story of a journey on l'Amant
After a short stay in Saigon, I embarked on board L’Amant, traveling to Ha Tien in the Gulf of Thailand. Casting off at the first day light, we arrived the same day at Vinh Long in the heart of the Mekong Delta, sailing amidst islets of lush and colorful tropical orchard.
After a short stopover, we continued straight away our journey to Can Tho, as our skilled Captain kept insisting that “The tide does not wait!”. He was usually carrying a map and an ever lasting pen noting down the location of the sand banks where we could sometimes spot some ships accidentally trapped.
The following day, we benefited from a short halt to visit CanTho floating market, so colorful. Later, we set sail to Rach Gia, cruising a small river liven up by the coming and going of sampans and junks. When we came out of the Xano Canal, the calmness and dawdling surroundings inclined me to daydreaming.
We arrived at Rach Gia, at the gates of the Gulf of Thailand, before sunset. The harbour of this town shelters numerous fishing boats, all proudly decorated with an eye in front, so, as the legend says, the water monsters mistook the boats for one of their kinds and did not harm them.
The next day, our vessel journeyed towards Ha Tien.
I wish I was a poet to fully describe the astonishing view opening to us. Greenish hills surround the western side and in front of us, barely visible, lies Ha Tien, half sitted on the lake and half on the sea. Wading birds perched on some sand banks were fishing their evening meal, hardly disturbed by our presence.
It is under the hazy rays of the rising sun that we left Ha Tien, escorted by a group of multi-colored small boats, their nets providing the morning market with fresh fishes. We joined by Mekong meanders by the Tám Nga canal, greeted along the way by cheerful children proudly showing us their capers.
L’Amant could not have continued its tour without paying honorable homage to Sa Dec, the town where Marguerite Duras lived during her childhood. Now famous for its flowers and bonsais, Sa Dec turned out to be a pleasant village and its structural richness is an array of gold woodworks and delicate murals...
Cruise My Tho – Ben Tre – Sa Dec - Caibe
Cruise Ben tre - Rach Gia - Phu Quoc
Day 1 HO CHI MINH CITY / CAI BE / VINH LONG / SADEC(Lunch/Dinner)
HO CHI MINH CITY / MEKONG DELTA (BEN TRE)
Meeting point is at 09h30 at the lobby of the Caravelle Hotel. Coach transfer to Cai Be in the very heart of the Mekong Delta. On arrival, embark on board L'AMANT and enjoy a delectable lunch and get acquainted with the crew, while the vessel starts its way to Vinh Long. In the early afternoon, embark on a small boat for a journey towards An Binh islands. On arrival, continue the tour by bicycle to visit Tien Chau ancient pagoda, some tropical fruit orchard gardens and discover the everyday life in the Mekong Delta. Continue to visit a traditional house and enjoy some mouth-watering tropical fruits. Anchorage near Sa Dec. Dinner and overnight on board of L'AMANT.
Day 2 SA DEC / CAI BE(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
After breakfast, visit Sa Dec, the old-fashioned town where the French Writer, Marguerite Duras spent her childhood. Famous for its flowers and bonsai plants, stop at the ancient house of Huynh Thuy Le, the "house of the Chinese" described in Marguerite Duras'novel, L'Amant. Pass-by the school where Margerite's mother has taught. Then, enjoy strolling through the lively market streets of this fascinating town. Return on board L'AMANT. In the early afternoon, arrive in Cai Be and embark on a local sampan boat for a journey through the numerous arroyos and be captivated by the serenity of the Mekong Delta. Visit an ancient colonial house and a traditional plant for puffed rice. In the late afternoon, have fun in a cooking demonstration on board - an interesting way to learn about the local ingredients and how to cook some Vietnamese traditional
Day 3 CAI BE / HO CHI MINH CITY(Breakfast)
Early morning (07h00), embark on a local sampan boat and sail through small arroyos to explore the vibrant Cai Be's floating market. Return on board L'AMANT for breakfast. Disembark at around 09h30 and head back to Ho Chi Minh City by coach. Arrive at Caravelle Hotel at around 12h00.
End of our services.
