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CAU > Seminars and Study Tours > Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Mekong River

Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Mekong River

October 19-November 4, 2009

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Overview

Cambodia and Vietnam evoke images of illustrious imperial dynasties, magnificent Buddhist and Hindu sites, and lush landscapes. On this late autumn study tour of a fascinating part of the world, CAU will be joined by travelers from the American Museum of Natural History and the California Academy of Sciences.

Faculty

Guiding us on our journey will be naturalist Chris Andrews, director of the Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco; Sichan Siv, a former Cambodian refugee who served as a U.S. ambassador to the United Nations; and Eric Tagliacozzo, associate professor of history at Cornell and a terrific teacher. "Eric is one of the glittering gems in the Arts Quad classrooms," says Peter Katzenstein, who led CAU's pre-reunion class on China last year. "His capacious mind brings the past to bear on the present in always illuminating ways. Deeply knowledgeable about all facets of Southeast Asia, he is also a fun guy to hang out with—informal, friendly, unflappable, and relaxed."

Itinerary

The richly interdisciplinary itinerary will allow us to examine the long history of human settlement and its impact on the Mekong River system. We'll explore the classical French architecture and Old Quarter of Hanoi, cruise for four nights on the Mekong River, and experience the misty romance and deep history of Hue. We'll enjoy bird watching from the deck as we cross the vast Tonlé Sap, a UNESCO biosphere reserve and Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. Our journey will culminate in magnificent Angkor with a stay in the beautiful Sofitel Royal Angkor Hotel.

Program Cost

The program fee ranges from $8,395 to $8,845 (per person, double occupancy), with a single supplement of $1,900. The fee includes all ground transportation, lodging, four nights aboard the Mekong Pandaw, meals as indicated in the itinerary, site visits, admission fees, guide services, program taxes and gratuities, management fees, and the full educational program. The four-day extension to Laos is $2,495 (per person, double occupancy), with a single supplement of $500.

Program Notes

Participants should be in good health and capable of walking over rough terrain.

Map

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