I will be offering this cruise-tour in Jan/Feb 2027!Once the ship's deployment schedule opens up I will lock in the dates and you can enjoy this amazing journey and faboulus rates!
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Gooooooood Morrrrrning Vietnam!Hello Travel Friends & Enthusiasts!
Get ready for an exciting jorney to Vietnam and Cambodia! Eddie and I will be your trip host for the Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong. We both fell in love with Cambodia duing our month-long stay; the rich history, temples, amazingly friendly people, great food and breathtaking scenery, home of the world-famous Angkor Wat temple complex. This is truly one of those trip-of-a-lifetime, you won't want to miss!
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Emerald Harmony - 84 Guest ShipThis beautiful ship was launched in 2019, had two years off for the "C" pause and now she's back on the Mekong, delighting fellow travelers. This wll be our home for a week-long journey on the Mekong.
We can personally atteset that this ship and the itinerary are TOPS!! We enjoyed our 2023 group tour soo much, we are offering it again in Jan/Feb 2027.
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Our Adventurous Itinerary(yeah for adventures!)
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Day 1 - Arrival Ho Chi Minh CityXin Chao (Pron: seen chow) and welcome to Ho Chi Minh City. On arrival, you will be met by your Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your hotel for your included two-night stay at the Grand Hotel Ho Chi Minh City in a Premium Deluxe Room. Additional nights available for $TBD/pp, includes breakfast and transfers.
Formerly known as Saigon, this is a city with a turbulent and colourful past. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s commercial centre with over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes.
Meals Included: Dinner
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Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh CityDrive away from Ho Chi Minh City, watching the city skyline fade into the distance as the road winds through rice paddies, villages and other scenes typical to southern Vietnam. Spend a couple of hours walking around Cu Chi’s rugged grounds with a local guide. Hear how the residents constructed an intricate underground network of tunnels during the French and American wars. Hear incredible tales about the unusual foods the residents ate to survive and much more. Once above ground, see other ingenious items used by the residents to defend themselves such as bamboo traps and camouflaged pits.
Upon your return to Ho Chi Minh City, the afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure.
This evening choose between two DiscoverMORE options to experience the night life of HCMC.
Included Excursion: A tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels
DiscoverMORE: Evening - Saigon street food tour (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Evening – One night in Saigon (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast (at the hotel).
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Day 3 - Ho Chi Minh City EmbarkationAfter checkout, enjoy a tour of the city, visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, Opera House and Town Hall. Then, visit the Reunification Palace before transferring to the port, where you will board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, Emerald Harmony at Koh Khsach Krao. You’ll be welcomed on board by your captain and crew before setting sail towards My Tho in the Mekong Delta.
This evening, enjoy your first dinner on board with your fellow travellers. Your Cruise Director will conduct a port talk to review the activities and itinerary for the days ahead.
Included Excursion: An orientation tour of Ho Chi Minh City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 4 - Ben TreThis morning you will be taken to the village of Ðat Dua, where you will learn how coconut candy and other local sweets are made, along with a fruit workshop. Enjoy a ride through the fruit plantations to Tan Long Pagoda on a Lambro before returning to Emerald Harmony to sail onwards to Sa Dec, a hidden gem on the Mekong Delta.
Included Excursion: A visit to a workshop in Ðat Dua and a visit to Tan Long Pagoda
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5 - Sa Dec - My An HungVisit Sa Dec on a walking tour, with stops at the Chinese Congregational House in Kien An Cung, the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant, and enjoy a walk through the central market to peruse its varied produce. Return to Emerald Harmony by sampan and sail to My An Hung Island. Recognised as a cultural and historical destination, this small village in rural Vietnam specialises in red-hot chilli and peppers. Enjoy some local folk singing during the visit.
EmeraldPLUS: A visit to My Ang Hung village
Included Excursion: A visit to the Chinese Congregational House and the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6 - An Long - Long Khanh IslandThe morning is yours to enjoy your free time on board or, if you prefer, partake in a DiscoverMORE optional excursion to the Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary. Covering a total area of 7,313 hectares, Tram Chim National Park, located in Tam Nong, is currently one of Vietnam’s eight most important bird sanctuaries. With a system of swamps, grass plots and natural canals, the park is an ideal habitat for 191 species of plants, 150 species of freshwater fish, and nearly 231 species of water birds. Some of these are listed in Vietnam’s Red Book of rare and threatened species.
