2018 AVALON ASIA COLLECTION - Premier River Cruises

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2018 AVALON ASIA COLLECTION - Premier River Cruises
2018 AVALON ASIA COLLECTION
  RIVER   CRUISING   FROM   A   UNIQUE   POINT   OF   VIEW
2018 AVALON ASIA COLLECTION - Premier River Cruises
INSPIRING ASIA &
                 THE AVALON ADVANTAGE
      A journey with Avalon Waterways® along the legendary rivers of Asia is an

       unforgettable fusion of distinctive sights, colorful cultures, and ancient

       traditions. Inspired by cruisers, our ships and itineraries stand out from

      the crowd. And because bigger isn’t always better, we focus on intimate

    experiences with exceptional personalized service on our Suite Ships®. With a

    maximum of 36 guests, we get you closer to the must-see sights and deliver

     a more enriching experience with Local FavoritesSM, designed to introduce

     you to the unique stories and people in each destination. An expert Cruise

       Director and carefully selected Certified Local Guides accompany you

       throughout your adventure, ensuring no detail is overlooked. So, come

               discover the magic of Asia—and the Avalon advantage.

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2018 AVALON ASIA COLLECTION - Premier River Cruises
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
                                                              4    Included Just for You
                                                              6    Intimate Cruising at Its Best
                                                              8    Live the Suite Life
                                                              10   “You First” Service
                                                              12   Inspired Dining

                                                              MEKONG RIVER
                                                              14 Welcoming Vietnam & Cambodia
                                                              16 The Mekong Experience
                                                              18 Extend Your Cruise
                                                              19 Superior Hotels
                                                              20	
                                                                 Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia
                                                                    & the Mekong River
                                                                    — Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap
                                                                    WHS..............................13 days
                                                                    — Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City
                                                                     WSH..............................13 days

                                                              26    N EW! The Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam
                                                                    — Siem Reap to Hanoi
                                                                    WSI................................18 days
                                                                    — Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
                                                                     WIS................................18 days

                                                              32	
                                                                 N EW! Ultimate Southeast Asia & the
                                                                    Majestic Mekong
                                                                     — Bangkok to Hanoi
                                                                     WBS...............................21 days
                                                                    — Bangkok to Hanoi
                                                                     WSB...............................21 days

                                                              38	
                                                                 Mekong River Cruise extensions

                                                              IRRAWADDY RIVER
                                                              40  Captivating Myanmar
                                                              42  On the Irrawaddy
                                                              44  Extend Your Cruise
                                                              45  Superior Hotels
                                                              46	Golden Myanmar &
                                                                    the Alluring Irrawaddy
                                                                    — Yangon to Yangon
                                                                    WBK..............................14 days
                                                                    — Yangon to Yangon
                                                                     WKB..............................14 days

                                                              52    N EW! Spirit of Myanmar & the Untouched
                                                                    Upper Irrawaddy
                                                                    — Yangon to Yangon
                                                                    WYB...............................16 days
                                                                    — Yangon to Yangon
                                                                     WBY...............................16 days

                                                              YANGTZE RIVER
                                                              58	
                                                                 Exploring the Yangtze & Beyond With
                                                                    Globus

                                                              SHIP DETAILS
                                                              60  Avalon Siem ReapSM & Avalon SaigonSM
                                                              61  Avalon MyanmarSM

                                                              ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                        Avalon is proud to partner with       62 What to Know Before You Go
                        Tourism Cares to help support the     63 Air Arrangements
                        ChildSafe Network and its Kaliyan
                                                              64 Terms & Conditions
                                                              66 Frequently Asked Questions
Mith program in Siem Reap which helps provide outreach        67 Travel Protection
services and educational programs for impoverished children
in Cambodia. TourismCares.org

                                                                                                AvalonWaterways.com   3
2018 AVALON ASIA COLLECTION - Premier River Cruises
INCLUDED
    JUST FOR YOU.

INCLUDED FOR EVERY AVALON GUEST
• Intimate cruise experience on       • Large desk with convenient            • Included sightseeing                 • Bottled water on all excursions
  one of our incredible Suite Ships®     power outlets                            accompanied by a Certified
  with no more than 36 guests                                                     Local Guide. Inside visits, special   • F resh fruit & refreshing drink after
                                       • Individual climate control               features, and guided sightseeing        all ship excursions
• Spacious Panorama SuiteSM                                                      are indicated in UPPERCASE in
  measuring 245 square feet            • Minibar with complimentary local                                              •C
                                                                                                                          omplimentary wine, local beer/
                                         beer, soft drinks & bottled water        the day-by-day itinerary.              spirits, soft drinks, coffee, and tea
• Large closets with shelves for                                               • F ascinating destination talks and    at lunch & dinner
  ample storage & in-room safe         • Plush bathrobes & slippers
                                                                                  demonstrations by your Cruise         •B
                                                                                                                          ar serving premium spirits, wine
• Comfort Collection BedsSM with      • Professional Cruise Director and        Director, Local Guides, and ship’s     & complimentary coffee, tea,
  premium mattress toppers               staff to help throughout your cruise     crew                                   soft drinks, and local beer/spirits
                                       • Selection of Local FavoritesSM        •H
                                                                                  eadsets for all guided shore          throughout the day
• Large private bathrooms with
  hairdryer, premium bath amenities      offering unique cultural activities     excursions                             • Fitness Room
  & full shower with glass door          & interactions with locals

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2018 AVALON ASIA COLLECTION - Premier River Cruises
THE RIGHT INCLUSIONS
          ON BOARD AND ON SHORE.
   Onshore exursions with Local Guides and unique Local FavoritesSM

 designed to immerse you in the culture. Wine and beer with lunch and

 dinner. Spacious Panorama SuitesSM with sitting area and huge 14-foot

   wall-to-wall window. An exclusive experience features all the right

 inclusions, yet still leaves room for your own preferences. In addition to

little luxuries like complimentary Wi-Fi and around-the-clock local beer/

spirits, Avalon gives you time to relax and enjoy independent discoveries...

       the best of both worlds. We call that a “just right” inclusive.

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2018 AVALON ASIA COLLECTION - Premier River Cruises
INTIMATE CRUISING
    AT ITS BEST.

    AVALON SUITE SHIP®
    FEATURES:
    •	Air-conditioned Panorama Lounge
    •	Open-air observation lounge with
       shade system & premium lounge
       chairs
    •	Spacious, open-seating dining room
    •	Bar serving premium spirits, wine
       & complimentary coffee, tea,
       soft drinks, and local beer/spirits
       throughout the day
    •	Complimentary Wi-Fi access
       in lounge areas (where signal is
       available)
    • Spa treatment room
    • Fitness Room
    • Library & games
    • Non-smoking interior

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2018 AVALON ASIA COLLECTION - Premier River Cruises
THE “JUST RIGHT” SIZE.
                                               Our incredible Suite Ships® carry just 36 guests for a more exclusive

                                                experience. Each ship has been meticulously crafted to offer all the

                                              modern features you expect, while retaining the unique character and

                                                               charm of the destination you are traveling in.

                                               While the maximum number of guests may be small, the ships aren’t.

                                             Built as long and wide as other ships that carry twice as many guests, the

                                             public spaces never feel congested. From the air-conditioned Panorama

                                               Lounge to the open-air observation lounge, there is plenty of seating

                                              and spots to relax. Plus, our lounges are located at the front of the ship,

                                             not the back, so no matter where you sit, you’ll always have a great view.

            Avalon Siem ReapSM (2015)
                                                                                                          Avalon MyanmarSM (2015)
             & Avalon SaigonSM (2018)
                                                                                                      The pioneering design allows us to cruise the
 The only ships cruising from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem
                                                                                                    spectacular untouched Upper Irrawaddy on each
 Reap* (or vice versa), eliminating hours of motorcoach
                                                                                                    departure—a feat not possible on any other ship.
   travel time, which means you enjoy more cruising!
                                                                                                                See page 61 for deck plan.
                     See page 60 for deck plan.

*During low water conditions we fly from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap or vice versa.

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2018 AVALON ASIA COLLECTION - Premier River Cruises
LIVE THE SUITE LIFE.

