After breakfast, meet your tour director for a full-day exploration that delves into the heart of Vietnam’s history and culture. Your journey begins at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, a site of immense national importance. Here, you’ll visit the grounds of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and view the preserved body of Ho Chi Minh in its glass case (excluding Mondays, Fridays and afternoons when the Mausoleum is closed). Then, wander through the park to see the elegant Presidential Palace and the humble, traditional Stilt House where the revered leader once lived.
Next, find a moment of peace at the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and the country’s first university, founded in the 11th century. Continue your discovery at the fascinating Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the country’s diverse ethnic groups. The tour then moves to the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, where you’ll cross the iconic red Huc Bridge to visit the 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple, a sanctuary perched on a small island.
Tonight, you will be formally welcomed to Vietnam with a special dinner at a local restaurant. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with your fellow travellers and share the excitement of the journey ahead while enjoying authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 75 minutes (21.3km)
Today marks a highlight of your Vietnamese adventure as you journey from the city to the coast for an unforgettable overnight cruise on the spectacular, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay. Upon arrival at Tuan Chau Marina, you’ll step aboard the magnificent Capella Cruise, your luxurious floating hotel for the night. After a welcome drink and a briefing from the cruise manager, you’ll settle in and discover the ship’s incredible facilities, including six decks, a pool, and a jacuzzi.
Enjoy a delicious lunch in the restaurant as you begin to glide out into the bay, watching as hundreds of jungle-topped limestone karsts rise majestically from the tranquil, emerald waters. The afternoon is yours to indulge; take a dip in the pool, make a splash on the thrilling waterslide, or find a spot on the expansive sundeck to watch a dazzling sunset over the bay. For those who have booked the Superior Upgrade, this moment is made even more special with an included hour of free-flow drinks. Your day culminates with dinner onboard before the vessel anchors for a magical night spent floating in a quiet cove, surrounded by the bay’s dramatic limestone peaks.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 2.5 hours (250km)
Ha Long Bay overnight cruise on Capella
Start your morning on the expansive and luxurious Capella I cruise sundeck with fresh tea and coffee, enjoying the dawn on the bay. Energise your body and soul during a tranquil Tai Chi class, watching the sun rise over the bay.
Continue your morning cruising among the tree-trimmed cliffs of Ha Long Bay’s Natural Preservation Zone. Admire your surroundings with premium amenities as you sail through this pristine environment, before packing up your things and preparing to disembark. Once the vessel arrives back at Tuan Chau Marina, rejoin your coach for the ride from Ha Long back to Hanoi to embark on your flight from Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) to Da Nang International Airport (DAD).
Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in the coastal city of Hoi An for an evening at leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 3 hours / Flight – approx. 1.5 hours
This morning, your guide will lead you on a walking tour through Hoi An’s enchanting ancient town. You’ll visit the iconic 16th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, the Museum of Sa Huynh Culture where you can unearth the region’s Iron Age history, the 200-year-old Tran Family Chapel, and the traditional Fujian Assembly Hall, a 17th-century structure later repurposed as a temple for the sea goddess Thien Hau.
The afternoon is yours to relax and explore at your own pace. You may wish to indulge in your included spa treatment at Ginger Wellness today (available from 2:00 PM), or save this rejuvenating experience for tomorrow. For your evening, you could choose to join an optional street food tour to sample local specialties (surcharge applies), or perhaps a half-day tour to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed My Son Sanctuary, a religious complex of ancient temples.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 15 minutes
Enjoy a full day at leisure to soak up the unique atmosphere of Hoi An and create your own adventure. This is another opportunity to use your included spa treatment if you haven’t already. You could also choose from several exciting optional excursions to enhance your day (surcharges apply).
Embark on a full-day trip to Ba Na Hills to see its spectacular landmarks, including the famous Golden Bridge held aloft by giant stone hands. Alternatively, immerse yourself in Vietnamese cuisine with a half-day Cooking Class & Biking Tour, or explore the peaceful countryside by eco-friendly buggy on a Hoi An Craft and Countryside tour, visiting traditional carpentry and pottery villages. The day is yours to design before your journey continues south tomorrow.
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning exploring the charming streets of Hoi An before being transferred to Da Nang International Airport (DAD) for your onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City, historically known as Saigon. Upon arrival, you will check into the Sofitel Saigon Plaza, an elegant hotel known for its Parisian-inspired design and prime location in the heart of the city.
The evening is at your leisure to explore the city’s incredible dining scene on your own.
Travellers who have booked a Superior Upgrade will enjoy a special included dinner tonight at ST25 by KOTO, a unique restaurant that supports disadvantaged youth by providing culinary training, where locally sourced ingredients are transformed into a flavourful feast.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 2 hours / Flight – approx. 1.5 hours
Five-star Sofitel Saigon Plaza stay
Your day of discovery begins with a morning journey to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, located 60 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City. Considered a powerful remnant of the Vietnam War, this legendary city beneath a city is an extraordinary testament to the ingenuity of the Viet Cong. You’ll have a fascinating opportunity to explore the vast underground network and learn about its crucial role in the country’s history.
After returning to Ho Chi Minh City, you will embark on a guided tour of the city’s most important landmarks. You’ll see a fantastic blend of history and architecture, from the soaring Notre Dame Cathedral and the intricate detail of the historic Saigon Central Post Office to the grand Ho Chi Minh City Opera House and City Hall. The tour also includes a visit to the poignant War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace, where the war famously ended with the fall of Saigon in 1975. After a comprehensive day of sightseeing, the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. one hour
Enjoy your final full day in Vietnam with a day of leisure to explore Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. You can spend the day shopping for souvenirs, revisiting a favourite landmark, or choosing from one of the exciting optional experiences available.