In the afternoon, embark on a journey to Long Khanh Island, visit a local family to learn about scarf-weaving and visit the Hoa Hao Buddhist Pagoda.
Return to Emerald Harmony where, later this evening, you’ll be delighted by a traditional Lion Dance performance on board.
Included Excursion: A visit to a local scarf-weaving workshop and Hoa Hao Buddhist Pagoda on Long Khanh Island
EmeraldPLUS: A Lion Dance performance on board
DiscoverMORE: A visit to Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary in Tram Chim National Park (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7-Tan Chau-Vietnam/Cambodia Border CrossingIn Tan Chau, as part of EmeraldPLUS, visit the recently renovated Cao Dai temple. The religion of Cao Dai is a syncretic, monotheistic religion established in southern Vietnam in the city of Tây Ninh in 1926. Here, you will learn more about the mix of ideas that form the basis of this fascinating religion. After a Xe Loi ride, embark one of our sampans to Evergreen Island for a walk through a local village to get a glimpse into the lives of the local farming community. Stop at a local fish farm enroute back to the ship.
Back on board your luxury Star-Ship, cruise to the border between Vietnam and Cambodia. Tonight, celebrate crossing the border with a Cambodian-style family dinner.
Included Excursion: A visit to Evergreen Island and Tan Chau
EmeraldPLUS: A visit to Cao Dai temple, a religion unique to the Mekong Delta
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 8-Phnom PenhWake up in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. The city, known as the “Pearl of Asia”, was almost entirely evacuated by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. This morning, you will learn more about the Khmer Rouge and the darkest days of the country’s history. A short drive will take you to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. Here you will have the opportunity to walk through the fields, visit the small museum and learn about this sad historic chapter. Afterwards visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S-21). This is a former school that was converted to the main prison and torture headquarters of the Khmer Rouge. The afternoon is yours to continue exploring, experience one of four DiscoverMORE options or to simply relax on board your Star-Ship. In the evening, you will have a chance to experience an evening remork (or Tuk-Tuk) ride through Phnom Penh to enjoy the city lights.
Included Excursion: A visit to the Killing Fields & Toul Sleng Genocide Museum (In my opinion, this is a *must-see* to understand the past of Cambodia!)
EmeraldPLUS: Phnom Penh by night on a remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour
DiscoverMORE: A silk farm tour at Koh Oknha Tei (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: A visit to the silversmith village of Kho Chen (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Enjoy a craft beer adventure by remork in Phnom Penh (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Savour High Tea and cocktail at Raffles Le Royal (extra expense)
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Day 9 - Phnom Penh - Oudong – Prek K’dam
Located north of Phnom Penh, Oudong was the former royal capital of Cambodia up until it moved to Phnom Penh in 1866. Important remnants on the temple sight include the burial sites of Khmer kings as well as religious artefacts dating back more than a hundred years. In the main temple of the Oudong Monastery, receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from the temple’s resident monks as part of your EmeraldPLUS excursion. In the afternoon, you will visit the majestic Royal Palace with its gardens and the central market located in the heart of the city. This evening, enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation.
Included Excursion: A visit to Oudong Monastery
Included Excursion: A visit to the Royal Palace and central market
EmeraldPLUS
A traditional Buddhist Monk blessing
EmeraldPLUS
A cultural Performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 10- Prek K’dam Disembarkation – Siem Reap
Disembark Emerald Harmony in the morning and continue by road to Siem Reap for your included three-night stay at Shinta Mani in a standard room. En-route to Siem Reap, stop in the spider village of Skol, Kampong Kdei and see the impressive Angkor Bridge.
This evening, witness the incredible Cambodian Circus, Phare, a spectacle of acrobatics, theatre and music. Phare is an NGO founded by Cambodian refugees to assist disadvantaged young people by teaching them performing arts. EmeraldPLUS: The Cambodian Circus, Phare
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch. For dinner just walk into Siem Reap town. LOTS of restaurants and bars!
