holidayhelen

Hello

We are on the Jewel Singapore - HK leg - Does anyone know if the ship arrange visas for us for Vietnam? Do they need passport photos?

Any other visas we may need?

Thanks

H

They have their own taxi operation ship side, so not sure if other taxis/vans can get in. The port gate is very far from where the ships dock.

We hired a taxi right there for our trip to Pattaya in 2016. Our day in Pattaya here.

Thank you so much - I have actually been reading your blog - thats where I found out about the beach in Koh Samui. And we had dismissed Pattaya (as it has such a seedy reputation) but once I had read your blog the S of T appealed and we looked into it more.

We have an overnight in Laem Chabang but we are not really bothered about going to Bangkok. We have been looking at an overnight in Pattaya. There looks to be a nice hotel near the temple. Garden Sea View Resort.

Our other option was to go the other way and we were looking at Rayong - but we can't find out much about that area.

Any info on the rest of our ports???? Phy My (we are thinking Vang Tu) - Da Nang - and Ha Long bay (cruise of some kind)

Thanks for any help

H

Thank you very much. Are they picking you up inside the port?

H

Our cruise starts 10th March - thanks

H

Hello - we want to get a taxi from Laem Chabang to Pattaya. Are we better pre booking a taxi for our cruise in March 2018 or will we be able to pick one up at the port.

Can anyone recommend a company?

Thanks

H

Has anyone used TAA for any of their ports in Thailand or Vietnam? Are they good? Any tours you can recommend?

Thanks in advance

H

Hello - we are on an NCL cruise in March 2018. Now is the time to start seriously looking at tours - so any advice gratefully received.

Itinerary - Ko Samui 8-5

Bangkok overnight

Phu My 7 - 9

Chan May 8 - 5

Ha Long 9 - 8

I have looked at the roll call for our cruise but there are many many pages and a lot of people seem to be doing about 4 b2b legs and have booked big groups.

There are 6 of us and we do like smaller groups.

We are not sure we really want to go into Bangkok or HCMC - and we would like to look at alternatives.

Would we find independant taxis/tours at most of these ports?

Did I read somewhere that Ko Samui is walkable to a beach and restaurants?

Thank you for any advice or recommendations

H

I thought HK Soya is only open for lunch?

10am to 8.30pm - closed Wednesdays

We are also interested and will be there on 27 March 2018, wonder if the same cruise?

karen

We are cruising NCL Jewel - Singapore to HK - leaving 10 March 2018

Is Pattaya worth a visit - we are concerned as all we hear about is the 'seediness' of the place - is it worth a days visit - or is there something else? Not fancying the trip to Bangkok

Thanks

H

These are amazing photos, thank you for sharing, I'm going to Alaska next year August first time cruising too and could use some help, can you tell me the must see/do if you would please, thank you

As much as we love to plan - its all 'dependant on the day'. The only thing we booked was Chilkoot tours - I think some of the photos are in the book. This was in Skagway - we got a train up to the border then a van on to Emerald lake - a fantastic tour - probably the best tour we have ever done.

We left Vancouver - sea Chilkoot tour - Glacier Bay - Ketchikan - we didn't do much and we were not very impressed with the town. Then a sea day - Victoria - Stunning place we did a Whale watching tour - think that is in the book too. Next was Astoria - pretty little town we just walked along the prom and had some lunch out - then a sea day took us to San Fran - where we had another few days. It was the last Alaska Cruise of the season. We were very lucky with the weather

On two visits to Phu My with Holland America I don't recall there being a free shuttle to Baria.

I contributed the following to a previous thread:

Phu My.

The first visit we did a tour of HCMC with Dung Zoom with other members of our roll call. On our second visit we didn't want to travel as far so I organised a tour through Dung for members of the roll call. This is the tour I posted:

Having visited Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) before, we have been looking for a tour that avoids the hustle and bustle of the big city and is closer to the port of Phu My. We have always wanted to visit the Cu Chi tunnels but realise they are too far from the port for a worth while day visit. So, after much searching we have booked a full day tour with Dung Zoom to the nearby Long Phuoc tunnels and the seaside community of Vung Tau. Zoom provided our successful tour to HCMC on our last visit to Vietnam and is highly rated by Cruisecritic members.

The tour, in a 12-seat a/c van includes an English speaking guide, local guide in Long Phuoc, permit and tickets and bottled water .

