Top Shore Excursions in Southeast Asia

Be picked up at 9 am from Halong pier and transferred to Hanoi city. The drive takes about 3½ hours. Have lunch at a local restaurant before your tour.

Half-Day City Tour: Start your afternoon with a visit to the Temple of Literature, an 11th century relic. Next, visit Ngoc Son temple set on a tiny island on the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. Take a breezy cyclo ride through the Old Quarter's 36 streets, a place where Hanoians buy everything from noodles to light fixtures to Buddha statues. The quarter's 36 streets were named for the products sold from their shops. Today, vendors on Tin and Bamboo Streets still sell the same wares.

Night Food Tour: Start your Hanoi Street Eats tour at Bia Hoi corner to try the local brew, a draft beer that traces its roots to Eastern Europe. Do as the locals do and pull up a stool and enjoy a drink while watching the world go by. Continue through the old quarter's narrow streets as your guide points out a range of tasty noodles, breads and snacks. At night the sidewalks are packed with locals perched on stools, amongst sizzling woks and bubbling pots. These small pop up restaurants are a nightly feature that all but disappear during the day. Sit down and enjoy a flame grilled Vietnamese barbecue of beef, chicken, tofu and vegetables on skewers. End the night with dessert from Hanoi's best-known ice-cream parlour.

You will be transfered back to the pier before 12:00 at noon the next day.

Your guide will meet and transfer you to the boat station, where your traditional private boat will take you to discover some of the world's outstanding natural wonders, resembling a geographic work of art, with thousands of limestone islets rising dramatically from the clear emerald waters. This densely concentrated zone of karst islands, world-famous for its spectacular scenery of grottoes and caves, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On this tour, witness the tranquil beauty and breathtaking scenery from the deck of a traditional junk, complete with bat-winged sails. Gliding through the crystal-clear waters of the bay, absorb one of the most magnificent natural splendors of the Far East. See tiny islands dotted with rock arches, sheer cliffs, innumerable white sandy beaches and peaceful coves. Like sculpted cartoon characters, these limestone islands have fanciful names: Heavenly Gate, Tortoise Rock, Man Head Rock, The Isle of Wonders, Tea Pot Rock and Devil's Face.

A stop will be made at Thien Cung Cave for those who can climb up about 120 steep steps, with time to explore the giant cave and beautiful lagoon. 
You will be back at the pier around 12 noon. Take the ship's tender to your home ship and enjoy lunch there.

Be picked up from the port pier at 9 am. The journey takes about 1½ hours by car. Hue was the Vietnamese capital during the Nguyen Dynasty 1802–1945 and ruins of the city's regal past can still be seen inside the citadel and the Imperial City. Created in the 19th century, the Imperial City was modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing and is home to many palaces and temples inside its giant walls. Over the years many of the buildings have been damaged by war and they are now being restored to their former glory.

Spend some time wandering through the citadel before taking a short journey into the surrounding countryside to see the final resting place of the emperors, at two of the most impressive royal tombs.

Return to the pier in the late afternoon.

This tour provides an opportunity to experience Vietnamese rural life via its traditional form of transport – the bicycle. The day begins with a transfer to Hoi An town, passing through Da Nang, where you will witness how a new dynamic city is developing. After a one hour and 45 minutes' drive we'll arrive at our destination in the Hoi An countryside. 

Here you commence your bicycle ride through a small village called Cam Thanh in the suburbs of Hoi An and surrounded by rice fields and local village communities. You can observe farmers at their daily work, and witness the many lovely smiles of the local people. On a school day, you will have the chance to visit one of local kindergartens where the children eagerly perform their school tasks such as letter-writing, singing or dancing. Continue on a drive through a local fishing village, before ending up on the outskirts of Hoi An town.

You pause for lunch at a local restaurant before setting off to explore the delightful town of Hoi An itself. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Hoi An thrived during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with its mixture of European and Asian architecture. Historically, the town used to be one of South East Asia's most important trading ports, where merchants exchanged their goods on their Silk Road. There'll be a short stop at a local marble workshop on your return.
Transfer back to the pier in the late afternoon, to continue your cruise.

Be picked up at the Phu My port (Vung Tau) and transferred in around 1½ hours to Ho Chi Minh City. After lunch you will be driven to the city's Central Post Office, which was designed by the renowned French architect Gustav Eiffel, and Notre Dame Cathedral, the iconic landmark built between 1863 and 1880. Admired for its neo-Romanesque architecture, the cathedral is a popular backdrop for local wedding photographers.

