Our pre-cruise itinerary has been exclusively prepared for our Group alone (not part of the Amawaterways program) by Destination Asia. Everything is private to us! 
VIP arrival, private transfers, professionally guided tours on two days, all admissions, deluxe room accommodations with breakfast, welcome reception and dinner, and one lunch are all included in the pre-Cruise package price of USD 540 per person based on double occupancy (50% single surcharge). 
​Optional Vespa Tour USD 140 per person. 

Day 1/ Saturday, 27 February 2021. Arrival Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

Welcome to Saigon!!

With a population of nearly 10 million inhabitants and an almost equal number of scooters, mopeds and motorcycles all competing for space on the ultra-busy streets, bustling and noisy Ho Chi Minh City is quite literally a metropolis on the move. The most western of Vietnamese cities, Saigon, as it is still commonly known, is a city of contrasts; a place where ultra-modern shopping malls and fashionable restaurants vie for space with local retailers selling all manner of wares and quiet roadside cafes making delicious Vietnamese iced coffee (cafe sua da) and other liquid refreshments. There is always something going on in Saigon and a friendly roadside cafe is the perfect place to take five, enjoy a coffee and absorb the dynamic scene unfolding around you. 

Ho Chi Minh City is packed with first-rate museums and some elegant French-era colonial architecture, including the Central Post Office and the stunning Saigon Opera House. Away from the city centre, Cholon, where the treasure trove of temples are best explored on foot, is one of the most vibrant Chinatowns in South-east-Asia whilst Ben Thanh Market is the perfect place for a spot of retail therapy and souvenir-hunting. With so much to see and do, an international dining scene and some of the most luxurious hotels in the country, Ho Chi Minh City is a truly remarkable destination waiting to be explored.

Your arrival flight will be arranged by Roger (not included in package).
​From the moment of arrival, it's all VVVIP! 

The Fast Track Service upon Arrival is included: 
• Airport Service Team will pick you up at the entrance of the International Arrival Terminal.
• You will be assisted with the Visa on Arrival procedure (if needed), expedited processing, Immigration & Custom clearance
• You will be assisted with baggage claim and transport out of the airport.

After clearing Customs and collecting your luggage, you will be met by your tour guide for the private transfer to hotel with introduction to the city en-route. 

This evening, a Welcome Reception and dinner is arranged.

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Pre-dinner Cocktails at Chill Sky Bar
​followed by Dinner at Chill Dining
A modern, stylish and vibrant club and lounge bar that offers both an entertainment nightlife and a social gathering experience destination. Chill Sky Bar is perched on the top of the AB Tower in the heart of Saigon and situated exclusively on the 26th floor of the city skyline. 2 hours of free-flowing Wine/Beer/Soft drinks included, compliments of Roger and Jim!

Following is Dinner. Chill Dining is a modern, stylish restaurant that offers Sky-View Dining Experiences, Best Romantic Ambience, and Best Wine Selection. Set Western menu. 

Meals included : Dinner (dinner beverages paid independently)

Accommodation: Caravelle Saigon Hotel (Deluxe Room)
http://www.caravellehotel.com/
Since its opening on Christmas Eve 1959, Caravelle Saigon has gained renown for being at the heart of everything important in this great city. During the 1960s, the Caravelle was home to the Australian Embassy, the New Zealand Embassy, and the Saigon bureaus of NBC, ABC and CBS. As a hub of communication, it played an important role in the Vietnam War. Located in the city centre, the hotel is a short walk to iconic landmarks and locations, such as the Saigon Municipal Theatre, also known as the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, historic Dong Khoi Street, modern Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and the legendary Ben Thanh Market. Within its walls, the hotel has been at the centre of significant historic and cultural events as well, beginning with its original design hailed at the time as one of the tallest and most modern buildings of its kind in Vietnam.

Deluxe Room: These rooms are approximately 34sqm (365sqft) with a spacious walk-in vanity and shower including bathroom amenities from the Appelles Classic range and beautifully finished with imported marble throughout. Featuring large windows that stream in plenty of natural light and offer delightful views of the city or Saigon River. Each comes with a 49” Samsung flat screen TV, free WiFi, and modern decor and furnishings that give it a homely feel.

Premier Signature Room: This optional upgrade is available if you would like a little more space (38sqm), better view (Opera), sofa, and access to the Signature Lounge (complimentary drinks hors d'ouevres, etc.). Entirely optional. 

Day 2/ Sunday 28 February 2021. Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)

A sumptuous Breakfast at your hotel is included. 

Highlights of Saigon Full Day Private Tour with Lunch
Duration: 08:30 am – 4:30 pm

Synonymous with the Vietnam War and a testament to the determined spirit of the Vietnamese, the underground network of passages at Cu Chi is a fascinating day trip out of the city. Work on the tunnels began during the war against the French in the 1940s and over the next 25 years as the conflict with America escalated, they were improved and expanded to create an underground city of meeting areas, storerooms, living quarters, kitchens and much more. The cobweb of tunnels allowed the Viet Cong to control a vital area of South Vietnam and at their height, extended for more than 200 km in length and stretched from Saigon to the Cambodian border.

