Product Description
Highlights
Drop anchor in Phan Tiet to witness the enormous reclining Buddha on Ta Cu Mountain, the Fairy Spring and the glorious sand dunes of Mui Ne. See how pottery is done the old fashioned way, without kilns or turntables, in Bau Truc, the oldest pottery village in South East Asia. Marvel at Cham architecture, some of which dates back as far as the 11th century – the Po Klong Garai Cham in Nha Trang, and Twin Cham Towers in Qui Nhon. Stroll the tailors and artisan shops of Hoi An and take home that bespoke souvenir
Overview
Vietnam is a joy to explore on foot, but small-ship adventure cruising casts this classic destination in a whole new light. Embark on a week of leisure and discovery along southern Vietnam’s beautiful blue-sea coast, from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang via Nha Trang, Hoi An and more. Drop anchor in quiet spots along the way and find sun-kissed sand dunes, centuries-old Cham architecture, traditional arts and crafts still thriving, shimmering waters full of coral and tropical fish, and that light, fresh, crunchy Vietnamese cuisine done by those who do it best. This is small-ship adventure cruising, South East Asia style.
Breakfast Included: 7 Lunches Included: 1 Dinner Included: 7
Ho Chi Minh City
Welcome to Vietnam. Meet your shipmates and leader at the Millenium Boutique Hotel at 2.30pm today, then transfer to your ship, the Panorama II, for boarding. Attend a welcome meeting and safety briefing onboard, then set sail at 5 pm. Enjoy a welcome dinner with fellow travellers and settle in for a night at sea.
Phan Tiet
Take a visit to Fairy Spring, a lovely waterfall amid the sand dunes. Take a stroll along the 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 and snap photos of this enchanting landscape. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on the beach and then either sit back and relax or have a swim nearby before returning to the ship.
Phan Rang to Nha Trang
Travelling by bus, embark on a road trip from Phan Rang to the bustling beachside town of Nha Trang. Pay a visit to the grand Po Klong Garai Cham Towers, an elaborate work of architecture dating back to around 1400 under King Jaya Simhavarman 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 Cam-Ranh port where you will have lunch and sail up to Nha Trang where you'll stay overnight at port.
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. We will take a half day tour of the city taking in the Ponaga Cham tower and the Ocean Institute which catalogues the marine life and fishing culture of the local area.
Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to explore or relax on one of Nha Trang's stunning beaches.
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, visit the nearby Twin Cham Towers, some of the largest towers of their kind in South East Asia. Head to beautiful beaches where fisherman use traditional basket boats, then dine onboard the Panorama II while sailing north.
Cruising Day
Enjoy a relaxing day of cruising from Quy Nonh to Danang. Take in some of the amazing scenery along the way.
Hoi An
Travel by coach from Danang to Hoi An. This was originally a Cham port town, but has been influenced by a myriad of traders from various cultures over the ages. With its charming low tiled houses and tranquil feel, this is a delightful town to walk around. Notice a distinctly Chinese appearance here, with pagodas and assembly halls scattered along the small lanes. Tour the town in small groups and then take the option of a cooking class, a bike ride or a Kayaking tour. We then drive back to Danang for cocktails and dinner on board the Panorama II.
Danang
Disembark after breakfast as the trip comes to an end. A transfer from the dock to the Peregrine hotel is included.
