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To our “Valued” Passengers!

Welcome to a new and exciting cruise program – exploring Vietnam and Cambodia via a leisurely 10 night cruise on the MEKONG RIVER & DELTA! Not only is this a relatively new destination for North Americans, but cruising is the easiest and most comfortable way to see a great variety of sights in these fascinating countries!

A brand new vessel, the RV Indochine is due for completion July 2008 and will ply one of the greatest waterways in Asia, offering a crucial link between Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia – two of the most important cities in this region. 

This cruise offers air-conditioned pampering to places unreachable by car or motor coach. This soft adventure ‘expedition ship’ explores the vast but little known regions between the ancient Khmer city of Angkor and the elegant former French colonial city of Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City, with its poignant memories of the Vietnam War.

Mekong River & Delta

The Mekong flows from Southwest China through all the mainland South-East Asian countries - China, Burma (Myanmar), Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam (a total distance of 4,800 kilometers –or about 2,983 miles). It connects not just countries and commerce, but also diverse cultures and history. A river journey on the Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia can offer greater insights and experiences than any other way of exploring two very unique and fascinating lands. 

From its marshy source in the highlands of Tibet, the Mekong flows down through China’s Yunnan province in deep gorges and over rapids. Leaving Yunnan, the Mekong forms the Myanmar-Laos border, then curves E and S through NW Laos before marking part of the Laos-Thailand border. From Laos the river descends onto the Cambodian plains, where it receives water from the giant Tonle Sap Lake during the dry season by way of the Tonle River. During the rainy season the floodwaters of the Mekong reverse the direction of the Tonle Sap River and flow into Tonle Sap, a lake that is a natural reservoir, over 150km (93 miles) in length and rich in fishing grounds. 

The Mekong finally flows into the South China Sea through its many tributaries in the vast Mekong Delta. The Delta, which covers an area of 39,000 sq. km (about 15,058 sq. miles), is crisscrossed by many channels and canals and is one of the greatest rice-growing areas of Asia. It is a densely populated region with Saigon located just to the east of the Delta. This is a fascinating area to explore, with whole towns floating on rafts, and a richness of river activities. Lush tropical plantations and gardens extend along endless channels. There are over 5,000 km (3,107 miles) of waterways in the Mekong Delta. 

The Mekong River is navigable by large vessels for 350km (218 miles) upstream, and Phnom Penh is a designated international port. North of the Cambodian border, the Mekong is navigable in shorter sections as far as the Khone Falls, a series of rapids over 10 km (6 miles) long. Here the Mekong drops 21m (69 feet). The RV Indochine, with its ultra shallow draft, is designed to navigate the untamed sections of the Mekong River largely unavailable to bigger vessels. 

Introduction to Vietnam and Cambodia

The changes in economy and politics have only recently opened these countries to foreign tourism. Your participation in traveling to these countries not only helps their economy but also spreads friendship and understanding between our people. You virtually act as an Ambassador of the United States when visiting these countries, which were closed to visitors from the west for so long. The impression you leave will have an everlasting effect on future relations between these countries and your own.

It is therefore important that we advise and prepare you for some of the cultural and social differences you will encounter. These Travel Tips have been designed to provide useful information and helpful suggestions to ease your adjustment and help you get around any obstacles you may encounter. Your journey will be greatly enhanced if you take the time to prepare for it. Thoroughly acquaint yourself with the information provided herewith - but also talk to others who have been there or study one of the many comprehensive guide books available or check the Internet! The effort you put into planning your trip before you go will make all the difference... THANK YOU!

Please Note: The cruise portion of this tour is best described as an expedition cruise. While you will sail in comfort on a ship with all the modern amenities, there are certain aspects of the cruise that are still beyond anyone’s control. Delays and changes in the itinerary due to water levels or extended stops at border crossings are to be expected. It is still a novelty that tourist category ships travel along the Mekong River, so your flexibility and cooperation is requested. 

