Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
15% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Coastal Vietnam by Sea: Singapore to Hong Kong – with Smithsonian Journeys
Singapore - Hong Kong
Dates:
08/02/2026
to
22/02/2026
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
For most of its existence, Vietnam has lived in the shadow of China or been subject to Western domination, first by the French and then by the Americans. But since the 1980s, it has emerged as a growing economy, striving to become one of the economic tigers of Southeast Asia. This 15-day voyage from Singapore to Hong Kong invites you to experience the many sides of Vietnam, from the ancient civilizations of Cham and Khmer, through Chinese influence and French colonialism, to the present day.
Sailing from Singapore through the South China Sea, your first port of call after a day and a half at sea is in the Côn Đảo Islands, located about 60 miles off the southern coast of Vietnam. Once known primarily as home to the "Tiger Cells," one of the most brutal prisons in history, it is now visited for its picturesque fishing villages overlooking a sparkling sea. You may choose to focus on the island's history on a tour that includes a historical museum, the prison, and a visit to the local market, or you may explore the islands' natural beauty on a hike in the highlands.
A morning of cruising brings you to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), where your ship will dock for two nights, making it possible to experience a variety of aspects of this fascinating city. Focus on the city's history, both ancient and modern, in visits to the History Museum, the War Museum, the Củ Chi Tunnels, and the Reunification Palace. Experience the city's cultural diversity in visits to temples, in a trip to Chinatown's open-air market, or in an evening performance of Vietnamese dance and song. Or enjoy sampling the regional cuisine—on a cruise of the Mekong Delta followed by lunch in a colonial villa, or in a cooking class in the Ho Chi Minh Agricultural Villages.
A day of cruising along the Saigon River and then along Vietnam's southern coast brings you to Quy Nhơn. Originally a Cham settlement and later an important port during the Nguyen Dynasty, Quy Nhơn boasts a fascinating history that is reflected in its ancient ruins, traditional fishing villages, and vibrant local markets. Here, you will have a chance to witness skilled artisans and join local families in hat making, rice paper making, and traditional cake making. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the ancient Cham towers and Long Phuoc Pagoda, the epicenter of Vietnamese martial arts.
Your next port of call, Da Nang, serves as an introduction to the ancient Cham civilization and to Hội An, an old trading port that blends indigenous and foreign (primarily Chinese) influences. Visit the Cham Museum and the ruins of ancient Hindu temples at My Son; travel to the countryside and experience a day of tending garden, cooking lunch, and mask-making; or visit the UNESCO Heritage Site of Hội An, perhaps enjoying a dinner ashore after sunset, when this fascinating town is lit almost entirely by lanterns.
Chan May, the lovely bay just around the peninsula from Da Nang, is your gateway to the imperial capital of Hue, the seat of power of the Nguyen dynasty that ruled much of Vietnam from the early 19th century until World War II. Exploration of this UNESCO Heritage Site will tour the Royal Citadel, similar in plan to the Forbidden City in Beijing, and the magnificent tombs of the emperors on the outskirts of the city. You may also visit either the seven-tiered tower of the Heavenly Lady Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River or the garden house and temple built to honor Princess Ngọc Sơn.
After a day at sea, arrive in the World Heritage site of Hạ Long Bay, a series of rocky pitons emerging from the sea, surrounded by mountains with mysterious caverns. From here, you may choose to travel to Vietnam's bustling capital of Hanoi, where a guided tour includes visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Hoa Lo Prison ("Hanoi Hilton"), the Ngọc Sơn Pagoda, and the Old Quarter. You may choose a day of tranquility at Yen Tu Mountain, site of a Buddhist monastery where you can practice Tai Chi, enjoy a vegetarian lunch, and join a meditation class with a monk. Or, you may decide to explore Ha Long Bay itself on a cruise aboard a local boat.
Your final port of call is the amazingly vibrant city of Hong Kong, where excursions introduce you to the food markets of the city or to places you can purchase birds' nests, ginseng, and other herbal medicines. Or you may opt for a panoramic coach tour that includes views over the city from Victoria Peak.
Ref : SH2345US - EX080226
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...
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Your trip in detail
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Complete your trip
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Included in your cruise
For more peace of mind, PONANT organizes your trip before or after the cruise. This package is included in the price of your cruise.
Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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22/02/2026 to the 06/03/2026
LE BORÉAL
14/05/2026 to the 24/05/2026
LE BELLOT
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Discover all destinations
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Selection of Clarins top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including geographer and geologist David Scott Silverberg and Asian American Studies expert Thuy Vo Dang.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Ancient City of Hội An, the My Son temples, the Imperial City of Hue, and Hạ Long Bay
- Opportunities to experience local cuisine in each port of call.
- A performance of Vietnamese dance and song in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Handicraft markets in Quy Nhơn and Da Nang.
- Echoes of the American war in Củ Chi, Hue, and Hanoi.
Ports of Call & Excursions
8 February 2026 - Singapore
Embarkation 08/02/2026 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 08/02/2026 at 18:00
Nicknamed the Garden City, Singapore stretches across Malaysia's southern-most region. Experience the vibrant hustle and bustle of this city-state for yourself at the Marina Bay. No too far away is the historic centre, offering up a unique smorgasbord of neoclassical buildings and contemporary towers. Decked out in topiary, the pavements of Orchard Road are also home to countless shopping centres. The colourful markets in Chinatown and Little India are the perfect opportunity to quell hunger pangs in a hawker centre, one of the city's traditional snack bars. Between the two districts, get a slice of history with a trip to the Raffles dock. It was here that Englishman Sir Raffles, the founder of the city, is said to have arrived one fateful day in January 1819.
9 February 2026 - At sea
Arrival 09/02/2026
Departure 09/02/2026
During your journey 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 centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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.
10 February 2026 - Côn Dao Islands
Arrival 10/02/2026 midday
Departure 10/02/2026 early evening
To the south of Vietnam, the archipelago of the Côn Dao Islands,located in the South China Sea, is composed of sixteen rocks covered in lush vegetation. A regular stopover on the Maritime Silk Road connecting China to Europe between the 2nd and 13th centuries, the islands were mentioned by Marco Polo during his voyage from China to India in 1294. A former English and French trading post, the archipelago became a French colony in 1861 using the name Poulo Condor. A penitentiary centre was built there and used to imprison opponents of the colonial regime. During the Vietnam War, the Saigon regime and the United States locked up communist enemies there until 1975. In its idyllic natural setting, Con Dao has become a memorial site and a symbol of the fight for independence.
11 February 2026 12 February 2026 - Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Arrival 11/02/2026 early afternoon
Departure 12/02/2026
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-coloured district of Cholon, Saigon’s “Chinatown”.
13 February 2026 - Sailing Saigon River
Arrival 13/02/2026
Departure 13/02/2026
The Saigon River originates in Phum Daung in the south-east of Cambodia and runs through Saigon before flowing into the South China Sea further south, to the north-east of the Mekong Delta. Along its shores, you will see traditional stilt houses, dwellings from the colonial period, Buddhist temples, and daring skyscrapers. This architectural eclecticism will afford you a glimpse of new and ancient Vietnamese traditions. On this cruise, you will also be able to admire the lush, tropical natural environment along this mythical river that is more than 170 kilometres (105 miles) long.
14 February 2026 - At sea
Arrival 14/02/2026
Departure 14/02/2026
During your journey 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 centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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.
15 February 2026 - Quy Nhon
Arrival 15/02/2026 early morning
Departure 15/02/2026 late afternoon
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.
16 February 2026 - Da Nang
Arrival 16/02/2026 early morning
Departure 16/02/2026 late afternoon
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.
17 February 2026 - Chan May
Arrival 17/02/2026
Departure 17/02/2026 late evening
To the south-east of Thua Thuen-Hue province, Chan May harbour was developed around its industrial activity, but has since opened up to cruise tourism. This harbour enjoys an exceptional location on the Vietnamese coast, not far from Chan May, the doorway into the imperial city of Hue, the ancient capital of the country and listed by UNESCO as World Heritage site. Its royal citadel dating from the 19th century, inspired by the Forbidden city of Beijing, is a gem of architecture and history.
18 February 2026 - At sea
Arrival 18/02/2026
Departure 18/02/2026
During your journey 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 centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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.
19 February 2026 - Ha Long
Arrival 19/02/2026 early morning
Departure 19/02/2026 late afternoon
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.
20 February 2026 - At sea
Arrival 20/02/2026
Departure 20/02/2026
During your journey 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 centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or 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.
21 February 2026 22 February 2026 - Hong Kong
Arrival 21/02/2026 midday
Disembarkation 22/02/2026 at 08:00
Hong Kong, known as the “Fragrant harbour”, bordered by the South China Sea, is a heady place attracting tourists from the world over. This former British colony today combines ultramodern shopping malls and authentic markets like the Ladie’s Market or the night market on Temple Street. At first sight, you’ll be overwhelmed by the city’s architecture which, because of lack of ground space, reaches skywards, with its 1,250 skyscrapers and other towers. Believing is seeing, so if you go up to Victoria Peak, the highest point on the island, you’ll see a dizzying and unforgettable view of the bay.
Con Dao Hiking
For those interested in a bit of exercise as well as sightseeing, this excursion provides both as you hike into the hills behind the town to explore the flora and fauna of Con Dao island.
