Jewels of Vietnam & Cambodia Mekong River
All-Gay Cruise Tour

August 31–September 12, 2017
Haimark R.V. Mekong Navigator

We invite you to join Brand g Vacations from August 31 – September 12, 2017 for an all-inclusive, all-lgbt journey, featuring the Temples of Angkor Wat and the mighty Mekong River.

There can be no more striking cultural contrast than the one between bustling Vietnam and the tranquil Cambodia. From the diverse countryside of Cambodia to the Mekong Delta, so rich in human life and endeavor, you'll discover two countries, two cultures, and two ways of life linked by one river, the Mekong.

Join Brand g on a comprehensive 12-night journey through the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia featuring a seven-night cruise charter along the mighty Mekong River. Cruise aboard the all-suite, luxurious Mekong Navigator specially constructed to ply the Mekong River between Ho Chi Minh City and the fabled Siem Reap. Embracing an elegant French-colonial design similar to the many homes that once lined the streets of old Saigon, she boasts spacious suites from 258 square feet up to expansive 584 square feet in size. From here, you will enjoy all the wonders the Mekong has to offer in a sophisticated, yet comfortable style.

With never more than 22 guests per expert guide, you will enjoy enriching lectures, a comprehensive series of well-planned excursions, most meals and beverages! Also included is a three-night stay in Siem Reap including an in-depth visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat, a two-night stay in bustling Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), and each featuring five-star, centrally located hotels.

As a traveler of Brand g Vacations, you'll also enjoy complimentary beverages and your choice of European cuisine and regional specialties infused with flavors from Asia's celebrated culinary tradition.

An optional pre three-night extension is available, featuring the famed UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, including an overnight cruise aboard a traditional ‘junk’ boat. Also included is a two-night stay in historic Hanoi.

With just 34 custom-designed suites, space is limited, so book your holidays today!

The Ship

Reminiscent in design of the French, colonial-era, manor homes that once lined the streets of old Saigon, the 34-suite/56-passenger Mekong Navigator lends a sophisticated, yet comfortable, ambiance while cruising the mighty Mekong River. Around every corner, guests will enjoy a blend of timeless elegance and modern luxuries as they experience the sights and sounds of a landscape that forever changes its visitors.

Le Marche Dining Room
A tribute to the incredibly flavorful cruising of Southeast Asia, Le Marche will take you on a gastronomic journey of the fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables that fill the local markets. Gests will also enjoy a variety of western dishes, thoughtfully prepared to provide an array of choices throughout their experience on board. This casually elegant venue will over signature dishes accompanies by complimentary wine in a single, open, dinner seating. Breakfasts and lunches offer sumptuous buffets with extensive choices.

Le Salon Lounge
The Lounge on the Sun Deck is a convivial place to join friends and compare notes and photos of the day's excursions in a spacious and inviting, climate-controlled atmosphere, while enjoying the complimentary local spirits, local beer, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and bottled water. (Premium spirits and wines are available for purchase in the Lounge and on the Sun Deck.)
Movies and documentaries related to the destination are shown in the afternoon, and local entertainment is provided on selected evenings.

La Biblioteque
Staying in contact with family and friends is easier on board the RV Mekong Navigator. Located on the Sun Deck, La Biblioteque Library and Internet Lounge is equipped with computers and WiFi, as well as a selection of books written by authors enchanted by their time in Indochina.

Observation Deck
The Observation Deck on the Mekong Navigator is the perfect place to awaken with a fresh cup of coffee, relax with a good book, or watch the sun set with an evening cocktail. This area of the Sun Deck offers chaise lounges and comfortable, shaded, seating areas, where staff ar always available to offer a cool beverage.

La Vie Spa & Fitness Center
The fitness center on board the RV Mekong Navigator offers modern exercise equipment to guests who wish to work off the scrumptious desserts from last night's dinner.
La Vie Spa offers a variety of traditional massages, wraps, and aromatherapies, in two private, relaxing spa rooms on the Sun Deck.