GENERAL CRUISE & TRAVEL TIPS

VISA REGULATIONS: Travelers from the US need tourist visas for entry into Vietnam and Cambodia. While the Vietnamese visa must be obtained prior to your trip (please see the separate visa application kit), you can apply for the Cambodian visa at the border. Please note that for your Cambodian visa, you will need to bring two passport size photos (real photos, no photocopies!!!) and a $30.00 per person application fee (to be paid in CASH if entering Cambodia through the airport or billed to your cabin if entering Cambodia on the ship). ALSO, please make sure your passport has a minimum of 3 empty pages so as not to encounter any unnecessary problems at the border.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS AND DUTY FREE: Travelers can bring up to $10,000 into both Vietnam and Cambodia, but they are required to declare it on their customs forms on arrival (the amount taken out upon exiting must be lower).
When entering Vietnam, visitors should declare all precious metals, jewellery, cameras, radios, videos and unexposed camera and video film that they plan on taking back with them. Even though actual checks are rarely made, on exiting, you may be asked to prove that you brought all these items with you. When leaving the country you should also keep exchange receipts for all the foreign currency you have spent even though the authorities rarely check. The import and export of Vietnamese Dong is forbidden.

Cambodian/Vietnamese Customs also allow 200 cigarettes or the equivalent in tobacco and cigars, 1 open bottle of spirits and a reasonable amount of perfume. On departure from both Vietnam and Cambodia, duty free facilities are limited and therefore cannot be relied upon. 

VOUCHERS: If traveling within a group or on any set program, vouchers will not be required or issued. If traveling as an individual and/or deviating from the regular itinerary, we may issue vouchers for services paid for. When included, vouchers will be listed on the check-off list sent with your final documents.

AIR TICKETS: Whenever tickets are issued by VALUE WORLD TOURS, they will be included with your final documents. In some cases, when tickets are issued directly by the airlines, they may be sent to you under separate cover. Please consult your check-off list.

TRANSFERS: If you have purchased your airfare or have prepaid your arrival transfers through us, please look for our Tour Guides holding yellow triangle Global Tours & Cruises (GTC) Signs after exiting the Customs Area of the airports!

Or in some cases your individual names may be held by someone at the airport who will then transfer you to the hotel.

If you have purchased land/cruise only and are arranging for your own arrival and departure transportation, the names and addresses of your hotel and the port locations will be listed on the Contact Sheet enclosed and sent with your final documents.

DEPARTURE TAXES: Please note that the airports in Cambodia and Vietnam charge a departure fee. At time of print, the fees were: 

Siem Reap, Cambodia	$25 per person
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam	$14 per person
Hanoi, Vietnam	$14 per person

Please note that fees have to be paid in cash at the airport upon check in.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Before leaving home, please ensure that you have your valid US PASSPORT and appropriate VISAS. Based on our programs and countries visited, VISAS are currently required for traveling to Cambodia, China, India , Myanmar, Russia, and Vietnam. Please make sure your passport has a validity of at least 6 months beyond your scheduled travel dates and check for visa updates with the appropriate foreign consulates at least 90 days prior to your departure. 
If you are a holder of a foreign passport, please check with each country’s respective consulates!

BAGGAGE: Make a detailed list of everything you pack for the trip, and then leave this list at home. We cannot be responsible for lost baggage, but most airlines will make every effort to recover baggage or make proper compensation if you are able to itemize the suitcase contents. It is also a good idea to tape a piece of paper INSIDE your luggage, which shows your full name, home address and telephone number. The purchase of Travel Insurance is always strongly recommended!

BAGGAGE WEIGHT: Please remember that weight allowances vary and are lower when flying domestic and intra-continental routes, utilizing smaller aircraft. Check your airline ticket or call the specific airline for instructions and pack accordingly or you may face over weight charges!

BAGGAGE TAGS: These will be provided with your final documents. Please use them, if you would like your luggage to take the same vacation you do! NOTE: Our luggage tags have been designed to allow you to list up to 6 points of travel (hotel to ship, ship to hotel, etc). DO NOT DISCARD THEM! Simply cross out your previous location and write in your next destination (and room or cabin number if you know it). This will help our staff and luggage handlers tremendously in delivering your luggage to you in the shortest possible time!

SQUARE LUGGAGE STICKERS: May also be provided. Please stick them visibly on your suitcases when possible - the stickers will allow you, our guides & porters to recognize them easier, which helps get them to their destination faster!

NAME BADGES: Please wear the buttons/badges we provide with final documents at all airports, transfer points, hotels and at any time you are embarking / disembarking the ships. Not only does your badge assist us in providing adequate security on the vessels by identifying you as a group member to our guides, staff and security personnel, it also helps you get to know your fellow passengers sooner! 
NOTE: Since people go by nicknames, our badges are left blank. Please print your name legibly on them the way you would like to be addressed - and wear them at least for the first few days!

