SAILING THE MEKONGTHE TREASURES

OF CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

ABOARD LA MARGUERITE

FEBRUARY 3 TO 14, 2011

VIET NAM LITERATURE PROJECT

VNLP

Dear Friend,

Please consider joining Viet Nam Literature Project on a voyage along the Mekong in 2011, just afterthe Tet holiday. I will be on board and give lectures, and VNLP author Ly Lan will cruise with us.

Academic Arrangements Abroad is organizing the trip for VNLP and for supporters of TheMetropolitan Museum of Art, Miss Porter’s School, and Phillips Exeter Academy. AAA president, JimFriedlander, who serves on the VNLP board, has worked with me to provide a tour of special interest. Arthistorian Olivier Bernier, whose lectures at the Met regularly sell out, will meet us in Siem Reap to guide usthrough the dazzling temples of Angkor. “For sheer immensity, Angkor is unsurpassed among the archaeologicalwonders of the world,” wrote Russell Ciochon in Archaeology. “In stone tonnage, its massive temples dwarfthe pyramids of Egypt and Mesoamerica, and its sculptures are the artistic equals of the best of Classical Greeceor Renaissance Europe.”

On Tonle Sap Lake, we embark the elegant La Marguerite, a new riverboat named for MargueriteDuras, the novelist of French Indochina. During a seven-day cruise we will tour the Mekong, visiting pre-Angkorian temples and rural villages. At the capital, Phnom Penh, discover the Royal Palace, the SilverPagoda, and the National Museum.

We enter Vietnam during the joyful week following Tet, stopping first at Tan Chau. There we will bejoined by novelist Ly Lan, who was born in a Mekong Delta village nearby. Lan will accompany us throughher homeland as we stop at Sa Dec and the floating market at Cai Be. We disembark at Ho Chi Minh City,where Lan now lives, to conclude our voyage in this dynamic Southeast Asian metropolis.

For those who wish to extend their trip, an optional tour north to Da Nang and Ha Noi is offeredfollowing the main program. Or if you would like more time to explore the monuments of Angkor, an optionalprelude is offered in Siem Reap.

I look forward to sharing this exciting adventure with you. Jim’s tours are always first-rate, and Olivier,Lan and I are eager to talk about our beloved countries with such an intelligent group.

Sincerely,

Dan DuffyEditor and PublisherViet Nam Literature Project

VIET NAM LITERATURE PROJECT

VNLP

National Museum, Phnom Penh.

Bayon Temple.

S A I L I N G T H E M E K O N GTHE TREASURES OF CAMBODIA & VIETNAM ABOARD LA MARGUERITE

February 3 to 14, 2011

Photo

by

Joel

Str

atte

-McC

lure

SIEM REAP 1 LA MARGUERITE111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Sunday, February 6 This morning visit Bayon Temple and TaProhm. Left untouched by archaeologists, Ta Prohm allows us toimagine the awe of early explorers when they first saw thesespires entwined with roots and tree trunks. After lunch drive toTonle Sap Lake, lined with peaceful fishing villages. Here weembark La Marguerite, the finest vessel on the Mekong, for aone-week cruise. Settle into your cabin and then enjoy dinneras we cruise towards Kampong Chhnang.

KAMPONG CHHNANG 1KAMPONG CHAM, CAMBODIA

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Monday, February 7 Travel by motorboat into the wetlandsto view a stunning variety of birds and fish. Return to LaMarguerite and cruise into the jungle. As the river narrows,we will be able to observe a rich tapestry of Cambodian rurallife along the riverbank. Enter the Upper Mekong this after-noon and step ashore to visit the quaint village of Chong Kho,known for its silk weaving industry. Moor overnight inKampong Cham.

KAMPONG CHAM 1PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

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Tuesday, February 8 Journey upriver to the pre-Angkorian

temple of Wat Hanchey, posed atop a hill. After lunch travel

back downstream to the Kampong Cham area. A motorcoach

will take us to the 12th-century temple of Wat Nokor. Stop

in the village of Cheung Kok before continuing our voyage to

Phnom Penh.

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Thursday, February 3 Depart New York on an overnightflight to Siem Reap via Seoul.

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Friday, February 4 Arrive late this evening in Siem Reap,located near the legendary archaeological site of Angkor.Check in at the Sofitel Phokeethra Angkor.

