"I cannot think of my childhood without thinking of water. My home town is a town of water" that has inspired the creation of RV La Marguerite. The Mekong Delta of today remains unchanged, allowing travelers the chance to experience Vietnam the way it was during the colonial era.
River Vessel La Marguerite raises the bar in river cruising in the Mekong Delta. La Marguerite offers unparalleled cruise experience, top notch excursions along the Mekong Delta between Saigon and Siem Reap. La Marguerite is the first river vessel of esteemed Indochina Sails cruise company where its reputation is derived from endorsements from its customers. World Class paired gourmet dining experience adds sparks to its river cruise while its carefully researched excursions to cultural destinations allows for passion revival for its travelers.
Departure Dates in 2012
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2, 16, 30
2713,
12, 26
9
Maintenance
18
2, 16, 30
13, 27
10, 24
8, 22
5, 19
3, 17, 31
DAY 1: SAIGON
Welcome onboard the RV La Marguerite where the vessel is moored at the Saigon port. Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, is peppered with old French colonial architecture along the riverside. Check-in is at 12h00 where port and immigration formalities will be conducted. After checking in, freshen up and enjoy the fascinating views of the Saigon River either from your private balcony or from the sun deck. At 14h00, the ship departs Saigon sailing through the international waterways, up the broad Mekong Tributary. Tonight join fellow passengers onboard for Welcome Dinner at the Mekong Restaurant.
DAY 2: CAI BE - SA DEC
Arriving at Cai Be in the morning, early risers could enjoy crimson sunrise on the sun deck. After breakfast, sail through Cai Be's floating market, go ashore to visit the French Gothic Cathedral, colorful flower gardens and local rice paper manufacturers. Cruise past Vinh Long Province and arrive at Sa Dec for an afternoon walk. French writer Marguerite Duras spent some of her childhood in Sa Dec, a sprawling busy town. In Sa Dec, director Jean-Jaques Annaud shot much of his 1992 film "The Lover". Aside from the fact that the French have long departed, not a lot has changed in Sa Dec since Duras' day. Warehouses, mostly old Chinese shop-houses, bulge with merchandise. Ancient riverboats load and unload at the wharves built almost to the shop doors. Both the school where Duras' mother taught and the small house behind it where the family lived still stand. Spend time in the house of Mr Huynh Thuy Le, Duras' Chinese lover. The house is now the "The Lover Museum" in Sadec. In the evening, cruise through the Mekong Delta to Tan Chau.
DAY 3: TAN CHAU - BORDER CROSSING
Tan Chau is a remote small town on the main Mekong River. After breakfast, transfer to small boats visit a catfish farm, rice-polishing factory, mat making workshop and a silk weaving workshop. Take a round trip trishaw ride around this fascinating town. We return to the ship by boat for lunch and cast off for the Cambodian border for port and immigration formalities. In the evening, cruise up the broad Mekong River, an international shipping route and moor overnight mid-stream just outside of Phnom Penh.
DAY 4: PHNOM PENH
Early morning cruise into Phnom Penh and dock at the passenger port terminal. This capital of Cambodia retains its French charm with old colonial architecture framing busy cafes. The city has several impressive Wats, including Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and the newly painted Wat Lang Ka. Visit the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda, one of the few places in Cambodia where the Khmer Rouge preserved artifacts embodying the brilliance and richness of Khmer culture. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts. An afternoon excursion is arranged to the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge's grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention center.
DAY 5: PHNOM PENH - KAMPONG CHAM
Early morning departs from Phnom Penh and stop at secluded Chong Koh silk weaving village for a leisurely walk. Cruise past the Mekong's timeless villages with extensive fishing activities. The scenery is serene, and in the distance, forested hills rise. On the river above Phnom Penh there is real Cambodian life. In the afternoon, stop at Peam Chi Kang village to visit the Wat or Monastery and its school. Explore this peaceful and friendly community at your own pace. In the Wat, splendid village racing boats are stored. Anchor mid-stream at Kampong Cham.
