We have launched on last Oct 07 the first of a flotilla of 4 very unique, authentic and charming Sampans named "Song Xanh Cruise", designed for travellers looking for "private" cruise experiences in the Mekong Delta (Mekong Delta boat trip). On board, two spacious spaces of 15sqm each are equipped with beautiful bamboo and rattan furniture, creating a very charming atmosphere. A very attentive service is provided by a team of 4 crew members"

Song Xanh Cruise  Features:

Song Xanh 1 (15m long x 3,5m wide, 1 living room transformed into a comfortable bedroom at night (15m2), 1 bathroom with wc, lavabo and shower, 1 sundeck at the back where chairs, table, and meals or drinks can be served)
Song Xanh 2 (18m long x 3,5m wide, 1 bed room, 1 living room that can be transformed into 1 more bedroom at night (15m2/each), 1 bathroom with wc, lavabo and shower, 1 sundeck at the back where chairs, table, and meals or drinks can be served)
Song Xanh 3 (18m long x 3,5m wide, 1 bed room, 1 living room that can be transformed into 1 more bedroom at night (15m2/each), 1 bathroom with wc, lavabo and shower, 1 sundeck at the back where chairs, table, and meals or drinks can be served)
Song Xanh 4 (18m long x 3,5m wide, 1 bed room, 1 living room that can be transformed into 1 more bedroom at night (15m2/each), 1 bathroom with wc, lavabo and shower, 1 sundeck at the back where chairs, table, and meals or drinks can be served)

Each sampan will carry a charming rowing boat ("Xuong"), nicely designed for deeper cruises along small canals and arroyos during the itinerary.

• Salon amenities: 1 rattan sofa and 2 rattan armchairs with cotton pillows, 1 rattan low table, books, 1 rattan standing lamp, water jacynth floor carpet.
• Bathroom amenities: tooth brushes and tooth paste, cotton buds, shower cap, shampoo, soap, bath and hands cotton towels.  
• Bed room amenities: cotton kimonos, rattan slippers, fans, double bed with silk bed covers and pillows , 2 rattan bed drawers/bedroomwith 2 silk bed lamps lotus style, 1 ratan chest drawer/bedroom, 1 rattan sofa with cotton pillows, water jacynth floor carpets (bed sides and front).
• Sun deck amenities: teak wood square table with 4 or 6 bamboo/hard cotton chairs.
• 1 small roawing boat attached at the back ("Xuong") with bicycles for deeper canals discovery.

Saigon Tourist Attractions

Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral – Nha Tho Duc Ba Saigon

For 125 years, Saigon's Notre-Dame Basilica, officially known as the immaculate conception Cathedral Basilica, has survived as stunning and splendid in its sacred atmosphere. The cathedral was originally built as a spiritual and cultural representation of the French presence in the orient. It is a place for catholic congregations to perform services and celebrate ceremonies. As the biggest catholic masterpiece in Vietnam, the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, together with the Central Post Office, municipal theatre, and hospital of pediatricts 2, are today recognized as the distinctive icons of the Saigonese.

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica - One of the first Catholic Cathedrals in Saigon
The church together with Catholicism first appeared in Vietnam in the 16th century. Not until the 19th century, however, did it flourish nationwide. Following the French conquest of Cochinchina and Saigon, the Roman Catholic Church established a community and religious services for French colonialists. The first church was built on today’s Ngo Duc Ke Street. On the site there had originally been a Vietnamese pagoda, abandoned during the war. Bishop Lefevre decided to make this pagoda site into a church.

The first church was fairly small. Thus, in 1863, Admiral Bonard decided to build a larger wooden church on the bank of the Charner canal. Lefevre placed the first stone during the construction of the church on 28 March 1863. The construction was completed two years later and was called “Saigon Church”. At one point, when the wooden church was damaged by termites, all church services were held in the guest-chamber of the French Governor’s Palace

In August 1876, the Governor of Cochinchina, M. Duperre’, held a design contest for a new cathedral. Aside from creating a religious building for the Catholics, the cathedral was also meant to display the might of Christianity and the greatness of French civilization. The chosen design of architect J. Bourad defeated 17 others. It was a revised Roman style mixed with Gothic elements, and the design would make the church the most beautiful of all churches in French colonies at that time. After design competition, bids were accepted for construction. Again J. Bourad was the successful bidder and became supervisor of the construction. Originally, there were three proposed sites for construction: on the site of the former test school (today, this is at the corner of Le Duan Boulevard and Hai Ba Trung Street), at Kinh Lon (current Nguyen Hue Boulevard), and at the present site (on Paris Square in centre of District 1) where the cathedral is situated.
On 7th October 1877, Bishop Isidore Colombert laid the first stone in an inaugural ceremony. The construction of the cathedral took three years. On Easter Day, 2nd April 1880, a blessing ceremony and ceremony of completion were solemnly organized in the presence of the Governor of Cohinchina, Charles Le Myre de Vilers.

The total cost of 2,500,000 French francs (the price at that time) was covered by the Governor of Cochinchina. Therefore, at the beginning, the cathedral was called “State Cathedral” as a reflection of the source of the construction funds.

