During your voyage, enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the world’s most fascinating destinations in smaller, private groups, with knowledgeable guides to help you discover off –the-beaten- path gems.
Discover the shophouses, temples and French colonial buildings of Hoi An's ancient town before flying to Siem Reap to experience the magnificent Angkor Wat. This temple complex in Cambodia was built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. The temple is at the top of the high classical style of Khmer architecture and has become a symbol of Cambodia.
Special Note: This program is quite busy with lots of walking at times over uneven ground. For these reasons is not recommended for guests with mobility issues or who use a wheelchair, walker or cane. Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.
DAY 1 - April 8, 2022
After spending the morning on the ship, disembark in Chan May at noon (make sure to eat a hearty brunch or lunch before you go) and travel to Da Nang city. Here you will visit the Cham Museum, where you can see many ancient stone objects carved by the Cham people. Continue on towards the ancient town of Hoi An where you will check into your quaint hotel in the heart of this charming river town.
Hoi An Historic Hotel occupies lush and spacious grounds in the heart of the old town. It is the ideal place to stay due to its close proximity to the town’s attractions and colorful night life.
A light snack and refreshment is included following check-in. You will have some time to freshen up before meeting one of the chefs for a tour of the Tra Que Vegetable Village. Walk through the market gardens where local farmers work their fields using the traditional methods used hundreds of years ago.
Back at your hotel’s restaurant you will work together with the chef to prepare a typical Vietnamese meal. After your cooking lesson you will enjoy the fruits of your labor while watching a local show of Cham dances.
After dinner you may wish to retire or perhaps venture into the old town to experience the night scene. When the sun sets, the pedestrian-friendly streets of Hoi An transform into a vibrant display of traditional lanterns, folk dance performances, and lit candles floating down Thu Bon River. Many of the trendy bistros, cafés, bars, artistic lounges, and live music venues stay open until 3:00am!
DAY 2 – April 9, 2022
Early this morning, join a Tai Chi class and learn of the various graceful postures and movements while focusing on your breathing. This combination creates a state of relaxation and calm. Preliminary evidence suggests that Tai Chi may offer numerous other benefits beyond stress reduction including anxiety and depression reduction, improved balance, flexibility and muscle strength, lowering of blood pressure, relieving chronic pain and increasing energy, endurance and agility. What a great way to start the day!
After breakfast, check out and walk through the pretty river town of Hoi An which his recognized as a World Heritage Site. This town has remained unchanged for centuries. Along the way you will see the Japanese Covered Bridge, Ancient House and the Sea Goddess Temple.
One of the highlights of visiting Hoi An is the vibrant market where after lunch you will have about an hour to wander and perhaps pick up a few souvenirs.
Next, transfer to the Da Nang airport for the flight to Angkor Wat. A Cambodian visa will be arranged upon arrival in Siem Reap; therefore, you will need to bring one passport size photo with you. Once the visa is processed, you will meet with your guide and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day and dinner are at your leisure.
DAY 3 – April 10, 2022
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Angkor Wat. This is the highest and most magnificent temple in Cambodia and is sure not to disappoint. Originally constructed as a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Vishnu for the Khmer Empire, it was gradually transformed into a Buddhist temple towards the end of the 12th century. Today it is considered the largest religious monument in the world.
Next drive to Bantey Srei, the beautiful “Women’s Citadel,” located 32km from Siem Reap town. This is the last major Khmer temple to be re-discovered in Cambodia.
After lunch at a local restaurant you will visit the Angkor Thom Complex and the South Gate of Angkor Thom - one of the main and beautiful access gates to the temples. You will see Bayon Temple which is one of the most impressive and mysterious temples emerging from the jungle - crowned with lotus flowers and dominated by 200 gigantic stone faces. Next you will move on to see the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King.
Another highlight is a visit to the famous Ta Prohm Temple, known for its forest atmosphere with enormous fig trees. This temple looks just as it did when the first European explorer arrived. You may recognize it as it’s also the location of many scenes filmed for Angelina Jolie’s blockbuster movie, Tomb Raider.
Following your unforgettable exploration of the temples, you will return to the hotel to freshen up before the evening’s entertainment. Transfer to a local restaurant for dinner and then a short drive will take you to the show known as Phare or “Brightness of Art.” The performance beautifully blends theatre, dance, contortion and acrobatics, set to a musical score that transcends traditional and contemporary Cambodian music. Phare is an extravaganza that will surely delight you and leave a lasting memory.
Return to your hotel for the evening.
Note: During the visit of the temples, visitors should wear shirts or blouses covering your shoulders and arms and long skirts or trousers covering your legs (Miniskirts and shorts are not permitted).
DAY 4 – April 11, 2022
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out and transferring to the Siem Reap airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Upon arrival will meet your tour guide and transfer to the city center. Here, you will see the colonial-style central post office and the Notre Dame Church, evidence of the strength of Catholicism when the French occupied Vietnam from the end of 18th century.
After lunch, your next stop will be the former Presidential Palace, now known as Reunification Hall. It became famous when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its front gates on April 30, 1975, signaling the end of the Vietnam War. While here, you will tour the reception and dining rooms of the president’s quarters and the basement full of archaic American-made telecommunications equipment and strategic military maps lining the walls.
You will then drive to the lacquerware factory to watch artisans create lacquer paintings and wood carvings. Another glimpse into local life awaits you by visiting Binh Tay market and an 18th-century Chinese-built temple with huge statues of sea goddesses.