DAY 6: KAMPONG CHAM AREA
In the morning, journey upriver to the hilltop. Pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Dating back to the 8th century, these ancient brick structures characterize the architecture of the Chenla Empire, which predated the glories of Angkor. Sail back downstream for an exploration of the Kampong Cham Area. Travel by bus to the 12th century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor. This colorful temple is unique in Cambodia, as a modern Wat, it is set within the ruins of an ancient temple. Continue to the Eco Village of Cheungkok. There are many pagodas and shrines on the hilltops.
DAY 7: TONLE RIVER
Sail along Tonle River, which connects Tonle Lake with the Mekong and Bassac Rivers at Phnom Penh. Winding through the jungles, coming up close with local river folks. Temples abound along the riverbanks at Kampong Chhnang and we witness a rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. This is a busy rural port town with bustling markets. Mooring mid-stream, visit lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of bird life are seen and be amazed at the schools of fish migrating from the lake into the Tonle River.
DAY 8: TONLE LAKE - SIEM REAP
The great lake over 150 km long, dominates Cambodia. Here bird life is profuse. From the middle of the lake, enjoy the stillness and tranquility along the floating fishing villages. And we will either cross Tonle Lake at dawn and disembark at Siem Reap Port or transfer by coach from Prek Kdam on the Tonle River to Siem Reap stopping for a short rest at Kampong Thom, depending on the water levels. Arrive at Siem Reap and bid farewell to fellow travelers and crew members.
Prices: Prices quoted in USD nett per person
Prices quoted in US$ nett per person
Valid until 30 Apr 2013
Cabin
Lower Deck
Main Deck
Upper Deck
Junior Suite
Indochina Suites
18 Jun - 19 Aug 2012
1480
1850
2130
2410
2950
10 Aug - 26 Aug 2012
1570
1940
2220
2490
3050
27 Aug - 02 Sep 2012
& 15 Apr - 29 Apr 2013
1670
2030
2310
2590
3230
03 Sep - 9 Sep 2012
1760
2120
2410
2680
3230
10 Sep - 16 Sep 2012
1850
2210
2490
2770
3320
17 Sep - 23 Sep 2012
1940
2310
2580
2860
3420
24 Sep - 30 Sep 2012
2030
2410
2680
2950
3510
01 Oct - 07 Oct 2012
&08 Apr - 14 Apr 2013
2130
2490
2770
3050
3590
08 Oct - 14 Oct 2012
& 25 Mar - 7 Apr 2013
2220
2590
2860
3140
3690
15 Oct - 21 Oct 2012
&18 Mar - 24 Mar 2013
2310
2680
2960
3230
3790
22 Oct 2012 - 17 Mar 2013
2410
2760
3050
3320
3880
Inclusions of the trip
Entrance fees
Transportation and English-speaking tour guides’ services
Taxes, fuel, pilot, port dues, passenger levies, full board during the itinerary
Welcome and Farewell Dinners, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner including local beers, local brand spirits and local wines served during meals; coffee, selection of teas, selection of herbal infusions, local mineral water, local canned soft drinks served free through the day.
Transfers between the ship and the to meeting points at the start and end of the voyage
Exclusions of the trip
International flights
All visa costs
Imported beverages such as wines, premium beer, premium spirits and liqueurs, imported mineral waters, espressos and cappuccinos at bar
Gratuities, laundry, shop purchases and other personal expenses
Departure Dates in 2012
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
July
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
9, 23
6, 20
5, 19
2, 16
Maintenance
25
9, 23
6, 20
3, 17
1, 15, 29
12, 26
10, 24
DAY 1: SIEM REAP - TONLE LAKE
The great lake dominates Cambodia and is over 150 Km in length. Here bird life is profuse, and from the middle of the lake one cannot even see the shores. There is a great stillness and tranquility as we pass floating fishing villages. Because the water levels of the lake and river vary a great deal according to the time of year and rainfall. During High water level, approximately July to November, we register at 11:00 at Angkor Palace Hotel to transfer to the ship at Siem Reap Port. Embark the ship at 13:00 and lunch onboard. Cross the Tonle Lake in the afternoon and drop anchor after sunset at the edge of the Great Lake. During low water level, approximately November to July, register at 11:00 at Angkor palace Hotel to transfer via coach to Preak Kdam on the Tonle River. Enjoy a light lunch and cold drinks on the way with a stop in Kampong Thom. Arrive by 16:00 and cruise to kampong Chhanang for overnight mooring.
