Nha Trang

Uncover the captivating highlights of Hanoi, including the bustling charm of its historic Old Quarter. Immerse yourself in its vibrant streets, ancient architecture, and diverse culinary delights, creating cherished memories of this enchanting city.

This program is limited to 10 guests.

NOTE: Due to the nature of this program, which includes riding a Vietnamese cyclo as a passenger and sitting on the back of a Vespa scooter, this program is not recommended for guests with mobility restrictions including use of a wheelchair, walker or cane.

Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.

Note: All travelers must now complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card, within 3 days of arriving in Thailand including the date of arrival at https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home

DAY 1

Disembark the ship in Nha Trang, meet your guide and take a short transfer by coach to the beach front of Nha Trang, where your rickshaw, a local traditional means of transportation awaits.

Enjoy the journey in this unusual mode of transport as you travel through the main streets of the city. Have your camera ready, as you view everyday life in Nha Trang and take in the local sights.

Pass by the Front Beach, the French Gothic Style Stone Church and view colonial-style houses. At a family-run restaurant, taste Nha Trang’s style spring rolls before you head to the Cam Ranh Airport for a flight to Hanoi.

Hanoi is known as the cultural heart and capital of Vietnam. A city of surprising beauty, Hanoi is home to centuries-old traditional architecture that stand alongside elegant French-colonial mansions as well as traditional temples. The life of the city can be seen in the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, where small boutiques, Vietnamese coffee shops and lively street vendors create a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.

Upon arrival, the group will be met and transferred to the hotel.

This evening, take in a show at the Water Puppet Theater. Water puppetry is a unique Vietnamese tradition that dates back to the 10th century. Starring colorful marionettes that dance on water, the performances typically portray scenes of daily life, such as farmers working in paddy fields or water buffalo bathing in a pond. After the show, continue to a local restaurant for dinner.

DAY 2

Get an early start today to witness Hanoi slowly come to life in the early morning. The city’s day starts with a quiet whisper as market vendors and city workers start preparing for the day ahead.

Hop on a Vietnamese cyclo (three wheeled bicycle taxi) for a leisurely ride around town. Pass through usually crowded boulevards that are just beginning to wake up and visit the Botanical Gardens where locals gather for their daily dose of exercise; practicing tai chi masters or playing badminton.

Back on your cyclo, continue along a leafy street lined with French colonial villas. Stop to explore the city’s largest fresh food market where many of the city’s shops and restaurants source their produce. The market is located near Long Bien Bridge, an iconic steel overpass built by French architects in the early 20th century. Then savor a typical Hanoian breakfast at one of the city’s best pho noodle hotspots.

Return to your hotel to refresh and enjoy a full breakfast.

This afternoon, delve into Hanoi’s colorful history. Learn about the life and times of former President Ho Chi Minh, who played a key role in the nation’s journey towards independence. Visit the mausoleum where his body is embalmed and see his humble stilted house, which was built in the style of an ethnic village home. Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique 11th century structure dedicated to King Ly Thai To’s son. Visit Hoa Lo Prison and discover why it became known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the Temple of Literature, where Vietnam’s royal family and elite society were educated for almost 700 years. Take a stroll in the Old Quarter to explore its network of narrow, 15th century streets. Each street bears a name that reflects the business once conducted there, such as Silk Street, Rice Street, Paper Street and Jeweler’s Street. Pause to visit an ancient house then take a walk to the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the temple in the lake known as Ngoc Son.

Weave your way through Hanoi’s busy streets and narrow passageways to discover its hidden charms by Vespa, with an experienced local driver at the helm. Leave the typical tourist trail behind and catch a glimpse of real local life with a city Insider as our guide. Visit a local market where locals pick up fresh vegetables, meats, and other ingredients for their evening meal.

Hop back on your Vespa and stop at a small passageway hidden between a row of shopfronts. Walk past narrow houses where many generations of the same family live together under one roof. Continue to a local spot for a chance to taste typical local food and try bia hoi, a locally produced fresh brewed beer.

Then head over to a trendy area near West Lake to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a drink at a local coffee shop.

The trip ends at approximately 10:00pm at your hotel.

Note: Each guest will ride on the back of a Vespa scooter while an experienced local driver. A helmet will be provided. The tour guide will follow on the back of another Vespa.

DAY 3

Leave the city behind to discover one of the Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is known for its dramatic beauty where thousands of rugged limestone karsts can be seen jutting out like dragon’s teeth amid the emerald waters.

After a two-and-a-half-hour drive, you arrive at the port where your beautifully-crafted Vietnamese sailing vessel awaits. After a quick safety briefing from the crew, enjoy a leisurely lunch on board as the boat sets sail. Head to the deck to watch the dramatic scenes of the bay unfold around you. Soak up the majestic atmosphere of this surreal landscape as you cruise past limestone islets and intriguing grottoes.

After an inspiring four-hour journey, return to the pier and drive back to Hanoi.

DAY 4

Depending on flight time either enjoy breakfast at the hotel or you will be provided a breakfast box from the hotel. At the appointed time, you will be picked up and transferred to the Hanoi Airport for a flight to Bangkok, Thailand.

Then, proceed to the port of Laem Chabang where you will re-embark the ship. Depending on flight time, a stop may be made for lunch en route.