Ship Accommodations

Accommodations on board the Mekong Navigator provide all the comfort and convenience of a five-star hotel, without denying you the thrills of complete immersion in the Mekong River experience. Spacious, well-appointed suites offer individual climate control, daily housekeeping with turn-down service, the finest bed linens and duvets, luxuriously soft robes and slippers, all-natural, therapeutic bath amenities, and much more.

• Premium mattresses and pillow menu
• Luxurious, 500-thread-count linens and duvet
• Flat-screen satellite TV
• In-room electronic safe
• Minibar
• Generous closet space and under bed storage
• Daily housekeeping and turn-down service
• Complimentary bottled water replenished daily
• Complimentary wireless Internet in all public areas, when available

Land Accommodations

InterContinental Asiana Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
InterContinental Asiana Saigon hotel offers 305 elegantly appointed rooms, individually customized treatments at Spa InterContinental, and three international restaurants. This five-star luxury Ho Chi Minh City hotel is conveniently located in District 1, a short distance from famous landmarks, including Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House, and Reunification Palace. The spacious and well-appointed rooms offer clean designs, elegant marble bathrooms featuring a walk-in shower and separate bath, as well as magnificent views of Ho Chi Minh City through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa - Siem Reap, Cambodia
The five-star Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa provides a sense of serenity with the nostalgic comfort and elegant refinement of the French Art de Vivre in the heart of Siem Reap. Conveniently located in the heart of Siem Reap, in close proximity to the Angkor Archeological Area, the quaint Old Market, and the dynamic night markets, Victoria Angkor has been designed in total harmony with its natural surroundings. All accommodations have wooden floors, colonial style furnishings, and original artifacts, adding a warm touch of local culture, and open onto large balconies overlooking the saltwater pool set in lush, tropical gardens.

Sofitel Metropole Legend - Hanoi, Vietnam
The Hotel Metropole Hanoi is an award-winning French colonial-style hotel lying in the heart of Hanoi, near Hoan Kiem Lake and the magnificent Opera House. Boasting a classical white façade, green shutters, original wrought iron detail, wood paneling and a lush courtyard lawn, the hotel is one of the region's few remaining hotels of its era. The property offers 364 rooms & suites, complemented by a choice of three restaurants (French, Vietnamese and Italian), three bars, seven function rooms, a heated swimming pool, health club, the luxurious Le Spa du Metropole, complimentary wifi and for hotel guests a daily tour of the recently opened war-time bomb shelter and Path of History guided by hotel's Ambassador of History.

FAQ - Preparations for the trip

Suggested Attire
Aboard the Mekong Navigator, attire is casual and comfortable during the day, with resort-style clothing, and comfortable, but sturdy, footwear for excursions. Evening wear consists of open-neck shirts, trousers, skirt, or similar attire. Footwear is always required in all public areas, and when navigating stairs on board.

Onboard Account & Currency
The official currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong. It is advisable to exchange at least a small amount of money into Vietnamese dong on arrival, especially for purchasing items from small, local merchants and restaurants, and for taxis, which typically do not accept other currencies. Some large merchants and restaurants will accept US dollars. ATMs in Vietnam only provide Vietnamese dong. The official currency of Cambodia is the Cambodian riel. However, most monetary transactions, including withdrawing cash from ATMs and banks may be in US dollars. Should you be due change in an amount less than US $1, you will be given riel; otherwise, US dollars are given.

Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in both countries by many merchants. You may find, however, that some are reluctant to take credit cards for small purchases because of the fees associated with the transaction. Therefore, we suggest that you carry some cash, whether local currency or US dollars. Aside from the international hotel chains, American Express is not widely accepted in this part of the world.

You may exchange currency at banks, currency exchanges, or hotels, all with very similar rates. Please note that both currency exchanges and ATMs charge fees. You are advised to inquire as to the currency exchange fee before making the exchange; ATMs will require you to accept the charge before proceeding to dispense cash.