Preserved as a memorial park, two sections of this remarkable network are open to the public. Visiting the area at Ben Dinh, there is the option to go below the surface and visit sections of the tunnels first hand. The more adventurous may go deeper and your guide will be on hand to give guidance on the degree of expected difficulty. There is plenty of interest above ground as well and it is recommended to bring good footwear, sunscreen and a hat. Please note you may get a little dusty if you decide to go underground.

Return to city for Lunch at a local restaurant. Lunch is included. 

The first stop on this afternoon’s itinerary is Reunification Palace. Formerly named the Presidential Palace, this important city landmark was assured its place in history on 30 April 1975, when the first North Vietnamese tanks rumbled past, signaling the Fall of Saigon and ultimately the end of the Vietnam War. Now a museum complete with period meeting areas, war rooms and a basement communication centre, after your visit, walk the short distance to Notre Dame Cathedral. At the centre of HCMC’s government district, this romantic church dates back to the late 19th century and is a popular backdrop for wedding photographs. Across the street from the cathedral is the city’s striking French colonial-era post office, whilst Hotel de Ville de Saigon, officially Ho Chi Minh City Hall, is another of the city’s most prominent buildings. The Museum of Vietnamese History is housed in yet another fine example of Sino-French architecture. Dating back to the 1920s, it contains an excellent series of exhibits dating from the Bronze Age to the Nguyen dynasty, the last ruling family of Vietnam.

As an alternative to the Museum of Vietnamese History, visit the elegant Fine Arts Museum with its impressive collection of ancient and modern art and sculptures, or the War Remnants Museum, which is primarily dedicated to the Vietnam War but also includes exhibits dating back to French colonialist period and the first Indochina War.

The final stop today is the unforgettable Jade Emperor Pagoda. With the pungent smell of incense hanging heavy in the air and an interior packed fall of ornate carvings and fierce-looking statues, this Taoist temple is one of the most atmospheric places of worship in the city. Transfer back to your hotel after your visit.

Dinner is at leisure. You may wish to join us as we explore and sample the famous Street Food Vendors of Saigon for dinner this evening.  See video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=39Pjp-9waAo

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Caravelle Saigon Hotel, Deluxe Room

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Optional Tour:
Saigon After Dark: Street Food Tour by Antique Vespa 
(Quoted separately: USD 140 per person, incl food and beverage)
Duration: 4 hours (Tour starts at 6:00 pm)

Nothing can immerse you so completely and enjoyably into the Saigon experience!  Early this evening, discovery Saigon nightlife by Antique Vespa. Experience the allures of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, still commonly known as Saigon, from the back of a vintage Vespa scooter. Part night excursion, part street food adventure, this after-dark tour of Saigon’s hectic downtown begins at the Vespa-themed Café Zoom, the ideal vantage point from which to observe the hustle and the bustle of the city. After a few drinks continue darting through the buzzing streets and alleyways of Districts 1, 3 and 4 on the back of the scooter.

Throughout the evening, there are several occasions to sample the city’s authentic and flavoursome street food, whilst a visit to a Vietnamese-style coffee shop provides the opportunity to listen to some  contemporary live music.

Finish the evening at a local bar, where the new generation of Saigonese unwind after their busy day in the city, before riding pillion back to your hotel.

- Guest ride pillion behind the Vespa’s driver.
- All food and drinks including alcoholic drinks are included
​- And that's why you aren't driving the Vespa! 

Day 3/ Monday, 1 March 2021. Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) – Departure

Breakfast at our hotel. ​Then it's time for a

Guided walking visit to nearby  Ben Thanh market for personal exploration and a spot of souvenir hunting. Bến Thành Market is a large marketplace in central Hồ Chí Minh City. The market is one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon and an important symbol of Hồ Chí Minh City, popular with tourists seeking local handicrafts, textiles, áo dài and souvenirs, as well as local cuisine. 2-hour tour duration. 

When it’s time we will be transferred to My Tho port where we bid farewell to our Destination Asia hosts and guides and will board the AmaDara.

Settle in and then meet fellow guests at a Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises to Cai Be. 

Meals included: Breakfast (plus a Light lunch and Welcome Dinner aboard AmaDara as part of Cruise package)

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More details here: 
Overview - ​Itinerary - Prices - AmaDara ship   - Stateroom Categories -  Ho Chi MInh City pre-Cruise -
Additional Resources 
All bookings are made and protected through
Travel Edge Canada Ltd, 2 Queen St E Suite 200, Toronto ON M5C 3G7
IATA/ARC:  67-682543  /  TICO #:  50023253. ​
Travel Agent of Record is Roger Kershaw.

Travel Insurance is NOT included in prices quoted but is strongly recommended.