Guest of Honour 
Guest Speaker 
No single supplement 
Deluxe Stateroom
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
- New
Discovering the islands of South-East Asia
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) - Benoa, Bali
Dates:
09/11/2022
to
23/11/2022
days
nights on board
With the exceptional presence of Christian MAKARIAN and renowned guests.
Set out to discover rich cultures, between tradition and modernity, during a 15-day cruise in the South-East Asian islands aboard Le Lapérouse. An original PONANT itinerary that will take you from Vietnam to Indonesia via Singapore.
You will set sail from Ho Chi Minh City. Founded in the 17th century, this city formerly known as Saigon sits right near the Mekong Delta, a mythical river on which small, colourful boats throng on market days.
Le Lapérouse will then chart a course south towards the Côn Dao Islands, in the China Sea. This preserved archipelago, where picturesque fishing villages overlook a crystal sea, will delight you with its wild beauty as well as its rich history.
In Singapore, city-State on the edges of the Orient, you will be seduced by the unique multicultural atmosphere of this “garden city”, home to wonderful botanical tropical gardens, UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Between the islands of Java and Sumatra, you’ll have the privilege of admiring the caldera of Anak Krakatoa in the Sunda Strait. It is the result of the legendary eruption of the eponymous volcano, which destroyed the old island in 1883.
During your stopover in Semarang, you will visit the incredible Borobudur site. Listed as a UNESCO Word Heritage site, this monumental Buddhist temple compounds from the 8th and 9th centuries is home to some 240 temples.
Between the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the idyllic archipelago of Karimun Jawa will reveal its magnificent immaculate white sand beaches bordered by limpid turquoise waters and the beauty of its colourful coral reefs.
On the island of Java, from the town of Probolinggo, the active volcano Mount Bromo rises majestically in a unique lunar landscape. Considered as a divinity by Hindus, its immense crater is venerated during pilgrimages and ceremonies.
Finally you will set sail to the south of the paradisiacal and enchanting island of Bali, your journey’s end. Renowned for the kindness of its inhabitants, Bali offers beautiful discoveries including lush paddy fields, sacred ceremonies, and abundant marine life
Ref : R091122
Your itinerary
With the exceptional presence of Christian MAKARIAN and renowned guests. A brand-new cruise between Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia discovering cities of bubbling energy, idyllic islands and sumptuous...
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE JACQUES-CARTIER
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
L'AUSTRAL
04/11/2022 to the 20/11/2022
- New
LE LAPEROUSE
09/11/2022 to the 23/11/2022
LE LYRIAL
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s suite, Grand de Luxe Suite, Privilege Suites, Prestige Suite Deck 6
- Inclusive Internet access Wifi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Selection of Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Christian Makarian
Christian Makarian joined the French weekly L’Express in 1999 where he was responsible for special reports on cultural issues, interviews and debates. He was deputy managing editor of the magazine, where he wrote a weekly editorial on foreign politic for 15 years.
He is the author of several books – including Marie (Lattès), translated into five languages, Le choc Jésus – Mahomet (Lattès-CNRS Éditions) and Pascal dans sa chambre, méditation sur le désordre planétaire (Cerf Editions, September 2020) – and appears regularly on radio and television, and writes an international column on LCI.
Language spoken: French, English
Photo credit: Éric Garault
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Christian Makarian
Christian Makarian joined the French weekly L’Express in 1999 where he was responsible for special reports on cultural issues, interviews and debates. He was deputy managing editor of the magazine, where he wrote a weekly editorial on foreign politic for 15 years.
He is the author of several books – including Marie (Lattès), translated into five languages, Le choc Jésus – Mahomet (Lattès-CNRS Éditions) and Pascal dans sa chambre, méditation sur le désordre planétaire (Cerf Editions, September 2020) – and appears regularly on radio and television, and writes an international column on LCI.
Language spoken: French, English
Photo credit: Éric Garault
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- With the exceptional presence of Christian MAKARIAN and renowned guests.
- A brand-new cruise between Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia discovering cities of bubbling energy, idyllic islands and sumptuous cultural sites.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Borobudur temple from Semarang, Singapore Botanic Gardens.
- Discover Vietnam's colonial history through the Côn Dao Islands.
- The multicultural and contrasted island city of Singapore, a mix of futuristic architecture, colonial districts and artistic vitality.
- Mount Bromo on the island of Java, an active volcano at the heart of a lunar landscape.
- The possibility of exploring majestic volcanoes: Mount Bromo on the island of Java and the legendary caldera of Anak Krakatoa in the Sunda Strait.
- Many possibilities for swimming and snorkelling from paradisiacal and preserved beaches with idyllic sea beds.
- Overnights in Ho Chi Minh, Singapore and Bali.
Ports of Call & Excursions
9 November 2022 10 November 2022 - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Embarkation 09/11/2022 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 10/11/2022 at 14:00
Located near the Mekong delta, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. It is both the historic heart and economic hub. Formerly Saigon, the city is an imposing avant-guard metropolis. You can admire its famous central post office and its emblematic Reunification Palace. From 95 years of French presence, the city has kept some remarkable monuments, like the Cathédrale Notre-Dame with its neo-Gothic façade built in 19th century red brick. You’ll succumb to the magic of this hectic city, where everything is about contrast, like the very brightly-coloured district of Cholon, Saigon’s “Chinatown”.
11 November 2022 - Côn Dao Islands
Arrival 11/11/2022 early morning
Departure 11/11/2022 mid afternoon
To the south of Vietnam, the archipelago of the Côn Dao Islands,located in the South China Sea, is composed of sixteen rocks covered in lush vegetation. A regular stopover on the Maritime Silk Road connecting China to Europe between the 2nd and 13th centuries, the islands were mentioned by Marco Polo during his voyage from China to India in 1294. A former English and French trading post, the archipelago became a French colony in 1861 using the name Poulo Condor. A penitentiary centre was built there and used to imprison opponents of the colonial regime. During the Vietnam War, the Saigon regime and the United States locked up communist enemies there until 1975. In its idyllic natural setting, Con Dao has become a memorial site and a symbol of the fight for independence.
12 November 2022 - At sea
Arrival 12/11/2022
Departure 12/11/2022
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
13 November 2022 14 November 2022 - Singapore
Arrival 13/11/2022 early morning
Departure 14/11/2022 midday
Nicknamed the Garden City, Singapore stretches across Malaysia's southern-most region. Experience the vibrant hustle and bustle of this city-state for yourself at the Marina Bay. No too far away is the historic centre, offering up a unique smorgasbord of neoclassical buildings and contemporary towers. Decked out in topiary, the pavements of Orchard Road are also home to countless shopping centres. The colourful markets in Chinatown and Little India are the perfect opportunity to quell hunger pangs in a hawker centre, one of the city's traditional snack bars. Between the two districts, get a slice of history with a trip to the Raffles dock. It was here that Englishman Sir Raffles, the founder of the city, is said to have arrived one fateful day in January 1819.
15 November 2022 - At sea
Arrival 15/11/2022
Departure 15/11/2022
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
16 November 2022 - Sailing along Krakatoa
Arrival 16/11/2022 midday
Departure 16/11/2022 early evening
Krakatoa, or Krakatau, is a name familiar to most, though few know where it is located. Lying in the Sunda Strait, between Java and Sumatra on the Pacific ring of fire, is the site of the largest volcanic eruption in modern history. The 1883 eruptions culminated with a colossal blast that literally blew Krakatau apart. The noise was heard over 4,600 km away. Eruptions since 1927 have built a new cone known as Anak Krakatau ("The child of Krakatau") that is still active, with its most recent eruptive episode having begun in 1994. Quiet periods of a few days alternate with spectacular Strombolian eruptions. Guest activities will be determined by the level of volcanic activity on the day and may involve ship based viewing or zodiac tour.
