14-night Exotic Asian Kingdoms Voyage

Pattaya: The Sanctuary of Truth Tour – 4.5 hours - Laem Chabang

Highlights:

• The Sanctuary of Truth
• Pattaya View Point  

• Pick up/ Drop off at Laem Chabang Port
• Private air-conditioned vehicle
• Cold towel service on board
• 2 local Bottle water on board
• Local English speaking guide
• All sightseeing with entrance fee as per your program

• Meals
• Item of personal nature
• Gratuities to guides and drivers
• Travel insurance
• Items of personal expense 

Scenes of Old Bangkok - 9 hours

Experience the traditional beauty of Old Bangkok, beginning at Wat Suthat, easily identified by the famous giant swing in front of the temple. See the renowned collection of murals from the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851) housed within the main building and a splendid array of gilded Buddha images.

After lunch, continue for a sightseeing drive past the Democracy Monument, Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha Temple, National Museum, Sacred City Pillar, Wat Pho Reclining Buddha Temple, and various government offices before heading back to the ship.

Inclusions: 
• Sightseeing and transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English-speaking local guide 
• Entrance fees for listed sites
• Local bottled water

Exclusions: 
• Expenses of a personal nature such as gratuities to guides and drivers
• Meals and beverages

Duration: 9 hours

At your Leisure in Bangkok (Car & Driver Only)

Enjoy a private chauffeur-driven luxury sedan with driver for “At Your Leisure” touring. You decide where you want to go and what you want to see.

Inclusions: 
• Transfers in private air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English-speaking local guide 
• Local bottled water

Exclusions: 
• Expenses of a personal nature such as gratuities to guides and drivers

Bangkok Palace, Temples and Textiles - 10 hours

Enjoy a private transfer to Bangkok, Thailand's vibrant and alluring capital. With local insights from your professional guide, explore the city's cultural and historical landmarks. Start with a visit to the Grand Palace, which has served as the official residence of Thai kings since 1782. Comprising several halls, pavilions and courtyards, the palace complex is one of the most beautiful examples of the Siamese court, adorned with glittering gold lacquer and glass mosaics. Walk around the compound to see the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Reception Palace and the Funeral Palace.
 
Continue to Wat Pho. Built during the period of King Rama I nearly 200 years ago, this temple is home to a large reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. The image measures 45 meters (150 feet) long and almost 15 meters (50 feet) high. Wat Pho is considered the first center of public education and is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
 
You are then transferred to Jim Thompson House, a traditional Thai teak home and garden, where you have the option to enjoy a Thai set lunch at the restaurant.

Explore the house and learn about the history of the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company and its founder, James H.W. Thompson. The American entrepreneur and architect played an important role in reviving the dying silk industry and the company continues to produce some of the finest examples of Thai silk today. Discover his private art collection, which includes historical Buddhist statues, Asian antiques and traditional Thai paintings. You can also visit the silk shop selling high-end silk products, garments and souvenirs. Then transfer back to the ship.

Please Note: Appropriate attire must be worn when visiting the Grand Palace. Short skirts, shorts and sleeveless attire are not permitted. Some buildings within the Grand Palace are only open to visitors from Monday to Friday.

Optional costs:
Thai set lunch at Jim Thompson House including two units of drinks (water, juice or soft drink)
 
Inclusions: 
• Sightseeing and transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English-speaking local guide
• Entrance fees for listed sites
• Local bottled water

Exclusions: 
• Expenses of a personal nature such as gratuities to guides and drivers
• Meals and beverages

Duration: 10 hours   

Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya - 5 hours

Visit the Sanctuary of Truth, a pagoda-shaped pavilion perched on the northern shores of Pattaya, just south of Bangkok. Using Thai architectural principles, the building is designed to withstand the strong coastal winds and weather conditions. Reaching a height of 105 meters (16 feet) and covering an area of 3,200 square meters (3,828 square yards), the teak structure is intricately decorated with carvings and sculptures that reflect traditional Chinese, Buddhist and Hindu culture. Explore the inner chapel to gain an understanding of eastern philosophies about the world, life, responsibility and the human condition.  

Make a stop at a shopping place where you can browse vibrant Thai silks and souvenirs before returning to the ship.

