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22 eye-opening days in Vietnam & & Cambodia includes Hanoi Halong Bay Hoi An Ho Chi Minh City Phnom Penh Angkor Wat plus a luxury 8-day cruise on the Mekong River departs March 3 2019 an inmate unforgeable taste of Indochina with your tour leaders John & Robyn Cooney

22 - WordPress.com · unforgettable taste of. Indochina. ... used to be North Vietnam … then we [ll head south, via the laidback coastal resort of Hoi An, to Saigon, now called

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Page 1: 22 - WordPress.com · unforgettable taste of. Indochina. ... used to be North Vietnam … then we [ll head south, via the laidback coastal resort of Hoi An, to Saigon, now called

22 eye-opening

days in Vietnam &

& Cambodia

includes � Hanoi

� Halong Bay � Hoi An

� Ho Chi Minh City � Phnom Penh � Angkor Wat

plus

a luxury 8-day cruise

on the Mekong River

departs March 3

2019 an intimate unforgettable taste of Indochina

with your tour leaders John & Robyn Cooney

Page 2: 22 - WordPress.com · unforgettable taste of. Indochina. ... used to be North Vietnam … then we [ll head south, via the laidback coastal resort of Hoi An, to Saigon, now called

L et the fun begin … This�is�SO�exciting!�After�all�the�dreams�and�plans�and�phonecalls�and�

newsletters�and�forms-to-fill-out�and�money-to-pay,�we’ll�soon�be�departing�on�our�grand�Southeast�Asian�adventure.�

The�fun�will�start�in�elegant�Hanoi,�in�what�used�to�be�North Vietnam … then�we’ll�head�south,�via�the�laidback�coastal�resort�of�Hoi An, to�Saigon,�now�called�Ho Chi Minh City,�on�the�legendary�Mekong Delta.�Finally,�before�you�know�it,�we’ll�embark�on�our�luxury�river�cruise�aboard�the�Avalon Siem Reap,�for�a�close-up�encounter�with�villages�and�villagers�in�the�rural�heart�of�Cambodia.�

This�Mad�Midlife�adventure�will�end�in�Phnom Penh�and�Siem Reap,�at�the�awesome�World�Heritage�temples�of�Angkor Wat.�

Are�you�itching�to�go?�We�are!

To�avoid�any�hassles,�our�sightseeing�excursions�have�already�been�selected�and�booked,�and�pretty�much�everything�has�been�paid-for�in�advance.�We’ve�pulled�a�few�strings�and�built�in�some�special�‘bonuses’ just�for�our�Kiwi�group�– and,�frankly,�what�we’ve�ended�up�with�is�a�superb�all-inclusive�package.�We’re�gonna�have�a�BALL,�folks!�So�bring�it�on�…

This�day-to-day�programme�is�still subject to change,�in�discussion�with�our�expert�guides�&�cruise-director�(and�at�the�discretion�of�your�Tour�Leaders).�But�here�at�last,�as�accurate�as�we�can�get�it,�is�our�FINAL ITINERARY.�

Have�a�good�read,�and�whet�your�appetite�...

2

Page 3: 22 - WordPress.com · unforgettable taste of. Indochina. ... used to be North Vietnam … then we [ll head south, via the laidback coastal resort of Hoi An, to Saigon, now called

Midlife Madness on the Mekong: March 2019 Itinerary

Sunday�3� let the fun begin! It’s�actually�HAPPENING!�Our�long�awaited�adventure�in�Indochina�is�underway�at�last!�We�

depart�Auckland�International�Airport�after�midnight�in�our�big�Singapore�Airlines�jet,�flying�north�through�the�night�(10½�hrs)�… then�a�brief�stop�in�Singapore�before�going�airborne�again�(3½�hrs)�to�the�cosmopolitan�city�of�Hanoi – in�what�used�to�be�known�as�North�Vietnam.�

Brace�yourselves,�Kiwis:�we’re�about�to�have�the�time�of�our�lives�– and�the�next�three�week�are�gonna�be�full�of�surprises�…

Monday�4� Vietnam by cyclo! If�you’ve�grown�up�(as�many�of�us�have)�not�realising�that�Vietnam is�“more�than�just�a�war” …

prepare�to�have�some�pre-conceived�ideas�adjusted.�This�warm,�friendly,�welcoming�country�is�truly�something�else!�And�Hanoi,�capital�of�the�Socialist�Republic�of�Vietnam,�is�full�of�surprises.

