Board the Coral Discoverer for a 13-day thrilling journey through Vietnam. Cruise between two of Southeast Asia´s most dynamic cities, Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, and visit some of Vietnam´s lesser-known beautiful beaches. Embrace Vietnamese culture, imperial history, and culinary delights as you cruise through Phan Thiet, Van Phing Bay, Quy Nhon, Da Nang, Vinh Moc, Halong Bay, and La Ha Bay.
Highlights
Discover Hue´s imperial history and old-world charm
Uncover recent history and remnants of the Vietnam War at Vinh Moc Tunnels
Cruise around the limestone islands of UNESCO-listed Halong Bay
Stop at local seafood markets and taste Vietnam´s culinary delights
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Board the Coral Discoverer at Ho Chi Minh City's central river port in the late afternoon, and join the Captain's welcome drinks before settling in with new friends for a thrilling journey through Vietnam.
Start your morning with a tour through Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the busy and colorful Central Market and learn about this country´s recent history in the War Crimes Museum. Back on board, be on deck as you depart the city on the wide Saigon River, heading for the South China Sea
Known for its traditional nuoc mam (fish sauce), the bustling port city of Phan Thiet makes for an interesting first stop. Delight in the hundreds of brightly-colored fishing boats and visit the multi-tiered cascades of Fairy Spring Falls. In the afternoon, take a cable car to see the reclining Buddha at Ta Cu Mountain.
Enjoy a guided city tour in Nha Trang, visiting Hon Chong, the Ponaga Temple (one of the temples of lost Champa Kingdom), and the contrasting Nha Trang Cathedral. Lunch on board as you continue northwards to the beautiful Van Phong Bay, a secluded white-sand beach where you can snorkel, swim, kayak or relax in the glass bottom boat. Visit picturesque Port Dayot's fishing villages and go back on board for birdwatching and photography opportunities on your way northwards.
This morning explore the city, visiting the spectacular twin Cham Towers, dating from the 11th century, as well as four other historic towers perched on a hilltop next to a Buddhist Monastery. Visit Quang Trung Museum where Vietnamese hill tribe members perform superb martial arts demonstrations with music and dance – named an “intangible treasure” by UNESCO.
Options abound in the quaint old port town of Hoi An. Split into smaller groups for various guided excursions, exploring the produce market, finding hidden local food spots, wandering the old town's maze of alleyways, and discovering the Japanese covered bridge. If you feel more active, take a bike and ride through rural Vietnam cycling past emerald-green rice paddies, meeting friendly farmers as you go. Sample local food specialities before you go back to the Coral Discoverer.
Take the road for a scenic trip up and over the Hai Van Pass, with views north and south along the coast. Once in Hue, the old capital, enjoy a walking tour of the Citadel. Unravel history and enjoy a delicious vegetarian lunch in a local pagoda monastery. Sit back and relax on a Perfume River cruise before you head off for an exploration of the most sacred temple of Hue, the seven-tiered Thien Mu Pagoda.
Today visit sites relevant to the Vietnam War, including the Hien Luong Bridge, across the Ben Hai River, which was an important landmark during partition into North and South Vietnam with the demilitarization zone (DMZ) splitting the country. See the Vinh Moc Tunnels, which sheltered people during intense bombing raids, and the Khe Sanh and Suspension Bridge of Dakrong.
Spend two days cruising the World Heritage-listed Halong Bay, and navigate between its towering limestone karsts and traditional junks. Climb the Bai Tho Mountain (186 meters), a magnificent sea-eagle viewpoint across Halong Bay. Stop at a vibrant local seafood market selling the freshest catch of the day and visit Long Tien Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Halong City.
Lying south and east of Cat Ba township, another 300 or so limestone karst islands and outcrops make up Lan Ha. Enjoy the added attraction of numerous white-sand beaches and kayak in less-crowded waters for an exploration of limestone formations and secret caves, looking for seals and three species of dolphin which reside in these waters. In the evening, attend the Captain's farewell drinks capping off an amazing voyage.
Day 13: Haiphong | Disembark | Hanoi
1 Breakfast
Disembark the Coral Discoverer in the port city of Haiphong in the early morning. Transfer by luxury coach to Hanoi, where your expedition concludes at your central city hotel or the airport for onward flights.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$8,995
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Main Deck B
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Three cabins located on the Main Deck, equipped with twin portholes, desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
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Main Deck A
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Six cabins located on the Main Deck, equipped with twin porthole windows, desk, sofa, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
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Promenade Deck B
Averaging 160 sq. ft. Four cabins located on the Promenade Deck, equipped with picture windows, desk, telephone and Junior King bedding.
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Promenade Deck A
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Eighteen cabins located on the Promenade Deck, equipped with picture windows, sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
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Bridge Deck
Averaging 195 sq. ft. Five cabins located on the Bridge Deck, equipped with picture windows, sofa, desk, telephone and your choice of Junior King or twin bedding.
Notes
Solo Travelers:
Solo cabin occupancy is limited and based on availability in Promenade Deck B cabins only. Single supplement is an additional 50%.
Important Fare Information:
Rates are posted based off of the current exchange rates from Australian or New Zealand Dollars. Please contact us for current exchange rates.
Initial deposit is 15%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.