Alexander+Roberts
Vietnam Sampler
Day 1: VIP Welcome to Hanoi
On arrival, our VIP Fast Track Service expedites your arrival through immigration, baggage claim and customs. Before you know it, you'll be on your way to the stylish Sofitel Legend Metropole, the finest luxury hotel in the city.
Day 2: Hanoi… Past + Present
After breakfast, your full-day sightseeing begins at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an impressive monument constructed of marble, granite and precious woods. After, visit the tranquil Temple of Literature, an ancient collection of courtyards and gardens, built in homage to Confucious.After lunch, A tour of the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, ironically nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton by American POW's during the war, offers a sobering and thought-provoking look into history. Next, explore Hanoi's colorful Old Quarter, where ancient byways like Tin Street and Bamboo Street are named for the goods that have long been sold there. Continuing along labrynthine streets explored by few tourists, you'll have a chance to peer into old temples and homes, meeting residents as your in-the-know guide shares insight. Take a break with a refreshing cup of Vietnamese coffee at a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake and then visit Ngoc Son Temple, built in the 18th century on a tiny island in the lake. End your sightseeing with a Water Puppet performance, a traditional and uniquely Vietnamese art form which started centuries ago - possibly in the nation's flooded rice fields. Meals B+L
Day 3: Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
The scenic drive from the bustling city to Ha Long Bay is just a few hours, but the magnificent landscapes that greet you upon arrival will feel worlds away from Hanoi... Ha Long Bay is filled with thousands of limestone islands, forested peaks, hidden coves, mysterious caves and emerald green waters that stretch forth as far as you can see. Traditional sailing junks and local fishing boats ply these waters and here awaits our intimate luxury ship, the Paradise Elegance.Settle in to your spacious balcony stateroom and enjoy a welcome cocktail as we begin our voyage into the sublime vistas of Ha Long Bay. After lunch onboard, you'll explore Sung Sot Cave. Later, you can visit a pearl farm where traditional ways of cultivating pearl oysters have been enhanced with the most recent developments by Japanese marine biologists. The adventurous can choose to go kayaking instead! Return to ship for a cooking demonstration, sunset cocktails and dinner in the restaurant. Meals B+L+D
Day 4: Disembark + Travel to Hoi An
Early risers can join a Tai Chi session on deck as the sun is rising over the magnificent landscapes of Ha Long Bay. After a light breakfast, go ashore on Soi Sim Island where you can enjoy a refreshing swim or hike to the island's summit for panoramic views. Return to ship where you'll find a lavish breakfast buffet awaiting you in the restaurant. As we cruise back toward the marina, take these last moments to enjoy the passing vistas from your private balcony or the Sun Deck. Upon disembarking, transfer to the airport for your included flight to Danang. On arrival, a scenic overland journey brings you to Hoi An, a historic coastal town missed by many other travelers. Check in to the Allegro Hoi An where Junior Suites have been reserved for our guests. Meals B
Day 5: Exploring Hoi An
Join your engaging guide this morning for a walking tour in town. From the 16th to the 18th centuries, Hoi An was one of the wealthiest ports in all of Asia - home to Dutch, French, Portuguese, Arab, Japanese and Chinese merchants. Today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site #WHS# famous for its splendidly preserved architecture and ancient seafaring heritage. Your tour includes Chua Ong Pagoda, built in 1653, and Jinshang Temple - dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea and the protector of seafaring merchants. You'll also visit the 200-year-old Tan Ky Ancestral House and the oft-photographed covered bridge, built by Japanese craftsmen in the 17th century. A pleasant cruise on the Thu Bon River is a wonderful way to conclude your exploration of this ancient and lively port. Meals B+L
Day 6: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Return to Danang for your included flight to Saigon. On arrival, you'll be escorted to the Park Hyatt Hotel. Situated on Lam Son Square in the heart of town, our luxury hotel is Saigon's best - heralded for its style and attentive service. Meals B
Day 7: Out + About in Saigon
