We invite you to join Brand g Vacations for a 13-day, LGBT+, all-inclusive, guaranteed full ship charter, featuring the mighty Mekong River and the Temples of Angkor Wat.
There can be no more striking cultural contrast than tranquil Cambodia and bustling Vietnam. From the diverse countryside of Cambodia to the Mekong Delta, so rich in human life and endeavor, you’ll discover two countries, two cultures, and two ways of life linked by one river, the Mekong. Cruise aboard the all-suite, luxurious Mekong Jewel, specially built to ply the Mekong River from Kampong Cham, Cambodia to Ho Chi Minh City. Embracing an elegant French-colonial design similar to the many homes that once lined the streets of old Saigon, she boasts spacious suites from 323 square feet up to an expansive 915 square feet in size. From here, you will enjoy all the wonders the Mekong has to offer in sophisticated, yet comfortable style. With never more than 24 guests per expert guide, you will enjoy enriching lectures, a comprehensive series of well-planned excursions, and most meals and beverages! Also included is a three-night stay in Siem Reap including an in-depth visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, and a two-night stay in bustling Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), each featuring five-star, centrally-located hotels.
With just 34 custom-designed suites, space is limited.
Luxury Level: ***** Five Star
Activity Level: Moderate
Guest Count: 68
Highlights
- Visit the 12th century Angkorian temple complex including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm and more
- Receive a traditional Buddhist water blessing from the monks at the local monastery in Wat Hanchey
- Visit a typical Cambodian home and visit a local English language school and meet the students
- Take a tuk-tuk tour of Phnom Penh, including the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, and the National Museum collection of Angkorian artifacts
- From Phnom Pehn. travel to Choeung Ek and see the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields, the memorial stupa, and Tuol Sleng (S-21 Prison)
- Visit a family-owned weaving workshop
- Glide in wooden sampans to the historic An Kiet House and gardens in Cai Be, Vietnam
- Visit a traditional rice factory, where rice paper and various rice products are produced by hand
- See the French colonial architecture of Ho Chi Minh City including the Central Post Office
Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Resort
Just ten minutes away from the famed monuments of Angkor Wat, French colonial elegance sits amidst the manicured gardens of Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Our Angkor Spa Resort is one of the best hotels in Cambodia and proudly receives a banquet of awards each and every year. The luxurious five-star Angkor hotel’s rooms entreat with serene design reflecting French sophistication and yesteryear refinement. A lavish swimming pool beloved by guests is surrounded by lush and opulent landscaping.
Dates of included stay: October 31 – November 3, 2024.
Additional pre-program nights available upon request. Contact us for availability and pricing.
Mekong Jewel
Reminiscent in design of the French colonial-era manor homes that once lined the streets of old Saigon, the 34-suite/68-passenger Mekong Jewel lends a sophisticated yet comfortable ambiance while cruising the mighty Mekong River. Around every corner, guests will enjoy a blend of timeless elegance and modern luxuries as they experience the sights and sounds of a landscape that forever changes its visitors.
Accommodations on board the Mekong Jewel provide all the comfort and convenience of a five-star hotel, without denying you the thrills of complete immersion in the Mekong River experience. Spacious, well-appointed suites offer individual climate control, daily housekeeping with turn-down service, the finest bed linens and duvets, luxuriously soft robes and slippers, all-natural therapeutic bath amenities, premium mattresses and pillow menu, flat-screen satellite TV, in-room electronic safe, complimentary minibar and complimentary wireless internet in all public areas, when available.
Dates of stay: November 3 – 10, 2024.
The Reverie Saigon
The Reverie Saigon has debuted as the most spectacularly extravagant hotel in Vietnam, and as the one and only member property of The Leading Hotels of the World in Ho Chi Minh City.
Taking pride of place on the topmost floors of the landmark Times Square Building in prestigious District 1, the much-lauded hotel presents world-class hospitality with its impeccable service and its unique celebration of haute Italian design and inimitable luxury.
Transcending expectations of place to a modern-day exploration of fanciful splendor, the sky-high Reverie Saigon offers an incomparable perspective on the city with its spectacular views.
Dates of included stay: November 10 – 12, 2024.
Additional post-program nights available upon request. Please contact us for pricing and availability.
Hanoi and Halong Bay – Optional Post-Program
November 12 – 16, 2024
Double occupancy $2,799 per person / Single occupancy pricing: $3,799
Begin your journey with an optional four-night post-program extension, featuring three nights in historic Hanoi and one night aboard the Paradise Elegance ‘junk’ boat on the famed UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay.
