Denmom

So I have a question - I see this tap a talk but while on the ship do you have to have phone service or Internet to use it for free?

Thank you very much for your input. Love the photos,,, gives me an idea of what to wear for clothes + shoes. I also do online scrapbooking so I think I might be using your photos + dictations for reference; I will be so confused when I get home... LOL. I'm doing Hong Kong & Thailand before this trip so remembering details after the fact is going to be a chore. Don't know how you managed with all the kiddies or how you found room in your suitcase for all the goodies. But I can see you enjoyed yourself immensely. I'll have to rethink my strategies .

On the boat did they have rum (+ coke ), or should I bring my own. I'm not a beer or wine drinker.

Tks again,

Marilyn

When it comes to alcohol, I can't help you. We do not drink alcohol at all. So not sure what they served.

I also do a form of scrap booking. I make the photo albums via Walmart website of our trips. But I am behind and this one will take some time for sure. I figure those are better than printing photos. As I make the book with write ups on all the pages. So works out for me. But again, I am behind a good year on the trips.

As far as items I bought, I had one suitcase full of the items. With it being hot weather, I didn't pack much and we did laundry in Siem Reap which was our half way point. And the laundry was very cheap.

We would love to do Thailand and it is on our bucket list. Plus we want to go back to Cambodia. So that will be our next venture and we will go on our own!

Enjoy your trip

Pre Cruise

https://www.facebook.com/deborah.c.canaday/media_set?set=a.10151591018011635.1073741830.707081634&type=3

River Cruise

https://www.facebook.com/deborah.c.canaday/media_set?set=a.10151604588976635.1073741834.707081634&type=3

I will try to post the links agin

Hello all. We did this cruise back in April. I did hand out things. First of all, we were told to NOT give money. No matter what. We found the fishing village in Cambodia to be the poorest and they have a store that the guide suggested to us to buy books for very cheap.

Saying this, I packed an entire suitcase of giveaways. I had 900 pencils, hundreds and hundreds of balloons, stickers I put on everyone's shirt (that way I knew who I gave to and who I didn't), small candies, small bracelets, books (purchased at the store in Cambodia fishing village), and the kids were super excited.

Others in a group gave tooth brushes, tooth paste, small packs of Oreo cookies, crayons, markers, pencils, candy among other things. Some waited and purchased the items in Hanoi but I brought all ours. I purchased most of my items online for Oriental Trading so I could buy in bulk. I gave a pencil out to each child in the classroom but others didn't have enough and gave them to the teacher for the class to use. In our trip, I gave pencils along the entire route and didn't run out but have one pencil per person along with a balloon and sticker. I even threw them To kids as we rode in the tricycle In one village, making sure not to hit anyone. And handed them out to those close enough to grab them. On the ox cart ride I gave the kids these items before leaving on the ride. The kids did run following us and wanted more once there. This is when I found the stickers on the shirts worked as I could tell who got them and who didn't. Of course eventually some kids figured out what I was doing.

Spending time talking and seeing the kids faces light up was a high light of the trip. In Phonm Penh in front of the royal palace a kid was selling bags of something for $1. I did not buy it but gave him one of everything I had. He literally kissed my hand, hugged me, thanked me continuously and was so greatful. And my husband took a picture of me and the child. Cambodia is a very poor country.

Our guy was from Cambodia and he did say giving money to them doesn't teach them to work for what they have. And they will come to expect and beg for money from all tourist. A bad habit to start. But if you had items to give them of use, then that was great. Many kids can not go to school as they can not afford the supplies and uniforms required. you will be able to tell the difference. Some kids did not ask for items but I did offer pencils to every kid I could. Even in shopping areas. What ever was left over I handed out at the end while In Saigon.

Enjoy every minute of the trip. I did post my facebook photo album of the trip and I am sure I had pictures of the kids along the route!

And did you really spend all of that on the trip? Just tips, or other purchases?

We did the 7 day river cruise but had 8 days PRECUISE and 2 days post cruise. Those days were completed on our own. We did buy an extra suitcase and was totally filled. We used US dollars almost the entire time rather than vietnamese dong. Didn't really seem to be a problem. I would be shocked if we bought over 200 VND.

We did tip all tour leaders, drivers, etc.... We had massages, feet massages, pedicures, fish pedicures, food, private tours, pedicab, etc... And enjoyed it all.

We had a FABULOUS time and loved the trip.

I do not think that the bills need to be brand-new crisp bills. But I know from experience that torn and generally totally worn bills may be rejected. I just got 300 ones today and hope that they will be accepted. We will see.

 

Rather than lose a sale I think that they will be somewhat flexible.

 

Have a wonderful trip. ;)

From my experience, they will refuse the sale. We took ALOT of $1 untorn, unfaded, new bills. We had a few older ones and no one would take them. No matter where we went. We also had plenty of $5 bills. So go thru any bills you have and any that are torn even a little, faded, etc..... Use them before heading out.

By the way, we probably had a good 3 or 4 hundred in dollar bills. Also a couple hundred $5 bills and some tens. No one seems to have change. And the boat doesn't keep very many bills either.

Just my opinion

DENMOM Thank you for sharing your photos! I am on La Marguerite this fall, and your information has really helped.

 

One question. I see you wearing shorts on HaLong Bay, would you or did you any place else? I am kind of a shorts and tee shirt kind of a gal, would that be out of place with this group?

 

Mary

We wore shorts a lot. Was very hot. But it was very humid also. We were there in April. I did go to pants for dinner. Many had sun dresses on for dinner but I didn't pack any dresses. I did wear shorts most of the days. My husband also. But for some reason that I can't remember, I do see I had pants on in Hanoi. Maybe it was a little cooler there. Not sure. As far as the group, I saw a little everything so anything goes. So just wear what you want. No one seems to care. My hubby for sure wore shorts and t shirts every day. :)

I am not much help on the itinerary with AMA. We went plenty early, booked a tour on our own so we could see all we could, went to Cambodia early and stayed over in Saigon. I know part of AMA itenary on visiting Hanoi is doing the Ha Long Bay. very very nice. Our hotel in Hanoi was walking distance to the old quarter and so much other things. So after a day of tours we walked around. We also took a pedicab (really a cycle cab) all around the old quarter and later went back for shopping. We only had the "Asia" toilets mybe once but pretty much our guide knew where "western" toilets were and directed us there.

We also worried about luggage and had decided we might have to pay some. But even on our own they didn't give us any trouble. We were over weight big time from Hanoi to Cambodia but our guide said something to them and it was sent thru. The rest of the trip we didn't have to worry because we used miles and flew business class.

This trip is well worth the bathroom issues, luggage issues, etc. most people tend to over pack but this trip we didn't. We went in April so it was HOT. But didn't bother us. We packed light weight clothes and the tours were set up perfect on the cruise.

So this is a little information from someone who did everything on their own except the seven day cruise. (We should also mention we are not artsy people and wanted to visit anything to do with the war so our itinerary was picked based on this) We had been told people dress down for dinners on the boat so we didn't pack alot of nice clothes just casual for that. I did see alot of the ladies in light weight dresses but I didn't bring any.

Debe, I would love to view your photos on FB, but how do I find you :D.

 

Sharon

PRECUISE

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151591018011635.1073741830.707081634&type=1&l=3c5536b3f8

RIVER CRUISE

I will be adding just a few more to the cruise. but post cruise I am still going thru. I will probably make another folder and then post the link!

Enjoy

I got back from my Cambodia/Vietnam trip just a week ago. I can only say AWESOME.

Everything about it was great. We did the pre and post cruise on our own using a tour company and it was also great. (Especially that it was us, our guide and driver so we could see lots more things in a day since we didn't have to wait around for others) Spent 6 days in Hanoi, two days in Siem Reap, then seven days on cruise followed by two days in Saigon. Definitely be of the top trips of my life.

Only bad thing that happened, we had to take a bus for five hours to catch the ship as the lake was to low. While in route, one of the four buses broke down so our driver had to work on theirs. Ended up taking another almost two hours making the trip seven hours. Made for some starving people. But everyone was very calm and took it well. One bus did continue on its own to the ship.

I was in cabin 101 but I can say sitting on the balcony was very little. With temps in the 90s and very humid, air condition was craved. The tours with the river cruise were set up perfectly. Morning tour, back for a shower, change of clothes and lunch. Then back for afternoon tour. Everything was just great. I had made my photo album on facebook public if anyone would want to see the photos. I have a few more to post and then they will all be posted.

I took 900 pencils, bags of balloons, stickers, candy, and gave it all out. Some people gave out toothbrush. (Very smart), pens, books bought at one port ten for $1, cookie packs, markers, etc,....... Kids were a great part of the cruise. Loved seeing them and seeing them surviving with so little.

