Blvd, Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 8219372/ 5
Fax: (84-8) 821 9371
Office hours: Mon – Thu: 8h30 – 16h00 Fri: 8h00 – 15h00

16    DPR. OF KOREA
Add: 25 Cao Ba Quat St.
Tel: (84-4)  845 3008
Fax: Fax: (84-4) 823 1221
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 11h00 & 14h30 – 17h00

17    EGYPT
Add: 63 To Ngoc Van Road, Quang An, Tay Ho Dist.
Tel: (84-4) 829 4999
Fax: (84-4) 829 4997
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 9h00 – 15h00

18    FRANCE
Add: 57 Tran Hung Dao St.
Tel: (84-4) 943 7719
Fax: (84-4) 943 7236
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h00 & 14h00 – 18h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)
Add: 126 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St., Dist.3
Tel: (84-8) 829 1967
Fax: (84-8) 823 1919
Email: gk-hochiminh@hcm.fpt.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 8h30 – 11h30

19    HUNGARY
Add: 12th floor Daeha Building, 360 Kim Ma St.
Tel: (84-4) 771 5714/ 5
Fax: (84-4)  771 5716
Email: hungemb@hn.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Thu 8h30 – 12h00 & 14h00 – 17h00
Fri: 8h30 – 13h30
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)
Add: 22 Phung Khac Khoan St., Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 829 0130
Fax: (84-8) 829 2410
Office hours: Mon – Thu: 8h00 – 17h00 Fri: 8h00 – 12h00

20    INDIA
Add: 58-60 Tran Hung Dao St.
Tel: (84-4) 824 4989/ 90/ 94
Fax: (84-4)  824 4998
Email: india@netnam.org.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h30 & 13h30 – 17h30
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)
Add: 49 Tran Quoc Thao St., Dist. 3
Tel: (84-8) 930 3539/ 7498
Fax: (84-8) 930 7495
Email: cgihcmc@hcm.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h30 & 13h30 – 17h30

21    INDONESIA
Add: 50 Ngo Quyen St.
Tel: (84-4)  825 3353/ 7969
Fax: (84-4) 825 9274
Email: indohn@netnam.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 12h00 & 14h00 – 17h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)
Add: 18 Phung Khac Khoan, Dist.1
Tel: (84-8) 825 1888
Email: indohcmc@hcm.fpt.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h00 & 14h00 – 16h30

22    IRAN
Add: 54 Tran Phu St.
Tel: (84-4) 823 2068/ 9
Fax: (84-4)  823 2120
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 8h00 – 17h00 Sat: 8h00 – 12h00

23

IRAQ
Add: 66 Tran Hung Dao St.
Tel: (84-4) 942 4141
Fax: (84-4)  942 4055
Email: iranqyia@hn.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 11h00 & 13h00 – 16h00

24    ISRAEL
Add: 68 Nguyen Thai Hoc Str.
Fax: (84-4) 843 5760
Email: infon@emierael-vn.org
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h00 & 13h00 – 17h00
Except Friday, till: 16h00

25    ITALY
Add: 9 Le Phung Hieu St.
Tel: (84-4)  825 6246/ 56
Fax: (84-4) 826 7602
Email: embitaly@embitaly.org.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 13h00 & 14h00 – 17h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Trade Commission)
Add: 17 Le Duan St., Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 829 8721/ 2
Fax: (84-4) 829 8723
Email: hochiminh.hochiminh@ice.it
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 8h00 – 17h00 Sat: 8h00 – 12h00

26    KOREA
Add: 4th floor Daeha Building, 360 Kim Ma St.
Tel: (84-4) 831 5110/ 5
Fax: (84-4) 831 5117
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h00 & 13h30 – 17h30    Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)
Add: 107 Nguyen Du St., Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 822 5757
Fax: (84-8) 822 5750
Email: hcm02@mofat.go.kr
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 8h30 – 17h30

27    JAPAN
Add: 27 Lieu Giai St.
Tel: (84-4) 846 3000
Fax: (84-4) 846 3043
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h00 & 13h30 – 17h30
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)
Add: 13-17 Nguyen Hue St., Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 822 5341 / 829 1341
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 12h00 & 13h45 – 17h15

28    LAOS
Add: 22 Tran Binh Trong St.
Tel: (84-4)  942 4576
Fax: (84-4)  822 8414
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 11h30 & 13h00 – 16h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)
Add: 93 Pasteur St.
Tel: (84-8) 829 7667
Fax: (84-8) 829 9272
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 11h30 & 13h00 – 16h00

29    LIBYA
Add: A3 Van Phuc Quarter
Tel: (84-4)  845 3379
Fax: (84-4) 845 4977
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 8h00 – 16h00

30    MALAYSIA
Add: 43 Tran Phu St.
Tel: (84-4) 831 3400
Fax: (84-4) 831 3402
Email: mwhanoi@hn.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Thu 8h00 – 12h00 & 13h15 – 16h45
Fri: 8h00 – 12h30 & 14h15 – 16h45
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)

Add: 1208 No 2 Ngo Duc Ke St., Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 829 9023
Fax: (84-8) 829 9027
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 12h00 & 13h30 – 16h30

31    MEXICO
Add: T11, 14 Thuy Khue St.
Tel: (84-4)  847 0948
Fax: (84-4) 847 0949
Email: embvietnam@sre.gob.mx
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 8h00 – 15h00

32    MONGOLIA
Add: Villa No 5 Van Phuc Quarter
Tel: (84-4)  845 3009
Fax: (84-4) 845 4954
Email: mongcmbhanoi@hn.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 9h00 – 12h00 & 15h00 – 17h00

33    MYANMAR
Add: A3 Van Phuc St.
Tel: (84-4)  845 3369
Fax: (84-4)  845 2404
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h00 & 13h30 – 17h00

34    NETHERLANDS
Add: 6th floor Daeha Building, 360 Kim Ma St.
Tel: (84-4) 831 5650
Fax: (84-4) 831 5655
Email: nlgovhan@netnam.org.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 12h00 & 13h00 – 17h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)

Add: Saigon Tower 29 Le Duan St., Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 823 5932
Fax: (84-8) 823 5934
Email: hcm@minbuza.nl
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 12h00 & 12h30 – 16h30

35    NEW ZEALAND
Add: Level 5, 63 Ly Thai To St.
Tel: (84-4) 824 1481
Fax: (84-4) 824 1480
Email: nzembhan@fpt.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h00 & 13h00 – 17h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)

Add: 41 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 822 6907/ 6
Fax: (84-8) 822 6905
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 9h00 – 12h00

36    NORWAY
Add: Metropole Centre, 56 Ly Thai To St.
Tel: (84-4) 826 2111
Fax: (84-4) 826 0222
Email: emb.hanoi@mfa.no
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 9h00 -16h00

Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)

Add: 21- 23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 822 1696
Fax: (84-8) 827 2696
Email: norcons@hcm.fpt.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 11h30 & 13h00 – 17h30

37    PAKISTAN
Add: 8th Daeha Tower, 360 Kim Ma Str.
Tel: (84-4) 771 6420/ 21
Fax: (84-4) 771 6418
Email: parep-hanoi@hn.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 9h00 – 17h00

38    PALESTINE
Hanoi
Add: E4b Trung Tu Quarter
Tel: (84-4) 852 4013
Fax: (84-4) 834 9696
Email: pslestine@hn.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 8h00 – 15h00