PASSENGER MIX: There is usually an international mix of people from all over the world - France, Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia. Germans especially are great international travelers. It is an excellent opportunity to meet the people of the world and make new and long lasting friends! Whatever the mix, however, English is always the main language used.

WEATHER: There are no good or bad seasons to visit. The weather year round in the southern regions of Indochina is always hot and humid. It is basically divided in two seasons: the Wet (May to October, wettest from July to August) when monsoon rains are a daily 2 hour occurrence and the Dry Season (November to April) where the rains are gone – but the heat is always there – no avoiding it! (Good news is – you are just visiting!)

CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS: The dress code on all of our cruises is INFORMAL! So please - PACK LIGHTLY! The emphasis should be on smart casual wear. Due to heat and humidity, we suggest lightweight cottons, avoiding synthetic materials as much as possible. In the dry season, long sleeves may be needed, when it can be cooler in the early mornings and evenings. During the wetter months a lightweight raincoat or waterproof jacket and an umbrella will be useful. 

SHOES: Do pay particular attention to footwear - you should have a good pair of comfortable walking shoes with thick rubber soles and firm arch supports. If you buy new shoes, "break them in" before the trip. These cruises involve extensive walking during visits ashore, so you need to be comfortable! When ashore, guests should wear easily removable footwear for visiting Buddhist sites. At certain times, when the riverbanks and paths are very dusty or muddy, we will ask you to kindly remove your shoes when returning to the ship so that the crew can clean them for you. Suitable footwear aboard the ship would be sneakers, deck shoes, tennis shoes and similar rubber-soled shoes. 

PHYSICAL DISABILITIES: Please note that the majority of the passenger vessels sailing the various rivers of the world (including this program) have limited services for the physically impaired. There are no elevators, and staircases are the norm. In addition, due to their small size and shallow draft, the ships often anchor at remote undeveloped ports and stops. While this ability enhances the itineraries, it also means that most of the shore excursions are done on foot. Therefore, severe walking disabilities may limit the passenger’s overall enjoyment on these programs.

Regretfully, we do not recommend this cruise to severely disabled passengers, and wheelchairs cannot be brought on board at all!

CRUISING ALONG THE MEKONG RIVER

Your enjoyment of the trip will depend in large part on your positive attitude. Here are a few pointers that will help you prepare for your journey regardless of the country you are visiting. Cruising the Mekong River is a new and unique experience compared to any other form of travel!

General River Rules

1. Maritime Law - As with a pilot on a plane, the Captain of a ship is the ultimate law. He is responsible for the ultimate safety and comfort of the vessel and its passengers. It is within the Captain's jurisdiction to change the sequence of stops, ports, etc. if he deems it necessary due to inclement weather conditions, high or low water levels, dock and lock schedules, technical reasons etc. The Captain has the right to remove unruly passengers, quarantine the ship in case of disease and similar. Therefore, although unlikely, certain changes in schedules may happen. Though we expect to provide sightseeing of all of the major stops and attractions listed in our cruise program, there is a possibility that the sequence of touring may be altered to take into account the operating hours at museums, galleries and monuments. Shore excursions may be changed in response to sailing conditions and other factors. Your understanding and cooperation in such instances is expected as well as appreciated!
 
2. Cultural Differences - Remember that you may be traveling through countries whose political, social and cultural backgrounds may be different from your own. Do not let political differences govern your perspective. Instead, travel with an open mind, and you will satisfy your curiosity about the people, their lands, their history and their culture.
 
3. Service - If you receive poor service at any point, try to take it in good humor and solve it directly. If you have any serious complaints, take them to your guide and/or Cruise Director.
 
4. Bureaucracy - Expect a little bit of red tape and try not to be bothered by bureaucratic rituals, which may be different from country to country. 
 
5. Do not compare things you see by American standards. The RV Indochine is specifically built for cruising the unique Mekong Delta. Although quite comfortable, it is small and practical and should not be compared with huge ocean faring vessels. Above all, keep your sense of humor and enjoy the cultural legacies, physical geography and rich variety of the people as you sail through these unique and different lands.

