Optional Excursions 
While most excursions are included during our program, our Haimark team has discovered that while some of our guests wish to have every moment planned, others prefer a larger amount of relaxation time. We have also learned that while many guests enjoy pre-dawn awakenings to watch the sun rise in a special location or to float above the landscape in a hot air balloon, others prefer to sleep in and have coffee relaxing in a lounger on the sun deck. We have, therefore, created a list of optional excursions for each itinerary, designed to enhance and customize your vacation. We frequently change our offerings based on holidays and festivals that may happen during your cruise, new excursions that become available, or existing excursions that may not be available during a particular cruise. Below are some examples of optional excursions we have offered during our cruise and land programs.
Mai Home Cooking School, Ho Chi Minh City (offered to guests participating in the Ho Chi Minh Land Extension program)
Along with exploring new cultures, the discovery of new cuisine is a source of wealth and joy. Highly appreciated around the world, Vietnam is proud of its inventive tastes, delicacies, and dietary virtues.
The Saigon Culinary Art Center offers an exciting discovery of the excellence and variety of Vietnamese food in a spacious house of historic style. Our excursion will begin in the market, where we meet our chef, and select the food for our class. Upon arrival at the Mai Home cooking center, we enjoy a cooking show; then learn to make traditional dishes. Guests will receive a certificate and handbook.
Bakheng Hill Sunrise Excursion, Siem Reap (offered to guests participating in the Siem Reap Land Extension program)
Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience of sunrise overlooking the temples of Angkor, followed by breakfast and an elephant ride. After a short drive to Bakheng Hill, a steep path leads to the summit, and stairs take you the final distance to the temple. From the temple, you can watch the sky lighten as the sun rises, with the towers of Angkor Wat visible in the distance. Following a walk back down the hill, enjoy breakfast at the Angkor Café, with the gates of Angkor Wat as your view! After breakfast, an elephant is waiting to take you from the South Gate of Angkor Thom to the central temple of Bayon. You will then rejoin the rest of the group for morning touring. NOTE: The dirt path to the temple is steep in places and unlit (flashlights will be provided). The temple is not handicap accessible. This excursion is recommended for more active travelers. Departure time is dictated by predicted sunrise.
