Southeast Asia & Hong Kong

Witness Ho Chi Minh City’s rich blend of Vietnamese traditions, Chinese influence and French colonial architecture. Join your guide and drive into the city, abuzz with scooters and bicycles. View the Reunification Palace, home to South Vietnam’s president during the Vietnam War. Continue past the soaring neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, with its twin bell towers, and the elegant Central Post Office—a masterwork of Gothic, Renaissance and French styles. Stop for photos at the Municipal Theater, which was modeled after the Opéra Garnier in Paris. See the ornate Jade Emperor Pagoda then head to Bến Thành Market, a colorful marketplace, famed for its clothing, handicrafts and local art, before stopping at a lacquer workshop. Here, witness artisans at work and browse their finely crafted wares before returning to your ship.

Experience Ho Chi Minh City fully and in the most authentic way when you tour the city by pedal cab. Meet your driver and climb into your private cab—also known as “cyclo-rickshaws” or simply “cyclos”—for a leisurely ride to the Chinatown district. Take in the sights as your driver proceeds at a relaxed pace. Pass by the vibrant Binh Tay Market, known for its distinctive architecture. Later, disembark your cyclo and call at the historic Ba Thien Temple. Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere as you explore this sacred site, then continue your journey via motor coach. Pass by the city’s elegant, French-inspired architecture, including the grand Central Post Office, a masterwork of Gothic, Renaissance and French styles, and the soaring Notre Dame Cathedral with its twin bell towers. Finally, visit the colorful stalls at Bến Thành Market before returning to your ship.

Immerse yourself in the rich agriculture and remarkable beauty of the Mekong Delta. This vast and fertile network of crisscrossing waterways leads to the South China Sea. Drive with your guide through the countryside to the small town of Cái Bè, home to a bustling floating market and a French colonial-era Romanesque cathedral. Here, enjoy lunch before embarking on a boat for a fascinating glimpse of life along the Mekong River. Farmers and fishermen have earned a living here for generations, often living right on the water’s edge in rustic homes. Visit with these delta residents and learn how they make traditional treats, including dried longans, rice pancakes and puffed rice candies. Sample these local favorites before continuing through the narrow waterways lined with lush green orchards and canals. Then, you will return to the mainland and your ship.

Explore Bến Thành Market with a Vietnamese chef, then enjoy a cooking class using market-to-table ingredients. Bến Thành is the largest food market in Ho Chi Minh City, a place whose sights, sounds, smells, tastes and exotic feel will enchant you. Your chef will lead the way through the endless stalls and introduce you to a wide variety of exotic, local foods; and will show you how to select ingredients to create the perfect spring roll. Then, it is on to the classroom where your chef demonstrates the intricate traditional art of vegetable carving. Have fun showcasing your creative talents, or simply enjoy learning a new skill as you carve your very own vegetable flowers using cucumbers, gourds, carrots and pumpkins. Your chef will then teach you how to make spring rolls, and you will of course enjoy eating them along with other delicious Vietnamese delicacies prepared by your chef.

Enjoy a traditional show at the Water Puppet Theater, then discover Ho Chi Minh City by night. The evening begins with a performance of a traditional mua roi nuoc water puppet show. This ancient art dates back to the 10th century, when after a harvest, the ponds and rice paddies served as stages for impromptu shows. Backed by a Vietnamese orchestra, singers tell the story being acted out by the puppets, which are controlled by a series of long wooden rods and strings. Often the plays have a rural theme relating to Vietnamese folklore and spiritual beliefs. After a memorable show, you will continue to a local hotel to sample some delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Your evening in the city concludes with a panoramic drive highlighting the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office and City Square.