Changes over time
In 1895, two bell towers were added to the cathedral, each 57.6 m high with six bronze bells with a total weight of 28.85 metric tons.  The crosses installed on the top of each tower were 3.5 m high, 2 m wide and weighed 600 kg. the total height of the cathedral to the top of the Cross is 60.5 m.
In the flower garden in front of the cathedral, there was a bronze statue of Pigneau de Behaine (also called Bishop of Adran) leading the Prince Canh, the son of Emperor Gia Long, by his right hand. The statue was made in France.

In 1945, the statue was, but the foundation remains. In 1959, Bishop Joseph Pham Van Thien, whose jurisdiction included the Saigon parish, attended the Holy Mother Congress held in the Vatican and ordered a Peaceful Notre Dame to be made of granite in Rome. When the statue arrived in Saigon on 16 February 1959, Bishop Pham Van Thien held a ceremony to install the statue on the empty base and presented it with the title of “Regina Pacis”. It was the same bishop who wrote the prayer “Notre-Dame – bless the peace in Vietnam”. The next day, Cardinal Aganianian came from Rome to chair the closing ceremony of the Holy Mother Congress and solemnly chaired the ceremony for the statue, thus the cathedral was from then-on called Notre-Dame Cathedral.

In 1960, the Vatican founded the Roman Catholic dioceses in Vietnam and assigned archbishops to Hanoi, Hue and Saigon. The cathedral was titled the Saigon Chief Cathedral. In 1962, the Vatican anointed the Saigon Chief Cathedral and conferred it with the additional name basilica. From this time on the cathedral was called Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. This honor is saved for cathedrals or holy lands that have age, historical influence, and spiritual significance for the Roman Catholic diocese.

Thien Hau Pagoda

Commonly known as Chua Ba or Lady’s Pagoda, this pagoda is dedicated to Thien Hau, Goddess of the Sea and Patroness of Sailors. Built in the early 19th century by the Cantonese congregation, this is one of the most popular and richly embellished pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City.

The front courtyard is surrounded by high walls, topped by intricate friezes and carved tableaus. The entrance ceiling is more complex, with woodwork and gilt reaching halfway down to the floor.

Moving inside, the atrium, with its exquisite friezes and reliefs, features giant censers billowing fragrant smoke. The spacious central room has a display case of what seem to be brass clubs with Chinese inscriptions. In fact, these are the nozzles of the fire hoses used to extinguish a fire that threatened the pagoda in 1898. The walls of this room are covered with prayer flags-red strips of paper on which devotees write their prayers. It is believed that as the breeze rustles the paper, the prayers waft to Thien Hau.

Banks of hanging incense coils grace the main sanctuary ceiling, while three statues of Thien Hau, each franked by two attendants, preside at the altar. Also hanging from the ceiling is a carved wooden boat that recalls Thien Hau’s connection to the sea. To the right is an image of Long Mau, Goddess of Mothers and Newborns.

Vietnam Mekong River Delta

Vietnam has two big deltas, the Red River delta in the North, and the one we talk about here is Mekong in the South, this Mekong delta region is formed by the various tributaries of the mighty Mekong River which begins its journey to the sea in Tibet and winds its way for 4500 km through China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Southern Vietnam.

The Vietnamese name for the Mekong is Cuu Long which means "nine dragons" and this is represented by the nine exit points of the Mekong River as it flows into the sea. The land of the Mekong Delta is renowned for its richness. Known as Vietnam 's breadbasket, it produces enough rice to feed the entire country with a sizable surplus leftover. Take a sampan ride that meanders through small villages and experience the simple lives of the Mekong people.

Can Tho - Mekong Delta
Being the capital of the Mekong delta Vietnam , Can Tho is a thriving metropolis with huge streets, little action and loads of mosquitoes. Although Can Tho has its own market by the riverside, where you can get excellent ice-cream, the principal attraction would have to be the nearby floating markets. Being rather industrious, the centre of Can Tho is quite busy and noisy with motorized cyclos roaring up and down the streets combined with throngs of people going about their lives. The riverside can have its quiet moments, but Can Tho is also a burgeoning are a number of pagodas worth visiting, and for the trivia fans, Can Tho is the home to much of Vietnam ’s fish sauce.

Cai Rang floating market is situated about 8 km from Can Tho by road or a 20 km loop by boat. This market is quite nice and sells a variety of fruit and vegetables and operates from 5 am to 11 am, though the markets are better the earlier you can get there. A cyclo from Can Tho will take about 15 minutes to get to Cai Rang Market. Another market, Phung Hiep market, is 31 km from Can Tho. This is the snake market, selling a plethora of living, wriggling and often poisonous snakes. Pythons and Cobras are sold here by people from the countryside who have caught them by hand, whilst others have come to purchase snakes for restaurants, medicinal reasons or personal consumption. This market is open from 5 am to 5 pm. If traveling by boat, you can add a dimension to your day by stopping and visiting some of the fruit gardens, which sell pineapple, rambutan and papaya amongst many other fruits.