All hotels were set up to take 110 or 220 and so was river cruise and junk boat. No problem with extra luggage on my flight from Hanoi to Siem Reap (we had three checked bags, four carry ons) the extra check in bag was filled with the things to give kids and our guide told the airport rep so maybe that is why we were not charged. On the return home, we had that bag filled with gifts and had to buy another suitcase at the market in Saigon. I think my husband ended up with 15 new shirts, I got four shirts and three capris, lots of souvenirs for the grands, coffee for the kids with the little coffee brewers, basket the bread is served in on the river cruise (they sell them in the gift store on board) Vietnam hats for everyone, etc etc etc. great shopping. :)

Anyway, this cruise was worth the long wait for sure.

Denmom, where in Kentucky......we are in Louisville. :)

 

Sometimes the hotel (or boat) will have adapters that you may borrow. Might check that out.

 

Anxious to hear from you when you return.

Original from as far west as you can go before hitting Missouri - Paducah, KY is the closer bigger city you probably have heard from.

It ended up in our hotel, they have it set up for 110. So that is great. But I have to set at a small desk with curl iron in my hand, IPAD on photo with it turns around to myself while I did my hair. Had to ake it worl. Lol.

Today we had a very busy day. (we got checked into our hotel about 11pm last night). We went to the Ho Chi Minh Masoleum, his home, temple, one pillar pagoda, temple of literature, road in a Rick shaw thru the old quarter and market, saw a water puppet show, visited Hanoi Hotel (prison), to the lake where the B 52 still lays from being shot down during the Vietnam War, went to the lake where John McCain was shot down, ate lunch at a cooking school and it was great, and many other site seeing places. (Another museum I think was called Museum of Ethnology) just great day of seeing things!

Tomorrow morning up early and off to Ha Long Bay to board our junk boat for what should be a great 24 hours!

So far so good!

Thanks guys. I know in Hanoi we are staying at the Hanoi Del Opera Hotel which is in the old quarter and close to the lake with the red bridge. :). I will never be able to Remember and/or pronoun these names of cities and all. I am a Kentucky girl and we don't speak great English. Lol. or that is what my hubby tells me. Well, if we can't use them our items, I can maybe get our tour guide to stop at a spot where we can buy them. Surely he will know. By the way, I am really bad with accents, so I mi not learn much if our guide has a heavy accent. Heck, I am n the plane and don't even understand the our stewardess right now. lol. But I do expect to have a GREAT experience. Even if everyday is a bad hair day. Lol lol

So, as I type we are on Japan Airlines heading Ito Toyko and getting on this plane made me think of something. Does Hanoi Vietnam and Cambodia need converters from 110 to 220? I didn't think of that so didn't bring it. Which makes me wonder if on the boat we will be able to use my curl iron, laptop, IPAD, iPhone, etc.... Could someone tell me about the hotels and the boat. Looked on the amawaterways site but no luck. I will have Internet in flight for the next few hours. If we need one did anyone else buy one in Hanoi? If so, what type of store has them? Thanks

Have a wonderful trip, and give us a report when you return. We will be on this same trip on November.

 

Bon voyage

Robb - I will do. And if you have a chance, I would love to see your Galapalos photos. Maybe you can add them to a link and post them. I am booked on the Expedition for Sept 2014. Super excited to do that.

Well, ready to board plane so - we are out of here!!!! 18 days of vacation!!!

Yep, there's a hairdryer, but if memory serves, it wasn't a very good one. No matter, by that point in the trip we all had crazy hair.

Tanks, any hair dryer will work and I am just trying to get my luggage weight down. Well all packed. Leave the house at 7:00 am. Excited!!

Last minute question - do the cabins on the AMALotus provide hair dryers

My husband and I had one checked bag between us that weighed about 52 pounds, and his carryon was a small over-the-shoulder duffel. My carryon was a large purse and a small wheeled bag, slightly larger than a rolling computer briefcase and much smaller than a standard US 22" rollaboard - what we called at my former airline career a 'turnaround bag'.

 

As far as our checked bags for the internal flight, AMA handled it for us as group baggage, and we didn't have to check in and put it on the scale ourselves. Not sure how it would work for you since you're on your own. Maybe someone who did their own land portion can weigh in?

Yes I was hoping someone could let me know. It says one check in per person for 44 lbs. that isn't a big deal as we usually always have a bag each for 50 lbs but we won't need formal wear or cold weather clothes. But it says the carry on is one small bag as a purse, etc, and another. Small bag but they can't be over 15 lbs. my carry on weighs more that 15 lbs al its empty. Lol. And it is a small bag. Then I have a box of items I bought for kids. It weighs 13 pounds as it is. S if my hubby takes it, he also has a back pack. We ask about moving up to first class but that is 175 per person more. It would give us an extra check in. It says you pay $2 per pound over the weight limit. So that could be expensive. We checked on shipping the 13 lb box to our hotel in Cambodia but it would cost $180 to ship there. I am just worried what an extra bag would cost. We are going to call tomorrow to see what they say. Grrrrr

Finally printed and filled out Cambodia visa. I will be getting passport pictures made this week.