Pick up the trail not far from the pier and begin your ascent, as your guide leads you into the jungle, where the canopy is home to a variety of species of birds and monkeys. As the climb continues, the land levels and you begin to see the ruins of the So Ray Plantation, whose labor during the French colonial period was supplied in part by the prison. Walk among mango and cashew trees, some of which survive from the original plantation, and if you wish, climb to the top of the watchtower for splendid views over the island.
As you head down the mountain, pass through dense tropical forest, where you should see more birds and monkeys. Stop for a drink at a local coffee shop, and if time permits, pause at the beach for a refreshing dip in the ocean before returning to the ship.
· This is a moderate excursion. The hike is about an hour long, but it can be slippery, especially on the descent. Wear sturdy shoes with gripping soles and be sure to have water with you. Insect repellent, a hat and sunscreen are essential. And long pants and long-sleeve shirts are recommended. Note that participation is limited to 20.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Con Dao's History
This excursion focuses on Con Dao's long history as a prison for opponents of French colonial rule, and later, for the revolutionaries who fought against the American-backed regime that followed. It is a somber tour, but it offers an important reminder of the high cost of war.
Begin at the Con Dao Museum, where exhibits are arranged in sections devoted to pre-colonial history, wartime resistance, and post-war reconstruction. Each section contains a well-curated collection of artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that tell the story of the island's history and the development of the prison system—setting the stage for your next two stops. At Con Dao Prison, built by the French in 1862, you will see the cramped cells, called "tiger cages," that were used by the French, and later by the South Vietnamese government and the United States, to isolate and torture prisoners, earning Con Dao its reputation as one of the most brutal and inhumane prisons in human history. And in the Hang Duong Cemetery next door, you will see the graves of thousands of those who died in the prison, many of whom are now regarded as national heroes for their commitment to the cause of Vietnamese independence.
After these visits, pause for a drink at a local coffee shop and take a moment to reflect on your experience before returning to the ship.
· This is an easy excursion, with about half a mile of total walking over most flat surfaces. These sites, especially the cemetery, are sacred to the Vietnamese and should be approached with the solemnity that they deserve.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Con Dao Cuisine
Vietnamese cuisine became a focus of American foodies in the 1990s as restaurants founded by Vietnamese refugees from the War attracted the attention of an appreciative audience beyond fellow immigrants. This excursion is one of several during your voyage that offers the opportunity to sample this delicious and healthful cuisine as it is prepared in its country of origin.
Begin with a visit to the central market in Con Dao, where you will find an impressive variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and aromatic herbs—the staples of island cooking. Because it is an island, Con Dao's cuisine is largely based on seafood (snails, shrimp, and sea urchin) prepared with the local produce and special ingredients.
Leaving the market, a short drive along the coast brings you to the Poulo Condor Resort, where skilled chefs will demonstrate preparing some traditional Vietnamese fare, like spring rolls, sharing tips and techniques that you can take with you. Following the demonstration, enjoy a light lunch sampling a variety of local dishes in a lovely resort setting.
· This is an easy excursion, with very walking over most flat surfaces. You will want layered clothing and sun protection.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Graham Greene's Saigon
The Quiet American, Graham Greene's iconic novel of a love triangle that becomes entangled in international intrigue, is set in the Saigon of the 1950s—the end of French colonial rule and the beginning of American involvement. This tour of the city combines sites associated with the American War and landmarks that evoke the characters in Greene's novel.
Your guided tour begins at the Notre Dame Cathedral, built by the French in the 1880s. As you head east, toward the river, the first landmark you encounter will be the Direction de la Police et de la Sûreté, where Greene's Inspector Vigot worked while investigating the death of the novel's title character, CIA Agent Alden Pyle. Continuing along Dong Khoi street, pass by the Pittman Apartments, whose rooftop was the site of the famous photograph of people scrambling up a ladder to board the last American helicopter to leave Saigon in 1975. Turn down Nguy?n Hu? boulevard towards the Rex Hotel, one of Saigon’s most luxurious hotels and the headquarters of the United States military command’s daily press conferences during the war, before your walking tour ends at the waterfront Hotel Majestic, where the novel's British journalist Thomas Fowler would often come for drinks, and where you will pause for refreshment before continuing.
A short drive brings you to the War Remnants Museum, where collections of military hardware and other artefacts drive home the brutality of war and its lasting effects on both soldiers and the civilian population. The final stop before returning to the ship will be at Ben Thanh Market, one of the oldest in the city, where you will find hawkers offering fresh fruit and vegetables, local coffees and teas, traditional clothing and fresh fruit smoothies.
· This is an easy excursion, with a little more than half a mile of walking over most flat surfaces with a few steps. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Highlights of Saigon
The first stop on this panoramic tour of Vietnam's largest city is the Museum of Vietnamese History, showcasing the country's history from ancient times to the end of the Nguyen dynasty. After browsing the galleries, enjoy a short performance of water puppetry, a unique art form developed in the 10th century.
Back on your motorcoach, drive a short distance to the Reunification Palace, pausing along the way to admire several of Ho Chi Minh City's most important landmarks, including the French Colonial Central Post Office, City Hall, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. At the Palace, which was stormed by North Vietnamese forces on April 30, 1975, signaling the fall of Saigon and the end of the war, explore the interior, which has been kept exactly as it was in 1975—vintage furnishings, war-time maps, an underground bunker, and a rooftop helipad.
A visit to a lacquerware factory, where you will see artisans at work using traditional techniques to produce the beautiful objects, is followed by a tour of Cho Lon (Chinatown), home to more than half a million Chinese Vietnamese. In the bustling Binh Tay market, you will have time to wander among the stalls selling just about anything you could imagine, from tin goods to textiles to shoes and street food. A short drive from the market brings you to the final stop of the tour: Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to a Chinese Sea Goddess. The temple houses precious wooden statues of the goddess and offers a peaceful contrast to the jostling noise of the market.
· This is a relatively easy excursion with a total of less than a mile of walking. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Introduction to the Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta, a vast network of rivers and swampland where the Mekong River empties into the South China Sea, is one of Vietnam's most important agricultural areas, producing over half the country's rice and a large portion of its fruits, vegetables, and seafood. This excursion offers an introduction to the natural environment and a glimpse into the way of life of the more than 17 million people who live here.
A 2-hour drive from the pier beings you to the township of Cai Be, where you board the Cai Be Princess, a traditional sampan, for a leisurely cruise on the Mekong Delta. As you make your way through narrow channels and wider riverways, you will pass shorelines lined with palm trees, stilt houses, fishermen casting nets, and barges laden with fruits and vegetables. During stops along the way you will encounter some of the variety of the delta: at Tan Phong Islet board a smaller boat to explore the mangroves; visit a colonial house built in the 19th; catch glimpses of local cottage industries, including factories for the production of coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn).
At the end of the cruise, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at Le Longanier Restaurant, a colonial villa set in a lush tropical garden surrounded by fruit trees—a scene straight out of the French Indochine of an earlier time. After lunch, a short walk along the river ends at your waiting motorcoach for the return to Ho Chi Minh City and your ship.
· This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 2 miles of walking over uneven and sometimes muddy paths. Sturdy shoes are recommended, as are layered clothing, protection from the sun, and insect repellent.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Cu Chi Tunnels & Lunch
About 40 miles northwest of Saigon, you arrive at the village of Cu Chi, home to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network of more than 150 miles of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war as living quarters, supply routes and bases of operations. Guerrilla fighters would move undetected through the tunnels, launch surprise attacks, and then disappear again. After the 1968 Tet Offensive, when the strategic value of the tunnels was made brutally clear to American forces, B52s dropped untold numbers of bombs in an effort to destroy them. Today, the tunnels are a reminder of the harsh reality of war and, for some, a testament to the determination and resourcefulness of the men and women who lived and fought underground.
After visiting the tunnels, drive to the nearby Ho Chi Minh Agricultural Villages, where you will enjoy a lunch prepared from products grown right here on a cooperative farm dedicated to organic and sustainable agriculture.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City and to the theme of the American War in a visit to the War Remnants Museum. Established in 1975, the museum starkly portrays the conflict's devastating impact on Vietnamese civilians and soldiers alike. The grounds of the museum display captured tanks, helicopters, and fighter jets, while the exhibits inside include photographs and personal accounts that chronicle the effects of Agent Orange, the My Lai Massacre, and the extensive bombing campaigns—all of which are presented from the Vietnamese perspective. For some, the exhibits can be difficult to view, but most find them a sobering reminder of the human cost of war.
· This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of about 1.75 miles of walking over mostly flat, but sometimes uneven terrain. Getting in and out of the tunnels at Cu Chi can be challenging. Good shoes, layered clothing, and protection from the sun are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Street Food Savvy
Vietnamese cuisine became a focus of American foodies in the 1990s as restaurants founded by Vietnamese refugees from the War attracted the attention of an appreciative audience beyond fellow immigrants. This excursion is one of several during your voyage that offers the opportunity to sample this delicious and healthful cuisine as it is prepared in its country of origin.