17 November 2022 - At sea
Arrival 17/11/2022
Departure 17/11/2022
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
18 November 2022 - Semarang
Arrival 18/11/2022 at night
Departure 18/11/2022 late evening
Semarang enjoys a strategic location on the northern coast of Java, making it a cosmopolitan port town and a melting pot of Chinese, Indo-Arabic and European cultures. Before setting off to explore the region's treasures, take a tour of the old town and its smattering of old colonial buildings. Here in Indonesia's most Chinese town, don't miss a trip to the Chinatown district. If it's culture you're after, journey deeper into the green, rolling inland region, passing by volcanoes and rice paddies until you reach the royal town of Yogyakarta and one of its ancient kingdoms, the Borobudur : this Buddhist temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's largest temples.
19 November 2022 - Karimun Jawa
Arrival 19/11/2022 early morning
Departure 19/11/2022 late afternoon
During your cruise, your ship will take you to discover Karimunjawa, an idyllic archipelago composed of 27 small islands, far-removed from the modern world. At the place where the Pacific Ocean meets the Indian Ocean, translucent waves matching the colour of the horizon crash on long beaches of immaculate white sand. Listed as a Marine National Park, these stunningly beautiful islands lined with coral reefs are an extraordinary natural heritage. Equipped with a mask and tuba, we invite you to discover a fascinating underwater world where dizzyingly bright multicolored marine life will reveal itself.
20 November 2022 - At sea
Arrival 20/11/2022
Departure 20/11/2022
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
21 November 2022 - Probolinggo, Java
Arrival 21/11/2022 at night
Departure 21/11/2022 mid afternoon
Nestled inside the massive Tengger caldera surrounded by a sea of sand, Mount Bromo is the epitome of desolate beauty. The volcanic complex dates back to about 820,000 years ago and consists of five overlapping stratovolcanoes, each truncated by a caldera. Lava domes, pyroclastic cones, and a maar occupy the flanks of the massif. The surreal lunar landscape has spurned countless legends and myths. Mt Bromo has particular significance for the Hindu Tengger people who believe that this was the site where a brave prince sacrificed his life for his family. After an early departure from the ship guest will travel by bus to Mount Bromo to enjoy this surreal site.
22 November 2022 23 November 2022 - Benoa, Bali
Arrival 22/11/2022 early morning
Disembarkation 23/11/2022 at 07:00
If it's a taste of exotic authenticity you're after, prepare to be spell-bound by the island of Bali, tucked away in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago. The beauty and diversity of its landscapes, the depth and richness of its cultural heritage and the plethora of activities on offer here make Bali a little slice of heaven on Earth. The island's southern coast enthrals with its white sand beaches, its picturesque little fishing villages such as Benoa, and its hills patchworked with terraced rice paddies further inland. Nicknamed 'the Island of Gods' for its sumptuous temples, Bali is the beating heart of Indonesian Hinduism.
Contrasts of Saigon
From the pier, board your coach for a 50-minute drive to the eastern suburb of Saigon. You will appreciate the quiet, rural area for your first stop.
With your guide, start your visit of the Ao Dai Museum. The ao dai is the Vietnamese national dress, symbol of all the beauty and elegance of Vietnamese women. This dress is for Vietnam what the kimono is for Japan. Enter the peaceful garden and reach the long house where you will discover 3 permanent exhibitions showcasing the history and the variety of ao dai. This atypical museum was dreamed up and created by Sy Hoang, a famous Vietnamese designer who wanted to create a place where visitors could discover the history of Vietnamese clothing and relax in the garden. After the visit, discover, on your own, the charms of the garden, with its ancient wooden architecture, bamboo bridges, rice fields and lotus ponds.
Re-board your coach and head back to Saigon. You will enter the Bitexco Financial Tower and take the elevator to the Skydeck (49th floor). Here you will have the chance to see Saigon from above and take breathtaking photos of the economic capital of Vietnam.
Drive back to the pier.
- This tour involves 0.2 miles (350m) of walking on flat and cobblestone ground. We recommend you wear light clothes and comfortable shoes. We also recommend you protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes. This tour is not recommended for person suffering from vertigo.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Authentic Saigon
From the pier, start a panoramic city tour of Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon. A witness to the independence of Vietnam, this city changes as fast as the Vietnamese economy develops. The impressive contrast between the traditional and modernity is an eloquent example of how the Saigonese want to keep their identity despite of globalisation.
During this city tour, including photo stops, you will discover the former Presidential Palace, now known as Reunification Hall. This historic building was made famous when a Vietnamese liberation tank crashed through its front gates on 30 April 1975, signalling the end of the Vietnam War. You will also see the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, a neoclassical structure dating back to the 19th century. On the other side of the square, the Central Post Office proudly shows its colonial style outside, and hides rare ancient maps decorated on the dome inside the building.
Your next visit is the Jade Emperor Pagoda. Built in 1909 in honour of the supreme Taoist god, this temple is a perfect example of a Vietnamese-style religious site. Replete with statues of divinities and heroes, locals celebrate a number of festivities at the pagoda, such as New Year’s, Buddhist and Taoist celebrations.
Then, you will head to the Fito Museum. Even though theirs is a modern society, many Vietnamese still use herbs to heal wounds or treat chronic diseases. You will visit the very interesting Herbal Medicine Museum to see how trees, herbs, and other plants are exploited for medical purposes.
Your last stop will be to Binh Tay Market, in the very heart of Cholon, more commonly known as Chinatown. The streets are full of life and colour, with bargaining being conducted at numerous street stalls.
- This tour involves approximately 0.4 miles (600m) of walking on flat and uneven ground. We recommend you wear light clothes and comfortable walking shoes. We also recommend you protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Cu Chi tunnels
Located west of Saigon, Cu Chi turned out to be the most war-torn area during the Vietnam War with the French and the American. Driving for 70 km (44 mi) out of the city centre and into the surrounding countryside, it is hard to believe you are entering a war zone of such strategic importance. This tour focuses on the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese fighters who both lived and fought from underground tunnels. Originally constructed as a means to fight against the French by the Viet Minh, the tunnels were later expanded up to 11 metres (36 ft) below ground in hard soil using only rudimentary tools. Most tunnels were only 0.5–1 metre (2–3 ft) wide and 1.5 metre (5 ft) high, with thick roofs capable of withstanding the weight of tanks or the impact of bombs weighing up to 90 kg (200 lb).
En route to Cu Chi, a short photo-stop will be made at a rubber plantation.
On arrival at Cu Chi, a short video traces the history of the tunnels, their origins, design and construction. A military guide will explain with the use of dioramas the underground network, and display some of the tools and weapons utilised by the guerrillas. Much of the tunnel complex has been open and ventilated so that you can more easily experience the underground meeting rooms, kitchens, hospital and sleeping areas. More adventurous and agile tunnel explorers can experience an unlit passage, which has not been widened for the comfort of visitors! You will be tested to find the hidden tunnel entrances and be given insight into the ingenious methods that the Vietnamese soldiers employed to remain undetected and frustrate their enemies.
Refreshments and souvenirs are available in the nearby parking area, which also displays some military paraphernalia. On the return drive to Saigon, a stop will be made at the recently erected memorial nearby, which honours the ten thousand guerrilla soldiers who died during the fighting at Cu Chi.
- Guests suffering from claustrophobia are not recommended to crawl into the tunnels. Sturdy shoes, sun and mosquito repellent are recommended. Passengers visiting lower levels may get dirty.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Heritage trail
Experience first-hand the cultures, traditions and pastimes of the multi-ethnic community of Singapore. Little India is the focal point for the Indian community. In exotic Little India, you will be greeted by the strong, heady scent of spices and jasmine garlands, followed by a treasure trove of silverware, brassware, woodcarving and colourful silk saris. Next, you will visit Kampong Glam, an important place in the history and culture of the Malay people. Nowadays, Arab Street is abundant with glittery and lavish fashion items that include the finest lace, sparkling semi-precious stones, gold thread and wholesale bales of silk.
Before you head to Chinatown, you will make a brief stop at Raffles Landing Site - where tradition has this is the site that Sir Stamford Raffles landed on 29 January 1819. Continue on your heritage trail to the Asian Civilisation Museum, which presents the history and culture of Singapore's ancestral cultures, with artefacts that span the entire Asian continent and over five thousand years of recorded history.