Inclusions: 
• Sightseeing and transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English-speaking local guide
• Entrance fees for listed sites
• Local bottled water

Exclusions: 
• Expenses of a personal nature such as gratuities to guides and drivers
• Meals and beverages

Duration: 5 hours   

Bangkok Discovery – 8.5 hours - Laem Chabang

Highlights:

• Grand Palace & Emerald Of Buddha
• Canal (Klong) tours
• Royal Barge Museum
• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

• Pick up/ Drop off at Laem Chabang Port
• Private air-conditioned vehicle
• Cold towel service on board
• 2 local Bottle water on board
• Local English speaking Guide
• All sightseeing with entrance fee as per your program
• Lunch includes one bottle of drinking water
• A boat trip (non-air-conditioned boat) with cover

• Meals and drinks unless mentioned above
• Item of personal nature
• Gratuities to guides and drivers
• Travel insurance
• Items of personal expense

Bangkok - Laem Chabang Port

Meet with guide at the ship docking and transfer to town. Car and guide is at disposal.
Limited area: Bangkok
Duration:        Within 8 hours (From 08:00-16:00)
Meals:       None
TOUR INCLUSIONS
 

Pattaya: The Sanctuary of Truth Tour – 4.5 hours - Laem Chabang

Highlights:

• The Sanctuary of Truth
• Pattaya View Point  

• Pick up/ Drop off at Laem Chabang Port
• Private air-conditioned vehicle
• Cold towel service on board
• 2 local Bottle water on board
• Local English speaking guide
• All sightseeing with entrance fee as per your program

• Meals
• Item of personal nature
• Gratuities to guides and drivers
• Travel insurance
• Items of personal expense 

Scenes of Old Bangkok - 9 hours

Experience the traditional beauty of Old Bangkok, beginning at Wat Suthat, easily identified by the famous giant swing in front of the temple. See the renowned collection of murals from the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851) housed within the main building and a splendid array of gilded Buddha images.

After lunch, continue for a sightseeing drive past the Democracy Monument, Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha Temple, National Museum, Sacred City Pillar, Wat Pho Reclining Buddha Temple, and various government offices before heading back to the ship.

Inclusions: 
• Sightseeing and transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English-speaking local guide 
• Entrance fees for listed sites
• Local bottled water

Exclusions: 
• Expenses of a personal nature such as gratuities to guides and drivers
• Meals and beverages

Duration: 9 hours

At your Leisure in Bangkok (Car & Driver Only)

Enjoy a private chauffeur-driven luxury sedan with driver for “At Your Leisure” touring. You decide where you want to go and what you want to see.

Inclusions: 
• Transfers in private air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English-speaking local guide 
• Local bottled water

Exclusions: 
• Expenses of a personal nature such as gratuities to guides and drivers

Bangkok Palace, Temples and Textiles - 10 hours

Enjoy a private transfer to Bangkok, Thailand's vibrant and alluring capital. With local insights from your professional guide, explore the city's cultural and historical landmarks. Start with a visit to the Grand Palace, which has served as the official residence of Thai kings since 1782. Comprising several halls, pavilions and courtyards, the palace complex is one of the most beautiful examples of the Siamese court, adorned with glittering gold lacquer and glass mosaics. Walk around the compound to see the Throne Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Reception Palace and the Funeral Palace.
 
Continue to Wat Pho. Built during the period of King Rama I nearly 200 years ago, this temple is home to a large reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. The image measures 45 meters (150 feet) long and almost 15 meters (50 feet) high. Wat Pho is considered the first center of public education and is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
 
You are then transferred to Jim Thompson House, a traditional Thai teak home and garden, where you have the option to enjoy a Thai set lunch at the restaurant.

Explore the house and learn about the history of the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company and its founder, James H.W. Thompson. The American entrepreneur and architect played an important role in reviving the dying silk industry and the company continues to produce some of the finest examples of Thai silk today. Discover his private art collection, which includes historical Buddhist statues, Asian antiques and traditional Thai paintings. You can also visit the silk shop selling high-end silk products, garments and souvenirs. Then transfer back to the ship.

Please Note: Appropriate attire must be worn when visiting the Grand Palace. Short skirts, shorts and sleeveless attire are not permitted. Some buildings within the Grand Palace are only open to visitors from Monday to Friday.

Optional costs:
Thai set lunch at Jim Thompson House including two units of drinks (water, juice or soft drink)
 
Inclusions: 
• Sightseeing and transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English-speaking local guide
• Entrance fees for listed sites
• Local bottled water

Exclusions: 
• Expenses of a personal nature such as gratuities to guides and drivers
• Meals and beverages

Duration: 10 hours   

Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya - 5 hours

Visit the Sanctuary of Truth, a pagoda-shaped pavilion perched on the northern shores of Pattaya, just south of Bangkok. Using Thai architectural principles, the building is designed to withstand the strong coastal winds and weather conditions. Reaching a height of 105 meters (16 feet) and covering an area of 3,200 square meters (3,828 square yards), the teak structure is intricately decorated with carvings and sculptures that reflect traditional Chinese, Buddhist and Hindu culture. Explore the inner chapel to gain an understanding of eastern philosophies about the world, life, responsibility and the human condition.  