Included Services:
- 3-night hotel accommodations at the Intercontinental Westlake Hotel, Hanoi, Vietnam, including buffet breakfast and luggage porterage. Accommodation in Lotus Suites, which include Club Lounge access, dedicated check-in, afternoon tea, twilight canapes and cocktails from 5-7pm, refreshments throughout the day, and complimentary pressing of two pieces per stay.
- Hanoi sightseeing
- Ha Long Bay one night cruise package including: meals and excursions
- Bottled water, coffee/tea and choice of 2 beverages with included meals (soft drinks, beer or wine)
- Hanoi to Ha Long Bay round-trip transfer by coach
- Luggage assistance at airport, hotel and junk boat
- Arrival and departure assistance at airport
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners
- Flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
Itinerary:
Day 1 – November 12, 2024: Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
Morning flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Following lunch, we visit The Temple of Literature. Built in the early 11th century, it became Vietnam’s first university. After, we enjoy an electric cart ride through the city’s charming historic quarter to explore the hidden alleys, cafes and shops. After some time to relax and refresh, we enjoy an included dinner.
(B/L/D)
Overnight in Hanoi at Intercontinental Westlake hotel
Day 2 – November 13, 2024: Hanoi – Half Day City Tour
Today we visit the Hoa Lo prison (“Hanoi Hilton”) and learn about the decades preceding its use as a place for holding American POWs. It was used by the French to imprison Vietnamese patriots. We then transfer back to the center to Hoan Kiem Lake & its legendary Ngoc Son Temple and The Huc Bridge. Then watch a charming water puppet performance, followed by dinner at the Ly Club.
Overnight in Hanoi at Intercontinental Westlake hotel
Day 3 – November 14, 2024: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay
This morning following breakfast, we transfer to Ha Long via motor coach. We’ll arrive to the Paradise Elegance around 12:30. After check-in and a short briefing about our cruise, we’ll enjoy our welcome lunch at Le Marin Restaurant. During lunch we sail toward Ha Long Bay, passing the famous Fighting Cocks Islet, and Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves.
Following lunch, your first excursion is a visit to Tung Sau Pearl Farm, an area in Ha Long Bay dedicated to growing pearls and practicing a handmade technique based on Vietnamese tradition and Japanese technology. This is also an ideal destination for kayaking. Later this afternoon we visit the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, where you can take in the panoramic views across Halong Bay after visiting the cave. Alternatively, you can opt for an afternoon of pampering at Le Parfum Spa or an afternoon tea in Le Piano Bar. Once back on board there will be a cooking demonstration and pre-dinner sunset cocktails. We anchor overnight at Coconut Tree Island.
After dinner in Le Marin restaurant, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy live music at Le Piano Bar. Or, take the opportunity for squid fishing, a spa treatment at Le Parfum Spa or watch movies in your cabin. (B/L/D)
Day 4 – November 15, 2024: Halong Bay/Hanoi
Early this morning, watch the sunrise while taking part in a Tai Chi session on L’Odyssée Sundeck, followed by a light breakfast in Le Piano Bar.
Around 7:30 we make a visit to Titov Island, where you can go swimming or hike to the top for another stunning, panoramic view of the bay. Once back on board, enjoy breakfast as we once again cruise past Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves and Fighting Cocks Islet.
After a late morning check- out, we return to shore and journey back to Hanoi, with an included lunch en-route.
Following lunch, we visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex: The Vietnamese leader’s mausoleum, which overlooks Ba Dinh Square; and Ho Chi Minh’s house, which is built on top of stilts surrounded by a botanical garden and lotus pond. Walk up the steps to see some of his belongings in his bedroom.
Following the tour, we return to the Intercontinental Hotel for check-in and some time to refresh before our farewell dinner tonight. (B/L/D)
Day 5 – November 16, 2024: Hanoi – Flights Home
Inclusions
- Brand g hosts throughout the program
- 3 nights deluxe hotel accommodations in Siem Reap, including daily breakfast, three lunches and one dinner
- 7-night deluxe cruise, including all meals
- 2 nights deluxe hotel accommodations in Ho Chi Minh City, including daily breakfast, one lunch and one dinner
- Cruise includes free-flowing local spirits, house wines (wines with dinner only) and locally-produced beer and soft drinks
- Daily shore excursions and touring on both land and cruise
Bookings for the 2024 Vietnam & Cambodia Mekong River Cruise start at $6,699 to $5,099 Suites. Please contact us directly at [email protected] or (+1)713.661.2117 for real-time availability of spaces and for reservations.
