VIETNAM SHORE EXCURSION

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Get inspired with our sample trips below.  Trips can be customized to be shortened or lengthened and include a combination of countries or activities.  Contact us for a creative program.

Ha Long Bay day boat
Hoi An ancient town
Notre Dame Cathedral -Saigon

ITINERARY

SAIGON(HO CHI MINH), VIETNAM

VNP1 -Full day Phu My – Saigon – Phu My: 7:00am Pick up at the ship in Phu My and drive to Saigon (2 hrs. driving). Arrive Saigon, begin with visits to the highlights of downtown including the Reunification Palace, formerly the South Vietnam’s Independence Palace, until stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975. Preserved in its original state, the original war tanks are on display. See the Notre Dame Cathedral and the 1880s General Post Office. Then transfer to visit Fine Art Museum & walking on Le Cong Kieu Antique Street. If interesting, visit a unique religious temple called the Cao Dai Temple on Tran Hung Dao Street. Continue visit the War Remnants Museum featuring a detailed photographic exhibition and vast collection of planes, tanks and weapons & Ben Thanh Market. If time permit, from Ben Thanh Market, stroll down to Dong Khoi street past iconic landmarks such as the Saigon Opera House, the former Hotel De Ville which is a superbly designed dating back to 1908 and the Rex Hotel where the derogatorily named ‘five o clock follies’ took place each day during the ‘American War’ as it is known in Vietnam. See the City Hall which is one of the nicest Colonial construction in Saigon & have time leisure walking on the first walking street in Saigon then see the Saigon Opera House. Its architectural style is influenced by the flamboyant style of the French Third Republic with the façade shaped like the Petit Palais which was built in the same year in France in 1911. 15:00 Return to your ship & arrive the ship at 17:00 for departure at 18:00.

MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM

VNP2 – Day trip Mekong Delta (My Tho) from Phu My port: Please be informed, it takes around 3 – 3,5 hrs driving from Phu My Port to Mekong Delta (My Tho) via Saigon and total driving is 6hrs – 7 hrs driving of you want to visit Mekong Delta from Phu My as follow:

1 day Phu My – My Tho: 7:00am Pick up at the ship in Phu My and drive to My Tho via Saigon. Arrive My Tho around 10:00 – 10:30am. On arrival at boat station, take boat trip cruising on Tien River and seeing four island: Dragon, Unicorn, Tortoise, Phoenix. Enjoy fresh coconut juice. Boat runs along fish farm for traveller to learn about local people how to feed fishes. Stop at Thoi Son island, go walking around country lane and seeing orchards, enjoy tropical fruits, listen to traditional music. Boat will you to come to Phoenix island, visit Coconut Monk Temple, Crocodile farm, Ostrich… To sail up Tien River, Boat take you to Chua Canal belong to Ben Tre Province, take a Rowing Boat on small canal with beautiful scenery of countryside. To visit honey-bee farm, enjoy honey tea. After that ride a horse-drawn carriages along country lane in Quoi Son Village to seeing orchards and local people’s life. Pick up by motorboat and cross the Mekong back to My Tho. Then 14:00 transfer to Saigon and straight to Phu My and drop off at your ship around 17:00 for departure at 18:00. End services.

Note: tours will be flexible based on time.

2 days in Saigon (ship docks in Saigon at Nha Rong port):

VNP3- Day 1: (L): Mekong Delta, Ben Tre tours: 10:00am pick up at the dock in Saigon and drive to Ben Tre. If time is limited and you really want to experience the fascinating Mekong in a breath. Then this trip is for you. Located more than 1,5 hours south of Saigon is the beginning of your discovery of the Deep South. Arrive Ben Tre at Hung Výõng Pier (Ben Tre town), Take a boat on Ben Tre river – one of tributaries of Mekong river, Sight-seeings: lively activities along river as fishing,water transfering…. Stop at brickwork to see how to make bricks in handy traditional style by printing and baking. Visite one of plenty of coconut processing worshops located along canal.Turn on natural scissors creeks where they look smaller and smaller to go to village. Take a walk to family workshop making sleepmats and enjoying some fruits and tea. Lunch at local house. Then take a motor cart (xe loi) or cycle riding under tree shades, pass by green rice fields and vegetable plains to be able to touch on realy life and find out about tropical culture from Peasants. Afternoon take rowing-boat along water palm creek and cruise back to HungVýõng Pier. Pick up and transfer back to Saigon & drop off at your ship 18:00.

