Nha Trang

A short transfer by coach takes you to the beach front of Nha Trang, where your Pedicab awaits. Enjoy the journey in this unusual mode of transport as you travel through the main streets of the city surrounded by colonial-style houses, passing the Cathedral, the Front Beach and Cai River Bridge.

Have your camera ready, as you pass the Xom Bong Bridge, enjoy a view of the Po Nagar Tower and the fishing village on the Cai River.

Upon arrival at the Dam Market, the central market, you’ll have some time to explore the market for those all-important souvenirs before rejoining the coach for your return journey to the ship.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and pedicab. Each Pedicab will accommodate one adult; children must not travel alone. Not all Pedicabs have sunshades, therefore sun protection is recommended. Please be advised that it is usual practice to tip the Pedicab operator. Please bear in mind that this is a truly local tour and the standard of the Pedicabs and drivers may vary. Each passenger will be given a route map and guide information to follow during the ride.

Your tour begins with a visit to the fascinating Oceanographic Institute to see some of the thousands of marine-life species that live in the surrounding tropical sea. Heading into the town you’ll pass the beach front lined with Philaos trees, before making a photo stop at the city church built in grey stone and located on top of a hill.

Long Son Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Nha Trang, with 2 decorative dragon balustrades marking its entrance. The interior sanctuary features murals and several images of the Buddha.

Crossing the Xom Bong Bridge, Nha Trang’s most famous landmark, Po Nagar Cham Tower, comes into view. A visit to this complex of towers, built in the 8th century is a fascinating experience.

Take a stroll through the bustling Dam market place, the central commercial market of Nha Trang, before visiting a silk embroidery workshop. Here, you’ll see Vietnamese ladies making beautiful handicrafts, which are also available to purchase.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves up to 3 hours of walking and there are approximately 100 steps to reach the Cham Tower (optional), and several steps at the Long Son Pagoda. Some roads you travel on are unpaved and may be dusty or damp depending on rainfall. Shoes must be removed before entering the main hall of Long Son Pagoda and inside the main tower of the Po Nagar complex.

Head to the Bao Dai Villa Complex, which used to be a summer palace for the last king of the Nguyen dynasty, Bao Dai. From here, you’ll have views of most of the city, the beach and your ship.

A scenic drive along the coast will show coconut trees and interesting Philao trees, as well as the statue of Tran Hung Dao, a Vietnamese hero who fought against the Khublaikhan troop in the 13th century.

Travel down town, past the beach front, towards Nha Trang airport, to enjoy a photo stop at the grey stone city cathedral. At Dam Market, spend a short time browsing for souvenirs.

At an embroidery workshop, see the detailed process from start to finish, and sip a cup of green tea in this calming and peaceful environment.

The drive through the main street of the city offers an overview of the typical French-style architecture and the calm sea.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This is a mainly scenic tour with very limited walking. The only photo stops are the ones mentioned above and all other photos should be taken from the moving coach. For maximum enjoyment some walking is involved at the embroidery workshop.

You’ll drive along the coast, decorated by coconut trees, passing the statue of Tran Hung Dao, a Vietnamese hero. Visit the Po Nagar Cham Tower located on the hill next to the Cai River. The towers here are dedicated to the Divine Lady, the Mother of the Country, and were built in the 8th century.

A local boat takes you on a short cruise on the Cai River to Coconut Island. It is easy to see how the island earned its name as you watch the locals collect coconuts from the tall trees. Enjoy some coconut juice, before cruising to another village, where you’ll visit a house to see the traditional clay-baked stoves. Hear tales of the ritual which takes place every year when, 7 days before the lunar new year arrives, a ceremony is held to see off the Kitchen God.

Back on board the boat, enjoy the scenic view on both sides before disembarking and returning to the ship.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach boat and on foot. There are approximately 100 steps to reach the Cham Tower (optional). Some roads you travel on are unpaved and may be dusty or damp depending on rainfall. Shoes must be removed before entering the main tower of the Po Nagar complex. There is approximately 2 hours of walking during this tour. Early booking is recommended due to limited capacity.

Just a few miles from Nha Trang, you will find yourself in the picturesque countryside, dotted with palm trees and fruit orchards. En route, you’ll see farmers and locals going about their daily lives, neat rice paddies and perhaps the occasional sighting of a grazing water buffalo.

The villages here are post-war, although some ‘ancient’ buildings still remain. Today, life goes on much as it did before the war and you’ll see farmers utilising the same methods practiced by their ancestors.

Pay a visit to the local kindergarten to see how the children are educated. (You may wish to take along some small gifts, such as pens). Afterwards, visit a typical Vietnamese country house, handed down from generation to generation. You’ll then head to the Vinh Thai Village to enter a communal house where the locals worship their village gods and first ancestors.

Enjoy a coconut drink and seasonal fruits at a local coffee shop, before making a final stop at an embroidery art workshop to view the process from start to finish.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Some roads may be unpaved, dusty or damp depending on rainfall. This tour involves approximately 2 hours of walking, some of which is over rough ground.