Begin your sightseeing with the graceful, Colonial-era landmarks of the city including the Central Post Office, built in the late 1800's with its creamy yellow façade, and the Opera House - designed by French architect Eugene Ferret in the flamboyant style of the French Third Republic. Next up is a guided tour of Reunification Hall, from its landscaped gardens to its stately interior; formerly known as the Presidential Palace, it was towards this modern building that Communist tanks rolled on the morning of April 30, 1975 as Saigon fell. Nearby, the War Remnants Museum offers a penetrating look into the ravages of the war as seen through the eyes of the Vietnamese people.After lunch, explore a local market filled with exotic tropical fruits and embark on our Cyclo adventure through the colorful streets of Chinatown. A guided walk down one particular street reveals small shops specializing in traditional herbal remedies; meet some of the merchants as our guide offers insight into Vietnam's ancient healing practices. Meals B+L+D
Day 8: At your Leisure
With its rich history and lively cultural scene, this metropolis offers so much to enjoy. Take the day to explore as you wish or choose one of our optional tours. Meals B
Day 9: Goodbye Vietnam
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home or extend your stay to Angkor Wat.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is often referred to as Vietnam’s jewel and the Pearl of the Orient. Located in south Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the country’s largest city, with more than six million people and over one million motorbikes. Under the current regime the city is once more being rebuilt. Whole blocks are disappearing, being replaced by concrete, steel and glass structures. Central Saigon, which is still the official name for the city center, shows evidence of the French colonial city, with wide, tree-lined boulevards, sidewalk cafés and elegant French architecture. The city is divided into two sections: Saigon, the municipal and historical district, and Cholon (Chinatown), where the entrepreneurial talent and private funds are concentrated. Cholon appears to be the most populated and in general the most vigorous part of Ho Chi Minh City. It is well worth a visit for its bustle and activity and its pagodas, which are reputed to be the finest in the whole city.
Excursions
Cu Chi Tunnels & Sai Gon Highlights Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Cu Chi Tunnels & Sai Gon Highlights Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Highlights:
- Visit Cu Chi Tunnels
- Visit Reunification Palace
- Stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral, Centre Post Office
- Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda
- Shopping at the Central Ben Thanh Market
Tour Duration: 10 hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up/ Drop off at Phu My Port
- Tours and transfers as specified including entry fees, on a private basis in modern air-conditioned vehicles.
- Service of English Speaking Local Guides.
- Ports permit arranged
- Meals (food only) as stated in the above itinerary
- One 0.5 litre of bottled water and cold towel in vehicle during sightseeing
- Vietnam Government tax and services charge
Not Included:
- All international and domestic air tickets
- Accommodation
- Vietnamese visa arrival
- Other meals than those specified
- Travel insurance
- Tips for tour guides, drivers, waiters at included meals, local assistants
Highlights of Ho Chi Minh City Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Highlights of Ho Chi Minh City Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Highlights:
- Visit Reunification Palace
- Photo stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral, Centre Post Office
- Visit History Museum & Jade Emperor Pagoda
- Visit China Town & Cao Dai Temple en-route
- Shopping at the Central Ben Thanh Market
Tour Duration: 10 hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up/ Drop off at Phu My Port
- Tours and transfers as specified including entry fees, on a private basis in modern air-conditioned vehicles.
- Service of English-speaking local guides
- Ports permit arranged
- Meals (food only) as stated in the above itinerary
- One 0.5 litre bottled water and cold towel in the vehicle during sightseeing
- Vietnam Government tax and services charge
Not Included:
- All international and domestic air tickets
- Accommodation
- Vietnamese visa on arrival
- Other meals than those specified.
- Travel Insurance.
- Tips for tour guides, drivers, waiters at included meals, local assistants, etc.
