Thailand, Temples and the Mekong

Bangkok boasts some of the country's most visited historical venues such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. Orion II will be berthed in the city centre.

Ko Kut, whilst officially part of Thailand, sits right on the maritime border with Cambodia. What draws visitors and many locals to come to this island is its completely pristine nature, both inland and underwater. The rugged hills inland are home to several waterfalls and fast flowing streams whilst the coast has the white sand beaches and surrounding reef life one would expect of such a pristine island. The original inhabitants were Thais and Cambodians who fled to the Thai territory when the French took over the city of Padjantakiri in 1904. Many of the local residents still make a living out of planting rubber trees, coconut trees and from basic fisheries, just as they always have. The island is a well known shelter for fisherman from all around the region.

Included Expeditions
Our Zodiacs will take you an exploration into the interior of Ko Kut following a meandering mangrove river all the way to a small waterfall. Some walking is required to get to the base of the falls over potentially slippery ground. After returning from the falls the ship will relocate to a small offshore coral island, just of the coast of Ko Kut, where a beach BBQ is planned. Snorkelling and swimming over the fringing reef is possible here. Our expedition team will conduct snorkelling tours here this afternoon (weather/conditions permitting).

Kompong Som or Sihanoukville is home to some 18,000 people and sits on a headland ringed by pristine beaches. In a land with thousands of years of history, Sihanoukville is a colourful but tragic upstart. A mere fifty years ago, a French-Cambodian construction company carved a camp out of the jungle and started building the first deep-sea port of a newly independent Cambodia. Named Sihanoukville in 1964 after the ruling Prince of the kingdom, the booming port and its golden beaches soon drew Cambodia's jet setting elite, spawning the development of a brewery and the modernist seven-story Independence Hotel which (apparently) even hosted Jacqueline Kennedy on her whirlwind tour of Cambodia in 1967.

Alas, the party came to an abrupt end in 1970 when Prince Sihanouk was deposed in a coup and Cambodia descended into civil war. The town, which under the new regime no longer desired to reflect the name of the deposed Prince was renamed Kompong Som and much like the rest of Cambodia fell on hard times. The victorious Khmer Rouge used the Independence Hotel for target practice and when they made the mistake of hijacking an American container ship, the port was bombed by the U.S. Air Force. Even after Pol Pot's regime was driven from power, the bumpy highway to the capital was long notorious for banditry and the beaches stayed empty. Peace returned in 1997 and in the ensuing ten years Sihanoukville has been busy picking up the pieces. First visited only by a few intrepid backpackers - guidebooks still talk of walls pockmarked by bullets - any signs of war are hard to spot in today's Sihanoukville, whose new symbol seems to be the construction site. More and more Khmers and expats have settled down to run hotels, bars and restaurants and the buzz of what the New York Times dubbed "Asia's next trendsetting beach" is evident in this region today.

Included Expedition
ANGKOR WAT OVERNIGHT
A two day package including overnight accommodation in Siem Reap is available for guests wishing to visit the world renowned temples at Angkor Wat. Undertaking the Angkor Wat component will take up all the available time stretching over the two days Orion II is berthed in Sihanoukville.

This morning disembark Orion II to begin your coach journey to Phnom Penh where you will board your plane for the short flight to Siem Reap and the amazing Angkor Wat. Upon arrival in the afternoon guests wishing to undertake their own separate program can depart and meet up with the group again at any point during the day. Partake of lunch at the Angkor Café right next to the main temple area. It has interesting artefacts and quality handcrafts for sale. Guests who have pre-booked the optional Angkor Wat Scenic Flight will be transferred to the flight and returned to rejoin the group prior to viewing the temples.

Spend the afternoon until sunset touring the awe inspiring temples of Angkor Wat. After which you will be transferred to your hotel, Le Méridien. Enjoy traditional Cambodian fare at dinner this evening followed by a cultural performance.

Early next morning, guests who have pre-booked the Early Morning Elephant Ride will depart and rejoin the group for breakfast. After breakfast your experience continues - exploring the nearby temples in and around the Angkor Thom complex. If you have pre-booked the Ton Le Sap Floating Village half day optional tour you will rejoin the group after their temple tour today.

The group will split for the flight back to Phnom Penh and one group will have lunch on arrival at the Sunway Hotel and the other in Siem Reap before departure at the Sugar Palm. Your coach will be waiting to transfer you back to Sihanoukville to embark Orion once again.

Optional Shoreside Expeditions
(whilst at Angkor Wat – only one tour can be pre-booked today)

ANGKOR WAT SCENIC FLIGHT
Enjoy a scenic flyover of Angkor Wat and the nearby Temples on a spectacular helicopter journey to experience the vastness of this once great kingdom. Due to flight restrictions emplaced by the World Heritage Body the helicopter is not allowed to fly over the temples directly but rather passes along their perimeters. The views are magnificent from all angles. All Helicopters operated are Australian registered and flown by New Zealand or Australian Pilots under Australian and Cambodian regulations.

Duration: Flight approximately 12 minutes
Cost: To be confirmed

ANGKOR WAT EARLY MORNING ELEPHANT RIDE
Rise earlier than the main group and take an elephant ride amongst the temples during sunrise.

Any time amongst the temples is special but in the early morning adds that extra magical touch and from the back of an elephant what more could you ask for?