Your final stop will be Chinatown. Walk along Pagoda Street and get a glimpse of the Chinese influenced curios, accessories, apparel and much more. It is a good place to hunt for local souvenirs and gifts to bring home.
Visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre which is housed within a traditional shop house. The centre takes you to a different period in the history of Chinatown, and allows you to trace the lives of its early occupants. The hard life of the migrants resulted in many of them seeking solace in the four evils: opium smoking, prostitution, gambling and secret societies. The Chinatown Heritage Centre is the only place in Singapore that has recreated the original interiors of its shophouse tenants in the 1950s, offering visitors an honest, revealing glimpse into the lives of Chinatown's early residents.
- This tour involves approximately 2 km (1.3 mile) of walking over flat surfaces and some steps. Local currency is preferred to make any purchases.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Singapore by night
Board your coach and embark on a night tour of Singapore. First, you will be transferred to the river pier. The river is a great way to experience one part of the city-state. Cruise along the Singapore River for about 30 minutes, enjoying the skyline of Singapore by night. You will pass the iconic Merlion, a reimagining of a mermaid and a lion and an unmissable Singapore icon, spouting water from its mouth into the picturesque Marina Bay. You will have the opportunity to photograph the impressive city and its famous buildings from the river.
Disembark from your riverboat ride and take a short walk to the boat quay, a historical quay in Singapore situated upstream from the mouth of the Singapore River. There, you will enjoy a seafood dinner by the river. You will have the chance to taste some local food like chilli crab and sweet and sour fish fillet.
To conclude your night tour, board your coach and take a short drive to Marina Bay Sands to enjoy an unrivalled panoramic view. Reach the 57th floor, savour a drink and enjoy a moment at leisure on the observation deck. Shorter than the Eiffel Tower, though large enough to house four-and-a-half parked jumbo jets, the Sands Sky Park is an architectural marvel. It also offers you a chance to see some of the best 360-degree views of Singapore’s skyline.
- This tour involves 0.9 miles (1.5km) of walking on flat ground, with few steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Appropriate dress is recommended to dine; shorts and slippers are not allowed. You will dine on the terrace which is not air conditioned. We also recommend you protect yourself from insects.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Contemporary Singapore
Embark on a journey to discover Singapore’s incredible architectural marvels.
Head towards the Marina Bay Sands Promenade. Be amazed by the myriad of shops, theatres and restaurants which adorn the waterfront complex. From the promenade, view the amazing architecture of Marina Bay Sands hotel, the Esplanade and the various buildings within the surrounding.
Your final stop is Gardens by the Bay, which captures the essence of Singapore as the premier tropical Garden City with the perfect environment in which to live and work – making Singapore a leading global city of the 21st century.
After the orientation of the grounds, and time permitting, you may wish to visit the Cloud Forest, a mysterious world veiled in mist. A 35-metre tall hill, covered in lush vegetation shrouding the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, showcases plant life from tropical highlands up to 2,000 metres above sea level. Or you may prefer to step into the Flower Dome where you will marvel in awe of nature as well as the spectacular and innovative designs. You will enjoy the cool-dry climate of the Mediterranean regions which the Flower Dome replicates. Please note that entrance fees to the both domes are not included.
Then, it is a short drive to a view-point from where you can view the architecture of The Pinnacle@Duxton, an award-winning 50-storey residential development. The project features the world’s two longest sky gardens and seven connected towers.
- This tour involves approximately 3 km (1.8 mile) of walking over flat surfaces and some steps. Local currency is preferred to make any purchases. A 45-minute time at leisure at Gardens by the Bay will allow you to visit one of the “domes” (at additional expense).
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Vanishing trades of Singapore
Board your coach for a 30-minute drive to a workshop. Here, craftspeople keep tradition alive by making bamboo bird cages and paper effigies. A self-taught cage maker will show you how he uses heat to bend and shape the bamboo strands, adding silk sunshades made by his wife. Then, he carves intricate designs into the wooden embellishments. You will also discover how the Taoist paper effigies are made. The practice of burning Chinese paper offerings dates as far back as the 10th - 13th centuries.
Continue your exploration and visit a traditional bread making factory which still uses gas-fired ovens. Taste one of these breads, which locals enjoy for breakfast or as a snack.
Then, you will head to Everton Park, a quaint neighbourhood which exudes an authentic suburban-hipster charm. Here, you will visit an Ang Ku Kueh factory. This Chinese pastry, believed to bring longevity and good fortune to those who eat it, is also called Red Tortoise cake. The red cake is a steamed Chinese pastry made of soft, sticky, glutinous rice flour wrapped around a sweet mix. Making an ang ku kueh can take up to an entire day.
Finally, get back to your coach and drive back to your ship.
- This tour involves 1.8 miles (3km) of walking on flat ground. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The local currency, Singapore Dollar, is preferred for your purchases.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Early days of Singapore
From the pier, board your coach for the short drive to the Raffles landing site. It is here, where Sir Stamford Raffles landed for his first visit, which lasted ten days. His vision of Singapore was to make it a vital international port and trading centre for the Far East.
After an historical introduction to the area, walk to The Fullerton Hotel for a visit. It was originally known as The Fullerton Building, and also as the General Post Office Building. See its gallery which traces back the history of the building.
You will take a 30-minute riverboat ride down the Singapore River. To this day, the 'riverboat' continues to shuttle goods from the trading ships, but today serves to steer us through a kaleidoscope of historic river and harbour images, including the 'godown' warehouses and shop houses, six British bridges, and the gracious buildings of the old waterfront. All of this is set against the towering skyline of the business and hotel district.
Your final stop will be the National Gallery Singapore which is fittingly located in the heart of the Civic District, at the City Hall and the former Supreme Court - two iconic buildings that have played a monumental role in Singapore's history. Utmost care has been taken to ensure that preservation guidelines for these two national monuments are being upheld even as they are being remodeled to become a state-of-the-art museum for the public. See the original "holding area" of the " accused" whilst waiting for their case to be heard and visit the room where the surrender of Japanese to the British took place.
- This tour involves approximately 2 miles / 2,5kms of walking. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Feng Shui & architecture
Singapore’s good fortune has often been attributed to the practice of feng shui. Feng shui is the ancient art of harnessing the natural energies of Heaven, Earth and Man to create a balanced and harmonious environment. Singapore is home of many feng shui architectural gems. Some of these buildings are world renowned.
Join your coach and start your exploration with the guided visit of Star Vista, a contemporary shopping mall. Here, you will discover the superb futuristic architecture, showcasing and preserving feng shui elements as a core principle in overall design.
Then, you will drive along Orchard Road and view some buildings and structures that have been influenced by feng shui to increase business and profits, before reaching the financial centre. In this financial district, many buildings have been constructed using feng shui concepts, like one of Singapore’s foremost banking institutions, which chose to use traditional Chinese characters to reflect its line of business.
Then, you will stop at the Marina Barrage, Singapore’s 15th reservoir, which is often criticized by feng shui experts. Unlike the other reservoirs, Marina Barrage is located in the city centre to keep out seawater from Kallang Basin and Marina Bay. It redirects the flow of the Singapore River and Kallang River into the man-made Marina Bay. However, the possible impact on the feng shui of the area may have been neglected.
Finally, you will discover Suntec City, designed in the shape of an open hand, with the five towers representing fingers. Some claim that the fingers’ connection to the palm symbolise Singapore’s different races living in harmony, although this could also be interpreted as achieving financial gain through unity and co-operation. This brilliant feng shui formation is known as the ‘King Holding Up the Sky’.
- This tour involves a moderate level of effort, with 1.8 miles (3km) of walking on flat ground, with steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothes and protect yourself from the sun. In shops, Singapore Dollars and credit cards are accepted.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Wonders of Borobudur
Departing by coach from Tanjung Emas harbour, you will journey into the dramatic landscape of central Java en route to the incredible UNESCO World Heritage site of Borobudur.
