Vibrant Vietnam
Day 1 HANOI, VIETNAM Welcome to Vietnam’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for a mid-afternoon check-in.
Day 2 HANOI Today’s included sightseeing tour takes you to many of the city’s highlights, including the Temple of Literature, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and gateways, and One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a lotus blossom. You will also see Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the fascinating network of alleyways and shop houses that make up the Old Quarter. Enjoy lunch at Koto, a non-profit restaurant and hospitality program created to teach local children restaurant skills for stable employment opportunities. This evening, you may choose to join an optional performance of Hanoi’s famed water puppets. (B,L)
Day 3 HANOI-HA LONG BAY Drive to Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most scenic destinations, and board your afternoon cruise through the stunning bay. Enjoy lunch on board as you sail through the dramatic limestone islands, then explore the Sung Sot (Surprising Cave) and visit Titov Island. (B,L)
Day 4 HA LONG BAY–NINH BINH Drive to Ninh Binh, often referred to as Ha Long Bay on land. This afternoon, visit Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a cruise through the stunning scenery of rugged peaks and valleys lined with rice fields. You’ll also visit Hoa Lu, the first capital of Vietnam dating back to the 10th century. Continue to your resort. (B,L,D)
Day 5 NINH BINH Start your day with a visit to the Bai Dinh Temple complex to see the towering 13-floor pagoda and 30-foot-high bronze Buddha statue. Then, visit Bich Dong Pagoda, a three-tiered ancient pagoda nestled into a mountainside along with a cluster of cave temples. Lastly, travel to Mua Cave viewpoint and marvel at the stunning vistas of this breathtaking area. Save your energy as there are approximately 500 steps to the top! Enjoy some time at leisure this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 6 NINH BINH–HOI AN Drive to Hanoi and board a flight to Danang on Vietnam’s central coast. On arrival, transfer to nearby Hoi An, Vietnam’s active trading center. The well-preserved architecture here reflects the influence of Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, French, and British traders. (B)
Day 7 HOI AN Start today with a walking tour of Hoi An Ancient Town including an old merchant house, the Hoi An Museum, a Chinese assembly Hall, and the Japanese Covered Bridge. For lunch, sample Cao Lao noodles, Hoi An’s most famous dish. The smoked, chewy noodles have a distinctive taste and are unique to Hoi An. Afterwards, take a cruise on the Thu Bon River, passing unspoiled countryside before visiting with a local farmer to learn about life on the river. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B,L)
Day 8 HOI AN Enjoy a full day to explore on your own. Perhaps spend it at the beach, take an excursion to My Son, or explore pottery and wood carving villages. (B)
Day 9 HOI AN–HUE Visit the Cham Museum, then continue through the spectacular Hai Van Pass (weather permitting) to Hue. After lunch, get a glimpse of Vietnam’s unique past when you visit the tombs of the Nguyen Emperors: the Khai Dinh Mausoleum and the Royal Tomb of Tu Duc. (B,L)
Day 10 HUE–HO CHI MINH CITY Begin today with a visit to the Imperial Citadel and Thien Mu Pagoda, the unofficial symbol of the city. The Thien Mu Pagoda has seven tiers, each dedicated to a step assumed by Buddha to reach enlightenment. Later, fly to Ho Chi Minh City. (B)
Day 11 HO CHI MINH CITY Today explore Vietnam’s largest and most vibrant city. Your walking tour takes you along Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat) past the Rex Hotel, Ho Chi Minh Square, the Municipal Theatre, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Next, visit the War Remnants Museum, followed by Ben Thanh Market, the largest and oldest in the city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day 12 HO CHI MINH CITY. CU CHI TUNNELS EXCURSION Today, visit the Cu Chi tunnels, an extraordinary network of tunnels more than 120 miles long used by the Viet Cong as a hideout and secret village during the war. See secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas, and meeting rooms. If you are feeling adventurous, you may enter and explore the deep, narrow tunnels. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. (B,D)
Day 13 HO CHI MINH CITY Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
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
Meet with guide at the ship docking and transfer to town. Car and guide is at disposal.