Duration: 2 hours
Cost: To be confirmed

TON LE SAP FLOATING VILLAGE
In the early morning venture to Lake Ton Le Sap, the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia which is the lifeblood of the Cambodian fishing industry. Interestingly, the Mekong River, from as a far away as Phnom Penh, reverses the direction of the Ton Le Sap River to bring an overflow of water which carries the silt to support both rice growing and the breeding of many sizes and varieties of fish. Relax and experience close up the daily lake lifestyle while moving between the floating homes and small fish farms.

Continue to Artisans d'Angkor Craft College, which was originally established by the European Union to teach young adults in the art of Sandstone and Woodcarving, lacquer ware of ceremonial artefacts & silk painting. There is a display centre with items for sale.

Visit a local market in the centre of town, Psar Cha, where you will enjoy the sites, sounds and wares of everyday life. The market sells hand woven silks, silver and wooden carved products and jewellery.

Duration: Half Day
Cost: To be confirmed

Additional Included Expeditions
For guests who do not wish to take up the two day excursion to Angkor Wat - a shuttle bus is available in Sihanoukville to visit the town markets and one of the more remote beaches as well as the main town beach, which is generally a very lively spot.

SIHANOUKVILLE HIGHLIGHTS TOUR
You could also join the complimentary half day Sihanoukville Highlights Tour and board your coach for a scenic overview of Sihanoukville. You will stop at the most prominent religious site in the area at Intra Ngean pagoda.

You will be driven through the outskirts of town along hidden coves and headlands to Independence Beach. A short drive further takes you to one of the areas prettiest beaches at Ochheuteal - a long sweep of snow white sand facing the typically calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. We break here for a short stroll along the beach under the shade of the pine trees.

A stop will also be made at the local marketplace to see Khmer commerce first hand. Prior to your return to Orion, visit the nearby fishing village of Tumnuk Rolok.

PHNOM PENH AND THE KILLING FIELDS
A full day tour to Phnom Penh and the Killing Fields is also offered for those who do not take the inclusive package to Angkor Wat. Drive by coach from the coast of Sihanoukville inland to the capital, Phnom Penh. During the drive you will pass through numerous rice and sugar palm plantations which so typically distinguish rural Cambodia.

A sumptuous buffet lunch will be served in the Hotel in Phnom Penh. After lunch visit the restored National Museum which represents the finest of Phnom Penh’s architecture. On display inside is a selection of more than 5,000 works of art, ranging from the 6th to the 13th Century. Treasures include sculptures, dance costumes, royal barges and palanquins.

You will continue to the Royal Palace. Built in 1866 by King Norodom, the Royal Palace is now home to King Sihamoni. Some of the buildings inside the palace walls are closed to the public except on special occasions.

You will also visit the Silver Palace, located within the Royal Palace compound, and so named because of its floor, which is made up of 5,000 silver tiles. On display inside are hundreds of Royal gifts received by the Royal family over the years.

The tragic history of Cambodia can sadly be exemplified by Pol Pot’s legacy in the Killing Fields. Brought to the world’s attention by the movie of the same name, this silent monument to the thousands who lost their lives during the reign of the Khmer Rouge will remain with you for a long time after your visit.

This tour is not suitable for people with limited mobility as there is significant walking at each location and with the coach transport it will be a very long day ashore.

This destination is still under development to bring you new exciting inclusive and optional expeditions, please check back shortly for more information.

Phu Quoc was originally established as a national park in 1986 and later expanded to a total area of 37,000 ha. The Phu Quoc Nature Reserve, with diverse flora and fauna covers mainly the mountainous northern part of the island. There are nearly 929 tree species of which 19 newly-found species were first recorded in Vietnam. The forest is home to many species of birds and small mammals (flying squirrels, sloth-monkeys).

The French Larousse dictionary describes the Phu Quoc dog as a “Well-tamed wild canine which has become the hunters’ favourite companion”. First-time visitors to Phu Quoc are often surprised by its beaches which look sugary-white with waters so clear. All are rated to be the best in Vietnam.

This destination is still under development to bring you new exciting inclusive and optional expeditions, please check back shortly for more information.

The land of the Mekong Delta is renowned for its richness. Known as Vietnam’s breadbasket, it produces enough rice to feed the entire country with a sizeable surplus left over. To experience the lives of the Mekong people, we will venture into the Mekong Delta where guests will experience the famous floating markets. To take Orion II into the Delta and over the shallows into the Mekong River will be a precise navigational feat that will reward us with a unique way of entering the Vietnamese countryside.

The centre of Can Tho is quite busy and noisy, with scooters and throngs of people going about their lives. The riverside is fascinating, and could get you all the way to Phnom Pen, the capital of Cambodia.

We will take our time making our way into this dramatic city. The Song Sai Gon (Saigon River) will take us on a remarkable journey of several hours into Ho Chi Minh City. The 60km of river that we will travel to get to the city is an attraction in itself. Fisherman, traders, floating markets, the river is the life blood of the city. Once in the city itself, the influence of the former French colonial masters is still evident with wide elegant boulevards and historical colonial buildings. The markets are jumping with life and items such as the stylish lacquer ware found throughout Vietnam are on display everywhere to tempt those looking for local souvenirs to take home. The reunification museum is a popular attraction, the reminders of the turbulent and violent history of this vibrant nation are never far away.

To make the most of this vibrant city of 9 million people, we will spend the first day making our way up into the city along the Song Sai Gon. After overnighting onboard Orion you will have a full day at your leisure to explore this incredible city, with the final overnight before disembarkation the following day.