After�landing,�going�through�immigration�and�collecting�our�Vietnamese�Visas,�we�head�for�our�5-star�hotel�to�unpack�and�freshen-up.�Then,�this�avo,�we�get�to�experience�the�hustle-&-bustle�of�the�city’s�colourful�Old Quarter at�ground-level�– aboard�a�fleet�of�‘cyclos’, Vietnam’s�traditional�pedal-powered�mode�of�transportation.�

Don’t�worry:�skilled�cyclo-pedallers�do�all�the�hard�work�for�you�– yeehaa! And�they’re�used�to�negotiating�their�way�through�Hanoi’s�chaotic�traffic�and�the�maze�of�small�back-alleys�in�what�was�previously�known�as�‘36 Streets’ where�each�street�specialised�in�a�different�product�– eg:�‘Silk�Street’, ‘Gold�Street’, ‘Coffin�Street’, etc.�Just�hold�on�tight�and�have�your�camera�ready!

Tonight�we�enjoy�a�yummy,�fun-filled�‘Midlife Madness Welcome Dinner’ at�a�local�restaurant.

Tuesday�5 Frenchified Hanoi … We�begin�our�second�day�in�Hanoi with�some�sightseeing�that�includes�the�imposing�edifice�that�

houses�Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum … the�One Pillar Pagoda (an�important�symbol�for�the�people�of�Hanoi,�founded�by�King�Ly�Thai�To�in�1049)�… the�Museum of Ethnology�(where�we�sample�artefacts�and�costumes�from�some�of�Vietnam’s�54�ethnic�minorities)�… and�the�Temple of Literature (for�a�glimpse�into�Vietnam’s�past).

We�break�for�lunch�at�popular�Koto – a�restaurant�where�former�street-kids�and�orphans�are�given�the�opportunity�to�learn�skills�which�will�enable�them�to�find�employment�in�the�hospitality�industry.�

3

Flight SQ282: Auckland�to� Singapore depart�1:15am (early Monday)

Sightseeing: Hanoi�City�Tour (full�day)

Hotel: Intercontinental�Westlake

Meals: B,�L

Flight SQ282: to�Singapore arrive�6:45am

Flight SQ176: to�Hanoi depart�9:20am arrive�11:40am

Sightseeing: Hanoi�Cyclo�Tour

Hotel: Intercontinental�Westlake

Meals: D

Apsara Dancers

Page 4: 22 - WordPress.com · unforgettable taste of. Indochina. ... used to be North Vietnam … then we [ll head south, via the laidback coastal resort of Hoi An, to Saigon, now called

Later,�we�head�for�the�peaceful�Hoan Kiem Lake,�with�its�famous�Rising Sun Bridge and�Ngoc Son Temple – a�pagoda�built�on�an�island�out�in�the�middle�of�the�lake,�in�honour�of�a�13th-century�military�hero,�Tran�Hung�Dao,�and�his�bravery�in�battle�against�the�Yuan�Dynasty.�As�we�pass�back�through�the�city,�enjoy�the�sights�and�sounds�of�vendors�at�their�daily�tasks,�stalls�stacked�with�flowers�and�fruit,�locals�snacking�on�the�sidewalks,�and�swarms�of�young�and�old�on�bikes�or�motorcycles�(often�overloaded,�with�up�to�5�or�6�onboard)!