 

A courtesy reminder: Make it your responsibility to be on time so as not to hold up the group. Be attentive and refrain from talking to your neighbor while the guide/s are speaking or providing information regarding the tour. Wait for all information to be given before asking questions. Any special requests regarding group activities should be directed to the Tour Director who is responsible for representing the interests of the whole group. Your local guides will refer all requests back to the tour director. Your cooperation in these matters will not only be greatly appreciated but will increase both the group’s and your personal enjoyment of the tour. Thank you

The RV Indochine

THE SHIP: The RV Indochine is a brand new vessel specially built to travel the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. It is reminiscent of the glorious British steamers of yesteryears with Burmese teak and lovely furnishings throughout. The new RV Indochine carries a total of just 48 passengers in 24 twin cabins, all fitted with beautiful wood paneling and private facilities including a private WC/shower. Each cabin has its own air conditioning control as well. The ship has three passenger decks with all outside twin cabins being located on the Main and Upper Decks with a Sun Deck that includes a bar and lounge and ample outdoor seating for the finest river viewing.

THE RESTAURANT: The RV Indochine offers a spacious one sitting dining room on the Upper Deck. A European chef will serve an array of French influenced cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

YOUR DAILY SCHEDULE: Enclosed in your final documents will be a daily itinerary listing the main stops on your river expedition. However, much will depend on river conditions and other such factors. Therefore, a final “Daily Schedule” will be posted each evening for the following day. This will contain a fact sheet with information on the sites that will be visited on the following day. Guests are asked to remain patient and flexible. The ship will do its best to devise an interesting, educational, and exciting program for each port but, being an “expedition”, it will not always be possible to follow itineraries exactly as river conditions may alter by the hour. Please keep an eye on the notice board for any subsequent changes to the Daily Schedule. 

THE CREW: The RV Indochine is staffed by an enthusiastic crew of 24 Cambodians and Vietnamese with an English speaking Cruise Manager. Knowledgeable local English speaking guides will lead the daily shore excursions. 

WATER: We recommend against drinking tap water anywhere in Vietnam and Cambodia! Bottled mineral water is provided for drinking on board free of charge. Off the vessel never accept ice in your drinks and avoid ice cream, crushed sugar cane, salads and the skin of fruits. 

LINEN/TOWELS: Due to limited storage and cleaning facilities on board and in order to conserve water, towels will only be changed daily if they are placed on the floor. Extra blankets are available and will keep you warm in the colder season.

LAUNDRY: A laundry bag is provided for your laundry needs, and a laundry list should be available in your cabin. Laundry is collected each morning when your room is made up and will be returned to you by the following day. If you wish to have your laundry done, please place the items in the bag and mark up the list. The charges will go on your bill in US $. Dry cleaning is not available. If there are items that you do not wish ironed please advise the staff.

HAIRDRYERS: There is a hairdryer in each cabin.

ELECTRICITY: 230 volts. In order to use any appliance (including shavers, hairdryers, chargers for cameras), you will need to bring 2 things: 
1) UNIVERSAL TRANSFORMER to convert from the US 110 Volts to the 230 (please check your electronic devices as some newer models automatically convert within a voltage range).
2) UNIVERSAL ADAPTER PLUGS for sockets, which are different than at home. Since there are no supplies of converters/adapters on board we highly recommend you purchase a transformer/adapter plug set at any travel or appliance store before you leave.

NOTE TO CAMERA & VIDEO OPERATORS: Most Asian countries have a different TV system (PAL/SECAM) than the United States (NTSC). They are not compatible! Therefore, make sure you bring enough blank video tapes with you! Also, film or memory cards for cameras may be different and not readily available. Bring along enough supplies, including batteries or a recharger! 

MEALS: On board the RV Indochine, meals are taken at one sitting, and it is not required to sit at the same table each time. Meals are either buffet (breakfast & lunch) or set menu (dinners). Meal times are posted on the notice board and will vary according to the day's sightseeing program. A mixture of Asian and Western cuisine is offered and there are always vegetarian dishes. We try to purchase products locally as much as possible to support the economy of the villages we stop at and to give our passengers a real taste of the lands through which they pass. 

DRINKS: Tea and coffee are available throughout the day from 6am on the Sun deck. Drinking water is provided in your cabin daily and with your meals.

HEALTH/VACCINATION: With regards to health requirements for your trip, please contact your own doctor for his recommendations for the countries you are visiting. All senior staff is trained in First Aid, but in case of emergency, local medical stations are within reasonable reach on land along the river route. Each passenger must have insurance that covers any risk of medical expenses and repatriation.