39    THE PHILIPPINES
Add: 27b Tran Hung Dao St.
Tel: (84-4)  943 7948/ 9826/ 7873
Fax: (84-4) 943 5760
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 12h00 & 13h00 – 17h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)

Add: 12 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 821 0033
Fax: (84-8) 821 0026

40    POLAND
Add: 3 Chua Mot Cot St.
Tel: (84-4) 845 2027
Fax: (84-4) 823 6914
Email: polamb@hn.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 12h00 & 14h00 – 17h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)

Add: 11th floor Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi St.
Tel: (84-8) 914 2883
Fax: (84-8) 914 2884
Email: hgrphcm@hcm.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 12h00 & 14h00 – 17h00

41    ROMANIA
Add: 5 Le Hong Phong St.
Tel: (84-4) 845 2014
Fax: (84-4) 834 0922
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 8h00-14h00
Consular Section: Tue, Thu: 9h00 – 12h00

42    RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Add: 191 La Thanh Road
Tel: (84-4) 833 6991/ 2
Fax: (84-4) 833 6995
Email: moscow.vietnam@hn.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 8h00 – 13h00 & 15h30 – 19h10
Tue, Fri: 8h00 – 13h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)

Add: 40 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan St., Dist. 3
Tel: (84-8) 930 3936
Fax: (84-8) 930 3937
Email: cgrushcm@fmail.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon, Wed, Thu 8h00 – 13h00 & 15h30 – 19h10
Tue, Fri: 8h00 – 13h00

43    SINGAPORE
Add: 41 Tran Phu St.
Tel: (84-4) 823 3965/ 6
Fax: (84-4) 733 7627
Email: singemb@hn.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h30 & 13h30 – 17h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)

Add: 65 Le Loi St., Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 822 5174
Fax: (84-8) 914 2938
Email: singcongen@hcm.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h30 & 13h30 – 17h00

44    SLOVAKIA
Add: 6B Le Hong Phong St.
Tel: (84-4)  845 4334/ 5
Fax: (84-4) 845 4145
Email: zuskemb@hn.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Thu 8h00 – 12h30 & 13h30 – 17h00
Fri: 8h00 – 13h30

45    SOUTH AFRICA
Hanoi
Add: 4F1/ 49A Ly Thai To St.
Tel: (84-4) 943 0888
Fax: (84-4) 936 0680
Email: saembassy@pressclub.netnam.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h00 & 12h45 – 17h00

46    SPAIN
Add: 15th floor, Daeha Building, 360 Kim Ma St.
Tel: (84-4) 771 5207/ 8/ 9
Fax: (84-4) 771 5206
Email: embespvn@fpt.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 8h30 – 15h30

47    SRI LANKA
Add: Building 2G Apt 204, Van Phuc Quarter
Tel: (84-4) 726 0616
Fax: (84-4) 726 0617
Email: slembvn@fpt.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 8h30 – 16h30

48    SWEDEN
Add: Van Phuc Quarter
Tel: (84-4) 726 0400
Fax: (84-4) 823 2195
Office hours: Mon – Thu 8h00 – 12h00 & 13h00 – 16h30
Fri: 8h00 – 13h00
Consular Section:  Mon – Fri: 9h00 – 11h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)
Add: 8A/11 D1 Thai Van Lung St., Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 823 6800
Fax: (84-8)  823 6817
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 9h00 – 12h00

49    SWITZERLAND
Add: 15th floor, 44B Ly Thuong Kiet St.
Tel: (84-4) 934 6589
Fax: (84-4) 934 6591
Email: vertretung@han.rep.admin.ch
Office hours: Mon – Thu 8h30 – 12h00 & 13h00 – 17h30
Fri: 8h30 – 12h30
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)

Add: 14th Me Linh Point Tower, 2 Ngo Duc Ke St., Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 825 8780
Fax: (84-8) 825 8760
Office hours: Mon – Fri8h00 – 12h00 & 13h30 – 17h00

50    THAILAND
Add: 63-65 Hoang Dieu Str.
Tel: (84-4) 823 5092/ 4
Fax: (84-4) 823 5088
Email: thaiemhanoi@netnam.org.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h00 & 13h30 – 17h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)

Add: 77 Tran Quoc Thao St., Dist. 3
Tel: (84-8) 932 7637/ 8
Fax: (84-8) 932 6002
Email: thaconho@hcm.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h00 & 13h30 – 17h00

51    TURKEY
Add: 4th floor Nord Star Building, 4 Da  Tuong St.
Tel: (84-4)  822 2460
Fax: (84-4) 822 2458
Email: turkeyhn@fpt.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h00 & 14h00 – 17h00

52    UKRAINE
Add: 49 Nguyen Du St.
Tel: (84-4) 943 2764
Fax: (84-4)  943 2766
Email: ukrchanc@hn.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h00 & 14h00 – 17h30

53    UNITED KINGDOM
Add: 31 Hai Ba Trung St.
Tel: (84-4) 936 0500
Fax: (84-4)  936 0561/ 2
Office hours: Mon – Fri: 8h30 – 16h30
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)

Add: 25 Le Duan St., Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 829 8433
Fax: (84-8) 822 1917
Email: bcghcmc@hcm.vnn.vn
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h30 – 12h00 & 13h30 – 17h00

57    USA
Add: 7 Lang Ha St.
Tel: (84-4) 772 1500
Fax: (84-4) 772 1510
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 12h00 & 13h00 – 17h00
Ho Chi Minh City (Consulate General)

Add: 4 Le Duan St., Dist. 1
Tel: (84-8) 822 9433
Fax: (84-8) 822 9434
Office hours: Mon – Fri 8h00 – 12h00 & 13h00 – 17h00

CRUISE DOWN RIVER
Day 1: Pakse / Champassak / Vat Phou
After meeting at the Sinouk Coffee House in central Pakse at 9:30am, we transfer you to a longtail riverboat for your 2.5 hour journey to Champassak.  Upon arrival at the Vat Phou boat, we help you to your cabins to unpack then serve lunch on deck.  The highlight of the afternoon is the Vat Phou ruins – the majestic pre-Angkorian 10th century temple complex and boat’s namesake. You have time to visit the museum at the ruins site, walk up to the highest temple and take as many photos as you would like.  As dusk falls, we transfer you back to  the Vat Phou boat for a chance to enjoy the tropical sunset on the deck. Dinner is served on board, while the boat docks for the night alongside a remote Laotian village.

Day 2: Huei Thamo / Oum Muong Temple / Khong Island
Breakfast is on board as we set sail for the village of Huei Thamo. This is a small village a few minutes walk away from the mysterious hidden forest temple of Oum Muong. Afterwards we rejoin the boat to continue our cruise southwards.  Lunch is on the deck, while leisurely sailing closer to the wild paradise of the “4,000 Islands” Late afternoon we disembark from the boat to walk through Ban Deua Tia, a small Laotian Village where the traditional way of life has not changed in centuries. Our day’s cruise finishes at the most northern tip of Don Khong, the largest inhabited island in the river archipelego.  After dinner, the evening is yours to relax and enjoy.