Dinner�tonight?�Your�choice.�And�this�evening?�Enjoy�a�famous�water-puppet show.�

Wednesday�6 Red River Delta & Halong Bay Once�we’re�up,�dressed,�fed�and�watered,�we�say�“Tam biet!” (goodbye)�to�Hanoi�and�drive�for�

3½�hours�through�the�rich�farmlands�of�the�Red River Delta … past�scenes�of�rice�fields,�water�buffalos�and�everyday�Vietnamese�village�life�… arriving�in�the�bayside�resort�town�of�Bai Chay:�gateway�to�beautiful�Halong Bay.�There,�we�board�an�authentic�Chinese�junk�for�an�overnight�Bhaya Classic Cruise through�this�astonishing�emerald�seascape,�dotted�with�3000�islands�(mostly�uninhabited)�and�recognised�as�one�of�the�New�World’s�Seven�Natural�Wonders.�

We’ve�got�a�range�of�options�this�afternoon:�making�ourselves�at�home�in�our�cabins�… lazing�on�deck�… photographing�passing�islets�and�villages�and�boats�of�all�shapes�and�sizes�… eyeing�the�amazing�pointy�limestone�rocks�… partaking�of�a�fresh-cooked�lunch�… visiting�the�Vung Vieng fishing�village�… or�(if�we�feel�so�inclined)�plunging�in�for�a�swim�– before�an�onboard�demo�of�traditional�Hanoi�cooking�at�our�anchorage�near�Ho Dong Tien.�

Then,�after�‘Happy�Hour’ and�a�sumptuous�seafood�dinner,�we�can�try�our�hand�at�squid�fishing,�or�take�in�a�movie�on�the�Lounge�Deck,�before�retiring�to�our�cabins�for�the�night.

Thursday�7 Halong to Hanoi Wakey-wakey,�Kiwis:�a�brand�new�day�has�begun�– and�a�hot�cup�of�tea�plus�some�brisk�tai-chi

(for�those�in�need�of�a�stretch)�is�happening�out�on�deck.�Later,�after�a�light�breakfast,�we�up-anchor�and�continue�our�oh-so-leisurely�cruise�– passing�more�picture-postcard-gorgeous�locations,�and�going�ashore�on�Sung Sot Island to�explore�some�colourful�limestone�caves.�

Following�a�fresh’n’healthy�buffet�brunch�we�sail�back�to�Halong City,�for�our�return-coach-trip�to�Hanoi.�We�have�some�free�time�this�afternoon�– then�tonight:�dinner�together�at�a�popular�foodie-joint.

Friday�8 next stop: Danang & Hoi An This�morning,�we�make�our�way�to�the�airport,�fly�south�to�Danang (one-time�fishing�village,�

now�Vietnam’s�4th-largest�city),�and�get�taxied�to�the�charming�old�riverside�town�of�Hoi An – a�UNESCO�World�Heritage�Site:�once�a�major�Asian�trading�port,�now�a�bustling�tourist�hotspot.�

4

Sightseeing: Red�River�Delta

Harbour Cruise: Halong�Bay�on�the�Bhaya�Classic

Meals: B,�L,�D

Harbour Cruise: Halong�Bay�on�the�Bhaya�Classic

Hotel: Intercontinental�Westlake

Meals: B,�L,�D

Flight: Hanoi�to�Danang (to be advised)

Halong Bay

Page 5: 22 - WordPress.com · unforgettable taste of. Indochina. ... used to be North Vietnam … then we [ll head south, via the laidback coastal resort of Hoi An, to Saigon, now called

After�lunch�at�a�local�restaurant,�we�enjoy�a�walking�tour�through�the�ancient�town�centre�… eyeballing�the�sites�of�former�merchants’ homes,�a�Hokkien Temple (for�the�Fukien�Chinese�Congregation),�a�400-year-old�Japanese Covered Bridge,�and�an�ancient�pagoda.�We�might�also�get�to�see�locals�raising�wriggly�silkworms�for�the�textile�industry.�

Then�we�have�time�to�go�souvenir-shopping�in�one�of�Southeast�Asia’s�most�colourful�local�marketplaces�… or�choose�a�dress/gown/jacket/trousers/suit�to�be�tailor-made�overnight�by�Hoi�An’s�famous�garment industry.�Overnight? Yep,�that’s�what�the�resident�experts�specialise�in�here�– with�fashion�and�quality�to�match!�(Just�wait�and�see�…)

Meanwhile,�you’ll�be�getting�hungry�– right?�So�you�might�like�to�try�dinner�this�evening�at�our�beautiful�beach�resort/hotel�(where�we’ll�be�for�the�next�three�nights).�Your�call�…

Saturday�9 make your own Vietnamese lunch This�morning,�for�something�totally�different,�we�experience�a�little�hands-on�learning!�It�starts�

with�a�personally-guided�tour�with�a�top�chef�from�the�Red Bridge Restaurant through�the�Hoi�An�Food�Market�… where�we’re�allowed�to�help�select�the�products�we�need�to�make�our�own�lunch,�while�taking�in�the�amazing�marketplace�sights,�sounds�and�aromas.

Then�we�board�a�water-taxi�for�a�leisurely�25-minute�chug-a-lug�along�the�Tu�Bon�River�to�the�legendary�Red Bridge Cooking School.�Here,�under�the�watchful�eye�of�the�chef,�we�learn�– with�lots�of�audience�participation,�plus�hooting,�laughing�and�guffawing�– how�to�prepare�specialty�Hoi�An�dishes,�before�sitting�down�and�eating�our�own�delicious�concoctions!�Then�we�chug-a-lug�back�to�Hoi An for�dinner�on�our�own,�if�we’re�still�hungry!

Sunday�10� a day-off in Hoi An Lucky�us:�we�have�a�relaxed�start�today,�with�time�to�sleep�in�and�enjoy�a�posh�breakfast.�

Then�the�rest�of�the�day�FREE�– to�wander�the�tropical�gardens�of�our�resort/hotel�(five�palm-smothered�acres�spread�along�a�220-metre�stretch�of�the�Cua Dai Beach) … or�cool-off�in�the�pool�(don’t�forget�your�bikini,�snorkel-&-goggles,�kayak�and�rubber-ducky)�… or�go�sightseeing/pottering/meandering/shopping/whatever-takes-your-fancy�in�lovely�Hoi An.�

Monday�11� Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City This�morning�we�must�drag�ourselves�away�from�this�gorgeous�place�and�transfer�to�Danang

airport�in�time�for�our�southbound�flight�to�dynamic�Ho Chi Minh City (still�called�Saigon by�many�locals).�We’ve�got�three�nights�here�in�a�spectacular�hotel�in�this�crowded,�historic�South�Vietnamese�city.�And�this�evening?�We’re�on�our�own�for�another�yummy�dinner.�

“Eat, drink and be merry … for tomorrow we diet!” (Well,�maybe�not�tomorrow�– but�when�we�get�home,�perhaps?)�

5

Sightseeing: Hoi�An� Walking�Tour

Hotel: Palm�Garden�Beach�Resort

Meals: B,�L

Sightseeing: on�your�own

Hotel: Palm�Garden�Beach�Resort

Meals: B

Red Bridge Cooking School: Hoi�An� (most�of�the�day)

Hotel: Palm�Garden�Beach�Resort

Meals: B,�L

Flight: Danang�to� Ho�Chi�Minh�City (to be advised)

Hotel: The�Reverie�Saigon

Meals: B

Japanese Covered Bridge

Page 6: 22 - WordPress.com · unforgettable taste of. Indochina. ... used to be North Vietnam … then we [ll head south, via the laidback coastal resort of Hoi An, to Saigon, now called