In time you will drive to the port of Ho Chi Minh City and re-join the ship.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
Day 1
1200pm Disembark from ship and drive to Da Nang city
1:15pm Visit the Cham Museum
2:00pm Drive to Hoi An and check in to your hotel
2:45pm Light snack and refreshments after check in (fruit / drink or similar)
4:00pm Drive to Tra que Vegetable Village – walk through the market
5:00pm Cooking class and then dinner and show
Overnight at the Hoi An Historic Hotel or similar hotel
Day 2 – timings may vary depending on actual flight details
7:00am Learn the art of Tai Chi with an instructor
8:00am Breakfast at the hotel and check out
11:00am Walk through Hoi An
11:15am Visit the old town – market, temples, bridge
12:45pm Walk to a local restaurant
1:00pm Lunch
2:00pm Free time to wander the market
3:30pm Transfer to the Danang Airport for the flight to Siem Reap
6:25pm Flight from Danang to Siem Reap (flight details TBA and subject to change)
8:25pm Arrive in Siem Reap, go through Customs, Cambodian visas will be arranged at the airport
9:00pm Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in
9:30pm Arrive at your hotel, dinner on own
Overnight at the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor or similar hotel
Day 3
7:00am Breakfast at the hotel
7:45am Transfer to Angkor Wat and visit the Temple
10:20am Drive to Banteay Srei and visit
12:00pm Return to Siem Reap for lunch at a local restaurant
1:00pm Lunch
2:00pm Drive to Angkor Thom and visit the Southern Gate, Bayon complex, Elephants Terrace and Terrace of the Leper King
3:30pm Visit Ta Phrom
4:45pm Return to your hotel to freshen up
6:00pm Transfer to a local restaurant for dinner
7:40pm Drive to the venue for the Phare Cambodian Circus performance
9:00pm Return to your hotel
Overnight at the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor or similar hotel
Day 4 – timings may vary depending on actual flight details
7:00am Breakfast at hotel
8:00am Check-out and transfer to the airport
8:30am Check-in for flight to Ho Chi Minh City
10:30am Flight to Saigon (flight details TBA and subject to change – direct flights are not guaranteed)
11:45am Arrive, proceed through customs and meet your guide
12:00pm Ho Chi Minh City tour
12:30pm Photo stops at Notre Dame Church and the old Post Office
1:00pm Lunch at a local restaurant
2:15pm Depart for Reunification Palace and visit
3:15pm Drive to a lacquerware factory and visit
4:00pm Drive to Chinatown and visit the temple and market
5:35pm Drive to the port
6:00pm Rejoin the ship
Expected Weather:
Cambodia's climate can generally be described as tropical with seasonal monsoons. There are two distinct seasons, the rainy and dry. Temperatures during the rainy season, between June and October, average 81-95°F (27-35°C). The dry season is characterized by cool months, November to February, with temperatures averaging 63-81°F (17-27°C) and hot months, from March till May, which sees temperature range between 84-100°F (29-38°C).
What to Bring:
Light clothing made from natural fibers is the best clothing for the region along with good walking shoes
and a hat and sunscreen. Women visitors are not expected to wear skirts, but miniskirts and revealing
shorts may not be viewed as 'polite'. The best plan is to dress modestly like the locals do. Bring sandals
or slip-ons to take off easily when entering temples. A small collapsible umbrella is sensible for the rainy
season.
Water: Avoid tap water and drinks with ice in them. Drink mineral water and drinks in sealed containers. Water at the hotels in both Singapore and Siem Reap is potable.
Local Currency:
The Riel is the local currency, but the US Dollar is widely accepted and used in most transactions in
Cambodia. Credit cards, travellers cheques, foreign currencies are accepted in hotels and major banks. It is recommended to carry US Dollars in small denomination notes when shopping in the markets.
Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz. We suggest bringing your own travel adaptor if you will have electronic devices.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required
Guests should have a multiple entry Vietnam Visa for the cruise which will be applicable upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City.
VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
Please also make sure to bring an extra passport photo for the Cambodian Visa which is included in the cost of this program. The Visa will be issued when you arrive in Siem Reap.
Luggage Weight Restrictions:
Light luggage would be most suited for this 3-night trip. Please note that the airlines allow a maximum of 1 checked suitcase (20kg or 44lbs) and one small carry on (7kg). Any additional pieces will be paid to the airline at the guests’ expenses
Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)
1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.
2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)
3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at OCI at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).
4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Oceania Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.
Hotel address:
Hoi An Historic Hotel
10 Tr?n Hung Ð?o, Son Phong, H?i An, Qu?ng Nam, Vietnam
Phone: +84 235 3861 445
Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor
1 Vithei Charles de Gaulle Khum Svay Dang Kum SIEM REAP, 17251, Cambodia
Phone: +855 63 963
*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards. If you are not notified of any changes before your sailing, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in the program.
Program Includes for guests:
•1 night at the Hoi An Historic Hotel or similar including breakfast (Deluxe room)
•2 nights at Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor or similar hotel including breakfast (Landmark room)
•Economy class flights Da Nang – Siem Reap – Siem Reap – Ho Chi Minh City – direct flights not guaranteed
•Transfers
•All touring, entrance fees, cooking class, Tai Chi class as per the above itinerary
•Phare Circus in Siem Reap, private Cham show in Hoi An
•English speaking guide on all tours
•Angkor pass
•Meals as indicated in the program including 1 glass of wine or beer or soft drink for lunches or dinners
•Fresh water on tour busses
•Cambodian Visa fee (Note: Your passport must be valid at least 6 months after departure date from Cambodia and you must bring 1 passport sized photo)
Program Excludes for guests:
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar
•Any beverages or meals not listed above
•Gratuities to drivers and guides
•Personal Expenses
•Excess or overweight luggage fees
•Vietnam Visa
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