Day 3: Don Khone / Pha Pheng Waterfall / Pakse
While you breakfast on the deck, the Vat Phou boat cruises the Mekong to the small village of Ban Veuthong, where you board a small boat to meander among the 4,000 Islands to Khone Island. You will visit the old French railway and walk across the bridge that links Khone and Det Islands.  We continue on the boat back to the mainland for lunch at a local restaurant in a small fishing village, Xieng Di, on the banks of the Mekong.  A bus transfers you to the historically significant Pha Pheng waterfall, “the Niagara of the East”, close to the Cambodian border. We then bring you back to Pakse for the end of the cruise experience, arriving around 4.00pm.

CRUISE UP RIVER (the same tour but in reverse):
Day 1: Pakse / Pha Pheng Waterfall / Khone Island
After meeting at the Sinouk Coffee House in central Pakse at 9:30am, you will board a bus to travel Route 13 to the historically significant Pha Pheng waterfalls, the “Niagara of the East”. You will then be driven to the fishing village of Xieng Di for lunch at local restaurant.  After lunch, you board small boats for a visit to Khone Island to see the old French railway and walk the bridge that links Khone and Det Islands. The boat drop you at the Khong Island village of Ban Veuthong, where you will board the waiting Vat Phou boat for a sunset cruise and dinner on the Mekong river, docking riverside for the night.

Day 2:  Khong Island / Oum Muong Temple / Huei Thamo
Breakfast is on board the Vat Phou boat as we set sail to Ban Deua Tia.  You willl walk through this small Village, seeing centuries old traditions still being used.   The Vat Phou boat then continues to cruise north on the Mekong, past the island of Don Xai, and many other small islets in the river archipelego.  After lunch, you visit the village of Huei Thamo and the mysterious Oum Muong forest temple, just a few minutes walk way.  Dinner aboard Vat Phou then you have the rest of the evening to relax and enjoy the silence.

Day 3: Vat Phou / Champassak / Pakse
While enjoying breakfast on board, the Vat Phou continues its Mekong cruise to Champassak. The highlight this morning is the Vat Phou ruins – the majestic pre-Angkorian 10th century temple complex and boat’s namesake. You have time to visit the museum at the ruins site, walk up to the highest temple and take as many photos as you would like. We return you to the boat for your final lunch on board.  A small boat will then take you back to Pakse, arriving around 4.00pm.

“The Jayavarman” is Indochina’s first of its kind boutique style river cruise liner and offers uncompromising luxury on 800 m² public space including 4 decks.

The guest accommodation consists of 27 expansive and carefully designed staterooms with floor to ceiling panoramic sliding glass doors onto a private French balcony offer privacy and matchless luxury.

1/Itinerary: Saigon – Siem Reap (8 Days/7 Nights upstream)

Day 1: Saigon – Cai Be
Bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon while settling into your cabin. The ship will begin by meandering along busy ports and waterways. Soon after, the change is abrupt and you’ll find yourself in the UNESCO listed Mangrove Biosphere Reserve of Can Gio which had been destroyed during the Vietnam War by toxic chemicals. Amazingly, the 75 hectares of forest has come back to life through a reforestation. Enjoy a cocktail reception at the Funnel Bar and Lounge followed by a Welcome Dinner on the Sun Deck. Drop anchor just outside of Cai Be for the night.

Day 2: Cai Be – Chau Doc
Today’s tour starts with the visit of Cai Be’s colorful floating market. Cruise among local sampans coming from all provinces of the delta full of fruits and vegetables. Proceed to Dong Hoa Hiep island located between Vinh Long and Cai Be. During a 40 minute cruise, discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong Delta rural life. These evergreen islands among the Mekong River still remain unknown to many people.

Back on the sampans, we will lead to you to observe the activity of the biggest rice stock market in Cai Be. Further stops will allow you to see traditional brick and tile factories and how locals use palm leaves for houses. Cruise 20 minutes further to Phu An hamlet passing by Cai Be’s beautiful cathedral. Visit some interesting home factories to see how rice paste, rice cookies and coco candies, are made, along with the longan fruit drying process.

Lunch will await you at Le Longanier, a superb Indochinese villa located in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit orchards. After lunch, group 1 takes a stroll along the canals to experience the local environment first hand while group 2 explores the edges of the canals on bicycle. After touring the canals, head to the An Kiet ancient house to have tea with the descendants of the former imperial residents. Board The Jayavarman for a relaxing evening cruise towards Chau Doc. Moor midstream overnight.

Day 3: Chau Doc – border crossing
Welcome to the circus of fish. The early birds will be treated to Tai Chi lessons on the Sun Deck. Brace yourself for a boat excursion to the exciting floating villages and catfish farms witnessing masses of bassa fish being fed, hand in hand with a shore excursion to the village of the local Muslim Cham community. Take a ride through this fascinating town of rich French colonial architecture and see its bustling market flooded with tropical fruits in full display by women in cone shaped palm leaf hats. Observe beautiful textiles being woven on old wooden looms; a tradition that has been passed from generation to generation. By mid-afternoon, The Jayavarman casts off for the border towards Phnom Penh.

Day 4: Phnom Penh
Off we go early in the morning to witness a truly indescribable scene while approaching Phnom Penh’s river promenade. After breakfast, embark on a city tour in this dynamic, historical capital of Cambodia which has retained its French colonial charm. Sightseeing in the morning will include the dazzling white and gold architecture of the Royal Palace, outstanding displays of Khmer crafts at the National Museum and the temple on a hill – Wat Phnom. After lunch in a local restaurant, examine the painful, heart wrenching reminders of Cambodia’s ugly past under the Khmer Rouge regime with an excursion to the Genocide museum to learn more about the Cambodian civil war. Introduction and onsite lecture by a local history professor.

Thereafter, to ease the nerves a variety of cocktails will be at your disposal, followed by Cambodia’s traditional Apsara dance performance. Experience the brilliance and richness of the culture, the soothing sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of incense sticks and a delicious Khmer food buffet.

Day 5: Phnom Penh – Kampong Cham
Depart before the break of dawn from Phnom Penh with a stop at the little known Chong Koh silk weaving village for a leisure walk. We cruise past the Mekong’s tranquil villages and mind blowing river life with scores of fishermen on duty.

Visit Wat Nokor, a wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple that holds a timeless story. Then, travel to the Cheung Kok Ecotourism Village, a small village developed with support from Assistance Mediation Internationale (AMICA). Travelers can visit the village and take part in activities to experience village life. Profits from tourism go towards re-investment into long-term projects.

Day 6: Kampong Cham – Wat Hanchey
Wake up in the wee hours of the morning, truly energized to embark on a journey upriver to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Located at the top of a hill overlooking the river, it offers some of the best views in Cambodia. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient structures do justice to the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of the mighty Angkor. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding well organized rice paddy plains, as well as a travelers blessing performed by the local monks.

Day 7: Kampong Cham – Kampong Chhnang – Tonle Sap

Before the sun rises, The Jayavarman sets sail to Kampong Chhnang via Prek K’dam along the meandering Tonle Sap River, which narrows through leafy swaths of the South East Asian jungle. Take a walk through Kampong Louang, one of the last silversmith villages, to see the entire community involved in making various silver items to sell. Get back aboard The Jayavarman to eat lunch while cruising towards Kampong Chhnang.

After lunch, take a motorboat excursion from Kampong Chhnang to see the wetlands, floating houses and fish farms in the region. Make a stop at a Jayavarman Cruise sponsored floating school to interact with the children and teach them some English!