Your first stop on this tour of various aspects of Ho Chi Minh's food scene is at the Ben Thanh Market in the center of the city. This is the place to find the street food that locals buy—traditional and popular dishes like pancake (Banh Xeo), fresh spring rolls (Goi Cuon), Hue cakes (Banh Beo), and noodle soup (Pho). Turn briefly away from the focus on food to the related issue of herbal medicine in the FITO Museum, offering a fascinating introduction to Vietnam's rich heritage of traditional medicine. Continue to Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, the heart of Saigon's street food scene, where you pause for refreshment. And since Vietnam is the world's second largest producer of coffee, you probably ought to sample a local brew—filtered coffee combined with condensed milk.
Your tour ends at Ngon Restaurant, where an extensive menu of foods from around the country, many of them drawing inspiration from the street vendors, is offered in a beautifully restored colonial villa.
· This is an easy excursion with less than a mile of walking over flat, sometimes uneven terrain with a few steps. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
An Evening Out in Saigon
Take advantage of your ship being overnight in port with a night out on the town. Begin with drinks and snacks on the rooftop of a 5-star hotel, followed by a performance of traditional Vietnamese music. A cast of professional dancers and musicians present folk dances and performances on traditional instruments like the monochord, bamboo gongs, and two-stringed lyres—all contributing to a sense of the diversity of Vietnam's musical culture.
After the show, transfer to an exceptional local restaurant for a leisurely, elegant, candle-lit dinner of spring rolls, beef cooked in bamboo, and banana salad, with free-flowing wine and beer. Leaving the restaurant, enjoy a drive around the city to see Saigon's nightlife on your way back to the ship.
· This is an easy excursion with very little walking.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Quy Nhon Highlights
Qui Nhon, on the central coast of Vietnam, is famous for its beautiful crescent beaches, ancient Cham towers, and deep cultural legacy, especially in the realm of the theater and martial arts. This excursion introduces several of these aspects of the region.
Located about 30 minutes outside of Quy Nhon, Lang Song Church, one of the oldest Catholic churches in the province, was built in the 19th century. Its design is clearly based on European Gothic architecture, but it also blends in traditional Vietnamese elements. Known for its central role in missionary activities during the French colonial period, the church remains a spiritual and cultural landmark, drawing visitors both to admire its beauty and to worship.
The nearby Long Phuoc Pagoda is an important center the traditional Vietnamese martial arts (Võ c? truy?n). The Vietnamese art blends indigenous techniques with influences from Chinese, Indian, and other Southeast Asian martial arts, producing a style of fighting known for its balance, strength, and spiritual emphasis highlighting discipline, morality, and national pride. Enjoy a demonstration of the art—and perhaps even try a few moves yourself.
The Twin Towers of Quy Nhon (Tháp Ðôi), constructed in the early 13th century, are remnants of the Champa civilization located in the middle of the bustling city of Quy Nhon. Each tower has a square base with a pyramid-like roof adorned with statues of Garuda, a mythical creature from Hindu mythology. Nestled in a tranquil park of coconut palms and banana trees, the towers provide residents with a respite from the business of daily life. Before returning to the ship, stop on the beachfront for a coconut drink or a coffee with views of the ocean.
· This is an easy to moderate excursion, where the amount of walking is largely at your discretion. You will want comfortable shoes and sun protection.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Village Crafts and Traditions
Travel into the countryside north of Quy Nhon where ancient rhythms of village life still hold sway and where you can meet with the local population and learn something of their enduring traditions.
As you set out toward the village, stop first at the hilltop Banh It Temple, an ancient Cham structure of mortar-less bricks, one of the province's most iconic sites, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Continuing your journey, pause briefly at a picturesque rice field, where you can capture the lush green landscape that characterizes rural Vietnam.
On arrival in Phu Gia Village, renowned for its 200-year-old tradition of crafting the conical hats (nón ng?a) that are worn throughout the Vietnam, visit an artisan's workshop and observe the process of making the hats out of bamboo and palm leaves. If you wish, try your hand at the intricate work yourself. At a neighboring workshop, the task is making the rice paper that is an essential ingredient in Vietnamese spring rolls. Watch (or assist) as a batter of ground rice, starch, and water is spread in a thin layer, steamed, then laid on bamboo trays to dry in the sun.
Your time in the village comes to an end as you join in making bánh ít lá gai, a traditional Vietnamese cake for which the region is famous. The dough is made from a mixture of glutinous rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk that is dyed with ramie leaves (lá gai), filled with sweetened mung bean or coconut, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Known for its black color (the ramie leaves), chewy texture, and rich flavor, this cake is a favorite during festivals, weddings, and the New Year.
· This is a moderate excursion, involving a bit more than a mile of walking over generally flat, but uneven surfaces. (Note that are 230 steps in the interior of the Temple). Sturdy shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Spiritual Sites of Da Nang & Hoi An
This full-day excursion combines a survey of Buddhist spiritual sights in and around Da Nang with exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An.
Begin in the center of Da Nang at the Cham Museum, home to an extensive collection of sculptures from the civilization that flourished along the southern shores of Vietnam from the 2nd to the 15th centuries and whose legacy is still evident in Cham communities scattered throughout Southeast Asia. A short drive along the Son Tra Peninsula (also known as "Fairy Mountain") brings you to the Linh Ung Pagoda, an important spiritual site for Vietnamese Buddhism set in a peaceful garden of bonsai trees and sculptures, including a towering (220 feet) Goddess of Mercy statue that faces the sea. A bit further south, visit the Marble Mountains—a group of five rock outcroppings that are laced with caves and grottoes. Here you will explore Am Phu Cave ("Hell Cave"), a recreation, using strange rock formations, eerie lighting, and dioramas, of Buddhist conceptions of the afterlife—judgment, punishment, and rebirth. You will have time to browse in a stone carving shop before leaving for Hoi An.
On arrival in Hoi An, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a walking tour of the Old Town. Your tour begins at the iconic 17th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, surrounded by timber-framed buildings and boutiques. Discover how Hoi An's pivotal role in Southeast Asian trade made it a melting pot of cultures, as you see the mixing of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences by visiting one of the Ancient Houses. Continue along streets lined with all manner of shops to reach the Chua Ong Pagoda. Built in 1653 by Chinese immigrants, it is dedicated to Quan Cong, a Chinese general known for loyalty, bravery, and integrity. The pagoda was for centuries a center of cultural activity for the Cantonese community in Hoi An.
Enjoy time at leisure to browse the lantern shops, art galleries, tea houses, and spice stalls of the Central Market, before returning to Da Nang and your ship.
· Despite its length, this is a relatively easy excursion involving a total of less than a mile of walking. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
My Son Sanctuary and Rum Tasting
This full day excursion begins with a drive into the hills southwest of Da Nang to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of My Son, a collection of Hindu temples built by Champa Kings between the 4th and 14th centuries and used for religious ceremonies and as burial grounds. Located in a dense jungle forest, the best-preserved of the temples are a testament to the remarkable skill of Cham architects and craftsmen who constructed the brick buildings without benefit of mortar. Take time to appreciate the workmanship of the temples—many dedicated to Shiva—and the intricate carvings of Hindu deities that adorn them.
After exploring My Son, return to the coast, to another UNSECO Heritage site, the ancient trading port of Hoi An, where you will be treated to lunch. Hoi An is famous as a melting pot of cultures from all over Asia, making it sort of the original home of Pan Asian cuisine.
A short drive down the coast brings you to Distillerie d'Indochine, where the award-winning Sampan Rum is made. Enjoy a tour of this beachfront distillery, as you learn about their small-batch process of rum-making, from the use of locally-sourced fresh sugarcane juice (not molasses) through fermentation, distillation, and aging. The tour, of course, concludes with a tasting of several of the distillery's varieties.
· This is a relatively easy excursion with a total of less than a mile of walking over mostly flat surfaces, a few of which may be muddy. As always, comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Vietnamese Village Life
Devote the day to discovery of life in the countryside on the outskirts of Hoi An. Beginning from Hoi An's Old Town, hop aboard a bicycle and pedal along village roads and bike-friendly winding paths to the market gardening village of Tra Que.
Begin your visit with a walk around the village and learn about the organic and sustainable practices employed in cultivating the local produce. Put on some gloves and join in the work of the farm, fertilizing, or weeding, depending on the needs of the day. After helping out in the fields, treat yourself to some relaxation with an herbal foot bath and massage, before pitching in again—this time, taking part in cooking a meal of fresh-picked herbs and vegetables which you share with your hosts. Following your healthy lunch, join in a traditional mask-making workshop with a local artisan, learning about the symbolism of the masks and their use in Vietnamese festivals. Enjoy a farewell tea with your hosts before returning to Da Nang and your ship.
· This is a moderate excursion—total walking totaling of about a mile plus considerable physical exertion in the field. Sturdy shoes, layered clothing, sun protection, and insect repellent are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
History of Hue
From the port in Chan May, a 90-minute drive brings you to Hue, the city that served as Vietnam's capital under the Nguyen Emperors from 1802 to 1945. Begin your exploration at the Imperial City, a citadel surrounded by massive stone walls enclosing royal residences, temples, and courtyards. Although parts of the complex suffered extensive damage during the 1968 Tet Offensive, the grand entrance via the Ngo Mon Gate and the ceremonial Thai Hoa Palace, which has been restored, continue to reflect the power of the dynasty during its long reign. Before leaving the grounds, you will also visit the To Mieu Temples, dedicated to the memory and worship of the emperors.