AMENITIES LIST
•C omfort Collection BedsSM,         • Nightly turn-down service        • Large private bathroom featuring    • In-house telephone
  featuring premium mattress          • Bedside tables with reading       full shower with rain shower         • Bathrobes & slippers
  covers                                lamps                              head & glass door, hairdryer, and
                                                                           premium bath amenities               • Minibar with complimentary
•E gyptian super-combed cotton       • Wall-to-wall Panoramic window                                            local beer, soft drinks & bottled
  linens, blankets & European-style     measuring 14-feet wide, that     • Spacious closets with shelves for     water
  duvets                                opens to transform the living      ample storage
                                                                                                                • In-room safe
• Soft & firm pillows                   space into a large Open-Air      • Easy under-bed luggage storage
                                        BalconySM                                                               • Individual climate control
•C hoice of bed configuration                                           • Writing desk/vanity with mirror &
  (two twins or one king)             • Comfortable sitting area with     comfortable chair
                                        couch and chair

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2018 AVALON ASIA COLLECTION - Premier River Cruises
OUR VISION. YOUR VIEW.
Welcome to our innovative Panorama SuitesSM. Designed from the

 ground up with your comfort in mind—no compromises. With an

 expansive 245 square feet of living space and a massive wall-to-

wall window measuring 14 feet across, you’ll never feel cramped or

 crowded. The window opens a full 9 feet, creating river cruising’s

only Open-Air BalconySM. Even the bed faces the window, ensuring

you won’t miss a single passing riverscape. You’ll feel right at home

              in this spacious, well-appointed retreat.

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2018 AVALON ASIA COLLECTION - Premier River Cruises
“YOU FIRST” SERVICE.
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THE ART OF MAKING
               YOU FEEL AT HOME.
 We don’t just reserve the warmth and comfort for your suite on

an Avalon river cruise—we carry our welcoming spirit throughout

the entire ship and spill it onto shore. From the reception staff and

 Cruise Director to your cabin steward and wait staff, we deliver

exquisite service that’s professional and friendly—never stuffy. But

 it doesn’t stop there. Our informative Local Guides are on hand

throughout your cruise with engaging tales that bring you closer

to your destination. Whether you’re on board or on shore, you’re

           perfectly taken care of every step of the way.

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INSPIRED DINING.
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SAVOR THE LOCAL FLAVORS
     ON BOARD: With Avalon, every dining experience brings your

destination to life. We start with fresh, quality ingredients and delectable

  recipes crafted by our talented chefs. Try authentic regional dishes—

   or more familiar Western alternatives. Start your day off right with a

 selection of hot and cold dishes at the breakfast buffet and don’t miss

   our made-to-order egg station. Lunch features a buffet and a live

cooking station showcasing local specialties served by our Head Chef. In

the evening, a four-course à la carte dinner awaits with choice of salads,

soups, entrées, and desserts. Vegetarian options are available at all meals.

ON LAND: Start your day with breakfast at your hotel. Where we include

  lunch or dinner, we have selected some of the best local restaurants

  to further enhance your experience. We even include special dining

experiences like a hands-on cooking class in Vietnam and a meal at one

   of the few wineries in Myanmar with stunning views over Inle Lake.

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WELCOMING
     VIETNAM & CAMBODIA
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Over the past 30 years, “change” has been a constant for Vietnam
 and Cambodia as they diligently forge paths to the future while
                 maintaining ancient traditions.

Extending from the mountainous north to the verdant flood plains
of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam boasts a rich and fascinating culture,
 striking beauty, and tantalizing cuisine. A palpable energy buzzes
   throughout the country, arousing your curiosity and elevating
 your senses. City streets set the stage for a symphony of zipping
   motorbikes. Bustling local markets paint a picture of daily life.
 The breathtaking highlands around Sapa and the golden beaches
   of Hoi An provide perfect serenity. And remarkable geological
formations—like stunning Ha Long Bay—present panoramas you’ll
 never forget. While reminders of the war remain, it is firmly in the
 country’s past. The people of Vietnam are eager to welcome you
        and share their country, stories, and gracious smiles.

      Bordering Vietnam, the remarkable Kingdom of Cambodia
  intrigues, beguiles, and fascinates all who are fortunate enough
  to make her acquaintance. During its peak from the 9th to 15th
   centuries, the powerful kings of the Khmer Empire erected the
      most extensive concentration of temples in the world—the
 magnificent Angkor complex. Since those days, the country has
seen its share of troubled times—from invasion and occupation to
civil war and the appalling reign of the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to
1979. Through it all, the spirit of the Cambodian people triumphed,
  and in the early 1990s, the country began a renaissance. Today,
   it beckons with its hospitable people, unforgettable sights, and
                    ancient architectural wonders.

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THE MEKONG EXPERIENCE

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Pulsing through the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia, the mighty
Mekong River provides a lifeline for millions of people. Along this vibrant
 “Mother of Water,” scenes of everyday life will mesmerize you—from
  fishermen hauling in their daily catch and chanting monks to boats
                         crisscrossing the river.

   Cruise the massive Mekong Delta, which covers some 15,000 square
   miles. This picturesque area accounts for over half of Vietnam’s rice
production, prompting it to be nicknamed the “rice bowl” of the country.
 One of the highlights is a visit to a local workshop to see how traditional
 candy and rice wine are made before sampling some yourself. Explore
   a colorful local market, visit a local sampan builder, and relish other
    fascinating activities. Explore French-influenced Phnom Penh, the
  spectacular Silver Pagoda, and learn about the sobering Khmer Rouge
regime. Interact with friendly Cambodian people at work and play as you
 explore villages and visit with local schoolchildren, a skilled silversmith,
     and a farmer to learn about his daily life. You will also partake in a
           traditional water blessing ceremony with area monks.

  Beyond the Mekong, you will explore great sights on land. In Ho Chi
 Minh City, enjoy a walking tour of the city’s highlights, a cooking class,
and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong
  in the war. In charming Siem Reap, enjoy a traditional Apsara dance
  performance and explore the spectacular Angkor temple complex,
whose architectural grandeur is arguably unmatched among the world’s
ancient ruins. See a variety of temples, including spectacular Angkor Wat
 and the mesmerizing faces of Bayon. Researchers now believe Angkor
was the largest pre-industrial city in the world, and the remaining temples
  stand as a testament to the wealth and power of the Khmer Empire.

 By the end of your journey, you will have a better understanding of life
       along the river and the friendly people who depend on it.

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EXTEND YOUR VACATION
        Want to explore more of Southeast Asia? We offer a
     selection of optional extensions so you can get the most
      out of your vacation. Add one extension or more to fit
                       your needs perfectly!

        Sail on scenic Ha Long Bay or visit fascinating ethnic
      minority villages in the mountain town of Sapa. Explore
      UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Luang Prabang
       and Hoi An Ancient Town. Witness daily life in Hanoi’s
     Old Quarter and learn about Vietnam’s dynastic history in
      Hue. Marvel at the grandeur of Bangkok’s Grand Palace
        or relax at the beach along Vietnam’s central coast.

      See itinerary pages for listing of applicable extensions.

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1 3
                                                              2 4

                    SUPERIOR HOTELS
Every Avalon hotel has been carefully selected by our regional experts. With high-quality service, desirable amenities, spacious
guestrooms, and central locations, each is sure to exceed your expectations.

  1
        Ho Chi Minh City -                                                  Hanoi extension -
                                                                       3
        InterContinental Asiana Saigon                                      InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the InterContinental       Built entirely over the serene waters of historic West Lake,
Asiana Saigon is one of the city’s leading hotels and a great base   the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake features contemporary
for exploring the city. The hotel features deluxe amenities, while   Vietnamese design and exceptional service for an unforgettable
the elegantly appointed guestrooms offer a spacious retreat.t.       visit to the “City of Peace.”

  2
        Siem Reap -                                                    4
                                                                            Laos extension -
        Park Hyatt Siem Reap                                                Angsana Maison Souvannaphoum
The Park Hyatt Siem Reap is the city’s most prestigious address      With its location in the heart of Luang Prabang, the Angsana
and perfect base to explore the Temples of Angkor. Located in        Maison Souvannaphoum is the perfect base to explore this
the heart of the city, this award-winning hotel blends elegant       historic town. Once the residence of Prince Souvannaphouma,
and contemporary design elements to create an enlivening             the hotel exudes a distinct colonial style with a local touch.
atmosphere. From the second you arrive, you will be welcomed
by true Cambodian hospitality and superb service.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR A FULL LIST OF HOTELS AND AMENITIES.

