Shore Excursions Vietnam (#106)

 

Saigon Excursions from Phu My port (Trip code: 106.1)

From 08.00 a.m. to 04.30 p.m (I)
08.00 am: You will be picked up by our guide. The transfer to Ho Chi Minh City is app. 2.25 hrs. to its centre. Saigon is not only sightseeing but also street markets, where bargains are struck and deals are done; the pavement cafes, where stereo speakers fill the surrounding streets with a melodious thumping beat; and the sleek new cafes and pubs, where tourists chat over beer, pretzels, coffee and croissants.

Today you will have a sightseeing tour in Saigon which includes visits to the:
Former Presidential Palace, the Reunification Palace, which is beautiful in its ugliness, a 1960s monstrosity designed with the help of Soviet architects. Most people will remember the image of a North Vietnamese tank crashing through the gates on 30 April 1975, signifying the fall of Saigon. The tank still graces the front lawn. Room open to the public remain exactly as they were in 1975, showing where important meetings were held during the war, as well as some of the private quarters of the president and his family. Most fascinating are a series of underground tunnels housing a telecommunications centre.

Cholon (China Town) with Thien Hau Pagoda: Cholon is in District 5 and is a maze of narrow streets, bustling with people. Most of Vietnam’s ethnic Chinese live here and they are the largest single ethnic minority group in the country. Merchants began to settle in Cholon in the 1770s, although many ethnic Chinese fled the country in 1975.

The Thien Hau Pagoda is one of Cholon’s must-sees. It is dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau, protector of the sea. Photographers are spoilt for choice with the ornate decoration inside the pagoda and the statues of Thien Hau. It is popular with worshippers (the air is always heavy with the smell of incense).

Notre Dame Cathedral: The twin towers of the Notre Dame Cathedral have been a familiar landmark in Ho Chi Minh City since the 1880s. In front of the cathedral in a small garden is a delicate statue of the Virgin Mary. The interior of the cathedral is rather plain, unlike most French cathedrals, with no stained glass but it is a cool escape from the heat outside.

Former Post Office: Across from the Notre Dame Cathedral, the vast Post Office was also built in the late 19th century in European style. The interior has hardly been touched since it was built and is dominated by a huge portrait of Ho Chi Minh. The building always seems busy but most people are just visitors rather than customers.

02.00 pm: Transfer back to port
04.30 pm: Arrive at port; cruise departs at 05.00 pm.

 

Price inclusive

• English/French speaking station guide
• Entrance fees acc. to a.-m. sightseeing
• Mineral water
• Private transportation by car, minibus
• Snack lunch

 

Prices valid until 31.10.2025 except Xmas, New Year and festival days	1 pax	2 pax	3 – 5 pax	6 – 9 pax
	526	296	229	168
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USD5–/per person off rate for traveling in summer: May, June, July, August

 

 

From 08.00 a.m. to 07.30 p.m. (II) (Trip code: 106.2)

08.00 a.m: Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City is app. 2.25 hrs. to its centre. Saigon is not only sightseeing, but about street markets, where bargains are struck and deals are done; the pavement cafes, where stereo speakers fill the surrounding streets with a melodious thumping beat; and the sleek new cafes and pubs, where tourists chat over beer, pretzels, coffee and croissants. Today you will have a sightseeing tour in Saigon which includes visits to:

Cholon (China Town) with Thien Hau Pagoda. Cholon is in District 5 and is a maze of narrow streets, bustling with people. Most of Vietnam’s ethnic Chinese live here and they are the largest single ethnic minority group in the country. Merchants began to settle in Cholon in the 1770s, although many ethnic Chinese fled the country in 1975.

The Thien Hau Pagoda is one of Cholon’s must-sees. It is dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau, protector of the sea. Photographers are spoilt for choice with the ornate decoration inside the pagoda and the statues of Thien Hau. It is popular with worshippers (the air is always heavy with the smell of incense) and there are regular festivals during the lunar calendar.

Notre Dame Cathedral: The twin towers of the Notre Dame Cathedral have been a familiar landmark in Ho Chi Minh City since the 1880s. In front of the cathedral in a small garden is a delicate statue of the Virgin Mary. The interior of the cathedral is rather plain, unlike most French cathedrals, with no stained glass but it is a cool escape from the heat outside.