Next, stroll toward the Saigon River along Dong Khoi Street, which featured prominently in Graham Greene's famous Vietnam novel, The Quiet American, to the Saigon Opera House, a commanding building completed in 1901. Shelled during World War II, it was used to shelter French citizens fleeing North Vietnam in 1954, the year Vietnam earned its independence from France.

The tour continues with a stop at Reunification Palace, where a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates in 1975 to end a war that killed an estimated 58,000 Americans and three million Vietnamese. You will also visit the War Remnants Museum, where Vietnam's government has assembled presentations – some of them graphic – of wartime hardships and atrocities.

Your ship will reach the pier at Phu My port (Vung Tau) around 7 am and you'll be able to disembark at 8 am. Your guide will accompany you directly to Cu Chi Tunnels, approximately 3 hours' drive away.

Synonymous with the Vietnam War and a testament to the determined spirit of the Vietnamese, the underground network of passages at Cu Chi provides a fascinating day-trip out of the city.

Work on the tunnels began during the war against the French in the 1940s. Over the next 25 years, as the conflict with America escalated, the tunnels were improved and expanded to create an underground city of meeting areas, storerooms, living quarters and more. The tunnels allowed the Viet Cong to control a vital area of South Vietnam and in their heyday, extended for more than 200 km in length and stretched from what was then Saigon to the Cambodian border.

Preserved as a memorial park, two sections of this remarkable network of tunnels are open to the public. Visiting the area at Ben Dinh, there is the option to go below the surface and visit sections of the tunnels first-hand. The more adventurous may go deeper and your guide will be on hand to give guidance on the degree of expected difficulty. There is plenty of interest above ground as well and it is recommended to bring good footwear, sunscreen and a hat. Please note you may get a little dusty if you decide to go underground.

After the return drive to the city, the first stop on today's itinerary is Reunification Palace. Formerly named the Presidential Palace, this important city landmark was assured its place in history on 30th April 1975, when the first North Vietnamese tanks rumbled past, signaling the Fall of Saigon and ultimately the end of the Vietnam War. Now it is a museum complete with period meeting areas, war rooms and a basement communication centre. After your visit, walk the short distance to Notre Dame Cathedral. At the centre of HCMC's government district, this romantic church dates back to the late 19th century and is a popular backdrop for wedding photographs. Across the street from the cathedral is the city's striking French colonial-era Post Office, whilst Hotel de Ville de Saigon, officially Ho Chi Minh City Hall, is another of the city's more prominent buildings.

The final stop today is the unforgettable Jade Emperor Pagoda. With the pungent smell of incense hanging heavy in the air and an interior packed full of ornate carvings and fierce-looking statues, this Taoist temple is one of the most atmospheric places of worship in the city. Return to the ship after some leisure time for shopping in the Sai Gon–Ben Thanh Market (if time permits).

Your ship will reach the pier at Phu My port (Vung Tau) around 7 am and you'll be able to disembark at 8 am. Your guide will accompany you directly to Mekong Delta via Ho Chi Minh City, a drive of approximately 3 hours.

The Mekong Delta is a rich fertile region of farmland interlaced with countless waterways and crisscrossed by low-lying rice paddies. Today you will explore one of the country's most enchanting landscapes, travelling by car and then motorized sampan (a flat-bottomed wooden boat) into the ‘rice bowl' of Vietnam.

As you discover the labyrinth of bustling waterways – the focus of all daily activity – you will learn to what extent the mighty Mekong River is a lifeline to those who live and work along its arteries. Local life for villagers in the Delta revolves around the rivers and canals, so much so that people are more likely to travel by boat than by road.

The Delta is known as Vietnam's ‘rice bowl' for good reason and in this fertile region almost every square meter is intensively farmed. Fruit plantations abound and you will visit a farm to sample some of the locally-grown tropical produce in a shady garden, before continuing by sampan, navigating narrow canals, learning more about the lifestyle, culture and traditions of the people who call the Delta their home.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant where you will have the opportunity to try a local specialty, the unusually named 'elephants ear fish', often presented in a unique way!

