Johnny34

We were two couples and did the Mekong Delta Tour with Xuan.

He is a very popular guide on cruise critic with many wonderful reviews.

This is the tour our group took with him-

https://www.tourwithxuan.com/cai-be.html

This is our 2nd time in Vietnam. First time we toured Saigon. So this time we wanted a new experience.

Xuan is a terrific guide, so kind and fun too! We learned so much about the culture- it was a very special day.

If I was you I would book him in advance and not wait until you get to Saigon- this way you will have your day planned out, time starting , know who your guide is, what kind of vehicle you will be transported in etc.

Also we liked doing a private tour since we could go at our own pace.

You can see more details on his website https://www.tourwithxuan.com/

We were recently on a Seabourn Cruise of Southeast Asia and took these tours.

Ho Chi Minh City- Used tour company-

http://privatevietnamtourguide.com

Bao Lac is owner - ask for Xuan Le to be your guide. Amazing day with him. A very special young man. Great reviews on trip advisor.

We did it privately, you may want to find another couple on Roll call to go with you and split cost.

Itinerary: called Saigon Full Day city tour

Cholon: China town and Thien Hau temple to learn about my custom and religion.

Rickshaw riding through different local markets in 45 minutes with a driver for each of you. (This was so much fun!)

Walking into small alleys and through a local market to discover the real life as the soul of my city.

Downtown: war museum and site, walking on Dongkhoi road to visit French buildings: Notre Damn Church, City Post-office, City Hall and The Rex hotel.

Also there is an unique building that the Huey Uh1 evacuated people climbing on the ladder one day before the North came to take over Saigon in 1975, it became the iconic photo of the Fall of Saigon- only tour company allowed to go there as it is not opened for tourist and public

New city to see the contrast between old and new residences.

We also added with our guide a lunch break at Nha Hang Ngon restaurant- was delicious, not expensive and we treated the guide.

2nd half day- we did on our own:

- Reunification Palace- South Vietnam headquarters during the war- Basement has command center during the war ( very interesting) and also went shopping.

Bao Lac also suggested we do motorbike food tour this 1/2 day ( we didn't do- but everyone loves it)

Ho Chi Minh is so interesting for Americans with all the Vietnam war places to visit.

Da Nang port/Hoi An

We used this company:

http://privatehoianguide.com/

We did this tour:

http://privatehoianguide.com/private-hoi-an-shore-excursion-from-tien-sa-port.php

Another great day- XuanTu has great tours. Rated #1 on tripadvisor for a reason. XuanTu was one of the best guides we ever had and a fantastic day!

Loved going to Cam Kim Island to see local businesses in people's homes.

and Hoi An afterwards.

We did privately but you can also get another couple on roll call to go with you.

If you call Seabourn Tours- they will let you switch I am sure without a fee for the longer cruise.

Ho Chi Minh-Also when you walk to gate to go on your own to the city.( very close to port)

Make sure taxi uses the meter. We were quoted $15 us dollars without meter.

With the meter it was only $2 US dollars. I had read about it beforehand so knew to do the meter with the taxis.

Halong Bay- we did the ship's 6.5 hour tour. It was a great day. Longer trip has visit to caves-which were magnificent, lunch on board and also fishing village where go on a paddle boat for one hour where Vietnamese woman paddle you around the formations! 4 persons to a small boat.

The tour was a highlight! Everyone on our junk tour loved it!

Shorter cruise does not do all that. Easy because you get on junk right from the ship. We think longer cruise is a better option than shorter cruise.

Ho Chi Minh City- Used small tour company-

http://privatevietnamtourguide.com- Bao Lac is owner - ask for Xuan Le to be your guide. Amazing day with him. A very special young man. Great reviews on trip advisor.

We did it privately, you may want to find another couple on Roll call to go with you and split cost.

Itinerary: called Saigon Full Day city tour

Cholon: China town and Thien Hau temple to learn about my custom and religion.

Rickshaw riding through different local markets in 45 minutes with a driver for each of you. (This was so much fun!)

Walking into small alleys and through a local market to discover the real life as the soul of my city.

Downtown: war museum and site, walking on Dongkhoi road to visit French buildings: Notre Damn Church, City Post-office, City Hall and The Rex hotel.