Just to the east of the Imperial City, discover Princess Ngoc Son’s House of Worship, a shrine dedicated to the worship of the daughter of Emperor Dong Khanh and wife of Nguyen Huu Tien, head of the imperial army. Ngoc Son's shrine is particularly well-preserved because of the care taken by its current owners, descendants of the princess, but it is representative of the Vietnamese tradition of reverence for the royal family, who were believed to have the power to bestow favors. After a tour of the house and gardens, enjoy lunch with one of the family members.
After lunch, drive to the magnificent tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, whose reign from 1820-1841 is considered the most successful of the Nguyen Dynasty. His mausoleum, a complex of pavilions and temples in a lush park on the banks of the Perfume River, is a testament to reverence of later generations for his leadership.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Charm of Hue
From the port in Chan May, a 90-minute drive brings you to Hue, the city that served as Vietnam's capital under the Nguyen Emperors from 1802 to 1945. Begin your exploration at the Imperial City, a citadel surrounded by massive stone walls enclosing royal residences, temples, and courtyards. Although parts of the complex suffered extensive damage during the 1968 Tet Offensive, the grand entrance via the Ngo Mon Gate and the ceremonial Thai Hoa Palace, which has been restored, continue to reflect the power of the dynasty during its long reign. Before leaving the grounds, you will also visit the To Mieu Temple, dedicated to the memory and worship of the emperors.
A short drive west of the Imperial City brings you to perhaps the most famous monument in Hue, the Thien Mu Pagoda. This seven-tiered tower at the top of a steep staircase on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, is an active Buddhist temple of bonsai trees, statues, and serene gardens. It is also the site of the car that the monk Thich Quang Duc drove to Saigon in 1963, where he self-immolated in the street in protest against the repressive Diem regime.
After your visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant specializing in Hue's famous royal cuisine, before driving across the river to explore Emperor Tu Duc's tomb. Like the tombs of all of the Nguyen Emperors, Tu Duc's is meant to reflect his personality and the achievements of his reign—in this case, a place of calm serenity, including the Xung Khiem Pavilion, where the emperor wrote poetry, and the stele which bears an epitaph written by Tu Duc himself.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Hanoi Full Day
This excursion offers an introduction to Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, with a history spanning more than a thousand years. Depart from the pier early in the morning for the two-and-a-half-hour drive through the Red River Valley to reach Hanoi. As you arrive, you will pass by the iconic Long Bien Bridge, built by the French at the end of the 19th century, repeatedly bombed by American forces during the war but never completely destroyed, and still in use today for bicycles and pedestrians; it is a symbol of Vietnamese resilience.
Entering the city, pause at the John McCain monument, located at the spot where McCain was shot down and captured in 1967, and then continue to Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam and a cultural symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism. Reaching the center of the city, visit the Temple of Literature. Dedicated to Confucianism and dating to 1070 CE, it is the site of Vietnam's first national university. Stroll through the courtyard, and see the pavilion where Men of Letters once recited their poetry. Leaving the Temple of Literature, drive to Hoa Lo prison, nicknamed "Hanoi Hilton" by the American pilots imprisoned there during the war, where you visit inside the gatehouse, now a museum. Lunch at a local restaurant is followed by a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, which legend says is where the magic sword used by Vietnamese emperor Le Loi to drive out Chinese invaders was returned to the Dragon King who had lent it. The lake is also the site of the beautiful Ngoc Son Pagoda.
Your visit to Hanoi concludes with an electric cart ride through the main streets of the Old Town, where you can enjoy an egg coffee, Hanoi's signature drink of egg custard atop a cup of dark roast Vietnamese drip, before returning to the ship.
· This is an easy excursion with no more than a mile and a half of walking over flat surfaces with a few steps. You will want comfortable shoes and layered clothing to deal with changeable weather during the day.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Yen Tu Mountain Experience
Yen Tu Mountain, about 30 miles northwest of Ha Long, is a site of particular significance in Vietnamese Buddhism. This excursion immerses you in the spirit of the place through its natural beauty, personal meetings, and spiritual guidance.
Begin with a drive toward Yen Tu through the picturesque landscapes and rural countryside of northern Vietnam, pausing toward the end of your journey for a visit to a charming house nestled amid fruit trees, where you meet with a local family and share tea with them. Arrive in Yen Tu and enjoy the mountain air as you participate in a session of Tai Chi designed to rejuvenate you after your long drive. A wholesome vegetarian lunch at a nearby restaurant is followed by a performance of folk music by a group of local musicians.
Relaxed, fed, and entertained, drive to a Buddhist Monastery where you learn from one of the monks about the teachings of the Truc Lam Zen sect that was founded by King Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century after he abdicated the throne and became a monk. After discussing his experiences as a Truc Lam Zen monk, he will lead a brief meditation drawing inspiration from the tranquil surroundings.
· This is a relatively easy excursion with a total of less than a mile of walking and emphasis throughout on calm and serenity. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as well as layered clothing in anticipation of cooler weather at elevation.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cruise Ha Long Bay
Of all the bays around the Pacific Rim that are home to karst landscapes, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay is arguably the most evocative. This full-day cruise through the ethereal otherworldliness created by the small islands and islets (karsts) that jut out from below the water's surface is an experience you will not soon forget.
A short walk from the ship brings you to your vessel for the day—a local boat dedicated to leisurely cruising through the tranquil seas. As you set sail, you will encounter the first of many panoramic views across emerald-green waters stretching to the horizon. Your first stop is at Sung Sot Cave, the largest and one of the most intriguing caves in Ha Long Bay. Venture into the heart of this remarkable grotto, where you will discover stunning stalactites and stalagmites that form intricate patterns along the interior walls. Returning to the boat, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of savory Vietnamese specialties as you sail toward your next destination, the charming Vung Vieng Fishing Village. Explore this testament to the deep-rooted maritime culture of the region in a traditional bamboo boat, absorbing the serenity of the picturesque surroundings.
As you continue on your cruise, the sun will begin to set, creating a lovely play of light and shadow as you return to shore and your ship.
· This is an easy to moderate excursion, involving as much as a mile of walking over sometime tricky surfaces, especially at Sung Sot Cave. You will need walking shoes and protection from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Panoramic Hong Kong
For your afternoon in Hong Kong, you have a choice of three excursions that offer glimpses of this remarkable city from three different perspectives. This tour offers a panoramic perspective of Hong Kong from the sea and from the sky.
Begin with a scenic drive across Hong Kong Island to Aberdeen Harbor, famous for its once crowded floating village, where a number of fishermen and their families continue to live on houseboats. Enjoy a short cruise around the harbor aboard a traditional sampan. From Aberdeen, drive to Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island, where you ride to the top on the iconic Peak Tram, a funicular railway that has been in operation since 1888, for panoramic views of the Hong Kong skyline, Victoria Harbor, and Kowloon. Your motorcoach will meet you at the Peak for the drive back to your ship.
· This is a relatively easy excursion with the amount of walking largely at your discretion. Guests will need to be able to step on and off the sampan. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Walking in Central & Western Hong Kong
For your afternoon in Hong Kong, you have a choice of three excursions that offer glimpses of this remarkable city from three different perspectives. On this walking tour you discover a world where the hustle and bustle of modern life mingles with age-old traditions.
Begin in the Western District, where dried seafood and Chinese herbs shops testify to enduring traditions, and work your way to the Central District, the financial heart of Hong Kong, where ancient shops give way to modern towers of steel and glass. On Wing Lok Street specialty shops offer ginseng and bird's nest, both essential for longevity and energy; Des Voeux Road focuses on dried seafood; and Ko Shing Street is the wholesale center for herbal medicine. Hollywood Road is where you go for antiques and curios.
Reaching the modern Central District, stop in one of Hong Kong's trendy cafés and enjoy a cup of English tea or a Hong Kong style coffee—and perhaps sample one of the famous egg custard tarts—before boarding the renowned Star Ferry for the iconic ride across Victoria Harbor to Tsimshatsui, where you disembark and walk to your ship.
· This is a moderate excursion with a total of approximately 1.25 miles of walking along busy streets. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Hong Kong Daily Life
For your afternoon in Hong Kong, you have a choice of three excursions that offer glimpses of this remarkable city from three different perspectives. This tour focuses on aspects of daily life, particularly food markets.
A short drive brings you to the Wet Market, where eager shoppers search for the freshest seafood from the daily catch in the South China Sea and consider adding something exotic from the amazing variety of meats and produce on sale. The nearby Tin Hau Temple, filled with incense coils and religious paraphernalia, is where fishermen pray to the Taoist goddess for safety at sea and abundant catches. And the historically-protected Yau Ma Tei Theater, now an opera house, is where you will find fresh fruit.
At the end of the tour, stop in one of Hong Kong's trendy cafés and enjoy a cup of English tea or a Hong Kong style coffee—and perhaps sample one of the famous egg custard tarts.
· This is a moderate excursion with a total of approximately 1.25 miles of walking along busy streets. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Le Jacques Cartier
In keeping with the philosophy of PONANT and the PONANT EXPLORERS, Le Jacques Cartier is a modern ship with slender, tapered lines, it is environmentally friendly and equipped with innovative technology.
Tastefully decorated, Le Jacques Cartier reflects the universe so dear to PONANT, with its light tones and open-to-the-sea design providing soft light and luminosity at every instant of the day. Its ethnic chic ambiance pays homage to the destinations we visit.
