NEW FOR 2018 2018 Southeast Asia River Cruises VIETNAM • CAMBODIA • MEKONG RIVER CRUISING Welcome We'd like to invite you on a journey to vibrant and exciting Southeast Asia, a colourful and exotic land just waiting to be explored. And, at Emerald Waterways, we've combined the very best of fully-inclusive river cruising and touring to take you through the spiritual landscapes of Vietnam and Cambodia in style and comfort. The Mekong Navigator All of our immersive itineraries feature a seven-night Mekong cruise on-board the Mekong Navigator. This opulent French Colonial-style vessel fuses modern comforts and traditional furnishings to exhibit a timeless elegance and guarantee an authentic cruising experience. Offering five suite variations to accommodate just 68 guests, the Mekong Navigator boasts all the five-star facilities needed for a real journey of discovery. Including a lounge, Sun Deck, diverse restaurant, library, spa and fitness room. Enriching experiences Emerald Waterways will take you into essential and secret pockets of Vietnam and Cambodia. These authentic local experiences are included in your holiday itinerary, so you can return home with a knowledge and affection of Southeast Asia far deeper than a museum or iconic landmark can offer. Your fully-inclusive adventure No matter which cruise you choose, all on-board dining is included in the price. As well as complimentary selected alcoholic and soft drinks, served with lunch and dinner. Onshore excursions, hotel stays, transfers, tips and return flights from selected UK airports, are also included in the price. To celebrate the launch of our 2018 Southeast Asia collection, we are offering you the chance to enjoy generous savings of £1,000 per couple. Places on our Southeast Asia itineraries fill up quickly, so we would urge you to book early to secure your preferred cruise, cabin and departure date. Our friendly cruise experts are ready to take your call on 0800 810 8220. We look forward to exploring Southeast Asia with you in 2018. Yours Sincerely, David Winterton Emerald Waterways Travel. It leaves you speechless and then emeraldwaterways emeraldwaterway turns you into a storyteller. Ibn Battuta 2 3 3 Contents Emerald Waterways on the Mekong 6 - 11 Exceptional Emerald Value 6 - 7 The Mekong Navigator 8 - 9 The Heart of Indochina 10 - 11 South East Asia River Cruising 12 - 23 21-Day Vietnam & Cambodia Explorer and 12 - 15 Mekong River Cruise (Hanoi - Siem Reap) 18-Day Highlights of Vietnam & Cambodia and Mekong 16 - 19 River Cruise (Hanoi - Siem Reap) 14-Day Mekong Discoverer River Cruise and Tour 20 - 23 (Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap) Bayon Statues, Siem Reap Useful Information 24 - 27 Stopovers and Included Hotels 24 - 25 The Mekong Navigator Deck and Cabin Plans 26 - 27 Stopovers If you’re not ready for your holiday to end, why not extend your return journey home and enjoy a three-night stay in Singapore from £350 per person or Bangkok from £199 per person? See pages 24-25 for details. Bangkok Halong Bay Vietnam Hanoi Street Vendor, Vietnam 4 @emeraldwaterway emeraldwaterways www.rivercruising.co.uk 5 Exceptional Emerald Value Emerald Waterways has become synonymous with exceptional quality and superb value and we are delighted to have been named 'Best for Value' for the second year running at the 2016 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards. From start to finish, our Journey Planners carefully arrange and coordinate every aspect of your holiday to ensure your expectations are effortlessly surpassed. Inclusions That Exceed Your Expectations We pride ourselves on including all the essentials for a seamless cruising and touring experience, with the appropriate balance of inclusions, must-see sights and free time to unlock Southeast Asia’s vibrant local charms. Not only are world-class hotels, most meals, popular sightseeing atractions, the services of specialist Cruise and Tour Directors and all transport included, but there are no hidden costs, such as hotel porterage, taxes and tipping. Angkor Wat Temple, Siem Reap Our inclusions bring to life the Southeast Asia you’ve always imagined. You’ll never forget the moment you first laid eyes on stunning Halong Bay, the excitement you felt discovering the remarkable Cu Chi Tunnels, or the unforgettable feeling as you approached the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat. Each one is a unique gem and sure to be a highlight, as part of an included excursion or an extra special EmeraldPLUS experience. Look for the EmeraldPLUS icon throughout our itineraries . It’s these extra touches that make Emerald Waterways stand out from the crowd, and if you would like to explore and personalise your journey even further, we have a selection of Discover More optional excursions that you can choose to take part in, at an additional cost. Holidays Built on Experience We’ve combined our expertise in river cruising with land touring, hand-crafting a collection of engrossing and revelatory Southeast Asia adventures, each one including a luxurious seven-night cruise on the mighty Mekong. Our collection of itineraries boast the ideal combination of sightseeing and free time for independent exploration. Experience quality you can afford, service you expect and premium inclusions you want, only with Emerald Waterways. Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam Traditional Asian Cuisine, Pho Dish 6 @emeraldwaterway emeraldwaterways To book call FREE on 0808 810 8220 7 The Mekong Navigator We have exclusively chartered one of the Mekong’s most luxurious vessels, the Mekong Navigator. Built to complement the rich culture and beauty of the region, blending French Colonial style, modern comforts and traditional furnishings to reflect a timeless elegance and ensure a complete and authentic cruising experience. Your Fully-Inclusive River Cruise Journey through the soul of the Mekong on-board a ship which will immerse you in the lives of the locals and the beauty of the landscapes. Featuring a relaxing lounge, Sun Deck, spa, fitness room and library, as well as spacious and opulent suites, the Mekong Navigator is truly a vision of indulgence. You’ll be delighted at what you find when you step into your home for the next seven nights. A flat screen TV with on demand movies, The Luxurious Mekong Navigator bottled water restocked daily, panoramic floor to ceiling windows with either French Balconies or full balconies*, a safe and air conditioning. In the Grande and Prestige Suites you will also receive a complimentary one-hour spa treatment^, an in-suite mini bar, daily laundry, and free evening canapés brought to your suite. Making the Most of Your Journey Your on-board Cruise Director will join you throughout your journey to ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruise, and daily local excursions to fascinating sights are accompanied by local English speaking guides. While back on-board, cultural performances, educational talks and traditional entertainment will keep you informed and entertained. We have employed a world-class Culinary Director to ensure each meal reflects the aromatic flavours of the region, as well as providing a variety of much-loved western favourites. You will also enjoy unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner to accompany your 5-star cuisine. The Mekong River is a fascinating and magical place and the Mekong Navigator is the perfect sanctuary in which to soak up the wonders of the region while relaxing in sublime luxury and exceptional hospitality on-board. *Superior Suites have porthole only ^One per guest, per cruise Please note: The Mekong Navigator is not an Emerald Waterways Star-Ship and therefore facilities differ to that of our European Star-Ship fleet. Relax on the Sun Deck Mekong Navigator, Vista Suite, Queen 8 @emeraldwaterway emeraldwaterways To book call FREE on 0808 810 8220 9 The heart of Indochina Southeast Asia is an exotic land known for its spiritual pastimes, beautiful landscapes and sensory treasures. Exuding colour, vibrancy, history and culture in every corner, it provides a fascinating and fulfilling journey that will open your eyes, touch your heart, and leave you wanting more. A Journey of Discovery Hanoi, in the North, is an intriguing city that smoothly combines the traditions and contemporary flair of Asia. In Halong Bay, azure waters engulf hundreds of imposing limestone pillars which tower from the water covered in lush green vegetation. An overnight cruise here is a relaxing way to soak up the incredible scenery. Travel and change of place import new Central Vietnam houses two of the most captivating cities in Asia. Hue is the former Imperial capital with palaces, tombs, elaborate pagodas and vigour to the mind. temples lining the Perfume River. Hoi An is a town bursting with character, Seneca surrounded by rich farmlands and exotic beaches. Phare Circus, Siem Reap Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling metropolis thriving on progress while still offering strong traditions, as well as living reminders of the Vietnam War. In Cambodia, the capital Phnom Penh provides an inspiring tale of tragedy and triumph. Siem Reap houses the famous ruins of Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples. The Magic of the Mekong The Mekong Delta is quintessential Southeast Asia. It is the lifeblood of the region, and its vast network of tributaries are overflowing with traditions. Here the river is king and its people have developed ingenious ways to live in harmony with this beguiling landscape. You will get to know this area intimately on board one of the newest ships on the water, the Mekong Navigator. Journey through a maze of waterways where existence is humble and time-honoured, yet fascinating and captivating. This is a region that will allow you to get up close and discover a fascinating way of life, to reach remote and little-visited areas, sample exotic cuisine purchased from floating markets and learn of a culture based on intensive agriculture and a warm community spirit.