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Day 11 - Siem Reap
Today, start with a visit to Angkor Thom. As the last capital of the Khmer Empire, it was a fortified city, home to priests, officials of the palace and military, as well as buildings for administering the kingdom. The city was established in the late 12th century by King Jayavarman VII and covers approx 3.5 sq miles.
Afterwards, visit the sacred Temple of Ta Prohm, still overgrown by jungle trees, it has been the backdrop for many Hollywood movies like Tomb Raider.
This afternoon and evening is at your leisure or undertake a DiscoverMORE option.
Included Excursion: A visit to Angkor Thom
Included Excursion: A visit to Ta Prohm Temple
DiscoverMORE: Afternoon - A Vespa tour of Siem Reap (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Evening – Drinks and Canapes in the Rice Field (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Evening - Champagne Sunset Gondola Boat at Angkor
DiscoverMORE: Evening - Cambodian Street Food Discovery Tour (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 12- Siem ReapRise early and witness the sunrise over Angkor Wat (I promis you, it's worth getting up early for it!!). Afterwards walk through this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site known for its elaborate decorations and intricate carvings throughout.
This afternoon is free for you to explore more, to go shopping or to relax at your hotel, the beautiful Shinta Mani. And, in the evening, you’ll enjoy your farewell dinner accompanied by an Apsara dance performance.
Included Excursion: A sunrise visit to Angkor Wat (Yeah, it's amazing!!)
DiscoverMORE: A visit to Banteay Srei (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: A visit to Tonlé Sap (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: A culinary tour of Cambodia (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 13-Depart Siem ReapAfter breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your onward or homebound flight.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions.
Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Pre-Cruise HotelGrand Hotel Ho Chi Minh City
$TBD/per person per night, Premium Deluxe Room
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Post Cruise HotelShinta Mani Hotel in Siem Reap, Cambodia
$TBD/ per person per night, standard room
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Your Cruise Includes:- 7 nights on board the Emerald Harmony
- Airport transfers to and from the ship
- The services of an Emerald Waterways Cruise Director
- Port taxes and charges
- All tipping and gratuities
Included Excursions:
- A visit to Oudong Temples
- A visit to the Killing Fields & Tuel Sleng Genocide Museum
- Visit to Royal Palace & central market
- Hoa Hao Buddhist Pagoda on Long Khan Island
- Visit to home of Mr Huynh Thuy Le
- Visit to Tan Pagoda
Included EmeraldPLUS:
- Lunch at KOTO Restaurant
- Visit to My An Hung village
- Lion Dance performance on board
- Tour the recently renovated Cao Dai temple
- Phnom Penh by night on a remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour
- Traditional Buddhist Monk Blessing
- Phare Cambodian Circus performance
- A cultural Performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation
Dining Highlights:
- 30 meals: 12 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 9 dinners
- Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
- Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board Emerald Harmony
Optional Drinks Package:
- Non-Alcoholic Package: $TBD per person per/per day. Unlimited access to soft drinks, bottled juices and mocktails.
- Extended Package: $TBD per person/per day. A daily selection of wines by the glass, draft beer and soft drinks will be available throughout the day.
- Premium Package: The entire beverage menu is yours all day long: from international selections of draft/bottled beer to cocktails, long drinks as well as wine and prosecco by the glass (sparkling wine).
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Booking Guidelines- Select Your Perfect Suite
- Call/Text/Email me to take down your information and secure your suite on the Jewel
- $500 deposit per person due at time of booking ($1,000 per cabin)
- Name Changes can occur before final payment (change fee may occur)
- Balance due 90 days before sailing date
- Check your passport to make sure it will be valit for 6 months past your sail date
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River View Stateroom
256 sq ft
Category D: Riviera Deck
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Panorama BalconyCategory A and B
(Green/Purple; see ship's deckplan below)
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For All Your Travel & Adventure Needs:
Kerri Kirshner, Travel Concierge
Certified Cruise Specialist
Certified Travel Advisor
(206) 476-7467
Kerri@ExtraMileTravels.com
www.ExtraMileTravels.com
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