Land Program Step by Step

The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up-to-date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

Day 1

10:30am Disembark the ship in Nha Trang

Take a short transfer by coach to the beachfront of Nha Trang

10:45am Board a rickshaw and take a short drive around the city

11:30am Stop at a family-run restaurant for Nha Trang-style spring rolls tasting

12:30pm Head to Cam Ranh airport for your flight to Hanoi

2:20pm Flight from Cam Ranh to Hanoi (flight details TBA and subject to change)

4:25pm Arrive in Hanoi

5:00pm Transfer to your hotel in Hanoi

6:00pm Transfer to the theater

6:30pm Enjoy Water Puppet Show

7:20pm Transfer for dinner at a local restaurant

8:30pm Return to your hotel

Overnight at Hotel De L’Opera or similar hotel

Day 2

5:00am Hop on a cyclo for a leisurely ride around town

5:20am Visit the Botanical Gardens where locals gather for tai chi and badminton

5:40am Stop at the city's largest fresh food market, near Long Bien Bridge

6:10am Enjoy a typical Hanoian breakfast at one of the best pho noodle hotspots

7:00am Return to the hotel to refresh and enjoy a full breakfast

9:00am Visit Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum and his stilted house.

9:45am Explore the unique One Pillar Pagoda

10:15am Visit Hoa Lo Prison

11:00am Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant

1:00pm Visit the Temple of Literature

1:30pm Visit to the Old Quarter, pause to visit an ancient house

2:15pm Walk to Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple

3:00pm Return to your hotel to relax and freshen up

5:30pm Meet your tour guide and vespa driver in the hotel’s lobby

6:00pm Hop on vespa and with an experienced local driver

6:30pm Visit a local market

7:00pm Stop at a small passageway and walk past narrow houses

7:20pm Continue to a local spot to taste typical local food and try bia hoi

8:30pm Head to a trendy area near West Lake for a drink at a local coffee shop

9:30pm Transfer back to your hotel

Overnight at Hotel De L’Opera or similar hotel

Day 3

6:00am 2.5 hour drive to Tuan Chau port in Halong Bay

A breakfast box is arranged for the drive

8:30am Arrive at the port and board the Vietnamese sailing vessel

10:00am Admire the limestone karsts, islets, and grottoes

11:00am Have lunch on boat while boat cruising to Halong Bay

12:30pm Return to the pier and transfer back to Hanoi

3:00pm Arrive at your hotel

6:00pm Dinner at a local restaurant

Overnight at Hotel De L’Opera or similar hotel

Day 4

6:20am Check out and transfer to the airport

A breakfast box is arranged today

9:20am Fright from Hanoi to Bangkok (flight details TBA and subject to change)

11:20am Arrive in Bangkok, customs and immigration

1:00pm You are met and transferred to a local restaurant for lunch

2:00pm Proceed to the port of Laem Chabang where you will re-embark the ship

3:30pm Approximate arrival at the port

Expected Weather:

Warm and sunny, the temperature is about 30? (86?)

What to Bring:

Personal items, insect repellent, light clothes, and comfortable walking/biking shoes, bathing suit, camera, charger, hat, sunscreen

Local Currency:

Vietnam Dong: USD is accepted at hotels & restaurants.

Credit card (Visa/ Master card) is also accepted at hotels and major restaurants.

Electricity:

220V

We recommend guests bring a universal adaptor for electric devices

Luggage information:

•Passengers are permitted to check-in one piece of luggage at a maximum of 23 kg (50lbs)

•Passengers are permitted to travel with one piece of hand luggage not exceeding 7 kg (15 lb.) and must be able to fit in the overhead bin on under the seat in front of you

•Any excess or overweight baggage fees incurred are the responsibility of the guest

Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)

1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.

2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)

3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via Reservations at RSSC at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

A passport that is valid for at least six months after travel is required.

Please check with your local embassy for entry requirements for your nationality into Vietnam and Thailand.

Note: All travelers must now complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card, within 3 days of arriving in Thailand including the date of arrival at https://tdac.immigration.go.th/arrival-card/#/home

Many nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam – it is the guest’s responsibility to have the appropriate visa for the ship’s arrival into Vietnam.

VERY IMPORTANT

The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents. Guests are responsible to make sure that there are enough pages in their passports for any visas that are required – Minimum two pages for each visa.

Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.

The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.

If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements for your nationality.

Hotel addresses:

Hotel De L’Opera

29 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi City, Vietnam

Phone: +84 24 6282 5555

Please Note:

•If visiting religious sites guests must be dressed appropriately: Full length pants, knees covered skirts, shirts or blouses with sleeves are recommended. Shorts, tights, miniskirts, sleeveless or see-through shirts or blouses are not allowed. Shoes and socks must be removed when visiting temples

•Like all tourist points of interest, guests are advised to mind their belongings at all times and not carry large denominations of money

•Restrooms on this trip can vary in condition and are mostly Asian style. Western style toilets can be found at restaurants and your hotels.

•This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs and those with mobility restrictions

•Please note that Vietnam is a developing country and visiting for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. Being a third world country, the standards are not as you might be accustomed to, buses vary in condition but are the best available. The best way to experience a different culture and way of life is to keep an open mind and to fully absorb this unique experience

Program Includes for guests

•3 nights at Hotel De L’Opera or similar (deluxe room) on a bed and breakfast basis

•Touring in vehicles with A/C

•English-speaking guide on transfers and sightseeing tours and flights

•Entrance fees per the itinerary

•Lunch on Days 1, 2, 3 and 4

•Dinner on Days 1, 2 and 3

•1 drink per person with lunch and dinner (choice of local beer, soft drinks or mineral water)

•2 x bottles of water per person per day on board the touring vehicle

•2 x cold towel per day

•Economy class flight from Nha Trang to Hanoi and Hanoi to Bangkok - direct flights not guaranteed)

•Airport assistance

Program Excludes for guests:

•Any meals or beverages not listed above

•Gratuities to drivers and guides

•Camera fees if required

•Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar

•Vietnam or Thai Visas if required

•Excess or overweight luggage on the flight

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing, hats, sunglasses, and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid-cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.