Chan May, Vietnam - Far East Cruises

Embark on a scenic drive with stunning panoramic views, passing by small thatched villages, communal temples and rice paddies still worked by water buffaloes.

On Cam Ke Hill, you will find one of the most impressive tombs in Hue. Emperor Minh Mang’s Tomb is renowned for its architecture, which fits harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. With your guide enjoy a stroll through the tranquil UNESCO World Heritage site. Your next stop is at Thien Mu Pagoda, the ‘Heavenly Lady’, Vietnam’s most revered and visited Buddhist shrine. During the 1960’s, the pagoda was a hot bed of anti-government protest, however today it is a serene sanctuary where monks recite sutras in the main temple. In front of the Heavenly Lady, board a dragon boat for a leisurely cruise along the Perfume River. During the imperial era, the river waters were flavoured with attars and essences: hence its name.

Relax at a local restaurant and experience Vietnam’s formal ‘imperial cuisine’ and regional specialities served as a buffet luncheon. After luncheon, admire the Imperial Citadel, built between 1804 and 1835 by Gia Long, the first Nguyen Emperor. Entering the Citadel through the ancient Noon Gate, your guide will host you on a walking tour to explore the Royal Library, and the complex’s central pavilion and the Palace of Supreme Harmony.

Before returning to the ship, enjoy a little free time to explore Dong Ba Market, the largest and oldest market in Hue.

This tour will operate by coach, boat and on foot. This tour includes approximately three hours of walking. Comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight waterproof jacket are recommended. The journey time between Chan May and Hue is approximately 1½ hours.

Embark on a scenic drive to the imperial city of Hue. Your first stop is at the Imperial Citadel, built between 1804 and 1835 by Gia Long, the first Nguyen Emperor. The Citadel was modelled on Beijing’s Forbidden City. With your guide, you’ll start your walking tour through the magnificent Noon Gate. As you stroll through the tranquil site you’ll see the serene lotus pond, the Royal Library and the complex’s central pavilion. Admire the Palace of Supreme Harmony, with its dynastic urns and memorial thrones dedicated to the various Nguyen Emperors.

Enjoy a visit to Vietnam’s most revered and visited Buddhist shrine,Thien Mu Pagoda. Founded in 1601 by Nguyen Hoang, the ‘Heavenly Lady’ pagoda was a hot bed of anti-government protest during the 1960’s. Today it is a serene sanctuary where monks recite sutras in the main temple. Afterwards, take time to relax and sample some regional specialities and Vietnam’s formal ‘imperial cuisine’ served as a buffet luncheon.

Located in the hills outside of Hue, is the Tu Duc Royal Tomb. Explore the royal grounds, which features a royal palace in miniature, a pavilion overlooking a lake, gardens and the former royal hunting grounds. En route back to the ship a brief shopping stop will be made at a village renowned for its straw hats. The traditional conical palm hats are fashioned with 16 bamboo rounds representing the prime time of youth. The insides of some hats are inscribed with poems.



This tour will operate by coach and on foot. The tour includes approximately 2½ hours of walking with some steps to negotiate. The drive between Chan May and Hue is approximately 1½ hours. Comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight waterproof jacket are recommended.

A scenic drive takes you through the bustling streets of Da Nang as your knowledgeable guide points out some of the city’s main sights.

Founded in 1915 during French colonial rule, the Cham Museum houses the largest collection of Cham sculpture and artwork in the world. Explore eight centuries of evolution including the four main periods of Cham civilization: My Son, Tra Kieu, Dong Duong, and Thap Mam.

Experience a taste of Vietnamese life as you stroll around the colourful Han open-air market, and visit a traditional workshop to watch embroiderers at work. Back onboard your coach, you’ll travel up to Marble Village, famous throughout Southeast Asia for its stonework. While marble is imported from another province, the village has practised stonecutting and sculpting for centuries. Continuing south into the Marble Mountains, you’ll pass traditional thatched villages, communal temples and rice paddies still worked by water buffaloes.

Your final stop is at Non Nuoc Beach, a popular rest and relaxation spot for American soldiers during the Vietnam War in 1965. Today, the area is an internationally renowned resort. Sit back, relax and enjoy a local beer or soft drink overlooking the white sands and crystal clear waters.



BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately two hours of walking with some steps to negotiate. The drive between Chan May and Da Nang is one hour each way.

Sit back and enjoy a panoramic drive through Da Nang’s bustling streets as your guide points out the city’s principal sights. Heading south, have your camera at the ready, as you enjoy a photography stop overlooking the Marble Mountains and lush countryside en route to Hoi An.

Upon arrival you’ll visit Cham Museum, founded in 1915 during French colonial rule. The museum features an extensive collection of artefacts and sculptures from the four main periods of Cham civilization: My Son, Tra Kieu, Dong Duong, and Thap Mam.

Vietnam’s principal trading centre, Hoi An reached its zenith in the 17th and 18th century. The town’s architecture boasts a fascinating mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Hindu, Japanese and Portuguese influences. Your guide will host you on a walking tour passing the local market, the Hoi An Museum and a traditional merchant’s house, built to withstand floodwaters in the rainy season.

Admire the Phuoc Kien Temple, devoted to Thien Hau, Goddess of the Sea and the Japanese covered bridge. Enjoy some free time at Hoi An's open market to browse the local products for sale and pause at an ancient merchant house for a refreshing cup of green tea.

A traditional buffet luncheon featuring local specialities will be served.


This tour will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately three hours of walking included. The drive between Chan May and Da Nang is approximately one hour and from Da Nang TO Hoi An a further 45-minutes each way. Comfortable walking shoes and a lightweight waterproof jacket are recommended.