Located below the waterline, the Blue Eye offers a unique experience: the opportunity to enjoy undersea views and the sounds of the marine world whilst sharing a glass together.
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including geographer and geologist David Scott Silverberg and Asian American Studies expert Thuy Vo Dang
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Singapore to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 14-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Jacques Cartier, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Hong Kong at the end of the cruise on the day of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
Program is subject to change without notice
Special Guest Speaker
On our departures in alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, we are joined by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts who will provide an insightful English-language lecture series that enhances your experience with valuable context and new perspectives. From enriching talks to casual conversations on board, their in-depth knowledge will bring you deeper into the history, culture, and natural world of your destination.
Timeless
With one included excursion per day and per guest, and the presence of expert lecturers on board, Timeless Explorations blend cultural curiosity, immersive experiences, and serene relaxation. A refined way to journey far from the everyday, both in mind and in spirit.
- Activities: One included excursion per day and per guest. Optional paid excursions are also available depending on the port of call.
- Landings (depending on the destination): By dock, tender boat, or aboard local vessels.
- Your experts on board: The dedicated excursion team and one or more guest lecturers.
- Children: Children from one year of age are welcome on board (from 8 years old on board Le Commandant Charcot).
The full program of all excursions, both included and optional, is available eight months prior to departure. Reservations open approximately two months before departure.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
SINGAPORE HIGHLIGHTS (2 NIGHTS)
Singapore is a remarkable place, one of the 20th century's greatest success stories: a modest colonial port under British rule becomes a first-world metropolis and a center of world commerce and finance in the space of fifty years. This program is designed to give you a sense of the extraordinary vibrancy of this thriving multi-cultural, cosmopolitan city.
Day 1—Singapore
Arrive at Singapore Changi Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the 5-star Intercontinental Hotel in the center of the city, your home for the next two nights. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. Relax and unwind at the hotel, or explore some of the nearby sites. This evening, join fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception. Dinner is independent.
Day 2 — Singapore
Following breakfast, your exploration of Singapore begins with the Botanic Gardens. Founded in the 19th century as a research station to develop useful plants (the rubber tree was an early success), it is one of only three gardens in the world to be honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A highlight of your visit is sure to be the National Orchid Garden, displaying some 60,000 of these exotic flowers. In Chinatown, which you visit next, the streets are crowded with shops and boutiques that surround a number of important Buddhist and Hindu temples, including the extravagantly decorated Sri Mariamman Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess of rain, who is believed to have the power to cure illness and disease. Your orientation tour of the city ends in the Colonial District, where buildings from a bygone era—the Old Parliament House, Victoria Theater & Concert Hall, the Old Supreme Court—are an island of 19th-century architectural landmarks in a sea of ultra-modern high-rise buildings.
On your way back to the hotel, pause in Merlion Park on the edge of the harbor to see the statue of the half-lion/half-fish beast that has come to be an iconic symbol of the city. The balance of your day is at leisure to explore Singapore on your own, perhaps returning to some of the places visited this morning. Lunch and dinner are independent.
Day 3 — Singapore | Embark
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, your third day in Singapore begins at Gardens by the Bay, 260 acres of meticulously maintained garden on the waterfront. It is the city's premier outdoor recreation area. Begin with a guided tour of the Cloud Forest, an enclosure of lush vegetation growing on a man-made mountain, surrounded by aerial walkways, and featuring the world's tallest indoor waterfalls. Continue to the Flower Dome, the largest glass greenhouse in the world, where a Mediterranean climate is maintained year-round, creating an ideal environment for baobabs, succulents, and olive trees, as well as for the incredible display of flowers for which the dome is named.
A short drive brings you to Kampong Glam, Singapore's Muslim quarter, another busy area where street artists abound and vendors offer a variety of goods, especially textiles. It is also the site of two important landmarks—the gold-domed Sultan Mosque and the Istana Kampung Gelam, the former Sultan's Palace. A leisurely 30-minute cruise on the Singapore River provides a different perspective on the city's skyline, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.
After lunch, enjoy some time in Little India, where the air carries the scent of incense and brightly painted shops share the street with cutting-edge architecture. In mid-afternoon, transfer to the port to embark your ship and set sail.
Your hotel:
A luxury landmark set in the heart of the city, InterContinental Singapore has deep ties to the historic district which surrounds it. The 403-guestroom hotel exudes a charm that marries luxury and elegance with touches of the local culture. Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, yoga room, and business center. And there are five restaurants and bars of the premises.
Your program includes:
· 2 nights at the InterContinental Singapore
· Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled arrival day
· Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on Day 3
· Welcome Reception on Day 1
· Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
· Lunch on Day 3
· Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
· Local English-speaking guide
· Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
· Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program departure day.
· Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program.
Please note:
· It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
· Early check-in and/or late check-out are subject to availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
· The official currency is the Singapore Dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
· This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
· Program is offered on a space available basis.
· Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
InterContinental Singapore
80 Middle Road
Singapore 188966
Telephone: +65 6338 7600
Total : 1,320 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.Con Dao Hiking
For those interested in a bit of exercise as well as sightseeing, this excursion provides both as you hike into the hills behind the town to explore the flora and fauna of Con Dao island.
Pick up the trail not far from the pier and begin your ascent, as your guide leads you into the jungle, where the canopy is home to a variety of species of birds and monkeys. As the climb continues, the land levels and you begin to see the ruins of the So Ray Plantation, whose labor during the French colonial period was supplied in part by the prison. Walk among mango and cashew trees, some of which survive from the original plantation, and if you wish, climb to the top of the watchtower for splendid views over the island.
As you head down the mountain, pass through dense tropical forest, where you should see more birds and monkeys. Stop for a drink at a local coffee shop, and if time permits, pause at the beach for a refreshing dip in the ocean before returning to the ship.
· This is a moderate excursion. The hike is about an hour long, but it can be slippery, especially on the descent. Wear sturdy shoes with gripping soles and be sure to have water with you. Insect repellent, a hat and sunscreen are essential. And long pants and long-sleeve shirts are recommended. Note that participation is limited to 20.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Con Dao's History
This excursion focuses on Con Dao's long history as a prison for opponents of French colonial rule, and later, for the revolutionaries who fought against the American-backed regime that followed. It is a somber tour, but it offers an important reminder of the high cost of war.
Begin at the Con Dao Museum, where exhibits are arranged in sections devoted to pre-colonial history, wartime resistance, and post-war reconstruction. Each section contains a well-curated collection of artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that tell the story of the island's history and the development of the prison system—setting the stage for your next two stops. At Con Dao Prison, built by the French in 1862, you will see the cramped cells, called "tiger cages," that were used by the French, and later by the South Vietnamese government and the United States, to isolate and torture prisoners, earning Con Dao its reputation as one of the most brutal and inhumane prisons in human history. And in the Hang Duong Cemetery next door, you will see the graves of thousands of those who died in the prison, many of whom are now regarded as national heroes for their commitment to the cause of Vietnamese independence.
After these visits, pause for a drink at a local coffee shop and take a moment to reflect on your experience before returning to the ship.
· This is an easy excursion, with about half a mile of total walking over most flat surfaces. These sites, especially the cemetery, are sacred to the Vietnamese and should be approached with the solemnity that they deserve.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Con Dao Cuisine
Vietnamese cuisine became a focus of American foodies in the 1990s as restaurants founded by Vietnamese refugees from the War attracted the attention of an appreciative audience beyond fellow immigrants. This excursion is one of several during your voyage that offers the opportunity to sample this delicious and healthful cuisine as it is prepared in its country of origin.
Begin with a visit to the central market in Con Dao, where you will find an impressive variety of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and aromatic herbs—the staples of island cooking. Because it is an island, Con Dao's cuisine is largely based on seafood (snails, shrimp, and sea urchin) prepared with the local produce and special ingredients.
Leaving the market, a short drive along the coast brings you to the Poulo Condor Resort, where skilled chefs will demonstrate preparing some traditional Vietnamese fare, like spring rolls, sharing tips and techniques that you can take with you. Following the demonstration, enjoy a light lunch sampling a variety of local dishes in a lovely resort setting.
· This is an easy excursion, with very walking over most flat surfaces. You will want layered clothing and sun protection.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Graham Greene's Saigon
The Quiet American, Graham Greene's iconic novel of a love triangle that becomes entangled in international intrigue, is set in the Saigon of the 1950s—the end of French colonial rule and the beginning of American involvement. This tour of the city combines sites associated with the American War and landmarks that evoke the characters in Greene's novel.
Your guided tour begins at the Notre Dame Cathedral, built by the French in the 1880s. As you head east, toward the river, the first landmark you encounter will be the Direction de la Police et de la Sûreté, where Greene's Inspector Vigot worked while investigating the death of the novel's title character, CIA Agent Alden Pyle. Continuing along Dong Khoi street, pass by the Pittman Apartments, whose rooftop was the site of the famous photograph of people scrambling up a ladder to board the last American helicopter to leave Saigon in 1975. Turn down Nguy?n Hu? boulevard towards the Rex Hotel, one of Saigon’s most luxurious hotels and the headquarters of the United States military command’s daily press conferences during the war, before your walking tour ends at the waterfront Hotel Majestic, where the novel's British journalist Thomas Fowler would often come for drinks, and where you will pause for refreshment before continuing.