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Saturday, February 5 This morning we focus on AngkorWat Temple, the most magnificent and best preserved ofAngkor’s more than 100 monuments, dating from the 12thcentury. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Thisevening, gather for welcome remarks followed by dinner at thehotel, with a traditional Khmer dance performance.

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Wednesday, February 9 This morning is devoted toCambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, a charming French colonialcity. Discover the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda and theNational Museum, with masterpieces of ancient Khmer art.After lunch stop at a bustling local market. The balance of theday is at leisure in Phnom Penh, where we will dock overnight.You may wish to dine in one of the nearby restaurants and expe-rience the city’s vibrant nightlife.

CRUISING THE MEKONG111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Thursday, February 10 Relax today and attend onboardlectures as La Marguerite cruises to Vietnam.

TAN CHAU, VIETNAM111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Friday, February 11 After breakfast, transfer via small boatsto the pier, where trishaws await to transport us aroundTan Chau. Visits include mat-making and silk coloring work-shops. Then enjoy a channel cruise, stopping to visit a fishfarm. Return to La Marguerite for dinner.

SA DEC 1CAI BE, VIETNAM

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Saturday, February 12 Travel by local boats to Sa Dec for astroll through this lovely town where French writerMarguerite Duras, for whom our ship is named, lived as achild. Lunch is on board as we cruise to Cai Be, with its

colorful floating market. We will also see the French GothicCathedral, delightful flower gardens and a rice paper manu-facturer. Return to the ship for a sumptuous farewell dinner.

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

Sunday, February 13 Our voyage concludes this morning inHo Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon. Disembark for a visit tothe Museum of Vietnamese History, displaying a thousand yearsof culture, followed by time to browse in Saigon’s alluring shops.Dayrooms are reserved at the Sheraton Saigon Hotel until late-night departures for flights home. Alternatively, continue on theoptional Vietnam postlude.

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Monday, February 14 Arrive mid-morning at New York’sJFK airport n

Tranquil scene along the Mekong River.

Cargo boat on the Mekong.

V IET NAM L ITERATURE PROJECT 1 RESERVAT ION APPL ICAT ION

To reserve a place, please complete and return this form with your deposit of $1,500per person (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees) payable toAcademic Arrangements Abroad. Mail to: Academic Arrangements Abroad, 1040Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10018-3721.

_______________________________________________________________________NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT

_______________________________________________________________________NAME IN FULL AS ON PASSPORT

_______________________________________________________________________ADDRESS

_______________________________________________________________________CITY STATE ZIP

_______________________________________________________________________TELEPHONE (HOME) (BUSINESS)

_______________________________________________________________________FAX E-MAIL

Optional Siem Reap Prelude and Vietnam Postlude q I/We wish to join the optional prelude in Siem Reap, Cambodiaq I/We wish to join the optional postlude in Vietnam

Accommodations La Marguerite Cabin Preference 1. ________________ 2. ________________On-Shore Hotel Room Preference q Double q Twin q Single I wish to share a room/cabin with ___________________________________

Form of Payment q Enclosed is my check (payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad).q Credit card (for deposit only; final payment must be made by check).

_______________________________________________________________________NAME AS ON CREDIT CARD 3- OR 4-DIGIT SECURITY CODE

_______________________________________________________________________CREDIT CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE

Each participant must sign below. I/We confirm that I/we have read and agree to theTerms & Conditions of this program. I/We agree to full payment by check 120 days priorto departure.

_______________________________________________________________________SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE

_______________________________________________________________________SIGNATURE REQUIRED DATE

SAILING THE MEKONG 1 FEBRUARY 3 TO 14, 2011

For more information, please contact Academic Arrangements AbroadTelephone (212) 514-8921 or (800) 221-1944 1 Fax (212) 344-7493 1 E-mail: trips@arrangementsabroad.com

La Marguerite Rates & Accommodations

RATES INCLUDE

◆ Two nights hotel accommodations at Sofitel Phokeethra Angkor

◆ Dayroom accommodations at the Sheraton Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City

◆ Seven nights accommodations aboard the M.S. La Marguerite

◆ All meals on board; on land: breakfast daily, two lunchesand one dinner. Wine with dinners

◆ Special touring in Siem Reap and all shore excursions

◆ Enrichment program of lectures

◆ Entrance fees for all included visits

◆ Airport / hotel / pier group transfers

◆ Gratuities to local guides and drivers

◆ Taxes and service charges; porterage for one suitcase per person

NOT INCLUDED IN RATES International airfare; passport fees; alcoholicbeverages other than wine at included dinners; customary shipboardgratuities; personal items and expenses; trip insurance; baggage in excessof one suitcase; transfers for those not on suggested flights; any other itemsnot specifically included.