Prices & Conditions (July 2011 – September 2012)
Every
Monday,
Wednesday,
Friday
Except first friday of
the month
Rack Rate per Person (FIT/GROUP) - in USD
| Main Deck | Upper Deck | |||
| RACK RATE 3 days / 2 nights |
Single | Double | Single | Double |
| USD 680.-+ | USD 530.-+ | USD 790.-+ | USD 630.-+ | |
Our prices include:
- Transfer from Saigon to the port of embarkation in Cai Be by coach.
- Return from Cai Be to Saigon by bus.
- Accommodation in single/double cabin with full board meals as mentioned on the program (breakfast/lunch/dinner).
- English or French speaking guide.
- All visits and excursions mentioned.
- Port dues.
Our prices do not include:
- Visa for Vietnam
- International flights and airport taxes
- Insurances.
- Drinks, tips, personal expenses and all services not clearly mentioned.
- VAT 10%
Cruise MY THO / BEN TRE
Meeting point is at 10H30 at the lobby of the Caravelle Hotel. Then, drive through to My Tho - the gateway to the Mekong Delta. On arrival, embark on board L'AMANT and enjoy a lunch and get acquainted with the crew.
After lunch, board a river-boat to explore the hidden treasures of the Xep canal and islands with tropical fruit gardens. An exciting ride on a carriage drawn by small horses awaits you for a stroll through the fascinating farming villages. Enjoy the tasty fruits and tea with natural honey.
Then continue your journey on a sampan boat through small canals.
Welcome dinner and overnight on board of L'AMANT.
Day 2 CAI BE / VINH LONG / SA DEC (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Cruise VUNG LIEM / SA DEC
After breakfast, board a local sampan boat and sail through the canals to explore Cai Be's vibrant floating market, visit a charming ancient colonial house and handicraft workshop. Return on board of L'Amant for lunch. In the early afternoon, take a small boat for a journey towards An Binh islands, continue the tour by bicycle to visit Tien Chau ancient pagoda, some tropical fruit orchard gardens and witness the everyday life of the Mekong Delta. Continue to visit a traditional house and enjoy some mouth-watering tropical fruits. Anchorage near Sa Dec. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 3 SA DEC / NEAR CHAU DOC(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Cruise SA DEC / CAI BE
After breakfast, tour Sa Dec, the town where the French Writer, Marguerite Duras spent her childhood. Famous for its flowers and bonsai plants, stop at the ancient house of Huynh Thuy Le, the "house of the Chinese" described in Marguerite Duras'novel, L'Amant. Pass-by the school where Margerite's mother has taught and be charmed by the pleasant greetings of the school children. Return on board of L'AMANT for lunch. Sail to Chau Doc. During the afternoon you can enjoy a cooking class or just relax on the sun deck. Anchorage on the way to Chau Doc. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day 4 CHAU DOC (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Cruise SA DEC / CAI BE
In the morning, you will reach the city of Chau Doc, the border city with Cambodia. Visit a floating fishing farm where thousands of fishes are breed for export and visit a mosque in a Cham village. In the afternoon, visit Sam Mountain, a popular pilgrimage site where you will find a large number of Chinese, Cham and Khmer temples. Farewell dinner and overnight on board.
Day 5 CHAU DOC – PHNOM PENH (Breakfast)
Cruise SA DEC / CAI BE
After breakfast, disembark and depart to the Cambodian border by speed boat, go through the customs formalities and continue your cruise to Phnom Penh arriving by early afternoon.
End of our services.
Prices & Conditions (July 2011 – September 2012)
Every First friday of
the month from July
8th 2011
Rack Rate per Person (FIT/GROUP) - in USD
|
Main Deck | Upper Deck | ||
| RACK RATE 5 days / 4 nights |
Single | Double | Single | Double |
| USD 1160.-+ | USD 910.-+ | USD 1340.-+ | USD 1060.-+ | |
Our prices include:
- Transfer from Saigon to the port of embarkation in My Tho by coach
- Transfer OUT / from Chau Doc to Phom Phenh by speed boat.
- Accommodation in single/double cabin with full board meals (breakfast/lunch/dinner).
- English or French speaking guide.
- All visits and excursions mentioned.
Our prices do not include:
- Visa for Vietnam & Cambodia.
- International flights and airport taxes
- Insurances.
- Drinks, tips, personal expenses and all services not clearly mentioned.
- VAT 10%