Tuesday�12� on foot in what used to be Saigon Today,�after�breakfast,�we�enjoy�a�walking�tour�of�Ho�Chi�Minh�City's�historic�landmarks�– like�

the�Reunification Palace and�the�Notre Dame Cathedral – including�a�stop�at�the�Rex Hotel for�a�refreshing�drink�at�the�rooftop�bar�where�the�U.S.�Military�held�their�infamous�‘Five�O'Clock�Follies’ during�the�war.�We�then�visit�the�War Remnants Museum and�bustling�Ben Thanh Market – where�we�can�spend�some�of�our�leftover�dong.�

Finally,�tonight�(how’s�your�waist-line?):�some�more�authentic�Vietnamese�cuisine!

Wednesday�13 underground in the Cu Chi Tunnels� After�breakfast,�we�drive�out�through�the�city�past�vast�rubber-plantations�for�yet�another�

unforgettable�experience:�the�Cu Chi Tunnels,�a�remarkable�193km-long�network�of�underground�bunkers�and�passageways�used�by�the�communist�forces�(Viet�Cong)�to�supply�their�soldiers�in�the�south�during�the�long�struggle�for�independence�that�they�remember�as�the�‘American�War’. (If�you’re�feeling�brave,�you�can�even�try�some�tunnel-crawling�yourself!)

Enjoy�free�time�this�afternoon�and�evening.�Consider�stopping�for�a�drink�at�the�famous�rooftop�bar�at�the�Caravelle�Hotel.�

Thursday�14� our Mekong Cruise begins! Following�another�slap-up�breakfast�(weetbix�and�toast?)�we�transfer�to�the�port�on�the�Saigon�

River�where�we�get�welcomed�aboard�the�Avalon Siem Reap – to�start�our�long-anticipated�cruise�up�the�mighty�Mekong.�

There�are�few�tapestries�of�river�life�as�fascinating�and�varied�as�the�Mekong.�And�it’s�hard�to�imagine�a�more�striking�cultural�contrast�than�what�we’re�about�to�witness:�the�bustling�Vietnam Delta vs.�the�tranquillity�of�Cambodia.�

We�have�the�chance�to�get�acquainted�with�our�floating�hotel�before�a�mouth-watering�meal�is�served�on�board.�Then�our�ship�motors�out�into�the�current,�heading�for�Vinh�Long

Oh�boy,�this�is�what�we’ve�been�waiting�for,�Kiwis�– let�the�pampering�begin!�

Friday�15� Cruising: Vinh Long to Cu Lao Gieng

This�morning,�after�overnighting�and�being�rocked�to�sleep�on�the�Avalon Siem Reap,�we�transfer�to�a�sampan�for�a�scenic�cruise�to�Vinh Long – where�a�local�workshop�waits�ready�to�show�us�how�rice�paper,�rice�wine,�and�traditional�candies�are�made.��

Later,�after�lunch�back�on�the�ship,�we�hop�into�another�sampan�and�enjoy�scenes�of�daily�life�along�the�river�near�Cu Lao Gieng – stopping,�first,�at�a�workshop�where�a�skilled�family�works�together�to�hand-craft�sampans�for�a�living�… and�second,�at�a�local�home�where�a�family�

6

Sightseeing: Ho�Chi�Minh� Walking�Tour

Hotel: The�Reverie�Saigon

Meals: B,�D

Sightseeing: Cu�Chi�Tunnels

Hotel: The�Reverie�Saigon�

Meals: B

Mekong Cruise: Registration,�Check-In�&�Departure

Meals: B,�L,�D

Mekong Cruise: Scenic�Vinh�Long�sampan�cruise

Cu�Lao�Gieng�workshop�&�home�visit

Meals: B,�L,�D

Cu Chi Tunnels

Page 7: 22 - WordPress.com · unforgettable taste of. Indochina. ... used to be North Vietnam … then we [ll head south, via the laidback coastal resort of Hoi An, to Saigon, now called

weaves�classic�conical�hats�(called�‘non la’).�Then�we�ride�a�specially-designed�motor-cart�to�view�one�of�Vietnam’s�oldest�Catholic�churches.�

Saturday�16 Cruising: Chau Doc to Long Khong A After�a�scrummy�breakfast,�we�go�ashore�for�a�walk�through�the�local�market�of�Chau Loc –

absorbing�the�sights�and�the�atmosphere�as�busy�locals�go�about�buying�and�selling�their�fish,�meat�and�produce.�We�then�join�a�sampan�excursion�down�the�backwaters�of�the�Mekong�to�religious�sites�at�the�base�of�Sam Mountain.�Along�the�way,�we�pass�traditional�floating�homes,�speedboat�merchants,�a�market�selling�dried�goods,�and�more.�

Then,�after�lunch�back�on�deck,�we�transfer�by�sampan�to�the�village�of�Long Khong A�for�a�local�home-grown�demo�of�the�region’s�well-preserved�tradition:�cotton-weaving.�

Finally,�returning�to�the�ship,�we�cast�off�for�the�Cambodian border – where�we�practice�saying�“Suo s’day!” (hello)�with�palms�together�and�head�bowed�… go�through�the�usual�customs�formalities�… and�collect�our�Cambodian�Visas.�

Sunday�17 Cruising: Phnom Penh – palaces & pagodas “Bonjour�mes�amis!” Cambodia’s�capital�retains�its�French�charm�to�this�day,�and�sailing�into�

Phnom Penh past�the�Royal�Palace�and�busy�corniche�is�a�highlight�on�any�Mekong�voyage.�We�moor�right�in�the�city-centre,�and�this�morning�enjoy�another�cyclo-tour. The�private�quarters�of�the�Royal Palace are�home�to�King�Sihanouk�and�his�family�and,�therefore,�closed�to�the�public.�We�are,�however,�able�to�visit�the�famous�Silver Pagoda,�the�most�sacred�temple�in�the�country�(which�probably�explains�why�it�was�spared�destruction�by�the�Khmer�Rouge),�plus�the�National Museum,�featuring�an�outstanding�display�of�Khmer�artifacts.�

The�remainder�of�the�day�is�at�our�leisure�to�enjoy�the�city.�Then,�just�before�dinner,�children�from�a�local�orphanage�will�put�on�a�delightful�song-&-dance�show�just�for�us!

Monday�18 Cruising: Phnom Penh & the Killing Fields

The�bloody�rule�of�the�Khmer Rouge is�a�painful,�but�unavoidable,�part�of�Cambodia's�recent�history.�And�our�visit�this�morning�will�confront�us�with�a�tragic�story�we’re�not�likely�to�forget�in�a�hurry.�

Under�the�vicious�Pol Pot regime,�the�Tuol�Seng�Genocide�Museum�(previously�a�former�high�school)�housed�over�17,000�political�prisoners.�Fewer�than�15�of�them�survived�the�torture�and�avoided�being�sent�to�the�Killing�Fields�– where�more�than�200,000�Cambodians�were�eventually�put�to�death.�

After�lunch�back�on�board�the�Avalon Siem Reap,�we�depart�Phnom�Penh�and�enjoy�some�relaxing�leisure-time�and�scenic-viewing�from�the�top�deck.�

7

Mekong Cruise: Visit�to�Chau�Loc�farmers�market

Long�Khong�A�cotton-weaving�demo

Meals: B,�L,�D

Mekong Cruise: Cyclo�tour�of�Phnom�Penh

Children’s�show:�song-&-dance

Meals: B,�L,�D

Mekong Cruise: Tuol�Seng�Genocide�Museum

Meals: B,�L,�D

Silver Pagoda

Page 8: 22 - WordPress.com · unforgettable taste of. Indochina. ... used to be North Vietnam … then we [ll head south, via the laidback coastal resort of Hoi An, to Saigon, now called

Tuesday�19 Cruising: Wat Hanchey to Angkor Ban We�continue�our�cruise�upriver�this�morning�to�the�hilltop�pre-Angkorian�temples�of�Wat

Hanchey.�Dating�from�the�8th�century,�these�ancient�brick�structures�(which�predate�even�the�glories�of�Angkor)�display�the�architecture�of�the�Chenla�Empire.�

Note: the climb to Wat Hanchey features a steep incline. If you feel you’re unable to make the climb, you’ll be driven to the top by car.