You could embark on a full-day optional excursion to the lush, watery world of the Mekong Delta, where you’ll cruise along canals, visit local workshops, and cycle through village paths to see a different side of Vietnamese life (surcharge applies). Alternatively, coffee lovers can immerse themselves in the city’s renowned cafe culture on a half-day ‘Vietnamese Coffee Culture Unveiled’ tour, sampling everything from traditional filter coffee to the famous local egg coffee (surcharge applies).
Tonight, your incredible journey through Vietnam concludes with a memorable farewell dinner. You and your fellow travellers will share stories, reflect on the highlights of your adventure, and toast to the experiences you’ve shared.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 1.5 hours
After breakfast, transfer to Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel before your group continues on to My Tho (Saigon Port, Ho Chi Minh City) to embark on the Emerald Harmony for your 10-day journey along the Mekong River. Purpose-built for these waterways, the ship blends modern design with Asian-inspired details, offering elegant staterooms, panoramic lounges, a pool and attentive service. After settling in, join a welcome briefing with your cruise director and crew as your voyage begins.
This evening, enjoy your first dinner on board. As Emerald Harmony sails from Saigon Port and glides along the river, step out on deck to watch the skyline fade behind you, replaced by quiet stretches of the Mekong Delta.
Your Emerald Harmony cruise inclusions:
- Nine nights sailing aboard the Emerald Harmony in an Emerald Stateroom (Cat D)
- Seven included shore excursions
- All meals included during your cruise
- Complimentary international and local wine, beer & soft drinks to accompany lunch & dinner while aboard the Emerald Harmony
- Complimentary water, tea & coffee aboard
- Variety of on-board evening entertainment
- Complimentary Wi-Fi aboard
- First-class service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides
- All gratuities, port charges and taxes included while aboard
Emerald Harmony river cruise
This morning, relax on board as Emerald Harmony sails through the bustling Cho Gao Canal, one of the delta’s busiest waterways, lined with barges and traditional boats. Take in the ever-changing scenery, enjoy a refreshing dip in the infinity pool, or perhaps indulge in a spa treatment (additional cost).
In the afternoon, disembark by sampan to explore the Tan My Floating community, visiting homes and workshops where families produce goods from fishing and farming. Gain insight into daily life on the river and see how locals make a living through small-scale industries.
Continue your journey with a ride through the local delta plantations, where you’ll visit mushroom, fruit, and honey farms and enjoy tastings of fresh regional produce. Return to Emerald Harmony as the ship sails deeper into the Mekong Delta, towards Sa Dec.
Begin your day in Sa Dec, a charming river port with French-colonial heritage. Visit the former home of Huynh Thuy Le, which inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel, L’Amant. Stroll through Sa Dec’s colourful central market, where flowers, herbs and spices fill the stalls with vibrant colours and aromas.
This afternoon, visit the village of My An Hung, where locals greet you with warm hospitality. Walk through coconut groves, meet farming families, and enjoy a traditional folk singing performance. This evening, dinner is served on board as the ship anchors nearby.
Cruise upstream to Gieng Island, also known as Mango Island. Step ashore to discover mango plantations and observe traditional industries such as incense making and wooden boat building. The island’s quiet rhythm and agricultural life provide a glimpse into rural Vietnam little touched by tourism.
Return to Emerald Harmony for lunch and an afternoon of relaxed sailing. Find a spot on deck or retreat to your cabin balcony as the scenery glides past. Dinner is served on board this evening as the ship continues upstream.
This morning, enjoy time on board at leisure, making the most of the ship’s facilities, or join an optional excursion to the Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary, a wetland reserve home to rare waterbirds (surcharges apply).
This evening, return to Emerald Harmony for a festive Lion Dance performance. The rhythmic drums and vivid costumes bring energy to the night as the ship sails toward the Vietnam–Cambodia border.
Arrive in Tan Chau and board a sampan to Evergreen Island, where you’ll walk through a small farming community and learn about their traditional way of life. Continue to visit a local Cao Dai temple, gaining insight into this uniquely Vietnamese religion that blends Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian and Catholic influences, before returning by xe loi (local cyclo) back to the sampan.
Return to the ship as Emerald Harmony sails toward the Cambodian border. After immigration formalities are completed, enjoy dinner on board as the vessel crosses into Cambodia.
Wake in Cambodia’s lively capital, Phnom Penh. This morning, visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, powerful sites that reflect on the nation’s history.
Spend the afternoon at leisure, before setting out this evening by remork (tuk-tuk) to discover Phnom Penh by night. Travel along tree-lined boulevards and past French-colonial landmarks as the city comes alive with lights.
Begin the day with a guided visit to the magnificent Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, home to Cambodia’s monarchy and dazzling cultural treasures. Return to the ship for a special performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation, where traditional dance and music bring Cambodia’s rich cultural stories to life.
After lunch, set sail and spend a leisurely afternoon cruising further along the Mekong River, before enjoying dinner on board.
Disembark at Angkor Ban, where wooden stilt houses line the banks and life continues much as it has for generations. Walk through the village, visit a local school, and receive a blessing from monks at a nearby pagoda.
This afternoon, sail onward to Peam Chi Korng and enjoy a farewell dinner on board. Raise a glass with fellow travellers and toast to the discoveries shared during your Mekong journey.
After breakfast, disembark at Peam Chi Korng and transfer to Phnom Penh. From here, you’ll be taken to Techo International Airport (KTI) for your onward flight arrangements.