A short drive brings you to the War Remnants Museum, where collections of military hardware and other artefacts drive home the brutality of war and its lasting effects on both soldiers and the civilian population. The final stop before returning to the ship will be at Ben Thanh Market, one of the oldest in the city, where you will find hawkers offering fresh fruit and vegetables, local coffees and teas, traditional clothing and fresh fruit smoothies.
· This is an easy excursion, with a little more than half a mile of walking over most flat surfaces with a few steps. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Highlights of Saigon
The first stop on this panoramic tour of Vietnam's largest city is the Museum of Vietnamese History, showcasing the country's history from ancient times to the end of the Nguyen dynasty. After browsing the galleries, enjoy a short performance of water puppetry, a unique art form developed in the 10th century.
Back on your motorcoach, drive a short distance to the Reunification Palace, pausing along the way to admire several of Ho Chi Minh City's most important landmarks, including the French Colonial Central Post Office, City Hall, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. At the Palace, which was stormed by North Vietnamese forces on April 30, 1975, signaling the fall of Saigon and the end of the war, explore the interior, which has been kept exactly as it was in 1975—vintage furnishings, war-time maps, an underground bunker, and a rooftop helipad.
A visit to a lacquerware factory, where you will see artisans at work using traditional techniques to produce the beautiful objects, is followed by a tour of Cho Lon (Chinatown), home to more than half a million Chinese Vietnamese. In the bustling Binh Tay market, you will have time to wander among the stalls selling just about anything you could imagine, from tin goods to textiles to shoes and street food. A short drive from the market brings you to the final stop of the tour: Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to a Chinese Sea Goddess. The temple houses precious wooden statues of the goddess and offers a peaceful contrast to the jostling noise of the market.
· This is a relatively easy excursion with a total of less than a mile of walking. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Introduction to the Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta, a vast network of rivers and swampland where the Mekong River empties into the South China Sea, is one of Vietnam's most important agricultural areas, producing over half the country's rice and a large portion of its fruits, vegetables, and seafood. This excursion offers an introduction to the natural environment and a glimpse into the way of life of the more than 17 million people who live here.
A 2-hour drive from the pier beings you to the township of Cai Be, where you board the Cai Be Princess, a traditional sampan, for a leisurely cruise on the Mekong Delta. As you make your way through narrow channels and wider riverways, you will pass shorelines lined with palm trees, stilt houses, fishermen casting nets, and barges laden with fruits and vegetables. During stops along the way you will encounter some of the variety of the delta: at Tan Phong Islet board a smaller boat to explore the mangroves; visit a colonial house built in the 19th; catch glimpses of local cottage industries, including factories for the production of coconut candy and puffed rice (the local equivalent of popcorn).
At the end of the cruise, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at Le Longanier Restaurant, a colonial villa set in a lush tropical garden surrounded by fruit trees—a scene straight out of the French Indochine of an earlier time. After lunch, a short walk along the river ends at your waiting motorcoach for the return to Ho Chi Minh City and your ship.
· This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of approximately 2 miles of walking over uneven and sometimes muddy paths. Sturdy shoes are recommended, as are layered clothing, protection from the sun, and insect repellent.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Cu Chi Tunnels & Lunch
About 40 miles northwest of Saigon, you arrive at the village of Cu Chi, home to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network of more than 150 miles of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the war as living quarters, supply routes and bases of operations. Guerrilla fighters would move undetected through the tunnels, launch surprise attacks, and then disappear again. After the 1968 Tet Offensive, when the strategic value of the tunnels was made brutally clear to American forces, B52s dropped untold numbers of bombs in an effort to destroy them. Today, the tunnels are a reminder of the harsh reality of war and, for some, a testament to the determination and resourcefulness of the men and women who lived and fought underground.
After visiting the tunnels, drive to the nearby Ho Chi Minh Agricultural Villages, where you will enjoy a lunch prepared from products grown right here on a cooperative farm dedicated to organic and sustainable agriculture.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City and to the theme of the American War in a visit to the War Remnants Museum. Established in 1975, the museum starkly portrays the conflict's devastating impact on Vietnamese civilians and soldiers alike. The grounds of the museum display captured tanks, helicopters, and fighter jets, while the exhibits inside include photographs and personal accounts that chronicle the effects of Agent Orange, the My Lai Massacre, and the extensive bombing campaigns—all of which are presented from the Vietnamese perspective. For some, the exhibits can be difficult to view, but most find them a sobering reminder of the human cost of war.
· This is a moderate excursion, involving a total of about 1.75 miles of walking over mostly flat, but sometimes uneven terrain. Getting in and out of the tunnels at Cu Chi can be challenging. Good shoes, layered clothing, and protection from the sun are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Street Food Savvy
Vietnamese cuisine became a focus of American foodies in the 1990s as restaurants founded by Vietnamese refugees from the War attracted the attention of an appreciative audience beyond fellow immigrants. This excursion is one of several during your voyage that offers the opportunity to sample this delicious and healthful cuisine as it is prepared in its country of origin.
Your first stop on this tour of various aspects of Ho Chi Minh's food scene is at the Ben Thanh Market in the center of the city. This is the place to find the street food that locals buy—traditional and popular dishes like pancake (Banh Xeo), fresh spring rolls (Goi Cuon), Hue cakes (Banh Beo), and noodle soup (Pho). Turn briefly away from the focus on food to the related issue of herbal medicine in the FITO Museum, offering a fascinating introduction to Vietnam's rich heritage of traditional medicine. Continue to Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, the heart of Saigon's street food scene, where you pause for refreshment. And since Vietnam is the world's second largest producer of coffee, you probably ought to sample a local brew—filtered coffee combined with condensed milk.
Your tour ends at Ngon Restaurant, where an extensive menu of foods from around the country, many of them drawing inspiration from the street vendors, is offered in a beautifully restored colonial villa.
· This is an easy excursion with less than a mile of walking over flat, sometimes uneven terrain with a few steps. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
An Evening Out in Saigon
Take advantage of your ship being overnight in port with a night out on the town. Begin with drinks and snacks on the rooftop of a 5-star hotel, followed by a performance of traditional Vietnamese music. A cast of professional dancers and musicians present folk dances and performances on traditional instruments like the monochord, bamboo gongs, and two-stringed lyres—all contributing to a sense of the diversity of Vietnam's musical culture.
After the show, transfer to an exceptional local restaurant for a leisurely, elegant, candle-lit dinner of spring rolls, beef cooked in bamboo, and banana salad, with free-flowing wine and beer. Leaving the restaurant, enjoy a drive around the city to see Saigon's nightlife on your way back to the ship.
· This is an easy excursion with very little walking.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Quy Nhon Highlights
Qui Nhon, on the central coast of Vietnam, is famous for its beautiful crescent beaches, ancient Cham towers, and deep cultural legacy, especially in the realm of the theater and martial arts. This excursion introduces several of these aspects of the region.
Located about 30 minutes outside of Quy Nhon, Lang Song Church, one of the oldest Catholic churches in the province, was built in the 19th century. Its design is clearly based on European Gothic architecture, but it also blends in traditional Vietnamese elements. Known for its central role in missionary activities during the French colonial period, the church remains a spiritual and cultural landmark, drawing visitors both to admire its beauty and to worship.
The nearby Long Phuoc Pagoda is an important center the traditional Vietnamese martial arts (Võ c? truy?n). The Vietnamese art blends indigenous techniques with influences from Chinese, Indian, and other Southeast Asian martial arts, producing a style of fighting known for its balance, strength, and spiritual emphasis highlighting discipline, morality, and national pride. Enjoy a demonstration of the art—and perhaps even try a few moves yourself.
The Twin Towers of Quy Nhon (Tháp Ðôi), constructed in the early 13th century, are remnants of the Champa civilization located in the middle of the bustling city of Quy Nhon. Each tower has a square base with a pyramid-like roof adorned with statues of Garuda, a mythical creature from Hindu mythology. Nestled in a tranquil park of coconut palms and banana trees, the towers provide residents with a respite from the business of daily life. Before returning to the ship, stop on the beachfront for a coconut drink or a coffee with views of the ocean.
· This is an easy to moderate excursion, where the amount of walking is largely at your discretion. You will want comfortable shoes and sun protection.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Village Crafts and Traditions
Travel into the countryside north of Quy Nhon where ancient rhythms of village life still hold sway and where you can meet with the local population and learn something of their enduring traditions.
As you set out toward the village, stop first at the hilltop Banh It Temple, an ancient Cham structure of mortar-less bricks, one of the province's most iconic sites, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Continuing your journey, pause briefly at a picturesque rice field, where you can capture the lush green landscape that characterizes rural Vietnam.
On arrival in Phu Gia Village, renowned for its 200-year-old tradition of crafting the conical hats (nón ng?a) that are worn throughout the Vietnam, visit an artisan's workshop and observe the process of making the hats out of bamboo and palm leaves. If you wish, try your hand at the intricate work yourself. At a neighboring workshop, the task is making the rice paper that is an essential ingredient in Vietnamese spring rolls. Watch (or assist) as a batter of ground rice, starch, and water is spread in a thin layer, steamed, then laid on bamboo trays to dry in the sun.