DAY 2: KAMPONG CHHNANG - KAMPONG CHAM
Kampong Chhanang is a bustling rural port town with busy markets. Mooring mid-stream, we make a truly wonderful motor excursion into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of the river. Here a stunning variety of birdlife may be seen and of considerable interest are the great fish traps, some half a kilometer long, which nets a huge tonnage of fish after each monsoon as the fish migrate from the falling lake into the Tonle River. We wind our way through jungle, and as the river narrows we feel we can almost reach out and touch the houses and people who come out to cheer our ship on. Temples abound along the riverbanks, and we see the rich tapestry of Cambodian rural life. We touch the capital of Phnom Penh in the afternoon, change pilots and enter the Upper Mekong bound for Kampong Cham and stop for an afternoon walk at a rural village. Moor overnight bid-stream in Kampong Cham.
DAY 3: WAT HANCHEY - PHNOM PENH
Morning journey upriver to the hilltop pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey. Dating from the 8th century, these ancient brick structures characterize the architecture of the Chenla Empire, which predated the glories of Angkor. Sail back downstream over lunch for an exploration of the Kampong Cham Area. We travel by bus to the 12th century Angkorian temple of Wat Nokor. This colorful temple is unique in Cambodia, as a modern Wat it is set within the ruins of an ancient temple. We continue to the eco village of Cheungkok. We depart late in the afternoon from Kampong Cham and head for Phnom Penh. Overnight mid-stream in Phnom Penh.
DAY 4: PHNOM PENH
Early morning cruise into Phnom Penh and dock at the passenger port terminal. The capital of Cambodia retains its French charm. The old colonial architecture makes an attractive backdrop to busy cafes, and the renovated river "corniche" is full of life. The city has several impressive Wat's, including Wat Ounalom, Wat Phnom and the newly painted Wat Lang Ka. Visit the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda, one of the few places in Cambodia where the Khmer Rouge preserved artifacts embodying the brilliance and richness of Khmer culture. The National Museum is another highlight, with outstanding displays of Khmer crafts. An afternoon excursion is arranged to the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge?s grim Tuol Sleng or S21 detention centre situated in the suburbs of the city. On a happier note, Phnom Penh has a vibrant Nightlife and same customers chose to dine in one of the many top restaurants or try one of the capitals many watering holes, which are conveniently located along the riverfront.
DAY 5: BORDER CROSSING
We cast off for a day cruising the Mekong River, an international shipping route. Today we stop at Preak Dach, a jungle village, to visit fruit orchards and then set off for the Cambodian / Vietnamese border for the border crossing formalities. Moor mid-stream in Tan Chau.
DAY 6: TAN CHAU - SADEC
Tan Chau is a remote small town on the main Mekong River. After breakfast we transfer to small boats, visit a cat fish farm and rice-polishing factory. We go ashore to visit a mat-making workshop, and take a short walk in the village to visit a silk coloring workshop. A trishaw ride round this fascinating town takes us back to the pier and after a short channel cruise on a local boat we return to the ship for lunch and cast off for Sadec.
DAY 7: SADEC - CAI BE
After Breakfast, small local boats will take us into the village of Sadec for a refreshing morning stroll. French writer Marguerite Duras spent some of her childhood in Sa Dec, a sprawling busy town in the Mekong Delta. Aside from the fact that the French have long departed, not a lot has changed in Sa Dec since Duras' day. Warehouses, mostly old Chinese shop-houses, bulge with merchandise. Ancient riverboats load and unload at the wharves built almost to the shop doors. We spent time in the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le - the Chinese Lover of Marguerite. The house now is a little museum of "The Lover" in Sadec. We also visit the Pagoda on our way to the School where Duras? mother taught. On the way back for lunch, we cruise past the house where the movie ?THE LOVER? was shot in 1992 and the ancient Church. Continue cruising to Cai Be where after lunch we take a local Junk trip around Cai Be to see the floating market, go ashore to visit delightful flower gardens, the ancient Kiet House and local rice paper manufacturers. Evening cruise to Saigon.
