SHORE EXCURSIONS

Gain an overall understanding of Saigon through landmark architecture that reflects the changing face of the metropolis known as Ho Chi Minh City since 1976. In the lively district of Cholon, you will browse the bustling Binh Tay Market and a Buddhist temple dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu. For a more contemporary perspective, you will view Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, a modernistic white building that was home to the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon presents a glimpse into colonial life, as the French constructed it in the mid-1800s. The ornate Central Post Office is another French-built colonial gem. If not for the large portrait of Ho Chi Minh inside, you might think you were in Paris. Saigon is also known for its artisans, especially those that make lacquerware, a traditional skill that you will observe in a workshop.

Explore a vast underground network of tunnels that hid and protected thousands of Viet Cong troops during the Vietnam War. The section that you will tour lies beneath the Cu Chi district in the countryside north of Ho Chi Minh City. Communist forces began digging the tunnels in the late 1948, when they were fighting the French for independence. As you will discover, the tunnels span thousands of miles and once hid an underground city of sorts with living quarters, smokeless kitchens, hospitals and schools. The tunnels were typically five feet high and not even three feet wide, with air passages to the surface camouflaged to look like natural holes from tree roots or animals. The tunnels that you will traverse have been expanded somewhat for safety and convenience. Digging the tunnels was an incredibly arduous and time-consuming endeavor, as they were often dug by hand. Before abandoning them, the Viet Cong left booby traps for the invading troops.

Experience the beauty of one of Bangkok's lesser-known treasures during this full-day visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya.

Depart the pier for the 3-hour drive to historic Ayutthaya. Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 AD, and remained the kingdom's capital for 417 years until 1767 AD, when it was conquered and destroyed by the Burmese. Visit the exquisite Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, formerly a popular summer retreat for Thai kings. The Palace includes one of the most photographed buildings in the kingdom, a charming Thai pavilion built over a pond.

Drive to the historic center of Ayutthaya and visit the Historical Park to explore some of Ayutthaya's most famous and interesting ruins. A part of the park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the day, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local hotel.

Visit the preferred popular beach resort destination of the residents of Saigon, Vung Tau, also known as Cap St. Jacque during the French occupation. Enjoy the views of the hillsides dotted with attractive villas now converted into guesthouses and the many good sandy beaches for swimming and sightseeing. Your tour takes you on a scenic drive around large Mountain with a stop to visit the Buddhist Pagoda and fishing village for photo opportunities. Visit the White Villa that is Vung Tau ancient museum, built for the French Governor and later used as an exile place for the Vietnamese King Thanh Thai. The villa houses a collection of artifacts from the XVIII century, rescued from a sunken merchant ship. You’ll enjoy the panoramic view of the beach and city from the former king’s room. Drive to the Whale temple, where locals come to pray to the South Sea God of fishermen. Visitors are welcome to visit and admire its impressive display of all things whale, from paintings and bones to statues. Before going back to the ship, visit a market in Vung tau.

Explore sites that best illustrate the American military presence in Saigon during the Vietnam War, a time period depicted in the film “Good Morning, Vietnam.” One of the most indelible pictures from the Fall of Saigon in 1975 was that of American helicopters helping evacuees from the roof of the U.S. Embassy before communist troops took over. You will see that iconic building, as well as various quarters for the soldiers, including the residence of General William Westmoreland, Commander of the U.S. forces in the late 1960s. You will reach an even deeper understanding of the Vietnam War by browsing the War Remnants Museum. Your drive will pass the former USA embassy, some McVI offices. Continue your journey to the Women’s Museum, where you’ll learn about the significant contributions women made in ending the Vietnam War. Before or after your visit to Saigon, take a drive to the mangrove commando tunnel, a network dug by the Viet Cong in the countryside outside the city for defense and strategic operations. Explore the tunnel, the war memorial, and the cemetery where Viet Cong guerrillas were laid to rest during the conflict. You’ll also have the chance to sample local snacks that the Viet Cong guerrillas relied on during their battles

Explore daily life in Bangkok during this picturesque boat trip through the city that focuses on life along Bangkok's canals.

Depart the pier for the drive to Bangkok, where upon arrival you will board a boat for a scenic cruise along the canals, or klongs, of the Chao Praya River. Along the way, you will see the small wooden houses that rise on stilts from the water. You will also encounter many long, flat boats laden with exotic produce and colorful fare plying the waterways, and carrying on trade as they did centuries ago.

Your tour along these fascinating waterways includes a stop at the beautiful Temple of Dawn, or Wat Arun, and a visit to the Royal Barge Shed, where the impressively ornate ceremonial barges are stored when not in use.

Following your time at the Royal Barge shed, you will transfer to a local restaurant for lunch before driving back to Laem Chabang.

Browse a conservation center with a nursery that breeds sea turtles for release into the ocean and a museum that showcases the life cycles of these marine creatures. The Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center was established decades ago in response to Queen Siriket’s initiative to raise awareness of the plight of sea turtles, whose numbers were rapidly declining in Thailand. The center releases a staggering 20,000 sea turtles into the surrounding sea each year. Yet the turtles still suffer a low survival rate – as little as 1 in 1,000 – from dangers such as being entangled in commercial fishing nets, ingesting plastic trash and pollution. You will see tanks full of hatchlings, mostly hawksbill and green sea turtles, and discover how, when and where they are typically released into the wild. You may also peruse the displays of nesting sites and see where sick and injured sea turtles are rehabilitated.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See how endangered sea turtles are bred at a conservation center for release into the ocean.
• Gain an understanding why sea turtle hatchlings have such a low survival rate in the wild.
• Browse museum displays that show the life cycles of hawksbill and green sea turtles.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Relax in complete comfort at Beyond Samui, a waterfront resort that goes above and beyond to make your time there a delight. The resort follows a strict policy of sustainability and that commitment to being eco-friendly will be apparent from the moment you arrive. The setting on Bo Phut Beach couldn’t be more naturally beautiful as the resort is lushly landscaped with indigenous flora, especially coconut palms. A special area has been reserved for you to thoroughly enjoy the amenities. The beach is a natural draw as it is long and wide and just steps away. Feel free to stretch out in the sun, gaze out over the Gulf of Thailand in a lounge chair and comb the powdery white sand for shells. The water is typically calm and clear, which invites a refreshing swim. Another option is to lounge about the swimming pool. A sumptuous lunch will be served in one of the restaurants.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax at Bundara Resort and Spa Samui, an exclusive resort on Bo Phut Beach.
• Do whatever you please as the resort setting and amenities are yours to enjoy at leisure.
• Swim in the sea, lie back on a lounger, stroll the beach and enjoy a hearty buffet lunch.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.