The tour will commence at around 8am from the port of Phu My and will travel around the southern side of the Long Hai mountains, through the community of Ba Ria to Long Phuoc. The journey is around 30km through typical Vietnamese countryside with lush rice fields, market gardens and farm houses that line the road.

The Long Phuoc tunnels were originally dug for use against the French and were extended for use in the Vietnam War. The tour allows access to the tunnels, including a life-sized hospital room, kitchen and bedrooms. These were the first tunnels in Vietnam, they are original and not dug (or widened) especially for tourists. (May also include a visit to Long Tan Cross - Australian war memorial).

From Long Phuoc, the tour continues to Vung Tau, approximately 25km. Vung Tau is a favourite weekend beach escape destination for family vacations from Ho Chi Minh City. Vung Tau was known as Cap Saint-Jacques under French occupation and was a popular beach resort for French, Australian and American service personnel. The tour includes visits to:

*Nui Nho (Nho Mount) leading to the spectacular Statue of Jesus. Standing at 32m in height with 18.3m long arms (the locals claim it is 6m larger than Rio’s Christ the Redeemer), this statue serves as an excellent vantage point to admire the whole city and shoreline. The visit to the statue involves approx 900 steps, but it can be viewed from lower down.

*Niet Ban Tinh Xa (Nirvana Pagoda), the majestic statue of a recumbent Buddha, where visitors strike the giant bronze bell for luck.

*The White Villa (Bach Dinh) – once the weekend retreat of French Governor Paul Doumer (later French President). The villa is a beautiful colonial-era residence with extensive gardens.

*The Whale Temple (Thang Tam), which worships the remains of a whale washed up onto the Vung Tau shore over 100 years ago.

*Vung Tau Lighthouse. With its peak located 170 meters above sea level, the lighthouse offers panoramic views of the city - this stop depends on time available.

Return to the port of Phu My with plenty of time before the ship departs.

 

The cost of the tour is $45pp. Lunch will be taken at some point during the day but is not included in the price.

We met our guide at the port gate, a 15 minute walk from the ship. It was a wonderful day.

Do you have contact details for this tour? This looks like it would suit us - we go in March 2018

Thank you very much

Just caught up with this thread - we set sail from Vancouver 25th Sept 2017 - last Alaskan cruise of the season. A cloudy day when we left and the next sea day. Rain in Juneau then 28th we were in Skagway where the weather could not have been any better - the following day we woke up to fog - which was quite annoying as we had a day cruising glacier bay. The second I set foot in the shower the fog cleared and we had a fantastic day. Topped off by seeing bubble netting twice about 5pm as we were leaving the bay. I tried to take some photos and I have made up this book - feel free to flick through and see what we saw.

https://www.bonusprint.co.uk/view-online-photo-book/9cc44c19-5969-4409-a554-896555304d69

Hello

We are on a cruise and we dock at Laem Chabang - we don't really want to go to Bangkok again so we have had Rayong recommended. Has anyone been? Is it worth a visit - the ship is in dock overnight so no rush to get back - could even stay over. How is the best way to get there? How long would it take?

Any help appreciated

H

Have a wonderful time!! (We did the opposite and had great weather both ways.) Chilkoot gave us one of the best tours we've ever experienced!

Totally agree - they were brilliant

What a fantastic review - thank you. We sailed 2 days after you - 25th Sept - from Vancouver and we had the complete opposite to you. We had rain in Juneau and then after that the weather got better and better. Skagway was amazing full sunshine and blue sky - we took the train up and then a Van - we went up to Emerald Lake and back down the road - really good. That night and for the next 2 nights we saw the northern lights too.

Glacier bay we woke up to fog - but that literally passed one minute later to a stunning cloudless day. To top that day off we saw humpbacks 'bubble netting'. Ketchikan the weather was good - we grabbed a tour by the port where we were hoping to see bear but we didn't and the driver seemed to drive round in circles the full time - we ate at the inn by the port and have to say the food was good - it was not my favourite port - the smell of the rotting salmon on creek street was awful. I am so sorry that you were ill. Victoria was a highlight for us - the weather was amazing and we grabbed a whale watching tour -saw loads and we loved victoria. We then went on to Astoria and finally San Francisco - as it was the last cruise of the season. Just goes to show that 2 days later what a difference it can be.

You might consider doing it in the opposite direction - bus up and train back. In the morning there is often fog/clouds that can block the view from the train. The bus can be up and over the mountains rather quickly and into clear skies (assuming the day is otherwise nice). The fog & clouds will have time to burn off before you come back on the train sometime in the afternoon - you'll see everything much better. That's not necessarily how it always is but something to consider.