DAY 8: SAIGON
Early morning cruise into Ho Chi Minh City, formally Saigon. We dock at the Saigon River Frontage. After Breakfast disembarkation for transfer to your local Hotel.
Prices: Prices quoted in USD nett per person
Prices quoted in US$ nett per person
Valid until 30 Apr 2013
Cabin
Lower Deck
Main Deck
Upper Deck
Junior Suite
Indochina Suites
18 Jun - 19 Aug 2012
1480
1850
2130
2410
2950
10 Aug - 26 Aug 2012
1570
1940
2220
2490
3050
27 Aug - 02 Sep 2012
& 15 Apr - 29 Apr 2013
1670
2030
2310
2590
3230
03 Sep - 9 Sep 2012
1760
2120
2410
2680
3230
10 Sep - 16 Sep 2012
1850
2210
2490
2770
3320
17 Sep - 23 Sep 2012
1940
2310
2580
2860
3420
24 Sep - 30 Sep 2012
2030
2410
2680
2950
3510
01 Oct - 07 Oct 2012
&08 Apr - 14 Apr 2013
2130
2490
2770
3050
3590
08 Oct - 14 Oct 2012
& 25 Mar - 7 Apr 2013
2220
2590
2860
3140
3690
15 Oct - 21 Oct 2012
&18 Mar - 24 Mar 2013
2310
2680
2960
3230
3790
22 Oct 2012 - 17 Mar 2013
2410
2760
3050
3320
3880
Inclusions of the trip
Entrance fees
Transportation and English-speaking tour guides’ services Taxes, fuel, pilot, port dues, passenger levies, full board during the itinerary
Welcome and Farewell Dinners, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner including local beers, local brand spirits and local wines served during meals; coffee, selection of teas, selection of herbal infusions, local mineral water, local canned soft drinks served free through the day.
Transfers between the ship and the to meeting points at the start and end of the voyage
Exclusions of the trip
International flights
All visa costs
Imported beverages such as wines, premium beer, premium spirits and liqueurs, imported mineral waters, espressos and cappuccinos at bar
Gratuities, laundry, shop purchases and other personal expenses
The concept
A holistic and creative cruise is perfect for connoisseurs, family vacation, friendship bond building, RV La Marguerite also stimulates the mind and enriches your physical well being. RV La Marguerite's unique concept sets it apart from the rest. This 8 days - 7 nights cruise offers you a distinctive way of experiencing the Mekong through the passion of Marguerite Duras. The guided tours to historic and cultural sites, local attractions, museums and galleries are developed to enrich your personal experience, making you alive with passion and inspiration.
Cruise Features:
Length : 71.6m
Main length: 65.6m
Width: 12.5 m
Depth: 1.8 m
Free Board: 1.5 m
Air Draft: 9.65 m
Engines: 2 x 700 h/p (Yanmar)
Generator: 2 x 320 Kva Cat (USA)
Crew: 38 (International)
Passenger cabins: 46
Passenger berths: 92
Registry : VIRES S1
Home port: Saigon
Build in Vietnam: July 2009
Ship Design: Colonial
Interior Design: Boutique
Accommodation & Interiors
The contemporary interiors incorporate colonial French details and ornaments, local artifacts and Mekong styled furniture to replicate a true colonial feel set in premier and luxurious comforts.