Former Post Office: Across from the Notre Dame Cathedral, the vast Post Office was also built in the late 19th century in European style. The interior has hardly been touched since it was built and is dominated by a huge portrait of Ho Chi Minh. The building always seems busy but most people are just visitors rather than customers.

Former Presidential Palace, the Reunification Palace, which is beautiful in its ugliness, a 1960s monstrosity designed with the help of Soviet architects. Most people will remember the image of a North Vietnamese tank crashing through the gates on 30 April 1975 signifying the fall of Saigon. The tank still graces the front lawn. Rooms open to the public remain exactly as they were in 1975, showing where important meetings were held during the war, as well as some of the private quarters of the president and his family. Most fascinating are a series of underground tunnels housing a telecommunications centre.

Vien Bao Tang Lich Su Historical Museum: Located just inside the entrance to the Botanical Gardens and Zoo, the Historical Museum houses a collection of arte facts covering the last 2,000 years of Vietnamese history including items belonging to ancient cultures such as Dong Son, Oc Eo and Cham. The museum was built in 1929 and the collection assembled by the Ecole Francaise d’Extreme Orient.

04.00 pm: Transfer back to port
07.30 pm: Arrive at port

 

Price inclusive

• English/French speaking station guide
• Entrance fees acc. to a.-m. sightseeing
• Mineral water
• Private transportation by car, minibus
• Snack lunch

 

Prices valid until 31.10.2025 except Xmas, New Year and festival days	1 pax	2 pax	3 – 5 pax	6 – 9 pax
	562	315	241	175
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USD5–/per person off rate for traveling in summer: May, June, July, August

 

 

From 08.00 a.m. to 04.30 p.m. (III) (Trip code: 106.3)

08.00 am: Pick up at the jetty. It will be about a 2.25 hour drive to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Just 65 km (40 miles) northwest of Saigon, the Cu Chi area lies at the end of the Ho Chi Minh Trail and was the base from which Ho Chi Minh guerillas used to attack Saigon. As a result the whole area became a “free fire zone” and was carpet-bombed in one of many American “scorched-earth” policies. The residents of Cu Chi took their war underground, literally, developing a network of tunnels that, at its height, stretched as far as Cambodia and included meeting rooms, kitchens, and triage areas – an effective network for waging guerilla warfare on nearby U.S. troops. The U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division was just next door, and there are detailed maps denoting land that was either U.S.-held, Vietminh-held, or in dispute. The sight supports a small museum of photos and artifacts, as well as an extensive outdoor exhibit of guerilla snares and reconstructions of the original tunnels and bunkers. Wear your “play clothes” if you choose to get down in the tunnels; the experience is dusty and claustrophobic.
02.00 pm: Transfer back to port
04.30 pm: Arrive at port

 

Price inclusive

• English/French speaking station guide
• Entrance fees acc. to a.-m. sightseeing
• Mineral water
• Private transportation by car, minibus
• Snack lunch

 

Prices valid until 31.10.2025 except Xmas, New Year and festival days	1 pax	2 pax	3 – 5 pax	6 – 9 pax
	556	315	300	179
	Book this

USD5–/per person off rate for traveling in summer: May, June, July, August

 

Saigon Excursions from Lotus (Hoa Sen) port (Trip code: 106.4)

From 08.00 a.m to 04.30 p.m.
08.30 am: Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City  on an approximate 45 minute drive to the centre of this bustling city. Today sightseeing includes

09.15 am: Cholon (China Town) with Thien Hau Pagoda, Cholon is in District 5 and is a maze of narrow streets, bustling with people. Most of Vietnam’s ethnic Chinese live here and they are the largest single ethnic minority group in the country. Merchants began to settle in Cholon in the 1770s, although many ethnic Chinese fled the country in 1975.
The Thien Hau Pagoda is one of Cholon’s must-sees. It is dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau, protector of the sea. Photographers are spoilt for choice with the ornate decoration inside the pagoda and the statues of Thien Hau. It is popular with worshippers (the air is always heavy with the smell of incense) and there are regular festivals during the lunar calendar.

11.00 am: Former Presidential Palace. The Reunification Palace is beautiful in its ugliness, a 1960s monstrosity designed with the help of Soviet architects. Most people will remember the image of a North Vietnamese tank crashing through the gates on 30 April 1975 signifying the fall of Saigon. The tank still graces the front lawn.ROOMS open to the public remain exactly as they were in 1975, showing where important meetings were held during the war, as well as some of the private quarters of the president and his family. Most fascinating are a series of underground tunnels housing a telecommunications centre.