You will meet your private guide and driver at the port and then take 1½ hours to Yangon city and begin your tour of the city highlights. You will first have a walk around the colonial district and drive to Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, then drive to the National Museum for sightseeing. This is followed by lunch at a local restaurant. At 2:30 or 3 pm you will visit the Scott Market, followed by Shwedagon. Then you will transfer back to the port and continue your cruise.

You will meet your private guide and driver at the port and then drive 2½ hours to Twante, enjoying the countryside scenery. You will start your tour by visiting Twante Jetty and local market. You can observe pottery works in the Oh-Bo Quarter, and traditional hand-loom weaving in the Shan-Su Quarter. Visit Shwe Sandaw Pagoda. Then you will have a lunch at a local restaurant.

After that, drive to Dalah Jetty (about 45 minutes) and take the public ferry across Yangon River (15 minutes) to have a closer look at commuters and different ways of life. Meet people during the boat ride. Upon arriving back at Pansodan Jetty you will be transferred back to the port, to continue your cruise.

This is only recommended to passengers on cruises that depart Laem Chabang Port after 9 pm.
8 am. Your ship arrives at Laem Chabang port.

9 am. Meet your private guide and your driver at the port. You will be transferred overland to Bangkok (approximately 2–2.5 hours) and continue for sightseeing to visit the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha and the Reclining Temple.

The Grand Palace is the ‘must-see' attraction in Bangkok. It is an architectural wonder of golden stupas, walls and pillars encrusted in shining and colorful mosaics. You will see palaces once used for different occasions; the Reception Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Throne Hall, the Royal Guest House and Wat Phra Kaew. The architecture is predominantly Thai, though there are some European influences. The palace served as the official residence of kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th century. The most famous building within the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew, regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Continue to Wat Po, with its massive reclining Buddha.

Then transfer back to the port in the late afternoon to continue your cruise.

Note: This is recommended for passengers on cruises departing the port after 6 pm the next day.
8 am. Your ship arrives at Laem Chabang port.

9 am. Meet your private guide and your driver at the port. You will be transferred overland to Bangkok (in approximately 2–2½ hours) and continue for sightseeing to visit the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha and the Reclining Temple.

The Grand Palace is the ‘must-see' attraction in Bangkok. It is an architectural wonder of golden stupas, walls and pillars encrusted in shining and colorful mosaics. You will see palaces once used for different occasions; the Reception Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Throne Hall, the Royal Guest House and Wat Phra Kaew. The architecture is predominantly Thai, though there are some European influences. The palace served as the official residence of kings of Thailand from the 18th to the mid-20th century. The most famous building within the palace grounds is Wat Phra Kaew, regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Continue to Wat Po, with its massive reclining Buddha.

Evening Food Tour by Tuk Tuk                                                        
Experience the fun of riding around in a Tuk Tuk to discover Bangkok's magical atmosphere at night. Visit famous local eateries around the city, sampling the local street-foods. A staple favorite is Khao Man Gai (Chicken & Rice), or a hearty helping of the best Pad Thai (fried Rice Noodles) or the best kept-secret Guay Tiew Kua Gai (rice noodles with chicken in a warm broth). Go behind the scenes to see how the food is made. Explore the amazing flower market with its vivid colors. This market really comes to life at night. Visit a magnificent temple for a unique night-time perspective, to see the temple spires glistening in the night light. After our trip your Tuk Tuk driver will take you back to your hotel.

Day 2
Morning Bangkok's Waterways
A cruise through the Thonburi canals is an experience that no other Asian capital can offer. The journey down the legendary Chao Phraya River, known as the “River of Kings”, and its tributary klongs (canals), gives a perspective on the critical importance this waterway played in the creation of Bangkok and the old capital of Thonburi; hence the title “Venice of the East”.

After check-out, you will be transferred back to the ship at Laem Chabang port. The ship leaves at 6 pm.

You will meet your private guide and driver at the port and start your cultural and scenic discovery of the beauty and charm of the "Pearl of the Andaman" Phuket. You will be driven along scenic beach roads through Patong, Karon, Kata and Rawai. Take in the 'Three Beaches' viewpoint; here you can sit back and take in the stunning vista of the beautiful bays of Kata Noi, Kata, Karon and Koh Pu Island. The tour also includes a leisurely drive around Phuket Town to view the Sino-Portuguese-style buildings, with a short time to wander around the local market or admire the Sino-Portuguese architecture at your own leisure.

