Vietnam is intoxicating. It has an energy and charm of equal proportions, and a regal history of passion, war and conquests to rival any European history. Vietnamese society has undergone a profound transition in the past decade. There is an extraordinary vitality in the cities, where dynamic new businesses and stylish resorts blend with elegant French colonial history. In the countryside, picturesque rice paddies, serene river villages and patient water buffalo contrast with the jungles and mountainous highlands and their enormously diverse wildlife. From the extraordinary history and relics of the Vietnam War to exploring the street markets and restaurants to sampling the delicacies of a cuisine that is renowned for its originality, delicate flavours and creativity. Exploring Vietnam aboard a luxurious cruise ship has the advantage of the ability to sail the secluded backwaters of beautiful bays and rivers. You will visit four World Heritage sites and take a step back in time in the ancient capital of Hue, walk the narrow streets of Hoi An, cruise the stunning jade waters of Ha Long Bay and see the exquisite spiritual architecture of My Son in the mountains of the long lost kingdom of Champa. Enjoy every step of the way to Hanoi where the medieval and modern co-exist. Available Cruise Departure Dates 2011 & 2012 Ho Chi Minh City>Haiphong route: Nov 27, Mar 12 & Mar 30, 2012 Haiphong>Ho Chi Minh City route: Dec 6, Mar 21, 2012

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is more modern than other Vietnamese cities, and has retained its French colonial influences. The streets are jam-packed with mopeds and scooters, often carrying whole families. Highlights in the city include the colorful Emperor of Jade Pagoda, an excellent example of a Chinese temple. The Hôtel de Ville is a wonderful example of French colonial architecture. The twin towers of Notre Dame Cathedral have been a familiar landmark in Ho Chi Minh City since the 1880s. The War Remnants Museum bears witness to the suffering inflicted on the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s. Other sites relevant to that era are Reunification Hall and the former US Embassy. An interesting excursion from Saigon is a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels in which the South Vietnamese Communists concealed themselves and from which they launched attacks on US soldiers.

Enjoy a private transfer with English Speaking Driver between Ho Chi Minh City airport and your hotel.

Centrally located in the midst of Ho Chi Minh City's business, shopping, and entertainment districts, The Caravelle offers traditional refinement in an ambiance that is welcoming and warm, while offering luxuriously modern living in sophisticated and elegantly understated surroundings. Even the most discerning traveler will find the comfort and service provided to be of the utmost quality. Dine at Restaurant Nineteen or have a drink at Saigon Saigon and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. The ever changing vista of Lam Son Square, beautiful city views and those of the Saigon River await you at The Caravelle.

Overnight at Caravelle (5*).

You will be picked up by private car and English speaking Driver for a half day city tour. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, a neo-Romanesque cathedral constructed between 1877 and 1883 using bricks from Marseilles and stained-glass windows from Chartres. Also visit the Old Saigon Post Office and Cholon, the Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City. During our tour we will also visit the Emperor Jade Pagoda (Phuoc Hai), one of the most interesting pagodas in Vietnam. It is filled with smoky incense and fantastic carved figurines. It was built by the Cantonese community around the turn of the 20th century and is still buzzing with worshippers, many lounging in the front gardens.

Overnight at Caravelle (5*).

Relax and travel in comfort as you cruise the South China Sea alongside the coast of Vietnam. Sail between historic port cities, making landfall to explore the unique culture that is to be found in this extraordinary country. A new experience awaits you at every stop along the way.

In the morning you will be picked up by private car and English speaking driver for a tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels (70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh city ). Before entering the tunnels you will watch a short introductory video showing how the tunnels were constructed. You will then spend the next hour exploring the maze of tunnels with your guide. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500 pound bombs dropped by B52 bombers. Arrive back into Ho Chi Minh City at about 2.00PM.

Transfer by private car and English speaking guide between Ho Chi Minh City pier and your hotel.

Welcome aboard your cruise vessel!
Meet your fellow passengers, and get settled in.

Orion II is a private yacht-like expedition cruise ship built by Cantieri Navale Ferrari of Italy. After a number of years as a private yacht, Orion II was relaunched in 2009 following an extensive technical refit. Little expense was spared with this stylish, Italian built, all-suite Mega Yacht. Orion II now offers the finest standards in small-ship cruise travel. She also has an ice-strengthened hull for voyages in the Arctic and Antarctic and is fitted with stabilisers. The expedition equipment includes Zodiacs and fast tender to deliver the Orion expedition experience. Combining luxury and service will require staffing by 68 offices and crew to serve Orion II’s capacity of 100 guests. Excellence of design, craftsmanship and quality materials combined with Orion II’s spaciousness and intimate ambience make her ideal for distinctive cultural and expedition voyages.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N).

