Vietnam Sample Invitation

NOTE:  This is an actual invitation that I sent out to a client who traveled to China with us.  However, because this is a web page and not an actual email,I put the photos on the side rather than in the body of the email.  The itinerary, photos and "what's included" are copied from AMA Waterways.  

Hi Bill,
 
It has been ages since we have spoken and I hope you are doing well.  David and I are planning our travels for 2019.  Our first trip is detailed below which we are very excited about!  Unlike an ocean cruise everything is included except the gratuities.

We are going to Vietnam on an AMA Waterways river cruise with additional land modules to try to accommodate everyone’s desires.  The cruise sails on March 18, 2019 for 7 nights.   As you know I love exotic destinations and this trip is exotic and includes two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Here is a link to a video that helped me visualize the experience better.  https://www.worldcruisesandtravel.com/vietnam-cambodia--thailand.html  Here is a link that explains the day to day itinerary for the 6 night extension https://www.worldcruisesandtravel.com/6-night-ext-ha-long-bay-hanoi-siem-reap.html
 
Detailed Itinerary CHARMS OF THE MEKONG
7-NIGHT CRUISE -  pricing starts at $2998 per person double plus port charges of $168.  The single rate is $4747 plus port charges of $168.  All of the cabins on the AmaDara are the same type of balcony cabins so it is not necessary to upgrade unless you want a suite or a lower category is sold out.  https://www.amawaterways.com/ships/amadara-river-cruise-ship#DeckPlan This ship only has 62 cabins and is already starting to get full!  This rate is a $500 per person discount but will go up $250 per person as of March 1.  The deposit is $400 per person and there is a $200 per person cancelation penalty from day 1.
 
March 18 DAY 1
HO CHI MINH CITY – EMBARKATION
Board the AmaDara at My Tho Port. Meet your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Cai Be. (D)
March 19 DAY 2
Take a local boat to Cai Be. You will have an opportunity to visit candy and rice paper making workshops, or alternatively, visit the historic Kiet Old House. Later in the day, journey to Sa Dec, a sprawling town on the Mekong Delta, where French writer Marguerite Duras spent part of her childhood. You will visit the local market, Cao Dai Temple and the house of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, Duras’ Chinese paramour, which her prize-winning novel, “The Lover,” is said to be based on. (B,L,D)

March 20 DAY 3
TAN CHAU – BORDER CROSSING
Enjoy a visit to Tan Chau, a small Mekong River town unspoiled by tourism. You will have the opportunity to take a traditional “xe-loi” (trishaw) ride around the town, with stops at silk-making and rattan mat workshops, followed by a boat ride through the narrow channels of the Mekong River to “Evergreen Island.” Alternatively, simply take the boat ride to Evergreen Island and return to Tan Chau, where you will visit a rattan mat workshop. Later in the day, cruise from Vietnam to the Cambodian border en route to Phnom Penh. (B,L,D)

DAY 4
March 21 PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA
This morning’s excursion takes you to Cambodia’s infamous Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s grim Tuol Sleng S21 detention center (Genocide Museum) just outside the city. After lunch on board, you’ll explore the highlights of the city, followed by a visit to the Royal Palace, the spectacular Silver Pagoda and the National Museum, which has an outstanding collection of Khmer crafts. After returning to the ship, enjoy Khmer folk dancing performed by local children in the Saigon Lounge. (B,L,D)

March 22 DAY 5
PHNOM PENH – OKNHATEY VILLAGE
Experience Phnom Penh via an authentic Tuk Tuk ride and be enchanted by the city's French Colonial architecture and tree-lined boulevards set amidst monumental Angkorian architecture. Alternatively, you may wish to shop for unique treasures at the bustling yellow-colored Central Market. Later in the morning, set sail for Oknhatey Village. Oknhatey is “Silk Island,” located on the lush banks of the Mekong River and known for its rich tradition of silk weaving. While here, you’ll visit a local elementary school and observe the traditional silk weaving of handicrafts. Afterwards, the ship set sail to Kampong Chhnang. (B,L,D)

March 23 DAY 6
KAMPONG CHHNANG
A local motorboat takes you into the lakeside wetlands that form the mouth of Tonle Sap River. Enjoy the stunning variety of bird life here as well as tranquil floating villages. Later in the day, the ship sails to Kampont Tralach. (B,L,D)

DAY 7
March 24KAMPONG TRALACH
In Kampong Tralach, you’ll have a truly authentic excursion – an oxcart ride through a local village. Afterwards, you’ll go to Oudong, Cambodia’s former royal capital from the early 17th century until 1866. Today, Oudong is a place of pilgrimage for Cambodians. While here, be treated to a memorable Buddhist Blessing Ceremony at a monastery. During the afternoon, take a leisurely walk through Koh Chen and visit home workshops specializing in silver- and copper-smithing. You’ll get an up-close view of how local artisans make ornamental items often used in traditional ceremonies. (B,L,D)

March 25 DAY 8
PREK KDAM – DISEMBARKATION
Your cruise comes to an end as you disembark at Prek Kdam, a small village on the Tonle River. (B)
*We recommend that you schedule your onward flight to depart Prek Kdam after 7:00pm today to avoid potential missed connections.
 
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
SPACIOUS STATEROOMS
7 nights luxury accommodation in a twin-balcony stateroom
Flat-panel screen that features in-house movies
Desk and sitting area
Bottled water replenished daily
​
AN ARRAY OF AMENITIES
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
Sun deck with pool
Fitness room and three spas
Saigon Lounge with panoramic views and bar
Daily entertainment including cultural performances
 
AWARD-WINNING DINING
All onboard dining in a variety of venues
Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
Welcome Cocktail and Dinner
Unlimited wine with lunch and dinner
Complimentary local beer, house-brand spirits and soft drinks during cruise
Snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
A WORLD OF EXPLORATION
Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
Immersive tours in every destination
Knowledgeable guides
Personal headset for easy exploration
Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour option
 
David and I have booked the cruise with the 7 night post extension that includes 2 nights Siem Reap, 2 nights Hanoi, 1 night Ha Long Bay and 1 night Hanoi then going to Bangkok for 3-4 nights. 
 
Hugs!