Join Aboard Emeraude
In 1910 a paddle steamer called the Emeraude was offering unforgettable cruises in Halong Bay for visitors to what was then French Indochina. The Emeraude was part of a flotilla owned by the Roque family who had left Bordeaux in 1858 in search of adventure and fortune. Over a period of more than 50 years they found both. After several ups and downs including successful trading and timber businesses, near bankruptcy and being taken hostage by pirates, the Roque brothers built Emeraude, Perle, Saphir, Rubis and Onyx to ferry passengers and freight along the waterways of Indochina and cruise on magnificent Halong Bay.
Today the Emeraude offers a regular cruise service on board a luxurious replica steamer with 38 cabins meticulously designed to evoke the nostalgic charm of colonial Indochina. Day 1 - Hanoi, Vietnam
| Hanoi is a lovely city of lakes, shaded boulevards and public parks, and your hotel is beautifully located overlooking the 800-year-old Golden Lotus Pagoda on Hanoi’s largest lake. Settle-in to your Deluxe Hanoi View Room at the Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel and enjoy the balance of your day at leisure. |
Day 2 - Explore Hanoi
| Join your guide this morning to begin your in-depth tour of this charming city. You’ll see the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a monument of marble, granite and precious woods. Nearby, in contrast, is the simple wooden house where he lived and worked. Admire the famous One Pillar Pagoda and stroll through the lush Botanical Gardens, an inviting 50-acre park behind the historic Presidential Palace. Continue with a visit to the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070, and relax over a delightful lunch at the stylish Wild Rice Restaurant. Then board Cyclos – a traditional way to get around the city – and explore the lovely French Quarter, filled with the architectural legacy of Vietnam’s Colonial past. End your tour with a guided walk through the historic Old Quarter. Meals B,L |
Day 3 - Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
| Drive to Ha Long Bay, filled with more than 3,000 limestone peaks that rise dramatically from the deep blue water as far as the eye can see. Your overnight cruise aboard the deluxe Emeraude is the best way to explore this breathtaking region, and includes lunch and dinner onboard with plenty of time this afternoon to enjoy the sweeping vistas of sea, land, and sky. Your elegant vessel is comfortable and intimate, with hand-crafted wooden interiors and spacious air-conditioned cabins with private baths. You’ll explore the most beautiful spots – fascinating rock formations and hidden caves – with opportunity to relax and swim. Ha Long Bay is truly magical, and this is certain to be one of the best travel experiences of your life! Meals B,L,D |
Day 4 - Ha Long Bay / Hanoi / Danang / Hoi An
| Arise early for a Tai Chi class on-deck and to watch the sun cast its first light across the peaks and waters of Ha Long Bay. Relax over breakfast as your vessel charts a leisurely course through the Bay. Disembark this morning and return to Hanoi for your flight to Danang, where you’ll be warmly greeted. A scenic drive brings you to the Marble Mountains and China Beach before arriving in picturesque Hoi An. Known as Faifo to early western traders, it was one of Southeast Asia’s major international ports during the 17th to 19th centuries, home to Japanese, Indian, Chinese and Portuguese merchants. Today, Hoi An is remarkable for its collection of original Chinese temples and glorious homes built by these wealthy merchants of earlier times. Sample excellent Vietnamese cuisine at this evening’s dinner and enjoy two nights in comfortable River View Rooms at the Hoi An Riverside Hotel, a superior first class resort on the banks of the Song Do River. Meals B,D |
Day 5 - Explore Hoi An
| Enjoy a leisurely morning boat ride down the Thu Bon River to Red Bridge. Step ashore for a refreshing welcome drink and tour the herb garden before a 2-hour hands-on culinary class. Relax riverside in the outdoor restaurant and dine on the dishes you’ve prepared.
In the afternoon, your walking tour of Hoi An - remarkably preserved - visits former merchant homes, temples, art galleries, and a bustling local market. As you explore with your guide through the traffic-free cobblestone streets of this ancient seaport, it’s easy to imagine yourself a sailor of the 18th century, when Hoi An was one of the busiest ports in all of Asia. After visiting a local school, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure – to explore further at your own pace or to relax and enjoy the amenities of your resort. Tonight, you’ll dine at Go Da Restaurant. Meals B, L, D |
Day 6 - Hoi An / Hue
| This morning’s scenic drive brings you to Hue, a now laid-back provincial town that was once the Imperial capital of Vietnam, the seat of power for 13 Nguyen Dynasty Emperors. Today, the city offers lovely French colonial garden homes, quiet streets, and a tranquil riverside ambience. Your afternoon sightseeing includes the lively Dong Ba Market and the impressive Imperial Citadel, built nearly 200 years ago and modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. This evening, enjoy General Tours specially-arranged dinner with a local family before retiring to your Deluxe Room at the Saigon Morin Hotel. Meals B,D |
Day 7 - Hue
| Voyage by boat along the meandering Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, an octagonal tower of seven tiers that rises majestically on the river bank. Then visit the tranquil tomb of Emperor Ming Mang, one of the most famous of Vietnam’s ancient rulers. Dinner tonight is at the charming Y Thao Garden Restaurant. Meals B,D |
Day 8 - Hue / Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
If Hanoi, Hoi An and Hue reveal Vietnam’s long and colorful history, then Ho Chi Minh City is a look at the future. Situated on the edge of the Mekong Delta, the city is poised and ready for growth – with lots of new construction, new technology, and new opportunities for its residents.