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FASCINATING VIETNAM,
           CAMBODIA & THE MEKONG RIVER
                       13 DAYS

                                          REVERSE ITINERARY
                                 CRUISE WSH - SOUTHBOUND
                                   13 days – Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City
                                 VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL ITINERARY DETAILS

TA PROHM

20
HANOI                HA LONG BAY
                                                                                                             Extension

                                                                                         THAILAND
                                                                                                 SIEM REAP         VIETNAM
                                                                         BANGKOK                       2
                                                                             Extension
                                                                                               Tonle Sap   CAMBODIA
                                                                                                                  A
                                                                                         KAMPONG TRALACH         WAT HANCHEY
                                                                                          KONPONG LOUANG       ANGKOR BAN
                                                                                               PHNOM PENH Mekong
                                                                                                              River
                                                                    Start/End City
                                                                                                   CHAU DOC          3       HO CHI MINH CITY
                                                                                                  CU LAO GIENG
                                                                                                                         7
                                                                    Extension                          VINH LONG
  PRICED FROM $4,359

CRUISE WHS - NORTHBOUND                                                              CRUISE
HO CHI MINH CITY TO SIEM REAP                                                        7-night cruise in a Panorama SuiteSM with
                                                                                     Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection BedsSM.
                                                                                     Enjoy an intimate river cruise experience with a
SIGHTSEEING                                                                          maximum of 36 guests on board.
All included sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide.
                                                                                     LOCAL FAVORITES                     SM

1 Arrive Ho Chi Minh City: welcome to Vietnam
2 Ho Chi Minh City: walking tour; visit the famous Rex Hotel for a drink, War        Special experiences by local entertainers,
Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market; cooking class                                 artisans, and experts designed to enrich your
3 Ho Chi Minh City: Cu Chi Tunnels excursion                                         experience.
4 Ho Chi Minh City (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception
5 Vinh Long–Cu Lao Gieng: visit a local workshop to see how rice paper,              • VIETNAMESE COOKING CLASS
rice wine, and traditional candy are made in Vinh Long; visit a sampan-               • DANCE SHOW BY CHILDREN FROM LOCAL
making family and interact with a Catholic priest in Cu Lao Gieng                       ORPHANAGE
6 Chau Doc–Long Khong A–Cambodian Border Crossing: visit a local                      • TRADITIONAL WATER BLESSING BY MONK
market and the religious sites at Sam Mountain in Chau Doc; walking tour of           • VISIT A FARMER’S HOME TO LEARN ABOUT HIS
Long Khong A with cotton-weaving demonstration                                          DAILY LIFE
7 Phnom Penh: sightseeing by private cyclo, including the Royal Palace, Silver        • PRIVATE APSARA DANCE PERFORMANCE
Pagoda, and the National Museum; afternoon at leisure; show by children
from a local orphanage
                                                                                     MEALS
8 Phnom Penh: visit the Tuol Sleng Museum and one of the Killing Fields
9 Wat Hanchey–Angkor Ban: visit Wat Hanchey and partake in a traditional             • American breakfast (B) daily, 9 lunches (L),
water blessing by local monks; walking tour in Angkor Ban with school visit            9 dinners (D)
10 Konpong Louang–Kampong Tralach: visit the silversmith village of                  • Hanoi & Ha Long Bay Extension: breakfast (B)
Konpong Louang; ox cart ride through the countryside and visit a local                 daily, 2 lunches (L), 2 dinners (D)
farmer’s home in Kampong Tralach
                                                                                     •	Bangkok Extension: breakfast (B) daily,
11 Siem Reap (Disembarkation): visit Angkor Wat & Banteay Srei
                                                                                       1 lunch (L)
12 Siem Reap: visit Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm by tuk-tuk;
Les Artisans d’Angkor; Apsara dance performance
                                                                                     SUPERIOR HOTELS
13 S
    iem Reap: end of vacation
                                                                                     Ho Chi Minh City InterContinental Asiana
                                                                                     Saigon (D)
                                                                                     Siem Reap Park Hyatt Siem Reap (D)
                                                                                     Hanoi & Ha Long Bay Extension: Hanoi
                                                                                     InterContinental Hanoi Westlake (D), Ha Long
                                                                                     Bay Novotel Ha Long Bay (BA)
                                                                                     Bangkok Extension InterContinental Bangkok
                                                                                     (D)

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ANGKOR WAT AT SUNRISE

        FASCINATING VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & THE MEKONG RIVER - WHS

     DAY 1 Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Welcome                   during the war. Here, you will learn about how the tunnels were
     to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. Hotel rooms      constructed and have a chance to walk through a section to
     are available for mid-afternoon check-in.                            experience what life would have been like underground. Return
                                                                          to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the rest of the afternoon and
     DAY 2 Ho Chi Minh City. This morning, enjoy a WALKING                evening at your leisure. Maybe stop at the famous rooftop bar
     TOUR of the city’s famous and historic landmarks as you stroll       for a drink at the Caravelle Hotel. (B)
     through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street (formerly
     Rue Catinat) past Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal Theatre,         DAY 4 Ho Chi Minh City (Embarkation). This morning,
     the Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Stop at           transfer to the port on the Saigon River and board your river
     the Rex Hotel for a refreshing DRINK at the popular ROOFTOP          cruise vessel to start your CRUISE up the Mekong River through
     BAR where the U.S. Military held the infamous “Five O’Clock          Vietnam and Cambodia. Get acquainted with the ship and relax
     Follies” during the war. Next, visit the WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM,        before your welcome reception this evening. (B,L,D)
     followed by BEN THANH MARKET, the largest and oldest in the
     city. For lunch, participate in a hands-on VIETNAMESE COOKING        DAY 5 Vinh Long–Cu Lao Gieng. This morning, board
     CLASS. Head into the classroom and learn how to prepare              a sampan for a scenic cruise to Vinh Long. Upon arrival, visit
     different local dishes and the techniques necessary to recreate      a LOCAL WORKSHOP to see how rice paper, rice wine, and
     them once you return home. Last but not least, sample your           traditional candies are made. Other surprises await for those
     delicious creations! The afternoon is at your leisure to explore     who are brave! After lunch on the ship, enjoy scenes of daily
     this lively city. Tonight, enjoy a special welcome dinner. (B,L,D)   life along the river near Cu Lao Gieng via sampan. Stop at
                                                                          a LOCAL HOME, where a skilled family works together to
     DAY 3 Ho Chi Minh City. Excursion to Cu Chi                          hand-craft sampans for a living. Then, ride a specially designed
     Tunnels. This morning, leave the city and drive through vast         MOTOR CART to one of Vietnam’s oldest churches for a special
     expanses of rice paddies to visit the CU CHI TUNNELS, an             INTERACTION WITH A CATHOLIC PRIEST. (B,L,D)
     extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length
     that was used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village

22
FLOATING MARKET

                                                                      WAT HANCHEY

DAY 6 Chau Doc–Long Khong A–Cambodian                                  the Khmer Rouge regime. Visit the TUOL SLENG GENOCIDE
Border Crossing. After breakfast, walk through the                     MUSEUM, a former high school that housed over 17,000
LOCAL MARKET and absorb the atmosphere as locals are                   prisoners. Of this number, it is believed that fewer than 15
busy buying and selling fish, meat, and produce. Then join a           survived the torture and avoided being sent to the Killing Fields.
sampan excursion down the backwaters of the Mekong to the              You will also visit one of the KILLING FIELDS, where more than
religious sites at the base of SAM MOUNTAIN. Along the way,            200,000 people were killed by the Khmer Rouge. After lunch,
see traditional floating homes, speedboat merchants, a market          depart Phnom Penh and enjoy some time at leisure on the ship.
selling dried goods, and more. After lunch, a sampan brings            (B,L,D)
you to the village of LONG KHONG A, where cotton weaving
is a well-preserved tradition. Spend time at one house for a           DAY 9 Wat Hanchey–Angkor Ban. This morning, visit
COTTON-WEAVING DEMONSTRATION and a chance to talk                      WAT HANCHEY, a temple dating back to the 8th century and
with the family. Return to the ship and head for the Cambodian         the Chenla Empire. Located on a hilltop, enjoy stunning views
border. (B,L,D)                                                        of the surrounding area and partake in a TRADITIONAL WATER
                                                                       BLESSING given by local monks. After lunch, enjoy a WALKING
DAY 7 Phnom Penh. The capital city of Phnom Penh retains               TOUR through the rural village of Angkor Ban. Here, you will see
its French charm to this day. This morning, your sightseeing           traditional Khmer houses and visit a LOCAL SCHOOL. (B,L,D)
tour by PRIVATE CYCLO includes visits to the ROYAL PALACE              NOTE: The climb to Wat Hanchey features a steep incline. If you
with the spectacular SILVER PAGODA and the NATIONAL                    feel you are unable to make the climb, you will be driven to the
MUSEUM, featuring an outstanding display of Khmer artifacts.           top by car.
The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the city. Just
before dinner, children from a local orphanage will put on a           DAY 10 Konpong Louang–Kampong Tralach. Today,
SHOW featuring local song and dance. (B,L,D)                           start your sightseeing at the SILVERSMITH VILLAGE of Konpong
                                                                       Louang. Here, you will see talented craftsmen use age-old
DAY 8 Phnom Penh. Sightseeing this morning provides a                  techniques to turn pure silver into works of art. Continue on to
glimpse of the atrocities inflicted on the Cambodian people by         Kampong Tralach for an OX CART RIDE past rice paddy fields

