A treasure trove of natural spectacles, ritualistic cultures and warm locals, navigate Southeast Asia with SUN TOURS and Emerald Cruises, as we introduce you to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, lifting the veil on over three millennia of proud history. Sail the vibrant Mekong River on board Emerald's custom-built boutique Star-Ship, Emerald Harmony, fusing Asian style with all the amenities of a world-class hotel, with many outstanding excursions to choose from.

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Included meals are denoted: Breakfast: B, Lunch: L, Dinner: D

 

DAYS 1 - 3      Day 3-D

We depart Albuquerque late afternoon and spend the evening in Los Angeles. We then fly to Cambodia. Sous Sdei and welcome to Cambodia. You will be met
at the airport and transferred to the Shinta Mani hotel for your included three-night stay in Siem Reap. In the evening, you’ll meet your Cambodian tour director to learn more about the days ahead, before enjoying a welcome dinner.

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DAY 4             B, L     

Today, start with a visit to Angkor Thom. As the last capital of the Khmer Empire, it was a fortified city, home to priests, officials of the palace and military, as well as buildings for administering the kingdom. The city was established in the late twelfth century by King Jayavarman VII. Afterwards, visit the sacred Temple of Ta Prohm. Still overgrown by jungle trees, it has been the backdrop for many Hollywood movies.

 

This evening, attend Phare, The Cambodian Circus, and enjoy an evening of acrobatics, music and dance. Phare is an NGO founded by Cambodian refugees to assist disadvantaged young people by teaching them performing arts.

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DAY 5      B, D

Rise early and witness the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Afterwards, walk through this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site immersing yourself in historic splendor. Return to the hotel and either enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, continue touring or choose an excursion*.

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Choose from these excursions* (extra fee):

• A visit to Banteay Srei

• A visit to Tonlé Sap

• A culinary tour of Cambodia

• Angkor Evening - Champagne Sunset Gondola Boat at Evening

• Dinner in the Rice Field

• Evening Cambodian Street Food Discovery Tour

 

DAY 6      B, D

Today, leave Siem Reap and venture to the town of PrekK’dam to embark your Emerald Cruises award-winning Star-Ship. En route, stop in Kampong Kdei
and see the impressive Angkor Bridge, before having lunch at a local restaurant. On arrival in Prek K’dam, you’ll be welcomed by your captain and crew. Later, set sail while you enjoy your first dinner on board with your

fellow guests.

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DAY 7      B, L, D

Start your day with a visit to the Oudong Monastery and Temples. Located north of Phnom Penh, Oudong was the former royal capital of Cambodia

until it moved to Phnom Penh in 1866. Receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from the temple’s resident monks and spend the afternoon as you please, exploring an excursion* or simply relaxing on board the ship. After dinner, enjoy Phnom Penh by night on a remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour.

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Choose from these excursions* (extra fee):

• A silk farm tour at Koh Oknha Tei

• High Tea at Raffles

• Craft beer adventure by remork

• Visit to Koh Chen silversmith village

 

DAY 8      B, L, D

Wake up in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. The city known as the 'Pearl of Asia', was almost entirely evacuated by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. This morning,
you will learn more about the Khmer Rouge and the darkest days of the country’s history. A short drive will take you to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. Here you will have the opportunity to walk through the fields, visit the small museum and learn about this sad historic chapter. Then, you will visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S-21). This is a former school that was converted to the main prison and torture headquarters of the Khmer Rouge.
Back on board the ship, enjoy a Cambodian Street Fair lunch, before visiting the majestic Royal Palace with its French-inspired gardens, followed by a shopping trip at the Central Market located in the heart of the city. This evening, enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organization, before setting sail to the border. Celebrate crossing the border with a Cambodian-style family dinner.

 

DAY 9      B, L, D

In Tan Chau, see inside a traditional Cao Dai temple to discover the unique Vietnamese religion, or board a sampan to Evergreen Island for a walk through a local village. This afternoon, visit Long Khanh Island, known for its scarf weaving and Hoa Hao Buddhist pagoda. After anchoring for the night near An long, you’ll be delighted by a traditional Lion Dance performance on board.

 

DAY 10      B, L, D

Relax on board this morning or join an excursion* tour of Tràm Chim National Park, home to Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary. This afternoon, enjoy a visit to My An Hung village . Recognized as a cultural and historical destination, this small village in rural Vietnam specialises in red-hot chilli and peppers. Enjoy some local folk singing during the visit, wander through coconut farms, meet the locals and learn about life in the village. Tonight, enjoy a Vietnamese
family-style dinner.

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Choice of this excursion* (extra fee):

• Tràm Chim National Park with Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary

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DAY 11      B, L, D

Visit Sa Dec on a walking tour, with stops at the Chinese Congregational House in Kien An Cung, the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant, and enjoy a walk through the Central Market to peruse its varied produce. Return to the ship by sampan and, after lunch on board, you’ll arrive in Cai Be. Traveling via sampan, visit a coconut candy workshop to learn how coconut candy and other local sweets are made, then visit a local French colonial heritage villa.

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DAY 12     B, L, D

Sit back, relax and take in a full day of sailing the magnificent Mekong River and canals.  Watch as life in the Mekong Delta, known as the “rice bowl” of Vietnam, awakens for another day as the ship departs early this morning to
begin transiting the Cho Gao canal. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the ever-changing vistas from the pool, to enjoy a treatment in the Wellness Area (additional expense), or to read a book and chat with new friends. Cruise
past mangroves, narrow canals, fish farms, busy cargo barges and local fishing boats alike. Tonight, dock in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City with views of the city lights.

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DAY 13      B, L

Drive away from Ho Chi Minh City, watching the city skyline fade into the distance as the road winds through rice paddies and villages. Spend a couple of hours exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels with a local guide. Hear how the residents constructed an intricate, underground network of tunnels during the French and American Wars. Once above ground, see the other ingenious items they
used to defend themselves, such as bamboo traps and camouflaged pits. Upon your return to Ho Chi Minh City, check into your hotel for your included two-night stay, and enjoy a free afternoon.

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Choose from these excursions* (extra fee):

• Saigon Street Food walking tour (4.5hrs)

• One Night In Saigon

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DAY 14      B, D

Enjoy a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City, starting with a visit to the city’s most iconic building, the Reunification, or Independence Palace. Formerly the South Vietnamese Presidential Palace, images of the building were seen around the
world on 30th April 1975 when tanks stormed the gates as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. Then, stroll through Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way. Admire the beautiful architecture of the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, City Hall and the old Saigon Post Office and listen to the stories about the glory days of French Indochina and how that era continues to influence aspects of modern Vietnamese culture. Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner with your fellow guests. 

 

DAYS 15 & 16      B

After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your onward or homebound flight. We arrive in Albuquerque the following day, full of terrific memories from our Tour to Asia.,

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Itinerary subject to change