Star Collector: Okinawa Days & Mekong Ways

You will board your motor coach for the 15-minute ride to the center of the first stop will be the Museum of Vietnamese History housed in a fine example of Sino-French architecture. It contains an excellent series of exhibits dating from the Bronze Age to the Nguyen dynasty. Continue your drive to the Reunification Palace. This important city landmark was assured its place in history on 30th April 1975, with the Fall of Saigon and ultimately the end of the Vietnam War. The palace is now a museum. You will walk through a green park to reach the Notre Dame Cathedral which dates back to the late 19th century. Across the street from the cathedral is the city’s striking French colonial-era post office.  After lunch, you will spend the afternoon exploring the hustle and bustle of China Town. Here you will find Mandarin speakers, ancient pagodas and Chinese script adorning shopfronts. Begin your exploration of the area with a visit to Thien Hau Temple. It is not uncommon for the photogenic large coils of incense that hang from the ornate ceiling of this temple to burn for up to three months at a time. Drive back downtown and experience an unprecedented 360-degree vistas of Ho Chi Minh City from the Sky Deck – Bitexco Financial Tower. Drive back downtown and experience the unprecedented 360-degree views of Ho Chi Minh City from the Sky Deck 614 feet above the city at the Bitexco Financial Tower. Experiencing the elevator there, which travels at 23 feet per second. At a height of 860 feet and spanning 68 floors, the Bitexco Financial Tower is currently the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City. Drive back to the port (or you may wish to be dropped off at Ben Thanh Market for shopping then make your own way back to the port). Your last stop today is Ben Thanh market to explore a lively local market and shopping. Drive back to the port.

 

Please note: Guests are welcome to stay on the motor coach if the tour becomes too strenuous. Please wear conservative clothing for visiting the temples and pagoda.so knees and shoulders are covered. The museum visit will include a 20-minute water puppet show. Bring sunscreen, a hat and local currency.

You will board your motor coach for the 15-minute ride to the center of the first stop will be the Museum of Vietnamese History housed in a fine example of Sino-French architecture. It contains an excellent series of exhibits dating from the Bronze Age to the Nguyen dynasty. Continue your drive to the Reunification Palace. This important city landmark was assured its place in history on 30th April 1975, with the Fall of Saigon and ultimately the end of the Vietnam War. The palace is now a museum. You will walk through a green park to reach the Notre Dame Cathedral which dates back to the late 19th century. Across the street from the cathedral is the city’s striking French colonial-era post office.  After lunch, you will spend the afternoon exploring the hustle and bustle of China Town. Here you will find Mandarin speakers, ancient pagodas and Chinese script adorning shopfronts. Begin your exploration of the area with a visit to Thien Hau Temple. It is not uncommon for the photogenic large coils of incense that hang from the ornate ceiling of this temple to burn for up to three months at a time. Drive back downtown and experience an unprecedented 360-degree vistas of Ho Chi Minh City from the Sky Deck – Bitexco Financial Tower. Drive back downtown and experience the unprecedented 360-degree views of Ho Chi Minh City from the Sky Deck 614 feet above the city at the Bitexco Financial Tower. Experiencing the elevator there, which travels at 23 feet per second. At a height of 860 feet and spanning 68 floors, the Bitexco Financial Tower is currently the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City. Drive back to the port (or you may wish to be dropped off at Ben Thanh Market for shopping then make your own way back to the port). Your last stop today is Ben Thanh market to explore a lively local market and shopping. Drive back to the port.

 

Please note: Guests are welcome to stay on the motor coach if the tour becomes too strenuous. Please wear conservative clothing for visiting the temples and pagoda.so knees and shoulders are covered. The museum visit will include a 20-minute water puppet show. Bring sunscreen, a hat and local currency.

Experience an authentic moment in Ho Chi Minh City that most travelers rarely have the chance to enjoy. Start with a relaxing ride in a cyclo (pedal-powered rickshaw) to one of the city's beautiful green parks. Take a peaceful stroll through the park, before joining a tai chi session led by an experienced master. Many locals gather here to engage in their daily routines, with activities like walking, jogging, tai chi, and the slow-motion shadow boxing style called Thai Cuc Quyen being especially popular. Next, explore the vibrant flower market and indulge in a traditional bowl of pho at one of the city’s best noodle shops, paired with a refreshing iced coffee, known locally as “Ca Phe Sua Da.” Continue your journey to discover Saigon’s beautiful colonial architecture and iconic landmarks. In Chinatown, you’ll find a blend of modernity and history, where century-old shophouses stand amidst contemporary buildings. Stroll through a bustling wholesale market filled with the sights and smells of tropical fruits, dried fish, and fragrant herbs, before visiting a traditional Chinese temple. Admire the unique fusion of French and Chinese architectural styles as you immerse yourself in the local atmosphere of this colorful district. Your adventure concludes with a scenic ride along the Tofu Canal, before returning to the city center and heading back to your ship.

 

Please note:  Please wear conservative clothing for visiting the temples and pagoda.so knees and shoulders are covered. Bring sunscreen, a hat and local currency.

Ishigaki Island is the main island of the Yaeyama Islands, the southern-most island chain in Japan. Ishigaki offers several nice beaches and good snorkeling and diving in the surrounding coral reefs. Your first destination will be Banna Forest Park, a spacious nature reserve which is located just a few miles to the north of Ishigaki City. It is a place which can be enjoyed by everyone. The park itself is positioned around what can broadly be described as a mountain (peaking at just 656 feet), and is divided into four zones and a 'Skyline' all of which are linked by paths and roads. You will have a short photo stop at the observation deck inside Banna Park.  The guide will then take you to Kabira Bay. With its emerald green and blue hues, Kabira Bay is considered one of the most beautiful places in Japan and definitely on the top of the list for Okinawa. Clear ocean, small boats floating on beautiful water, the cute shapes of neighboring islands, and the sweeping sky. This combination is the greatest feature of Kabira Bay. We will make a short stop at a local café to have some refreshments with a view of the East China Sea. The tour will be followed by a photo stop at Shisa (guardian lions in Okinawa) Square in front of local Yonekoyaki Pottery. This small studio produces unique local pottery and various big monuments at Shisa Square. This square will be completed in 2019, but you will be impressed how unique the local artists are! 

Please note:  This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring sunscreen, a hat and local currency.