                                                                                                                       AvalonWaterways.com   23
ROYAL PALACE AT DUSK | PHNOM PENH

     and the beautiful Cambodian countryside. Along the way, stop          wood. This evening is at leisure to explore charming Siem Reap—
     to MEET A LOCAL FARMER and learn about his daily life. Return         or stay to witness sunset at Angkor Wat! (B,L) NOTE: During low
     to the ship for lunch. This afternoon, cruise up the Tonle River to   water conditions, generally mid-December to August, we will not
     Tonle Sap (Great Lake). After the rainy season, this massive body     be able to cruise across Tonle Sap to Siem Reap. In these cases,
     of water can cover around 10,000 square miles and is the perfect      we will fly from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and sightseeing will
     breeding ground for fish, which play a vital role in providing        begin in the afternoon. No included sightseeing will be missed.
     food for people living on the lake. (B,L,D) NOTE: During low          Low water conditions vary from year to year, so this will be
     water conditions, generally mid-December to August, we will           evaluated on a cruise-by-cruise basis.
     not be able to cruise up the Tonle River to Tonle Sap. Low water
     conditions vary from year to year so this will be evaluated on a      DAY 12 Siem Reap. Today, continue your sightseeing of the
     cruise-by-cruise basis.                                               Angkor temples by TUK-TUK. Start at ANGKOR THOM, where you
                                                                           will explore BAYON TEMPLE. One of the few Buddhist temples in
     DAY 11 Siem Reap (Disembarkation). This morning,                      Angkor, it features some 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers
     arrive in Siem Reap and start your sightseeing of the TEMPLES         and impressive bas reliefs. Next stop is TA PROHM, which, unlike
     OF ANGKOR, considered by many to be the most spectacular              the other temples, has been left relatively untouched. Tree roots
     architectural ruins on Earth! Constructed between the 9th             grow over and through the ruin walls, allowing you to experience
     and 13th centuries, the temples were built around the Khmer           the temple with the same wonder as the early explorers
     interpretations of Indian religious and political beliefs that        who discovered it. Next, stop at LES ARTISANS D’ANGKOR, a
     ultimately evolved from Hinduism to Buddhism. The complex             development project teaching young adults traditional handicraft
     architectural grandeur of the Angkor temples is arguably              techniques. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure. This
     unmatched among ancient ruins anywhere in the world. First,           evening, enjoy a PRIVATE APSARA DANCE PERFORMANCE,
     visit the best preserved and most famous of all the temples:          where the ancient Khmer culture is brought to life by talented
     ANGKOR WAT, honoring the Hindu god Vishnu. Featuring five             dancers, singers, and musicians. (B,D)
     trademark towers and stunning bas reliefs, it has become a
     symbol of Cambodia. Then, visit BANTEAY SREI, a unique temple         DAY 13 Siem Reap. Your vacation ends with breakfast this
     dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Unlike other temples, it is built   morning. (B)
     on a small scale from red sandstone, which can be carved like

24
DATES & PRICES US$
                                                                  CRUISE WHS - FROM $4,359 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - HO CHI MINH CITY TO SIEM REAP
                                                                  CRUISE WHS0 - FROM $3,079 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - HO CHI MINH CITY TO SIEM REAP
                                                                       CRUISE WHSH - FROM $5,269 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - HANOI TO SIEM REAP
                                                                  CRUISE WHSB - FROM $4,999 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - HO CHI MINH CITY TO BANGKOK
                                                                       CRUISE WHSN - FROM $5,889 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - HANOI TO BANGKOK

                                                                 Ship               Dept.       Start Ho Chi           Land/        Ship               Dept.        Start Ho Chi           Land/
                                                                                    #           Minh City              Cruise*                         #            Minh City              Cruise*
                                                                 Siem Reap          0101        Mon Jan 01              5,389       Siem Reap          1119        Mon Nov 19               5,389
                                                                 Siem Reap          0115        Mon Jan 15              5,389       Saigon             1126        Mon Nov 26               5,389
                                                                 Siem Reap          0129        Mon Jan 29              5,389       Siem Reap          1203        Mon Dec 03               5,199
                                                                 Siem Reap          0212        Mon Feb 12              5,389       Saigon             1210        Mon Dec 10               4,979
                                                                 Siem Reap          0226        Mon Feb 26              5,389       Siem Reap          1217        Mon Dec 17               4,979
                                                                 Siem Reap          0312        Mon Mar 12              5,389       Saigon             1224        Mon Dec 24               5,199
                                                                 Siem Reap          0326        Mon Mar 26              5,199       Siem Reap          1231        Mon Dec 31               5,569
                                                                 Siem Reap          0702        Mon Jul 02              4,359                                    2019
                                                                 Siem Reap          0716        Mon Jul 16              4,359       Saigon             0107        Mon Jan 07               5,569
                                                                 Siem Reap          0730        Mon Jul 30              4,359       Siem Reap          0114        Mon Jan 14               5,569
                                                                 Siem Reap          0813        Mon Aug 13              4,359       Saigon             0121        Mon Jan 21               5,569
                                                                 Siem Reap          0827        Mon Aug 27              4,979       Siem Reap          0128        Mon Jan 28               5,569
                                                                 Siem Reap          0910        Mon Sep 10              4,979       Saigon             0204        Mon Feb 04               5,569
                                                                 Saigon             0917        Mon Sep 17              5,199       Siem Reap          0211        Mon Feb 11               5,569
                                                                 Siem Reap          0924        Mon Sep 24              5,199       Saigon             0218        Mon Feb 18               5,569
                                                                 Saigon             1001        Mon Oct 01              5,389       Siem Reap          0225        Mon Feb 25               5,569
                                                                 Siem Reap          1008        Mon Oct 08              5,389       Saigon             0304        Mon Mar 04               5,569
                                                                 Saigon             1015        Mon Oct 15              5,389       Siem Reap          0311        Mon Mar 11               5,569
                                                                 Siem Reap          1022        Mon Oct 22              5,389       Saigon             0318        Mon Mar 18               5,569
                                                                 Saigon             1029        Mon Oct 29              5,389       Siem Reap          0325        Mon Mar 25               5,369
                                                                 Siem Reap          1105        Mon Nov 05              5,389       Saigon             0401        Mon Apr 01               5,369
                                                                 Saigon             1112        Mon Nov 12              5,389       Siem Reap          0408        Mon Apr 08               5,369

                                                                  CRUISE WSH - FROM $4,349 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - SIEM REAP TO HO CHI MINH CITY
                                                                  CRUISE WSH0 - FROM $3,079 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - SIEM REAP TO HO CHI MINH CITY
                                                                   CRUISE WSHH - FROM $5,259 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - HANOI TO HO CHI MINH CITY
                                                                     CRUISE WSHB - FROM $4,989 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - SIEM REAP TO BANGKOK
                                                                       CRUISE WSHN - FROM $5,879 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - HANOI TO BANGKOK