The official currency on board the Mekong Navigator is the US dollar. During the cruise, we operate on a cashless system, with all purchases billed to your onboard account. At the end of the cruise, bills may be settled in cash with US dollars or by credit card with Visa, MasterCard or American Express. The Mekong Navigator does not provide a currency exchange service, nor is there an ATM on board. It is advisable to bring crisp, new, undamaged bills, as tears and obvious wear may cause banks and local businesses to refuse them. In Phnom Penh, about halfway through the cruise, you will find multiple options for obtaining US dollars at both Cambodian and international banks, ATMs, and wire services. ATMs are widely available in Vietnam, as well, but will only provide Vietnamese dong.

Dietary Requirements
Our culinary team will make every effort to accommodate special dietary requests. Please inform our office at least 60 days prior to departure of these requests.

Electricity
The voltage in both Vietnam and Cambodia is officially 220/50Hz. To use any electrical product from the US that is not dual voltage, you will need an electrical converter. The Mekong Navigator has multi-configuration outlets, which accommodate most Western plugs. We recommend bringing an adapter for use in the hotels. Because the voltage may fluctuate at times, we also recommend unplugging your devices when not in use or when leaving them unattended.

Insect Precautions
While you can expect to encounter insects during your trip, most are relatively harmless. Switching off lights when exiting your room or suite, and ensuring that glass or screen doors or windows are closed at all times will minimize the number of insects allowed into your room. On the fast-moving river, mosquitoes are rarely seen while sailing. If planning to be outside in the early morning or evening hours, applying an insect repellent to exposed skin is recommended.

Shore Excursions
Excursions are led by expert guides, and guests are divided into groups. Electronic listening devices are complimentary to all guests in order to ensure that guests are able to hear their guides, without disturbing nearby wildlife.

Smoking
The comfort and safety of our guests is our first priority. Smoking is not permitted in the suites or enclosed, public areas on board. There is a designated smoking area on the Sun Deck.

Visitors on Board/Security
Only guests who possess tickets for passage are allowed on board. Security services are provided on board to ensure everyone's safety throughout the journey.

Gratuities
Gratuities are customary expressions of appreciation for a job well done. It is our goal to ensure that the service you receive is as wonderful as the sites you visit. Gratuities for the included portions of this program have been pre-paid. At your own discretion you may choose to provide additional tips.

Water
Please do not drink the tap water while on board or on shore, or use it for brushing your teeth. The ship's water supply comes from the river after passing through a sterilization process. This water is suitable for showers and baths, but should not be consumed. Complimentary bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth is provided on board, as well as during excursions. Ice on board the ship is also made from bottled water.

Etiquette
Many of the local customs in Vietnam and Cambodia differ greatly from Western culture. In many temples, and on the grounds of the National Palace in Phnom Penh, it is required that all guests cover their knees and shoulders when entering the grounds. Shoes will need to be removed when entering some buildings. Our itinerary takes us into areas where locals are simply living their daily lives. Should you wish to take a photo of locals, please request their permission first (simply pointing to your camera and allowing them to nod is sufficient). Monks wearing saffron robes will be encountered in numerous places in Cambodia.

Vietnam & Cambodia All-Gay Cruise Tour Highlights

• Glide in wooden sampans to thehistoric An Kiet House and gardensin Cai Be, Vietnam.
• Ride a Vietnamese tuk-tuk, or xe loi, to a family-owned mat weaving workshop.
• Take a cyclo tour of Phnom Penh, including the Royal Palace, Throne Hall, Moonlight Pavilion, and the National Museum collection of Angkorian artifacts.
• See Phnom Penh's famous Silver Pagoda, home of Cambodia's Emerald Buddha and the diamond-encrusted Maitreya Buddha.
• Travel to Choeung Ek and see the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields, the memorial stupa, and Tuol Sleng (S-21 Prison).
• Take a private excursion boat to the floating village of Kampong Chhnang.
• Tour a local school in the village of Wat Hanchey and receive a traditional Buddhist water blessing from the monks at the local monastery.
• See Kampong Cham's Phnom Pros (Man Hill), Phnom Srei (Woman Hill), the 33-foot long reclining Buddha, and the 42-foot tall preaching Buddha.
• Visit the 12th century Angkorian temple complex of Wat Nokor Bachey.

Travel Itinerary

Day 1 - Thursday, August 31, 2017
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Arrive at the Siem Reap airport, where you will be greeted by a Brand g representative, who will transfer you to the elegant and serene Victoria Angkor Resort and Spa hotel. This evening is at your leisure to begin your exploration of Siem Reap.