SMOKING: Please note that smoking is only permitted in designated outside areas. This is a wood-finished ship and the danger of fire should never be ignored.

SECURITY: Security is generally good compared with many countries abroad. Nonetheless, it is a wise precaution not to carry valuables such as large sums of cash or your passport outside the RV Indochine. When in port, a 24-hour watch is kept on the gangplank controlling access to the ship. 

CURRENCIES & FORMS OF PAYMENT

While Traveler Checks and Credit Cards are growing in acceptance – their use is still LIMITED to hotels, banks and selected shops in major cities ONLY! CASH IS STILL KING – and the US DOLLAR is the preferred currency! 

In Vietnam, payments must be made in local currency but exchange offices (including hotel exchange desks) are readily available and the exchange rates are generally fixed. 

In Cambodia, cash payments are generally accepted in both US dollars and local currency.

Vietnam’s unit of currency, the Dong, currently circulates in bank notes of 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, and 200 denominations. At the time of printing, USD 1 = 15,847 dongs! The US dollar is, however, the most favored and easily exchangeable foreign currency, and we would strongly recommend taking US Dollars in cash, (some of which needs to be in small denominations for tipping), as it can be difficult in areas outside of the main cities to change travelers checks.

In Cambodia, the currency is the New Riel (KHR) divided into 100 Sen. Notes are in denominations of 100, 200, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000. However, again, it is the US Dollar that is the most favored currency. Cash payment in US currency is accepted as much as the Riel. At the time of printing USD 1 = 4020 Riels.

ON THE SHIP: The onboard currency is US Dollars. All your onboard expenses are billed to your account, which is settled the day prior to disembarkation. You can pay this bill in cash or credit card (Visa and MasterCard only)

SHOPPING: Indo-China offers a variety of goods for the tourist such as lacquer wear, clothing and fabrics, in particular silk and cottons. It is one of the world's largest exporters of gems and jewellery, but these you should purchase only from a reputable dealer. Hill tribe crafts, including,  embroidered goods, such as bags and clothing, and ornaments are also good buys. REMEMBER: Bargaining is EXPECTED! Whenever you make purchases, please note that the majority of items are handmade and may contain imperfections natural in goods that have not been  mass-produced. It is worth taking a little time to check each item that you wish to buy in order to avoid disappointment. We regret that neither Value World Tours nor the RV Indochine can be held responsible for problems relating to purchases you may make while cruising.

EXCURSIONS: When moored, you are welcome to come and go from the ship. We ask all passengers to hand in their keys before leaving the ship so the staff can track who is on board and who is not. The sailing time will be advised on the Daily Schedule board and passengers are requested to consult this before leaving the ship. Group shore excursions are organized by the Cruise Manager and are accompanied by a member of the ship’s crew. Details of these are posted on the board as well. Approximately 15 minutes prior to casting off, the captain will sound the ship’s horn to warn you to return to the ship. 

THE DO’S AND DON’TS: The people of Vietnam and Cambodia are generally tolerant and easy going. However please try to avoid political discussion and remember that Vietnam’s National Hero is “Uncle” Ho Chi Minh. The history and relationship of these two countries has not been simple for the last 50 years, but time passes and wounds heal. The one thing that does cause upset is any form of disrespect for their national religion, Buddhism. Unlike many faiths, Buddhists make their temples open to foreigners, permitting the snapping of cameras and invasion of their sacred space. However, they ask that you take your shoes, socks and hats/caps off and to observe the following “rules”:
• Do not point with your feet.
• In the company of monks and elders never cross your legs.
• Do not touch people on the head or the upper body.
• Do not shake hands with monks and nuns as people in general rarely shake hands. Instead, smile and bow or simply nod your head.
• Females should never sit down next to a monk.
• Shorts and skirts should be longish (below the knees). For both sexes it is okay to expose arms.

