Exotic Asian Cruise Includes Two Vietnam Cities
Crystal Cruises' Symphony Visits Hue and Ho Chi Minh City
Aug 3, 2009
After departing Hong Kong, passengers aboard Symphony enjoyed a pleasant day sailing the South China Sea to the port of Chang May, Vietnam. One of the best things about cruising is that one can do as much or as little as one wants. After an informal buffet breakfast in the Lido Restaurant or a more formal one in the dining room, passengers could relax by the pool, have a spa treatment, join a bridge game, catch a destination lecture, or brush up on their golf game.
Many of Crystal's cruises are built around a theme, such as food and wine, fashion and style, or science and technology. Golf was the theme of this "Exotic Asia" cruise, with two golf professionals on board and three shore excursions offered a day of golf at country clubs in Vietnam and Thailand. During the day, guests could also avail of lessons at the golf net on the upper deck.
The evening of the first day at sea is usually a formal one, and guests were invited for pre-dinner cocktails at the Captain's "Welcome Party." The fun doesn't stop here, though, so following dinner, guests can try their luck at the Casino before heading to one of the spectacular Broadway productions from the Crystal Ensemble of Singers and Dancers.
Dock at Chan May: Visit China Beach, Da Nang, Hue
The history of Vietnam is a fascinating one, with influences from its original noble ruler Nguyen Hoang, whose dynasty lasted until 1945, to its French, Japanese, and American occupiers. Passengers interested in the Vietnam War headed to Da Nang, the city that became the dividing line between the South and North factions, and to China Beach, famous as the place where American military personnel went for R&R.
Those who chose the excursion to Hue, the once Imperial City of the Nguyen Dynasty, were treated to a walk through time with a tour of the Emperor Minh Mang's Tomb, the Royal Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda, and a dragon boat ride down the Perfume River. The tour concluded at Dong Ba market, the oldest and largest in town.
Ho Chi Minh City: Also Known as Saigon
More than two decades have passed since American forces left the shores of Vietnam. Since then, Ho Chi Minh City has gained in prosperity, and many of the French colonial style buildings have been restored to their former glory. Affectionately known as Saigon by its residents, an excursion here included a tour of Reunification Hall, formerly the Presidential Palace; the National History Museum; a Water Puppet Theater performance; and an exciting pedicab ride (not for the feint of heart!)
Sampling foreign food is a must for most travelers, but learning to shop for it and prepare it adds a new dimension. One of the most popular excursions offered on this cruise was a cooking class at the Royal Court Restaurant of the Rex Hotel, a favorite meeting place of U.S. military officers and journalists during the Vietnamese war.
Guests first joined the chef at Saigon's busy Binh Tay market, where he purchased all the ingredients for Cha Gio (deep fried pork and shrimp rolls). They later wrapped and rolled and enjoyed them along with a 5-course lunch of local specialties.
Back on Board
The motorcoach rides to and from the ship always included a drive through colorful countryside or teeming city streets. Local color aside, there's nothing like the sight of the Crystal Symphony crew welcoming you back on board with the familiar "Welcome home." This is just one of the many reasons why Travel & Leisure has named Crystal the "World's Best Large-Ship Cruise Line for 13 consecutive years (1996-2008).
Check out other destinations on this cruise: Hong Kong and Thailand
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