Delight your senses on a tour of Bến Thành Market and discover the roots of ancient Vietnamese herbal medicine. Visit the FITO Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine and Pharmacy and take a journey through the centuries to learn about the ancient practices once favored by physicians. Next, tantalize your taste buds during a visit to Bến Thành—the place for finding genuine Vietnamese food. Discover a profusion of eye-popping food displays and tempting dishes, including Vietnamese pancakes (banh xeo), spring rolls (goi cuon), steamed rice cakes (banh beo) and noodle soup (pho), and explore its array of handicrafts, lacquerware and embroidery. Then head to Ngon Restaurant, also known as “la maison jaune” due to its bright yellow exterior. Here, enjoy a lunch featuring a range of classic Vietnamese dishes, each exemplifying the succulent simplicity of northern and southern street fare.

Venture into the Vung Tau region to view some of Vietnam’s sacred sights and monuments. Travel by motor coach to Christ the King of Vung Tau, on Mount Nho – one of the largest statues of Jesus in the world, towering over the city at nearly 120 feet tall. After a photo stop, visit the Thang Tam temple where you will learn about the annual festivals that pay homage to the whale, the protector of fishermen. Then, you will continue on to the Villa Blanche – a colonial era mansion that was built on the site of an Nguyen Dynasty fortress demolished by the French. After lunch, visit the Worldwide Arms Museum for a tour of its large collection of military uniforms and weapons from throughout history. You will also have the chance to take a leisurely stroll through the local fresh market, and to enjoy a refreshing cold drink at the beach before returning to your ship.

Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.

Experience the mix of traditional and modern life in vibrant Ho Chi Minh City during an overnight stay. Take a traditional pedal cab ride through Old Saigon and enjoy a colorful folklore performance. Savor Vietnamese cuisine and immerse yourself in traditions and customs.

Day 1 - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

After lunch on your ship, travel by motor coach to Ho Chi Minh City. After check-in at your hotel, head out to experience one of the city’s main methods of transportation on a “pedal cab” ride. Enjoy the architecture of Old Saigon, and observe local life and culture as your guide pedals you through this vibrant metropolis. Continue on to Saigon’s Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater for a lively folklore performance. Mua roi nuoc, or “water puppetry,” originated in North Vietnam during the 10th century; after the harvest, the ponds and rice paddies served as stages for impromptu shows. Backed by a Vietnamese orchestra, singers tell the story as the puppets appear to “dance on water.” Often the plays have a rural theme relating to Vietnamese folklore and are closely connected with the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. After a memorable performance, sample delicious Vietnamese cuisine in a local hotel. (D)

Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Enjoy breakfast before visiting the Museum of Vietnamese History. The museum’s collection of historical treasures and artifacts includes valuable relics taken from Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, a fine collection of Buddha statues, a perfectly preserved mummy dating back to 1869 and some exquisite, stylized mother-of-pearl Chinese characters inlaid into panels. See the famed neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, as well as classic European-style landmarks such as the ornate City Hall and the old Opera House. Continue on to Reunification Palace, former residence of the president of South Vietnam before the fall of Saigon in 1975. You will also visit the Minh Phuong Lacquer Factory to discover the art of handmade lacquerware—one of Vietnam’s most popular exports. After lunch, visit Bến Thành Market and head to Chinatown to admire the Taoist Thien Hau Pagoda before returning to your ship. (B, L)

Discover the rich history and vibrant waterways of the Mekong Delta during this two-day exploration. Admire Ong Pagoda and take a scenic river cruise to visit a bustling floating market. View traditional houses and fruit plantations and mingle with residents to learn about local life. Please note: sites on this program are not accessible and cannot accommodate guests who rely on a walker, wheelchair or motorized scooter/wheelchair.

Day 1 - Cần Thơ, Vietnam

After lunch, board your motor coach for a scenic drive through the Mekong Delta to the city of Cần Thơ, located on the southern bank of the Hau River. Upon arrival, you will proceed to Ong Pagoda in the heart of Cần Thơ. Situated on the riverbank, the temple was built by Chinese immigrants in the late 19th century to worship the god Kuan Kung. Admire its red-brick facade and green striped tile roof topped with exotic porcelain statues. Inside, smell the incense that wafts from the many burners hung from the ceiling, and view the statue of Kuan Kung flanked by the gods of earth and finance. After, you will check in to your hotel and have dinner. (D)