Day 2: Cuchi – Saigon city tours: 7:00am Pick up at the ship in Saigon and drive to Cu Chi. Enjoy scenic drive through the countryside as people work on their rice paddies and thatched hut villages scattered along the way. Visit a local village making rice paper, a well known product used to make the delicious spring rolls. Arriving at the tunnels you will have an opportunity to go underground to see the intricate system of tunnels and learn tactics of revolutionary forces. Upon visit Cuchi tunnel, you have opportunity to shoot AK-47, M-16, M-60, 30 Cal & machine gun. The cost is around 2 – 2,5 USD per bullet (on your account). Back to Saigon in the afternoon, begin with visits to the highlights of downtown including the Reunification Palace, formerly the South Vietnam’s Independence Palace, until stormed by tanks on April 30, 1975. Preserved in its original state, the original war tanks are on display. Visit the War Remnants Museum featuring a detailed photographic exhibition and vast collection of planes, tanks and weapons. See the Notre Dame Cathedral and the 1880s General Post Office & Ben Thanh Market. If time permit, shopping along Dong Khoi Street until 15:00. Return to the dock for your departure at 16:00.

HUE, VIETNAM

VNP4- Full day Hue from Chan May port: 8:00am pick up at the dock in Chan May port and drive to Hue. Arrive Hue, begin exploring Hué. First, visit the former Imperial Citadel and Forbidden Purple City. Hué was the capital of Vietnam until the early 20th century, and generations of royalty lived in the Forbidden Purple City, inside the walled exterior of the Citadel. This was also the sight of some of the most brutal fighting during the infamous Tet Offensive. Then take boat trip to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s oldest and most beautiful Buddhist temples. In a corner of the grounds, note the aged, pale blue Morris automobile, which transported a local monk to Saigon where he immolated himself in 1963 in protest against the anti-Buddhist laws of the Ngo Dinh Diem regime and one of the Royal Tombs of the Nguyen Emperors. Visit the tomb of Minh Mang with their vast lovingly-tended, botanical gardens, beautiful open air pavilions and numerous shrines, were to provide the seven Nguyen Emperors noble burials as well as comfortable afterlives. If time permit visit to the Dong Ba Market. Then 15:30 transfer back to Chan May port, drop off at the dock about 17:00 for your departure at 18:00.

VNP5- Full day Danang – Hoian from Chan May Port (or from Tien Sa port in Danang): 8:00am pick up at the dock in Chan May port in Hue and drive to Danang – Hoian (2- 2,5 hrs drive). On arrival in Danang, we visit Cham Museum & Marble Mountain. Continue to Hoian, arrive Hoian, enjoy walking tour around the Ancient town of Hoi An with your guide. Highlights of your walking tour through its charming streets include the Japanese Covered Bridge, the local produce market, Tang Ky House and the Fukhien Association. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on your account. Then shopping with the guide. The cobblestone streets in the Old French Quarter are a delight to roam with many cafes, art galleries and handicraft shops. Hoi An is also particularly well known for its tailors, with over 60 shops in town making high quality, custom fitted clothing. Then 15:00 transfer back to Chan May Port and drop off at the dock at 17:00 for your departure at 18:00.

HANOI & HALONG, VIETNAM

VNP5- Day trip Hanoi from Halong: 7:00am pick up and drive to Hanoi (2 – 2,5 hrs driving). Arrive Hanoi, begins with a visit Ba Dinh Square to see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (if still open). Then visit One Pillar pagoda or Chua Mot Cot originally built in 1040 A.D. on a pillar constructed of a single large tree trunk. Continue visiting Westlake with Tran Quoc Pagoda. Then also visit Van Mieu or Temple of Literature, which dates back to 1070 and is dedicated to the cult of Confucius. Stop at the Fine Arts Museum with its ethnographical displays, paintings and famous lacquer ware. Then visit inside the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, which was nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Visit beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, known as the Lake of the Restored Sword. It is closely linked to the legend of Le Loi the hero, who asked the heavens for help in resisting the advance of the Chinese in 1418 A.D. Take a cyclo ride through the Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a network of narrow alleys and shop houses also known as “The 36 Streets.” This is a wonderful place to watch the local life, and peruse items from fabrics to crafts to exotic medicines. Then 17:00 transfer back to Halong and arrive Halong around 19:00 for depart at 20:00.

VNP6- Full day Halong: visit Thien Cung – Dau Go – Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island. 8:00am pick up at your ship in Halong and transfer to the pier for enjoy full day explore Halong bay. Ha Long which is the fishing and mining town serves as the embarkation point for the magnificent Halong Bay. Legend holds that the 3,000 limestone pinnacles scattered throughout the Gulf of Tonkin were created by a dragon’s tail as he slipped into the sea. Embark on your Bai tho junk for a full-day cruise through Ha Long Bay. The boat cruise to view the emerald water of Halong Bay and many charming islets. Visit two natural caves – Thien Cung & Dong Go grottoes with various shapes of stalagmites. Have a view to Dog Islet, Insences Burning Islet, Fighting Cock Islet. Cruise to Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, one of the most stunning caves in Ha Long Bay. Back to the junk for the cruise to Titop Island. Visit Titop Island. Climb to the top of the hill on the island and enjoy the amazing panoramic view over the Ha Long Bay. Back to the junk and savour a set-menu lunch onboard. Cruise leisurely back to the harbor

17:00 Disembark at the harbor. Pick up and transfer back to your ship.