Your ship will take its time making your way into this dramatic city. The Song Sai Gon (Saigon River) will take you on a remarkable journey of several hours into Ho Chi Minh City. The 60km of river that you will travel to get to the city is an attraction in itself.

Fisherman, traders, floating markets, the river is the life blood of the city. Once in the city itself, the influence of the former French colonial masters is still evident with wide elegant boulevards and historical colonial buildings. The markets are jumping with life and items such as the stylish lacquer ware found throughout Vietnam are on display everywhere to tempt those looking for local souvenirs to take home. The reunification museum is a popular attraction, the reminders of the turbulent and violent history of this vibrant nation are never far away.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N).

An exclusive Nha Trang village tour is scheduled for today. Departing the port by coach you will visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, a remnant of the ancient Cham civilization, built and renovated between the seventh and twelfth centuries. From the hillside where the towers stand you will have a spectacular view of Nha Trang Bay and its shores lined with numerous colourful fishing boats. Next you will take a motorboat cruise along the Cai River, where you will have the chance to see a fishing village, a large yard for the construction of wooden boats and coconut islands, shaded by countless palms. You'll then visit Vinh Ngoc Commune, to visit the city centre as well as get an invite into a typical family house. This tour is an excellent insight into the culture and life of Vietnamese people.

Optional:
Cruise to Mun Island, the most biodiverse marine park of Vietnam, for snorkeling and swimming amidst vibrant sea life. Afterward, you'll make a stop at Mieu fishing village where you can photograph the abundant and pretty fishing boats moored in the shallow harbor. Boats are brightly painted in blue and red - a very colorful sight. You'll then continue to Tri Nguyen aquarium before returning back to port. 

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N).

Very much a true expedition da, you will set out in the Zodiacs to explore the bay, its fishing village and its inhabitants. Landings will be opportunistic and you'll take advantage of situations on the day as they arrive. Many of the villagers have "fish pens" attached to their houses where they "grow" fish and crustaceans. The Zodiac cruise will be great for photography and interacting with the local people in the village. The afternoon will be one of leisure at Bai Nam beach where you can swim, relax and explore the headland and sandy beaches.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N).

Approximately an hour drive away, via the undulating countryside of Central Vietnam you will arrive in a range of beautiful mountains called “My Son” in Vietnamese - the Holy land of the long lost Champa kingdom. Upon arrival you will be taken on a short drive by a local van or jeep for 5 minutes to gain access to these valued relics. Historically, this land used to be ruled by the Civilization of Champa from the early of 7th Century until 14th Century. Being chosen as the holy land for their peoples more than 70 brick-temples were built to worship their Hindu Gods. All the temples were found by the West at the end of the 19th century by French explorers but, sadly, most of them were destroyed in 1969 by American bombing raids during the war. Today, however, visitors can still admire the exquisite spiritual architecture and appreciate their historical value for a long lost kingdom. After lunch a shuttle service will continue to Da Nang city for further exploration and to China Beach, to relax and swim if you choose.

Optional:
You may enjoy Hoi in a bicycle tour through the deepest countryside of the village or simply enjoy a cooking class or a Vietnamese dinner.

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N).

An included guided tour of Hoi An is available today. A scenic drive from the port takes you to a little town called Hoi An or Faifo. The presence of Eastern and Western merchants in Hoi An influenced the architecture, culture and customs of this community during 19th and 20th century. Take a step back in time during your guided walk through its narrow streets en route to the ornate Phuoc Kien Temple. The walking tour continues to the ancient Japanese Bridge, built in 1593 to connect the Japanese and Chinese communities of Hoi An. The bridge has become a symbol of Hoi An town due to its beautiful construction. Your visit to a traditional merchant’s house will reveal a unique mix of European, Japanese and Chinese styles.

After the walking tour, that is the time to explore the rest of the ancient town such as the museums, photographs or shopping. Before returning to the ship, you will pause at China Beach as it is known to the local people. This was a favourite military recreation spot during the war and one that became world famous through the television series of the same name. It is also a great chance to see the beauty the Marble Mountains along side of the road. After lunch a shuttle service will continue to Da Nang city for further exploration and to China Beach, to relax and swim if you choose.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N).

