BY TIM HEDGEY, GROUP TRAVEL EDITOR

Emerald Cruises (www.emeraldcruises.co.uk) has launched their exciting new 2023 & 2024 Vietnam, Cambodia and the Mekong River Cruising brochure with exclusive preview prices, promising an awe-inspiring collection of immersive and culture-rich itineraries exploring Southeast Asia.

Guests sailing these enlightening voyages will enjoy the luxury of cruising onboard Emerald Harmony. Custom-built to sail into the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Emerald Harmony is a contemporary small ship that provides a boutique river cruise experience for a maximum of just 84 guests sailing the Mekong River.

Emerald Harmony comes complete with a wealth of onboard features, including a relaxing Sun Deck and a stylish Pool Deck. Guests will enjoy drinks in the Horizon Bar & Lounge and regionally inspired dishes at the Reflections Restaurant. Also on board is a Fitness and Wellness area where guests can enjoy a range of luxurious spa treatments, whilst the Lotus Lounge is a chic space to enjoy the passing scenery as guests sip on a selection of specialist teas or coffee.

The new 2023 & 2024 collection brings an exceptional launch offer, and for the month of September only, exclusive preview prices. For guests booking early, they’ll have the option to pick their favoured stateroom or suite and departure date, plus enjoy savings of up to £1,900 per couple and receive a FREE Premium Drinks Package.

What’s more, choose to pay in full 12 months prior to departure and receive an additional 10% Super Earlybird saving.

Sailings included in the 2023 & 2024 Southeast Asia collection are:

12-day Majestic Mekong

From Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh, embark on your eight-day river cruise along the intoxicating Mekong River. Stop off in small communities along the Mekong Delta, attend a fruit workshop in Ðat Dua, and visit Tan Long Pagoda. Discover the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ world-famous novel ‘L’Amant’, and learn the tricks of the trade at a local scarf weaving factory.

Embark on a sobering exploration of the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh, before hitting the city’s streets in a Tuk-Tuk and receive a Buddhist blessing by a monk in the Oudong Temple.

All activities are intertwined with awe-inspiring cultural performances, like that of a vibrant open-air Lion Dance on the Sun Deck.

The 12-day Majestic Mekong journey calls at Phnom Penh, Tan Chau, Long Khanh Island, An Long, My An Hung, Sa Dec, Cai Be and Ho Chi Minh City, with prices starting from £2,490 per person based on a 10 August 2023 departure.

15-Day Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong

Explore bustling metropolises for an immersive taste of life in Southeast Asia. Visit to the locals of My An Hung, a beautiful remote village which produces fruit and vegetables, and is particularly known for its hot chilli peppers.

Witness daily life as it unfolds before you in this peaceful Vietnamese countryside community. Discover the Cao Dai temple and learn of the unique Vietnamese religion. Navigate Phnom Penh by Tuk-Tuk, receive a blessing from a Buddhist Monk and take your seat at Cambodia’s world-famous Phare circus.

The 15-Day Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong voyage commences in Siem Reap and visits, Prek’kdam, Oudong, Phnom Penh, Tan Chau, Long Khanh Island, An Long, My An Hung, Sa Dec, Cai Be, My Tho and Ho Chi Minh City. Prices start from £3,045 per person based on a 23 August 2024 departure.

19-Day Treasures & Temples of Vietnam & Cambodia

Begin your adventure in Hanoi, where centuries-old architecture is a wonderful nod to the past and the Old Quarter strikes a fine contrast with its many temples.

Cruise the emerald waters of Halong Bay in a traditional junk boat, learn of Ho Chi Minh City’s fascinating war history and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime river cruise along the Mekong.

Enjoy a Tuk-Tuk tour in Phnom Penh and finish the adventure in the Cambodian city of Siem Reap to witness Angkor Wat, where guests can enjoy an optional champagne gondola trip whilst the sun sets over the majestic temple.

The 19-Day Treasures & Temples of Vietnam & Cambodia journey sets off from Hanoi and visits Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Tre, Sa Dec, My An Hung, An Long, Long Khanh Island, Tan Chau, Phnom Penh, Oudog, Prek’kdam and Siem Reap, with prices starting from £3,845 per person based on a 19 August 2023 departure.

23-Day Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia

Explore Hanoi’s labyrinth of streets, filled with food stalls and markets, and journey to Halong Bay to embark on a traditional junk boat as you sail its ethereal waters.

Acquaint yourself with Hoi An’s diverse beauty and community spirit, walk in the footsteps of Hue’s Nguyen Dynasty and discover Ho Chi Minh City’s Cu Chi Tunnels.

Then, board Emerald Harmony and begin sailing the Mekong, stopping off in Ben Tre, Sa Dec and Phnom Penh. Conclude your trip in Siem Reap, attending Phare, The Cambodian Circus and visiting historic Angkor Wat.

The 23-Day grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia embarks from Hanoi to Halong Bay, Hanoi, Hoi An, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Tre, Sa Dec, My An Hung, An Long, Long Khanh Island, Tan Chau, Phnom Penhm, Oudong, Prek’kdam and Siem Reap. Prices start from £4,195 per person based on a 17 January 2023 departure.

Please note, all itineraries are also available in reverse order.

* Third-party fees may apply.