12.00 am: Notre Dame cathedral. The twin towers of Notre Dame Cathedral have been a familiar landmark in Ho Chi Minh City since the 1880s. In front of the cathedral in a small garden is a delicate statue of the Virgin Mary. The interior of the cathedral is rather plain, unlike most French cathedrals, with no stained glass but it is a cool escape from the heat outside.

12.30 am: Former post office.  Across from the Notre Dame Cathedral,  the vast Post Office was also built in the late 19th century in European style. The interior has hardly been touched since it was built and is dominated by a huge portrait of Ho Chi Minh. The building always seems busy but most people are just visitors rather than customers.
01.00 pm: Snack lunch. You can either choose a tasty Vietnamese famous tradditional beef or chicken soup in a clean, spacious and nice Pho 24 restaurant or enjoy KFC with fresh seasonal fruit. (www.pho24.com.vn)
02.00 pm: Visit Ben Thanh market
03.00 pm: Transfer back to port
03.45 pm: Arrive at port and cruise departs at 04.30 pm.

 

Inclusive

• Service of an English/French speaking local guide
• All entrance fees to sightseeings as mentioned
• Mineral water and wet wipe
• Private transporation in a 29 or 35 seater bus, new model with airconditioning.
• Snack (either Vietnamese Pho or KFC at your choice)

 

Prices valid until 31.10.2025 except Xmas, New Year and festival days	1 pax	2 pax	3 – 5 pax	6 – 9 pax
	291	181	147	117
	Book this

USD5–/per person off rate for traveling in summer: May, June, July, August

 

Nha Trang Excursion from Nha Trang port (Trip code: 106.5)

From 07.00 a.m. to 04.30 p.m.
07.00 am: Pick up from the port to city center. Nha Trang is not only popular for its beaches but also by its historical relics from Cham civilization represented as Po Nagar Tower, a sacred Hindu site dating back to the 7th century Stone Church built in French colonial times, to Long Son Pagoda – a Buddhist pagoda built in commemoration of the monks and nuns who died whilst fighting the Diem Government. We will walk up to the white giant Buddha statue on its hill top overlooking the peaceful city of Nha Trang
Lunch at authentic Vietnamese restaurant
In the afternoon, the excursion will also take you to the countryside, the outskirt of Nha Trang. Green rice paddies, orchard and cattle and buffaloes at work… you will meet rural people and find out how they earn a living and see highlights and places such as a charcoal stove (pottery) making house, a sedge mat weaving village (You can try weaving) and an ancient house with a bonsai garden (180 years old; enjoy fruits and green tea).
Transfer back to the ship.

 

Price inclusive

• English/French speaking station guide
• Entrance fees acc. to a.-m. sightseeing
• Mineral water
• Private transportation by aircon car, minibus
• Lunch at Gia (Vietnamese) authentic restaurant

 

Prices valid until 31.12.2025 except Xmas, New Year and festival days	1 pax	2 pax	3 – 5 pax	6 – 9 pax
	226	161	140	130
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USD5–/per person off rate for traveling in summer: May, June, July, August

 

Shore Excursions in Hue from Chan May port (Trip code: 106.6)

From 09.00 a.m. to 04.30 p.m.
09.00 am: Today you will spend the day in Hue, the former capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty of emperors from 1802 till 1945. Pick up from the port then transfer to meeting point for starting a scenic boat trip upstream the Perfume River on board a dragon boat to visit the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s most preserved religious monument standing on the riverbank with its seven-floor tower. Then visit to the Imperial Citadel from where the Nguyen emperors once ruled Vietnam (or your choose to visit one royal Tomb there instead of the Imperial Citadel if you wish to). Latest 04:20 pm you will have to drive back to the port.