This is the day to truly experience rural Khmer life. In the evening, a mouth watering Farewell Dinner will be served on the Sun Deck.

Day 8: Tonle Sap – Siem Reap
This great lake dominates Cambodia and is over 150 km in length. The birdlife is profuse and from the middle of the lake one cannot even see the shores. Witness stillness and 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, changes may occur for the different seasons.

High Water Program (approx. between July and December)
Cross the Tonle Sap Lake at dawn and 11:00 disembark at Siem Reap Port for onward coach transfer to the hotel by 12:00 pm
Low Water Program (approx. between December and June)
Cruise early morning to Prek K’dam where you will disembark Jayavarman after breakfast. Board a coach at 9:00am which will take you to see a pre-Angorian temple on your way to Siem Reap. A packed lunch and refreshments will be available along the way. Arrive in Siem Reap early afternoon.

2/Siem Reap – Saigon (8 Days/7 Nights downstream.

Day 1: Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake is the heart of Cambodia. It is filled with more fish than any other lake, and surrounded by vast numbers of rare birds. The water level varies a great deal according to the time of the year and the amount of rainfall recorded. Thus, changes may occur for the different seasons. We will start our journey in either high water or low water.

High water program (approx. between July and middle of December)
At 11:00 AM gather at the meeting point and transfer to The Jayavarman, where the crew is looking forward to embracing our guests. Welcome cocktail and lunch on the cruise liner. The Jayavarman sets sail towards the little known stilt village of Kampong Phluk. Climb aboard small rowing boats and let the local children take you on a tour of this flooded forest.

Welcome dinner on the Sun Deck. Mooring and overnight on the lake.

Low water program (approx. between middle of December and June)
At 8 AM, gather at the meeting point and transfer by coach to Prek K’Dam on the Tonle Sap River. Enjoy snacks and cold drinks on the way with a brief stop at Kampong Thom, one of the first settlements in the pre-Angkorian period.

Embarkation in Prek K’Dam and welcome cocktail early afternoon. The Jayavarman sets sail upstream towards Kampong Chhnang and the great Tonle Sap Lake. We wind our way through the jungle and as the river narrows, it makes you feel at peace with yourself and the community. Later that evening meet your fellow passengers on board for Welcome Dinner on the Sun Deck.

Day 2: Tonle Sap – Kampong Chhnang – Kampong Cham

High water program
Before the sun rises, The Jayavarman sets sail to cross the Tonle Sap Lake. As the ship is about to exit the lake, the marshlands exhibit spectacular scenery along the river banks of Kampong Chhnang province. We take a truly wonderful motorboat excursion from Kampong Chhnang to see the wetlands, floating houses and fish farms in the region. Join in on a humanitarian project lead by World Bank Illiteracy projects when we make a stop at a Heritage Line sponsored floating school to interact with the children and teach them some English!

The afternoon cruise will follow the meandering Tonle Sap River, which narrows through leafy swaths of the South East Asian Jungle touching Phnom Penh. In the late afternoon we enter the upper Mekong River bound to Kampong Cham to stop for a walk through a rural village.

Low water program
Kampong Chhnang is a busy rural port town with bustling markets and lots of children to greet us on our way around. We will take a wonderful motor boat excursion into the wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps, some half a kilometer long, which net a huge tonnage of fish after each monsoon as the fish migrate from the falling lake into the Tonle Sap River. Make a stop at a Jayavarman Cruise sponsored floating school to interact with the children and teach them some English!

The afternoon cruise will follow the meandering Tonle Sap River, which narrows through leafy swaths of the South East Asian Jungle.

Day 3: Kampong Cham – Wat Hanchey
Wake up in the wee hours of the morning, truly energized to embark on a journey upriver to the pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Located at the top of a hill overlooking the river, it offers some of the best views in Cambodia. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient structures do justice to the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of the mighty Angkor. Enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding well organized rice paddy plains, as well as a travelers blessing performed by the local monks.

After lunch and a short cruise downstream we drop anchor at the shores of Kampong Cham. Visit Wat Nokor, a wat built within the ruins of an ancient temple that holds a timeless story. Then, travel to the Cheung Kok Ecotourism Village, a small village developed with support from Assistance Mediation Internationale (AMICA). Travelers can visit the village and take part in activities to experience village life. Profits from tourism go towards re-investment into long-term projects. Back on board The Jayavarman sets sail towards the capital Phnom Penh.

Day 4: Phnom Penh
Get up early in the morning to witness a truly indescribable scene while approaching Phnom Penh’s river promenade. After breakfast, embark on a city tour in this dynamic, historical capital of Cambodia which has retained its French colonial charm. Sightseeing in the morning will include the dazzling white and gold architecture of the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, outstanding displays of Khmer crafts at the National Museum and the temple of a hill – Wat Phnom.

After lunch in a local restaurant, examine the painful, heart wrenching reminders of Cambodia’s ugly past under the Khmer Rouge regime with an excursion to the Genocide museum to learn more about the Cambodian civil war. Introduction and onsite lecture by a local history professor.

Thereafter, to ease the nerves a variety of cocktails will be at your disposal, followed by Cambodia’s traditional and opulent Apsara dance performance. Experience the brilliance and richness of the culture, the soothing sounds of traditional music, the calming scent of incense stick and a delicious Khmer food buffet.

Day 5: Phnom Penh – border crossing
Wake up to the sun rising over the Mekong for Tai Chi on the Sun Deck. The Jayavarman then casts off for a day of cruising the main Mekong Channel. This is pretty much an international shipping route. Psyche yourself up for Pre-K Touch, a lively jungle village. After that, visit well laid out fruit orchards.

Late afternoon we set off to the Vietnamese border for the usual formalities, which in this part of the world takes a bit of time. During the afternoon cruise, take the time to relax on the Sun Deck, get a massage in the Spa, or take part in Vietnamese cooking class.

The ship moors midstream overnight.

Day 6: Chau Doc – Cai Be
Welcome to the circus of fish. Brace yourself for a boat excursion to the exciting floating villages and catfish farms witnessing masses of Bassa fish being fed, hand in hand with a shore excursion to the village of the local Muslim Cham community. Stroll through a silk waving village and observe beautiful textiles being woven on old wooden looms; a tradition that has been passed from generation to generation.

Take a ride through this fascinating town of rich French colonial architecture and see its bustling market flooded with tropical fruits in full display by women in cone shaped palm leaf hats.

By late-afternoon, The Jayavarman casts off, heading towards Cai Be.

Day 7: Cai Be
Today’s tour starts with the visit of Cai Be’s colorful floating market on board a traditional sampan, the Cai Be Princess. Cruise among local sampans coming from all provinces of the delta full of fruits and vegetables. During a 40 minute cruise, discover beautiful landscapes along the river and observe the typical Mekong Delta rural life. Further stops will allow you to see traditional brick and tile factories and how locals use palm leaves for houses. Cruise 20 minutes further to Phu An hamlet passing by Cai Be’s beautiful gothic cathedral. Visit some interesting home factories to see how rice paste, rice cookies and coco candies, are made, along with the longan fruit drying process.

