Join Le Laperouse on a 11-day voyage to Vietnam, a place of legendary beauty and lively cities. Visit Hai Phong, the gateway to the northern capital, Hanoi. Rapid urbanization, a blend of past and present, has produced a new city of remarkable diversity. Sail into Ha Long Bay, one of the most famous landscapes in Asia with its rock pitons and engulfed mountains. This journey offers visits to 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, the natural features of Ha Long Bay, and the cities of Hoi An and Hue.
Highlights
Visit Hong Kong, the city of lights, a mixture of the Orient and Occident
Watch traditional junks in Ha Long Bay, a veritable natural wonder
Experience 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Hanoi temple, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An & Hue
Explore the historic heart of Hanoi, capital of the North
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Located near the Mekong delta, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. It is both the historic heart and economic hub. Formerly Saigon, the city is an imposing avant-guard metropolis. You can admire its famous central post office and its emblematic Reunification Palace. From 95 years of French presence, the city has kept some remarkable monuments, like the Cathédrale Notre-Dame with its neo-Gothic façade built in 19th century red brick. You’ll succumb to the magic of this hectic city, where everything is about contrast, like the very brightly-colored district of Cholon, Saigon’s “Chinatown”.
Located near the Mekong delta, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. It is both the historic heart and economic hub. Formerly Saigon, the city is an imposing avant-guard metropolis. You can admire its famous central post office and its emblematic Reunification Palace. From 95 years of French presence, the city has kept some remarkable monuments, like the Cathédrale Notre-Dame with its neo-Gothic façade built in 19th century red brick. You’ll succumb to the magic of this hectic city, where everything is about contrast, like the very brightly-colored district of Cholon, Saigon’s “Chinatown”.
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness center. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Nha Trang, the capital of the Khanh Hoa province in Vietnam, is a coastal city with 300,000 inhabitants. Famous for its long, 7-km white sand beach along which runs Tran Phu Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, Nha Trang is a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club, an international association that includes 41 bays. The bay is the reason the city is sometimes called the “Riviera of the South China Sea”. You will have the opportunity to discover the city during a rather original experience: a tour in a rickshaw.
When your ship calls at Quy Nhon you will be able to discover the Ganh Da Dia, an area of impressive basalt rock formations created by a volcanic eruption that occurred 200 million years ago. When the blocks of lava came into contact with the freezing water, neat vertical fissures appeared, forming an amalgam of columns whose surface, once cooled, became square, round or hexagonal. Some are vertical, others oblique, and in places they are of different sizes. Some of the structures almost look like piled up dishes. You will be able to discover this surprising rock formation which, although made entirely by nature, seems to have been perfectly designed by man.
Mid-way between Ho Chi Minh City to the south and Hanoi to the north, Da Nang enjoys an ideal location in Vietnam. The old colonial town has skilfully navigated the transition to economic growth, becoming a wealthy tourist destination. With its five Marble Mountains, its 72-metre high Buddha and white sand beach, Da Nang will create some magical memories, made sublime by a secular culinary tradition that has nothing left to prove. It is also the gateway to the country’s treasures, including the cities of Hoi-An and Hue, which are both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
From Hon La, your port of call, you will sail to one of the most exceptional limestone karst ecosystems in the world, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003. Nearly 300 caves and over 100 km (62 miles) of galleries and underground rivers are scattered across this park with an extraordinary biodiversity which is also home to a large variety of protected species. The park’s reputation is on a par with the awe its treasures inspire. You will very likely have the privilege of visiting one of these caves. In this magical setting, surrounded by lush vegetation, you will witness a masterpiece that only nature could have created. Enjoy a pure moment of grace.
Located 170 kilometers east of Hanoi, in the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong bay is a marvel of marvels. A must for all who wish to soak up the spirit of Vietnam, at once peaceful and mysterious. You’ll sail into the heart of this legendary natural beauty, not surprisingly listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Over approximately 1,500 square kilometers, the famous bay offers an infinite quasi-supernatural and ghostly spectacle of limestone pillars rising from the sea in all shapes and sizes, sculpted by nature for centuries. This exceptional scenic beauty of this site includes myriad creeks, caves, and other interior lakes to feast your eyes on.
Day 11: Ha Long | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Shielded by majestic karstic peaks, Halong reveals itself through a string of spectacular landscapes. Known the world over for its bay, listed with UNESCO, this city in northern Vietnam is lesser known for its heritage. That is a shame, as the authenticity and cultural richness of Halong is surprising. Boasting a unique mix of modern architecture and heritage from the dynasty of the Hung kings, the tourism capital of the Quang Ninh province promises unexpected moments in its bustling streets and breathtaking panoramas of one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
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.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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Deluxe Stateroom
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² Private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 4
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 5
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Stateroom Deck 6
Area: 19 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
4m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Deluxe Suite
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
6m² private balcony
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Prestige Suite Deck 5
8m² private balcony
King-size bed or twin beds
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Prestige Suite Deck 6
8m² private balcony
King-size bed or twin beds
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Privilege Suite
Area: 32 m²
Capacity: up to 4 passengers per cabin
8m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Grand Deluxe Suite
Area: 45 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
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Owner's Suite
Area: 45 m²
Capacity: up to 2 passengers per cabin
30m² private balcony; King-size bed or twin beds
Notes
Please Note:
Fares are based on double occupancy and are capacity controlled. Rates may increase at any time as the ship sells out and subject to change without notice.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 10 Dinners
10 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Port Fees
Unlimited Wifi
Onboard Entertainment
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
Gratuities to Onboard Crew
“Open Bar” (pouring wines, house champagne, alcohol except premium brands...list available upon request)
24h Room Service (special selection)
English-Speaking Lecturer
Highly experienced and bilingual (French-English) expedition staff
Park Entry Fees into Protected Areas
Water sports activities (except scuba diving) using the ship’s equipment, when permitted by local authorities and confirmed by ship Master according to safety and sea conditions onsite.
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Visa Fees
Optional Excursions - Ponant allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately six to two months prior to the cruise* departure. Please note that this is subject to change. Please contact us for more details.
Any ground services before and/or after the cruise other than the ones mentioned
Luggage Handling
Laundry Services, Hair Salon, and à La Carte Spa Treatments
Pre or post cruise programs, overland programs or shore excursions
Beverages other than the ones mentioned in inclusions
CDP recommends that every Traveler has full and adequate travel insurance covering the risks of cancellation, assistance being required, repatriation, damages to and loss of baggage, and medical expenses
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 142 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 142 reviews on
23 hours ago
Excellent trip saw much more than would have seen with out Adventure Life's help.
Anonymous traveler
2 days ago
Erin made things easier than I thought possible. So good at answering questions in a timely manner and explaining all. I feel she looks out for me.
Fran Folkman
2 days ago
Very personable and knowledgeable! Able to answer questions and provide advice based on personal experiences.
Robert Thompson
2 days ago
Erin is a seasoned travel planner and is very personable. She is a good listener and uses our questions and concerns to make the trip just as we want it. She is very good at moving the booking process along and meticulous with the details.
This is why we came back to have her plan this trip for us.
Lynn Oveson
2 days ago
Erin C. was incredibly helpful and thorough. I had answers immediately or within the same day.