Day 2 - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

After breakfast, head to Ninh Kiều Wharf, where you will board a boat for a panoramic cruise along the Cần Thơ River through the verdant Mekong Delta. Visit the bustling Cái Răng floating market, where vendors advertise their wares by hanging a sample off the top of a long pole. After checking out of your hotel, journey by motor coach to Vĩnh Long. Here, board your boat for a leisurely cruise through the small canals that dot the region. View the traditional stilt houses and tropical fruit plantations that line the banks. Meet local fishermen and learn about their fishing techniques, then visit a brick kiln to see how locals create beautiful ceramics. After, you will return to the pier and transfer to your ship. (B, L)

Learn about the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese’s perspective during a visit to underground tunnels and a museum. Drive with your guide past lush rice paddies and tranquil villages to Cu Chi. Here, explore the network of tunnels that allowed the Viet Cong to operate secretly during the war. Some tunnels were located 40 feet underground, and many of the passageways measured just two feet wide and five feet high. Soldiers lived in and fought from here, strategizing in a meeting room and using larger rooms as kitchens, hospitals and sleeping quarters. A guide will provide an overview of the tunnel network, after which you may descend the 20 steps into the tunnels to explore. After lunch, continue on to the War Remnants Museum—housing detailed photographic exhibitions and a collection of Vietnam War-era military hardware—before returning to your ship.

Discover the rich past of Ho Chi Minh City during visits to a museum and a basement house. Known as “Saigon” during the French colonial period, this vibrant metropolis was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1976 following Vietnam’s reunification. Begin your journey with a drive by motor coach to the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City to view exhibits spanning Vietnam’s history. Then, embark on a panoramic drive past notable landmarks, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, known for its 190-foot-tall bell towers, and the Central Post Office—built in the French colonial style, it also features Gothic and Renaissance influences. After lunch, continue to a basement house. These underground structures were built beneath homes, offices and public buildings for defensive use during wartime. Cap your day with free time to explore Nguyen Hue Walking Street before returning to your ship.

Visit a sacred temple and ascend to the top of Ho Chi Minh City’s tallest building to take in the views from above. Once a Taoist temple, the Jade Emperor Pagoda was built in 1909 in the Chinese style. Dedicated to the Jade Emperor, it is richly decorated with intricate wood carvings, murals and statues. Drive by motor coach to this sacred site and explore its grounds before transferring to Landmark 81. At 1,514 feet tall, it is the tallest building in Vietnam. Ascend to the top of the building to reach the Skyview Observation Deck, one of the highest in Southeast Asia, where you will take in the views of the city below. Lunch will consist of an array of dishes highlighting authentic local flavors, after which you will set out on a drive to Saigon Riverside Park to glimpse the cityscape from a different perspective. After, return to your awaiting ship.

Drive through Ho Chi Minh City after dark and taste local flavors during a cruise on the Saigon River. Begin your journey with a panoramic drive from the port through Ho Chi Minh City center. See French colonial buildings such as City Hall, a National Heritage Site, and the Saigon Opera House, built at the turn of the 20th century. Pass by the Notre Dame cathedral, recognizable by its soaring bell towers, and the Central Post Office, designed by Alfred Foulhoux. Pause at Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a lively hub that is home to an array of boutiques and cafes. You will have free time to explore this pedestrian-only promenade before transferring to Nha Rong Wharf. Here, you will board your vessel and settle in for dinner as you sail along the Saigon River. Take in the views of the illuminated skyline as you enjoy your meal. At the end of your cruise, return to your ship.

Learn about Vietnamese agriculture and its significance during visits to a farmer’s home and a country market. Depart by motor coach for a scenic drive through the countryside, passing by fertile rice paddies and rubber trees as you travel to the home of a local farmer. Upon arrival, you will receive a warm welcome before setting out on a guided walk through the fruit garden to gain insight into Vietnamese rural life. Then, reboard your motor coach and journey to a Buddhist meditation pagoda nestled within a forest. Step inside for a glimpse of this Zen center, where monks and nuns travel to find inner peace, before heading to a café for refreshments. Sample local treats, including iconic Vietnamese coffee, known for its distinctive flavor profile. Your day concludes at a traditional country market, where you will have the opportunity to explore and purchase locally grown produce.

