INDOCHINA RIVER CRUISES |
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For a magical journey in Indochina , make a river cruise your next port of call |
LAOS Luang Prabang |
Hanoi |
Halong Bay
Laos Mekong
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A river cruise provides the perfect vantage point from which to explore this stunning region . As you travel at a supremely relaxed pace a rich bounty of scenery unfolds before your eyes , from untouched rural idylls and bustling ancient cities to ornate temples , verdant rice paddies and water buffalo wallowing in the shallows . It ’ s true to say the tapestry of river life is fascinating ! Sublime scenery aside , a river cruise is so much more than meandering along mystical waterways and intricate backwaters . It ’ s a dash of adventure through culturally-enriching experiences , it ’ s enchanting encounters with welcoming locals , and it ’ s seamless journeys onboard beautifully-crafted ships brimming with top-notch facilities . Vietnam , Cambodia and Laos are all intrinsically linked by the Mekong River , although cruising in this region is by no means confined to this legendary waterway , with equally alluring itineraries available along the Red River and Tonle Sap . Numerous cruise companies operate in Indochina including Heritage Line and Pandaw Cruises , who both offer bespoke voyages of differing durations .
LOWER MEKONG Considered a classic cruise route , taking in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City , the vast Mekong Delta , the rich Cambodian countryside , charming Phnom Penh and access to the great monuments of Angkor .
UPPER MEKONG Picturesque and remote , the Upper Mekong slowly meanders through Laos , where local life has hardly changed over the centuries . Voyages take in Luang Prabang and the Lao-Thai border , known as the Golden Triangle .
RED RIVER Flowing from the Tonkinese Alps to Vietnam ’ s capital , Hanoi , and onward to monumental Halong Bay , the Red River offers an illuminative insight into North Vietnamese life and culture .
TONLE SAP The Tonle Sap is Southeast Asia ’ s largest freshwater lake , which drains into the Mekong River at Phnom Penh in Cambodia during the dry season ( November-May ) and , when the heavy rains being in June , it backs up to form an enormous lake providing a breeding ground for local fish species .
HALONG BAY Alternatively , cruise amidst Asia ’ s most magnificent seascape aboard a junk boat or boutique ship , in UNESCO World Heritage Listed Halong Bay . See pages 140-141 .
Itineraries vary according to either the wet or dry season , with each having its own benefits . Please ask for details .
Vientiane
THAILAND
Phnom Penh
Mekong River
South China Sea
CAMBODIA Siem Reap / Angkor
Tonle Sap
VIETNAM Ho Chi Minh City
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Exact itineraries for all highlighted cruises are available on request . The prices shown for each are based on accommodation in an ensuite stateroom , full board with mineral water , teas & coffee ( Heritage Line also include further soft drinks as well as local beer & wine by the glass with meals ), transfers to and from your ship , entertainment / activities on board , shore excursions and entrance fees .
134 INDOCHINA
Tonle Sap prices & offers change constantly - call for today ’ s best available deals !