LAND / CRUISE RATES(Per Person, Double Occupancy)

Cabins Decks Rates

Cabins 001 to 008 Mekong Deck $5,995Porthole. 226 square feet. Single supplement $2,895.

Cabins 101 & 102 Tonle Deck $6,595French balcony, large window. 226 square ft. Single supplement $3,895.

Cabins 103 to 116 Tonle Deck $6,995French balcony, large window. 226 square ft. Single supplement $3,895.

Cabins 201 & 202 Saigon Deck $7,295French balcony, large window. 226 square ft.

Cabins 203 to 214 Saigon Deck $7,695French balcony, large window. 226 square ft.

Junior Suite. Cabins 301 to 306 Sadec Deck $8,495Balcony, large window. 290 square ft.

Suite. Cabins 307 & 308 Sadec Deck $9,495Balcony, large window. 452 square ft.

Sun Deck and Sadec Deck Suite (top), bath and Mekong Deck Cabin (bottom).

OPTIONAL PRELUDE

SIEM REAPJanuary 31 to February 4, 2011

Siem Reap is our base for exploration of the legendaryarchaeological site of Angor. The treasures of Angkor are bestappreciated in the proper natural light and wheneverpossible, without the company of large tour groups. Withthis in mind, our exact schedule during our three-day staywill be determined on location.

Highlights of our visit include the magnificent 12th-century Angor Wat Temple and Banteay Srei, whose carvingsare among the most beautiful in Asia. We will explore AngkorThom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire, and majesticBayon Temple. A morning visit will focus on the “RoluosGroup” of temples: Preah Ko, Lolei and Bakong. We willalso see the Ta Prohm temple group. Left untouched byarchaeologists, Ta Prohm allows us to imagine the awe of earlyexplorers when they first saw these spires entwined with rootsand tree trunks.

$1,295 PER PERSON. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $330.Includes three nights accommodations at Sofitel PhokeethraAngkor; breakfast daily, three lunches and two dinners.

OPTIONAL POSTLUDE

VIETNAMFebruary 13 to 17, 2011

After morning visits and lunch in Ho Chi Minh City,continue to the airport for a flight to Danang. Check in atthe Furama Resort in time for dinner. The Chams were therivals of the Khmer and had their own flourishingculture. On an excursion to My Son see the extraordinaryruins of the 8th- to 11th-century Cham temples. In Danang,visit the Cham Museum and its new sculpture gallery.The following day, fly to Hanoi, for two nights at the land-mark Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel. Highlights in Hanoiinclude the Ngoc Son Temple, built on an island in pictur-esque Sword Lake, the History Museum with its 3,000-year-old bronze drums, the 18th-century Temple of Literatureand the turn-of-the-century opera house. We also see Hoa LuPrison, commonly known as the “Hanoi Hilton.”

$1,895 PER PERSON. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT $440.Includes two nights accommodations at Furama Resort,Danang; two nights accommodations at Sofitel LegendMetropole in Hanoi; breakfast daily, four lunches and twodinners; internal flights: Ho Chi Minh City / Danang / Hanoi.

TERMS & CONDIT IONSAIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will be pleased to assist with air travelarrangements. A suggested flight schedule will be offered and airfare will be quoted on anindividual basis. A fee of $75 per person will be charged for any reservations other than thesuggested flight schedule; private transfers can be arranged at a supplemental cost. Please notethat AAA can assist with rebooking flights only on air reservations booked directly with AAA.To redeem your frequent flyer mileage, please contact the airline directly.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE A deposit of $1,500 per person, payable to AcademicArrangements Abroad, of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees, is requiredwith the reservation application. Final payment, by check only, must be received 120 daysprior to departure.

HEALTH All participants must be in good health. This program involves extensive walkingover uneven surfaces, climbing stairs at monuments and other locations not handicappedaccessible, and climbing in and out of various conveyances. Any condition that may requireassistance or special medical attention must be reported at the time of your reservation.