Mekong Delta Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Mekong Delta Tour – 10 hours - Saigon
Highlights:
- Get on a motorized sampan to experience the life of local people, visit local brickwork, local fruit farms, family workshops Photo stop at the Notre Dame Cathedral, Centre Post Office
- Take rowing-boat along water palm creek and cruise back to the Pier
- If time permits, have a quick visit of Sai Gon or shopping at Ben Thanh Market
Tour Duration: 10 hours
Tour can operate: Morning
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up/ Drop off at Phu My Port
- Tours and transfers as specified including entry fees, on a private basis in modern air-conditioned vehicles.
- Service of English-speaking local guides
- Private boat cruise on Mekong River
- Ports permit arranged
- Meals (food only) as stated in the above itinerary
- One 0.5 litre of bottled water and cold towel in the vehicle during sightseeing
- Vietnam Government tax and services charge
Not Included:
- All international and domestic air tickets
- Accommodation
- Vietnamese visa on arrival
- Other meals than those specified.
- Travel insurance
- Tips for tour guides, drivers, waiters at included meals, local assistants, etc.
Saigon Port
Saigon Port
SAIGON PORT
Destination: Saigon
Tour Duration: Within 4 hours or 8 hours
Tour Description:
Meet with guide at the ship docking and transfer to town. Car and guide is at disposal.
Note: There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.
Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column
Saigon City Highlights
Saigon City Highlights
SAIGON CITY HIGHLIGHTS
Destination: Saigon
Tour Duration: 08 hours
Tour Description:
On arrival to Saigon (Nha Rong Port), drive 20mins to the city centre for a tour of some of Saigon’s historic landmarks reflecting its French and Chinese influences. Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France (entrance is only permitted when no services are being performed). Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, completed in 1891. Appreciate the restored exteriors of the Saigon Opera House and the elegant City Hall (the former Hotel de Ville), two of Saigon’s most stunning colonial monuments. If time permits, we will visit the iconic Ben Thanh Market, one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and popular wholesale market for local handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs and street food. After lunch, we drive to Saigon’s Chinatown to visit the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese community in the early 19th century to honor the Goddess of the Sea. Take time to make a wish, write it on a small card and attach it to one of the incense coils according to local custom. Continue your visit to FITO, the first museum of traditional medicine in Vietnam, offering insight into the history and application of traditional medicine in everyday life before taking the scenic route through the city back to the ship.
Notes:
• There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.
• Due to the anticipated completion of the renovation project for Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral in 2027, we are limited to exploring its exterior for the time being.
Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column
Saigon - History of Architecture with History Researcher
Saigon - History of Architecture with History Researcher
HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE WITH HISTORY RESEARCHER
Destination: Saigon
Tour Duration: 04 hours
Tour Description:
On arrival to Saigon (Nha Rong Port), drive 20mins to the city center for a tour of some of Saigon’s historic landmarks reflecting its French and Chinese influences. Meet with a local cultural and history researcher at your hotel lobby and take a short trip to local coffee shop for an overview of the impressive history of the city once known as “The Pearl of the Orient”. Then take a step back in time to visit several of the very best examples of “storytelling” architecture. Start at Jade pagoda established in the early 1900s to get a glimpse of ancient history when a group of Chinese fled the new regime to Saigon around the end of 17th century under the reign of Lord Nguyen.
Then wind your way to Archbishop's Palace – with a prayer house more than two hundred-years old (outside visit) as the home for the first French Catholic missionary. Gain an overview about the first approach of the French during the Cochinchina period in the early 18th century. Stroll around the University of Social Sciences & Humanities which used to be the 11th infantry regiment colonial military barracks for an insight into French campaigns against Viet Minh at the time. Your stop will be at the former residence of the US Ambassador, Henry C. Lodge in the 1960s for a drink and watch 10-min movie about Saigon back in the day.
Note: There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.
Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column
Saigon - Cooking Class at Ambassador's Former Residence
Saigon - Cooking Class at Ambassador's Former Residence
COOKING CLASS AT AMBASSADOR'S FORMER RESIDENCE
Destination: Saigon
Tour Duration: 04 hours
Tour Description:
On arrival to Saigon (Nha Rong port), disembark the ship and meet your guide. Drive 20 minutes to Ben Thanh market to buy all the fresh ingredients before continuing an historic Ambassador's home for a private hands-on cooking demonstration. The American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s, Mr. Henry Cabot Lodge, carried a mission of overthrowing the southern government at that time. When Lodge arrived in Saigon, an old villa in District 3 was converted into the Ambassador’s residence. Mr. Lodge lived in this home between1960-1965 and the architecture is a mix of Vietnamese, French and American. Today it remains a private residence owned by Trails of Indochina and it has been fully restored to its former glory. The guide will provide an orientation tour of the house while the chef prepares the ingredients. Learn typical Southern style dishes throughout the morning. The chef will show you how to serve each dish before the meal, and you will need to master the chopsticks before you can savor your own culinary creations in the old world ambiance of the villa.
After lunch, transfer back to your ship.
Note: There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.
Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column
Saigon - Retracing The Past
Saigon - Retracing The Past
RETRACING THE PAST
Destination: Saigon
Tour Duration: 05 hours
Tour Description:
On arrival to Saigon (Nha Rong port), disembark the ship and meet your guide. Commence with a visit of the shrine outside of the US Consulate then continue to the former CIA building (outside visit only), where helicopters evacuated the remaining US citizens in 1975. Head to the rooftop café of the Rex hotel, a familiar landmark for Americans during the Vietnam War. Sit down for a drink, enjoy the view and this piece of history which your guide will help to explain. Then visit the Reunification Palace for a guided tour of the former headquarters of the South Vietnamese Government and residence of the presidents. Drive to the former residence of the US Ambassador of South Vietnam in the early 1960s, Mr. Henry C. Lodge, who conducted a mission to overthrow the South Vietnamese Government. Watch a 10 minutes documentary film about Saigon during that time while enjoying a cold drink. Then drive to a secret weapon chamber which VC used as a place to hide and store weapons during Vietnam War. Then weave through tiny back alleys and meet and chat with the locals who are living in tiny houses. Head to a historic venue for a late lunch of “pho” (noodle soup). The house number 07 on Ly Chinh Thang Street (former Yen Do street) is now known as Pho Binh restaurant which used to be the headquarters of Viet Cong Commanders where they gathered to plan for the 1968 Tet Offensive. Take a walk upstairs to learn more about the history through the family’s photo collection. Then drive back to the port to embark the ship.
Note: There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.
Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column
Saigon City Tour on Vintage Car
Saigon City Tour on Vintage Car
SAIGON CITY TOUR ON VINTAGE CAR
Destination: Saigon
Tour Duration: 4.5 hours
Tour Description:
On arrival to Saigon (Nha Rong port), disembark the ship and meet your guide. Saigon is the country’s commercial center and, with over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes, a city that never sleeps. Despite the well-documented hustle and bustle, Saigon retains its connections with the past. Driven in a charming vintage car to visit the city’s highlights is one of the most wonderful & lavish way. Sit back and enjoy a city tour to admire Saigon’s historic landmarks including the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires based on the original construction from Paris (Outside visit only due the renovation at Notre Dame Cathedral until 2027). Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustave Eiffel. Continue your visit with the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war, revealing the history of Saigon during its turbulent recent past. Further, head to the War Remnants Museum for a vivid insight of the American war through the local’s eyes (Please note that some of the photos are very graphic). Then drive back to the port to embark the ship.
Notes:
• There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.
• Due to the anticipated completion of the renovation project for Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral in 2027, we are limited to exploring its exterior for the time being.
Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column
Saigon - City Highlights & Musician Family Visit
Saigon - City Highlights & Musician Family Visit
CITY HIGHLIGHTS & MUSICIAN FAMILY VISIT
Destination: Saigon
Tour Duration: 4.5 hours
Tour Description:
On arrival to Saigon (Nha Rong port), disembark the ship and meet your guide. Drive 20 minutes to the city center to admire Saigon’s historic landmarks. Despite the well-documented hustle and bustle, Saigon retains its connections with the past. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires based on the original construction from Paris. Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustav Eiffel, before he had risen to fame for the Eiffel Tower. Appreciate the splendidly restored exteriors of the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville which are still two of the finest buildings in Saigon. Pay a short visit to Ben Thanh market (if time permits) which is one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and popular for local handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, as well as local cuisine. Then visit a local family of musicians. Learn about traditional musical instruments through conversations with the artists and listen to the performances from each family member (3-generations). You then have the chance to try the instruments yourself - a memorable if somewhat noisy experience! Then drive back to the port to embark the ship.
Notes:
• There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.
• Due to the anticipated completion of the renovation project for Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral in 2027, we are limited to exploring its exterior for the time being.
Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column
Saigon - In The Dark: A Blind Experience
Saigon - In The Dark: A Blind Experience
IN THE DARK - A BLIND EXPERIENCE
Destination: Saigon
Tour Duration: 4.5 hours
Tour Description:
On arrival to Saigon (Nha Rong port), disembark the ship and meet your guide. Then drive to Bung Sang, a small private home and school for over a hundred blind orphans in Saigon. The school was founded by a blind musician - Mr. Dao Khanh Truong. With the love and care for unlucky children, he spent most of his life teaching the children and gathering support from the benefactors. After he passed away few years ago, Bung Sang was given to the Lovers of the Holy Cross Sisters to take care of. This afternoon, visit the school, talk with the manager for a thorough understanding of their lives here, meet the children and listen to them singing, playing music. Afterwards transfer to Noir restaurant for a special culinary journey - dining in the dark. The concept is to imitate the experience of having meals like a blind person, which is a unique mind-altering experience. Leave behind the sight and let your other senses lead your mind to feel the taste of food. Then drive back to the port to embark the ship.
Notes:
• There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.
• Availability: Bung Sang Home is not available for visits in June, July because the children are in summer break.
• Capacity: Maximum 10 pax due to the limited space of Bung Sang Home.
Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column
Saigon - City Highlights & Lunch at Ambassador's Home
Saigon - City Highlights & Lunch at Ambassador's Home
CITY HIGHLIGHTS & LUNCH AT AMBASSADOR'S HOME
Destination: Saigon
Tour Duration: 06 hours
Tour Description:
On arrival to Saigon (Nha Rong port), disembark the ship and meet your guide. Drive 20 minutes to the city center to admire Saigon’s historic landmarks. Despite the well-documented hustle and bustle, Saigon retains its connections with the past. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires based on the original construction from Paris (It is only possible to visit inside when no service is being performed). Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustav Eiffel, before he had risen to fame for the Eiffel Tower. Appreciate the splendidly restored exteriors of the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville which are still two of the finest buildings in Saigon. Pay a short visit to Ben Thanh market (if time permits) which is one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and popular for local handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, as well as local cuisine. . Then drive to the residence of The American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s, Mr. Henry Cabot Lodge, carried a mission of overthrowing the southern government at that time. When Lodge arrived in Saigon, an old villa in District 3 was converted into the Ambassador’s residence. Mr. Lodge lived in this home between 1960 - 1965 and the architecture is a mix of Vietnamese, French and American. Today it remains a private residence owned by Trails of Indochina and it has been fully restored to its former glory. Meet with the present host for an introduction of the house before enjoying a home-hosted lunch in the historic setting. Then drive back to the port to embark the ship.
Notes:
• There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.
• Due to the anticipated completion of the renovation project for Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral in 2027, we are limited to exploring its exterior for the time being.
Inclusions:
• Private transfers and transportation on tour
• Sightseeing with local English-speaking guide
• Entrance fees
• Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
• Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
Non-inclusions:
• Vietnam visa
• Drinks/ waters on meals
• Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Tips and Gratuities
• Other services not listed in inclusive column
