Passengers on cruise ships call in to Saigon, Hai Phong, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang or Vung Tau. They usually stay a day and unless you organise it before-hand, trying to do some sightseeing or shopping is almost impossible. Furthermore, apart from the berth in Saigon itself, the other ports you dock a long way from anywhere. Ships that are too big to get up the Saigon River will dock at Vung Tau.
Let us organise your itinerary for you. We know where the ships pull in and how much you can expect to get done in a day.
Book While On Board
If you know who you're travelling with you can arrange your day before you leave home. However, if you don't know your fellow passengers, once you're on board, organise a group for your day in port in Vietnam and make the arrangements with us by email, phone or fax. Most ships these days have email or fax facilities. If you want to increase the size of the group once you're on board, just update us.
When You Dock
We will provide you with our guide's name and mobile telephone number. When you berth, the guide and a suitable size vehicle will be waiting. All you need to do then is call the guide and facilitate meeting up with each other.
What's Available
Of course what's available will depend on where you dock.
- Vung Tau: It takes 2-3 hours to get to Saigon from Vung Tau. You need a long day to see Saigon from Vung Tau but it can be done. Vung Tau is not great for shopping but the city is interesting and has some wonderful seaside restaurants and magnificent views. The province of Baria-Vung Tau is a lovely rural area and easy to get around. The dock is a few kilometers outside of twon centre.
- Saigon: There's plenty of shopping opportunities but a limited number of sights to see. The dock in Saigon is right in the centre of town.
- Da Nang: There is reasonable handicrafts shopping in Da Nang including handicrafts from ethnic minorities. It is possible to get to Hoi An which is a special spot. In a day it is possible to get to Hue and back but to get a good look at the Citadel would mean a long day away from the ship. Liners dock north of Da Nang so you get to go over the Hai Van Pass if you head into town.
- Ha Long Bay: It is possible to have a day on Ha Long Bay. Liners dock at Hon Gai the twin town to Bai Chai a few kilometers away where most of the cruise boats leave from.
- Hai Phong: Hai Phong is a port city. it is a lovely provincial town but has limited tourist sights and limited shopping. It is connected to Hanoi by road and rail. The trip takes about three hours.
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