Chau Doc - Mekong Delta
One of the very beautiful place of the Mekong delta - Chau Doc, as close as you can get to Cambodia  without being in it. The Bassac River flows through the town and is a border crossing for river borne traffic, and the small Sam Mountain has an excellent view of the flat plain on the other side. It’s an attractive, busy place with a good hotel and several interesting attractions.

It became part of Vietnam in the middle of the 18th century as a gift, a reward for helping the Cambodian monarch to put down an insurrection. Unsurprisingly, it has a high proportion of ethnic Kh’mer people among the population here, easily identifiable by their darker skins and a chequered scarf instead of Vietnam ’s ubiquitous conical hat. There’s also a fair number of ethic Cham and Chinese people, and enough Christians to fill a local cathedral, making up a rare pot-pourri of cultures and religions.

There’s a large market selling local products and commodities. As might be expected, there’s also plenty of smuggled goods changing hands in both directions. Deep in the market, the Quan Cong (a Chinese character) Temple is a rewarding visit. It’s a flamboyant Taoist structure with good murals and effigies dominated by a ruddy-faced Quan Cong. Further along the riverfront there are several traditional stilt houses.

A short boat trip across the Bassac takes you to several floating fish farms and villages. They’re modified house-boats - a trap-door in the floor provides access to nets under the boat where the fish are grown. A little further takes you to the other bank and a Cham community. Once you’ve tip-toed across the stepping stones to avoid the mud, you walk through the stilt house village to the mosque.

Although sharing the same linguistic and historical tradition, the Cham are divided into two quite distinct religious communities, the Hindu Chams and the Cham Bani, or Muslims. The latter live mainly in the Chau Doc region and are easily distinguished by the men's preferred headgear - a crimson fez with a long golden tassel, or white Muslim prayer cap.

Mountain Sam
The mountain is a tourism destination in its own right. Everest it isn’t, although the pancake-flat plains of the Mekong make it look higher than it is. It’s a ‘holy’ mountain, full of caves, shrines and temples. The most significant in religious terms is the Ba Chua Xu, dedicated to the ‘Lady of the Region’. Her festival is held in the spring. It attracts huge numbers of devotees and, of course, swarms of vendors hoping to make a killing.

Less important, but more interesting, is the Tay An Pagoda. It’s architecture is sometimes described as Hindu/Muslim, which is a bit fanciful. However, there’s a definite Chinese and Islamic influence, and the interior contains a small army of colorful effigies. Further along, the Cave Pagoda isn’t really worth the climb for ones with no interest in pagoda.

Your energy is best saved for the ascent of the mountain. This is a gentle stroll rather than mountaineering. The road winds gently past the new offshoot of the Victoria Hotel (the main building is down in the town) and culminates in a Vietnamese Army lookout post. Thoughtfully, there is a path on the left that allows you to look across at Cambodia and back to Chau Doc and the Mekong Delta – both as flat as a board.

My Tho - Mekong Delta
My Tho is a delightful town, situated about two hours by bus south west of Ho Chi Minh city. Sitting on the bank of The Mekong River, My Tho is divided into two parts by a tributary of the river. From here you can take a number of short boat trips to various islands and floating markets within the surrounding area. It is also a good place to catch the overnight long boats to a variety of locations including Chau Doc and Long Xuyen. A quiet evening in My Tho can be spent on your veranda watching the sun set and the fishing fleet unload after dark. During the day you can spend hours in a nearby café simply watching life go by, or on the river, cruising the day away. The My Tho experience is enhanced by the fact that the streets are generally extremely quiet. In My Tho, you will not have to worry about the challenges of bikes for there are not many. It is very relaxing.

Along the 30 thang 4 street is an amazing demonstration of the bizarre Vietnamese taste for really tacky photos. Rather than have their photo taken with the background of the flowing Mekong River, photographers have erected all manner of cardboard backings with snow scenes, stuffed deer and to add that final touch of authenticity, their assistants are dressed as pandas. Just a bit further down the street from the strange photographic practices, there is a quiet little park where you can savour a baguette and watch the sun set.

Con Phung island
This island is also known as the Island of the Coconut Monk named after a monk, Ong Dao Dua, who meditated on the island for three years during which time he ate nothing but coconuts. An active supporter of the reunification of Vietnam, he strongly believed that reunification could be achieved by peaceful means. In the early 1960s, he founded a community in support of this ideal, and as a result was imprisoned by President Diem on a number occasions. At his time, the island became a sanctuary for those who were attempting to escape the ravages of war. Ong Dao Dua also headed his own sect, which was a bizarre mix of Christianity and Buddhism. The large cross that you may stumble upon in his sanctuary is not a swastika, but actually a sign of his victory over a communist community which he dissolved. You can reach Con Phung island by boat from My Tho in about 30 minutes.

Snake farm
If you enjoy having enormous pythons wrapped around you, this is the place for you as snakes are bred at the Snake Farm for anti-venom and medicinal purposes. If snakes do not turn you on, then maybe the turtles will. The Snake Farm is home to two yellow turtles, the only two living of their species known to the human race. They live up to 1,000 years and as these two turtles are only 200 years old, they have another 800 years to look forward to. The Thai government offered $ 250,000 US for the turtles, but the Vietnamese authorities declined the 'generous' offer.