                                                                 Ship               Dept.       Start                  Land/        Ship               Dept.        Start                  Land/
                                                                                    #           Siem Reap              Cruise*                         #            Siem Reap              Cruise*
                                                                 Siem Reap          0108        Mon Jan 08              5,409       Siem Reap          1126        Mon Nov 26               5,409
                                                                 Siem Reap          0122        Mon Jan 22              5,409       Saigon             1203        Mon Dec 03               5,219
                                                                 Siem Reap          0205        Mon Feb 05              5,409       Siem Reap          1210        Mon Dec 10               4,999
                                                                 Siem Reap          0219        Mon Feb 19              5,409       Saigon             1217        Mon Dec 17               4,999
                                                                 Siem Reap          0305        Mon Mar 05              5,409       Siem Reap          1224        Mon Dec 24               5,219
                                                                 Siem Reap          0319        Mon Mar 19              5,409       Saigon             1231        Mon Dec 31               5,589
                                                                 Siem Reap          0402        Mon Apr 02              5,219                                    2019
                                                                 Siem Reap          0709        Mon Jul 09              4,349       Siem Reap          0107        Mon Jan 07               5,589
EXTEND YOUR VACATION                                             Siem Reap          0723        Mon Jul 23              4,349       Saigon             0114        Mon Jan 14               5,589
                                                                 Siem Reap          0806        Mon Aug 06              4,349       Siem Reap          0121        Mon Jan 21               5,589
                                                                 Siem Reap          0820        Mon Aug 20              4,349       Saigon             0128        Mon Jan 28               5,589
                                                                 Siem Reap          0903        Mon Sep 03              4,999       Siem Reap          0204        Mon Feb 04               5,589
                                                                 Siem Reap          0917        Mon Sep 17              5,219       Saigon             0211        Mon Feb 11               5,589
                                                                 Saigon             0924        Mon Sep 24              5,219       Siem Reap          0218        Mon Feb 18               5,589
                                                                 Siem Reap          1001        Mon Oct 01              5,409       Saigon             0225        Mon Feb 25               5,589
                                                                 Saigon             1008        Mon Oct 08              5,409       Siem Reap          0304        Mon Mar 04               5,589
                                                                 Siem Reap          1015        Mon Oct 15              5,409       Saigon             0311        Mon Mar 11               5,589
                                                                 Saigon             1022        Mon Oct 22              5,409       Siem Reap          0318        Mon Mar 18               5,589
                                                                 Siem Reap          1029        Mon Oct 29              5,409       Saigon             0325        Mon Mar 25               5,389
                                                                 Saigon             1105        Mon Nov 05              5,409       Siem Reap          0401        Mon Apr 01               5,389
                                                                 Siem Reap          1112        Mon Nov 12              5,409       Saigon             0408        Mon Apr 08               5,389
                                                                 Saigon             1119        Mon Nov 19              5,409
ADD HANOI & HA LONG BAY                                                                                                                               ALL DEPARTURES ARE GUARANTEED.
CRUISE WHSH • 16 DAYS • FROM HANOI TO SIEM REAP
                                                                 *Dates & Prices above do not include air travel. Participation in the extended versions of this vacation requires purchase
                                                                 of the following flights from Avalon Waterways, not included in pricing above: (1) roundtrip air from your U.S. gateway and
ADD BANGKOK                                                      intra-vacation air segments; or (2) intra-vacation air segments only, starting at WHSH $202; WHSB $300; WHSN $502;
CRUISE WHSB • 16 DAYS • FROM HO CHI MINH CITY TO BANGKOK       WSHH $240; WSHB $230; WSHN $470. Required intra-vacation air segment for WHSH extension is Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City.
                                                                 Required intra-vacation air segment for WHSB extension is Siem Reap/Bangkok. Required intra-vacation air segments for
ADD HANOI, HA LONG BAY & BANGKOK                                 WHSN extension are Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City; Siem Reap/Bangkok. Required intra-vacation air segment for WSHH extension
                                                                 is Hanoi/Siem Reap. Required intra-vacation air segment for WSHB is Ho Chi Minh City/Bangkok. Required intra-vacation air
CRUISE WHSN • 19 DAYS • FROM HANOI TO BANGKOK                  segments for WSHN extension are Hanoi/Siem Reap; Ho Chi Minh CIty/Bangkok. Air prices in this brochure were effective on
                                                                 April 5, 2017, and their availability is limited. At the time you purchase your tour, air prices may be higher. For current prices,
                                                                 please contact your travel consultant or see our website. See page 63 for more information on the Avalon Waterways air
See pages 38-39 for more details or visit our website for full   program, including Terms & Conditions.
itineraries.
                                                                 Gratuities to Local Guides & drivers are included.                 Extra Nights per person in Siem Reap:
                                                                 Price is per person, based on double room occupancy.               Jan.-Apr. & Sep.-Dec.: in single room $265; in twin room $138
CRUISE ONLY                                                      Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not            Jul.-Aug.: in single room $232; in twin room $121
                                                                 available.                                                         Extra Nights per person in Hanoi: in single room $215; in
CRUISE WHS0 • 8 DAYS • FROM HO CHI MINH CITY TO SIEM REAP        Prices shown above include cruise in Category B in an Avalon       twin room $113
                                                                 Suite on Mekong Deck. To upgrade to a Category A on the            Extra Nights per person in Bangkok:
                                                                 Tonle Deck, add $400 per person in double occupancy or             Jan.-Oct.: in single room $248; in twin room $129
                                                                 $800 in single occupancy.                                          Nov.-Jan. 6, 2019: in single room $270; in twin room $140
                                                                 Extra Nights per person in Ho Chi Minh City: in single             Jan. 7, 2019-Apr. 30, 2019: in single room $224; in twin room
                                                                 room $236; in twin room $123                                       $117

                                                                 ADD INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO YOUR VACATION! COMPETITIVE PRICES WITHOUT THE
                                                                 HASSLE. FREE AIRPORT TRANSFERS INCLUDED ON BROCHURE DATES.

                                                                                                                                                    AvalonWaterways.com                         25
THE HEART OF
                        CAMBODIA & VIETNAM
                               18 DAYS

                                                  REVERSE ITINERARY
                                         CRUISE WIS - NORTHBOUND
                                             18 days – Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi
                                         VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL ITINERARY DETAILS

HA LONG BAY | VIETNAM

26
SAPA
                                                                                                    Extension

                                                                                                      HANOI            2        2   HA LONG BAY
                                                                                              LAOS                         1

                                                                                         LUANG
                                                                                         Extension
                                                                                                   PRABANG

                                                                                                                                    HUE
                                                                                                                                    Extension

                                                                                                                                                DANANG
                                                                                                                                                Extension

                                                                                                   SIEM REAP                             VIETNAM
                                                                                                              3
                                                                                                  Tonle Sap       CAMBODIA
                                                                                            KAMPONG TRALACH        WAT HANCHEY
                                                                                             KONPONG LOUANG       ANGKOR BAN
                                                                                                  PHNOM PENH Mekong
                                                                        Start/End City                          River   2
                                                                                                     CHAU DOC                           HO CHI MINH CITY
                                                                        Extension                   CU LAO GIENG

  PRICED FROM $6,309                                                                                              BEN TRE
                                                                                                                                    7

CRUISE WSI - SOUTHBOUND                                                                   CRUISE
SIEM REAP TO HANOI                                                                        7-night cruise in a Panorama SuiteSM with
                                                                                          Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection BedsSM.
                                                                                          Enjoy an intimate river cruise experience with a
SIGHTSEEING                                                                               maximum of 36 guests on board.
All included sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide.
1 Arrive Siem Reap: welcome to Cambodia                                                  LOCAL FAVORITES                           SM

2 Siem Reap: visit Angkor Wat and Banteay Srei; Apsara dance performance                 Special experiences by local entertainers,
3 Siem Reap: visit Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm by tuk-tuk; Les 		             artisans, and experts designed to enrich your
Artisans d’Angkor                                                                         experience.
4 Siem Reap (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception
                                                                                          • VIETNAMESE COOKING CLASS
5 Kampong Tralach–Konpong Louang–Phnom Penh: ox cart ride through
                                                                                           • DANCE SHOW BY CHILDREN FROM LOCAL
the countryside and visit a local farmer’s home in Kampong Tralach; visit the
                                                                                             ORPHANAGE
silversmith village of Konpong Louang; sightseeing by private cyclo, including the
                                                                                           • TRADITIONAL WATER BLESSING BY MONK
Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum
                                                                                           • VISIT A FARMER’S HOME TO LEARN ABOUT HIS
6 Phnom Penh: visit the Tuol Sleng Museum and one of the Killing Fields;                     DAILY LIFE
afternoon at leisure; show by children from local orphanage                                • PRIVATE APSARA DANCE PERFORMANCE
7 Wat Hanchey–Angkor Ban: visit Wat Hanchey and partake in a traditional
water blessing by local monks; walking tour in Angkor Ban with school visit               MEALS
8 Vietnam Border Crossing–Chau Doc: visit a local market and the religious
                                                                                          • American breakfast (B) daily, 12 lunches (L),
sites at Sam Mountain in Chau Doc
                                                                                            12 dinners (D)
9 Long Khong A–Cu Lao Gieng: walking tour of Long Khong A with cotton-
                                                                                          • Sapa Extension: breakfast (B) daily, 2 lunches
weaving demonstration; visit a sampan-making family and interact with a
Catholic priest in Cu Lao Gieng                                                           • Hue & Danang Extension: breakfast (B) daily,
                                                                                            2 lunches
10 Ben Tre: visit a local garden and a local workshop to see how rice wine and
traditional candy are made                                                                • Luang Prabang Extension: breakfast (B) daily,
11 Ho Chi Minh City (Disembarkation): walking tour; visit the famous Rex Hotel
                                                                                            1 lunch (L)
for a drink, War Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market; cooking class
                                                                                          SUPERIOR HOTELS
12 Ho Chi Minh City: Cu Chi Tunnels excursion
                                                                                          Siem Reap Park Hyatt Siem Reap (D)
13 Ho Chi Minh City–Hanoi: fly to Hanoi
                                                                                          Ho Chi Minh City InterContinental Asiana
14 Hanoi: visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh
Museum, and Temple of Literature; lunch at Koto; electric cart ride through the
                                                                                          Saigon (D)
Old Quarter; water puppets performance                                                    Hanoi InterContinental Hanoi Westlake (D)
15 Hanoi–Ha Long Bay (Embarkation): drive to Ha Long Bay; visit Cua Van
                                                                                          Ha Long Bay Cruise Paradise Elegance
floating village                                                                          Sapa Extension Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa (BA)
16 Ha Long Bay: cruise the bay; visit Titop Island, Luon Cave, and Dark and               Hue & Danang Extension: Hue La Residence
Bright Cave; opportunity to explore by kayak                                              Hue Hotel & Spa (MD), Danang Naman Retreat
17 Ha Long Bay (Disembarkation)–Hanoi: visit Sung Sot Cave; drive to Hanoi                (D)
18 Hanoi: end of vacation
                                                                                          Luang Prabang Extension Angsana Maison
                                                                                          Souvannaphoum (SF)