This morning you fly to Ho Chi Minh City, where you’ll be greeted and escorted to the superior first class Majestic Hotel, set in an 80-year-old French colonial landmark. This afternoon’s sightseeing brings you into Cholon, the city’s energetic Chinatown, to visit the historic Cha Tam Church and Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea. Finish your escorted touring at the bustling Binh Tay Market and a diminutive Cao Dai Temple. Tonight, you dine at the elegant Maxim’s Nam An Restaurant. Meals B,D |
Day 9 - Ho Chi Minh City / Cu Chi Tunnels Excursion
Early risers have an opportunity this morning to visit one of Saigon’s popular parks to join city residents in their early morning exercise routine, including Tai Chi. After breakfast you’ll visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, the incredible underground network that once stretched for 210 miles. This tunnel complex was built by guerilla fighters beginning in 1940 and construction continued throughout the Vietnam War. Marvel at secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living quarters, and even conference rooms. You’ll have ample opportunity to view the excavated areas from above. The more adventurous can explore the deeper second and even third-level tunnels.
Return to the city for a late lunch at Tan Nam Restaurant, stopping en route to see how traditional Vietnamese rice paper is made. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore on your own. You can also join your guide to visit the fascinating shops of Le Cong Kieu Antique Street. Meals B,L |
Day 10 - Ho Chi Minh City / Mekong Delta / Can Tho
| Known as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta is a rich fertile region interlaced with thousands of waterways and tributaries of the mighty Mekong River. A scenic morning drive past rural villages and paddy fields brings you deep into this timeless landscape. At Cai Be, you board motorized sampans for a leisurely and meandering introduction to life in the delta, including colorful floating markets, a constant flow of river boat traffic, and tropical fruit plantations along the river’s edge. Step ashore on one of the Mekong’s many islands to enjoy General Tours specially-arranged lunch in a local home. Continue by boat to Vinh Long and then onward to the deluxe Victoria Can Tho Hotel. Meals B,L |
Day 11 - Can Tho / Saigon / Siem Reap, Cambodia
| This morning’s boat excursion explores the lower Mekong, including the bustling floating markets of Cai Rang. Visit the Mekong Museum and then return to Saigon for your late-day flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted to the deluxe Victoria Angkor Resort. Meals B,L |
Day 12 - Siem Reap / Explore Angkor
Today begins your guided exploration of the magnificent jungle ruins of Angkor, once the royal seat of the mighty and wealthy Khmer Empire. This morning, you explore the imposing Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world with a volume of stone equaling that of the Cheops Pyramid in Egypt. Inspired by 12th century Hinduism, it took an estimated 30 years to build Angkor Wat, including the intricately carved bas-relief which adorns all four sides of the temple.
Enjoy lunch at Viroth’s Restaurant and then discover the monumental magnificence of Angkor Thom – the last capital of the Khmers, with its Elephant Terrace, the Terrace of the Leper King, and the stunning Bayon temple. This 12th century masterpiece lies at the very centre of Angkor Thom and is an archaeological wonder of symmetry and grandeur. Late in the day, your guide will lead you to a prime vantage point to witness the sun set over Angkor, a magnificent and unforgettable spectacle. Dine tonight at the Sugar Palm Restaurant. Meals B,L,D |
Day 13 - Siem Reap / Explore Angkor
| This morning you visit the amazing Ta Prohm, a 12th century temple that has been left largely un-restored and in its natural state, surrounded by jungle with massive Banyan roots and limbs enveloping the stone like tentacles. Continue your exploration at Chau Say Tevoda, a Hindu Temple from the 12th century, and Preah Khan, an extensive complex built by a Khmer King as a monastery and teaching institution. An afternoon visit to Les Artisans d’Angkor reveals the important work being done to preserve the traditional skills of Cambodia’s artisans. This evening’s farewell dinner includes a cultural performance of dance and music. Meals B,D |
Day 14 - Siem Reap
| General Tours program finishes this morning. Or, explore more of Asia with General Tours flexible and affordable FreeStyle Add-ons. General Tours travel planning experts can help you and your Travel Agent to plan the perfect extended journey. Meals B |
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