Please note:- Optional excursions are not guaranteed and are based on minimum numbers. The prices quoted are guideline only and tours may involve other non-Solos holidaymakers.During your leisure beach stay you will have opportunity to join following optional excursions:
Full day- TAM THANH VILLAGE AND KY ANH TUNNEL Today you will be meeting with one of our Vivu Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide. In the morning, drive to Ky Anh Tunnels and follow in the footsteps of Mr. Ta, one of the witnesses during wartime to discover the tunnel networks. This incredible Ky Anh Tunnel network sits underneath the village of Thach Tan and while there are numerous entrances to the network of tunnels scattered throughout local villages, the main access is found here. In the past, there were as many as 32 kilometers of tunnels stretching through the area, although now the restored sections are much shorter, totaling a few hundred meters.
There are a couple of entrances to the tunnel network in Thach Tan, one at the local communal house or Dinh, and another in the backyard of a local house. Afterwards we will travel to the beautiful and remote village of Loc Yen. An ancient village lying in a beautiful valley in the Tien Canh commune, surrounded by rivers, streams, and mountains and where you will enjoy a wonderful walking experience. En route to Loc Yen, you will walk along winding roads and through vibrant rice fields. Upon arrival, you will find many ancient houses in typical traditional Vietnamese architecture surrounded by beautiful lush gardens. This pretty village of Loc Yen is unique with its stone alleyways, canals and terraces and the residents of the village are truly Vietnamese, friendly, welcoming and hospitable. Lunch will be prepared and served by a member of a local family residing in one of the ancient houses.
Enjoy your delicious lunch and wonderful local experience before continuing to Tam Ky City. The total distance of cycling required on this tour is approximately 8km. Following lunch we will begin our journey back to Hoi An via the Heroic Mother Thu statue. She stands 18.6m high and 120m wide and was designed to resemble Mrs Nguyen Thi Thu, who sadly lost 12 children and grandchildren during the Vietnam War. Our final stop will then be by Tam Thanh village, where the mural project in the village has transformed this remote fishing village into a fascinating artwork gallery, where more than 100 houses have been painted to reflect the local culture, people and nature.
Full Day HOI AN - CITY TOUR Enjoy a full-day tour of Hoi An with your local guide. Learn about this former port town and the influence of many international cultures on the aesthetics of this UNESCO town. Begin with a visit to the 17th century Chua Ong Pagoda before visiting the Jinshang Temple at the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. Take a short walk to Tam Ky House, a 200-year-old ancestral house before visiting Hoi An’s most recognizable sight - the Japanese Covered Bridge which dates back to the 17th century. After enjoying a delicious Vietnamese lunch, take a short boat trip down the river to visit local artisans making ceramics at a craft village. End your tour with a visit to the docks where you will see the traditional fishing boats and iconic bamboo basket boats. Please note: Estimated pick up time: between 8AM and 9 AM - Estimated duration: appx. 8 hours
Half Day HOI AN - RED BRIDGE COOKING CLASS This Afternoon we will begin by visiting Hoi An’s colourful main market and experience its amazing sights, sounds and aromas. We will have the opportunity to interact with the local sellers, and to see and taste the wonderful variety of foods on display. Investigating stalls of ripe fresh fruits, hand-woven baskets overflowing with green herbs, tiers of vegetables from the local farms and containers overflowing with the morning's catch.
After exploring the market, we will board a boat for a leisurely cruise along the Hoi An River to the Cooking School. Upon arrival, we will explore the cooking school’s herb and vegetable garden, before learning about some of Hoi An’s and Vietnam’s best-known dishes. We will then participate in our cooking class where each dish is first demonstrated by the chef before each guest will then prepare the dish themselves. We will also be able to try our hand at some food carving for decoration before we can sit down and enjoy the fruits of our labour. Start time : 2:30pm, 3:30pm Finish time: 7:00pm, 8:00pm
Full Day MY SON TEMPLES & RUM DISTILLERY TOUR Journey back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Cham civilization with a visit to My Son, the former ancient capital of this remarkable empire. The Cham people, a once-powerful civilization, reigned over central Vietnam for nearly a millennium, from the 2nd to the 13th century. Their influence extended beyond the borders, reaching into the territories of present-day Cambodia and Laos. As you arrive at My Son, you'll be greeted by a sprawling archaeological site, showcasing the remains of these ancient wonders.