Lunch will await you at Le Longanier, a superb Indochinese villa located in a lush tropical garden by the river, surrounded by fruit orchards. After lunch, hop on a bike or take a stroll along the winding canals of this peaceful village to experience it first hand. After touring the canals, head to the An Kiet ancient house to have tea with the descendants of the former imperial residents and listen to the family story. Board The Jayavarman for a relaxing evening cruise with a Farewell Dinner on the Sun Deck while heading towards Saigon.

Day 8: Saigon
Your cruise with The Jayavarman comes to a close as the ship winds its way to Saigon through the UNESCO listed Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. During the Vietnam War, it had been destroyed, but amazingly the 75 hectares have come back to life through reforestation efforts. Disembark at 10:00am and continue your journey in the buzzing city of Saigon.

On this part of the Mekong, quiet and calm parts of the river alternate with most dramatic and exciting shore sceneries: Tropical lush green mountains, impressive rock formations and secluded villages along the river banks.

1/Mekong Sun Cruise 4  Days 3 nights

Day 1. Luang Prabang.

In the afternoon, embark on the Mekong Sun and depart from Luang Prabang around 2 PM, where you will cruise north towards Pak Ou. The night is spent on a secluded river bank or sandbank. Enjoy the spacious decks, lounge on board and attend welcome reception and dinner this evening. A selection of Asian and European food will be provided throughout the cruise. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

Day 2. Land of the Thousand Elephants.

After breakfast on board you will go on an excursion by local slowboat up the Ou-River to visit rice paddies cultivated by the local Khmu minority. Before returning to the Mekong Sun, you will see working elephants in action nearby (unless they are busy with an off-site contract by the time of your visit).

You will also visit a Laotian village where you can observe how the local liqueur Lao-Lao is being distilled traditionally. After a short walk through the jungle you will explore the famous Pak Ou-caves, with thousands of small Buddha statues inside the caverns. After re-embarkation you will enjoy a few hours of cruising down the Mekong River amidst beautiful landscapes. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

Day 3. Wild Nature along the Mighty Mekong.

The ship will head south to the Mekong ferry crossing at Tha Deua, connecting Luang Prabang Province with the Sayaboury province. Further downstream you will discover some of the most remarkable, most impressive landscapes of this still-untamed river. The landscape becomes more and more spectacular: hills covered with tropical vegetation, awe-inspiring rock formations along the river banks, and a fascinating array of fast currents and slower river parts.

The power of the Mighty Mekong will give your cruise the feeling of a real expedition. (Due to sudden drops in water level on some days, it may be necessary to make the afternoon excursion down south and upstream again – the wildest and possibly most exciting part of the Mekong – in a local Lao slow boat before returning back to the Mekong Sun). You will visit a local village school, which is supported by guests of the Mekong Sun. Enjoy the beautiful views and watch nature’s wonders along the shores before you head north again and stop at a sandbank for the night. This last evening on board will be celebrated with a farewell dinner. Overnight aboard the Mekong Sun.

Day 4. Kuang Si to Luang Prabang.

After breakfast on board, enjoy the beautiful view and spot local fishermen on shore as you cruise upstream again. After a few hours of cruising up the river, you will stop and continue by bus to visit the famous Kuang Si-waterfalls, some of the most remarkable waterfalls in Laos. On the way stroll through the small village of Tha Pan where you can observe how the local communities live in Northern Laos. In the afternoon you will return to Luang Prabang. Check out and disembark.

2/Mekong Sun Cruise 5 Days 4 nights

Day 1: Vientiane – Keng Khan Khou

Today we embark Mekong Sun boat at 8h00 at Khao Leau Harbour. The cruise team welcomes guests on board with a refreshing drink and provides some useful instruction on vessel. This is time for us to settle into a private comfortable cabin and unpack for a five day navigating along the previously inaccessible wonders of the Mekong River. The exciting cruise follows this mighty watercourse which is now the border between Thailand and Laos. The contradiction of riverside backdrops makes for an interesting view. There are plenty of time for us to admire the scenic riverside scenery close up or simply relax on spacious decks and lounge. O/N on board. (L,D)

Day 2: Keng Khan Khou – Pak Lai

The riverside scenery with a mixture of lush vegetation and impressive rock formations, is unequalled. We navigate along the Mekong River , stopping en route at Ban Hat Thieng. This riverside village becomes a fast growing trade center between Laos and Thailand therefore the influence of Thai counterpart is evident in local culture and architecture. By mid afternoon we anchor again at Pak Lai. This peaceful town still retains various colonial style houses built back to the last century. We enjoy a walk around this community to explore the simple lifestyle of villagers who are almost fishermen or farmers living from their slash and burn tradition. O/N on board. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Pak Lai – Keng Luang

Upon leaving our boat we embark on a walk to visit a traditional market in Pak Lai. This vibrant hub also attracts numerous villagers who converge from the outlying valleys and mountainsides to sell their goods and buy provision. The trading way is very interesting and unique. We again catch our boat and continue cruising past sleepy villages to Ban Phaleap. The major interest of our stop is an impressive view of the surrounding landscape from a steep rock formation locally named Phaleap. We anchor at the sand bank close to Keng Luang village for an overnight stop. O/N on board. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Keng Luang – Khouang Si Waterfalls

The mountainous region around Luang Prabang is also home of many ethnic groups and various stunning waterfalls dispersed in secluded jungle. Today we enjoy a visit to the Khmu village. This tribal group is originated from China but had settled there long time ago, forming one of the largest tribal populations in northern Laos. The Mekong Sun cruise approaches Luang Prabang, giving us an interesting view of fisherman on morning catch, mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field or ferry crossing. The impressive way to celebrate our last night on cruise is a fare well dinner with the cruise team. O/N on board. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Khouang Si Waterfalls – Luang Prabang

The river cruise will deliver us to Ban Muang Khai. We disembark and catch a bus for a scenic drive to the beautiful Khouang Si Falls surrounded by lush forest. The waterfall tumbles over multi tiered limestone formations into the cool and clear pools ideal for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape. By mid morning we get back to our cruise and continue to the final destination. The trip ends on arrival in Luang Prabang Town.

1/Bassac Cruise 2 days 1 night

Route 1: Can Tho – Cai Be/Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays
Day 1: Can Tho
Boarding at Can Tho at Ninh Kieu pier. Welcome drink, introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins. Departure downstream of the Hau River. Lunch on board while en route.
Branching into Nicolai canal, towards the Mang Thit and Co Chien Rivers. Rest on the upper deck or enjoy the open bar in scenery of rice fields, sugar cane, woods on the near banks.
Visit of a village on the banks of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Visit of the orchard or rice fields nearby.
Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Open bar and rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit River towards her anchorage point for the night.
The Bassac sets anchor for the night on river Mang Thit.

Day 2: Cai Be
06:30 Departure towards Cai Be. The passengers take their breakfast while enjoying the scenery on the banks.
The Bassac crosses Co Chien river then branches into Cho Lach canal for 30 minutes through the traffic of sand and rice barges, in a scenery of fruit drying facilities and wooden ship building yards.
Arrival in Cai Be, check-out and boarding of a local boat for a tour of Cai Be floating market and handicraft.
End of the services on shore at Cai Be late morning.

