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: 8 Lunches Included: 1 Dinner Included: 6
Hoi An
After arriving at the airport in Danang, transfer to your Hoi An hotel. If you arrive early, feel free to get your bearings with a walk around town, allowing your senses to adjust to Vietnam’s charm. The evening is yours to enjoy the sights and smells.
Hoi An
The charming city of Hoi An 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 morning tour of the town with local guides or if you prefer, take part in an optional cooking class or bike riding tour of the town. The night is yours to enjoy the culinary delights of Vietnam.
Hoi An
Continue your exploration of Hoi An, or perhaps have your final fitting for your tailored purchases. In the early afternoon, you will be transferred to the Panorama II moored in Danang. After a welcome meeting and safety briefing, enjoy your first meal on board before setting sail.
Cruising Day
Enjoy a relaxing day of cruising. There is time to get to know your fellow passengers or to indulge in some reading or board games. We will continue to sail overnight to our first stop at Quy Nonh.
Quy Nhon
Continue south to Quy Nonh, a coastal city that focuses on fishing and agriculture. Witness a demonstration of Tay Son, a martial art unique to this region, and visit the ancient Cham towers, remnants of the Champa kingdom that flourished in the area over 500 years ago. There’ll also be time to relax on one of the region’s beautiful beaches, making the most of the warm, crystal-clear waters of Southeast Asia.
Nha Trang
With palm trees, white-sand beaches and a hip cosmopolitan atmosphere, Nha Trang is often referred to as the Cannes of the Orient. Explore this coastal city on a guided walking tour this morning then enjoy a free afternoon to do as you please. The Cham towers, just north of the city, are on a site that’s supposedly been used for worship since the 2nd century, or you can stay closer to town and soak up the scenes on Nha Trang Beach. There are also a number of spas where you can rejuvenate with a mud bath or dip in the hot springs.
Phan Rang
Disembark at Phan Rang and travel to the Po Klong Garai Temple and Bau Truc Ceramic Village, where traditional Cham clay techniques are preserved and demonstrated. Phan Rang is considered a centre for Cham culture and remnants of Cham towers dot the lush landscape along with rice paddies and orchards. The city is also home to Phan Rang Air Base, which was originally built by the Japanese during WWII then used by the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. It was seized by the People’s Army of Vietnam in 1975 and is still in use.
Phan Tiet
Travel 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.
Ho Chi Minh City
Say goodbye to your captain and crew as you disembark the Panorama II in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city. Though often referred to as Saigon, the city was renamed after the reunification of North and South Vietnam. French influence runs deep here, both in food and architecture, and after arriving you’ll be transferred to the Peregrine central hotel where your trip comes to an end.