Today's included expedition will take you to captivating Hue, the old imperial capital and cultural treasure chest of Vietnam. Founded on the northern bank of Perfume River in the 17th century by the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue appears more like a massive open-air museum with hundreds of temples, pagodas, palaces and tombs. During the Vietnam War, some of the most intense fighting occurred in this region, leaving many buildings destroyed or damaged. Declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, the Citadel has undergone extensive restoration, bringing it back to its former glory. See the vast, wing-roofed Thai Hoa Palace (Supreme Harmony) and the ornate Imperial Library with its detailed ceramic sculptures decorating its roof. Visit the Forbidden Purple City, once the inner, exclusive domain of the emperors.

After touring the Citadel, continue along the Perfume River to the elegant Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most beautiful architectural structures in Vietnam. Following a buffet lunch of traditional Vietnamese dishes at a local restaurant, proceed to the Tomb of Tu Duc, the emperor of Vietnam for more than 35 years. Hidden behind an octagonal stone wall is the monarch's sepulcher, surrounded by a pavilion and temple, and guarded by stone sculptures of elephants, horses and soldiers. You'll depart mid afternoon to return to the port of Chan May.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N).

Days at sea aboard Orion are less structured than a typical cruise ship. Rise at your leisure and select from a variety of breakfast options. Late morning consider joining a presentation in the Lecture Theatre by one of the Expedition Staff or a Guest Speaker. Luncheon is served both indoors and out and the timeless tradition of afternoon tea is observed at 4:00pm.

Begin your evening by joining your fellow travellers in the Leda Lounge for a pre-dinner drink and a briefing on tomorrow’s destination and Shoreside Expedition options by one of the Expedition Team.

The Restaurant opens at 7:00pm, though there is no rush, allowing you to dine when and with whom you choose. In warmer climes it is possible to reserve a table for dinner under the stars with full table service, be it a romantic table for 2 or a celebration for 20. After dinner you will find a duo in the Leda Lounge playing a selection of music ideally suited to conversation over a cognac, or dancing should the mood take you.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N).

The day today is split between Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay proper. At Cat Ba Island you will use the Zodiacs to explore the area, including visiting a floating village and exploring the interesting caves and grottoes carved out of the limestone by the tides. Depending on tides we may be able to land on one of the small beaches nearby. After relocating to Ha Long Bay proper you'll transfer to local 'junks" to sail around the bay and take in all the sights. Local guides will accompany you to point out the highlights as you cruise the bay in these traditional boats.

Overnight at M/V Orion II (9N).

Hanoi is nestled on the banks of the Red River, it is a beautiful city that retains an air of French colonial elegance with pretty yellow stucco buildings lining leafy streets. Hanoi is also a city of lakes, which adds to its air of sleepy grace. In the middle of the city lies the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake with the 18th-century Ngoc Son Temple sitting on an island in its center. To the north of Hoan Kiem Lake is the Old Quarter, a fascinating maze of small antiquated streets lined with markets and pavement restaurants and cafes. Also worth a visit, the former Ville Française was the old French administrative center and is characterized by enormous colonial-era châteaux and wide spacious boulevards. It also houses Hanoi’s most popular attraction, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Once you arrived in the port disembark MV Orion II and meet your driver for a private transfer to Hanoi.

Visit the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh and his former residence, One pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. After lunch, continue your city tour to one of Hanoi's many museums: Fine Art, History, Revolutionary, War, Ethnology (of your choosing), then head to Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Experience a one hour cyclo ride. Finish your day off at the Thang Long Opera Theatre for a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.

The exquisite Metropole in Hanoi, which was built by the French in the colonial style in the early 1900s, combines old-world charm with modern convenience. With its rich history and evocative public spaces, it is easy to imagine the days when Graham Greene propped up the bar and intrigue radiated from every room. Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel features 363 rooms and suites and a beautiful interior garden. Le Beaulieu serves fine French cuisine while Hanoi specialties are served at the Spices Garden. A swimming pool and fitness center are available and the beautiful city of Hanoi is just at the doorstep, ready for you to explore its sights and sounds.

Overnight at Sofitel Legend Metropole (5*).

Enjoy a full day tour to explore the county side of Vietnam. Your private guide will be able to answer all your questions about Vietnamese culture and lifestyle. Drive 75 km with a private vehicle to Hoa Binh village. Priceed to a 2.5 hours boat trip on Da reservoir, visiting ethnic minority villages, surrounded by rice paddies, farms and houses-on-stilts.Drive to the area that is home to many hill tribes including Muong and Dzao ethnic minorities. On the way back you will stop to visit the Ho Chi Minh Trail Museum. Lunch is included.

Overnight at Sofitel Legend Metropole (5*).

You will be met and transferred between the airport to your hotel in a private vehicle with an English speaking driver.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).