Ben Tre - Mekong Delta
Ben Tre is composed of seven districts with Chau Thanh being the main city, surrounded by many islands that are covered with coconut trees. Ben Tre is known throughout Vietnam for its masses of coconut palms, and during the war the coconut oil was used as a valuable substitute for kerosene. This area is relatively untouched by tourism and this is even more evident by the fact that NOBODY speaks English in Ben Tre. . Even the tourist office has trouble communicating in English. Communication problems aside, you will find the people of Ben Tre to be exceedingly friendly and the countryside is beautiful. There is also a daily fresh produce market that is extremely colorful and worth visiting. Due to the limited exposure to tourism, Ben Tre can leave you with a purely cultural experience.

Vinh Long - Mekong Delta
The town of Vinh Long is set on the edge of its principal attraction, the Mekong River. It is from here that you can set out to visit the many beautiful surrounding islands. Vinh Long is uncharacteristically large town as compared to other communities on the Mekong Delta. It has an abundance of tall buildings and Karaoke bars to tempt your vocal chords. At one stage in Vietnam's history, Vinh Long was at the center of a Christian stronghold. Although Christians no longer dominate in the area, there is still a cathedral that is worth visiting.

Most people that visit Vinh Long use it as a base to explore the islands which are home to people that grow local exotic produce. One of the more popular islands to visit has several rambutan and bonsai tree gardens with many different fruits and flowers.

Ben Thanh Market – Cho Ben Thanh

One of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, this prominent shopping center was built in 1914 by the French, who named it Les Halles Centrales or the Central Market Hall. The main structure that houses the market is made of reinforced concrete and occupies an enormous area. Its most famous feature is the massive clock tower that dominates the neighborhood.

Home to several hundred shopkeepers, the market offers an amazingly extensive and varied selection of merchandise, ranging from food and leather goods to household items and clothing, as well as hardware and livestock. The atmosphere here is one of high energy and tremendous bustle as products arrive from around the country and, throughout the day, merchants sing out their wares, customers haggle, and tourists wander in search of great deals.

On entering through the main portal on Le Loi Boulevard, general merchandise is on the left. To the right is closing and textiles. Moving farther in, to the right are dry goods, such as tea, coffee, and spices, as well as packaged foods. Halfway in, fresh foods are on the right and food stalls, where meals are available, to the left. The eateries here are famous for both quality and price. Since the signage is in English as well as Vietnamese, patrons can point to the posted menu to order.

Vietnam War Remnant Museum

Located in the former US Information Service building, this exhibition was once known as the War Crimes Museum. The films, pictures, and other items on display here document atrocities committed by American, Chinese, and French soldiers in grim detail. Events are told from a Vietnamese perspective and are both moving and thought-provoking.

Among the most disturbing exhibits are the formaldehyde-filled jars containing fetuses deformed as a result of the chemical defoliants used during the Vietnam War. Also displayed here are photographs showing the effects of torture, a video of a prisoner being thrown from a helicopter by Vietnam’s aggressor, along with many American weapons, military vehicles, and even a French guillotine.

Address: 28 Vo Van Tan street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Tel: +848 3930 2112
Open Time: 7:30 – 11:45am, 1:30 – 5:15pm daily

Cu Chi Tunnels – Tay Ninh Province

Cu Chi tunnels are a symbol of Vietnam's continual fight against foreign incursions. The tunnel system covers close to 200 km including under what was once a US air base. The tunnels once spanned an area stretching from close to the Cambodian border to the city limits of Ho Chi Minh City. They are a symbol of Vietnamese ingenuity, loyalty, hard work and determination. They were originally constructed to fight against the French in the 1940s. Their purpose was to provide the peasant army with a means of communication between villages while remaining undetected.

In 1960 the Viet Cong repaired and added to the tunnels to fight against the South Vietnamese and American forces. The Commander of the American forces in the region was of the opinion that the Viet Cong who were responsible for digging these tunnels were "human moles". Although the tunnels were mainly designed with a fighting role in mind they also contained a wide array of chambers including field hospitals, meeting rooms and even private offices and sleeping quarters for senior officers. To repel attacks and infiltration, the tunnels contained many elaborate booby traps including concealed pits with bamboo spikes at the base, along with mines and crossbows which would be triggered by trip wires. When you visit the tunnels, your guide will point out some of these traps. You should look back once you are by them and try to decide how many of those you would have triggered or located by yourself! Some of the tunnels even went under water, with a primitive S-Bend effect where the tunnel would open just under the surface of a river. This allowed the Viet Cong to leave the tunnels virtually undetected.
Before entering the actual Cu Chi tunnels, you will see a screening of a film with some amazing footage about the tunnels . You will then be guided around the tunnels by an English speaking guide. You will only visit some of the tunnels which have been preserved in a state not dissimilar to how they were during the war including those areas used as a field hospital, meeting room and other official quarters.

It is also possible to fire an AK - 47 for $1 US per bullet. The firing range closes at 04:30 PM, while the tunnels close at 05:00 PM.

Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace – Former Presidential Palace: Set on well-maintained and spacious grounds, pf this historic building is a prominent symbol of the country's political history. During the 19th century, the Reunification Hall was the site of the Norodom Palace, former residence of the French governor general.

It was later occupied by South Vietnam's President Ngo Dinh Diem, and named the Presidential Palace. In 1962, much of the structure was destroyed when Diem's own air force bombed it in a failed assassination attempt. The building was rebuilt soon after, but Diem was killed before he could move in.

It was in this former palace's International Reception Room that succeeding President Van Thieu received potentates and presidents, until he boarded a chopper from the rooftop helipad and fled before North Vietnamese troops took over Saigon. In 1975, the South surrendered to the North, and the palace gates were knocked by a North Vietnamese army tank. The photograph of this event has become emblematic of the reunification of Vietnam.

Today, the interior remains largely unchanged, with high and wide corridors that open onto cavernous lobbies and reception rooms. The living quarters, built around a sunny atrium, are lavishly furnished with glittering chandeliers and elaborate antiques. Also not to be missed are the elephants' feet in the "presidential gifts display" and the large lacquer-work piece depicting scenes from the Le Dynasty.

In the basement is a bunker and military operations center, with radio transmitters and maps. Oddly, one of the floors also features a gaming room. Adjoining the Reunification Hall is a park with trees that offers a place to relax.

Saigon Overview

Saigon, the second largest city in Vietnam and its economic center, is an electric and vibrant city of 8-million inhabitants. Swarms--literally--of bicycles, motorbikes, Pedi-cabs (called ‘cyclos’ in Vietnam) and other vehicles move in vast waves as if in a prearranged ballet of motion, constant animation and seeming chaos. Originally founded by the French in 1863, its now well worn French colonial veneer hints at times past while throbbing to rhythms and beats of the modern era. If only for a day, Saigon is a must see city for any visit to Vietnam.

Originally established as a Khmer trading post, more than 300 years ago, Ho Chi Minh City was destined for greater things. By the 18th century, the city, then named Saigon, had become the provincial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. However, in the second half of the 19th century, control over the city passed to the French, and Saigon became the capital of French Cochinchina. This was a period of much infrastructural and architectural development, during which Saigon earned the epithet, “Paris of the Orient.” Many buildings of this era are in good condition even today. In 1954, the city was proclaimed the capital of South Vietnam. The ensuing war with the US lasted until 1975, when North Vietnam took over Saigon and renamed it Ho Chi Minh City.

Today, under growing economic and cultural liberalization, the city has entered a period of modernization and is constantly evolving and reinventing itself. Populated by an estimated 8 million people, the city is rapidly becoming the hub of manufacturing, entertainment, and cuisine in Vietnam. Upscale restaurants and cafe  offering a range of international delicacies are opening every day, while bars, clubs, and discos are at the center of a thriving nightlife. The best place to catch the action is Dong Khoi. Attracting many tourists, the area is home to historical buildings and museums, sophisticated shops, and roadside cafes, as well as people of all ages zipping around noisily on motorbikes that often cause gridlock on the streets.

Exploring Ho chi Minh City
The most prominent area in the city is around Dong Khoi Street in District 1, boasting fashionable shops, museums, and fine dining. It also features examples of French-colonial structures, such as the Municipal Theater, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the General Post Office. To the north are sprawling residential areas and the historic Jade Emperor Pagoda, known for its exquisite architecture and ornate carvings. To the west lies Cho Lon or China Town, home to the ethnic Chinese or Hoa this is the best place to find herbs, traditional Chinese medicines, and the other goods, as well as some of the city's most ancient pagodas.

Emperor Cruises

First ever all-inclusive cruises in Vietnam

Emperor Cruises introduces the first ever exclusive all-inclusive Vietnamese cruise experience, a world where everything is included in the price.

Our personal service on board our elegant ships will exceed your clients’ expectations, allowing them to indulge themselves as they explore Nha Trang Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world, in comfort and style.

They can expect the utmost in luxury and top-notch service. Emperor Cruises promises an extraordinary all-inclusive experience.

The Emperor Cruises fleet includes a junk cruise boat for day cruises around Nha Trang Bay as well as sunset cocktails and dinner cruises.

Emperor Cruises will also launch its overnight luxury cruise ship by the end of 2015 in the bay, the first in a total of five ships in this particular project, with each one designed to be a sanctuary where every moment counts for our guests.

Emperor Cruises’ fleet of vessels will combine classic elegance with modern comfort. The newly built, custom-designed, traditional imperial cruise ship will feature three decks that house a smart restaurant, two lounges and bars, a small library, a massage room plus 8 luxurious en-suite cabins with private balconies.

Experience every moment: With this slogan we promise a memorable experience and our staff are committed to ensuring that your clients enjoy every single moment on board, from the CEO through to the butler and limo driver. Emperor Cruises “Five-star Experience” represents our core value - delivering the highest standards of excellence from start to finish.