This was not an option for us as it was literally the last day of the season. It was amazing - we did keep going through cloud but it never spoilt is one bit

Newmilford, have you considered a one-way train trip? We did a Yukon Rail and Bus tour this summer that we booked through Chilkoot charters. (Their driver picks you up at the dock and takes you to the train station.) It was one of the highlights of our week. We were in a regular train car, not the VIP, but were so glad that we only took the train one-way. The mini-bus picked us up in Fraser and took us into the Yukon and Emerald Lake. The tour back to Skagway was fabulous (only 12 people on our tour), and we were able to see different scenery (including a couple of bear sightings) than we saw going up on the train, not to mention frequent stops to take pictures and stretch our legs.

 

We actually considered the VIP car option, but decided we would rather do a one-way train trip, which was a great choice for us. It would have been fun to ride in a luxury car, but we decided we would rather see a variety of scenery.

Totally 200% agree - booked with Chikoot too and what an amazing day - Fab driver - only about 12 on bus so all got a window seat and he stopped where ever or when ever we wanted - it was amazing

And this was Sept - last trip of the season for them

We have just returned from our cruise - we sailed from Vancouver 25th Sept - we saw the northern lights 3 nights running - 27, 28 and 29th - we were so surprised - it was amazing. To get the best view you have to 'cup' your race to cut out the light around you. We also saw whales 'bubble netting' as we left Glacier bay - we had outstanding weather - rain in Juneau - so we just did the Cable car then spent the afternoon in the pub!! But the rest of the 10 day cruise just got sunnier and warmer - it was amazing.

We did an amazing tour with Chilkoot tours in Skayway - the weather was amazing

This may show how good that day was.

Enjoy your cruise

Some photos of our day in Koh Samui last year. We spent a relaxing day there.

Fab photos - going to hopefully repeat your experience -thanks again

H

Hi, Helen,

 

My thoughts, for what they're worth.......

 

Bangkok

Especially with 2 days (or even the usual day-and-a-half) IMHO the effort to get to Bangkok is well worthwhile and I'd recommend you do what we did & deefer will be doing - book an overnight hotel in the city. Unless you want to be right on the river there are plenty of very reasonably-priced hotels in the city.

Travel time from Laem Chabang port is about 90 minutes, but you need to allow at least 2.5 hours to return to the ship because the city roads are often log-jammed. There's no suitable public transport, and cars & a few vans available at the port on-spec are in a cartel which will royally screw those who've not made travel arrangements, so its important to pre-book a private van transfer over the 'net.

The afore-mentioned city traffic jams will affect a van tour - in the city rather than using a van or taxis it's quicker (and cheaper and more fun) to use the Skytrain, river ferries and tuk-tuks - but research tuk-tuk negotiations ahead of your cruise or en-route you'll be visiting the driver's cousin's carpet emporium, his uncle's wood-carving workshop and his second-aunt's jewellery store.

So consider whether you want a van tour or just a van transfer.

Put the Royal Palace, Wat Arun and a long-tail boat ride through the klongs (canals) at the top of your list of things to do though there's lots of other attractions. The express ferries have stops near the Royal Palace and Wat Arun, and at River City Pier where you can take a long-tail boat ride (probably available at other piers too). Book it at the pier office - an hour is long enough - but to keep the cost down, if you want longer book just the hour at the pier & negotiate longer with the driver.

Overniting in the city avoids duplicating that boring ride from the port and gives you an evening in the city.

 

There are some quite limited alternatives near the port, such as an elephant park or Pattaya. Walking Street in Pattaya is a bit of an eye-opener in the evenings - not suitable for kids or for gents with a heart condition :D

 

HCMC (locals still call it Saigon)

Another port that's well worth two days and an overnite hotel. Your single day does limit you but again I urge you to make the effort.

As I understand it the road from Phu My has been drastically up-graded in the past few years and travel time is now 90 minutes or less. Again, esp with a group of 6, do book either a tour or transfer in advance.

The main city sights like Reunification Hall, War Remnants museum, HCM museum, Notre Dame and the nearby Post Office building, and Ben Thanh market are all walkable, so you can choose either a van transfer or a van tour. On a map, use the Rex Hotel as a central point.

Cu Chi is a further 60 to 90 minutes up-river, and I agree with deefer's guide that it's too much in your single day.

 

Chan May port is an hour north of Da Nang.

