Experience the diversity of Vietnam by exploring the temples and markets of urban Ho Chi Minh City and then river life in the rural Mekong Delta, where you will enjoy a boat cruise and interacting with local villagers.

Special Note: 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 14, 2024

After disembarking the cruise ship in Nha Trang, you will tour the city, first stopping at Ponagar Tower. The ruling Cham people built the tower complex about 1,000 years ago to honor several Hindu goddesses.

Continuing on, you will visit the Buddhist temple Long Son atop one of the foothills of the mountains that overlook the city. Although the temple’s towering white Buddha on a lotus throne can be seen as you drive through Nha Trang, it is much more impressive up close.

One last stop will be made at the bustling open-air Dam Market before heading to the airport to catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arriving in the city, which was once known as Saigon, you will visit the former Presidential Palace. Now a museum, the palace was where the North Vietnamese Army tank famously crashed through its gate during the Fall of Saigon in 1975.

Continuing on, you will pause for photos at the colonial-style Central Post Office and nearby Notre Dame Cathedral, one of the few Catholic institutions in largely Buddhist Vietnam.

You will also have the opportunity to shop in the city; first in a lacquerware factory where you may watch the local artisans create beautiful lacquer-coated products, and next at Ben Thanh Market. The market is an architectural landmark that carries every imaginable type of merchandise.

After browsing the shops, you will transfer to the Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon or similar and check in. The remainder of the day with be at your leisure with dinner on your own.

DAY 2: April 15, 2024

Following breakfast at the hotel and check out, you will settle in for a picturesque drive through the countryside to the Mekong Riverside Hotel, your accommodations in the Mekong Delta. Crisscrossed with rivers, the delta is Vietnam’s prime fishing area and many of the people live right on the waterways.

Following a traditional lunch at the resort, you will spend the next few hours at your leisure. You might meander through the resort’s organic vegetable garden, take a refreshing swim in the pool, bicycle and kayak. If you would rather just relax, feel free to gaze out over the river and simply observe everyday life.

Late in the afternoon, you may participate in a hands-on cooking class. Dinner follows, during which you will be treated to a performance of traditional delta music that is considered a form of modern folk opera.

You will then spend the evening at the Mekong Riverside Resort.

DAY 3: April 16, 2024

After breakfast at the resort, you will enjoy an early-morning boat cruise to the Cai Be Floating Market. It is particularly bustling this time of day and the experience of watching the local merchants and residents will be enlightening, as the market presents a genuine slice of local life.

You will also have the opportunity to explore the villages on the island there. The guide may introduce you to some of the residents, who will likely offer samples of local fruit and freely discuss the details of a typical day on the river. Elsewhere in the village, you will drop by a store that produces various candies.

Back at the resort, you will enjoy a full lunch before checking out and proceeding to the port in Ho Chi Minh City to join the cruise ship.

Land Program Step by Step

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 flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with updated details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once flights are confirmed. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

Day 1

8:00am Disembark the ship in Nha Trang and depart for downtown

8:20am Visit Ponagar Tower

9:00am Drive to and visit Long Son Pagoda

9:40am Drive to and visit the Dam Market

10:15am Transfer to the Nha Trang airport

12:25pm Fly from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City (flight details TBA and subject to change)

1:35pm Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City

2:00pm Transfer downtown

2:30pm Visit the Presidential Palace

3:30pm Photo stop at the Central Post Office and Notre Dame Church

3:50pm Drive to and visit a lacquerware factory

4:40pm Drive to and visit the Ben Thanh Market

6:00pm Check in at your hotel with free time

Dinner follows at a local restaurant

Overnight at the Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon or a similar hotel

Day 2

8:00am Breakfast at your hotel

9:30am Check out from the hotel

10:00am Drive to the Mekong Delta

1:00pm Enjoy lunch and check in at your resort

3:00pm Free time for leisure activities

5:00pm Cooking class and sunset on the river

7:00pm Dinner and musical performance at the resort

Overnight at the Mekong Riverside Resort or similar

Day 3

6:00am Boat ride to the Cai Be Floating Market

7:00am Breakfast at your resort

8:30am Cruise the Mekong Delta

11:45am Lunch and check out

1:00pm Drive to the port of Ho Chi Minh City

3:30pm Re-board the ship

Expected Weather

It is typically 30 – 35 C (80-90 F) with very little shade.