The temples, despite the passage of time, have managed to maintain their haunting beauty and allure. Weathered by nature and human intervention, they stand as a poignant reminder of the grandeur that once adorned this revered city. Your expert guide will lead you through the labyrinth of history, narrating tales of the Cham civilization's glory and the significance of each structure you encounter. With their extensive knowledge, they'll bring to life the rituals and customs of these ancient people, offering you a glimpse into the deeply-rooted beliefs that shaped their lives. Strolling among the ruins, you'll be awestruck by the intricate carvings, delicate details, and majestic architecture that adorned the temples.
Discover the sacred halls where religious ceremonies were held, the symbolic motifs etched into the walls, and the stories woven into the very fabric of these stone structures. While time and various historical events have taken their toll on the site, My Son remains a powerful reminder of the Cham civilization's cultural heritage and contributions to the region. This enthralling journey to My Son offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past and witness the enduring legacy of the Cham people.
On the way back, experience a truly unique tour at the Distillerie d'Indochine. This picturesque beachfront distillery located in South Hoi An is the humble home of world-renowned Sampan Rum. On today's tour, start with a welcome Mojito before going behind the scenes to discover how the facility uses centuries-old distillation techniques to transform local, freshly pressed sugarcane into award-winning white rhums and dark rhums. After our tour, we will then indulge in a White Rhum tasting with our gregarious hosts!
Half Day HOI AN - COUNTRYSIDE SCENIC CYCLING TO AN ORGANIC RICE FARM Today you will be meeting with one of our Vivu Local Legends. These are a collection of locally selected superstars each with a memorable story to share of their impressive lives, crafts or cuisines. Please enjoy hearing their stories and feel free to ask questions directly or through your guide. We will be exploring the idyllic countryside that surrounds Hoi An and we will start by peddling across the Thu Bon river and into the peaceful island of Cam Kim, a suburb of Hoi An. Here, on an island renowned for craft making, we will get to see a local weaving demonstration and watch as ladies who have dedicated themselves to this craft have perfected the art.
We will then continue our journey taking in the peaceful rural setting on our way to meet our Local Legend. Upon arrival, we will park our bikes and cool off in the shade as we enjoy a healthy welcome drink and the opportunity to enjoy the splendid views over the Paddy fields of our Local Legends home. The Farm is entirely organic and the predominant crop here is Black Rice. Our host will then greet us and share her story. How she has gone from being advised against her lifestyle change to running a successful farm, drinks shop and a free educational program to help others who wish to change to organic farming practice.
After learning about the life of our captivating host we will then be taken to one of the paddy fields nearby for a quick demonstration of the rice farm life cycle, where you will be encouraged to get stuck in should you so wish! We will then enjoy a delicious farm-to-table meal made by our hosts using ingredients grown from the land and enjoy the views from the shade of the cafe. You will then jump back onto your bikes and make your way back to your accommodation. Worth Noting: This is an authentic working farm and the view of the paddy will vary depending on the season. Please also note that the bathroom facilities are rudimentary. Start time: 8:30 AM Finish time: 13:00 PM
Full day CHAM ISLAND SNORKELLING TOUR Take a snorkeling tour to the Cham Islands. A cluster of 8 small islands only 18 km away from Hoi An. With coral gardens surrounding them waiting to be explored and beaches to while away the afternoon soaking up the sun this is the perfect way to spend a day. On our trip, you will be picked up from central Hoi An and transferred to the pier where we will take a one-hour boat ride to the Cham Islands. We will visit two snorkeling sites with a break for snacks in between. Enjoy drifting through the waters and looking at the sea life below. Boi Chong beach will be the location of our Vietnamese lunch stop.
After filling up on tasty local cuisine, we will then have the chance to relax on the beach, swing in hammocks or swim in the waters. After, we will return to the mainland where we will arrive at the pier and subsequently our Hotels at around 4:30 PM Worth noting - It is advisable to bring sun cream, a hat, sandals, a swimming suit, a beach towel and some change should you wish to purchase additional drinks. Tours run from February to September, weather permitting.