Phu My

The busy road to Cu Chi passes by rice paddies, where villagers use the hot roadside as a platform for drying all manner of produce. At the Cu Chi Tunnels, you’ll have an introduction on their history, construction and design, while a guide explains the underground network and some of the tools and weapons used.

The Tunnels were up to 39 feet below ground. Most were only 2 foot wide, and 5 feet high, with thick roofs capable of withstanding the weight of tanks or the impact of bombs. Much of the tunnel complex has been opened and ventilated, so that you can more easily experience the underground rooms, kitchens, hospital and sleeping areas.

A local Vietnamese lunch will be served at a restaurant located on the banks of the Saigon River and includes a soft drink or local beer.

Essential information

This tour will operate by coach and on foot. This tour is not suitable for passengers who have heart problems or suffer from claustrophobia. The drive to/from the Tunnels is approximately 2½ hours with a comfort stop en route. You are advised to bring a hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. There is approximately 2 hours of’ walking involved. There will be an opportunity to shop for souvenirs during the tour. A video is shown at Cu Chi, which contains propaganda content against American involvement in the Vietnamese War. Experiencing the enclosed tunnels is only one element of this tour and there is plenty of to enjoy on the remainder of the excursion.

Located on the banks of the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant city full of contrasts. Visit the National History Museum filled with ancient ceramics, traditional costumes and relics crafted in stone and bronze. Afterwards, watch a short performance of the uniquely Vietnamese spectacle – water puppetry.

Stop for photos at the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, whose twin spires are a distinctive city landmark. See the Reunification Hall, once the Presidential Palace and where Liberation forces, on 30th April 1975, marked the end of the Vietnam War.

After a buffet lunch including typical Vietnamese dishes and a performance of traditional music and dance, continue to Cho Lon, the city’s Chinatown. Enjoy an orientation drive through the colourful streets full of stalls, hidden temples, shrines and pagodas.

Visit the Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Sea Goddess - Protector of Sailors, before returning to the 3rd district to visit a lacquer factory, where you’ll see talented Vietnamese craftsmen at work.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The journey to/from Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 2 hours with a comfort stop en route. There is approximately 3 hours of walking on this tour with steps, and pavements can be narrow and uneven with raised kerbs, so please take care. Mineral water will be available on the coach transfer, but we also suggest you take bottled water with you for the day.

An English-speaking escort will accompany your transfer to Ho Chi Minh City and will assist with your plans, providing information on shopping opportunities and attractions.

Ho Chi Minh is home to some 8 million people and is the economic heart of Vietnam. Drive through scenic countryside, dotted with rice fields on your way to this bustling city. On arrival, you will be immersed into a city full of life, colourful sights and sounds and a steady stream of bicycles and motorbikes!

En route to your drop-off point at the Tax Trade Centre, opposite the Rex Hotel, you’ll pass the former US Embassy, Reunification Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral and several other points of interest.

Enjoy the day exploring on your own. Try some of the local delicacies, visit one of the markets; walk through the Botanical Gardens; or simply watch the world go by from a pavement café.

Please listen carefully to the Escort’s instructions regarding your return departure arrangements from Ho Chi Minh City.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The journey time to/from Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 2 hours with a comfort stop en route. Mineral water will be available on the coach transfer. Please be mindful that this excursion is non-guided and exclusive of lunch and any entrance fees. Pavements can be narrow and uneven with raised kerbs, so please take care when walking and crossing roads. As the return coach may be different from that used on the outward journey, please do not leave any belongings on board.

Enjoy an orientation drive of Ho Chi Minh City passing by the City Hall, Rex Hotel and the French Colonial Post Office.

You’ll continue to Ben Thanh Central Market, where thousands of products such as clothes, shoes, watches, bags, food and vegetables are available for sale. This is a favourite market for the locals. Afterwards, you’ll visit a lacquer factory to see the local craftsmen at work. You may wish to take the opportunity to purchase some of the finished products.

Back in downtown Ho Chi Minh, you’ll stop at Dong Khoi Street, one of the busiest streets, full of fashionable boutiques, cafés and souvenir shops. Try some bargaining with the locals for porcelain figures, cinnamon boxes and other souvenirs. (Most vendors accept US Dollars in small denominations)

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The journey to/from Ho Chi Minh City is approximately 2 hours with a comfort stop en route. There is approximately 3 hours of walking on this tour with steps at the various venues. Pavements can be narrow and uneven with raised kerbs. Mineral water will be available on the coach transfer, but we also suggest you take bottled water with you for the day. Please be mindful that this excursion is exclusive of lunch.

The Mekong River originates from Tibet and flows through 5 countries before reaching Vietnam. Until the 16th century, the Mekong Delta was an area of marshland and forest. Gradually it was reclaimed and a canal network was built.

Board a motorised boat at My Tho for a trip along the River, then transfer into sampan-style boats to access the maze of narrow waterways. Stop off at the island of Thoi Son to enjoy a walking tour. During a visit to a local house you’ll be invited to taste some local fruits and traditional green tea.

At a coconut candy-making house, you’ll learn the process of how candy is made from ingredients such as sugar, rice paper and nuts. Enjoy a stroll through the fruit gardens and listen to some traditional folk music of the Mekong Delta. There will be a chance to buy local souvenirs at the various stops before savouring local Vietnamese lunch on Thoi Son island.

Essential information

This tour will operate by minivan, motor boat, sampan boat and on foot. The journey to/from the Delta is approximately 3 hours each way with a comfort stop en route. There is 1½ hour’s walking on the tour and the ground is rough and unpaved. Comfortable non-slip shoes are recommended and you must be able to get in and out of small boats. We do not recommend passengers with heart or mobility issues participate, due the heat and walking involved. Mineral water will be available on the coach transfer, but we also suggest you take bottled water with you for the day.

Become acquainted with the resort town of Vung Tau with its attractive villas clinging to the hillsides and a peninsula with miles of sandy beaches.

Visit the Whale Temple, dedicated to a whale-genie spirit and featuring a collection of whale skeletons, some of them in glass cases. You’ll also have some time to browse through Vung Tau’s central market, where the locals barter, sell and buy.

Buddhism is popular in Vietnam and you’ll visit the typical Nirvana Buddhist Temple. Situated on top of Nui Nho Mountain, the 100-foot-high statue of Jesus Christ overlooks the southern point of the peninsula and faces the South China Sea. This is the largest sculpture in the south of Vietnam.

Built by the French, the beautiful Villa Blanche Museum, or ‘White Mansion’, is one of Vung Tau's major landmarks. This Mansion has served as a summer retreat for Emperor Bao Dai, as well as a vacation home for Vietnamese heads of state. There will be a short stop here, before you return to the ship.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 2 hours of walking on this tour. There will be some free time for shopping during the excursion.