Upon arrival, you will be simply amazed at this incredible man-made marvel that is nothing short of being spectacular. The world’s largest Buddhist monument, Borobudur was constructed between 778 and 856 and built with over 56,000 m³ (two million cubic feet) of stone. This massive building project exhausted five generations of central Java’s population, yet within little more than a century of its completion, was mysteriously abandoned. A subsequent eruption of neighbouring Mount Merapi completely covered the site in ash and it wasn’t rediscovered until 1814. The painstaking excavation and restoration of Borobudur was accomplished at a cost of $25 million, but has given us today an unquestionably remarkable monument that stands as a symbol to an ancient and glorious heritage.
Following your morning exploration of the temple, you will be treated to a buffet lunch of Indonesian specialties.
Afterwards, re-board your coach for a relaxing and scenic drive back to the pier and your ship.
- The drive time between Semarang and Borobudur is approximately 3 hours in each direction (a comfort stop will be made). The tour includes approximately 1.5 km (1 mile) of walking and 100 steep steps to be negotiated. Therefore, it is not considered suitable for wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. Wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Semerang Highlights
From the pier, start the 1-hour scenic drive to Joglo Hill, passing highland, rice paddies and villages.
Once at Joglo Hill, enjoy a refreshment of Javanese coffee or tea served with traditional rice cakes, crackers and seasonal fruits in a traditional style resort, set in a tropical garden. The villas are from Joglo traditional Javanese building. You will also be invited to visit the villas owner’s antique collections, collected from all over Java Island.
Your tour continues to Sam Po Kong (Gedung Batu), a unique temple built in honour of the famous Chinese Admiral Zheng He. Inside the temple, see the many outstanding stone carvings and sculptures as well as several shrines and tombs.
Before heading back to the harbour, you will have some free time to visit the Johar local market. Here you can observe the locals doing their daily trading for food, clothing and other daily goods. You can also find some souvenirs such as batik and handicrafts.
- We advise you to wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothing. We recommend a hat, sun screen and mosquito repellent. This tour is an alternative for guests not wishing to take part in the full-day tour.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tlogo Agro highlands
From the pier, embark your coach for the one-and-a-half-hour scenic drive to the historical city of Ambarawa, where you will visit an antique train museum. After a brief tour, continue by coach towards the highlands of Tlogo Agro passing through some beautiful tropical scenery.
On arrival, enjoy the fresh air of the Tlogo Agro Highland among the various tropical plants, such as coffee, rubber, mango, banana, avocado, clove, cocoa and guava. Take the opportunity to observe the coffee making process, where the beans finally become consumer-ready coffee powder using old day machinery. Welcome refreshments will be served whilst listening to traditional gamelan music. Strolling around the Dutch Colonial buildings in the cool air – it will be difficult to tear yourself away from it.
Continue to Joglo Hill enjoying a scenic drive through Ungaran highland, rice paddies and villages. Enjoy an Indonesian-style buffet lunch at Joglo Hill villa, a traditional style hill resort set in a tropical garden. The villas are from Joglo traditional Javanese building. You will also be invited to visit the villas owner’s antique collections, collected from all over Java Island.
- This tour requires little walking. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Fascinating Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo is an active volcano which is part of the Tengger massif in East Java, Indonesia. At 2,329 meters (7,641 ft) it is not the highest peak of the massif but is the most well-known. The volcano is part of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The name of Bromo derives from the Javanese pronunciation of Brahma, the Hindu creator god. Mount Bromo is located in the middle of a vast plain called the "Sea of Sand", a protected nature reserve since 1919.
The tour to Mount Bromo starts with a one-hour drive to a local restaurant for a coffee break and comfort stop. Thereafter, you will board local 4-wheel drive vehicles for the 45-minute drive to Seruni viewing point to enjoy the panoramic views on Mount Bromo. Re-board your 4-wheel drive vehicle for the drive down to the sea of sand. Then take a 15-minute pony ride across the sea of sand to the base of Mt. Bromo. Finally, climb the 240 steps to the awesome crater which has a diameter of six miles (9.5 km) surrounded by a caldera that puffs white sulfur smoke. Mount Bromo stands in a sea of ash, volcanic sand and is surrounded by the towering cliff of the crater’s edge. The immense size of the crater, the supernatural beauty of the scenery are really something very special indeed.
On the way back, you will be using the same means of transportation: pony, 4-wheel-drive and bus. A buffet lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
- This tour is not recommended for guests suffering from motion sickness. Wear comfortable walking shoes, protect yourself from the sun and bring a sweater or light jacket for the cooler temperatures. Note that the hotel(s) where lunch is served are local hotels and best available; they cannot be compared to the luxury and commodities you are accustomed to onboard your ship or in international hotels. Each 4WD vehicle will take 4 passengers. Guests weighing over 175 lbs or 80 kgs will not be able to take a pony, they will have to cover the distance on foot.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€€: the excursion price is more than €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Laperouse
Environmentally friendly, fitted with innovative equipment and complete with lounges designed to be largely open to the exterior, this new and intimately sized yacht offers a unique type of cruise experience.
Onboard this ship sailing under the French flag, you'll experience the incomparable pleasure of a cosily intimate cruise offering the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic chic ambiance and with five-star service.
The Blue Eye, a multisensorial underwater lounge offering a unique experience unlike anything else in the world.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
TRANSFER FROM THE AIRPORT OF HO CHI MINH
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Ho Chi Minh City
Meet at the airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT.
You will be directly transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
- Transfers as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : 50 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
THE IMPERIAL CITY OF ANGKOR (4 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of two days to discover the mysterious City of Angkor classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, learn about the modern history of Cambodia and meet its population. This programme will be an ideal prelude to your cruise.
Day 1 – Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon
Meet at the airport of Ho Chi Minh City in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon 5*.
Check-in your room from 2.00p.m.
Day and meals are at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon/Siem Reap
After breakfast and check-out, you will be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the flight to Siem Reap (Cambodia).
After the customs check, you will be greeted at the airport by our local English-speaking representative and transferred to the hotel Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa 5* for lunch and check-in.
After lunch, you will visit Angkor National Museum. It will be a great opportunity to look at the most beautiful sculptures of Angkor. It houses several galleries, all of which combine to give an impressive array of artefacts in order for the visitors to understand better the history of Cambodia as well as its remnants from the great temples, and the evolution of the artistic style along centuries.
Leave the museum and start a Tuk-Tuk ride (a motorized tricycle for 4 passengers), to Phnom Bakheng. Phnom Bakheng is one of the first temples built on the Angkor site around 900. Walk up to the top of the temple, 67 metres (220 ft) high for sunset watching.
Return to the hotel by Tuk-Tuk.
You will have time to refresh before leaving the hotel for the local restaurant where dinner will be served.
Day 3 – Siem Reap
Following breakfast, you will depart for a full day sightseeing tour starting by a visit of Roluos which was once the site of the early Khmer capital of Hariharalaya. You will explore Angkor oldest temples. Preah Ko was one of the first major temples of the empire. Preah Ko (Sacred Bull) derives its name from the statues of bulls at the front of the central towers. It is dedicated to Shiva and dates back to 879. Bakong was then constructed. It represents the first application of the temple-mountain (or pyramid) architecture. You will also visit Lolei, the last major temple built in 893 before Yasovarman Ist moved the capital to the Angkor area.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will be taken to Tonle Sap Lake and its floating villages. It is a unique ecosystem and cultural area that you will explore by local boat. You will learn about the daily life of fishermen. Here all takes place on the water, villages move with the liking of the current. Tonle Sap means “freshwater” in khmer, it is also known as the “Big Lake”. Natural wonder, it is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and its “feeder mother”.
Return to the hotel and dinner.
Day 4 – Sieam Reap
Enjoy today a full day sightseeing tour of Angkor classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
First you will visit the spectacular Angkor Wat Temple. It was constructed during the reign of king Suryavarman II at the beginning of the 12th century. Angkor Wat means « the city that is a temple ». Angkor Wat is the largest monument of the Angkor group and an architectural masterpiece. Its composition, balance, bas-reliefs and sculpture make it one of the finest monuments in the world. It is rated as the Seventh Wonders of the World.