 

Price inclusive

• English/French speaking station guide
• Entrance fees acc. to a.-m. sightseeing
• Mineral water
• Private transportation by car, minibus
• Lunch at Royal Restaurant in Hue

 

Prices valid until 31.10.2025 except Xmas, New Year and festival days	1 pax	2 pax	3 – 5 pax	6 – 9 pax
	352	213	175	136
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USD5–/per person off rate for traveling in summer: May, June, July, August

 

Shore Excursion in Hoian from Chan May or Tien Sa port (Trip code: 106.7)

From 09.00 a.m. to 04.00 p.m. (I)
09.00 am: You are welcomed at Chan May port with procedure assistance to exit from the cruise. Drive to Hoian (110km)
10.30 am: Explore Hoian charming town. Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.
You will have opportunity to visit tailors at which you can have your dress made within hours.
12.00 am: Lunch time
01.30 pm: Visit Marble Mountains
03.00 pm: Visit Cham Museum
04.00 pm: Drive back the port to check in cruise
06.00 pm: Cruise departs

 

Price inclusive

• English/French speaking station guide
• Entrance fees acc. to a.-m. sightseeing
• Mineral water
• Private transportation by aircon bus
• Lunch at Fullmoon Restaurant in Hoian

 

Prices valid until 31.10.2025 execept Xmas, New Year and festival days	1 pax	2 pax	3 – 5 pax	6 – 9 pax
	343	212	175	139
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USD5–/per person off rate for traveling in summer: May, June, July, August

 

From 08.00 a.m. to 09.00 p.m. (II) (Trip code: 106.8)

08.30 am: You are welcomed at Tien Sa port with procedure assistance to exit from the cruise. Drive to Hoian (60 km)
09.00 am: Visit Marble Mountain, The area is famous for stone sculpture making and stone-cutting crafts. Direct rock extraction from the mountains was banned recently. Materials are now being transported from quarries in Quang Nam province.
10.30 am: Explore Hoian charming town on foot with Covered  Bridge and Tan Ky House. Hoi An Ancient Town is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique heritage site.
You will have opportunity to visit tailors at which you can have your dress made within hours.
12.30 am: Lunch break
02.30 pm: Visit Fukian Assembly Hall
03.00 pm: Explore Hoian market
05.00 pm: Drive back the port to check in cruise
06.00 pm: Arrives Tien Sa port and cruise departs at 07.00 pm.

 

Inclusive

• Service of an English/French speaking local guide
• All entrance fees to sightseeings as mentioned
• Mineral water and wet wipe
• Lunch at Tam Tam cafe
• Private transporation in new model with airconditioning.

 

Prices valid until 31.10.2025 except Xmas, New Year and festival days	1 pax	2 pax	3 – 5 pax	6 – 9 pax
	273	177	149	121
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USD5–/per person off rate for traveling in summer: May, June, July, August

 

Shore Excursion in Hanoi from Halong/Cai Lan port (Trip code: 106.9)

Not only is Ha Long Bay’s landscape spectacular but Vietnam’s capital city – Hanoi, is easily within reach. Hanoi lies in sometimes stark contrast with its southern sister city. While in Saigon, one sees Vietnam’s future; in Hanoi, one sees its past. In a city with a population of 2.6 million people and approximately 2 million motorbikes, the downtown intersections represent a free-for-all between pedestrians and cyclists.

Surprisingly, Hanoians aren’t rushed and scrambling as are the Saigonese. Instead, they stroll and linger, converse and reflect. Old-fashioned in style, Hanoi is a city of lakes and parks, tree-lined, bicycle-filled boulevards, elegant colonial mansions and villas, all of which testify of its French legacy.

Venturing into the city is a must and will provide you with a microcosm of Vietnamese culture and a truly memorable experience. Enjoy your adventures ashore!

From 07.00 a.m to 08.00 p.m.
07.00 am: You are welcomed at Cai Lan (Hon Gai, Halong) port with procedure assistance to exit from the cruise. Drive to Hanoi (170km)
10.30 am: Explore Hanoi capital. Hanoi is a city of lakes and parks, tree-lined, bicycle-filled boulevards, elegant colonial mansions and villas, all of which testify of its French legacy
You will have opportunity to visit the followings:
10.30 am: Visit Temple of Literature
12.00 am: Lunch time (at authentic nice restaurant with real Vietnamese cuisine)
01.30 pm: Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum from outside, his former residence and one pillar pagoda
02.30 pm: Visit Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son temple
03.00 pm: Explore Hanoi old quarter by one hour cyclo ride
04.00 pm: Drive back Halong
08.00 pm: Cruise departs

 

Price inclusive

• English/French speaking station guide
• All entrance fees to sightseeings as mentioned
• Cyclo fees
• Private transportation by car, minibus
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Mineral water

 

Prices valid until 31.10.2025 except Xmas, New Year and festival days	1 pax	2 pax	3 – 5 pax	6 – 9 pax
	614	347	277	203
	Book this

USD5–/per person off rate for traveling in summer: May, June, July, August