What to Bring

Dress comfortably and casually but observe the local dress codes. Please avoid uncovered shoulders, shorts or revealing clothing. Trousers or pants covering the knees must be worn when visiting temples. Although dinners are not formal, you may want to wear nice clothing.

Bring a hat or a head covering for sun protection and don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses and bug spray, especially mosquito repellent for sunrise and sunset hours. Also, bring a small packet of tissues or wet wipes.

Wear flat comfortable walking shoes. Guests must remove their footwear and hats when visiting religious sites.

Local Currency

Currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND). Vendors will also accept USD in small denominations.

Electricity

220 volts. Bring a travel adaptor for electronic devices.

Luggage

Light luggage is most suitable. The airlines allow a maximum of 1 checked suitcase (20 kg or 44lbs) and one small carry-on. Additional pieces will be paid to the airline at the guests’ expense.

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.

Documents and Visa Requirements

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required.

VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any required visas 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 names. 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.

Hotels

Renaissance Riverside Saigon

8-15 Ton Duc Thang Street, Dist 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Mekong Riverside Resort

Cai Be District, Tien Giang Province, Vietnam

Please Note: If similar hotels are required due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be of equal ratings and standards and guests would be notified in advance of any changes. If you are not notified of changes in advance of travel, then you will be staying at the hotels listed above.

Program Includes for guests:

•1 night at Renaissance Riverside Saigon Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City or similar hotel - Deluxe room

•1 night at the Mekong Riverside Resort in Mekong or similar hotel – River View room

•Two breakfasts

•Two lunches, each with one local beer, one mineral water or one soft drink

•One dinner with one local beer, one house wine, one mineral water or one soft drink

•Transfers and sightseeing on air-conditioned buses as indicated in the itinerary

•Cool water on the buses

•Private boat in Mekong Delta

•English-speaking guide throughout

•Economy-class flight from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh City

Program Excludes for guests:

•Any meals or drinks not specified above

•Personal expenses and hotel incidentals including hotel mini bar

•Gratuities to drivers and guides

•Excess or overweight luggage on the flights

•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 that may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel and 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 program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.

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 a 100% cancellation penalty.

Experience the magnificent Angkor Wat, a temple complex in Cambodia, built for King Suryavarman II in the early 12th century as his state temple and capital city. As the best-preserved temple at the site, it is the only one to have remained a significant religious center since its foundation – first Hindu, dedicated to the god Vishnu, then Buddhist. The temple has become a symbol of Cambodia, appearing on its national flag, and is the country's prime attraction for visitors.

Please note:

-There is extensive walking at the temple sites, with steps at Bayon and Angkor Wat and as such this program is not recommended for guests with mobility restrictions.

-Flight schedules are subject to change and thus the tour sequence may vary as a result

-A Cambodian visa is included in the tour and will be applied upon arrival at Siem Reap Airport

Special Note: 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:

Depart the ship in Nha Trang and transfer to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap via Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide who will assist with obtaining your Cambodian Visa. Next you will transfer to your hotel for check-in.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Later drive to a local restaurant where you will have dinner accompanied by a traditional performance. After dinner return to your hotel.

Day 2:

After breakfast at your hotel, head out with your guide to visit Angkor Wat - the highest and most magnificent temple in Cambodia. This huge temple was built by King Suryavarman as a Hinduist temple, his tomb located on the top tower.

Your guide will point out the best spots for taking photos of this massive temple complex as you walk amidst the moss-peppered cobbled pathways, gaze up at the intricately carved tower tops and perhaps climb the steep and narrow temple steps that lead to wide courtyards.

Next you will drive to Banteay Srei, the beautiful ‘Women’s Citadel’ located 32km from Siem Reap. This is the last major Khmer temple to be re-discovered in Cambodia. Your morning of adventure will be followed by lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon you will visit the Angkor Thom complex which includes the Southern Gate of Angkor Thom and the famous Bayon Complex whose giant stone faces have become one of the most recognizable images connected to classic Khmer art and architecture. The curious smiling faces are said to be the representation of King Jayavarman VII, the creator of Bayon Temple.

This visit is followed by a visits to the Elephants Terrace and Leper King and then to the famous Ta Prohm Temple, famous 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 huge blockbuster movie, Tomb Raider.