Next enter the city of Angkor Thom by the South Gate which is the best restored gate. Angkor Thom means “the great city” in Khmer. It is especially famed for its grand Bayon Temple, one of the most mysterious temple-mountain. It is the best-preserved temple. It is known for its huge stone faces. Over 2,000 large faces carved on the 54 small towers give this temple its majestic character. The 54 towers represent the Khmer provinces in the Great Khmer Empire Period. You will then proceed to the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King, remains of the Royal Palace. The Terrace of the Elephants served as a viewing platform (about 985 feet long), it depicts a large variety of sculptures including the impressive elephants. You will continue your visit to Ta Phrom Temple which was built during the reign of Jayavarman VII, a great king who reconquered the Khmer empire from Cham invaders at the end of the 12th century. The temple is famous for the many trees growing naturally on the citadel. People also call this “the jungle temple” and has been featured in many Oscar-winning movies.
Lunch will be served at the hotel.
After lunch, your will proceed to the Banteay Srey Temple. This temple was built in the 9th century. It is said that the temple was specially built by women. Its elegant architecture from lava stone has wonderfully withstood time.
Return to the hotel to freshen-up before you depart for a dinner show.
Day 5 – Siem Reap/Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon
After checking out, you will depart for Angkor Artisan complex which features wood and stone carvings, reproduction of the statues found in Angkor, or furniture inspired by the Khmer tradition. You will make a new stop at the Old Central Market to purchase souvenirs.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the flight Siem Reap (Cambodia)-Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam).
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative.
You will leave the airport for the city centre, and the restaurant where a snack will be served. You will then begin a panoramic tour to discover the main monuments such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a neoclassical structure dating back to the 19th century, the Central Post Office which is a perfect example of colonial-style architecture, the City Hall and the Opera House.
Your tour will end at the pier for embarkation.
Your hotels:
Located along the Saigon River, the Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon offers a refined atmosphere, unique mix of history and modernity in the city centre area. The rooms offer abundant natural light and beautiful Saigon river view. The hotel features a 24-hour reception, a currency exchange service, 5 restaurants and bar/lounge, room service, a health club, a Spa and a rooftop pool.
Inspired by the 1930’s colonial architecture, Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa is located in the former French district of Siem Reap, in the city centre, in front of the Royal Garden. Nestled in a natural environment that offers peace and serenity, it is a few minutes from the Old Market and a few kilometres from the Temples of Angkor. The Superior rooms, with a surface area of 38 m², have a balcony. They are furnished with stylish furniture, traditional artifacts and fine fabrics. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and a spa.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- Flights in economy class: Ho Chi Minh City-Siem Reap and Siem Reap-Ho Chi Minh City, on regular airlines.
- 1-night accommodation in Deluxe room at the Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
- 3-night accommodation in Deluxe room at the hotel Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverages package during meals (1 mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- For citizens of the countries mentioned further below, a Single-entry visa for the Kingdom of Cambodia and the assistance of our local representative during the formalities.
- For citizens of the countries mentioned further below, a visa for Vietnam and the assistance of our local representative during the formalities.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Early check-in at the hotel.
- Dinner on day 1.
- Supplement for excess of luggage.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- For US, British, Canadian and Australian citizens, a Single-entry visa for the Kingdom of Cambodia is required to participate in this programme. It will be issued upon arrival in the country.
- A visa for Vietnam is also required to participate in this programme. It will be issued upon arrival in the country for the nationalities detailed above. 1 passport-size photo is required to obtain the Vietnamese visa.
- For other nationalities, please check with the relevant authorities the application to obtain a visa for entering the Kingdom of Cambodia and Vietnam. Beware that it can take a long time to get a visa from the embassy.
- Please submit your full passport details and visa to PONANT at least 60 days prior to your departure.
- The official currency in Vietnam is the dong and the official currency in Cambodia is the riel. However, some shopkeepers accept US dollars, although it is advisable to have small denomination notes on you. International credit cards are only accepted in the hotels and big restaurants. You can draw out dongs or riels from banks or local currency exchange offices.
- We advise you to wear light cotton clothing (avoid synthetic materials), to bring a waterproof windbreaker for the visit of Hanoi, and to wear comfortable shoes. It is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees).
- We recommend that you drink bottled water and to avoid ice.
- The official check-in time at the hotel is 2.00p.m.
- The Tuk-Tuk is a motorized vehicle that can accommodate up to 4 people (transportation to be shared).
- Baggage allowance: 1 piece of baggage with a maximum of weight of 20 kg for the flights on regular airlines Ho Chi Minh City/Siem Reap and Siem Reap/Ho Chi Minh City. We have included on these flights, an additional baggage of 20 kg, so you are allowed to have two pieces of luggage of a maximum of 20 kg each and 1 hand luggage of 5 kg.
Contact of your hotels:
Renaissance Riverside Saigon
8-15 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM
Telephone: +84 8 3822 0033
Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa
Central Park, PO Box 93145,
Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
Telephone: +855 63 460 428
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 1.500 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
THE IMPERIAL CITY OF ANGKOR (4 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Take advantage of two days to discover the mysterious City of Angkor classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, learn about the modern history of Cambodia and meet its population. This programme will be an ideal prelude to your cruise.
Day 1 – Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon
Meet at the airport of Ho Chi Minh City in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon 5*.
Check-in your room from 2.00p.m.
Day and meals are at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon/Siem Reap
After breakfast and check-out, you will be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the flight to Siem Reap (Cambodia).
After the customs check, you will be greeted at the airport by our local English-speaking representative and transferred to the hotel Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa 5* for lunch and check-in.
After lunch, you will visit Angkor National Museum. It will be a great opportunity to look at the most beautiful sculptures of Angkor. It houses several galleries, all of which combine to give an impressive array of artefacts in order for the visitors to understand better the history of Cambodia as well as its remnants from the great temples, and the evolution of the artistic style along centuries.
Leave the museum and start a Tuk-Tuk ride (a motorized tricycle for 4 passengers), to Phnom Bakheng. Phnom Bakheng is one of the first temples built on the Angkor site around 900. Walk up to the top of the temple, 67 metres (220 ft) high for sunset watching.
Return to the hotel by Tuk-Tuk.
You will have time to refresh before leaving the hotel for the local restaurant where dinner will be served.
Day 3 – Siem Reap
Following breakfast, you will depart for a full day sightseeing tour starting by a visit of Roluos which was once the site of the early Khmer capital of Hariharalaya. You will explore Angkor oldest temples. Preah Ko was one of the first major temples of the empire. Preah Ko (Sacred Bull) derives its name from the statues of bulls at the front of the central towers. It is dedicated to Shiva and dates back to 879. Bakong was then constructed. It represents the first application of the temple-mountain (or pyramid) architecture. You will also visit Lolei, the last major temple built in 893 before Yasovarman Ist moved the capital to the Angkor area.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
After lunch, you will be taken to Tonle Sap Lake and its floating villages. It is a unique ecosystem and cultural area that you will explore by local boat. You will learn about the daily life of fishermen. Here all takes place on the water, villages move with the liking of the current. Tonle Sap means “freshwater” in khmer, it is also known as the “Big Lake”. Natural wonder, it is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and its “feeder mother”.
Return to the hotel and dinner.
Day 4 – Sieam Reap
Enjoy today a full day sightseeing tour of Angkor classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
First you will visit the spectacular Angkor Wat Temple. It was constructed during the reign of king Suryavarman II at the beginning of the 12th century. Angkor Wat means « the city that is a temple ». Angkor Wat is the largest monument of the Angkor group and an architectural masterpiece. Its composition, balance, bas-reliefs and sculpture make it one of the finest monuments in the world. It is rated as the Seventh Wonders of the World.
Next enter the city of Angkor Thom by the South Gate which is the best restored gate. Angkor Thom means “the great city” in Khmer. It is especially famed for its grand Bayon Temple, one of the most mysterious temple-mountain. It is the best-preserved temple. It is known for its huge stone faces. Over 2,000 large faces carved on the 54 small towers give this temple its majestic character. The 54 towers represent the Khmer provinces in the Great Khmer Empire Period. You will then proceed to the Terraces of the Elephants and the Leper King, remains of the Royal Palace. The Terrace of the Elephants served as a viewing platform (about 985 feet long), it depicts a large variety of sculptures including the impressive elephants. You will continue your visit to Ta Phrom Temple which was built during the reign of Jayavarman VII, a great king who reconquered the Khmer empire from Cham invaders at the end of the 12th century. The temple is famous for the many trees growing naturally on the citadel. People also call this “the jungle temple” and has been featured in many Oscar-winning movies.