GRATUITIES

Tipping today has become commonplace in all countries of the world. Due to the nature of these new economies, salaries for regular folk are pitiful compared to the rising costs and inflation in their countries - let alone if we compare them to western standards. Consequently, for the majority of the people working in the service industries (hotels, restaurants, travel), tips and gratuities have become a large part of their income. Therefore, your gracious generosity will be appreciated throughout your trip. However, unlike in many places in the west including the United States - where tips are either tacked on to your bill or demanded (regardless of the quality of service), tips in the "east" are still left to your discretion! Therefore, no service - no tip! The choice is still yours. Nevertheless, since we repeatedly get asked to provide guidelines - here they are:

TIPPING SUGGESTIONS: Tips are divided in 2 separate segments:

1) Individual tips: To staff/personnel on land portions who have earned your gratitude (Tour Directors, Local Guides leading local tours, drivers of busses, specific waiters at hotels or other ground personnel that have gone beyond the call of duty to help you). These should be provided directly to that individual service provider.

2) Pooled tips: For a group of individuals working as a team to serve you on a specific portion of the trip (the ship’s crew).


1) INDIVIDUAL TIPPING: While you are in cities or on shore excursions, local guides and drivers will escort the local tours. The so-called standard tip should be $2 per person for the guide and $1 for the driver. A $1 tip will also be appreciated by porters. A $1 per person/per day should be left at hotels for your maid. For taxi cabs or at restaurants add 10 to 15% to your final bill amount.

TOUR DIRECTORS are the Travel Experts who pick you up and stay with you from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart. You will have one in Saigon and another one in Siem Reap. They will be your guiding angels throughout your stay in each city. They will lead you, educate you, entertain you and if need be, scold you - but we are certain you will find their assistance indispensable in providing you with the utmost travel experience possible! Since they are essentially at your disposal 24 hours a day, we recommend an amount of $3 per person/per day x the number of days they are with you. On Mekong packages you will enjoy 3 Tour Directors – 1 in Saigon, the Cruise Manager on the ship, and a Tour Director in Siem Reap.

2) POOLED TIPPING (CREWS ON SHIP): For ship crews we implement a Pool System whereby all the crew members, from the Captain to the "lowly" deck hand share in the gratuities collected from all passengers. The reason for doing this is that during the course of your cruise, you will actually see and meet only about 1/2 of the crew - mainly the guides, the restaurant and bar staff and maybe your cabin maid. However, there are many more crew members you will not see whose good work is equally important to the smooth operation of the cruise - from the engine crew who sweat in the "bowels" of the ship and who keep us afloat, to the many staff and crew members who arrange for our busses & excursions, to the catering people who travel to our ports in advance of the ship in order to obtain and provide us with the best available food and beverage supplies... and on and on. Therefore, to ensure equality for all, we ask that one day before you disembark you place your total gratuities for the cruise portion in an envelope and give it to the Cruise Director. Suggested amount: $7 per person/per day x 10 days spent on board = $70 per person.

IMPORTANT FINAL NOTE ON TIPS: The above suggestions are given as guidelines ONLY! You may leave as little or as much as you feel comfortable with. If you endear yourself to any particular crew member and wish to award them directly - please feel free to do so!

WE HOPE THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED HEREWITH WILL MAKE YOUR TRIP MOST ENJOYABLE! FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON THE COUNTRIES YOU WILL BE VISITING, PLEASE SEE OUR LIST OF SUGGESTED READING BEFORE YOUR GO!  THANK YOU AND BON VOYAGE!

SUGGESTED READING BEFORE YOU GO!!

 

Title of Book

Author

INDOCHINA
Travelers Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia Companion	Chris Taylor and Alain Evrard (photos)

Vietnam:
The Rough Guide to Vietnam	Jan Dodd
Catfish and Mandala	Andrew Pham
The House on Dream Street	Dana Sachs
Blue Dragon, White Tiger	Tran Van Dinh
The Cat from Hue	John Laurence

Cambodia:
Lonely Planet Guide- Cambodia	Nick Ray
The Gate:	Francois Bizot
Angkor: An introduction to the Temples	Dawn Rooney
Brother Enemy	Nayan Chanda

INTERNET:
Lonely Planet	www.lonelyplanet.com
VIDEOS: Mekong & Kwai	VWT –Website-home footage, but informative!

