Viking Launches 'Magnificent Mekong' For 2012

Ahead of the launch of its main 2012 brochure, Viking River Cruises has released its 'Magnificent Mekong' programme with massive savings for early bookers.

Double discounts, giving savings of up to £1000 per person, are offered on any Mekong departure booked by 30 June, 2011 for travel in 2012.

The early release of the programme follows huge demand for the 16 day 'Magnificent Mekong' itinerary, which combines a land tour of Vietnam and Cambodia with a seven-night cruise on the 66 passenger RV Tonle, a graceful, French colonial-style vessel hand finished in brass and teak.

For 2012, Viking has doubled the number of departure dates on this holiday to 38, with cruises year-round, from 2 January to 24 December 2012.

The comprehensive itinerary gives guests the opportunity to discover two countries, two cultures and two ways of life linked by Indochina's most important river, the Mekong.


Along the journey, highlights include visits to the ancient Khmer monuments at Angkor Wat; the chance to explore the floating markets of the Mekong Delta and the old city of Hanoi in Vietnam; as well as visits to the elegant French colonial capital of Phnom Penh and the bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City.

Other escorted tours include a visit to hilltop Wat Hanchey and the Twin Holy Mountains of Phnom Pros and Phnom Srey; a small boat excursion through the Kampong Chhnang wetlands; a Cyclo tour featuring the Royal Palace and National Museum in Phnom Penh with an excursion to the Killing Fields; and a visit to the visit of Prek Touch.

Prices start from £2,699 per person (with £1,000 discount) and include return flights from London to Hanoi and from Ho Chi Minh City (or vice versa); a seven-night river cruise with river-view stateroom; two nights' hotel stay in Hanoi, three nights in Siem Reap and two nights in Ho Chi Minh; 14 guided tours with audio headsets; and the internal flight between Hanoi and Siem Reap. A programme of 'Cultural Highlights' featuring a traditional Vietnamese wedding ceremony and a visit to the Siem Reap arts and craft school, plus a 'Culture Curriculum' programme giving language lessons and talks are also included.

For those will more time to explore the region further, Viking also has two add-on packages with two nights at Ha Long Bay priced from £299 per person, or three nights in Bangkok from £599 per person with escorted tours included throughout.

Australian travellers should check local prices and conditions at:
www.vikingrivercruises.com.au