Lunch will be served at the hotel.
After lunch, your will proceed to the Banteay Srey Temple. This temple was built in the 9th century. It is said that the temple was specially built by women. Its elegant architecture from lava stone has wonderfully withstood time.
Return to the hotel to freshen-up before you depart for a dinner show.
Day 5 – Siem Reap/Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon
After checking out, you will depart for Angkor Artisan complex which features wood and stone carvings, reproduction of the statues found in Angkor, or furniture inspired by the Khmer tradition. You will make a new stop at the Old Central Market to purchase souvenirs.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the flight Siem Reap (Cambodia)-Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam).
Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will be greeted by our local English-speaking representative.
You will leave the airport for the city centre, and the restaurant where a snack will be served. You will then begin a panoramic tour to discover the main monuments such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a neoclassical structure dating back to the 19th century, the Central Post Office which is a perfect example of colonial-style architecture, the City Hall and the Opera House.
Your tour will end at the pier for embarkation.
Your hotels:
Located along the Saigon River, the Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon offers a refined atmosphere, unique mix of history and modernity in the city centre area. The rooms offer abundant natural light and beautiful Saigon river view. The hotel features a 24-hour reception, a currency exchange service, 5 restaurants and bar/lounge, room service, a health club, a Spa and a rooftop pool.
Inspired by the 1930’s colonial architecture, Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa is located in the former French district of Siem Reap, in the city centre, in front of the Royal Garden. Nestled in a natural environment that offers peace and serenity, it is a few minutes from the Old Market and a few kilometres from the Temples of Angkor. The Superior rooms, with a surface area of 38 m², have a balcony. They are furnished with stylish furniture, traditional artifacts and fine fabrics. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and a spa.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- Flights in economy class: Ho Chi Minh City-Siem Reap and Siem Reap-Ho Chi Minh City, on regular airlines.
- 1-night accommodation in Deluxe room at the Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
- 3-night accommodation in Deluxe room at the hotel Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa 5* (local standard) or similar, breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverages package during meals (1 mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea).
- Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
- For citizens of the countries mentioned further below, a Single-entry visa for the Kingdom of Cambodia and the assistance of our local representative during the formalities.
- For citizens of the countries mentioned further below, a visa for Vietnam and the assistance of our local representative during the formalities.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Early check-in at the hotel.
- Dinner on day 1.
- Supplement for excess of luggage.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
- For US, British, Canadian and Australian citizens, a Single-entry visa for the Kingdom of Cambodia is required to participate in this programme. It will be issued upon arrival in the country.
- A visa for Vietnam is also required to participate in this programme. It will be issued upon arrival in the country for the nationalities detailed above. 1 passport-size photo is required to obtain the Vietnamese visa.
- For other nationalities, please check with the relevant authorities the application to obtain a visa for entering the Kingdom of Cambodia and Vietnam. Beware that it can take a long time to get a visa from the embassy.
- Please submit your full passport details and visa to PONANT at least 60 days prior to your departure.
- The official currency in Vietnam is the dong and the official currency in Cambodia is the riel. However, some shopkeepers accept US dollars, although it is advisable to have small denomination notes on you. International credit cards are only accepted in the hotels and big restaurants. You can draw out dongs or riels from banks or local currency exchange offices.
- We advise you to wear light cotton clothing (avoid synthetic materials), to bring a waterproof windbreaker for the visit of Hanoi, and to wear comfortable shoes. It is advisable to respect dress codes (covering the upper body and legs below the knees).
- We recommend that you drink bottled water and to avoid ice.
- The official check-in time at the hotel is 2.00p.m.
- The Tuk-Tuk is a motorized vehicle that can accommodate up to 4 people (transportation to be shared).
- Baggage allowance: 1 piece of baggage with a maximum of weight of 20 kg for the flights on regular airlines Ho Chi Minh City/Siem Reap and Siem Reap/Ho Chi Minh City. We have included on these flights, an additional baggage of 20 kg, so you are allowed to have two pieces of luggage of a maximum of 20 kg each and 1 hand luggage of 5 kg.
Contact of your hotels:
Renaissance Riverside Saigon
8-15 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM
Telephone: +84 8 3822 0033
Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa
Central Park, PO Box 93145,
Siem Reap, Kingdom of Cambodia
Telephone: +855 63 460 428
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 1.500 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
Contrasts of Saigon
From the pier, board your coach for a 50-minute drive to the eastern suburb of Saigon. You will appreciate the quiet, rural area for your first stop.
With your guide, start your visit of the Ao Dai Museum. The ao dai is the Vietnamese national dress, symbol of all the beauty and elegance of Vietnamese women. This dress is for Vietnam what the kimono is for Japan. Enter the peaceful garden and reach the long house where you will discover 3 permanent exhibitions showcasing the history and the variety of ao dai. This atypical museum was dreamed up and created by Sy Hoang, a famous Vietnamese designer who wanted to create a place where visitors could discover the history of Vietnamese clothing and relax in the garden. After the visit, discover, on your own, the charms of the garden, with its ancient wooden architecture, bamboo bridges, rice fields and lotus ponds.
Re-board your coach and head back to Saigon. You will enter the Bitexco Financial Tower and take the elevator to the Skydeck (49th floor). Here you will have the chance to see Saigon from above and take breathtaking photos of the economic capital of Vietnam.
Drive back to the pier.
- This tour involves 0.2 miles (350m) of walking on flat and cobblestone ground. We recommend you wear light clothes and comfortable shoes. We also recommend you protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes. This tour is not recommended for person suffering from vertigo.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Authentic Saigon
From the pier, start a panoramic city tour of Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon. A witness to the independence of Vietnam, this city changes as fast as the Vietnamese economy develops. The impressive contrast between the traditional and modernity is an eloquent example of how the Saigonese want to keep their identity despite of globalisation.
During this city tour, including photo stops, you will discover the former Presidential Palace, now known as Reunification Hall. This historic building was made famous when a Vietnamese liberation tank crashed through its front gates on 30 April 1975, signalling the end of the Vietnam War. You will also see the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, a neoclassical structure dating back to the 19th century. On the other side of the square, the Central Post Office proudly shows its colonial style outside, and hides rare ancient maps decorated on the dome inside the building.
Your next visit is the Jade Emperor Pagoda. Built in 1909 in honour of the supreme Taoist god, this temple is a perfect example of a Vietnamese-style religious site. Replete with statues of divinities and heroes, locals celebrate a number of festivities at the pagoda, such as New Year’s, Buddhist and Taoist celebrations.
Then, you will head to the Fito Museum. Even though theirs is a modern society, many Vietnamese still use herbs to heal wounds or treat chronic diseases. You will visit the very interesting Herbal Medicine Museum to see how trees, herbs, and other plants are exploited for medical purposes.
Your last stop will be to Binh Tay Market, in the very heart of Cholon, more commonly known as Chinatown. The streets are full of life and colour, with bargaining being conducted at numerous street stalls.
- This tour involves approximately 0.4 miles (600m) of walking on flat and uneven ground. We recommend you wear light clothes and comfortable walking shoes. We also recommend you protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Cu Chi tunnels
Located west of Saigon, Cu Chi turned out to be the most war-torn area during the Vietnam War with the French and the American. Driving for 70 km (44 mi) out of the city centre and into the surrounding countryside, it is hard to believe you are entering a war zone of such strategic importance. This tour focuses on the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese fighters who both lived and fought from underground tunnels. Originally constructed as a means to fight against the French by the Viet Minh, the tunnels were later expanded up to 11 metres (36 ft) below ground in hard soil using only rudimentary tools. Most tunnels were only 0.5–1 metre (2–3 ft) wide and 1.5 metre (5 ft) high, with thick roofs capable of withstanding the weight of tanks or the impact of bombs weighing up to 90 kg (200 lb).