Our junks and cruise ships are available for FITs, GITS, and charters. We recommend this unique experience for seasoned leisure travelers, luxury adventurers, honeymooners, sophisticated families, special interest travelers, nature lovers, active travelers, photographers, groups of friends, VIPs and celebrities.

Sunset Cocktail and Dinner Cruise

DESCRIPTION

With its deep blue sea, a seemingly endless white-sand beach, and a wealth of cultural and adventure experiences, Nha Trang has been a popular holiday destination for both Vietnamese and international travelers for many years.With its 7km of white-sand beach overlooking the bay, perfect for swimming in its quiet, calm waters and taking day trips out to the islands, travelers now have the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful panorama of Nha Trang City and its coastline from the deck of the Emperor Junk, on an evening cruise complete with sunset cocktails and a seafood dinner.

INCLUDED

Pick-up and drop-off services 

Sunset cocktail and wine tasting

Experience Manager

Seafood dinner

Unlimited beer, spirits and house wine 

Unlimited water, tea and coffee

Activities, upon request (eg fish or squid fishing)

All entrances fees and permission

Fresh tissues and seasonal fruits 

Free wifi

Personal experiences manager on board

Service charges and government tax

EXCLUDE

Visa

Accommodation pre and post cruise

Personal expenses

Other services not mentioned above.

-------------

Day Cruises

ESCRIPTION

The Emperor Junk is typical of the Vietnamese junks built in world-famous Halong Bay and is carefully designed, inspired and built to the highest standards; she is available for leisure day cruises, private and corporate charters. We offer a wide selection of charter packages and scheduled day cruises. Charters are by the hour or day, and are tailored to your needs in terms of routes, destinations, special interests and catering. Our regular tours depart daily from Bao Dai Harbor and refreshments are included in the price. The daily cruise runs from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Sunset cocktail and dinner cruises are scheduled from 5 pm to 9 pm. Emperor Junk is the first luxury junk cruising Nha Trang Bay; it has been commercially licensed, which means we are fully insured and authorized to take paying passengers. We work only with the very best caterers and suppliers and our dedicated team has been trained and is overseen by our Experiences Director on board ensuring guests have a memorable day.

INCLUDED

Pick-up and drop-off services

Welcome drink

Experiences Manager on board

Shared boat cruise with other passengers

Snorkeling and scuba diving kits, basket boat service

Seafood lunch on board

Free wifi

Unlimited water, tea and coffee, spirit, local beer, housewine

All sightseeing tickets

Fresh tissues and seasonal fruits

Services charges and government tax.

EXCLUDE

Visa

Accommodation pre and post cruise

Personal expenses

Other services not mentioned above.

Emperor Cruises Overnight Itinerary (2 days-1 night)

DESCRIPTION

Khanh Hoa Province is located in South Central Vietnam with a coastline spanning over 200km and more than 200 islands of various sizes. The fact that its coastline is home to three world acclaimed bays in one province - Cam Ranh Bay (one of the few harbors in the world with the best conditions), Van Phong Bay (a wonderful site with a temperate climate, ideal beaches, and diverse coral reefs) and Nha Trang Bay (an internationally famous sea resort) - makes Khanh Hoa one of the most well-known destinations in Vietnam. Long stretches of pristine sand and clear waters offer sun-kissed relaxation in the bustling coastal city of Nha Trang. Offshore islands in Nha Trang Bay offer fantastic cruising and diving and your clients can enjoy what is on offer - the sun, sea, sand, setting, seafood, soft adventure and sightseeing - on board Emperor Cruises. With 300 days of sunshine a year, Nha Trang is ideal as a beach break on a journey through Southeast Asia or as an end-of-tour extension from Ho Chi Minh City. Nha Trang Bay, which is named as one of the 29 most beautiful bays in the world, is the base from which Emperor Cruises offers an all-inclusive overnight cruise with limousine and butler service for your clients to enjoy every moment on land and on board.

OUTLINED ITINERARY

FIRST DAY: NHA TRANG CRUISE, DISCOVERING MIEU ISLAND BY FOOT, MOT, MUN, DAM BAY SOFT ADVENTURE, LIFE ON BOARD, SUNSET (L,D)

NHA TRANG1L, 1D

SECOND DAY: SUNRISE, TRU BEACH, CRUISING EXPERIENCE, LECTURE, DEEPER NHATRANG BAY DISCOVERY AND THE PANORAMA OF NHA TRANG CITY, COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE AND THE COASTLINE. (B)

NHA TRANG1B

INCLUDED

• Pick-up and drop-off services

• Lounge service

• Free wifi

• Cruise itinerary and program

• Entrance and sightseeing fees

• Luxury suites with air conditioning

• Deluxe en-suite bathroom

• Unlimited food and drink: 1 Lunch / 1 Dinner / 1 Brunch

• Snorkeling equipment, kayaking, scuba diving facilities

• Meeting facilities and equipment (charter only)

• Tai chi session

• Beauty treatments, spa services and massage

• Insurance, taxes and service charges

• Experiences manager

• Butler service for King and Queen Suites

• 24-hour room service and bar.

