Monday, November 13 – Mekong Delta – Saigon
Our cruise ends at My Tho Port in the heart of the Mekong Delta. We will transfer into the city of Saigon where we will begin our exploration of Vietman. Upon arrival, we’ll head to have lunch at a local pho restaurant, where you can sample the local noodle dish. After, we’ll embark on a city tour visit of Ho Chi Menh City, visiting the War Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post office, Hotel de Ville (City Hall), the Colonial Quarter, Saigon Opera House and Ben Thanh Market where you will have a little bit of time to walk around, shop and engage with the locals. This evening is free to enjoy the sights and sounds of this busy cosmopolitan city. (L)
Tuesday, November 14 – Saigon – Cu Chi Tunnels – Denang – Hoi An
This morning, those continuing along for the post-cruise package will head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a bitter battleground for many years during the Vietnam War. We visit the “underground village”, an intricate network of over 120 miles of tunnels at Ben Duoc. We’ll have an opportunity to experience the discomfort felt in these tunnels for those who want to walk through a short segment of this labyrinth of interlaced tunnels. Then, we continue with a visit to Ben Duoc War Memorial. Later, we’ll have lunch at a local restaurant in Saigon, before we go to the airport for our flight to Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, we’ll meet our local guide and enjoy some of the countryside of the center of Vietnam as we travel to Hoi An. Our centrally located hotel is right in the center of this ancient city. This evening is yours to wander the historical streets, have some custom-made clothes fitted and enjoy dinner along the banks of the river. (B, L)
Wednesday, November 15 – Hoi An – Cam Thanh Villaga – Hoi An
Today we’ll visit Cam Thanh village, passing rice paddy fields where we’ll stop to experience the method of rice production. We’ll see traditional homes made from coconut husks and furniture made from bamboo, which are characteristic of the area. Experience the friendliness of the local people greeting us along the way. Later, come on board a traditional “basket boat” where we will participate in a hands-on experience, that of of traditional net fishing. Here, we’ll meet and engage with local fishermen as we paddle the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat. Lunch will be served at local house. Later today, we’ll take a walking tour along Hoian’s waterfront, from the Japanese Covered Bridge to the main market. A stop will be made at the Ancient House Tan Ky, we’ll see the ornate Fu Kien Chinese Temple and visit the to Hoi An local market. We have a special dinner in store tonight at the Secret Garden Restaurant, which is located in a lovely garden located in the heart of Hoi An. Later this evening, we’ll walk to the river where the atmosphere of Mid‑Autumn festivals are aglow with candlelit lanterns along Thu Bon River. (B, L, D)
Thursday, November 16 – Hoi An – Hanoi
In the morning, visit Hoi An’s colorful market and take a cruise down the Thu Bon River to the Red Bridge Cooking School. Our cooking class, an Amazing Journeys favorite, includes a visit at the school’s herb and vegetable garden, a brief introduction to Vietnamese food carving (for plate decoration), and two hours of a hands‑on cooking lesson to prepare some Hoi An’s well‑known Vietnamese dishes. Afterwards, sit down to the feast we have prepared as we enjoy lunch together. This afternoon is free to enjoy town or the beach, or do a fitting for the custom made clothes you may have ordered yesterday. Later this afternoon, we drive back to Da Nang Airport for our flight to Hanoi. This evening we arrive in Hanoi, where a warm welcome from our guide awaits, before we transfer to our hotel. (B, L)
Friday, November 17 – Hanoi
Today, we will be enriched with a full-day city tour to several of Hanoi’s most popular and interesting things to see including the Ethnology Museum, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature. This afternoon, we’ll continue our tour with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake and a visit to “Hoa Lo” Prison which was called the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War. Our tour ends with a traditional cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Tonight we’ll celebrate Shabbat together. The rest of evening is free to enjoy dinner out with your new Amazing Journey’s friends. (B)
Saturday, November 18 – Hanoi – Halong Bay
Early this morning, we’ll journey out into the countryside, viewing farmland and villages, as we work our way to Halong. Halong Bay is one of the most recognizable sights in all of Vietnam and is a natural wonderland. We’ll board our deluxe “junk” boat at BaiChay/TuanChau Island. Discover treasures such as fascinating caves, pristine beaches, and dramatic rock formations rising up out of emerald water as we sail across the Bay of the Descending Dragon. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board with cave hikes, optional kayaking, discovering life onboard with a drink in hand, while enjoying the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This evening, enjoy onboard dinner, entertainment or perhaps a spa treatment or squid fishing. (B, L, D)
Sunday, November 19 – Halong Bay – Hanoi
Wake up with the sunrise and join us on deck for Tai Chi or sleep in. Enjoy a buffet breakfast while sailing across thousands of islets. Our cruise ends at BaiChay/TuanChau in late morning. Then we traverse the countryside back to Hanoi, stopping along the way to visit an artist studio. We’ll arrive back into Hanoi late in the day and check back into our hotel, keeping our rooms until 10pm for those with late night flights as most flights back to North America are. We’ll have a group transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Please Note:
This itinerary is subject to change.
Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website. All staterooms onboard the ship and hotel rooms are non-smoking where we provide roommate matching.
Cancellation Policy for Cruise, Pre-Cruise, Post-Cruise and Overnights: Prior to February 1, 2017, there is a $100 penalty for cancellation. From February 1 – July 5, 2017, the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit for the cruise, pre-cruise, post-cruise and overnights. From July 6 – September 5, 2017, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total cruise, pre-cruise, post-cruise and overnights. From September 6 – October 5, 2017, the cancellation penalty is 75% of the total cruise, pre-cruise, post-cruise and overnights. Cancellations made on October 6, 2017 or after will receive no refund. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation by the passenger after the start of the trip.
Roommate Matching: Roommate matching is available on the river cruise for those in Balcony Staterooms. Roommate matching is not available in a suite; however, you are able to reserve Double Occupancy if coming with a roommate. Please note, should your roommate cancel, you will be responsible for the Single Occupancy rate unless we are able to find you a roommate (if you would like one). It is important for both you and your roommate to have Travel Protection to cover this possibility.
3-Night Pre-Cruise and 7-Day Post-Cruise – Roommate matching is available.
1-Night Overnight in Cambodia and Vietnam – Roommate matching is not available. If you sign up for a Double Occupancy with a roommate and they cancel, you will be responsible for the Single Occupancy rate for the room.
Cancellation Insurance: Amazing Journeys recommends you purchase Travel Protection. Information will be sent with your trip confirmation.
Proof of Citizenship: All passengers must present a valid passport (valid for six months beyond the last date of travel) to board the vessel. At present time, visas are required on this itinerary for both Cambodia and Vietnam. The cost for the Cambodian visa is approximately $35 and the cost for the Vietnamese visa is approximately $95. More information will be provided as the final payment date approaches.
Dining Preference: This ship has an open seating policy in their dining room.
Port Taxes, Fuel Surcharges, Government Fees and Gratuities: Port taxes and government, immigration fees have been included in the rate. Gratuities are also included in the rate. Port taxes, government fees and gratuities are subject to change. Fuel surcharges were deleted from the rates due to a suspension in fees by the Cruise Lines. Should the cruise lines reinstate these fees, Amazing Journeys reserves the right to add them back at that time.
Air and Airport Transfers: Airfare has not been included in the cruise rates. Transfers to and from the ship are available at an additional cost. Information will be sent as we move closer to the sailing date. Information will be sent as we move closer to the sailing date. It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter which will contain specific flight parameters.
This cruise is operated by AMAWaterways
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