JOURNEY TO VIETNAM & CAMBODIA AND DISCOVER BEAUTIFUL SOUTHEAST ASIA

We invite you to join us this February as we journey to exotic Southeast Asia with a wonderful trip to exotic

Vietnam & Cambodia. This stunning 17-day trip we have designed will have us traveling 9 days by

land in both countries, then stepping onto the best riverboat in the region for a week of 5-star exploration

off-the-beaten-path to incredible villages and towns along the shores of Vietnam/Cambodia’s Mekong River.

The trip is full of amazing cultural experiences and a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the

legendary temple complex at Angkor Wat. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime trip to a fascinating region of the

world where the warmth of the people and the beautiful scenery will stay with you always!

Mark & Vicki Stewart

Owners / Stewart Tours

HIGHLIGHTS

17 Days Exploring Two Fascinating Countries

Overnight Junk Experience In Ha Long Bay

Multi-day Land Stays In Three Diverse Cities

5-Star River Journey in Cambodia & Vietnam

Numerous Special Cultural Experiences

39 Meals Included on Tour!

Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites

All-Internal Air Included in Price

All Touring Included – Wonderful Local Guides

Fully Hosted By Mark & Vicki Stewart – Stewart Tours

Vietnam & Cambodia

Day 1 – U.S.A. to Hanoi, Vietnam

You depart the USA bound for an adventure of a lifetime. The warm velvet

air of Vietnam awaits, the start of a grand travel journey. (meals in-flight)

Day 2 – Hanoi, Vietnam Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, ranks among the world’s most attractive

and interesting cities. Originally named Thang Long or “City of the

Ascending Dragon,” the city was the first capital of Vietnam in A.D. 1010

and has had many names until its current incarnation. The name Hanoi, in

fact, means “bend in the river” and denotes the city’s strategic location

along the vital waterway. Historians liken the life-giving Red River – its

banks crowded with green rice paddies and farms – to the Tigris and

Euphrates rivers, a cradle of civilization.

This evening is free to relax for a fresh start of touring tomorrow. Enjoy

the beautiful centrally located hotel in the heart of Hanoi.

Day 3 – Hanoi, Vietnam

After a leisurely breakfast, we begin exploration of the charming capital of

Hanoi with ochre-colored colonial-style buildings, tree-lined avenues and

many lakes. We’ll set out on a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an

imposing monument made of generous amounts of marble and granite.

This is where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” can be viewed. Continue

visiting the lotus-shaped One-Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot). Visit the

Temple of Literature - the center of the Confucian education and the first

university of Vietnam, where a lecture on Vietnamese history would be

conducted by one of the most famous scholars of Hanoi, to give you an

authentic look at a Vietnam of the past and present. Lunch is at a local Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

restaurant today.

After lunch, we visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum - a valuable center

for the exhibition and preservation of cultural heritages of the 54 ethnic

groups in Vietnam - to understand about their cultural diversity and the

uniqueness of each group and region as well as traditional values throughout

Vietnam.

Later in the afternoon, we continue with a visit Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son

Temple and enjoy a one-hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter – a

precious legacy of Hanoi’s ancient past with 36 streets and 36 wares to

experience more about the life of this city nowadays. This evening, Hoan Kiem Lake

experience a Water Puppet Show, a uniquely northern Vietnamese

art form especially designed for depicting scenes of rural life closely (Cont.)

a 17-day journey by land & river

connected with the long-standing spiritual life of the Vietnamese people as well as many episodes of national history.

Dinner tonight is at a local restaurant. Included Meals (B, L, D)

Day 4 – Hanoi, Vietnam / Bac Ninh Countryside For early risers: This morning, we walk to Hoan Kiem Lake - one of the major

spots in the city serving as a focal point for public life - for a chance to

witness the early morning of Hanoi, participate in the Tai Chi groups and

return to the hotel for breakfast.

After breakfast, we take a scenic drive of 25 miles from Hanoi to Bac

Ninh. Enjoy leisure walking through the rice paddies with stops en route

to visit village temples, shrine houses and pagodas. A special visit will be

made to the house of the village head where we will have the

opportunity to interact with the villagers. You will also be a “tourist” Iconic Rice Patties in Vietnam

attraction to all the curious villagers.