En route to Cu Chi, a short photo-stop will be made at a rubber plantation.
On arrival at Cu Chi, a short video traces the history of the tunnels, their origins, design and construction. A military guide will explain with the use of dioramas the underground network, and display some of the tools and weapons utilised by the guerrillas. Much of the tunnel complex has been open and ventilated so that you can more easily experience the underground meeting rooms, kitchens, hospital and sleeping areas. More adventurous and agile tunnel explorers can experience an unlit passage, which has not been widened for the comfort of visitors! You will be tested to find the hidden tunnel entrances and be given insight into the ingenious methods that the Vietnamese soldiers employed to remain undetected and frustrate their enemies.
Refreshments and souvenirs are available in the nearby parking area, which also displays some military paraphernalia. On the return drive to Saigon, a stop will be made at the recently erected memorial nearby, which honours the ten thousand guerrilla soldiers who died during the fighting at Cu Chi.
- Guests suffering from claustrophobia are not recommended to crawl into the tunnels. Sturdy shoes, sun and mosquito repellent are recommended. Passengers visiting lower levels may get dirty.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Heritage trail
Experience first-hand the cultures, traditions and pastimes of the multi-ethnic community of Singapore. Little India is the focal point for the Indian community. In exotic Little India, you will be greeted by the strong, heady scent of spices and jasmine garlands, followed by a treasure trove of silverware, brassware, woodcarving and colourful silk saris. Next, you will visit Kampong Glam, an important place in the history and culture of the Malay people. Nowadays, Arab Street is abundant with glittery and lavish fashion items that include the finest lace, sparkling semi-precious stones, gold thread and wholesale bales of silk.
Before you head to Chinatown, you will make a brief stop at Raffles Landing Site - where tradition has this is the site that Sir Stamford Raffles landed on 29 January 1819. Continue on your heritage trail to the Asian Civilisation Museum, which presents the history and culture of Singapore's ancestral cultures, with artefacts that span the entire Asian continent and over five thousand years of recorded history.
Your final stop will be Chinatown. Walk along Pagoda Street and get a glimpse of the Chinese influenced curios, accessories, apparel and much more. It is a good place to hunt for local souvenirs and gifts to bring home.
Visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre which is housed within a traditional shop house. The centre takes you to a different period in the history of Chinatown, and allows you to trace the lives of its early occupants. The hard life of the migrants resulted in many of them seeking solace in the four evils: opium smoking, prostitution, gambling and secret societies. The Chinatown Heritage Centre is the only place in Singapore that has recreated the original interiors of its shophouse tenants in the 1950s, offering visitors an honest, revealing glimpse into the lives of Chinatown's early residents.
- This tour involves approximately 2 km (1.3 mile) of walking over flat surfaces and some steps. Local currency is preferred to make any purchases.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Singapore by night
Board your coach and embark on a night tour of Singapore. First, you will be transferred to the river pier. The river is a great way to experience one part of the city-state. Cruise along the Singapore River for about 30 minutes, enjoying the skyline of Singapore by night. You will pass the iconic Merlion, a reimagining of a mermaid and a lion and an unmissable Singapore icon, spouting water from its mouth into the picturesque Marina Bay. You will have the opportunity to photograph the impressive city and its famous buildings from the river.
Disembark from your riverboat ride and take a short walk to the boat quay, a historical quay in Singapore situated upstream from the mouth of the Singapore River. There, you will enjoy a seafood dinner by the river. You will have the chance to taste some local food like chilli crab and sweet and sour fish fillet.
To conclude your night tour, board your coach and take a short drive to Marina Bay Sands to enjoy an unrivalled panoramic view. Reach the 57th floor, savour a drink and enjoy a moment at leisure on the observation deck. Shorter than the Eiffel Tower, though large enough to house four-and-a-half parked jumbo jets, the Sands Sky Park is an architectural marvel. It also offers you a chance to see some of the best 360-degree views of Singapore’s skyline.
- This tour involves 0.9 miles (1.5km) of walking on flat ground, with few steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Appropriate dress is recommended to dine; shorts and slippers are not allowed. You will dine on the terrace which is not air conditioned. We also recommend you protect yourself from insects.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Contemporary Singapore
Embark on a journey to discover Singapore’s incredible architectural marvels.
Head towards the Marina Bay Sands Promenade. Be amazed by the myriad of shops, theatres and restaurants which adorn the waterfront complex. From the promenade, view the amazing architecture of Marina Bay Sands hotel, the Esplanade and the various buildings within the surrounding.
Your final stop is Gardens by the Bay, which captures the essence of Singapore as the premier tropical Garden City with the perfect environment in which to live and work – making Singapore a leading global city of the 21st century.
After the orientation of the grounds, and time permitting, you may wish to visit the Cloud Forest, a mysterious world veiled in mist. A 35-metre tall hill, covered in lush vegetation shrouding the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, showcases plant life from tropical highlands up to 2,000 metres above sea level. Or you may prefer to step into the Flower Dome where you will marvel in awe of nature as well as the spectacular and innovative designs. You will enjoy the cool-dry climate of the Mediterranean regions which the Flower Dome replicates. Please note that entrance fees to the both domes are not included.
Then, it is a short drive to a view-point from where you can view the architecture of The Pinnacle@Duxton, an award-winning 50-storey residential development. The project features the world’s two longest sky gardens and seven connected towers.
- This tour involves approximately 3 km (1.8 mile) of walking over flat surfaces and some steps. Local currency is preferred to make any purchases. A 45-minute time at leisure at Gardens by the Bay will allow you to visit one of the “domes” (at additional expense).
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Vanishing trades of Singapore
Board your coach for a 30-minute drive to a workshop. Here, craftspeople keep tradition alive by making bamboo bird cages and paper effigies. A self-taught cage maker will show you how he uses heat to bend and shape the bamboo strands, adding silk sunshades made by his wife. Then, he carves intricate designs into the wooden embellishments. You will also discover how the Taoist paper effigies are made. The practice of burning Chinese paper offerings dates as far back as the 10th - 13th centuries.
Continue your exploration and visit a traditional bread making factory which still uses gas-fired ovens. Taste one of these breads, which locals enjoy for breakfast or as a snack.
Then, you will head to Everton Park, a quaint neighbourhood which exudes an authentic suburban-hipster charm. Here, you will visit an Ang Ku Kueh factory. This Chinese pastry, believed to bring longevity and good fortune to those who eat it, is also called Red Tortoise cake. The red cake is a steamed Chinese pastry made of soft, sticky, glutinous rice flour wrapped around a sweet mix. Making an ang ku kueh can take up to an entire day.
Finally, get back to your coach and drive back to your ship.
- This tour involves 1.8 miles (3km) of walking on flat ground. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. The local currency, Singapore Dollar, is preferred for your purchases.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Early days of Singapore
From the pier, board your coach for the short drive to the Raffles landing site. It is here, where Sir Stamford Raffles landed for his first visit, which lasted ten days. His vision of Singapore was to make it a vital international port and trading centre for the Far East.
After an historical introduction to the area, walk to The Fullerton Hotel for a visit. It was originally known as The Fullerton Building, and also as the General Post Office Building. See its gallery which traces back the history of the building.
You will take a 30-minute riverboat ride down the Singapore River. To this day, the 'riverboat' continues to shuttle goods from the trading ships, but today serves to steer us through a kaleidoscope of historic river and harbour images, including the 'godown' warehouses and shop houses, six British bridges, and the gracious buildings of the old waterfront. All of this is set against the towering skyline of the business and hotel district.
Your final stop will be the National Gallery Singapore which is fittingly located in the heart of the Civic District, at the City Hall and the former Supreme Court - two iconic buildings that have played a monumental role in Singapore's history. Utmost care has been taken to ensure that preservation guidelines for these two national monuments are being upheld even as they are being remodeled to become a state-of-the-art museum for the public. See the original "holding area" of the " accused" whilst waiting for their case to be heard and visit the room where the surrender of Japanese to the British took place.