Route 2: Cai Be – Can Tho/Tuesdays, Thurdays, Sundays
Day 1: Cai Be
Boarding at Cai Be at noon. Welcome drink, Introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins.
Departure towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang river.
Lunch while on route. Rest on the deck, or enjoy the open bar.
Branching into Cho Lach canal for 30 minutes through the traffic of sand and rice barges, in a scenery of fruit drying facilities and wooden ship building yards.
Visit of a village on the banks of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Visit of the orchard or rice fields nearby.
Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Open bar and rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit River.
The Bassac sets anchor just downstream from the little Tra On floating market, for the night.

Day 2: Can Tho
Breakfast is available from 06:30, while the ship cruises the Tra On floating market. The ship then departs towards Can Tho.
Arrival in Cai Rang floating market, check out and transfer onto a local boat to visit the floating market, the nearby arroyos and gardens and return to the Ninh Kieu pier.
Arrival at Ninh Kieu, Can Tho, late morning.
End of the services on shore at Can Tho late morning.

Route 3: Can Tho – Mang Thit – Can Tho/Fridays
Day 1: Can Tho
Boarding at Can Tho at Ninh Kieu pier. Welcome drink, introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins. Departure upstream of the Hau river. Lunch on board while en route.
Upon arrival at Thot Not, transfer on the longboat to take some walks at the bamboo village in Thot Not.
Boarding back at dusk, rest on the deck for the sunset while taking somes drinks at the bar.
The dinner is served on board. The Bassac takes the way back to Can Tho and casts anchor near Can Tho for the night.

Day 2: Can Tho
Breakfast is available from 06:30, while the ship is cruising towards Can Tho city.
Arrival in Cai Rang floating market, check out and transfer onto a local boat to visit the floating market, the nearby arroyos and gardens and return to the Ninh Kieu pier.
Arrival at Ninh Kieu, Can Tho, late morning.

2/Bassac Cruises 3 days/ 2 nights

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City – Cai Be
This morning you will be met at 08.00 A.M by your driver to begin your journey south into the heart of the Mekong Delta. En route, pass farmers tending their fields and drying their produce on the sides of the road.
Boarding at Cai Be at noon. Welcome drink, Introduction to the ship and crew, check into the cabins.
Departure towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang river.
Lunch while on route. Rest on the deck.
Turning into Cho Lach canal for 30 minutes through the traffic of sand and rice barges, in a scenery of fruit drying facilities and wooden ship building yards.
Visit of a village on the banks of river Mang Thit, an opportunity to appreciate the way of life and hospitality of the local inhabitants. Visit of the orchard or rice fields nearby.
Boarding back, complimentary drink as a welcome back on board. Rest on the deck enjoying the sunset. The crew will serve dinner while the Bassac is cruising Mang Thit river.
The Bassac sets anchor just downstream from the little Tra On floating market, for the night.

Day 2: Cai Be- Can Tho
Breakfast is available from 06:30, while the ship is cruising the Tra On floating market. The ship then departs towards Can Tho.
Arrival in Cai Rang floating market, transfer onto a local boat to visit the floating market, the nearby arroyos and gardens and return to the Ninh Kieu pier.
Boarding back, welcome drink and departure towards upstream river Bassac. Lunch is served on board while en route.
Upon arrival at Thot Not, transfer on the longboat for a visit of a bamboo-knitting village near the Thot Not bird park, at the time the egrets return home from a day out.
Boarding back before dusk, a welcome drink and the dinner are served on board while en route.
Rest on the deck before the night. The Bassac drops anchor upstream of Long Xuyen for the night.

Day 3: Can Tho- Chau Doc
Breakfast is served from 6:30 AM, as the Bassac is on its way upstream the river towards Chau Doc.
Upon arrival to Chau Doc, check-out and transfer onto a local boat for the visit of a village of the Muslim Cham minority, then final disembarkment.

End of the services on shore at Châu ??c by mid-morning.

For a pleasant and long cruise in comfortable conditions, the sampan is equiped 5 cabins twin with 1 well ventilated compartment which could be used as a diner room as well as bedroom with couchettes available for group of 2 to 16 persons maximum; besides one kitchen, three restrooms with showers, one terrace on the deck, a five- person- crew included the captain, one mechanic, the chiefcook, one sailor and one guide, are at  your service .

Passengers on Mien Tay will be amazed and integrated in their discovery of landscapes, of local daily life, of smiling and open hearted people of the Delta and of  aquatic life anywhere they  go with  the sampan.
Decks                     2 : Main, Upper (75m2).
Engines                 1 YANMAR
Propulsion             150 HP( inboard)
Electricity                220 Volt
Built                         2002
Reservoir                5.000 litres of water

1/Mien Tay Sampan Cruise Mekong River 2 days/ 1nights

Day 1 : Can Duoc-Cho Gao-My Tho-Cai Be.

08h00, Pick up at hotel in Saigon  then route for Can Duoc.(35km). Then embarking our boat. Depart for Cho Gao. Leisurely cruise down the Mekong River while enyoying the beautiful scenery. Arrive in Chogao. Walking around the local market. In My Tho. Visit the Thoi Son island, walk throught the island, trying native fruits viewing local handicraft production and meeting the local people. Then take a brief sampan ride throught palm-shaded creeks .Then embarking in Mientay boat(13h00). Lunch on board.
Then boat depart for Cai Be, the magnificent sunset on the river .Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 2 :   Cai Be- My Tho – Ho Chi Minh

After breakfast. Explore the lively Cai Be floating market in early morning. Walking  for visit a handicraft village of  the local people then sightseeing the old house and sample various tropical fruits. Lunch on board. After lunch  (12h00) boat return My Tho then disembark and route for Saigon. Transfer to hotel. (17h00) End of our service.

2/Mien Tay Sampan Cruise Mekong River 3 days/ 2 nights

Day 1 : Can Duoc-My Tho-Cai Be.

08h00 ,Pick up at hotel in Saigon  then route for Can Duoc.(35km). Then embarking our boat. Depart for Cho Gao. Leisurely cruise down the Mekong River while enyoying the beautiful scenery.  Arrive in Chogao. walking around the local market. In My Tho. Visit the Thoi Son island, walk throught the island, trying native fruits viewing local handicraft production and meeting the local people. Then take a brief sampan ride throught palm-shaded creeks. Then embarking in Mientay boat(13h00). Lunch on board. Then boat depart for Cai Be, the magnificent sunset on the river. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 2 :   Cai Be-Sa Dec-Long Xuyen.

After breakfast . Explore the lively Cai Be floating market in early morning. Walking  for visit the handicraft village of the local people. Sightseeing the old house and sample various tropical fruits. Boat flowing to LONG XUYEN via SADEC, walking for visit Sadec town, where Margueritte Duras’s famous novel Lover was set and made famous by the film L’Amant, the Marguerite Duras story and explore this town. Visit a bonsai garden and the local market. Lunch on board. Cruise continue to Longxuyen. Leisurely cruise up the Mekong River while enyoying the beautiful scenery and the aperitifs and sunset cruise. Dinner  and Nite on board in LONGXUYEN.

Day 3 : Long Xuyen- HCM.

In the morning, the noise of the floating market wake you up, visit the daily lifeof the local people who live on both sides of  the Mekong river breakfast on board, then  our small boat take you to visit of  CULAO Ong Ho (museum of the 02 nd  president of the Viet Nam ) and the small  arroyos on the island and a biggest crocodile farm in Mekong. Return the boat, lunch on board. Afternoon, disembark at  14h00. Drive back to HCMC about 17h00.