Make a stop at a shopping place where you can browse vibrant Thai silks and souvenirs before returning to the ship.

Inclusions: 
• Sightseeing and transfers in a private air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional English-speaking local guide
• Entrance fees for listed sites
• Local bottled water

Exclusions: 
• Expenses of a personal nature such as gratuities to guides and drivers
• Meals and beverages

Duration: 5 hours   

Bangkok Discovery – 8.5 hours - Laem Chabang

Highlights:

• Grand Palace & Emerald Of Buddha
• Canal (Klong) tours
• Royal Barge Museum
• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

• Pick up/ Drop off at Laem Chabang Port
• Private air-conditioned vehicle
• Cold towel service on board
• 2 local Bottle water on board
• Local English speaking Guide
• All sightseeing with entrance fee as per your program
• Lunch includes one bottle of drinking water
• A boat trip (non-air-conditioned boat) with cover

• Meals and drinks unless mentioned above
• Item of personal nature
• Gratuities to guides and drivers
• Travel insurance
• Items of personal expense

Bangkok - Laem Chabang Port

Meet with guide at the ship docking and transfer to town. Car and guide is at disposal.
Limited area: Bangkok
Duration:        Within 8 hours (From 08:00-16:00)
Meals:       None
TOUR INCLUSIONS
 

Kampot Tour – 9 hours - Sihanoukville

Highlights:

• Pepper farm
• Local market (traditional market)
• French colonial buildings
• Local seafood lunch
• Fishing village

• Pick up/ Drop off at Sihanoukville Port
• Cold towel service onboard
• Bottle of water onboard
• Local English speaking guide
• All sightseeing with entrance fees as per your program
• Dock permission fee
• Meals: Seafood set menu lunch at local restaurant

• Beverages or meals not mentioned
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities to your guide and driver

Sihanoukville & Ream National Park – 9 hours - Sihanoukville

Highlights:

• Intra Ngean Pagoda (Wat Kroam)
• Boat tour through the mangrove river along Prek Tuk Sap (Ream National Park)
• Hiking from Thmor Thom village (where the boat stop) to Koh Sampouch Beach
• Relax, swim and enjoy lunch at Koh Sampouch Beach
• Ochheuteal Beach

• Pick up/ Drop off at Sihanoukville Port
• Cold towel service onboard
• Bottle of water onboard
• Local English speaking guide
• All sightseeing with Entrance Fees as per your program
• Dock permission fee
• Meals: Set Menu Lunch at Local restaurant

• Beverages or meals not mentioned
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities to your guide and driver

Sihanoukville and Environs Tour – 4 hours - Sihanoukville

Highlights:

• Tumnup Rolok Fishing Village
• Local Market (Traditional Market)
• Ochheuteal Beach
• Intra Ngean Pagoda

• Pick up/ Drop off at Sihanoukville Port
• Cold towel service onboard
• Bottle of water onboard
• Local English speaking guide
• All sightseeing with Entrance Fees as per your program
• Dock permission fee

• Beverages or meals not mentioned
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities to your guide and driver

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

• 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

• 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:

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

• 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

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
 

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
 

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
 

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

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

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

• 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

• 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:

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

• 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

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
 

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
 

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
 

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

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

Borobudur Temple and Steam Train Museum – 9 hours - Semarang

Highlights:

• Your full day tour begins with a traditional Javanese welcome dance, followed by a scenic 56-mile drive through the dramatic landscape of central Java, to the town of Ambarawa.
• En route, you'll travel through the Candi residential district and the highlands of the interior. Numerous volcanoes and the inspiring volcano, Mount Merapi, dot the landscape.
• Upon arriving, you'll visit the Ambarawa Railway Museum, home to locomotives dating back 150 years.
• Next on your itinerary is a drive to Borobudur Temple, a 9th-century Buddhist temple.
• After an awe-inspiring visit, you'll enjoy a delicious Javanese buffet lunch served adjacent to the temple.
• Your central Java tour concludes with a return drive to Semarang and a stop at Coffee Eva House for traditional rice cakes, banana or other seasonal fruits, and java coffee or tea.

• Pick up/ Drop off at Tanjung Emas Port
• Entrance Fees, English speaking guide assistance
• Soft drinks/ mineral water/ refreshments/ lunch/ snacks

• Personal expenses, telephone, laundry service, tips and gratuities, personal travel insurance
• All services which are not mentioned on the program above.