Deck Plan:
Mekong Deck (Lower Deck): 8 Staterooms each measuring 19.7m2 (212 sq. ft) with fixed window, no balcony Business Center
Tonle Deck (Main deck): 16 Staterooms each measuring 19.7m2 (212 sq. ft) with fixed window and balcony Mekong Restaurant measuring 196m2 Gift Shop at Reception Area
Saigon Deck (Upper deck): 14 Staterooms each measuring 19.7m2 (212 sq. ft) with fixed window and balcony Saigon Lounge, Panoramic Lounge measuring 230m2.
Sadeck Deck (Sun deck): 6 Sadec Suites each measuring 26.4m2 2 Indochina Suites each measuring 41.2m2 Sundeck Bar & Whirlpool measuring 275m2
Cabins:
State Room: Twin beds form into double bed placings. The cabins are equipped with air-conditioning, wardrobe, writing desk, sofa, mini-bar, safe box, in-house telephone, bathroom & shower, hot & cold water, hairdryer, in-house television, kimono and slippers. Each cabin measures 19.7m2.
Sadec Suite: King size bed, long sofa, bathroom with bathtub and separate shower. The cabins are equipped with air-conditioning, wardrobe, writing desk, sofa, mini-bar, safe box, in-house telephone, bathroom & shower, hot & cold water, hairdryer, in-house television, kimono and slippers. Each cabin measures 26.4m2.
Indocina Suites: King size bed, bathroom with Jacuzzi and separate shower and private balcony. The cabins are equipped with air-conditioning, wardrobe, writing desk, sofa, mini-bar, safe box, in-house telephone, bathroom & shower, hot & cold water, hairdryer, in-house television, kimono and slippers. Each cabin measures 41.2m2.
Fine Dining
Mekong Restaurant: With attention-grabbing and legendary dishes stealing the limelight, it's easy to forget that the restaurant is a fine-dining establishment that also offers international cuisine from French, traditional and Vietnamese-Cambodia fusion where service is of the utmost importance. The restaurant is also a showcase for Marguerite Duras' passion for exploring multi sensory dining, and the effects of smell, taste and texture and sound on the palate, senses, memory and emotions. A gourmet wine list to pair with your culinary journey.
Saigon Lounge: Indulge in a splendid afternoons and evenings with a variety of soothing and relaxing chill out music. The Saigon Lounge gently sets the mood for sophisticated tastes and discerning palates. The
Panoramic Lounge is set right in front of the vessel and one could see the panoramic views of the Mekong River thus allowing the travelers to revel in the beauty of the countryside. The Panoramic Lounge allows one to quieten the mind, and opens all the five senses necessary for the reviving the passion for everyday living.
Sun deck & Pool
Pool where you'll find refreshing and invigorating concoctions and snacks that are created and served using the freshest ingredients that are made from scratch daily. You can sip to your heart's content with relaxing views of the Mekong Delta.
Spa Service:
The spa onboard RV La Marguerite is a sanctuary - a refuge from the hurried pace of modern life with its pristine and exquisitely colonial and Zen vibe, an ideal environment in which to explore the remarkable restorative powers of quiet repose, personal attention and total indulgence on the mind, on the body, and on the soul.
Emergancy & Safety:
Smoke detectors are placed in all cabins and public places through RV La Marguerite. Emergency lighting and generator, fire hydrants and fire hoses, fire extinguishers and life jackets are carefully selected for your comfort and safety.
RV La Marguerite follows strict control of food handling related to the receipt, storage, processing, display, packaging & transportation are strictly adhered to for your total enjoyment and safety.
All crew members of the RV La Marguerite are trained in both emergency and non-emergency First Aid.
Pre & Post
Excursions at every port of call: The sound of traditional Vietnamese music, the scent of the morning markets, the sight of traditional French colonial buildings in Hanoi, the amazing workmanship of the tailors in Hoi An and the thrill of the find at UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay simply makes Vietnam one of the world’s most attractive destination. Call us and let us design special creative and inspirational cultural tours for your pre or post river cruise.
"I cannot think of my childhood without thinking of water. My home town is a town of water" that has inspired the creation of RV La Marguerite. The Mekong Delta of today remains unchanged, allowing travelers the chance to experience Vietnam the way it was during the colonial era.