Best options are Hue (about 90 minutes north-west) or Hoi An (about 100 minutes south). Either (but not both) is well worthwhile. If you choose Hoi An you can visit Da Nang and China Beach en-route - both have US associations tho there's not a lot to see. Also, Marble Mountain is close to China Beach and no need for the tortuous climb - an elevator has been built since we were there.

 

Halong Bay.

Again you have a single day. :(

We chose not to go to Hanoi because of the long slow drive (about 3.5 hrs e/w) and because of the alternative of a junk cruise.

Getting lost in the watery moonscape amongst the limestone karsts of the Bay is an amazing experience. And IMHO the frequent mists, far from detracting from the experience actually add to the eeriness. You need a minimum of a four-hour cruise, a six hour one is better, an eight hour cruise probably won't fit your time in Halong Bay because the junks don't sail in the dark. Don't bother with a two hour cruise, that will do little more than get you across the open part of the Bay.

And an over-full ship-sponsored junk will not give you the atmosphere.

We booked junks on-spec when we arrived (booked in the afternoon for the next day). There were about 20 of us who'd met during the cruise & hung around together, and we split between a four hour cruise on one junk & a six-hour on the other. Ideal numbers, so we could all sit inside or lie on the saloon roof. I guess the junk would have held 30 or more, and similar-size junks arranged for ship-sponsored tours were doing just that.

I won't tell you how cheap the day was, cos I doubt you'd believe me. But it was a few years ago, and winging-it was taking a big chance on availability. Especially having only a single day you really need a guaranteed booking and an early start.

 

Sorry, can't help with Koh Samui

 

JB :)

Thank you so much for the info. I will investigate further

H

We are on the same cruise as you!

 

Our roll call is very active with tours already being organized for each port. If you haven't joined the roll call yet, take a look.

 

We initially planned on joining the the roll call tours, but as we don't know if we will ever get back to this part of the world again, in the end we decided to just book tours for the 2 of us. Gives us flexibility during the tour.

 

We used trip advisor and cruise critic to get ideas and then booked directly with the vendor.

 

It's more work than using a general travel company but then you know who the local tour company will be and what their actual reviews are.

 

It was overwhelming when we first started researching. Especially since we added China by land for 10 days at the end of the cruise.

 

My suggestion is research one port at a time. Once you find a tour you want to do, start the booking process and move on to the next ports research. The actual booking process may take a few days of email exchanges due to the time changes.

 

This is what we have planned:

 

For us, Ko Sumai was the most difficult to book as nothing really jumped out us. We ended up booking a private 4x4 keep trek where we don't have to share a guide and the elephant camp you go to is more humane (we may just skip that part all together).

 

Bangkok, we are staying overnight in the city. Booked a 2 day tour of the city.

 

From PhuMy, we booked a full day tour of Ho Chi Min City. We wanted to see the Chu Chi tunnels too, but after some discussion with our guide, decided that was too much to cram into one day.

 

From ChanMay, doing a day tour of HoiAn.

 

HalongBay, decided to pass on Hanoi and instead doing a full day junk tour (7 hrs)

Thanks for the advice. There are 6 of us so it may be better to arrange our tour privately too. Ko Sumai we fancied a beach day.

We dont' really want to go back to Bangkok - plus all the travelling it entails - so we thought we would try something else there.

Hcmc - same as above the travelling is very off putting and think we will try something with less journey time - maybe beachy.

Hoi an - we have not looked at at all

Halong Bay we really want a junk tour - who have you booked with?

Thanks

H

I appreciate your trip report. I noted that you took the Tour we are contemplating for next August. Could you tell me about the puppy portion of that tour? Did those riding the sled at the mushers’ place go on a different tour from those just petting the puppies? If you saw the riding folks, what did u think of that experience? Thank you.

We did the tour without the sled dogs - but you do the sleding where we have lunch - so its the same route - but you would take some time then to go with the dogs. You can spend time with the dogs with or without the sled - it was an excellent tour and we would HIGHLY recommend it - will try and attach the days photos

Good to know you saw the Northern lights. Was it from a distance, or just right above you?

Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

 

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We saw them as we were leaving Juneau, Skagway and over Glacier bay. They were more white than coloured - but someone got a really good photo and on the photo they looked green. It went on for a while - but it was around 11pm - it was not right above us but easy to spot - you had to 'cup' your face to get rid of the light from around you

Anyone used Travel Authentic Asia? Any advice on their tours?

Thanks

H