                                                                                                                               AvalonWaterways.com          27
BAYON TEMPLE

        THE HEART OF CAMBODIA & VIETNAM - WSI

     DAY 1 Arrive in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Welcome to                          the temple with the same wonder as the early explorers who
     Siem Reap, your base during your visit to Angkor, considered by          discovered it. Lastly, stop at LES ARTISANS D’ANGKOR, a
     many to be the most spectacular architectural ruins on Earth!            development project teaching young adults traditional handicraft
     Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.                    techniques. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to explore
                                                                              this charming town. (B)
     DAY 2 Siem Reap. This morning, start your sightseeing of the
     TEMPLES OF ANGKOR. Constructed between the 9th and 13th                  DAY 4 Siem Reap (Embarkation). This morning, transfer
     centuries, the temples were built around the Khmer interpretations       to the port and board your river cruise vessel for your CRUISE
     of Indian religious and political beliefs that ultimately evolved from   down the Mekong through Cambodia and Vietnam. This
     Hinduism to Buddhism. The complex architectural grandeur of              afternoon, enjoy time on board the ship as you cruise through
     the Angkor temples is arguably unmatched among ancient ruins             Tonle Sap (Great Lake). After the rainy season, this massive body
     anywhere in the world. First, visit the best preserved and most          of water can cover around 10,000 square miles and provides the
     famous of all the temples: ANGKOR WAT, honoring the Hindu god            perfect breeding ground for fish, which provide food for people
     Vishnu. Featuring five trademark towers and stunning bas reliefs,        living on the lake. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception.
     it has become a symbol of Cambodia. Then, visit BANTEAY SREI,            (B,L,D) NOTE: During low water conditions, generally mid-
     a unique temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Unlike other           December to August, we will not be able to cruise on Tonle Sap.
     temples, it is built on a small scale from red sandstone, which          In these cases, we will fly from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh for
     can be carved like wood. This evening, enjoy a PRIVATE APSARA            embarkation. No included sightseeing will be missed. Low water
     DANCE PERFORMANCE, where the ancient Khmer culture is                    conditions vary from year to year, so this will be evaluated on a
     brought to life by talented dancers, singers, and musicians. (B,L,D)     cruise-by-cruise basis.

     DAY 3 Siem Reap. Today, continue your sightseeing of the                 DAY 5 Kampong Tralach–Konpong Louang–
     Angkor temples by TUK-TUK. Start at ANGKOR THOM where you                Phnom Penh. Today, visit Kampong Tralach for an OX
     will explore BAYON TEMPLE. One of the few Buddhist temples in            CART RIDE past rice paddy fields and the beautiful Cambodian
     Angkor, it features some 200 striking faces carved in 54 towers          countryside. Along the way, stop to MEET WITH A LOCAL
     and impressive bas reliefs. Next stop is TA PROHM, which, unlike         FARMER and learn more about his daily life. Lastly, visit the
     the other temples, has been left relatively untouched. Tree roots        SILVERSMITH VILLAGE of Konpong Louang. Here, you will see
     grow over and through the ruin walls, allowing you to experience         talented craftsmen use age-old techniques to turn pure silver into

28
WATER PUPPETS

works of art. Then sail to the capital city of Phnom Penh. After         DAY 8 Border Crossing–Chau Doc, Vietnam. Cross
lunch, your sightseeing tour by private cyclo includes visits to the     the border this morning into Vietnam and sail to Chau Doc.
ROYAL PALACE with the spectacular SILVER PAGODA and the                  Upon arrival, walk through the LOCAL MARKET and absorb the
NATIONAL MUSEUM, featuring an outstanding display of Khmer               atmosphere as locals are busy buying and selling fish, meat,
artifacts. (B,L,D)                                                       and produce. After lunch, join a sampan excursion down the
                                                                         backwaters of the river to the religious sites at the base of SAM
DAY 6 Phnom Penh. Sightseeing this morning provides a                    MOUNTAIN. Along the way, see traditional floating homes,
glimpse of the atrocities inflicted on the Cambodian people by           speedboat merchants, a market selling dried goods, and more.
the Khmer Rouge regime. Visit the TUOL SLENG GENOCIDE                    (B,L,D)
MUSEUM, a former high school that housed over 17,000
prisoners. Of this number, it is believed that less than 15 survived     DAY 9 Long Khong A–Cu Lao Gieng. After breakfast,
the torture and avoided being sent to the Killing Fields. You will       a sampan brings you to the village of LONG KHONG A, where
also visit one of the KILLING FIELDS, where over 200,000 people          cotton weaving is a well-preserved tradition. Spend time at
were killed by the Khmer Rouge. The remainder of the day is at           one house for a COTTON-WEAVING DEMONSTRATION and
your leisure to explore the city. Just before dinner, children from      a chance to talk with the family. In the afternoon, board a
a local orphanage will put on a SHOW featuring local song and            sampan and enjoy scenes of daily life along the river. Stop
dance. (B,L,D)                                                           at a LOCAL HOME, where a skilled family works together to
                                                                         hand-craft sampans for a living. Then, ride a specially designed
DAY 7 Wat Hanchey–Angkor Ban. This morning, visit                        MOTOR CART to one of Vietnam’s oldest churches for a special
WAT HANCHEY, a temple dating back to the 8th century and the             INTERACTION WITH A CATHOLIC PRIEST. (B,L,D)
Chenla Empire. Located on a hilltop, enjoy stunning views of the
surrounding area and partake in a TRADITIONAL WATER BLESSING             DAY 10 Ben Tre. This morning, board a sampan for a scenic
given by local monks. After lunch, enjoy a WALKING TOUR through          cruise to Ben Tre. Visit a LOCAL WORKSHOP to see how rice wine
the rural village of Angkor Ban. Here, you will see traditional Khmer    and traditional coconut candy are made. Then, continue on to a
houses and visit a LOCAL SCHOOL. (B,L,D) NOTE: The climb to              LOCAL GARDEN, where several types of fruit indigenous to the
Wat Hanchey features a steep incline. If you feel you are unable to      area are grown. This afternoon, enjoy time on board the ship as
make the climb, you will be driven to the top by car.                    we sail to exciting Ho Chi Minh City. (B,L,D)

                                                                                                                         AvalonWaterways.com   29
TONLE SAP                                                BEN TRE

     DAY 11 Ho Chi Minh City (Disembarkation). Welcome                      Also visit the ancient TEMPLE OF LITERATURE, over 900 years
     to Ho Chi Minh City, still known as Saigon to many. This morning,      old and Hanoi’s first university. Lunch is at KOTO, a non-profit
     enjoy a WALKING TOUR of the city’s famous and historic landmarks       restaurant and hospitality program that trains local street children
     as you stroll through the heart of the city along Dong Khoi Street     in restaurant skills they can use to find a job and build a stable life.
                                                                            After lunch, enjoy a ELECTRIC CART ride through the fascinating
     (formerly Rue Catinat) past Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal
                                                                            Old Quarter, 36 ancient streets where peddlers trade as they
     Theatre, the Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Stop
                                                                            have for centuries. An early dinner this evening is followed by a
     at the Rex Hotel for a refreshing DRINK at the popular ROOFTOP
                                                                            fascinating performance of Hanoi’s renowned WATER PUPPETS, a
     BAR where the U.S. Military held the infamous “Five O’Clock Follies”
                                                                            traditional art form dating back to the 11th century. (B,L,D)
     during the war. Next, visit the WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM followed
     by BEN THANH MARKET, the largest and oldest in the city. For           DAY 15 Hanoi–Ha Long Bay. Travel from Hanoi through
     lunch, participate in a hands-on VIETNAMESE COOKING CLASS.             the fertile countryside to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage
     Head into the classroom and learn how to prepare different local       Site. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, the bay is dotted with more
     dishes and the techniques necessary to recreate them once you          than 3,000 limestone islands carved into fanciful shapes by the
     return home. Last but not least, sample your delicious creations!      action of the water. Board the luxurious Paradise Elegance for a
     The afternoon is at your leisure to explore this lively city. (B,L)    TWO-NIGHT CRUISE on the bay. After lunch, visit the CUA VAN
                                                                            FLOATING VILLAGE, home to more than 700 people. You can
     DAY 12 Ho Chi Minh City. Excursion to Cu Chi                           visit by bamboo raft with the locals or in a kayak under your own
     Tunnels. This morning, leave the city and drive through vast           power. Enjoy scenic sailing for the remainder of the day before
                                                                            anchoring for the night. (B,L,D)
     expanses of rice paddies to visit the CU CHI TUNNELS, an
     extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles in length
     that was used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village
     during the war. Here, you will learn about how the tunnels were
     constructed and have a chance to walk through a section to
     experience what life would have been like underground. Return to
     Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your
     leisure. This evening, join your traveling companions for a special
     farewell dinner hosted by your Cruise Director. (B,D)