Return to your hotel where the remainder of the evening is at your leisure and dinner is on your own.

DAY 3

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then check out. Transfer to the Siem Reap Airport for a flight to

Ho Chi Minh City. You will be met and transferred to the port where you will re-join the ship.

Note: While visiting temples, ladies should wear shirts or blouses that cover the shoulders and arms and long skirts or trousers that cover the legs. Miniskirts and shorts are not permitted.

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. 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 – timings are subject to flight times once confirmed

10:15am Disembark the ship in Nha Trang and transfer to the Cam Ranh Airport for a flight to Siem Reap via Saigon

11:15am Arrive at the airport and check in

12:15pm Flight to Saigon (Flight details TBA and subject to change)

1:25pm Meet your guide and transfer to the international terminal for check-in for a flight to Siem Reap

5:30pm Arrive at Siem Reap airport, Cambodian visas will be arranged

Transfer to your hotel and check-in

7:00pm Drive to a local restaurant for dinner with show

9:00pm Return to your hotel

Overnight at Le Meridien Angkor or similar hotel

DAY 2

7:00am Buffet breakfast at your hotel

7:45am Drive to the Angkor Wat Temple

8:30am Visit the World Heritage Angkor Wat

10:20am Drive to Banteay Srei, the ‘Women’s Citadel’

11:00am Visit Banteay Srei

12:00pm Return to Siem Reap for lunch

1:00pm Lunch at a local restaurant

2:00pm Drive to the Angkor Thom complex

2:30pm Visit the Southern Gate, the Bayon Complex, the Elephants Terrace, and Leper King

3:30pm Drive to Ta Prohm

3:45pm Visit Ta Prohm Temple

4:45pm Return to your hotel

Dinner on your own

Overnight at Le Meridien Angkor or similar hotel

DAY 3 – timings are subject to flight times once confirmed

7:00am Breakfast your hotel

9:35am Transfer to the Siem Reap Airport

11:35am Flight from Siem Reap to Saigon (flight details TBA and subject to change)

1:05pm Arrival in Saigon – meet our local reps after customs and immigration

Transfer to the port to re-board the ship

2:30-3pm Approximate arrival to the port

Expected Weather:

Expect it to be 30 – 35 C (80-90 F) - it will be quite hot with very little shade

What to Bring:

On this tour the key words are comfortable and casual. Remember we are visiting a foreign country and local dress codes should be observed. Please avoid uncovered shoulders, shorts or revealing clothing. Trousers or pants covering the knees are required to be worn when visiting Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple. Although dinners are not formal, you may want to bring something nicer for that time of day.

Bring a hat or a head covering for sun protection and don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses and bug spray (you should have mosquito repellent for sunrise and sunset hours). It’s also a good idea to bring along a small packet of tissues or wet wipes. It is also suggested that guests wear flat comfortable walking shoes (not sandals or open toed shoes/flip flops). Guest are requested to take-off their footwear and hats when visiting religious sites.

Currency:

US dollars are popular and accepted everywhere.

Electricity:

220 Volts. We recommend bringing your own travel adaptor for electronic devices.

Luggage:

Light luggage would be most suited for this 2-night trip. Please note that the airlines allow a maximum of 1 checked suitcase (20 kg or 44lbs) and one small carry on. Any additional pieces will be paid to the airline at the guests’ expense.

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.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required

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.

Hotel addresses:

Le Meridien Hotel

Khum, Vithei, Charles De Gaulle, 17259, Cambodia

Phone: +855 63 963 900

*We will only substitute the hotel in unforeseen situations. If the hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotel listed in this program will be used.

Program Includes:

•2 nights at Le Meridien or similar hotel (standard double room)

•Two breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner - one local beer or one mineral water or one soft drink included with lunch and dinner

•Transfers and sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary using air-conditioned buses

•Bottled water will be provided on the buses

•English-speaking guide

•One day pass for the Angkor complex

•Economy class flights per the itinerary. Direct flights not guaranteed

•Cambodian Visa

Program Excludes:

•Any meals or drinks not specified above

•Personal expenses and hotel incidentals including hotel mini bar

•Gratuities to drivers and guides

•Vietnam Visa

•Excess or overweight luggage fees

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 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.