This two-week Vietnam coast exploration cruise takes you around the gorgeous Vietnamese coastline, exploring crescent-shaped beaches, gem-like bays, fishing villages, modern and military towns. In Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, learn about the country's past and present and travel back in time in regal Hue and the historic port of Hoi An. Tour Van Phong Bay's enormous sand dune and kayak through the mangroves in Con Dao National Park. Enjoy vibrant markets and green rainforests on a journey that combines the splendor of nature with the history and culture of Vietnam.
Highlights
See the UNESCO World Heritage limestone formations in Ha Long Bay.
Visit authentic 18th and 19th-century homes, a Japanese bridge, and the temples of Hoi An.
Savor fresh and aromatic Vietnamese cuisine.
Walk through Vinh Moc's elaborate tunnel system
Enjoy the energy of well-orchestrated dance of scooters crossing the street
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
This morning, check out of the hotel and tour the beautiful capital city of Hanoi. You'll pass by an eclectic blend of architectural influences—Chinese, French Colonial, and ultra-modern—as you make your way to the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, the oldest building in Hanoi and Vietnam’s first university. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, modeled after Lenin’s tomb in Moscow and Ho Chi Minh’s home. Choose to visit the National History and Ethnographic Museums, wander along Banner Street (the shopping mecca), or opt for a stroll in the Park on the Lake. Following lunch, drive through the scenic countryside to Hai Phong. Embark on the National Geographic Orion, your home for the next 10 days.
Ha Long Bay is considered one of the most picturesque landscapes in Southeast Asia, a watery wonderland of limestone formations that have eroded over time into fantastical shapes. We’ll board traditional junk boats and spend the morning cruising through isolated coves, breathtaking grottos, and hundreds of islets named after real and mythical animals. Take an afternoon Zodiac cruise to Cua Van floating village, the largest fishing village in Ha Long Bay. Learn how they have built their lives around the sea.
Zodiacs take us ashore to visit the infamous demilitarized zone (DMZ). Located on the 17th parallel, the bridge over the Ben Hai River marked the border between North and South Vietnam from 1954 to 1975. The Vinh Moc tunnels were dug by locals to not only endure the heavy bombing during the conflict but also protect them from the Viet Cong. Walk through the passageways to experience the lengths they went to in order to survive.
Today you dock in the port of Chan May and head inland to the ancient imperial city of Hue, the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Experience the hustle and bustle of the local market before moving into the tranquility of the Imperial City, modeled after the Forbidden City of Beijing, with temples, palaces, an imperial library, and museums. Following lunch along the Perfume River, visit the impressive Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. Regally situated along a pine-covered mountain slope, it is noted for its staircase of dragons, ceiling murals, and frescoes made from thousands of glass fragments.
Historic Da Nang is where the French landed to begin their conquest and, a century later, where 3,500 American troops first arrived. Today it is Vietnam’s third-largest city and is a mixture of its historic past and bustling present day. Your time here will allow you to choose how you would like to experience this vibrant city and the surrounding areas. Tour My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage site of Cham ruins dating from the 4th to 14th centuries; immerse yourself in Vietnamese cuisine with a chef-led cooking class; tour the ancient town of Hoi An before heading off on your own to wander through the shops and tailors; or opt for a trip to the Marble Mountains, five peaks which represent the elements of the universe, where we climb the path to see Huyen Khong Cave, an immense Buddhist sanctuary.
Visit the quaint seaside town of Qui Nhon. Home to a large fishing fleet, the brightly painted boats provide a colorful backdrop to this authentically Vietnamese town. Head inland to Binh Dinh province and the Banh It tower, one of the oldest towers that preserves the architecture of the Cham dynasty. Continue to the Quang Trung Museum, a cultural space that includes artifacts from the Tay Son revolution and Emperor Quan Trung, who brought peace to the region. The museum has also preserved the martial arts, music, and dance of the Vietnamese hill tribes, named an "intangible treasure" by UNESCO.
Known as a natural masterpiece, Van Phong Bay is one of the most beautiful bays in central Vietnam. The bay is lined with a variety of terrain. Spend the day hiking the dunes, birding amongst the mangroves, and kayaking or swimming along the protected coastline. You will also visit the prosperous fishing village of Port Dayot. Vibrant blue boats dot the harbor, as fishermen paddle between vessels in large baskets.
Made up of an archipelago of 16 mostly uninhabited islands, Con Dao National Park is dedicated to preserving the diverse ecosystems of the islands and surrounding sea. Con Son is the largest and the only one that is inhabited. During the French Colonial era, the island served as a political prison, and later, the Saigon regime imprisoned dissenters, using the infamous "tiger cages." Despite their difficult and harsh past, the islands are now thriving natural beauties. You will have the opportunity to go on hikes on the inner island trails, Zodiac cruises, and kayaking through the mangroves, photographing the vast array of plants and birdlife, and just soaking up the natural beauty.
Day 11: Con Dao National Park/Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Enjoy a morning Zodiac cruise or beach walk before you set sail towards the mainland. Be on deck to enjoy the views of lush deltas, rural villages along the Saigon River, as we sail towards the modern skyscrapers of Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly known as Saigon, the city was officially renamed after the Americans left in 1975 – the name hasn’t quite caught on. Regardless of how you refer to it, the people here are wonderfully warm to visitors.
This morning, explore Ho Chi Minh City, the most important city in southern Vietnam. View the former American Embassy and visit the Reunification Palace, as well as the excellent History Museum, with exhibits illustrating the evolution of Vietnam’s cultures, and the Saigon Central Post Office, one of the most iconic buildings in the city. Then stop at two important pagodas, the Jade Emperor and the 18th century Giac Lam, where Buddhist monks still live and worship. Following lunch, drive through the countryside to the Cao Dai Holy See (Great Temple). This beautiful temple is the center of the Cao Dai sect, a Vietnamese religious movement that shares aspects of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and even Catholicism. Like the religion itself, the temple is a gracious and vibrant blending of styles and is the most important shrine for Cao Dai followers. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in the city and wander through the shops, enjoy a Vietnamese coffee, or explore the beautiful parks on your own.
This evening celebrates your voyage and shares the many amazing experiences you had in this wonderful country. Overnight aboard the ship in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 13: Saigon/Home
1 Breakfast
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport and homeward 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.
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Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
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Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
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Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
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Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.
Notes
Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
11 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours 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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