INSURANCE TRIP CANCELLATION / EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION / BAGGAGE /ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS INSURANCE PROTECTION IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.CANCELLATION PENALTIES ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED. AAA will send an insurance applicationupon receipt of reservation and deposit, although you may select any insurer of your choice.

CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of Viet Nam Literary Project (VNLP) and AAA. All prices quoted are based onprevailing fuel prices, airfares and currency exchange rates in effect as of June 2010 and aresubject to change without notice. Deviations from the scheduled itinerary are at theexpense of the individual.

RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE The participation of VNLP is limited to educationalsponsorship of the program described in this brochure (The Program). AAA acts only asan agent for the participant with respect to transportation, accommodations and all otherservices, relating to The Program. AAA, VNLP and/or their agents assume no responsibilityor liability for any act, error or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregu-larity that may be occasioned by reason of any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus orother carrier, or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other third party, whichmay be used wholly or in part in the performance of their duty to the participants of TheProgram. The passage ticket issued by the carrier is the sole contract between theparticipant and the carrier. Nor will AAA or VNLP and/or their agents be responsible forloss, injury, damages or expenses to persons or property, due to illness, weather, strikes,local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature or other such causes in connectionwith The Program or anything beyond their reasonable control. AAA is not responsible fortransportation or other program delays and changes, nor additional expenses or loss of timethat may be incurred. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort orwell-being of the participants, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter the itinerary at anytime, without notice to the participants, such alterations will be made without penalty toAAA or VNLP. Additional expenses, if any, shall be borne by the participants. Baggageand personal effects are the sole responsibility of the participant at all times. AAA andVNLP reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a participant at any time, or torequire any participant to withdraw from The Program at their own expense when such anaction is determined by AAA or VNLP to be in the best interest of the participant’s health andsafety, or the general welfare of the other participants.

CANCELLATION POLICY AAA must strictly adhere to its cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior to the commencement of The Program, which may include butare not limited to: advance payments to land operators; ship charters; communicationexpenses; development / promotional expenses and the loss of time that might have permitted resale of reserved space. All cancellations must be made in writing to the officesof AAA and are subject to a $350 non-refundable administrative fee. All refunds are limited to amounts actually received by AAA and are the sole responsibility of AAA; VNLPshall have no liability for refunds. At the time AAA receives written notification of cancel-lation, the following cancellation charges will apply: cancellations received between 120and 91 days prior to departure, 20 percent of the program cost per person; those receivedbetween 90 and 61 days before departure, 50 percent of the program cost per person; norefunds will be given for cancellations received within 60 days of departure. No refunds aregiven for cancellation on or after the day of departure, or for unused portions of the tour,for any reason. Air cancellation charges, if any, will be assessed in accordance with airlineregulations. All group fare tickets must be issued no less than 30 days prior to departure.NOTE: Neither AAA nor VNLP shall be liable for any airline cancellation penaltiesincurred by the purchase of a non-refundable ticket. In the case of a cancellation due toshortage of participants, AAA will attempt to notify all participants at least 45 days priorto departure. However, AAA reserves the right to cancel The Program prior to departure forany reason and, in such case, reimbursement of refundable costs of the trip by AAA shallconstitute full settlement with the participant. In the unlikely event that a dispute arisesbetween a participant and AAA or VNLP, the following conditions will apply: (a) thedispute will be settled by binding arbitration administered by the American ArbitrationAssociation in New York, NY; (b) the dispute will be governed by New York Law; (c) themaximum amount of recovery to which a participant shall be entitled under any and allcircumstances will be the sum of all monies actually received from the participant by AAA.The participant agrees that this is a fair and reasonable limitation on the damages, of anysort whatsoever, that a participant may suffer. Upon payment of the deposit to AAA, theparticipant agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions.

Copyright © 2010 Arrangements Abroad, Inc. CST 2059789-40

On the front cover: Floating village on Tonle Sap. On the back cover: Rooftops of the Royal Palace, PhnomPenh (top) and Angkor Wat (bottom) by Joel Stratte-McClure.

SAILING THE MEKONGTHE TREA SURE S OF CAMBOD IA & V I ETNAM

ABOARD L A M A R G U E R I T E_____________________________________

F EBRUARY 3 TO 1 4 , 2 0 1 1

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U.S. Postage

PAID

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SAILING THE MEKONGTHE TREASURES OF CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

ABOARD LA MARGUERITE_____________________________________

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