Day 2 - Friday, September 1, 2017
Siem Reap - Angkor Wat
You'll begin your day at Angkor Wat, the most recognizable landmark in Cambodia, and the largest religious monument in the world, with the longest continuous bas-relief sculpture in existence, before enjoying lunch at a local Khmer restaurant. Tour the city center of Siem Reap by tuk tuk (motorcycle rickshaw), this afternoon for an introduction to Siem Reap's many dining and shopping options, and a stop at a traditional artists' workshop.
Meals Included: B, L

Day 3 - Saturday, September 2, 2017
Siem Reap - Banteay Srey
This morning, you'll visit Banteay Srey, considered to be the pinnacle of artistic achievement at Angkor, and Banteay Samré. In the afternoon, you'll see the temple of Ta Prohm, which has been overtaken by the jungle, with tentacle like tree roots spilling over centuries old walls and roofs, enveloping much of the structure. This evening, guests will enjoy a private dinner with Apsara show at our hotel.
Meals Included: B, D

Day 4 - Sunday, September 3, 2017
Siem Reap / Kampong Cham (Embarkation)
Following breakfast traditional sampans sail past the city's beautiful French gothic cathedral before touring the historic An Kiet House and its beautiful surrounding gardens. Your sampans then travel to a traditional rice factory where workers produce rice paper, rice wine, popped rice, and many varieties of traditional candies; then return to the ship for a sumptuous lunch and a scenic cruise upstream to Sa Dec. Upon arrival to Sa Dec, your sampans return for a leisurely, scenic navigation of the narrow canals of the Mekong, where you will observe daily routines of the villagers en route to the historic town of Sa Dec. A stop at a local brick factory reveals the process of brick making by local men and women utilizing clay from the Mekong River.
Meals Included: B, L, Welcome Dinner

Day 5 - Monday, September 4, 2017
Wat Hanchey / Kampong Cham
This morning, enjoy a walk up the hill to the Wat Hanchey monastery to receive a traditional Buddhist Water Blessing from the monastery’s resident monks. After enjoying a walk around the monastery and the amazing views of the Mekong River valley, you descend 303 steps and return to the ship. Following lunch, we drive through the city of Kampong Cham to the hills of Phnom Pros (man hill) and Phnom Srei (woman hill), where you visit the incredible Stupa, the 10-meter long reclining Buddha, and the 13 meter tall preaching Buddha. Today’s final visit is to the 12th century, Angkorian-period complex of Wat Nokor Bachey, which features several original, stone Buddha statues as well as stone inscriptions. We then return to the ship and begin sailing downstream.
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 6 - Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Angkor Ban/ Kampong Cham
Today we will visit the charming town of Angkor Ban. Here, you will have a glimpse into the lives of the local people, starting with a visit to a family’s home to see how the locals live, along with an opportunity to meet the family and discuss their lifestyle. Next, you will continue through the village to the local school, where you will join the children in their classroom and experience what the typical school day is like. You will then walk back through the village to the ship, with an opportunity to take photos along the way, including a brief stop at the local monastery complex.
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 7 - Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
After breakfast on board this morning, cyclo drivers meet you on the pier for an exciting morning tour of Phnom Penh. You are gently transported along the riverfront to the Royal Palace complex, where you enjoy a leisurely walk through the grounds. After viewing Throne Hall and Moonlight Pavilion, you visit the famous Silver Pagoda, home of Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and the Maitreya Buddha, which is encrusted with more than 9,000 diamonds. Your cyclo is waiting outside to take you on the short ride to the open-air National Museum, housing the largest collection of Angkorian and pre-Angkorian artifacts. After returning to the ship, enjoy a free afternoon in Phnom Penh. Before dinner, local children entertain guests on our Sun Deck with a cultural performance including Apsara. Cambodia’s national dance, as well as traditional folk dances.
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 8 - Thursday, September 7, 2017
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
This morning, learn more about the darkest days of Cambodian history. After a scenic 45-minute drive from the ship, you arrive at the Choeung Ek killing fields, where you may walk through the fields, visit the small museum and Memorial Stupa, and learn more about the atrocities committed during the Khmer Rouge regime. Before returning to the ship, tour Tuol Sleng (also known as S-21), the former school converted to the main prison and torture headquarters of the Khmer Rouge. Enjoy another afternoon in Phnom Penh on your own before we depart Phnom Penh for the border of Cambodia and Vietnam.
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 9 - Friday, September 8, 2017
Border crossing / Tan Chau
Today experience vastly different ways of life along the Mekong Delta. After boarding a local sampan, we sail to a temple of the Cao Dai religion, one of the unique amalgam religions founded in Vietnam to stop the infighting between various faiths. We then board a xe loi (traditional Vietnamese tuk-tuk for a 15-minute ride to a family-owned mat weaving workshop. Following our visit, we reboard our sampans and sail to a floating fish farm and then disembark at Evergreen Island for a walk through the local village for a view into the lives of the local people.
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 10 - Saturday, September 9, 2017
Sa Dec / Cai Be
Following breakfast we board traditional sampans to navigate the narrow canals of the Mekong. Guests observe the daily routines of the villagers en route to the historic town of Sa Dec. We stop en-route at a local brick factory, which reveals the process of brick making by local men and women utilizing clay from the Mekong River. We continue into the town of Sa Dec, where a short visit will be made to the home of Mr. Hyun Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel, L’Amant (The Lover) as well as a fascinating walk through the town’s market experiencing the sights and smells of the colorful fresh produce, meat, live fish and seafood being sold. After returning to the ship for lunch, we enjoy and afternoon cruise to Cai Be. We pass the city’s beautiful French gothic cathedral then tour the historic An Kiet House with its beautiful surrounding gardens. We then board sampans and travel to a traditional rice factory where workers produce rice paper, rice wine, popped rice, and many varieties of traditional candies; then return to the ship for an elegant Vietnamese theme dinner as we bid farewell to the magnificent Mekong.
Meals Included: B, L, D