Also there is an unique building that the Huey Uh1 evacuated people climbing on the ladder one day before the North came to take over Saigon in 1975, it became the iconic photo of the Fall of Saigon- only tour company allowed to go there as it is not opened for tourist and public

New city to see the contrast between old and new residences.

We also added with our guide a lunch break at Nha Hang Ngon restaurant- was delicious, not expensive and we treated the guide.

Also I heard from other passengers who did the night time dinner and show Seabourn tour - they loved it! - If you do this you probably would skip lunch as night tour starts early.

2nd half day- we did on our own:

- Reunification Palace- South Vietnam headquarters during the war- Basement has command center during the war ( very interesting) and also went shopping.

Bao Lac also suggested we do motorbike food tour this 1/2 day ( we didn't do- but everyone loves it)

Ho Chi Minh is so interesting for Americans with all the Vietnam war places to visit.

Ka Kood, Thailand

Seabourn does a Beach Barbeque on private island. Get off tender early and spend whole day there. Bring money for Thai massages. $30 US dollars for 1 hour. Also they have water sports that day, caviar in surf!

This day was fabulous and one of the highlights of our cruise.

Da Nang

We used this company- Tour :http://privatehoianguide.com/private-hoi-an-shore-excursion-from-tien-sa-port.php

Another great day- XuanTu has great tours. Rated #1 on tripadvisor for a reason. XuanTu was one of the best guides we ever had and a fantastic day!

Loved going to Cam Kim Island to see local businesses in people's homes.

and Hoi An afterwards.

We did privately but you can also get another couple on roll call to go with you.

Great information.

I appreciate you taking the time to explain everything!

Thank you for all the detailed information. That is very helpful.

We are staying at FS Hong Kong on 8 Finance Street, Central.

Should we tell taxi driver which tunnel to take? for the shorter route?

We arrive early and would probably be in taxi by 9:00-9:30 a.m.

Also I saw they only have money changers at Cruise Terminal. I am surprised there are no ATM machines.

Arriving at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in January. Will there be a lot of taxis to go to a Central Hotel?

What is the approximate cost?

Than you.

People go all different times. The nice thing about Seabourn you don't need to make reservations for their restaurants. You just go when you want.

Restaurants start dinner at 7:00 P.M on Seabourn.

We were on a Seabourn cruise this summer in Europe and the Regent Explorer was docked at the same port.

We talked to two couples who previously sailed with Seabourn and they both said Seabourn had better service and food.

They said they would not go on another Regent Cruise and in the future would go back to Seabourn.

We are going on our 4th. Seabourn Cruise in December and wouldn't sail on any other cruise line.

So I guess you need to experience both to make your own conclusions.

I am working with the company direct. They have the highest ratings.

It is a small junk ( only holds 2 people) and the most luxurious on the Bays.

The distance from the tender to Halong Bay Cruise or Bai Tu Long Bay starting point is the same. ( about 20 minutes). The cruises just leave out of different starting locations- and do different itineraries.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks.

What did you think of the Seabourn Halong Bay Cruise?

Was it well done by a good Junk Company? Do you remember the name?

Thanks.

We are going on 30 day Seabourn Sojurn – December 22nd.

One of the ports is Halong Bay.

Seabourn has a cruise excursion where they pick you up at the tender and it is 6.5 hours – cruising the bay, visiting a fishing village, going to Sung Sot cave and climb to the top of Titop Island and a buffet lunch. They said is will be on a large junk with 44 people. The junk picks you up right at the Tender and drops you off at the tender. Seabourn Excursion is $159 per person.

I also looked into doing a private junk tour for the day to Bai Tu Long Bay- which only a few junk tours go and is preferred by many since it is not crowded like Halong Bay. I would have to take a 20 minute taxi to meet the junk. We visit Thein Canh Son Cave, Cruise the Bay, Lunch and swim and explore around the caves by Kayak for 30 minutes. Then take 20 minute taxi back to the cruise ship. Would be back 2 hours before cruise ship departs. I am little worried if the junk breaks down and would miss getting back to the ship. The company assured me that doesn’t happen.