Your time in the village comes to an end as you join in making bánh ít lá gai, a traditional Vietnamese cake for which the region is famous. The dough is made from a mixture of glutinous rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk that is dyed with ramie leaves (lá gai), filled with sweetened mung bean or coconut, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed. Known for its black color (the ramie leaves), chewy texture, and rich flavor, this cake is a favorite during festivals, weddings, and the New Year.
· This is a moderate excursion, involving a bit more than a mile of walking over generally flat, but uneven surfaces. (Note that are 230 steps in the interior of the Temple). Sturdy shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Spiritual Sites of Da Nang & Hoi An
This full-day excursion combines a survey of Buddhist spiritual sights in and around Da Nang with exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hoi An.
Begin in the center of Da Nang at the Cham Museum, home to an extensive collection of sculptures from the civilization that flourished along the southern shores of Vietnam from the 2nd to the 15th centuries and whose legacy is still evident in Cham communities scattered throughout Southeast Asia. A short drive along the Son Tra Peninsula (also known as "Fairy Mountain") brings you to the Linh Ung Pagoda, an important spiritual site for Vietnamese Buddhism set in a peaceful garden of bonsai trees and sculptures, including a towering (220 feet) Goddess of Mercy statue that faces the sea. A bit further south, visit the Marble Mountains—a group of five rock outcroppings that are laced with caves and grottoes. Here you will explore Am Phu Cave ("Hell Cave"), a recreation, using strange rock formations, eerie lighting, and dioramas, of Buddhist conceptions of the afterlife—judgment, punishment, and rebirth. You will have time to browse in a stone carving shop before leaving for Hoi An.
On arrival in Hoi An, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a walking tour of the Old Town. Your tour begins at the iconic 17th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, surrounded by timber-framed buildings and boutiques. Discover how Hoi An's pivotal role in Southeast Asian trade made it a melting pot of cultures, as you see the mixing of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences by visiting one of the Ancient Houses. Continue along streets lined with all manner of shops to reach the Chua Ong Pagoda. Built in 1653 by Chinese immigrants, it is dedicated to Quan Cong, a Chinese general known for loyalty, bravery, and integrity. The pagoda was for centuries a center of cultural activity for the Cantonese community in Hoi An.
Enjoy time at leisure to browse the lantern shops, art galleries, tea houses, and spice stalls of the Central Market, before returning to Da Nang and your ship.
· Despite its length, this is a relatively easy excursion involving a total of less than a mile of walking. We recommend comfortable shoes and layered clothing.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
My Son Sanctuary and Rum Tasting
This full day excursion begins with a drive into the hills southwest of Da Nang to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of My Son, a collection of Hindu temples built by Champa Kings between the 4th and 14th centuries and used for religious ceremonies and as burial grounds. Located in a dense jungle forest, the best-preserved of the temples are a testament to the remarkable skill of Cham architects and craftsmen who constructed the brick buildings without benefit of mortar. Take time to appreciate the workmanship of the temples—many dedicated to Shiva—and the intricate carvings of Hindu deities that adorn them.
After exploring My Son, return to the coast, to another UNSECO Heritage site, the ancient trading port of Hoi An, where you will be treated to lunch. Hoi An is famous as a melting pot of cultures from all over Asia, making it sort of the original home of Pan Asian cuisine.
A short drive down the coast brings you to Distillerie d'Indochine, where the award-winning Sampan Rum is made. Enjoy a tour of this beachfront distillery, as you learn about their small-batch process of rum-making, from the use of locally-sourced fresh sugarcane juice (not molasses) through fermentation, distillation, and aging. The tour, of course, concludes with a tasting of several of the distillery's varieties.
· This is a relatively easy excursion with a total of less than a mile of walking over mostly flat surfaces, a few of which may be muddy. As always, comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Vietnamese Village Life
Devote the day to discovery of life in the countryside on the outskirts of Hoi An. Beginning from Hoi An's Old Town, hop aboard a bicycle and pedal along village roads and bike-friendly winding paths to the market gardening village of Tra Que.
Begin your visit with a walk around the village and learn about the organic and sustainable practices employed in cultivating the local produce. Put on some gloves and join in the work of the farm, fertilizing, or weeding, depending on the needs of the day. After helping out in the fields, treat yourself to some relaxation with an herbal foot bath and massage, before pitching in again—this time, taking part in cooking a meal of fresh-picked herbs and vegetables which you share with your hosts. Following your healthy lunch, join in a traditional mask-making workshop with a local artisan, learning about the symbolism of the masks and their use in Vietnamese festivals. Enjoy a farewell tea with your hosts before returning to Da Nang and your ship.
· This is a moderate excursion—total walking totaling of about a mile plus considerable physical exertion in the field. Sturdy shoes, layered clothing, sun protection, and insect repellent are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
History of Hue
From the port in Chan May, a 90-minute drive brings you to Hue, the city that served as Vietnam's capital under the Nguyen Emperors from 1802 to 1945. Begin your exploration at the Imperial City, a citadel surrounded by massive stone walls enclosing royal residences, temples, and courtyards. Although parts of the complex suffered extensive damage during the 1968 Tet Offensive, the grand entrance via the Ngo Mon Gate and the ceremonial Thai Hoa Palace, which has been restored, continue to reflect the power of the dynasty during its long reign. Before leaving the grounds, you will also visit the To Mieu Temples, dedicated to the memory and worship of the emperors.
Just to the east of the Imperial City, discover Princess Ngoc Son’s House of Worship, a shrine dedicated to the worship of the daughter of Emperor Dong Khanh and wife of Nguyen Huu Tien, head of the imperial army. Ngoc Son's shrine is particularly well-preserved because of the care taken by its current owners, descendants of the princess, but it is representative of the Vietnamese tradition of reverence for the royal family, who were believed to have the power to bestow favors. After a tour of the house and gardens, enjoy lunch with one of the family members.
After lunch, drive to the magnificent tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, whose reign from 1820-1841 is considered the most successful of the Nguyen Dynasty. His mausoleum, a complex of pavilions and temples in a lush park on the banks of the Perfume River, is a testament to reverence of later generations for his leadership.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Charm of Hue
From the port in Chan May, a 90-minute drive brings you to Hue, the city that served as Vietnam's capital under the Nguyen Emperors from 1802 to 1945. Begin your exploration at the Imperial City, a citadel surrounded by massive stone walls enclosing royal residences, temples, and courtyards. Although parts of the complex suffered extensive damage during the 1968 Tet Offensive, the grand entrance via the Ngo Mon Gate and the ceremonial Thai Hoa Palace, which has been restored, continue to reflect the power of the dynasty during its long reign. Before leaving the grounds, you will also visit the To Mieu Temple, dedicated to the memory and worship of the emperors.
A short drive west of the Imperial City brings you to perhaps the most famous monument in Hue, the Thien Mu Pagoda. This seven-tiered tower at the top of a steep staircase on a hill overlooking the Perfume River, is an active Buddhist temple of bonsai trees, statues, and serene gardens. It is also the site of the car that the monk Thich Quang Duc drove to Saigon in 1963, where he self-immolated in the street in protest against the repressive Diem regime.
After your visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant specializing in Hue's famous royal cuisine, before driving across the river to explore Emperor Tu Duc's tomb. Like the tombs of all of the Nguyen Emperors, Tu Duc's is meant to reflect his personality and the achievements of his reign—in this case, a place of calm serenity, including the Xung Khiem Pavilion, where the emperor wrote poetry, and the stele which bears an epitaph written by Tu Duc himself.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Hanoi Full Day
This excursion offers an introduction to Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, with a history spanning more than a thousand years. Depart from the pier early in the morning for the two-and-a-half-hour drive through the Red River Valley to reach Hanoi. As you arrive, you will pass by the iconic Long Bien Bridge, built by the French at the end of the 19th century, repeatedly bombed by American forces during the war but never completely destroyed, and still in use today for bicycles and pedestrians; it is a symbol of Vietnamese resilience.
Entering the city, pause at the John McCain monument, located at the spot where McCain was shot down and captured in 1967, and then continue to Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam and a cultural symbol of Vietnamese Buddhism. Reaching the center of the city, visit the Temple of Literature. Dedicated to Confucianism and dating to 1070 CE, it is the site of Vietnam's first national university. Stroll through the courtyard, and see the pavilion where Men of Letters once recited their poetry. Leaving the Temple of Literature, drive to Hoa Lo prison, nicknamed "Hanoi Hilton" by the American pilots imprisoned there during the war, where you visit inside the gatehouse, now a museum. Lunch at a local restaurant is followed by a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake, which legend says is where the magic sword used by Vietnamese emperor Le Loi to drive out Chinese invaders was returned to the Dragon King who had lent it. The lake is also the site of the beautiful Ngoc Son Pagoda.
Your visit to Hanoi concludes with an electric cart ride through the main streets of the Old Town, where you can enjoy an egg coffee, Hanoi's signature drink of egg custard atop a cup of dark roast Vietnamese drip, before returning to the ship.
· This is an easy excursion with no more than a mile and a half of walking over flat surfaces with a few steps. You will want comfortable shoes and layered clothing to deal with changeable weather during the day.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Yen Tu Mountain Experience
Yen Tu Mountain, about 30 miles northwest of Ha Long, is a site of particular significance in Vietnamese Buddhism. This excursion immerses you in the spirit of the place through its natural beauty, personal meetings, and spiritual guidance.