Limited area: Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: Within 4 hours OR within 8 hours
Meals: None
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Inclusive of: |
Non-inclusive of: |
· Private transfers and transportation with Local English speaking guide
· Cold towels and water on car
· Dock permit
· Tips & gratuities
|
· Vietnam visa
· Accommodation with daily breakfast
· Entrance fees
· All meals
· All flights
· Personal expenses
· Travel insurance
· Other services not listed in inclusive column |
Full Day Saigon City Tour (8 hours)
Full Day Saigon City Tour (8 hours)
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.
Drive to the former residence of the US Ambassador of South Vietnam in the early 1960s, Mr. Henry C. Lodge Jr., who supported the overthrowing of the South Vietnamese Government. Enjoy a cold drink while watching a 10min documentary film about Saigon during that time.
After lunch on your own, we then drive to Saigon’s Chinatown to visit the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese community in the early 19th century to honour 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 the transfer at the other ports.
· Outside visit only due the renovation at Notre Dame Cathedral until further notice
· Tour duration: 08 hours
Meals: None
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Inclusive of: |
Non-inclusive of: |
· Private transfers and transportation on tour
· Sightseeing with Local English speaking guides
· Entrance fees and boat rides if any
· Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
· Welcome pack
· Dock permit
· Tips & gratuities
|
· Vietnam visa
· Accommodation on board
· All meals where not mentioned in the program
· Drinks/water at included lunches and dinners
· All flights & airport taxes
· Hotel early check in/ Late check out
· Overweight luggage
· Personal expenses
· Travel insurance
· Other services not listed in inclusive column |
Half-Day Saigon: History of Architecture with History Researcher (4 hours)
Half-Day Saigon: History of Architecture with History Researcher (4 hours)
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.
NOTES:
· There is an extra charge for the transfer at the other ports.
· Total duration: 04 hours
Meals: None
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Inclusive of: |
Non-inclusive of: |
· Private transfers and transportation on tour
· Sightseeing with Local English speaking guides
· Entrance fees and boat rides if any
· Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
· Welcome pack
· Dock permit
· Tips & gratuities
|
· Vietnam visa
· Accommodation on board
· All meals where not mentioned in the program
· Drinks/water at included lunches and dinners
· All flights & airport taxes
· Hotel early check in/ Late check out
· Overweight luggage
· Personal expenses
· Travel insurance
· Other services not listed in inclusive column |
Half-Day Saigon: Retracing the Past (5 hours)
Half-Day Saigon: Retracing the Past (5 hours)
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.
NOTES:
· There is an extra charge for the transfer at the other ports.
· Total duration: 05 hours
Meals: None
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Inclusive of: |
Non-inclusive of: |
· Private transfers and transportation on tour
· Sightseeing with Local English speaking guides
· Entrance fees and boat rides if any
· Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
· Welcome pack
· Dock permit
· Tips & gratuities
|
· Vietnam visa
· Accommodation on board
· All meals where not mentioned in the program
· Drinks/water at included lunches and dinners
· All flights & airport taxes
· Hotel early check in/ Late check out
· Overweight luggage
· Personal expenses
· Travel insurance
· Other services not listed in inclusive column |
Half-Day Saigon: Culinary Experience at Former Ambassador's Residence (4 hours)
Half-Day Saigon: Culinary Experience at Former Ambassador's Residence (4 hours)
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 the transfer at the other ports.
Meal: Lunch
TOUR INCLUSIONS
Inclusive of: |
Non-inclusive of: |
· Private transfers and transportation on tour
· Sightseeing with Local English speaking guides
· Lunch
· Entrance fees and boat rides if any
· Cold towels and water on sightseeing days
· Welcome pack
· Dock permit
· Tips & gratuities
|
· Vietnam visa
· Accommodation on board
· All meals where not mentioned in the program
· Drinks/water at included lunches and dinners
· All flights & airport taxes
· Hotel early check in/ Late check out
· Overweight luggage
· Personal expenses
· Travel insurance
· Other services not listed in inclusive column |