Day 11 - Sunday, September 10, 2017
My Tho (Disembarkation) / Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, bid farewell to the Mekong Navigator and enjoy a scenic drive to Ho Chi Minh City, where we begin our tour of the city’s incredible French Colonial architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office. Today’s lunch is at Hoi An restaurant. Created and designed in the architectural themes of the ancient towns of Hoi An and Imperial Hue, Hoi An restaurant specializes in the cuisine of the former imperial capital.
Meals Included: B, L

Day 12 - Monday, September 11, 2017
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
After breakfast at the hotel this morning, enjoy a tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels to experience the system of underground passages. This evening we bid farewell, with dinner at the Ly Club. Taking their name from the Ly Dynasty, which set the benchmarks of Vietnamese culture centuries ago, Ly Club combines traditional Vietnamese, classical French cooking, and exotic touches from around the world.
Meals Included: B, D

Day 13 - Tuesday, September 12, 2017
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
After breakfast say Good Bye! to your new Brand g friends, check out our deluxe, centrally located InterContinental Asiana Saigon hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Meals Included: B

Pre cruise add-on
3 Night Pre Program Extension
August 28 - 31, 2017

Begin your journey with an optional three-night pre program extension, featuring the famed UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay, including an overnight cruise aboard a traditional ‘junk’ boat. Also included is a two-night stay in historic Hanoi.

Included Services:
• International airfare Hanoi to Siem Reap (one way, economy class)
• 2-night hotel accommodations in at the Sofitel Metripole Legend, Hanoi, Vietnam, including buffet breakfast and porterage
• Ha Long Bay overnight cruise package including: 1 night cabin accommodations on Paradise Luxury junk boat; lunch, dinner, brunch; excursions to Thien Canh Son cave and beach.
• Bottled water, coffee/tea, soft drinks with included meals
• Hanoi to Ha Long Bay round-trip transfer by coach
• Hanoi sightseeing
• Luggage assistance at airport, hotel and junk boat
• Arrival or departure assistance at airport

• Double occupancy pricing: $1,699 per person
• Single occupancy pricing: $2,199