Experience lunch at a local family’s home. After lunch, enjoy a sweet melody of “Quan Ho Bac Ninh” an antiphonal

singing tradition in which men and women take turns singing in a challenge-and-response fashion. The singing ends with

songs in the farewell category. Quan Ho was designated a UNESCO intangible Heritage of Humanity in September

2009. Interact with local people about their lives and crafts.

Transfer back to Hanoi in the late afternoon with the rest of the day being free at leisure for your own shopping and

walking around the many streets of the Old Quarter. Dinner is independent tonight, a chance to venture out! (B,L)

Day 5 – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Situated in the Northeast region of Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is made up

of a dense cluster of 1,969 limestone islands of various sizes, 989 of

which have been given names. Viewed from above, Ha Long Bay

resembles a geographic work of art. While exploring the bay, you feel

lost in a legendary world of stone islands. It has been proven by

scientists that Ha Long was one of the first cradles of human existence

in the area at such archeological sites as Dong Mang, Xich Tho, Soi Nhu,

and Thoi Gieng. It is also a region of highly-concentrated biological diversity

with many ecosystems of salt water-flooded forests, coral reefs, and

tropical forests featuring thousands of species of animal and plant life.

The area was designated by UNESCO (in Thailand on December 17th, 1994), UNESCO World Heritage Site – Ha Long Bay

as a Natural Heritage Site of Worldwide Importance.

After an early breakfast, we enjoy a scenic drive (3.5hrs) to Ha Long Bay

with stop en route at Sao Do for a local coffee break. On arrival in

Ha Long City, we board a traditional wooden junk and cruise out into

the mystic bay to see the amazing karsts and the spectacular formation.

We will enjoy a seafood lunch on board as we head to Luon cave for

swimming (if weather permits) or a climb to Ti Top peak for a

panoramic view of the bay. Tonight, enjoy a private luxury dinner at

a cave in Ha Long Bay. We overnight onboard the junk right on the

Bay, maybe join the junk crew for squid fishing in the bay tonight? (B,L,D) Wooden Junk, Ha Long Bay

Cave Dinner Ha Long Bay Relax on Deck Beautiful Staterooms on Junk

Day 6 – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Siem Reap, Cambodia You are welcome to start the day with calming Tai Chi - a good exercise

method for health, on the sundeck. After coffee, tea and breakfast

pastries, we’ll dock to visit Sung Sot Cave. At around 9:30am, the boat

starts cruising toward the harbor while a lunch/brunch is served. We’ll

say goodbye to the crew and transfer straight to the airport for our

flight to Siem Reap.

The star of the show in Siem Reap is the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

SITE of Angkor Wat. The ruins of the ancient city of Angkor, capital

of the Khmer kingdom from 802 until 1295 AD, are among the world’s

great marvels. The “City of Kings,” Angkor boasts some of the largest

religious monuments ever constructed. It is a vast and mysterious

complex of great laterite and sandstone blocks. Unknown to the world

until French naturalist Henri Mouhot literally stumbled onto it in

1861, the area of Angkor existed for centuries only as a myth –

a wondrous city (or cities, to be precise), its exact location in the

Cambodian jungle unknown. After Mauhot in 1861, archaeologists

flocked here, only to be foiled by years of conflict that left the temples

in the hands of the Khmer Rouge. Tomorrow we visit Angkor Wat and

learn about the amazing Cambodian temples. Dinner is independent

this evening. (B,L-Brunch) Siem Reap, Cambodia

Day 7 – Siem Reap / Angkor Wat, Cambodia We start early to explore the intricately carved remains of Angkor Wat,

one of the world’s most impressive temple sites. The temple still

displays hundreds of fine carvings of Apsara and scenes from Hindu

mythology. The Khmer constructed the temple between the 9th and

13th centuries. Strolling around the massive hallways, you will find

many small shrines still in use by the Cambodians.

After a late breakfast we continue to visit the Angkor National

Museum, known as the grand entrance to a world-class heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site – Angkor Wat

that reveals the glory of Angkor Civilization. This museum enhances the

cultural heritage of the Golden Era of Khmer Kingdom through amassed

collection of invaluable artifacts and through state-of-the-art multimedia

technology exhibition for a full picturesque legendary story. Here a

special lecture on Khmer civilization and archeology will be conducted

by Mr. Chamreoun, a famous archeologist and co-executive director of

the Museum. Late lunch is at a local restaurant today.

This afternoon, we’ll head 30km north to visit the captivating and

beautiful temple of Banteay Srei or “Fortress of the Women.” The

journey allows us to experience the beautiful Cambodian

countryside as we pass through small typical villages. Banteay Srei

is the birthplace of Khmer classical-style architecture. One of the

smallest temples in the region, Banteay Srey is also one of the

most beautiful, showcasing the most exquisite, deep and complex

carvings in all Khmer architecture. Our small give back project

today is a donation of a well to a poor family living in the area.

Return to our hotel to refresh and prepare for dinner.

Early in the evening, we will experience a Tuk Tuk (three-wheeled

vehicle)open-air tour through the suburban streets of Siem Reap,

and afterwards, attend a blessing ceremony by Buddhist monks for

happiness, prosperity and safety for our journey. Then, we continue

in our tuk-tuk to a local restaurant for dinner. (B,L,D) The famous trees of Angkor Wat

Stunningly Beautiful Angkor Wat

Day 8 – Siem Reap, Cambodia After a leisurely breakfast, we take a short walk along the road in front of the King’s Residence to see the Main Shrine,

where the local people usually worship, with its statue of Yeay Teap, Preah Ang Chek and Preah Ang Chorm. Buying

jasmine and lotus flowers to worship is very important for the Cambodians. We continue to one of the city’s lively open

markets, Psar Chars, also called the “Old Market,” surrounded by elegant French Colonial colonnades.

Continue to walk to Wat Bo, a large, highly respected pagoda, founded in the 18th century. Like the Silver Pagoda in

Phnom Penh, Wat Bo contains unique wall paintings of the Reamker that are said to be late 19th century. Look for the

daily-life market scenes such as an opium smoking Chinese merchant, the colonial era French officer at the market and

the French soldiers attending a traditional dance performance. Also of interest is the large collection of Buddha statues

located behind the main Buddha. Then, drive to explore the picturesque Ta Prohm, which has nearly disappeared into

the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene.

In the afternoon, we drive to visit the walled city of Angkor Thom, the royal city itself, covering four square miles and

located in the complex’s geographic center. The Bayon is an awesome sight. We then go on to the surroundings of the

complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, King's Terrace and Royal Palace area. Afterwards, we will embark on

a boat to enjoy a sunset cruise around Angkor Thom with High Tea served on board and a stop en-route to visit Prasat

Chrung Temple. (B,L)

Day 9 – Siem Reap – Tonle Sap Lake This morning we venture toward Tonle Sap Lake, this great lake

dominates Cambodia and is known for its profuse bird life and

tranquil fishing villages. Tied up shore side is our 5-star riverboat

where we will spend the next seven nights exploring the lakes &

rivers of Cambodia and Vietnam.

The riverboat sails this evening for Kampong Chhang, where we will

overnight for touring tomorrow. (B,D) 5-Star Riverboat - AmaLotus

Day 10 – Kampong Chhang – Oudong, Cambodia After breakfast, a motor boat excursion takes you into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the Tonle Sap River.

Enjoy a stunning variety of bird life and see numerous great fish traps some over a half-mile long. After your excursion,

return to the riverboat and cast off towards Kampong Tralach. An afternoon tour includes an oxcart ride from the river

bank through the countryside to the beautiful Wat Kampong Tralach Pleu. Tour the pagodas, and then board a motor

coach to Oudong, the former capital of Cambodia, where you will tour the Buddhist monastery. After the visit, you

return to the riverboat, which will cruise towards the village of Chong Koh. (B,L,D)

Day 11 – Chong Koh, Phnom Penh, Cambodia This morning, we visit the Chong Koh silk weaving village for a leisurely

walk. Our riverboat departs for Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. An

afternoon walking tour provides an orientation to this spectacular city.

