trip specifics

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A fascinating blend of history, culture, natural beauty and unflagging energy, Vietnam's new revolution of peace and prosperity invites visitors to share it all. The elegant architecture, exquisite art and beautiful boulevards of cities from Hanoi to Hue are reminders of the country's colonial rule, while the poise and grace of Hoi An and the hustle-bustle of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) are windows on a culture that values its past as it moves eagerly into the future. Discover pagodas, shrines, painting and sculpture that define the country's spiritual roots, as well as traditional crafts like pottery and weaving that fill markets with color and vitality. Enjoy dance, martial arts, puppet theater and extraordinary cuisine that perfectly meld past and present. Cruising the coast of Vietnam in the comfort of the Spirit of Oceanus with naturalists and experts on Asian art and culture, experience Vietnam¹s distinctive beauty and welcoming people.

Vietnam

Day 1 – Arrive In Hanoi

Meet fellow travelers at a welcome reception at the Sofitel Metropole Hotel.

Accommodations: Sofitel Metropole Hotel
Included Meals: dinner

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.

Accommodations: Sofitel Metropole Hotel
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

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.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

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.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast and dinner

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.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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.

Accommodations: Spirit of Oceanus
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

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.

Accommodations: Sofitel Metropole Hotel
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Day 12 - Ho Chi Minh City / Home

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast and lunch

Notes on Itinerary: We may occasionally alter itineraries slightly for safety, or to take advantage of weather, sea conditions, wildlife, and unplanned discoveries. Our ability to be spontaneous makes our style of cruising unique.


Cost Includes: Hotel accommodations and meals as listed above, $575 per person which covers all taxes, port charges, fees and on board services. Onboard gratuities are neither required nor expected. All airport/ hotel transfers, Vietnam cruise including all meals while aboard and an experienced naturalist guides.

Not Included: Airfare from US; excess baggage charges; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages, laundry fees and insurance of any kind. Prices do not include fuel surcharges which may be added up to the time of final payment.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: A deposit of US$1000 per person is required to confirm a reservation, with final payment due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellations received prior to departure are subject to cancellation penalties per person. Please see AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions.

We highly recommend our travelers
protect their investment with comprehensive Trip Cancellation and Insurance

Accommodations Aboard: Your comfortable home-base throughout Vietnam is aboard the Spirit of Oceanus. This all-suite vessel accommodates 114 guests. Each suites feature view windows, ample closet space, large marble vanity and sink, a lounge area, bathrobes, spa bath amenities, in-room safe, a chilled refreshment center, and satellite telephone access. Several suites also feature sliding glass doors and private teak balconies. The Oceanus has a dining room, two lounges, sun deck, sports deck, hot tub, library and game room. There is elevator access to all passenger decks. Open dining features continental and regional cuisine.

Qualifications: This trip will be enjoyed by anyone. Some excursions from the boat to the shore will be made in zodiacs. On land, trip members will walk to specific areas to enjoy cultural interactions, photography and enjoying nature.

General Information: This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations 'Terms & Conditions'. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A packing list, extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information is sent upon confirmation. We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Insurance through AdventureSmith Explorations. If purchased within 14 days of sign-up, the pre-existing condition exclusion is waived.

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Call today.

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