VNP7-2 days Halong – Hanoi included boat trip in Halong:

Day 1: Halong – Hanoi: Arrive Ha Long port at 12:00. Pick up at your ship in Halong and transfer to the pier for enjoy 4 hours private cruise to explore the magnificent bay of some thousand limestone islands emerging from clear blue water. Visit Sung Sot (Grotto of Bewilderment) stalagmite grotto. Enjoy seafood lunch (late lunch) prepared fresh on board. Then continue cruising around Halong Bay until 16:00 disembark, pick up and drive to Hanoi. After check in at hotel in Hanoi, head out for a tour of the city’s bustling Old Quarter aboard bicycle rickshaws called cyclos. In this part of town each colorful street is devoted to a particular craft or ware. You’ll be pedaled amongst the quaint French buildings along Shoe Street, Silk Street and Banner Street (to name just a few), ending at historic Hoan Kiem Lake, known as the Lake of the Restored Sword. It is closely linked to the legend of Le Loi the hero, who asked the heavens for help in resisting the advance of the Chinese in 1418 A.D.” Overnight at Essence Hotel, 01 dBL Deluxe Room.

Day 2: (B): Hanoi city tours & transfer back to Halong: 7:00am After breakfast, depart to explore Ha Noi City, a blend of the modern with the mystery and charm of past centuries, Hanoi offers an air of elegance and harmony with nature. Today’s sightseeing begins with a visit Ba Dinh Square to see Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, the museum to his life and the simple cottage where he lived and worked. Then visit Presidential Palace and One Pillar pagoda or Chua Mot Cot originally built in 1040 A.D. on a pillar constructed of a single large tree trunk. Continue visiting Westlake with Tran Quoc Pagoda. Then also visit Van Mieu or Temple of Literature, which dates back to 1070 and is dedicated to the cult of Confucius. Stop at the Fine Arts Museum with its ethnographical displays, paintings and famous lacquer ware. Then visit inside the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, which was nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. D shopping in the old quarter until 15:00 transfer back to Ha Long and arrive at the dock at 17:00 for depart at 18:00.

VNP8- 2 days/ 1night on private overnight junk boat (your cabin is included air-con, private bathroom with hot water):

Explore Ha Long Bay in style and exclusive privacy aboard Bhaya Legend – new, luxury charter vessels featuring one or two plush cabins furnished in classic Eastern style. Overnight cruises aboard a Bhaya Legend charter cruise vessel include free-flow soft drinks, coffee and tea, lunch, dinner and breakfast. The crew of four: Captain, Hostess, Chef and Deckhand, are at your service to deliver the most enjoyable private Ha Long Bay cruise experience possible.

Day 1: (L,D): Arrive Halong Port around 12:00. Pick up & transfer to the local pier in Halong for take 2 days/ 1night Halong trip:

Check-in at Bhaya Café, Ha Long City.

Embark on Bhaya Legend and enjoy a welcome cocktail while slowly sailing to Bai Tu Long, passing the setting for the movie Indochine, Mat Quy and Am Tich Islets. Savor a delicious fresh seafood lunch aboard. Bhaya Legend moves on into Vung Vieng fishing village, nestled among the limestone peaks, unaffected by ocean waves or strong winds. Visit the village by kayak or small boat to get up close to the daily lives of the local fisher folk. Swim, kayak or snorkel the turquoise waters off the pristine white sandy beaches. Watch the sunset over enchanting Ha Long Bay while cruising to an overnight anchorage.

Candlelit set-dinner aboard

Retire to your cabin or jig for squid. Overnight on private Bhaya Legend Boat with 01 DBL Suite Cabin.

Day 2: (B): Halong – transfer back to your ship:

Enjoy the sunrise, the lapping waves, the fresh sea air, the gentle breeze or get up at your leisure. Complimentary tea & coffee are available on request. The crew will ready the vessel to sail to a destination of your choice. Choices include: sightseeing at Sung Sot cave; a climb to the top of Titop Mountain; lagoon kayaking or swimming on a deserted beach. Brunch is served aboard. Bhaya Legend returns to Ha Long City at 11:00. Pick up & have time explore Halong city with Halong market and shopping around until transfer back to your ship at 15:00. End of services.