Returning for dinner followed by a special Khmer folk performance on

board. The riverboat moors overnight in Phnom Penh. (B,L,D) Royal Palace – Phnom Penh

Day 12 – Phnom Penh, Cambodia A morning tour explores the highlights of Cambodia’s capital city,

famous for its French colonial architecture, busy cafes, vibrant nightlife

and renovated river “corniche.” Visit the Royal Palace and the spectacular

Silver Pagoda. The National Museum is another highlight, with

outstanding displays of Khmer crafts. After lunch onboard, another

excursion leads to the infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s

grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention center (Genocide Museum) situated in

the suburbs of the city. An overnight on the waterfront provides an

opportunity to dine in one of many nearby restaurants and experience Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Phnom Penh’s vibrant nightlife, should you so choose. (B,L,D)

Day 13 – Phnom Penh, Cambodia -Tan Chau, Vietnam Spend a day cruising the Mekong River and crossing the border into

Vietnam. The riverboat moors at the small town of Tan Chau,

Vietnam. (B,L,D)

Day 14 – Tan Chau – Sa Dec, Vietnam After breakfast, transfer to small boats, which will navigate through narrow channels to visit an evergreen island. We will

also visit a catfish farm and a rattan mat and slipper-making workshop. Back ashore, a traditional “xe-loi” (trishaw)

awaits to transport you around Tan Chau. In the afternoon, the riverboat cruises downstream to Sa Dec, where we will

moor overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 15 – Sa Dec – Xeo Quyt – Cai Be, Vietnam In the morning, board a local boat for Sa Dec. Once ashore we will tour the town noteworthy as the place where the

French writer Marguerite Duras spent many years in her youth. Visit a local market, Fujian Temple and the house of Mr.

Huynh Thuy Le, Duras’ Chinese paramour, which is now a small museum. Afterwards board a motor coach for Xeo Quyt,

used as a base during the French and U.S. wars and now an important ecological site, with its jungle overgrowth. After

lunch on board, a local boat will take us to Cai Be’s spectacular floating market; ashore you will see candy and rice paper

workshops. This evening, we enjoy a gourmet Farewell Dinner on board. (B,L,D)

Day 16 – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam Our river cruise comes to an end as the ship docks at My Tho Port,

followed by a transfer to Ho Chi Minh City. As the capital of the French

colony of Cochinchina, Saigon was known as “Paris of the Orient.” Ho

Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam’s commercial headquarters – brash

and busy. During our tour this morning we will visit some historic

landmarks including the Post Office - with its notable decorated

ceiling - where you can send some postcards of your trip back home

and Notre Dame Cathedral circa 1880. Lunch today will be at Nha

Hang Ngon. Further we visit the outside of the Opera House, the City

Hall and the Rex Rooftop Bar (located at the top of the Rex Hotel). Ho Chi Minh City

The Rooftop Bar was made famous and popular by Americans during the Vietnam War when its conference room hosted

a daily press conference named The Five O'clock Follies. The Rooftop Bar was a well-known hangout spot for military

officials and war correspondents. End the day at Ben Thanh central market for some shopping.

Day 17 – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

Today is a free day in Ho Chi Minh City. A great chance for stepping out

on your own for some last minute shopping and discovery. Soak up the

amazing non-stop energy of this Southeast Asian city and look back at

the incredible experiences over the last 17 days! (B)

Our Riverboat – the AmaLotus 5-Star Luxury on the Mekong River

The type of Stateroom category you choose for the 7-night Riverboat journey

determines your final cost of the trip.

SIMPLE & STRAIGHTFORWARD

Choose Port Hole Stateroom Choose Balcony Stateroom

*Fully Escorted By Mark & Vicki Stewart $5,699pp ADD $479pp

Trip Deposit is $400pp

Group Airfare Available From Los Angeles

Limited Space – Only 25 Spots – www.StewartTours.com Reservations: 866.944.3036

The Trip Fare

17-Day Tour 39+ Meals Included

Amazing Touring Included

All Hotels & Transfers

Beautiful Hotels/Five Star Riverboat

Fully Escorted By Two Hosts*