Nha Trang, Vietnam - Far East Cruises

Take in the sights of Nha Trang and visit the ancient Cham Tower and Long Son Pagoda.

Your tour begins with a visit to the fascinating Oceanographic Institute to see some of the thousands of marine-life species that live in the surrounding tropical sea. Heading into the town, you will pass the beachfront lined with Philaos trees before making a photograph stop at the city church, built in grey stone and located on top of a hill.

Long Son Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Nha Trang, with two decorative dragon balustrades marking its entrance. The interior sanctuary features murals and several images of the Buddha.

Crossing the Xom Bong Bridge, Nha Trang’s most famous landmark, Po Nagar Cham Tower, comes into view. A visit to this complex of towers, built in the 8th century is a fascinating experience.

Take a stroll through the bustling Dam market place, the central commercial market of Nha Trang, before visiting a silk embroidery workshop. Here, you will see Vietnamese ladies making beautiful handicrafts, which are also available to purchase.

Note: This tour involves up to three hours of walking and there are approximately 100 steps to reach the Cham Tower (optional) and several steps at the Long Son Pagoda. Some roads are unpaved and may be dusty or muddy depending on rainfall. Shoes must be removed before entering the main hall of Long Son Pagoda and the main tower of the Po Nagar complex.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the River Cai for views of the countryside and a glimpse into the lives of the locals.

Your tour begins with a drive along the coast, dotted with coconut trees, passing the statue of Tran Hung Dao, a Vietnamese hero. Visit the Po Nagar Cham Tower located on the hill next to the Cai River. The towers here are dedicated to the Divine Lady, the Mother of the Country, and were built in the 8th century.

A local boat takes you on a short cruise on the Cai River to Coconut Island. It is easy to see how the island earned its name as you watch the locals collect coconuts from the tall trees.

Enjoy refreshments of coconut juice before cruising to another village, where you will visit a house to see traditional clay-baked stoves. Hear tales of the ritual which takes place every year when, seven days before the lunar new year arrives, a ceremony is held to see off the Kitchen God.

Back on board the boat, enjoy the scenic view of the brightly coloured fishing boats on both sides before disembarking and returning to the ship.

Note: There are approximately 100 steps to reach the Cham Tower (optional). Some roads are unpaved and may be dusty or muddy depending on rainfall. Shoes must be removed before entering the main tower of the Po Nagar complex. There is approximately two hours of walking during this tour. Early booking is recommended due to limited capacity.

An outstanding opportunity to combine a visit to the SOS Children’s Village with a taste of rural life.

SOS Children’s Villages are an independent, non-governmental social development organisation that works to meet the needs and protect the rights of children without parental care.

Sit back and enjoy a scenic coastal drive, framed by coconut and philao trees. Upon arrival at the SOS Village you’ll be met by the centre’s principal, who will give an overview of the great work they do. The village has 14 families, a tour of the village will allow you to meet and mix with the children as you learn of their lives.

Next, head into the countryside, to the Vinh Thanh commune. Have your camera at the ready as you stop at the small hamlets to see the rice fields, where, dependant on the seasons, you may see how local farmers plant or harvest the rice. Enjoy a unique opportunity to visit a family in a typical Vietnamese rural house. Most of homes are 70 to 150 years old and handed down through the generations by the family lineage. At Vinh Ngoc Village, visit a communal house where the locals worship their village gods. In days gone by, the house was a place where village disputes were settled.

Before returning to the ship, enjoy a refreshing coconut drink at one of the local coffee shops.

Note: This tour includes a donation of $10 per person for the SOS Village. If guests wish to give anything extra i.e. stationery, canned foods etc it will be welcomed, however we suggest that this is done directly to the SOS representative to ensure equal distribution. The order of visits may vary. Whilst photography is allowed, we ask that for any portraits, prior permission is obtained from the person. For more information please visit www.sos-childrensvillages.org. There is over one hour of walking on this tour over some uneven surfaces. Flat, comfortable shoes are advised.

This leisurely scenic drive delivers the main sights of Nha Trang from the comfort of a coach.

Head to the Bao Dai Villa Complex, which used to be a summer palace for the last king of the Nguyen dynasty, Bao Dai. From here, you will have views of most of the city, the beach and your ship.

A scenic drive along the coast reveals coconut and Philao trees as well as the statue of Tran Hung Dao, a Vietnamese hero who fought against the Khublaikhan troop in the 13th century.

Travel down town, past the beach front, towards Nha Trang airport, to enjoy a photograph stop at the grey stone city cathedral. At Dam Market, spend a short time browsing for souvenirs.

At an embroidery workshop, see the detailed process and sip a cup of green tea in the calming and peaceful environment.

The drive through the main street of the city offers an overview of the typical French-style architecture and the calm sea.

Note: This is a mainly scenic tour with some walking. The only photograph stops are the ones mentioned above and all other photographs should be taken from the moving coach. For maximum enjoyment some walking is involved at the embroidery workshop.

This tour offers a wonderful insight into the daily lives of the Vietnamese people.

Just a few miles from Nha Trang, you will find yourself in the picturesque countryside, dotted with palm trees and fruit orchards. En route, you will pass many local people going about their daily lives, neat rice paddies and perhaps the occasional grazing water buffalo.

The villages here are post-war, although some ‘ancient’ buildings still remain. Today, life goes on much as it did before the war and you will see farmers utilising the same methods practiced by their ancestors.

Pay a visit to the local kindergarten to see how the children are educated (you may wish to take along some small gifts, such as pens and pencils). Afterwards, you will see a typical Vietnamese country house, handed down from generation to generation. Visit the Vinh Thai Village and a communal house where the locals worship their village gods and first ancestors.

Enjoy some light refreshments including a coconut drink and seasonal fruits before making a final stop at an embroidery art workshop to view the fascinating process.

Note: Some roads may be unpaved, dusty or muddy depending on rainfall. This tour involves approximately two hours of walking, some of which is over rough ground.

Referred to as the ‘King of the Road’, the Pedicab ride is an experience not to be missed.

A short transfer by coach takes you to the beach front of Nha Trang, where your Pedicab awaits. Enjoy the journey in this unusual mode of transport as you travel through the main streets of the city surrounded by colonial-style houses, passing the Cathedral, the Front Beach and Cai River Bridge.

Have your camera ready, as you pass the Xom Bong Bridge, enjoy a view of the Po Nagar Tower and the fishing village on the Cai River.

Upon arrival at the Dam Market, the central market, you will have some time to explore the market for those all-important souvenirs before rejoining the coach for your return journey to the ship.

Note: Each Pedicab will accommodate one adult; children must not travel alone. Not all Pedicabs have sunshades, therefore sun protection is recommended. Please be advised that it is usual practice to tip the Pedicab operator. Please bear in mind that this is a truly local tour and the standard of the Pedicabs and drivers may vary. Each guests will be given an FM radio to listen to guide commentary during the ride.