I know one person replied to me in another post that they did the Seabourn excursion to Halong Bay. If so do you know what company they used? Did you find Halong Bay real touristy and commercial because so many junks go there? Did you enjoy the caves, fishing village etc. on this Seabourn Excursion? I also saw another person did private junk and loved it – but hasn’t been active on CruiseCritic for awhile so may not reply.

The price for the private junk is $USD195 person. They also do private junk in Halong Bay for $USD120 person. ( this tour only cruises the Halong Bay and goes to caves- no kayaking or swimming or visiting villages.- Would also have to take taxi 20 minutes both ways)

Any guidance on the above would be appreciated. Thank you very much!

Do you think that will effect the service on the rest of the ships?

Since they must be hiring lots of new staff to replace staff going to the Encore.

What top people have you heard on going on Encore?

Can you tell me where you got your visa?

$400 was for 2 persons, including processing fees using the Seabourn visa company and sending it fed ex both ways . Do not have visa office in my city.

I really appreciate all your suggestions and what you did.

I wonder why Seabourn even goes to Port Blair. Have to get a India Visa- about US$400 for a port that is not worthwhile.

If you had to choose one- Circular train or Dala?

Any suggestions on any of the other ports?

In Yangon did anyone go to Dala across the ferry from Strand Hotel?

Heard you can take a 1 hour rickshaw ride.

Did you do full 3 hour on train? or less?

Thanks.

Going on a Seabourn cruise in December. These are the ports.

Any suggestions on tours- tour companies- must see highlights etc.

Thank you.

Very appreciate your help!

Day Date Port Arrival Departure

THU 22DEC16 Sail from Singapore 5:00pm

FRI 23DEC16 Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia 8:00am 6:00pm

SAT 24DEC16 Penang, Malaysia 10:00am 6:00pm

SUN 25DEC16 Sea Day

MON 26DEC16 Port Blair, India 10:00am 6:00pm

TUE 27DEC16 Sea Day

WED 28DEC16 Thilawa (Rangoon), Myanmar 12:00n

THU 29DEC16 Thilawa (Rangoon), Myanmar

FRI 30DEC16 Thilawa (Rangoon), Myanmar

SAT 31DEC16 Thilawa (Rangoon), Myanmar 12:00n

SUN 01JAN17 Sea Day

MON 02JAN17 Phuket, Thailand 12:00n

TUE 03JAN17 Phuket, Thailand 6:00pm

WED 04JAN17 Porto Malai, Langkawi, Malaysia 8:00am 5:00pm

THU 05JAN17 Lumut, Malaysia 8:00am 5:00pm

FRI 06JAN17 Malacca, Malaysia 8:00am 5:00pm

SAT 07JAN17 Singapore 7:00am 11:59pm

SUN 08JAN17 Sea Day

MON 09JAN17 Sea Day

TUE 10JAN17 Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand 8:00am 6:00pm

WED 11JAN17 Ko Kood, Thailand 8:00am 5:00pm

THU 12JAN17 Sihanoukville, Cambodia 7:00am 8:00pm

FRI 13JAN17 Sea Day

SAT 14JAN17 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam 10:00am

SUN 15JAN17 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam 4:00pm

MON 16JAN17 Sea Day

TUE 17JAN17 Da Nang (Hue), Vietnam 8:00am 6:00pm

WED 18JAN17 Sea Day

THU 19JAN17 Halong Bay, Vietnam 7:00am 8:00pm

FRI 20JAN17 Sea Day

SAT 21JAN17 Debark Ship Hong Kong, China 7:00am

Thanks for all your help on Yangon.

This is my itinerary on Sojourn- if you have any advice or suggestions on any of the highlights of these ports - I would really appreciate it.

Day Date Port Arrival Departure

THU 22DEC16 Sail from Singapore 5:00pm

FRI 23DEC16 Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia 8:00am 6:00pm

