Product Description
Highlights
Learn the fine art of rolling spring rolls at a cooking class in Hoi An, and partake in an onboard cooking demonstration and tasting with a top local chef. Experience Nha Trang the right way – in traditional bamboo basket boats around nearby islands, and of course with some snorkelling. Marvel at Cham architecture dating back as far as the 12th century – the Po Klong Garai Cham in Nha Trang, and Twin Cham Towers in Quy Nhon. Enjoy a pottery demonstration in Bau Truc, the oldest pottery village in South East Asia
Overview
It’s a delight to explore Vietnam on foot, but a small-ship adventure cruise sheds a whole new light on this beloved Intrepid destination. Set off for a week of discovery and leisure along the tranquil blue waters of Vietnam’s south coast. Dropping anchor in Hoi An, Nha Trang, Quy Nonh, Phan Tiet and more, encounter blazing sand dunes, centuries-old Cham architecture, age-old arts and crafts, and bays brimming with brightly coloured tropical fish and coral. With spacious sun decks, plush cabins and Vietnamese cuisine of the highest calibre to feast on along the way, this small-ship adventure cruise is South East Asia done in style.
Breakfast Included: 7 Lunches Included: 1 Dinner Included: 7
Danang
Welcome to Vietnam. Meet your shipmates and leader at the Le Hoang Beach Hotel today at 2.30pm, then transfer to your ship, the Panorama II, for boarding between 2 and 4 pm. Attend a welcome meeting and safety briefing, followed by a welcome dinner. Settle into a relaxing first evening as the boat stays at port tonight.
Hoi An
Travel by coach to Hoi An. This charming destination was originally a Cham port town, but has been influenced by a myriad of traders from various cultures over the ages. With its low tiled houses and tranquil feel, this is a delightful town to walk around. You'll notice a distinctly Chinese appearance here, with pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small lanes. Embark on a tour of the town in small groups or if you prefer, take part in an optional cooking class or bike riding tour of the town. In the late afternoon, return to the boat for dinner on board. Set sail at 11 pm, spending the night at sea.
Cruising Day
Enjoy a relaxing day of cruising around the Dao Ly Son Island, a location just south of Danang that's known for garlic production as well as its attractive shoreline. Also visit some mainland coastal beaches today.
Quy Nonh
Visit the museum dedicated to Quang Trung, a revered emperor who ruled in the late 1700s and was a forerunner to the Vietnamese nationalist movement. After witnessing a Tay Son martial arts demonstration, head over to the Twin Cham Towers, some of the largest in South East Asia. After visiting some beautiful beaches where fisherman drift along in traditional basket boats, dine aboard the Panorama II and sail toward Nha Trang overnight.
Nha Trang
Arrive in Nha Trang at around 8 am. Nha Trang has been referred to as the ‘Cannes of the Orient’, thanks to its cosmopolitan seaside atmosphere, but the star of the show is of course the beach and bay itself. Your tour leaders will take you on a walking tour of the highlights of Nha Trang. The afternoon is yours to explore independently. The night is then spent at port.
Phan Rang
Travelling by bus, embark on a road trip from Nha Trang to Phan Rang. Pay a visit to the grand Po Klong Garai Cham Towers, an elaborate work of architecture dating back to around 1400 under King Jaya Simharvarman III. Head to Bau Truc, the oldest pottery village in South East Asia, and see some traditional pottery methods at work (this is a great place to buy a unique souvenir). Reboard the Panorama II at Phan Rang and set sail at 10 pm for Phan Tiet.
Phan Tiet
Travel to Tra Cu for a cable car ride to the Linh Son Truong Pagoda. Here you'll find an impressive reclining Buddha statue. At 49 metres long and 11 metres tall, it's the largest reclining Buddha in Vietnam. Also make a visit to Fairy Spring, a lovely waterfall amid the dunes. Take a stroll along the sand dunes of Mui Ne, an amazing geological wonder – the kind not usually associated with Vietnam. Sand-sledding is a popular pastime here, but it's enough to simply gaze at and snap photos of this enchanting landscape. Return to the boat for the overnight sail to Ho Chi Minh City, departing at 4 pm.
Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 7 am. After breakfast, disembark as the trip comes to an end. A transfer from the dock to the hotel is included.