Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), Vietnam


OVERLAND - THE MEKONG'S HIDDEN GEM (AK)

On this small group program, immerse yourself in nature and discover the ways of the Vietnamese people by cycling in areas off the usual tourist trails, interacting with locals along the way in the alluring Mekong Delta region.

NOTE: This program is limited to 10 guests. As there is some walking and bicycling on this program, guests should be in relatively good physical condition and be able to ride a bicycle. The program is not suitable for guests who have mobility restrictions or require the use of a wheelchair or walker. Accommodations are quite simple but comfortable and the hotel enjoy views of the Mekong River.

DAY 1

Depart pier side for My Tho on a 90-minute journey through a fascinating landscape of rice fields to enjoy elegant countryside views and the peaceful atmosphere of rural Vietnam. On arrival at a local pier, board a private boat to Rach Xep where you will have the chance to sample a few of the special regional delights.

Note: there is no comfort stop scheduled on the 90-minute drive.

First walk along a village trail to visit a honey farm, passing horse-drawn carts along the way. Next, transfer to a small boat and cruise to a coconut candy workshop to see how this popular local treat is made and of course, have a taste, if desired.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing by boat to Unicorn Island. Check in to Island Lodge and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Take a dip in the pool by the Tien River at sunset or simply relax in at the lodge. Dinner is served at the lodge’s main restaurant.

Note: Accommodations are quite simple but comfortable and the hotel enjoy views of the Mekong River.

DAY 2

After breakfast, take a short boat ride to the other side of the river into Ben Tre, a province known for its coconut and cocoa production.

Enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride along shaded country roads that crisscross between tree-packed gardens and cocoa plantations. Observe authentic, local life while exploring this quiet and verdant area, discovering quaint villages and visiting small traditional shops.

Visit a morning market, then stop to visit a local house to learn about cocoa processing. Continue along a rocky path, stopping for a short visit at a small temple to learn more about local culture.

Return to the lodge by boat and take a moment to freshen up before checking out and returning to the port of Hiep Phuoc to re-embark the ship.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

Day 1

8:00am Disembark the ship in Hiep Phuoc (for Ho Chi Minh City)

8:30am Depart for Ben Tre, the drive takes around 1.5 hours approximately

No comfort stop is scheduled

10:00am Embark a local boat and cruise to the Xep Canal

10:30am Visit a rural village followed by a Vietnamese set menu lunch

2:30pm Take a brief boat transfer to The Island Lodge

2:45pm Check-in at the lodge and remainder of the day is free to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere in the Mekong Delta

6:30pm Enjoy a Vietnamese set menu dinner at the lodge’s main dining room

Overnight at the Island Lodge

Day 2

7:00am Breakfast at the lodge

9:00am Take a short boat ride to a nearby islet

9:10am Explore the islet by bicycle

11:30am Return to the lodge to refresh and check-out

12:00pm Return to Ho Chi Minh City

1:30pm Arrive at Hiep Phuoc port and re-board the ship

Expected Weather:

Warm and sunny, the temperature is about 30? (86?)

What to Bring:

Personal items including insect repellent, light clothes, bathing suit, sunscreen, hat and comfortable walking or biking shoes, camera, charger, hand sanitizer and/or wipes

Local Currency:

Vietnam Dong; USD is accepted at hotels and restaurants

Credit cards (Visa/ Master card) are also accepted at hotels and major restaurants

Electricity:

220V – we recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electric devices

Luggage information:

One small overnight bag is recommended per person

Documents and Visa Requirements:

Valid passport valid for more than six months after arrival with at least two blank pages

E-visa or Visa sticker and passenger shore pass (handled by the Port Agent)

Hotel address:

The Island Lodge

Thoi Son islet, Chau Thanh, Tien Giang Province, Vietnam

*We will only substitute a hotel in unforeseen situations. If a hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards, and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes prior to departure, the hotel listed in this program will be used.

Please Note:

?Like all tourist points of interest, guests are advised to mind their belongings at all times and not carry large denominations of money

?Toilets on this trip can vary in condition and are mostly Asian style (squat type). Western style toilets can be found at local restaurants and in tourist hotels.

?Order of visits may change or be operated in reverse due to traffic or other unforeseen circumstances

?This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs and those with any mobility restrictions

?Please note that Vietnam is a developing country, and it can be an overwhelming experience for first time visitors. Being a third world country, the standards are not as you might be accustomed to, buses vary in condition but are the best available. The best way to experience a different culture and way of life is to keep an open mind and to fully absorb this unique experience

Program Includes for guests

•1 night at The Island Lodge (run of house room)

•Touring in private vehicles with air conditioning

•Local English-speaking tour guide on transfers and sightseeing tours

•Entrance fees and touring per the itinerary

•Lunch and dinner on Day 1

•Breakfast on Day 2

•1 drink per person with lunch and dinner (choice of local beer, soft drink or mineral water)

•2 x bottles of water per person per day on board the touring vehicle

•2 x cold towels per day

Program Excludes for guests:

•Any other meals and beverages not listed above

•Personal expenses such as telephone calls, curio shop purchases, spa treatments, laundry

•Gratuities for drivers and guides

•Visa fees

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, gravel or natural paths. There may be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.

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