SAT 24DEC16 Penang, Malaysia 10:00am 6:00pm

SUN 25DEC16 Sea Day

MON 26DEC16 Port Blair, India 1 10:00am 6:00pm

TUE 27DEC16 Sea Day

WED 28DEC16 Thilawa (Rangoon), Myanmar 2,3,1 12:00n

THU 29DEC16 Thilawa (Rangoon), Myanmar 2,4,1

FRI 30DEC16 Thilawa (Rangoon), Myanmar 2,3,1

SAT 31DEC16 Thilawa (Rangoon), Myanmar 3,4,1 12:00n

SUN 01JAN17 Sea Day

MON 02JAN17 Phuket, Thailand 2 12:00n

TUE 03JAN17 Phuket, Thailand 6:00pm

WED 04JAN17 Porto Malai, Langkawi, Malaysia 5 8:00am 5:00pm

THU 05JAN17 Lumut, Malaysia 5 8:00am 5:00pm

FRI 06JAN17 Malacca, Malaysia 5 8:00am 5:00pm

SAT 07JAN17 Singapore 7:00am 11:59pm

SUN 08JAN17 Sea Day

MON 09JAN17 Sea Day

TUE 10JAN17 Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Thailand 8:00am 6:00pm

WED 11JAN17 Ko Kood, Thailand 5 8:00am 5:00pm

THU 12JAN17 Sihanoukville, Cambodia 1 7:00am 8:00pm

FRI 13JAN17 Sea Day

SAT 14JAN17 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam 2,3,4 10:00am

SUN 15JAN17 Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam 3,4,1 4:00pm

MON 16JAN17 Sea Day

TUE 17JAN17 Da Nang (Hue), Vietnam 1 8:00am 6:00pm

WED 18JAN17 Sea Day

THU 19JAN17 Halong Bay, Vietnam 5,6,1 7:00am 8:00pm

FRI 20JAN17 Sea Day

SAT 21JAN17 Debark Ship Hong Kong, China 7:00am

Should we stay in hotel for 2 nights? I know the Seabourn shuttle comes back late afternoon and it seems the night life there is interesting.

If we go to Planters restaurant will be there already. Heard the Schwedagon Pagoda at night is beautiful.

We will be coming to Yangon December 28 on Sojourn- docking at Mynamar International Terminals Thilawa Port.

Our ship is docking on at 12 noon that day. Then we overnight for 2 more days- and then leave at 12 noon on December 31.

1. Do you suggest I stay in a hotel in Yangon for 2 nights.- and return to ship on December 30?

I heard the traffic is terrible from the port and can take up to 2 hours. So if we stayed on the cruise ship it would be travelling 4 hours a day.

If we don't take the cruise shuttle how much would taxi cost to go into Yangon and come back ? Do you have to reserve or are they at the port?

2. What do you suggest for an itinerary in Yangon?

First day we would probably get to Yangon by 3:00 P.M.

Second day would have full day of touring.

Third day would have full day of touring and go back to cruise ship by 6:00 P.M.

We will not be going to Bagan or Mandalay.

Should we take a side trip to Bago? or Dala?

What should we do at night First and Second night in Yangon?

3. Would like to hire a private guide for 2nd and 3rd. day. Do you have any suggestions?

Thank you for all your information. It is very appreciated to hear all your thoughts.. Also any recommendations for great restaurants?

We will be coming to Yangon December 28 on Sojourn- docking at Mynamar International Terminals Thilawa Port.

Our ship is docking on at 12 noon that day. Then we overnight for 2 more days- and then leave at 12 noon on December 31.

1. Do you suggest I stay in a hotel in Yangon for 2 nights.- and return to ship on December 30?

I heard the traffic is terrible from the port and can take up to 2 hours. So if we stayed on the cruise ship it would be travelling 4 hours a day.

If we don't take the cruise shuttle how much would taxi cost to go into Yangon and come back ? Do you have to reserve or are they at the port?

2. What do you suggest for an itinerary in Yangon?

First day we would probably get to Yangon by 3:00 P.M.

Second day would have full day of touring.

Third day would have full day of touring and go back to cruise ship by 6:00 P.M.

We will not be going to Bagan or Mandalay.

Should we take a side trip to Bago? or Dala?

What should we do at night First and Second night in Yangon?

3. Would like to hire a private guide for 2nd and 3rd. day. Do you have any suggestions?

Thank you for all your information. It is very appreciated to hear all your thoughts.. Also any recommendations for great restaurants?

Heard Seabourn Sojourn has some new chefs.

The names are Guillermo Muro and Paul Miller.

Have you been on a Sojourn cruise recently or on one now with these new chefs?

How did you like them and what are your thoughts on these new Seabourn Chefs?