     DAY 13 Ho Chi Minh City–Hanoi. Today, transfer to the
                                                                              YOUR HA LONG BAY CRUISE SHIP
     airport and fly to Hanoi. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for
                                                                              The Paradise Elegance is the newest and most luxurious ship sailing
     the night. (B)OUR VACATION IN HANOI & HA LONG BAY                        on Ha Long Bay. You’ll feel right at home in your Deluxe Cabin
                                                                              featuring a private balcony, en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning,
     DAY 14 Hanoi. This morning, take time to look at the life                in-room safe, spacious closet, and a hairdryer. Ship amenities include
                                                                              Wi-Fi access, a relaxing spa, piano lounge, library, and expansive
     of Ho Chi Minh, the father of modern Vietnam. First, visit the
                                                                              sundeck with stylish bar.
     MAUSOLEUM and the humble cottage from which “Uncle Ho”
     ruled Vietnam until his death in 1969. Next on the agenda: ONE
     PILLAR PAGODA, the HO CHI MINH MUSEUM, and the Presidential            DAY 16 Ha Long Bay. Continue exploring the bay. Visit
     Palace. Stop at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton” before continuing to       TITOP ISLAND, where you have the chance to swim or climb
     mystical Hoan Kiem Lake, where you will enjoy a brief guided walk.     400 steps to the top for stunning views. You will also visit LUON

30
DATES & PRICES US$
                                                                           CRUISE WSI - FROM $6,309 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - SIEM REAP TO HANOI
                                                                        CRUISE WSIS - FROM $7,259 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - SIEM REAP TO HANOI
                                                                       CRUISE WSID - FROM $7,629 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - SIEM REAP TO DANANG
                                                                    CRUISE WSIL - FROM $6,829 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - SIEM REAP TO LUANG PRABANG
                                                                       CRUISE WSIA - FROM $8,559 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - SIEM REAP TO DANANG
                                                                    CRUISE WSIP - FROM $7,759 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - SIEM REAP TO LUANG PRABANG

                                                                 Ship              Dept.        Start Siem             Land/       Ship                Dept.       Start Siem             Land/
                                                                                   #            Reap                   Cruise*                         #           Reap                   Cruise*
                                                                 Siem Reap         0108         Mon Jan 08             7,369       Siem Reap           1126       Mon Nov 26              7,369
                                                                 Siem Reap         0122         Mon Jan 22             7,369       Saigon              1203       Mon Dec 03              7,179
                                                                 Siem Reap         0205         Mon Feb 05             7,369       Siem Reap           1210       Mon Dec 10              6,959
                                                                 Siem Reap         0219         Mon Feb 19             7,369       Saigon              1217       Mon Dec 17              6,959
                                                                 Siem Reap         0305         Mon Mar 05             7,369       Siem Reap           1224       Mon Dec 24              7,179
                                                                 Siem Reap         0319         Mon Mar 19             7,369       Saigon              1231       Mon Dec 31              7,639
                                                                 Siem Reap         0402         Mon Apr 02             7,179                                    2019
                                                                 Siem Reap         0709         Mon Jul 09             6,309       Siem Reap           0107       Mon Jan 07              7,639
                                                                 Siem Reap         0723         Mon Jul 23             6,309       Saigon              0114       Mon Jan 14              7,639
                                                                 Siem Reap         0806         Mon Aug 06             6,309       Siem Reap           0121       Mon Jan 21              7,639
                                                                 Siem Reap         0820         Mon Aug 20             6,309       Saigon              0128       Mon Jan 28              7,639
                                                                 Siem Reap         0903         Mon Sep 03             6,959       Siem Reap           0204       Mon Feb 04              7,639
                                                                 Siem Reap         0917         Mon Sep 17             7,179       Saigon              0211       Mon Feb 11              7,639
                                                                 Saigon            0924         Mon Sep 24             7,179       Siem Reap           0218       Mon Feb 18              7,639
                                                                 Siem Reap         1001         Mon Oct 01             7,369       Saigon              0225       Mon Feb 25              7,639
                                                                 Saigon            1008         Mon Oct 08             7,369       Siem Reap           0304       Mon Mar 04              7,639
                                                                 Siem Reap         1015         Mon Oct 15             7,369       Saigon              0311       Mon Mar 11              7,639
                                                                 Saigon            1022         Mon Oct 22             7,369       Siem Reap           0318       Mon Mar 18              7,639
                                                                 Siem Reap         1029         Mon Oct 29             7,369       Saigon              0325       Mon Mar 25              7,439
                                                                 Saigon            1105         Mon Nov 05             7,369       Siem Reap           0401       Mon Apr 01              7,439
                                                                 Siem Reap         1112         Mon Nov 12             7,369       Saigon              0408       Mon Apr 08              7,439
                                                                 Saigon            1119         Mon Nov 19             7,369

CAVE by your choice of boat or kayak. At DARK AND BRIGHT
CAVE, you can explore by bamboo raft with the locals or by              CRUISE WIS - FROM $6,319 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - HO CHI MINH CITY TO HANOI
                                                                   CRUISE WISS - FROM $7,269 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - HO CHI MINH CITY TO HANOI
kayak. After a day of exploring, consider a spa treatment or      CRUISE WISD - FROM $7,639 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - HO CHI MINH CITY TO DANANG
simply relax for happy hour prior to dinner! (B,L,D)             CRUISE WISL - FROM $6,839 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - HO CHI MINH CITY TO LUANG PRABANG
                                                                  CRUISE WISA - FROM $8,569 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - HO CHI MINH CITY TO DANANG
                                                                 CRUISE WISP - FROM $7,769 LAND/CRUISE ONLY* - HO CHI MINH CITY TO LUANG PRABANG
DAY 17 Ha Long Bay–Hanoi. This morning, relax
onboard or visit SUNG SOT CAVE, considered one of the            Ship              Dept.        Start Ho Chi           Land/       Ship                Dept.       Start Ho Chi           Land/
                                                                                   #            Minh City              Cruise*                         #           Minh City              Cruise*
most beautiful in the area with its magnificent formations.
                                                                 Siem Reap         0101         Mon Jan 01             7,359       Siem Reap           1119       Mon Nov 19              7,359
Afterwards, return to Hanoi and check in to your hotel. The      Siem Reap         0115         Mon Jan 15             7,359       Saigon              1126       Mon Nov 26              7,359
remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)                     Siem Reap         0129         Mon Jan 29             7,359       Siem Reap           1203       Mon Dec 03              7,169
                                                                 Siem Reap         0212         Mon Feb 12             7,359       Saigon              1210       Mon Dec 10              6,949
DAY 18 Hanoi. Your vacation ends with breakfast this             Siem Reap         0226         Mon Feb 26             7,359       Siem Reap           1217       Mon Dec 17              6,949
                                                                 Siem Reap         0312         Mon Mar 12             7,359       Saigon              1224       Mon Dec 24              7,169
morning. (B)                                                     Siem Reap         0326         Mon Mar 26             7,169       Siem Reap           1231       Mon Dec 31              7,629
                                                                 Siem Reap         0702         Mon Jul 02             6,319                                    2019
                                                                 Siem Reap         0716         Mon Jul 16             6,319       Saigon              0107       Mon Jan 07              7,629
                                                                 Siem Reap         0730         Mon Jul 30             6,319       Siem Reap           0114       Mon Jan 14              7,629
EXTEND YOUR VACATION                                             Siem Reap         0813         Mon Aug 13             6,319       Saigon              0121       Mon Jan 21              7,629
                                                                 Siem Reap         0827         Mon Aug 27             6,949       Siem Reap           0128       Mon Jan 28              7,629
                                                                 Siem Reap         0910         Mon Sep 10             6,949       Saigon              0204       Mon Feb 04              7,629
                                                                 Saigon            0917         Mon Sep 17             7,169       Siem Reap           0211       Mon Feb 11              7,629
                                                                 Siem Reap         0924         Mon Sep 24             7,169       Saigon              0218       Mon Feb 18              7,629
                                                                 Saigon            1001         Mon Oct 01             7,359       Siem Reap           0225       Mon Feb 25              7,629
                                                                 Siem Reap         1008         Mon Oct 08             7,359       Saigon              0304       Mon Mar 04              7,629
                                                                 Saigon            1015         Mon Oct 15             7,359       Siem Reap           0311       Mon Mar 11              7,629
                                                                 Siem Reap         1022         Mon Oct 22             7,359       Saigon              0318       Mon Mar 18              7,629
                                                                 Saigon            1029         Mon Oct 29             7,359       Siem Reap           0325       Mon Mar 25              7,429
                                                                 Siem Reap         1105         Mon Nov 05             7,359       Saigon              0401       Mon Apr 01              7,429
                                                                 Saigon            1112         Mon Nov 12             7,359       Siem Reap           0408       Mon Apr 08              7,429

                                                                                                                                                     ALL DEPARTURES ARE GUARANTEED.