Can ANYONE tell me the problems regarding airlines from Hanoi to Siem Reap. I read that two carry ons and they can't weigh over 15 lbs. do that weigh a purse??? Also only 44 pounds for a suitcase. I am very worried.

no worries,just have passport photo and $20 to give to guide in Hanoi Hotel.

Now,just go and have fun.Let us know what you think later.:)

I have been working n getting the application for visa on arrival and most of the web sites that are coming up are or e visas. Can someone post again how I get it where you show up at the airport with passport photo and $ 20 and application in hand. We are not doing it with the AMA tour so we won't have anyone showing up to help us!

Just back from Tennessee and lo and behold in the mail is our Vietnam Visas. Still need to do the Cambodia Visas. hope it is easy. :). I leave in 14 days.

Oh well, time to unpack from my other trips. Just realized I was home for 2 1/2 days this entire month. Gosh.

Has anyone been in April?? Just wondering what to start using and packing. I heard it is easy to pick up cheap zip off clothes over there but I don't want to take the chance. I bought one pair but with weight gain, I better try them own. Lol. I did buy three pair of those shoes everyone told me about. I really need to figure out a way to pay light but for 19 days. Would like only me suitcase and my carry on. :)

Got back from the AZ trip but because of bad news. My mom passed away while I was in AZ and I had to get back. She was buried yesterday. Bittersweet as she is no longer suffering as she has for soloing but I already miss her.

She Would be excited to hear about my upcoming trip and I will miss telling her. But now I will concentrate on getting prepared for this trip. of course, I have to get back to Missouri to do that. :)

and pray she recovers and you CAN take your trip.Just HOPE you got good insurance,just in case. Hang in there, if not THIS time,Next,right??:(

I really really really do not want to cancel again. She is still on a feeding tube today but has been a little alert. Squeezing hands, eyes following people, and starting some therapy. All a very very good sign. So just praying she continues. My mom is only 72 so she is fairly young. But 50 years of smoking doesn't do the body good. She quit smoking about 5 years before getting COPD. I will not give a speech against smoking but sure wish parents that smoke would realize that the diseases from smoking don't just hurt them, the kids and family suffer they it along with them. just saying. :)

Anyway, I leave AZ tomorrow heading back to Vegas then fly home from Vegas on Saturday. Thought I would have a good three weeks to get things done around the place but I will head to TN to spend some time with my mom. I have been out of town since she took this turn for the worst.

Alexandriacruiser, I should say that I have I surname this time. Yes this time. last July when I had to cancel due to my head injury - I had not purchased insurance. Luckily AMAwaterways was good enough to give me u til the end of April to do the cruise so since we didn't know how long it would take for me to get better, we picked the last possible week they gave us. And they made us pay for I surname which we were happy to do. We even upgraded to a balcony versus the window view. So I give kiddos to AMAwaterways for working with us. You can't ask for a company to do anything better than that.

Thanks for the suggestions. I am not a Gatorade person nor water but I have a feeling I might become a water drinker. I hear it rains a lot but the humidity is so bad. I don't want to dwell on it as I still have some anxiety from it all and don't want to freak myself out. We leave on April 13th. Right now my mom is in the hospital. Been in for almost two weeks. Her ventilator was taken off yesterday but still has a feeding tube. She has not been alert since being there. Se did this before in December but this time she has pneumonia and staph infection. She has COPD and has gone downhill since diagnosed in Oct 2006. Very sad to watch. So hoping she recovers from this sooner rather than later. We have already had to cancel this trip once and I am really wanting to go. We have everything paid and ready to just go. Ad the excitement is off the roof! So praying this to will pass for my mom and she will be better very soon.

Anyway, I k ow someone ask about tours and we are booked with anns tours dot come. No spaces. We picked them because they make suggestions and we pick what we want to do. And add things we know we wanted to do. They also handle getting us from airport, hotels, some meals, entrances to places, junk, flight to Cambodia, tours in Cambodia, and get us to Sofitel hotel the morning we have to meet up with amawaterways. They also pick us up from the river cruise and have our hotel and tours after the cruise ending with our drop,off at the airport. I can't say how they are because we haven't done the trip yet. :). But sure sounds great and less to deal with.