Vietnam Cruise Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Hanoi
Meet fellow travelers at a welcome reception at the Sofitel Metropole Hotel. D
Day 2: Hanoi
An exciting day of sightseeing. See Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Museum in Ba Dinh Square, pagodas, temples and the bustling Old Quarter. Hanoi has something for everyone. Stroll elegant boulevards, delight in a private water puppet performance, and enjoy dinner at the imposing Co Loa Citadel. BLD
Day 3: Hanoi / Haiphong
Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology for a superb overview of the country and its people. Drive to Haiphong, one of Vietnam's largest ports. Board the Spirit of Oceanus to begin your Vietnam adventure. BD
Day 4: Ha Long Bay
Cruise by junk into Ha Long Bay. Known as "the dragon's back," this World Heritage Site in the Gulf of Tonkin includes some 1,600 mostly uninhabited islands and islets. Legend has it that Ha Long Bay was formed when a dragon plunged to earth, its tail carving the seabed. One look at the sharp limestone outcroppings that line the shore and the ancient tale makes perfect sense. BLD
Day 5: At Sea
Onboard experts share information about the peoples and places you see as we cruise from Ha Long Bay down the Gulf of Tonkin to Hue. BLD
Day 6: Danang / Hue
Hue, the Imperial City on the Perfume River. Legacies of both the ancient Champa Kingdom and years of colonial rule are alive in the city's art and architecture, including the Forbidden Purple City and the moated Imperial Citadel. BLD
Day 7: Danang / Hoi An
Hoi An was a vital seaport in the Champa Kingdom. Harboring a wealth of temples and pagodas, Hoi An is also home to a vibrant market. Explore the Cham Museum. Then discover why Danang's renowned China Beach became the respite for soldiers during the Vietnam War. BLD
Day 8: Qui Nhon
Ancient remnants of Cham culture abound in Qui Nhon. Stroll among the ruins and visit pagodas, towers and villages, where people practice weaving, pottery and other crafts. Enjoy a special private performance of traditional martial arts, a Qui Nhon specialty. BLD
Day 9: Nha Trang
Boasting the best weather in Vietnam, Nha Trang's clear waters and miles of clean, sandy golden beaches invite swimming and snorkeling, while its lively market and charming streets beg to be explored. See the well-preserved Cham towers, the temples and the picturesque fishing boats. BLD
Day 10: Mekong River / Ho Chi Minh City
The tapestry of sights and sounds of the mighty Mekong unfold as we cruise past rice fields, forest and sugar cane. In Ho Chi Minh City, transfer to the classic Caravelle Hotel. Visit the History Museum and the former President's Palace. See the elegant French architecture of its colonial days. BL
Day 11; Mekong Delta / Ho Chi Minh City
Spend a full day touring the Mekong Delta. Drive through small villages and lush countryside before boarding a local boat to witness the daily rituals of river life. Explore floating markets, gardens, and village life in this unique culture. Or, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a massive network of underground living areas, used during the Vietnam War. BL
Day 12: Ho Chi Minh City / Home
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight home. B
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner