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North Vietnam Coastal Cruising: Danang to Hanoi

North Vietnam Coastal Cruising: Danang to Hanoi

From $ 4,260 AUD

Description

Much of Vietnam’s stunning coastline, hundreds of miles long, is seen mostly by local fisherman. Small-ship adventure cruising, however, is a way of experiencing not only the must-see limestone scenery of Halong Bay, but also those destinations most travellers haven’t discovered yet. The star of this particular show is Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, an unspoiled haven of cliffs, mountains, rivers and impossibly long caves that were discovered barely a decade ago. Add in historic Hue, vibrant Hanoi and the important war sites of Vinh Moc and Khe Sanh, and this becomes one unforgettable week of leisure and discovery in Vietnam.

Trip Name
North Vietnam Coastal Cruising: Danang to Hanoi
Last Updated
2019-05-22
Days
10
Capacity
48
Highlights
  • Go where few tourists have gone – to the astounding Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, where caves as long as 30 kilometres were discovered only recently.
  • The Vinh Moc tunnels and Khe Sanh Combat Base provide an eye-opening insight into the history of the America-Vietnam war.
  • Be enchanted by the dreamlike scenery of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam’s must-see natural wonder of limestone islands.
  • Witness the great scene of early morning ritual at Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. Here you might encounter anything from laughing yoga to ballroom dancing.

Itinerary

Travelling by sea is a fantastic way to explore, but it brings some challenges when weather conditions are not ideal. The itinerary may be subject to change, based on winds and sea conditions which may render anchorage and landing at some stops difficult. We reserve the right to change the itinerary for the safety of passengers and the ship. Shore excursions are subject to shore and weather conditions and are based on a minimum participation. Each days' schedule will be posted by the cruise co-ordinator listing necessary information such as arrival/departure times, meal times, days activities and other information. This is given as a guideline and is subject to change. Except for the occasional large ship calling into the larger cities as part of a world cruise, coastal cruising is quite new to Vietnam. The infrastructure for passenger ships is not available everywhere and varies greatly meaning that at times, we will need to dock at container or cargo ports or anchor off shore and tender to the port or beach. Different provinces have their own customs requirements and this will require us to complete formalities at numerous ports along the way as we negotiate the bureaucracy that can come with travelling in a communist country. You will be trailblazers on this trip, participating in an exciting new way to explore Vietnam and any of these challenges that we encounter are all part of the experience of doing something new. Bring your spirit of adventure and enjoy.

Day 1 - Danang
On arrival in Danang, you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel in Hoi An. Enjoy an evening getting to know the city and indulging in some amazing Vietnamese cuisine.
Day 2 - Hoi An
This morning, get to know Hoi An as local guides take you on a walking tour around this World Heritage listed city. The city was a major trading port with the west from the 17th century onwards, and has a various architectural influences from Europe, China and Vietnam. Today the city is being restored and looks exactly like it did over a century ago. The rest of the day is free for you to do some optional activities or soak up the ambience of the place. You may like to wander Hoi An Market and the street stalls selling paintings, woodwork, ceramics, lanterns and much more. It’s also famous for its talented tailors who can make beautiful items to order within a few hours.
Day 3 - Hoi An
The morning is free for you to continue your exploration of Hoi An, or perhaps for that last fitting of some new tailored clothes? In the afternoon, we will transfer back to Danang to join the Panorama II. Enjoy a welcome dinner on board before setting sail.
Day 4 - Hue
Depart at 9 am for the short sail to Chan May. From there, take a bus to Hue, the former imperial capital and hub of Vietnam's historic past. Here the group will split up into smaller groups for a tour of the city with local guides. You will visit the Thien Mu Pagoda (an active Buddhist monastery that dates back to 1601) and enjoy tasty vegetarian fare for lunch. Also visit the elaborate royal tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with its beautiful lake, frangipani and pine trees. Later, return to the ship for dinner, and set sail at midnight for Vinh Moc.
Day 5 - Vinh Moc
Visit the intriguing Vinh Moc Tunnels today. These were built to shelter local communities in the Demilatarised Zone that separated North and South Vietnam during the war. As you'll learn, the the tunnels grew in sophistication as well as depth, and many families resided in this underground village in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Some 17 children were born underground in this period. Today you'll also visit the Khe Sanh Combat Base, where the bloodiest conflict of the Vietnam-America conflict took place. Sail overnight toward Hon La.
Day 6 - Hon La
Arrive in Hon La at around 9 am, then transfer by bus to the unspoiled Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park. Spanning 885 square kilometres and boasting some of Asia's most ancient limestone karst landscapes, this chunk of land is one of the last true paradises of Vietnam. You'll visit the Thien Duong cave, also known as Paradise Cave, which is an astounding 31 kilometres long and was only discovered in 2005. Later, set sail for Halong at 7 pm.
Day 7 - Sailing to Halong Bay
Settle into a full day's sailing, heading north towards Halong, which is located just north of Na Trang. Take the opportunity to relax with a drink, play some board games, chat with fellow travellers, or curl up on a comfortable chair on deck with a good book as the sea streams by.
Day 8 - Halong Bay
Transfer to a smaller local boat today for a tour around beautiful Halong Bay. Embarking at Bai Chay (Halong City West), soak up the views of this World Heritage-listed beauty and its pretty limestone islands. You'll also visit a cave in the area. During the warmer months your leader will discuss the option for swimming from Ti Top Island. Kayaking along the bay is another great option.
Day 9 - Halong Bay to Hanoi
Disembark after breakfast, then transfer by bus to Hanoi, arriving around midday. Your leaders can offer suggestions for lunch. In the afternoon, embark on a walking tour of Hanoi, which includes a visit to a traditional water puppet show. Your host Liem invites you into his home, a small-scale theatre that continues a long running family tradition passed down from generation to generation. Witness not only the show itself but gain a behind-the-scenes insight into how the puppets are made and animated. For the final night of the trip, head out on the town with fellow travellers for an optional farewell dinner, and retire to a local hotel.
Day 10 - Hanoi
Those feeling active can rise early for an optional leader-led walking tour this morning. This includes 'laughing yoga', tai chi, and other lakeside activities enjoyed by Hanoi's local population. The trip comes to an end after breakfast at the hotel.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-03-202006-04-2020AUD $ 3,621-
28-03-202006-04-2020AUD $ 3,923-
28-03-202006-04-2020AUD $ 4,224-
28-03-202006-04-2020AUD $ 4,224-
28-03-202006-04-2020AUD $ 4,428-
09-04-202018-04-2020AUD $ 3,621-
09-04-202018-04-2020AUD $ 3,923-
09-04-202018-04-2020AUD $ 4,224-
09-04-202018-04-2020AUD $ 4,224-
09-04-202018-04-2020AUD $ 4,428-
21-04-202030-04-2020AUD $ 3,621-
21-04-202030-04-2020AUD $ 3,923-
21-04-202030-04-2020AUD $ 4,224-
21-04-202030-04-2020AUD $ 4,224-
21-04-202030-04-2020AUD $ 4,428-

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights),Small ship cruise (6 nights)

Transport

Small cruise ship,zodiac,bus

Map