EXCLUDE

• Airfares to and from Nha Trang City/Cam Ranh

• Accommodation pre- and post-cruise

• Personal expenses

• Visa arrangements

• All other services not mentioned above.

Combo Day Cruise and Sunset Cocktails-Dinner Cruise

DESCRIPTION

DETAILED ITINERARY

1700H-1730H

Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to Nha Trang Port to board the Emperor Cruises Junk.

1730H-1800H

Arrival at the port and welcome drinks accompanied by the Experience Manager. Introduction of Nha Trang Bay, the locals, the food, the culture, the emperor, safety precautions, and the Emperor Cruises Junk. Start cruising while watching the spectacular landscape of Nha Trang Bay at sunset.

1800H-2000H

Explore Nha Trang Bay at night while having cocktails & wines on the sundeck as you are entertained by musicians playing against the stunning backdrop of stars, the moon, and the city lights. Experience the gastronomical pleasure of enjoying a 5 course seafood dinner onboard while being serenaded and served by the Emperor Cruises team.

2000H-2100H

End your romantic dinner by having drinks or cocktails at the lounge or on the sundeck before heading back to Nha Trang Port and returning to the mainland where your transfers will be waiting to drive you back to your hotels. 

OUTLINED ITINERARY

COMBO DAY CRUISE AND SUNSET COCKTAILS-DINNER CRUISE

Discover Nha Trang- one of the 29 most beautiful bay in the world with our Exclusive Package. Emperor Cruises- the first five star cruises in Nha Trang Bay offers Combo 01-Day Cruises; 01 Sunset cocktail & dinner Indeed Nha Trang Bay is a natural

NHA TRANG1L, 1D

INCLUDED

All inclusive 01 day cruises & 01 sunset cocktail & dinner for 01 person.

Complimentary pick-up and drop-off services in Nha Trang.

Complimentary Welcome drink

Experiences Director on board 

Complimentary Snorkeling and scuba diving kit, kayaking, basket boat services 

Complimentary 01 sumptuous lunch on board

Complimentary high speed wifi internet

Complimentary Unlimited water, tea and coffee, house wine, spirit, local beer & soft drink

Complimentary All sightseeing tickets & tissues and fresh seasonal fruits

The above rate is subject to 5% service charge and 10% government tax

EXCLUDE

Visa

Accommodation pre and post cruise

Personal expenses

Other services not mentioned above.

What it is like to dive in Nha Trang?

May 3, 2015

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What it is like to dive in Nha Trang?

Following my post of the 30th April, ''Fred, experienced diver at your service'', I have been offered by Fred Bielande ( Dive with Fred - www.nhatrangunderwater.com) to follow him on a typical day of diving and snorkeling in Nha Trang Bay.  People who know me know that I am a very lazy man and the prospect of spending a whole day on a ''tourist boat'' and have fun would not be my first choice to spend my time (reading or working or spending time with my girls are my usual absolute priorities).  Nevertheless, in my new capacity of ''blogger'' on anything Nha Trang, I was very happy accept the gracious invitation to follow him and experience his daily reality of working as a dive instructor.  And why not?  A beautiful sunny Saturday was expected, Yên and kids gone for the holidays and kicking my lazy ass was the right thing to do!  What's more; it has been more than 8 years that my family is settle in Nha Trang, and it was my first time on a dive boat (I did, however, have ''sailed'' on the snorkeling tour boats many times before)! 

Having sleep well the night before, and waking up at 6am, I felt ready for a day of discoveries!  Went to meet Fred in the lobby of Ha Van Hotel and off we went on a full bus direction Nha Trang port.  Most of people on the bus were completing their training (some their Open Water certification, other finishing their Divemaster...).  At 8h, all aboard, we went to the bay.  My first observation on the differences with the snorkeling boats (that I was already used to) and the dive boat I was presently on was the diving equipments, neatly embarked, but eating much of the boat space; it felt cramped.  Moving around wasn't easy as the divers preparing themselves with their wetsuits and air bottles.   But the atmosphere was joyful and one could feel the excitation building up as the boat was nearing the first dive site at Hon Môt (for some unknown reasons nicknamed Madonna Island).

Fred's first group (completing their Divemaster certification) was drop off the island and the boat moved on to another site at Hon Mun.  It is at that precise moment that I felt ''uncool'' to not dive myself; to see the sun shine on the clear azure blue and how beautiful the many fishes I could see deep in the water (it was at least 10m underwater visibility!) from the boat, I could only imagine the wonders I was missing from up there.  I reason myself to start what I came to do; it was time to take some photos...

The boat moved about 2km to anchor at the next dive site at Hon Mun (Mun Island) where another group went to their dive exercises (it was rescue exercises).  I took many other photos but suddenly I was now almost alone on the boat as everyone else seemed in the water!  Let me tell you how stupid I felt to not be in the water with the others especially considering the fact I have been offered to dive with them!  Why was I not diving?  Laziness and the ''fear'' of having fun?  In a weird way, probably!  They really seemed to have so much more fun than I and guilt took over me!  Why did I not prepared myself to swim?  But, wait a minute...Remembering that the last thing I did before leaving the hotel was to pack a swimsuit and a quality sunscreen, a wave of unexpected pleasure took over me!  I would have my day in the water after all!  Maybe not from 10 meter deep but I could at least witness the beauty of nature by snorkeling on the surface!  
Changing to my swimsuit, applying sunscreen and equipped myself with a mask and a tuba; off I went!  I prayed whatever luck I had to change my mind!  And then, I had an epiphany!