Sample a range of authentic Vietnamese dishes as you travel through Ho Chi Minh City. Transfer from the port to the city center and head first to sample a bánh mì, a snack-size serving of meat, pickled vegetables and herbs in a mini baguette. Next, sample Vietnamese coffee at a local café; its unique brewing method and distinctive flavor profile result in a strong, concentrated brew. Pass by iconic buildings including the Reunification Palace and the Central Post Office en route to taste bánh xèo, a sizzling pancake stuffed with meat and vegetables. Finally, continue to another restaurant for a serving of bún bò, a spicy beef noodle soup, followed by a traditional Vietnamese dessert. Your culinary journey concludes with a visit to Ben Thanh Market, where you may purchase a cherished memento of your trip before returning to your ship.

Venture into the city after dark to discover its vibrant nightlife and speakeasies hidden behind unmarked doors. A one-hour drive from your ship takes you to the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. The largest city in Vietnam, it is home to a vibrant mixology scene—its hidden speakeasies, rooftop lounges and experimental bars combine global techniques with Vietnamese ingredients to craft delectable cocktails. Meet your guide and set out through Ho Chi Minh’s winding streets and quiet alleys. You will visit four distinctive venues, each offering an original cocktail crafted with Vietnamese ingredients—from lemongrass and coconut to smoked tea and kumquat. Sip on cocktails and enjoy traditional snacks as your guide shares stories of Ho Chi Minh’s colonial past and modern culinary renaissance. At the end of your excursion, return to your awaiting ship.

Explore the shores of Vietnam’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve by boat and by foot. Drive from the port to Bach Dang Wharf and board a speedboat for an invigorating journey to the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. At Giant Bat Lagoon, transfer from your speedboat to a small wooden rowboat. Drift beneath a canopy of mangroves as fruit bats cling to the branches overhead, then set out on foot to explore the reserve. Your guide will share stories about this diverse ecosystem as you stroll shaded trails alive with crabs, kingfishers and orchids. After a traditional Vietnamese lunch, continue to Vam Sat Eco Park to learn about crocodile conservation and observe playful monkeys. Cap your day by climbing the Tang Bong Tower, rising 85 feet about the forest canopy, then return to your speedboat and journey back to your ship.

Uncover the evolution of Ho Chi Minh City during visits to a Taoist temple and a riverside retreat. Begin with a one-hour drive from your ship to the city pier, where you will climb aboard a speedboat and set out for a cruise along the Saigon River. Journey to the Phu Chau Floating Temple, a centuries-old sanctuary built on a floating islet—its green tile roofs, intricate statues and colorful dragon sculptures reflect Vietnamese and Chinese architectural influences. Next, continue to a nearby riverside retreat to relax in the shade amid lush greenery while enjoying a selection of seasonal tropical fruits and chilled coconut juice. After lunch at a local restaurant, join a cartographer for a guided walk that traces Saigon’s evolution through historic streets and landmarks including the Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, before returning to your ship.

Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinese district to uncover its rich past, join a Lion Dance workshop and more. Drive to Cho Lon, Ho Chi Minh’s Chinese district. Stroll along “medicine streets” lined with fragrant herbs, then call at Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Chinese Goddess of the Sea. Visit the Chinese Assembly Hall, then continue to a private club for a Lion Dance workshop. Deeply rooted in Chinese culture, this symbolic dance represents courage and good fortune. Learn about its significance from an experienced member of a troupe, then examine historic artifacts and costumes in the heritage room. After lunch, an expert practitioner will introduce you to the practice of Himalayan singing bowls at the Himalayan Healing Bowl Center. During your visit, the soothing vibrations will gently wash over you, offering a peaceful and restorative experience to conclude your excursion.