Begin with a drive toward Yen Tu through the picturesque landscapes and rural countryside of northern Vietnam, pausing toward the end of your journey for a visit to a charming house nestled amid fruit trees, where you meet with a local family and share tea with them. Arrive in Yen Tu and enjoy the mountain air as you participate in a session of Tai Chi designed to rejuvenate you after your long drive. A wholesome vegetarian lunch at a nearby restaurant is followed by a performance of folk music by a group of local musicians.
Relaxed, fed, and entertained, drive to a Buddhist Monastery where you learn from one of the monks about the teachings of the Truc Lam Zen sect that was founded by King Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century after he abdicated the throne and became a monk. After discussing his experiences as a Truc Lam Zen monk, he will lead a brief meditation drawing inspiration from the tranquil surroundings.
· This is a relatively easy excursion with a total of less than a mile of walking and emphasis throughout on calm and serenity. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as well as layered clothing in anticipation of cooler weather at elevation.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cruise Ha Long Bay
Of all the bays around the Pacific Rim that are home to karst landscapes, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay is arguably the most evocative. This full-day cruise through the ethereal otherworldliness created by the small islands and islets (karsts) that jut out from below the water's surface is an experience you will not soon forget.
A short walk from the ship brings you to your vessel for the day—a local boat dedicated to leisurely cruising through the tranquil seas. As you set sail, you will encounter the first of many panoramic views across emerald-green waters stretching to the horizon. Your first stop is at Sung Sot Cave, the largest and one of the most intriguing caves in Ha Long Bay. Venture into the heart of this remarkable grotto, where you will discover stunning stalactites and stalagmites that form intricate patterns along the interior walls. Returning to the boat, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch of savory Vietnamese specialties as you sail toward your next destination, the charming Vung Vieng Fishing Village. Explore this testament to the deep-rooted maritime culture of the region in a traditional bamboo boat, absorbing the serenity of the picturesque surroundings.
As you continue on your cruise, the sun will begin to set, creating a lovely play of light and shadow as you return to shore and your ship.
· This is an easy to moderate excursion, involving as much as a mile of walking over sometime tricky surfaces, especially at Sung Sot Cave. You will need walking shoes and protection from the sun.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Panoramic Hong Kong
For your afternoon in Hong Kong, you have a choice of three excursions that offer glimpses of this remarkable city from three different perspectives. This tour offers a panoramic perspective of Hong Kong from the sea and from the sky.
Begin with a scenic drive across Hong Kong Island to Aberdeen Harbor, famous for its once crowded floating village, where a number of fishermen and their families continue to live on houseboats. Enjoy a short cruise around the harbor aboard a traditional sampan. From Aberdeen, drive to Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island, where you ride to the top on the iconic Peak Tram, a funicular railway that has been in operation since 1888, for panoramic views of the Hong Kong skyline, Victoria Harbor, and Kowloon. Your motorcoach will meet you at the Peak for the drive back to your ship.
· This is a relatively easy excursion with the amount of walking largely at your discretion. Guests will need to be able to step on and off the sampan. Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Walking in Central & Western Hong Kong
For your afternoon in Hong Kong, you have a choice of three excursions that offer glimpses of this remarkable city from three different perspectives. On this walking tour you discover a world where the hustle and bustle of modern life mingles with age-old traditions.
Begin in the Western District, where dried seafood and Chinese herbs shops testify to enduring traditions, and work your way to the Central District, the financial heart of Hong Kong, where ancient shops give way to modern towers of steel and glass. On Wing Lok Street specialty shops offer ginseng and bird's nest, both essential for longevity and energy; Des Voeux Road focuses on dried seafood; and Ko Shing Street is the wholesale center for herbal medicine. Hollywood Road is where you go for antiques and curios.
Reaching the modern Central District, stop in one of Hong Kong's trendy cafés and enjoy a cup of English tea or a Hong Kong style coffee—and perhaps sample one of the famous egg custard tarts—before boarding the renowned Star Ferry for the iconic ride across Victoria Harbor to Tsimshatsui, where you disembark and walk to your ship.
· This is a moderate excursion with a total of approximately 1.25 miles of walking along busy streets. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Hong Kong Daily Life
For your afternoon in Hong Kong, you have a choice of three excursions that offer glimpses of this remarkable city from three different perspectives. This tour focuses on aspects of daily life, particularly food markets.
A short drive brings you to the Wet Market, where eager shoppers search for the freshest seafood from the daily catch in the South China Sea and consider adding something exotic from the amazing variety of meats and produce on sale. The nearby Tin Hau Temple, filled with incense coils and religious paraphernalia, is where fishermen pray to the Taoist goddess for safety at sea and abundant catches. And the historically-protected Yau Ma Tei Theater, now an opera house, is where you will find fresh fruit.
At the end of the tour, stop in one of Hong Kong's trendy cafés and enjoy a cup of English tea or a Hong Kong style coffee—and perhaps sample one of the famous egg custard tarts.
· This is a moderate excursion with a total of approximately 1.25 miles of walking along busy streets. Comfortable shoes, layered clothing, and sun protection are recommended.
Included
Subject to availability, rate per passenger.
Ponant/ Paul Gauguin cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 2 months up to 7 days prior to departure through your travel advisor or by calling your cruise specialist.
Smithsonian cruises: Excursions will be available to book approximately 4 months prior to departure through your Guest Services Specialist. Excursions are subject to availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.
HONG KONG TREASURES (2 NIGHTS)
Ever since the mid-19th-century, when the British established control of Hong Kong at the end of the First Opium War, this small enclave of trade and commerce has exercised a hold on the Western imagination as a city of fast-paced business, exotic cuisine, high finance, and more than a bit of intrigue. And although the culture of the city has changed some since it was returned to China in 1997, much of old Hong Kong remains. This carefully designed program offers the opportunity to experience some of the treasures of Hong Kong—and to do so with one of the world's great hotels as your base of operations.
Day 1 – Hong Kong
After breakfast aboard ship, your guide will meet you inside the cruise terminal and lead you on a leisurely walk along the Promenade, where you will be invited to join a Taichi Master in an hour of exercise in this ancient martial art. Relaxed and reinvigorated from the Taichi, drive to Diamond Hill to visit the Ci Lin Nunnery, part of a Buddhist complex of housing, temples, and gardens that offers an oasis of serenity in the midst of the high-rise offices and apartment buildings that surround it. Visit the Temple Hall, with statues of the Sakyamuni Buddha, the goddess of mercy, Guanyin, and other bodhisattvas, and wander in the beautiful Nan Lan Garden before sitting down to a vegetarian lunch at a restaurant within the complex.
After lunch, drive to the Mei Ho House, originally built in 1953 to resettle more than 50,000 refugees from a disastrous shantytown fire. The original building, abandoned in 2005, was renovated and reopened in 2013 as a youth hostel with an attached museum showcasing its significance as a public housing success story.
Your day of touring comes to an end with a visit to the bustling food market on Ap Liu Street, where you may grab a snack as you browse the stalls before driving along Nathan Road, the main thoroughfare of Kowloon, to the Regent Hong Kong hotel, your home for the next two nights. Dinner is independent.
Day 2 – Hong Kong
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning at the hotel before driving across Hong Kong Island to the fishing village of Aberdeen, where you board a Chinese junk for a cruise to Lamma Island. For most of its history, Lamma has been identified with fishing, and although it has recently earned a reputation for trendy, hip arts and music, it remains at its core a place where fishermen ply their trade. One of the island's major fishing ports is the village of Sok Kwu Wan, where you will have the opportunity to browse the waterfront shops selling local arts and crafts before sitting down to a lunch of some of the freshest seafood you will ever enjoy.
After lunch, your cruise continues, as you head toward the southern end of Hong Kong Island, passing by Repulse Bay on the way to the port of Stanley. Home to the British government's first administrative center (1842), Stanley is now a popular destination for locals and visitors alike because of its historic buildings and lively market. Enjoy time at leisure here to check out some of its landmarks like Old Stanley Police Station, Stanley Post Office, and Murray House, or wander through the market's labyrinth of stores and stalls.
Return by coach from Stanley to your hotel, where the evening is at leisure and dinner is independent.
Day 3 - Hong Kong | Depart
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
The Regent Hong Kong is truly one of the world's great hotels, situated at the edge of Victoria Harbor in Kowloon. Just outside the door of the 5-star hotel is the "Avenue of Stars" promenade, and next door are Salisbury Garden, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, and the Hong Kong Space Museum. The rooms and suites have been designed by Hong Kong-born Chi Wing Lo to be a "Personal Haven of peace and tranquility." And the property features six restaurants and bars, a terrace pool complex, and fitness center.
Your program includes:
· 2 nights at the Regent Hong Kong
· Transfer and luggage handling from the pier to the hotel on disembarkation day
· Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3
· Breakfast on Days 2 and 3
· Lunch on Days 1 and 2
· Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
· Local English-speaking guide
· Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
· Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day.
· Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program.
Please note:
· It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 60 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
· Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
· The official currency is the Hong Kong Dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
· This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
· Program is offered on a space available basis.
· Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Regent Hong Kong
18 Salisbury Road Regent
Tsim Sha Tsui
Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2721 1211
Total : 1,440 €
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.