We�partake�in�a�traditional�water-blessing�given�by�local�monks.�Then,�after�lunch,�we�take�a�walk�through�the�rural�village�of�Angkor Ban,�visiting�authentic�Khmer�houses�and�a�local�school,�where�we�have�time�to�interact�with�the�kids.�(Feel free to bring some little gifts …)

Wednesday�20 Cruising: Konpong Louang & Kampong Tralach to Tonle Sap

We�start�our�sightseeing�today�at�the�silversmith�village�of�Konpong Louang,�where�we�watch�talented�craftsmen�using�age-old�techniques�to�turn�pure�silver�into�works�of�art.�Then�we�continue�on�to�Kampong Tralach for�an�ox-cart�ride�past�rice�paddy�fields�in�the�beautiful�Cambodian�countryside,�meeting�a�local�farmer�on�the�way�and�learning�about�his�daily�life.

This�afternoon,�after�lunching�back�on�board,�we�head�up�the�Tonle�River�which�connects�the�Mekong�and�Bassac�Rivers�with�the�Tonle Sap (Great�Lake).�After�the�rainy�season,�this�massive�body�of�water�can�cover�around�26,000�square�kilometres�– the�perfect�breeding�ground�for�fish,�which�play�a�vital�role�in�providing�food�for�people�living�on�and�around�the�lake.�The�area�boasts�a�rich�tapestry�of�rural�villages,�temples�and�markets.�As�we�wind�our�way�through�jungle�the�river�narrows,�and�we�can�almost�reach�out�and�touch�the�locals�who�come�to�cheer�us�on.�(Note: If water-levels are too low, we may have to do this trip by coach.)

Thursday�21 goodbye Avalon cruise – hello Siem Reap We�bid�a�sad�“Leah hai!” (goodbye)�to�the�crew�of�the�Avalon Siem Reap�this�morning�…

disembark�… and�transfer�to�the�airport.�But�it�ain’t�over�yet,�folks,�because�we’ve�got�lots�more�exploring�to�do.�Dusty,�congested,�disorganised�Siem�Reap�(you�have�been�warned!)�sits�on�the�northern�edge�of�Tonle Sap – a�vast�shallow�lake�(more�than�150km�in�length)�renowned�for�its�prolific�birdlife�and�endlessly�fascinating�fishing�villages.

Buried�deep�in�the�jungles�around�the�town�of�Siem Reap are�the�world-famous�temples�of�ancient�Angkor – considered�by�many�to�be�the�most�spectacular�architectural�ruins�on�Earth!�In�fact,�only�Egypt’s�Nile�Valley�can�compare�to�this�vast�array�of�ancient�monuments.�The�city�of�Angkor�served�as�the�royal�centre�(between�802�and�1350AD)�from�which�a�dynasty�of�Khmer�Kings�ruled�one�of�the�largest,�most�prosperous�and�sophisticated�kingdoms�in�the�history�of�Southeast�Asia.�In�short,�the�ancient�Angkor Empire�was�BIG!�

Fasten�your�seatbelts,�ladies�and�gentlemen,�because�after�lunch�we�climb�aboard�motorised�

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Mekong Cruise: Visit�to� Wat�Hanchey

Walking�tour�of�Angkor�Ban�village

Meals: B,�L,�D

Mekong Cruise: Visit�to� Konpong�Louang,�silversmith�village

Ox-cart�ride�to�Kampong�Tralach

Sightseeing�cruise�on�Tonle�River

Meals: B,�L,�D

Flight: Phnom�Penh�to�Siem�Reap (to be advised)