Fully-paneled in wood, with charm and comfort in mind, we designed it in keeping with the local style. Modestly sized and with the safety of a steel hull, its low draught makes it possible for the boat to access the smallest of villages. With the tasteful decoration of a bygone era, it has 10 cozy double cabins with private shower, a large lounge area, a panoramic viewing space to the front, a half-covered bar-restaurant to the rear and a roof patio. Air conditioning, hi-fi system and library are provided. The captain, boat hands, hostesses, cooks and boat master are quiet and insonspicuous in the performance of their duties.

Itinerary: Saigon – Phnom Penh 8 Days with Toum Tiou Cruise
Day 1 (Sunday): Saigon – My Tho
15: 45 Toum Tiou is open for embarking. 16: 00 Clearance of departure formalities. 16: 30 Departure for My Tho, security briefing. 19: 00 Welcome drink and info meeting about cruise, crew introduction. Welcome dinner. Overnight onboard.

Day 2 (Monday): My Tho – Cai Be – Vinh Long
07: 00 Departure of the Toum Tiou early in the morning. Breakfast during navigation on the marvelous canal of Cho Gao. 08: 00 Arrival at My Tho – Toum Tiou drops anchor on river in the proximity of Thoi Son Island. On the banks of a northern arm of the Mekong, My Tho, which translates as “fragrant herb”, where tourists come to discover the beauty of the delta. It’s a quiet, prosperous city of about 100, 000 inhabitants, famous for its many fruit orchards, gardens and the huge rice fields that surround it. The climate is warm and pleasant year round. The surrounding countryside is home to one of the most luxuriant gardens of Vietnam, with its coconut palms, banana and mango trees. Local boats are coming alongside Toum Tiou to pick up passengers and transfer to the mainland. Departure for Vinh Trang Pagoda by car – Short panoramic tour of My Tho town on the way, stop for a visit of My Tho market. Return at the pier – Passengers cruise on the river to Thoi Son Island by local boat to visit the island, explore local people’s daily life and enjoy locally seasonal fruits 10: 00 Passengers re-embark Toum Tiou and leaves My Tho for Cai Be. Lunch and leisure on board. 13: 30 Toum Tiou drops anchor at Cai Be. Local boats are coming alongside Toum Tiou, picking up the passengers and cruise around Cai Be Floating Market. Continuing for Vinh Long – a brick and pottery factory, the Binh Hoa Phuoc Islet Nursery of Fruit Trees as well a typical house and a show room of traditional farming tools. Vinh Long, which translates as “Majestic Dragon”, is right in the middle of the delta, between two arms of the Mekong. The soil of Vinh Long is enriched by silt deposits, making it ideal for growing mandarins and other citrus fruits. Life is organized around the water. Houses on stilts, hawkers in boats, hundreds of small craft crisscross in all directions. The hospitality of the locals makes it a tourist destination par excellence. 16: 30 Return on the Toum Tiou, departure for Sa Dec. 19: 30 Arrival at Sa Dec, Toum Tiou drops anchor on the river. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 3 (Tuesday): Sadec – Chau Doc
06: 00 Breakfast. 07: 00 Arrival at Sa Dec – Short panoramic tour of Sa Dec and transfer to Trung Vuong primary school. Continuing to Kien An Cung Pagoda. Stroll around Sa Dec Market along Sa Dec River bank. This small city of 30, 000 inhabitants is fascinating in its unspoiled authenticity and undisturbed by tourists. It provides a glimpse of the delta where a few colonial houses still remain, including the “Chinese man’s house” (from Duras’ novel “The Lover”, also made into a movie). 09: 00 Passengers re-embark; Toum Tiou leaves Sa Dec for Chau Doc, lunch and leisure on board. 17: 00 Arrival after lunch at Victoria Hotel Chau Doc jetty. Departure for fish raising rafts and Cham minority village by local boat. Return to the Victoria. If the timing is allowing it, watch of the sunset on the Sam Mountain which peaks at 237 meters. Its well-known Buddhist sanctuaries offer an unobstructed view over the mosaic of glistening rice paddies below. To the left is Cambodia, the flow of the Mekong on the horizon breaks into an infinity of silver ribbons. Visit on the way of the Lady Chua Xu temple and Tay An Pagoda. 19: 30 Return to the boat, Dinner at the Victoria Hotel’s restaurant. Overnight onboard at the jetty of the hotel; passengers are free to enjoy the hotel facilities (swimming pool, billiards, bar, Internet) or stroll in Chau Doc.

Day 4 (Wednesday): Koh Dek Chau – Phnom Penh
Toum Tiou leaves early in the morning for Vinh Xuong (Vietnamese border). Breakfast during navigation. 08: 00 Arrival at Vinh Xuong check-point – Formalities clearance for Toum Tiou to cross the border. 10: 30 Toum Tiou leaves Vinh Xuong check point for Koh Dek Chau Island. Lunch during the navigation. 14: 30 Arrival at Koh Dek Chau island. A short break along the way, it allows to get a fascinating, close-up look at daily life in Cambodia. On the fringes of civilization, the 600 people who live on Koh Dek Chau will receive your visit with some surprise. School children will escort you along your way. You will go through the village that occupies the full length of the island, walking along a trail shaded by date palms. 16: 00 Toum Tiou leaves for Phnom Penh. 20: 00 Arrival at Phnom Penh. Dinner and overnight on board.

Day 5 (Thursday): Phnom Penh
08: 00 Breakfast, departure for the “KILLING FIELDS” – Tuol Sleng Museum, old center of detention, of torture and execution between 1975 and 1979. The visit of this place is essential to understand what could be the fatal madness perpetrated by the Khmer Rouges. 12.00 Return to Phnom Penh, lunch in a local restaurant. 15: 00 Balance of the day free exploration on own. Suggestions can be made up on the interest of passengers. FCC, Russian market, other boutiques (antiques), etc. 19: 00 Return to the boat. Local group performs on board traditional “APSARA” show for 45 minutes. Overnight on board.

Day 6 (Friday): Phnom Penh – Kompong Tralach
07: 00 Breakfast, half day city sightseeing tour including the Royal Palace and the National Museum. 12: 00 The Toum Tiou leaves Phnom Penh for Kompong Tralach. Lunch during navigation. 16: 00 Arrival at Kampong Tralach to visit its wonderful Vihara belonging to Wat Kampong Tralach Leu pagoda. To get to it, we cross Kampong Tralach Krom village along a small road perpendicular to the river, crossing some gorgeous stretches of emerald rice paddy as we leave the river behind. The Vihara dates back to early last century. It was probably built on an older site, as indicated by the laterite foundations, and is home to some outstanding mural paintings. These, however, are starting to suffer from weathering. They remain one of the last survivors of cultural destruction that continues unabated due to widespread indifference. Standing by itself in the middle of rice fields, it is a modest pagoda that receives very few visitors. Its isolation may well be its undoing, as was the case for Wat Tani Pagoda in the province of Kampot. 18: 00 Passengers re-embark. The Toum Tiou drops anchor few miles away. Diner and overnight on board.

