Port
Halong Bay, Vietnam
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Excursion Type
Information Not Currently Available
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At (prices in USD)
$1350
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 2 Days/ 1 Night
Meals Included
Meals included
This excursion is designed for TWO guests, staying in one room. Each guest must book their own ticket.
Day 1 (L/D) Halong Bay – Hanoi
Leave the ship for the three-hour drive to the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi. Boasting glorious French colonial architecture and numerous lakes, the city is the jewel in Vietnam's crown — a little blending of east and west with bicycle-choked streets and a fantastic atmosphere.
Check in at the hotel, enjoy lunch, and take some time to relax.
This afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature, dating from 1070 and dedicated to Confucianism. In 1076, Vietnam's first national university was built next to the temple. Enjoy walking through the tranquil five-walled courtyards and see the pavilion where "men of letters" once recited their poetry.
Visit Hoa Lo Prison, nicknamed "The Hanoi Hilton" by American prisoners of war. The prison is perhaps most famous because this is where American pilots, including the late Senator John McCain, were held captive.
Next, drive past Hoan Kiem Lake. The tiny island in the middle is home to the Ngoc Son Temple dedicated to the hero who defeated Mongolian troops in the 13th century. The lake is also known as the Lake of the Restored Sword, and you will hear the legend that is the origin of this name.
A Water Puppet Theatre offers a charming water puppet show accompanied by live folk music.
Walk into the Old Quarter of Hanoi — the 36 Streets — to see a fascinating array of shops, colors and crowds.
Dinner and overnight in Hanoi.
Hotel: Intercontinental Hanoi (or similar)
Day 2 (B/L) Hanoi – Ha Long Bay
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Dive to Hanoi's imposing Ba Dinh Square for a photo stop and continue to the stilt house and One Pillar Pagoda before you head back to Halong Bay.
A lunch of traditional Vietnamese cuisine is served as you gracefully sail on a converted fishing junk — a traditional wooden boat. See tiny islands with rock arches, sheer cliffs, innumerable white sand beaches and peaceful coves. Halong Bay is dotted with an estimated 1,969 islands spread over 900 square miles. Some are covered in dense vegetation; others are bare and rocky. Stunning limestone formations, emerald waters, and picturesque islands and islets create an otherworldly seascape in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The boat stops at Hang Co Cave. Feel free to wander through the cavern to marvel at its stalagmite and stalactite formations (optional; suitable only for the agile). A pause at Vung Vien fishing village gives you time for a local sampan ride around the village.
Transfer to the pier and reboard the ship.
Please note: Terrain includes steps, inclines, and uneven surfaces and steps, including 100 steps in the Hang Co Cave (optional). Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Pack one small bag. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Travel time to Hanoi is approximately 2-3 hours each way. Traffic can be unpredictable; your patience is greatly appreciated if a delay extends the tour duration. Water puppet show times may vary. You must remove your shoes at one or more location(s). Bring sturdy non-skid walking shoes. The tour is guided; an escort from the ship's staff may or may not also accompany the group. Tour operates subject to meeting a minimum number of participants. You must book this overland PRIOR to sailing; the cut-off date is 90 days before the ship's call at Ha Long Bay. Accommodation is included (hotels are subject to change). Transportation by air-conditioned coach and entrance fees indicated in the itinerary, an English-speaking guide (unless otherwise noted), water on the vehicle, and meals (as indicated) are also included. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included. Bring your passport with you on tour. Cancellation Policy: Due to the popularity of this tour and strict booking conditions, cancellation fees start 90 days prior to the call at Halong Bay. Important information regarding visa requirements: You must bring your passport with you on the tour. It is solely each participant's responsibility to obtain any necessary visas, tourist cards and vaccinations, if required, to participate in Mid-Cruise Adventures and/or Overnight Journeys and to keep apprised of any policy changes. Visas may be required for any/all countries your tour departs from and travels through, and for the country where you will rejoin the ship. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the cruise. Your travel agent can assist you with your visa needs. If you require further assistance, Seabourn's preferred visa service is CIBTvisas. US and Canadian citizens can reach them by phone or email: US citizens: 866 788 1100 or email customerservice@cibtvisa.com. Canadian citizens: 866 935 8472 or email customerservice@cibtvisas.ca. CIBTvisas phone numbers and email addresses for Dutch, German, Australian, United Kingdom, Belgian, Singapore, Spanish, Swiss and French citizens can be found in the Frequently Asked Questions section of Seabourn's website, in the Cruise Preparation area. Applications and additional information can be downloaded from the CIBTvisas website at https://CIBTvisas.com/seabourn. You must advise CIBTvisas of your Mid-Cruise Adventures and/or Overnight Journeys, as the visa requirements for these vacation enhancements may vary from those required for your cruise.
We've made some updates to improve your experience.
Refresh the page to see the latest changes.