- This tour involves approximately 2 miles / 2,5kms of walking. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Feng Shui & architecture
Singapore’s good fortune has often been attributed to the practice of feng shui. Feng shui is the ancient art of harnessing the natural energies of Heaven, Earth and Man to create a balanced and harmonious environment. Singapore is home of many feng shui architectural gems. Some of these buildings are world renowned.
Join your coach and start your exploration with the guided visit of Star Vista, a contemporary shopping mall. Here, you will discover the superb futuristic architecture, showcasing and preserving feng shui elements as a core principle in overall design.
Then, you will drive along Orchard Road and view some buildings and structures that have been influenced by feng shui to increase business and profits, before reaching the financial centre. In this financial district, many buildings have been constructed using feng shui concepts, like one of Singapore’s foremost banking institutions, which chose to use traditional Chinese characters to reflect its line of business.
Then, you will stop at the Marina Barrage, Singapore’s 15th reservoir, which is often criticized by feng shui experts. Unlike the other reservoirs, Marina Barrage is located in the city centre to keep out seawater from Kallang Basin and Marina Bay. It redirects the flow of the Singapore River and Kallang River into the man-made Marina Bay. However, the possible impact on the feng shui of the area may have been neglected.
Finally, you will discover Suntec City, designed in the shape of an open hand, with the five towers representing fingers. Some claim that the fingers’ connection to the palm symbolise Singapore’s different races living in harmony, although this could also be interpreted as achieving financial gain through unity and co-operation. This brilliant feng shui formation is known as the ‘King Holding Up the Sky’.
- This tour involves a moderate level of effort, with 1.8 miles (3km) of walking on flat ground, with steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes, light clothes and protect yourself from the sun. In shops, Singapore Dollars and credit cards are accepted.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Wonders of Borobudur
Departing by coach from Tanjung Emas harbour, you will journey into the dramatic landscape of central Java en route to the incredible UNESCO World Heritage site of Borobudur.
Upon arrival, you will be simply amazed at this incredible man-made marvel that is nothing short of being spectacular. The world’s largest Buddhist monument, Borobudur was constructed between 778 and 856 and built with over 56,000 m³ (two million cubic feet) of stone. This massive building project exhausted five generations of central Java’s population, yet within little more than a century of its completion, was mysteriously abandoned. A subsequent eruption of neighbouring Mount Merapi completely covered the site in ash and it wasn’t rediscovered until 1814. The painstaking excavation and restoration of Borobudur was accomplished at a cost of $25 million, but has given us today an unquestionably remarkable monument that stands as a symbol to an ancient and glorious heritage.
Following your morning exploration of the temple, you will be treated to a buffet lunch of Indonesian specialties.
Afterwards, re-board your coach for a relaxing and scenic drive back to the pier and your ship.
- The drive time between Semarang and Borobudur is approximately 3 hours in each direction (a comfort stop will be made). The tour includes approximately 1.5 km (1 mile) of walking and 100 steep steps to be negotiated. Therefore, it is not considered suitable for wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. Wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Semerang Highlights
From the pier, start the 1-hour scenic drive to Joglo Hill, passing highland, rice paddies and villages.
Once at Joglo Hill, enjoy a refreshment of Javanese coffee or tea served with traditional rice cakes, crackers and seasonal fruits in a traditional style resort, set in a tropical garden. The villas are from Joglo traditional Javanese building. You will also be invited to visit the villas owner’s antique collections, collected from all over Java Island.
Your tour continues to Sam Po Kong (Gedung Batu), a unique temple built in honour of the famous Chinese Admiral Zheng He. Inside the temple, see the many outstanding stone carvings and sculptures as well as several shrines and tombs.
Before heading back to the harbour, you will have some free time to visit the Johar local market. Here you can observe the locals doing their daily trading for food, clothing and other daily goods. You can also find some souvenirs such as batik and handicrafts.
- We advise you to wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothing. We recommend a hat, sun screen and mosquito repellent. This tour is an alternative for guests not wishing to take part in the full-day tour.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tlogo Agro highlands
From the pier, embark your coach for the one-and-a-half-hour scenic drive to the historical city of Ambarawa, where you will visit an antique train museum. After a brief tour, continue by coach towards the highlands of Tlogo Agro passing through some beautiful tropical scenery.
On arrival, enjoy the fresh air of the Tlogo Agro Highland among the various tropical plants, such as coffee, rubber, mango, banana, avocado, clove, cocoa and guava. Take the opportunity to observe the coffee making process, where the beans finally become consumer-ready coffee powder using old day machinery. Welcome refreshments will be served whilst listening to traditional gamelan music. Strolling around the Dutch Colonial buildings in the cool air – it will be difficult to tear yourself away from it.
Continue to Joglo Hill enjoying a scenic drive through Ungaran highland, rice paddies and villages. Enjoy an Indonesian-style buffet lunch at Joglo Hill villa, a traditional style hill resort set in a tropical garden. The villas are from Joglo traditional Javanese building. You will also be invited to visit the villas owner’s antique collections, collected from all over Java Island.
- This tour requires little walking. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Fascinating Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo is an active volcano which is part of the Tengger massif in East Java, Indonesia. At 2,329 meters (7,641 ft) it is not the highest peak of the massif but is the most well-known. The volcano is part of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The name of Bromo derives from the Javanese pronunciation of Brahma, the Hindu creator god. Mount Bromo is located in the middle of a vast plain called the "Sea of Sand", a protected nature reserve since 1919.
The tour to Mount Bromo starts with a one-hour drive to a local restaurant for a coffee break and comfort stop. Thereafter, you will board local 4-wheel drive vehicles for the 45-minute drive to Seruni viewing point to enjoy the panoramic views on Mount Bromo. Re-board your 4-wheel drive vehicle for the drive down to the sea of sand. Then take a 15-minute pony ride across the sea of sand to the base of Mt. Bromo. Finally, climb the 240 steps to the awesome crater which has a diameter of six miles (9.5 km) surrounded by a caldera that puffs white sulfur smoke. Mount Bromo stands in a sea of ash, volcanic sand and is surrounded by the towering cliff of the crater’s edge. The immense size of the crater, the supernatural beauty of the scenery are really something very special indeed.
On the way back, you will be using the same means of transportation: pony, 4-wheel-drive and bus. A buffet lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
- This tour is not recommended for guests suffering from motion sickness. Wear comfortable walking shoes, protect yourself from the sun and bring a sweater or light jacket for the cooler temperatures. Note that the hotel(s) where lunch is served are local hotels and best available; they cannot be compared to the luxury and commodities you are accustomed to onboard your ship or in international hotels. Each 4WD vehicle will take 4 passengers. Guests weighing over 175 lbs or 80 kgs will not be able to take a pony, they will have to cover the distance on foot.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€€: the excursion price is more than €150.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
MAGNIFICENT BALINESE TEMPLES
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your daytime between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Bali
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
You will depart the port for the second largest Balinese temple, Taman Ayun temple. Built in 1634, Pura Taman Ayun is surrounded by a moat. Its name means "temple garden in the water". In popular belief, it protects Bali from evil spirits. The temple was restored in 1949. Its classification as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its importance and majestic architecture, dates from 2012.
You will then proceed to one of Bali’s most important landmarks, Pura Tanah Lot famed for its unique offshore setting. Before your visit, you will first have lunch in a local restaurant.
Tanah Lot Temple is perched on a rocky outcrop like a lighthouse surrounded by the sea. The temple was built by a high priest named Nirartha who fell in love with the site. It is part of Bali’s Six Temples honouring the Spirits of the sea.
You will then be transferred to Ngurah Rai international airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- Lunch with beverages package (1 mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee or tea) as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- All personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
- This program is not recommended for people with walking difficulties.
- This program involves walking in the outdoors and exposed to warm/hot, humid and /or wet weather and insects: please kindly dress accordingly. We recommend wearing lightweight clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Please kindly remind to bring sunscreen, a hat and mosquito/insects repellent.
- For visits to temples, it is preferable to wear appropriately discreet clothing, covering the upper body and legs below the knees.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : 150 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.