Sightseeing: Tuk-tuk�tour�of�

Angkor�Wat

Angkor�Thom�&� Bayon�temples

Hotel: Park�Hyatt�Siem�Reap

Meals: B,�L

Tonle Sap Shoreline

Page 9: 22 - WordPress.com · unforgettable taste of. Indochina. ... used to be North Vietnam … then we [ll head south, via the laidback coastal resort of Hoi An, to Saigon, now called

tuk-tuks to�begin�our�exploration:

Angkor Wat – the�fabulous�main�temple�in�the�area,�listed�as�the�Seventh�Wonder�of�the�World.�Visually,�architecturally�and�artistically�breathtaking,�this�is�a�massive�three-tiered�pyramid,�more�than�a�kilometer�square,�ringed�by�a�huge�moat,�and�crowned�by�five�lotus-like�towers�rising�65�metres�into�the�air.�Its�endless�walls�are�smothered�in�beautiful�apsara carvings�(dancing�nymphs�and�goddesses)�and�extraordinary�bas-reliefs,�depicting�stories�and�characters�from�Hindu�mythology�and�the�legendary�wars�of�Suryavarman�II�… ��

Angkor Thom,�with�its�huge�statues�depicting�the�churning�of�the�ocean�of�milk�…

Bayon Temple, unique�for�its�54�towers�decorated�with�over�200�smiling�faces�of�Avolokitesvara�… the�Royal�Enclosure�… Phimeanakas�… the�Elephants�Terrace�… and�the�Terrace�of�the�Leper�King�…

The�evening�is�yours�to�explore�charming�Siem�Reap,�or�to�witness�the�sunset�at�Angkor�Wat.�

Friday�22 more Angkor temples� On�our�final�day�in�Indochina,�we�add�some�more�temple-wonders�to�our�must-see�list.�Like�

what?�Well,�like:

Ta Prohm (Jungle�Temple)�where�massive�fig�and�silk-cotton�trees�spread�from�the�broken�ruins,�towers�and�corridors,�offering�a�weirdly�overgrown�atmosphere�…

Banteay Srey – the�delicate,�smaller-scale�‘Citadel�of�the�Women’ with�its�deep�and�detailed�carvings�in�glowing�red�sandstone.

En�route�we�stop�at�a�local�village�famous�for�making�Khmer�noodles�by�hand.�Later,�the�afternoon�is�at�leisure�– and�this�evening,�a�private�Apsara Dance�Performance�brings�ancient�Khmer�culture�to�life�through�music,�song,�and�dance.�Count�on�it:�your�head�will�still�be�spinning�long�after�you’ve�gone�to�bed�tonight!

Sat�23/Sun�24 home again, home again … The�time�has�come�(the�walrus�said)�to�pack�our�bags,�check�out�of�our�hotel�rooms,�and�make�

tracks�to�the�airport�for�our�home-bound�flight.�We’ve�travelled�so�far�… done�so�much�… seen�more�than�we�can�possibly�remember!�But�all�good�things�some�to�an�end�– and�we�land�back�in�New�Zealand�with�untold�stories�to�tell,�countless�photographs,�and�a�contact-list�of�fun-loving�Mad�Midlife�friends!

Is everybody happy? You bet your life we are!

Angkor Temple – Ta Prohm

9

Sightseeing: More�Angkor�temples:�

Ta�Prohm

Banteay�Srey

Apsara�Dance�performance

Hotel: Park�Hyatt�Siem�Reap�

Meals: B,�D

Flight SQ5001: to�Singapore depart�10:40am arrive�2:15pm

Flight SQ4283: to�Auckland depart�6:40pm arrive�9:30am (Sunday morning)

Meals: B

MEALS B�=�Breakfast L�=�Lunch D�=�Dinner