After lunch in a local restaurant, you will visit Wat Chalong, Phuket's most beautiful and renowned monastery, the Big Buddha at Chalong, a Cashew Nut Factory where you may sample the culinary delights on offer, and last but not least the famous sunset viewpoint at Promthep Cape, which is home to one of the most beautiful vistas on the island of Phuket. Then around 3 pm you will transfer back to the port and continue your cruise.

You will meet your private guide and driver at the port and you will visit the famous viewpoint for the best opportunity to take photographs of the beautiful and picturesque vista of Chaweng Beach. Then you will continue onto Lamai to observe one of nature's peculiar wonders: Grandma and Grandpa Rock. The next stop is at an elephant camp to witness the amazing skills of the national animal of Thailand. Your journey continues to a small traditional fishing village to see the Samui of old.

The price is net per person sharing in a twin room of a 4-star hotel (Sokha Angkor).

12 January 2017         Cruise – Sihanoukville Tours – Flight to Siem Reap
9 am – Pick-up of clients from Seabourn Cruise (port pass included), by English speaking guide.
Experience the main sights of Sihanoukville, a small but pretty town, home to beautiful beaches and pagodas.

After pick-up from hotel or ship we transfer to the downtown area for visiting the symbolic city of Sihanoukville. See the Golden Lions, the Traffic Circle, and Sokha Beach. Continue your tour at the Krom Pagoda, also known as the Unthnean Pagoda. The complex is surrounded by five villages and offers impressive views over the ocean. Around the pagoda you will find many impressive stupas. Khmer architecture is marked by well-decorated naga snakes on the rooftop of the pagoda and the four-faced god on top of most stupas.
Later, you will pause briefly at the war memorial to take photographs, before proceeding to Psa Leu market. Here you can browse local products including palm sugar, palm juice, fabrics, meat, poultry and fish.
Lunch is not included.
Transfer to Sihanoukville airport for your flight to Siem Reap.
Upon arrival at Siem Reap airport, meet driver and transfer to hotel for check-in between 4:15 – 5:15 pm.
Have dinner at a local restaurant and spend a night at your hotel.

13 January 2017         Siem Reap – Angkor Wat Tour
Breakfast at hotel
Visit the ancient capital of Angkor Thom (12th century): the South Gate with its huge statues depicting the churning of the ocean of milk, the Bayon Temple, unique for its 54 towers decorated with over 200 smiling faces of Avolokitesvara, the Phimeanakas, the Royal Enclosure, the Elephants Terrace and the Terrace of the Leper King. Lunch is not included.
Visit the most famous of all the temples on the plain of Angkor: Angkor Wat. The temple complex covers 81 hectares and is comparable in size to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. Its distinctive five towers are emblazoned on the Cambodian flag and the 12th century masterpiece is considered by art historians to be the prime example of classical Khmer art and architecture. Enjoy a wonderful sunset from the top of Pre Rup Temple.
Eat dinner and enjoy a Khmer Traditional Dance Show at a local restaurant and spend a second night at your hotel.

14 January 2017      Siem Reap – Angkor Wat Tour – Saigon
Breakfast at hotel
Visit the unique interior brick sculptures of Prasat Kravan, Srah Srang ("The Royal Baths" were once used for ritual bathing), Banteay Kdei (surrounded by 4 concentric walls), and Ta Prohm, one of the area's most beautiful temples. Ta Prohm has been relatively untouched since it was discovered and retains much of its mystery. Also visit Neak Pean, a fountain built in the middle of a pool (representing the paradisiacal Himalayan mountain-lake) and Preah Khan temple, built by King Jayavarman VII. Preah Khan is, like Ta Prohm, a place of towered enclosures and shoulder-hugging corridors. Unlike Ta Prohm, however, the temple of Preah Khan is in a reasonable state of repair and ongoing restoration efforts should maintain and even improve this situation. 
Lunch is not included.
Transfer to Siem Reap airport for your flight to your next destination.

Includes:

• Tours and transfers as per the program
• 2 nights' accommodation in Siem Reap
• Meals : breakfast daily + 1 dinner show
• All entrance fees, private A/C cars on both trips
• English-speaking guide in Sihanoukville and German-speaking guide in Siem Reap
• Port Pass permission in Sihanoukville
• Cold mineral water during the trips

Not included:

• Visa fee to Cambodia
• Domestic air ticket Sihanoukville – Siem Reap of USD 129.- per ticket
• Personal expenses