ADD SAPA                                                         *Dates & Prices above do not include air travel. Participation in the extended versions of this vacation requires purchase of
CRUISE WSIS • 22 DAYS • FROM SIEM REAP TO HANOI                the following flights from Avalon Waterways, not included in pricing above: (1) roundtrip air from your U.S. gateway and intra-
                                                                 vacation air segments; or (2) intra-vacation air segments only, starting at WSI/WSIS $212; WSID/WSIA $352;WSIL/WSIP
                                                                 $383; WIS/WISS $250; WISD/WISA $390; WISL/WISP $421. Required intra-vacation air segment for vacation WSI/WSIS is
ADD HUE & DANANG                                                 Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi. Required intra-vacation air segment for vacation WIS/WISS is Siem Reap/Hanoi. Required additional
CRUISE WSID • 22 DAYS • FROM SIEM REAP TO DANANG               intra-vacation air segment for WSID/WSIA/WISD/WISA extensions is Hanoi/Hue. Required additional intra vacation air segment
                                                                 for for WSIL/WSIP/WISL/WISP extensions is Hanoi/Luang Prabang. Air prices in this brochure were effective on April 5, 2017,
ADD LUANG PRABANG                                                and their availability is limited. At the time you purchase your tour, air prices may be higher. For current prices, please contact
                                                                 your travel consultant or see our website. See page 63 for more information on the Avalon Waterways air program, including
CRUISE WSIL • 20 DAYS • FROM SIEM REAP TO LUANG PRABANG        Terms & Conditions.

ADD SAPA, HUE & DANANG                                           Gratuities to Local Guides & drivers are included.                 Extra Nights per person in Ho Chi Minh City: in single
                                                                 Price is per person, based on double room occupancy.               room $236; in twin room $123
CRUISE WSIA • 26 DAYS • FROM SIEM REAP TO DANANG               Please call for single accommodation price. Triples not            Extra Nights per person in Hanoi: in single room $215; in
                                                                 available.                                                         twin room $113
ADD SAPA & LUANG PRABANG                                         Prices shown above include cruise in Category B in an Avalon       Extra Nights per person in Danang: in single room $384;
CRUISE WSIP • 24 DAYS • FROM SIEM REAP TO LUANG PRABANG        Suite on Mekong Deck. To upgrade to a Category A on the            in twin room $197
                                                                 Tonle Deck, add $400 per person in double occupancy or             Extra Nights per person in Luang Prabang:
                                                                 $800 in single occupancy.                                          Jan.-Apr. & Sep.-Dec. 18: in single room $282; in twin room
See pages 38-39 for more details or visit our website for full   Extra Nights per person in Siem Reap:                              $146
                                                                 Jan.-Apr. & Sep.-Dec.: in single room $265; in twin room $138      Jun.-Aug.: in single room $190; in twin room $100
itineraries.                                                     Jul.-Aug.: in single room $232; in twin room $121                  Dec. 19-Dec. 31: in single room $340; in twin room $175

                                                                 ADD INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO YOUR VACATION! COMPETITIVE PRICES WITHOUT THE
                                                                 HASSLE. FREE AIRPORT TRANSFERS INCLUDED ON BROCHURE DATES.

                                                                                                                                                   AvalonWaterways.com                         31
ULTIMATE SOUTHEAST ASIA
                    & THE MAJESTIC MEKONG
                             21 DAYS

                                                REVERSE ITINERARY
                                       CRUISE WSB - SOUTHBOUND
                                               21 days – Bangkok to Hanoi
                                       VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL ITINERARY DETAILS

GRAND PALACE | BANGKOK

32
SAPA
                                                                                               Extension

                                                                                                   HANOI        2       2   HA LONG BAY
                                                                                            LAOS                    1

                                                                                             LUANG
                                                                                             PRABANG
                                                                                             Extension

                                                                                                                             HUE
                                                                                                                             Extension

                                                                                         THAILAND                                   DANANG
                                                                                                                                    Extension

                                                                                             SIEM REAP
                                                                          BANGKOK       3                 2           VIETNAM
                                                                                                  Tonle Sap   CAMBODIA
                                                                                                                     A
                                                                                         KAMPONG TRALACH        WAT HANCHEY
                                                                                          KONPONG LOUANG      ANGKOR BAN
                                                                                               PHNOM PENH Mekong
                                                                                                             River
                                                                    Start/End City                CHAU DOC          3        HO CHI MINH CITY
                                                                                                 CU LAO GIENG
                                                                    Extension                                       7
  PRICED FROM $6,969                                                                                VINH LONG

CRUISE WBS - NORTHBOUND                                                              CRUISE
BANGKOK TO HANOI                                                                     7-night cruise in a Panorama SuiteSM with
                                                                                     Avalon’s exclusive Comfort Collection BedsSM.
                                                                                     Enjoy an intimate river cruise experience with a
SIGHTSEEING                                                                          maximum of 36 guests on board.
All included sightseeing is conducted by a Certified Local Guide.
                                                                                     LOCAL FAVORITES                    SM

1 Arrive Bangkok: welcome to Thailand
2 Bangkok: boat ride on klongs; visit the Grand Palace, Temple of the                Special experiences by local entertainers,
Emerald Buddha, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha                               artisans, and experts designed to enrich your
3 Bangkok: day at leisure                                                            experience.
4 Bangkok–Ho Chi Minh City: fly to Ho Chi Minh City; time at leisure
5 Ho Chi Minh City: walking tour; visit the famous Rex Hotel for a drink, War        • VIETNAMESE COOKING CLASS
Remnants Museum, and Ben Thanh Market; cooking class                                  • DANCE SHOW BY CHILDREN FROM LOCAL
6 Ho Chi Minh City: Cu Chi Tunnels excursion                                            ORPHANAGE
7 Ho Chi Minh City (Embarkation): onboard welcome reception                           • TRADITIONAL WATER BLESSING BY MONK
                                                                                      • VISIT A FARMER’S HOME TO LEARN ABOUT HIS
8 Vinh Long–Cu Lao Gieng: visit a local workshop to see how rice paper,
rice wine, and traditional candy are made in Vinh Long; visit a sampan-
                                                                                        DAILY LIFE
making family and interact with a Catholic priest in Cu Lao Gieng                     • PRIVATE APSARA DANCE PERFORMANCE
9 Chau Doc–Long Khong A–Cambodian Border Crossing: visit a local
market and the religious sites at Sam Mountain in Chau Doc; walking tour of          MEALS
Long Khong A with cotton-weaving demonstration
                                                                                     • American breakfast (B) daily, 13 lunches (L),
10 Phnom Penh: sightseeing by private cyclo, including the Royal Palace,
Silver Pagoda, and the National Museum; afternoon at leisure; show by                  12 dinners (D)
children from a local orphanage                                                      • Sapa Extension: breakfast (B) daily, 2 lunches
11 Phnom Penh: visit the Tuol Sleng Museum and one of the Killing Fields             • Hue & Danang Extension: breakfast (B) daily,
12 Wat Hanchey–Angkor Ban: visit Wat Hanchey and partake in a traditional              2 lunches
water blessing by local monks; walking tour in Angkor Ban with school visit
                                                                                     • Luang Prabang Extension: breakfast (B) daily,
13 Konpong Louang–Kampong Tralach: visit the silversmith village of
                                                                                       1 lunch (L)
Konpong Louang; ox cart ride through the countryside and visit a local
farmer’s home in Kampong Tralach
                                                                                     SUPERIOR HOTELS
14 Siem Reap (Disembarkation): visit Angkor Wat & Banteay Srei
15 Siem Reap: visit Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, and Ta Prohm by tuk-tuk;              Bangkok InterContinental Bangkok (D)
Les Artisans d’Angkor; Apsara dance performance                                      Siem Reap Park Hyatt Siem Reap (D)
16 Siem Reap–Hanoi: fly to Hanoi                                                     Ho Chi Minh City InterContinental Asiana
17 Hanoi: visit Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh              Saigon (D)
Museum, and Temple of Literature; lunch at Koto; electric cart ride through
                                                                                     Hanoi InterContinental Hanoi Westlake (D)
the Old Quarter; water puppets performance
                                                                                     Ha Long Bay Cruise Paradise Elegance
18 Hanoi–Ha Long Bay (Embarkation): drive to Ha Long Bay; visit Cua Van
floating village                                                                     Sapa Extension Victoria Sapa Resort & Spa (BA)
19 Ha Long Bay: cruise the bay; visit Titop Island, Luon Cave, and Dark and          Hue & Danang Extension: Hue La Residence
Bright Cave; opportunity to explore by kayak                                         Hue Hotel & Spa (MD), Danang Naman Retreat
20 Ha Long Bay (Disembarkation)–Hanoi: visit Sung Sot Cave; drive to                 (D)
Hanoi                                                                                Luang Prabang Extension Angsana Maison
21 Hanoi: end of vacation                                                            Souvannaphoum (SF)

                                                                                                                    AvalonWaterways.com         33
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