   

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

For the hotel names and addresses used for your specific departure - please consult the CONTACT SHEET supplied with your final documents. In addition, the following addresses may be useful to you:

Phnom Penh, CAMBODIA
Embassy of the United States of America
#1 Street 96, Sangkat Wat Phnom
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Ph: (855-23) 728-000
Fax: (855-23) 728-600

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - VIETNAM
U.S. Consulate General
4 Le Duan Blvd., District No. 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ph: (84-8) 822 9433
Fax: (84-8) 822 9434
Email: uscongenhcmc@state.gov

SOME USEFUL VIETNAMESE WORDS AND PHRASES*

Hi! – Chào	like the Italian “Ciao”
Good Morning – Chào Buổi Sáng (not very common)	[tshou boi san]
How much does it cost? – Bao nhiêu tiền ?	[bao nnju tin]
Too Much! - Mắc quá!	[mak wa(w)]
My name is – Tôi tên là	[toi ten la]
Thank you – Cám ơn	[kam on]
Please – Làm ơn	[lam on]
Bye – Chào	like Italian “Ciao”
Goodbye - Tạm Biệt	[tm bit]
Yes – Có	[ko]
No – Không	[kong]

A few numbers (useful for bargaining):

One - Một	[mot]
Two – Hai	like English greeting “hi”
Three – Ba	[ba]
Four - Bốn	[bon]
Five – Năm	[namn]
Six – Sáu	[sau]
Seven - Bảy	[bai]
Eight – Tám	[tamn]
Nine – Chín	[shin]
Ten - Mười	[moi]
Twenty – Hai	Mươi
Twenty One – Hai Mươi Mốt
Thirty – Ba Mươi
One Hundred - Một Trăm, Two Hundred – Hai Trăm, One Thousand - Một Ngàn, One Million - Một Triệu

Pronunciation Guide: Vietnamese is a “tone” language – the same word pronounced differently can have a totally different meaning! Here are some tips on stress points when pronouncing words.

Á: upward stress denotes upward pronunciation.
À: downward stress denotes downward pronunciation.
Ạ: a dot below the vowel means it is a “heavy” vowel.
Ả: this sign means that the vowel is elongated. There is a tiny wave in its pronunciation.

Words ending with the consonant –n sound almost like the English word ending –ng.
Words starting with t- and k-/c- sound softer, almost like initial d- and g- sounds

GOOD LUCK! (no one said it would be easy)

*This section provided by a Vietnamese expatriate.

 

PACKING TIPS & SUGGESTIONS

Items You May Wish to Bring Along:

• Facial tissues, washcloths and shower caps, as they are not supplied on board. 
• Skin cream, Sun block and other cosmetics for sun protection. 
• Insect repellent (past passengers recommend OFF wipes)
• Spare set of eyeglasses for emergencies. If you wear contact lenses, bring a pair of eyeglasses for occasions when contacts are bothersome to wear, such as in strong wind or dust. 
• Medications, which are vital to your health. These should be accompanied by a letter from your doctor (signed and dated), certifying that such medications are vital to your health. Dosage should be indicated. Always pack any personal medications in your carry on luggage, not in your checked baggage. Past Passengers recommend Imodium Extra Strength and Malarone (malaria tablets).
• Common remedies such as laxatives, indigestion tablets, aspirin and travel sickness pills (the latter will probably not be needed while on the protected river waters). 
• Sunglasses. 
• Umbrella (good for downpours and as sun block)
• Bring plenty of film, memory cards, and blank video cassettes. 
• Sewing, cosmetic, first aid kits, etc. 
• Laundry soap packets and flat sink stopper. 
• Diet sweeteners if you do not use sugar. 
• Instant coffee especially if you prefer decaffeinated! 
• Non-dairy cream packets for your coffee (cream not readily available on all ships)
• Binoculars (excellent for viewing scenes from the rivers). 
• Batteries for cameras, shaver etc. 
• Electrical Extension Cord (not available on most ships) 
• Transformer and plug adapters (purchased at K-Mart, Thrifty, appliance stores) 

Average annual temperatures: (Nov to April – DRY season / May-Oct – WET season)

	Hanoi ( North) VIETNAM	Saigon (South) VIETNAM	Phnom Penh CAMBODIA
Month	Av. Temp (Fahrenheit)	Av. Temp (Fahrenheit)	Av. Temp (Fahrenheit)
Jan	81	81	82
Feb	82	82	84
Mar	84	84	81
Apr	86	86	90
May	84	84	84
Jun	84	84	86
Jul	82	82	90
Aug	82	82	88
Sep	81	81	84
Oct	81	81	82
Nov	81	81	81
Dec	81	79	79

Source: Various Internet sites

Updated February 2008 – NT
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