Bali Highlights & Twin Lakes - 9 hours - Benoa

Highlights:

• Your adventure begins at the conclusion of your welcoming ceremony.
• After boarding your motor coach you’ll drive through the emerald green hills and into central Bali.
• Your first stop is Sangeh Monkey Forest, a 34-acre sanctuary for hundreds of monkeys.
• Visit the 400-year-old Pura Bukit Sari Sangeh Temple.
• Next on your itinerary, you’ll see Lake Bratan. Located almost 4,000 feet above sea level, this sparkling lake sits in the crater of Mt. Catur.
• Then, you’ll make a photo stop at a viewing area where you can look out over the “twin lakes,” Buyan Lake, the smallest lake in Bali, and Tamblingan Lake.
• Continuing on, you’ll head over to the highland village of Munduk for lunch.
• After lunch, you’ll visit the colourful Pasar Candi Kuning market. In addition to fresh fruits and vegetables, you can also purchase handicrafts, paintings, and fabrics.
• Your final destination is the village of Tohpati, famous for its fine batik. After observing the batik process you can try your hand at painting traditional batik designs.
• Later, you're invited to browse for souvenirs, gifts and fine Balinese crafts.
• When your exciting highland exploration comes to an end, you’ll return to your motorcoach, perhaps laden with crafts from the market or Tohpati, for the relaxing ride back to your ship.

• Pick up/ Drop off at Benoa Port
• Entrance Fees, English speaking guide assistance, Welcome dance
• Soft drinks/ mineral water/ refreshments, Lunch

• Personal expenses, telephone, laundry service, tips and gratuities, personal travel insurance
• All services which are not mentioned on the program above.

Bali’s Heritage Sites – 9 hours - Benoa

Highlights:

• After a traditional Balinese pendet welcome dance, you’ll board your motorcoach and travel to Tohpati near the capital city of Denpasar. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful landscapes of coastal plains, lush terraced hillsides, rice paddies, and fruit and spice plantations.
• Once you arrive in Tohpati, you’ll visit a factory to see first hand the entire batik process.
• After observing the batik process you can try your hand at painting traditional batik designs.
• Later, you're invited to browse for souvenirs, gifts and fine Balinese crafts.
• Re-board your coach and travel to Penglipuran Culture Village. The village people live under strict rules just like their ancestors centuries ago.
• Continuing on, you’ll visit Pura Besakih, the Mother Temple of Bali. Perched over 3,000 feet up the gentle slopes of Mt. Agung, Bali’s largest and holiest temple dates back 2,000 years.
• Next, is a delicious buffet lunch featuring Indonesian dishes in the village of Rendang. As you enjoy your meal, marvel at the breathtaking views of the rice paddies and Mt. Agung.
• Following lunch, you’ll journey to the village of Klungkung for a photo stop at Kertha Gosa.
• Finally, you’ll travel to your ship with photos and memories to share with everyone back home.

• Pick up/ Drop off at Benoa Port
• Entrance Fees, English speaking guide assistance, Welcome dance
• Soft drinks / mineral water / refreshments / lunch / snacks

• Personal expenses, telephone, laundry service, tips and gratuities, personal travel insurance.
• All services which are not mentioned on the program above.

Mt. Batur & Rural Bali with a Local Family – 8 hours - Benoa

Highlights:

• This unique full-day excursion not only introduces you to a local family but offers you the opportunity to learn a little bit about their culture and language.
• Your day begins with a pendet welcome ceremony at the pier.
• Then, you’ll board your motorcoach and travel into central Bali.
• You’ll continue on to a charming village and disembark at a Balinese home and meet a local family. After a warm welcome, you’ll join them for a traditional Balinese breakfast, which may include fried banana fritters and rice cakes served with coffee or tea.
• Later, you’ll go for a stroll through the village and stop for a welcome dance performed by local children. Then, you’ll walk through the farms and watch the farmers at work in the rice fields.
• To experience the spiritual side of Bali, you’ll climb back aboard your coach bound for Kehen Temple, considered the most beautiful Hindu temple on the island.
• You’ll then proceed to an Indonesian buffet lunch in the village of Kintamani, which sits on the edge of Mt. Batur. Relax over your delicious meal while marvelling at the outstanding views of the active volcano and the sparkling waters of Lake Batur
• Kemenuh is the centre of the intricate art of woodcarving. You’ll visit a woodcarving studio and watch skilled craftsmen.
• Before returning to port, you can comb through the gallery and purchase these wooden works of art that capture the spirit of this incredible place.

• Pick up/ Drop off at Benoa Port
• Entrance Fees, English speaking guide assistance, Welcome dance
• Soft drinks/ mineral water/ refreshments, Balinese breakfast, lunch

• Personal expenses, telephone, laundry service, tips and gratuities, personal travel insurance
• All services which are not mentioned on the program above