Being on a ''real'' dive boat as opposed to the ''regular'' snorkeling boat (or the notorious 4 Islands boat trip) I had access to much better equipments that I would otherwise be privy; which mean my mask was easy to adjust, not leaking and my scuba breathing tube well strap on it.   It wasn't my first time snorkeling at Hon Mun protected area but it certainly was my first time that I did not had to get my head out of the water to empty my mask or to readjust my tube so to not swallow sea water!  This time, it was a real pleasure to not lose any minutes considering what I was able to see so clearly!  

Fred had foretold me that I would see many species of marine life but wh
at I witness was much more than that!  All my memories of previous snorkeling trips came back instantaneously; how could I forgot all the different fishes, all the amazing corals of different shapes, colors and sizes?  Wow!  A completely new world was developing under my hallucinated gaze as my swimming strokes were getting nearer to the shallow waters of Hon Mun.

There, underwater, one has/must be impressed and elated by the uncommon sight of some kind of marine broccolis, cabbages, mushrooms and other shaped vegetable corals (truth is, to be on magic mushroom would have been awesome!!!) .  Swimming in that enchanted world was some fishes with long or small noses, with teeth or not, with big eyes, with small tails, with 2 colors, 5 colors, glowing, mat, changing colors, solo, in clouds, under shadows, at the bottom, on the surface, fearing you, not fearing you, rond, hitting their head on corals...It is hard to describe the feeling one has looking at the genius and diversity of life but this is as close to paradise one can be!  I can see why diver like Fred Bielande still have the passion to wake up every morning and do what they do for what it seems not much of a monetary reward...they are doing this for the love of it; I can see that now.  The reward is the magic one feels seeing the harmony of so many life forms; at peace on this earthly submerged paradise.  On this first dive alone I must have seen at least 30 different species of marine life.  Never will I forget again so many wonders...

When I came back to the boat, I tried to warped my mind around the experience I had just lived and grabbing my friend Sergeï by the arm I started making an inspired but totally incoherent speech on why he should immediately put a mask and go experience and see for himself what I had just witnessed...My eyes were dilated, my breath short and the speed and tone of my voice on high pitch.  I abandoned my effort seeing the interrogation and incomprehension in his eyes.  Went to sit and calm down when a diver, I don't remember which one, came to me and suggested that I put effins to my feets..., ''you'll go much faster'' the told me.  My first reaction was ''nah''...why should I bother about anything after having seen so many amazing things already (this is my classic lazy reaction).  I had try effins before but I thought at the time that they were cumbersome but then remembered with it was so...it was cumbersome because I had to adjust my leaking mask and adjust my scuba tube while learning how to use them!   After being told that we would be idle for another hour and no reasons to wait anymore, I wear on the effins and went back for more discoveries.

Wow!  I was warned to I would swim faster but I had no idea how much faster I would be (I am not in a good physical condition)...it was alike flying!  I went back to the previous spot I was in no time and when I realised I could go much farther faster, I went on to explore the coastline of Hon Mun with all the new fishes, corals, colors and other wonders that was brought to my eyes; a real treasure hunt in the kingdom of Poseidon!  Swimming over submerge mini canyons, observed 3D live marine life surrounding you at all time and feel part of it all; this is just like flying!  Last time I felt this kind of movement freedom was the first time I learn how to drive a motorbike, 10 years ago in HCMC. That last hour will be imprinted in my brain as a memorable moment for life!

Upon my return and with all other divers onboard, food was served: caramelized pork and chicken, salads, soup and rice (all excellent I must be noted)!  So good in fact that I don't even have photos of the food so it was consumed at a voracious speed by starved divers. Time went fast and other photos takens with Erling Ingason (famed Dj. Ezeo), his girlfriend and Jerome jumping off the boat and having fun to the pleasure of the photographer!  But after eating and playing, and the boat on the way back to the port, results could have been predicted with accuracy: the rest for the voyage was done in silence and most people were dozing on their seats; satiated and happy for their day.   Having enjoy a so great day, it is now my objective to bring my 3 daughters with me on my next snorkeling trip!  I will lure them by explaining how much it would like being in Disney's Finding Nemo but in real!  I am very excited to go back with them!

I would like to thanks Frederic Bielande for the invitation to this mind blowing experience!  I will no doubt make my open water certification with him as soon as possible (and so do you).  I would like also extend my gratitude to Amigo Diving Club crew run by my friend Enrico to let me have a passage their boat and be kind enough to let me photograph the journey!  While I have been on the boat, I saw my good friends at Angel Dive Club and Scuba Dive Club...good times!  So many friends that I usually meet at The Rooftop Lounge but, now lucky enough to meet in their natural habitat!  Thank you all to make this day a truly magic moment that I will never forget!