Day 7 (Saturday): Kompong Chnang – Chnok Tru
07: 00 Departure of the Toum Tiou early in the morning. Sail to Kampong Chnang. Breakfast during navigation. 08: 00 Arrival to Kampong Chnang. Located some 56 miles from Phnom Penh, the town of Kampong Chnang is one of the largest fishing ports on the Tonle Sap. Fish farming is also widely practiced in the area. The area is famous for its pottery ware, unchanged in style for centuries, which is produced in sufficient quantities to supply the entire country. And not to be overlooked are the products of the Thnot tree (sugar palm – a real national symbol) that abounds in the area: a mellow tasting, caramel-colored sugar sold in large cakes and palm wine. 10: 30 Passengers re-embark the Toum Tiou. Lunch on board on the way to Chnok Tru. 14: 00 Arrival at Chnok Tru. Local boats are coming along the Toum Tiou and picking passengers for the visit of the biggest floating village on the Tonle Sap River 17: 00 Passengers re-embark. The Toum Tiou stays overnight in the proximity of Chnok Tru. 19: 30 Farewell cocktail (1 glass of local liquor or juice) with Master of Ship & Cruise Manager Captain’s farewell dinner (Enriched menu + 1 glass of wine). Overnight on board.

Day 8 (Sunday): Chnok Tru – Siem Reap
07: 00 Breakfast, chartered speedboat is coming along the boat and picks up passengers for crossing the Lake. 12: 00 Arrival at Phnom Krom pier (~5 miles from Siem Reap).

I/ 5days/4night program:

The Pandaw Cruise from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh (5days)
Day 1: Siem Reap to Kompong Cham (Mekong River)
At 11:30 o’clock register at the historic ELEPHANT BAR located in the legendary 1932-built Raffles GRAND HOTEL D’ANGKOR (11 Vithei Charles de Gaulle, Khum Svay Dang Kum) to transfer by coach to Kampong Cham on the Mekong River, enjoying a snacks and cold drinks on the way with a stop at Kampong Thom. Arrive by 1700. The ship is docked at walking distance to the city centre.

Day 2: Kompong Cham area
Morning journey upriver to the hilltop pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient brick structures characterize the architecture of the Chenla Empire which predated the glories of Angkor. Sail back downstream over lunch for an exploration of the Kompong Cham Area. We travel by bus to the 12th century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor. We continue to the eco village of Cheungkok supported by the French-Cambodian NGO AMICA and the Kampong Cham orphanage, supported by the Pandaw ProBono programme. We make a late afternoon departure from Kampong Cham heading for Phnom Penh. Overnight mid-stream.
Day 3: Tonle River to Kompong Chhnang
We glance by the capital Phnom Penh in the early morning to change pilots and sail the Tonle River which connects Tonle Lake with the Mekong and Bassac Rivers that merge at Phnom Penh.

1. Low water, approximately November to July
The river journey to Kompong Chhnang is one of the highlight of the trip. Temples abound along the river banks at Kampong Chhnang, and we see the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. Mooring mid-stream, we make a truly wonderful motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps.

2. High water, approximately July to November.
Stop at Preak Dom Bridge. Proceed by coach to Kompong Chhnang where we can see the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. We make a truly wonderful motor boat excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps. Back to the ship at lunch time.

We make a late afternoon departure from Kompong Chhnang heading for Phnom Penh.
Day 4: Phnom Penh
The capital of Cambodia retains its French charm. The city has several impressive wats, including Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and the newly-painted Wat Lang Ka. Pride of place goes to the Royal Palace and to the spectacular Silver Pagoda, one of the few places in Cambodia where artifacts embodying the brilliance and richness of Khmer culture were preserved by the Khmer Rouge. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts.

For the morning excursion we are delighted to have teamed up with The Cyclo Centre Phnom Penh to offer an alternative to a conventional coach tour. The Cyclo Centre is a charity that provides basic welfare and medical services to cyclo drivers, many of whom are very poor (www.cyclo.org.uk). They will provide us with trained drivers with basic English and a good knowledge of the key sights. You decide where you want to go and what you want to see and off you go on your private cyclo for the morning. (For groups if a conventional guide and coach are required we are happy to supply).

Disembark after lunch and Check in at the historic French colonial hotel Raffles Le Royal.

In the afternoon an optional excursion (by coach) is arranged to the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention centre situated in the suburbs of the city then shopping at the Russian market or Central market. This tour is included in the cost of your cruise but must be requested at the time of booking in the Booking Comments box or at the latest on board the first day of the cruise. Dinner free at leisure. Overnight at Raffles Le Royal.

Day 5: Phnom Penh
Breakfast and end of services
2/The Pandaw Cruise from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh ( 5 Days)
Day 1: Phnom Penh Departure
The ship is moored at the tourist Jetty in Sisowath Quay at walking distance to the Royal Palace. The check-in time should be no later than 13.30 hrs. as we need your passport to process the immigration formalities for the border crossing.

Afternoon and Evening Free at Leisure to discover the city on your own
Phnom Penh has a lively night life, and some passengers choose to dine ashore and try one of the capital’s many watering holes; a favorites being the Foreign Correspondents’ Club. Otherwise you can have your dinner on board.

Day 2: Cruising the Mekong / Border Crossing
We cast off early in the morning for a day cruising in the main Mekong channel, an international shipping route. Today we stop at Prek Touch, a jungle village, to visit fruit orchards, and then set off for the Vietnamese border for the usual formalities.
Day 3: Chau Doc– Cu Lao Gien

We travel from the main Mekong channel to Chau Doc jetty where we transfer to small boats to visit a Cham tribal village and a cat fish farm. We make a trishaw ride round this fascinating town of fine French-colonial buildings and bustling market. We return to the ship for lunch and cast off for Sadec. Stopping on the way at Cu Lao Gien island, we visit a Catholic monastery called “La Providence” built in 1875 by the French nuns of “Saint Paul de Chartres”. Cu Lao Gien became an important Catholic centre with mission, an orphanage, school, hospice and leprosy centre that can treat 1,000 people. During the Japanese invasion the monastery was abandoned; operations were resumed after 1945 until 1977. Nowadays Cu Lao Gian serves as a retreat for 180 retired nuns taken care of by novices.

Day 4: Sadec – (Vinh Long) – Cai Be
Half day cruise excursion on board traditional sampan boats to Cai Be via Vinh Long, along small canals and back waters. Sa Dec is a little “Venice” with numerous narrow canals and various kinds of traditional activities on the banks. You will disembark at the local market for a visit, then proceed to the splendid ancient house of Mr. Huyn Thuy Le, the “lover” of Marguerite Duras, famous French novelist and inspiration for the film L’Amant-The Lover directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud.
Back on board your sampan, we will drift down the Tien River. On the way we visit a traditional brick and tile factory. Proceeding further we see water hyacinths, an important Mekong delta product used for furniture and baskets.
Traveling from Vinh Long water to Dong Hoa Hiep islet on sampan we explore the rural life and the daily activities of the delta inhabitants seeing palm tree leave weaving, traditional wooden boat factories and fruit orchard plantations. We visit a Mandarins house dating from late 19th century. Reaching Cai Be, we will cruise through its colorful floating market which takes place daily in front of the catholic church.

After lunch on board the Pandaw, continue by Sampan deep into the country backwaters, passing traditional wood and bamboo bridges and suspended fishing nets. On the banks, you will be able to see large rice fields, fruit markets, plantations and visit local houses to see how people in the Delta live.

Day 5: Mytho / Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
Early morning sail from Cai Be for My Tho, where we disembark at 0830 for coach transfer to Hotel