River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Hanoi

   Tue, Oct 01, 2024

   Xin Chao and welcome to Hanoi! On arrival, you will be met by your Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your hotel, situated in downtown Hanoi, for a one-night stay. Relax at the hotel, explore the city, or wander Hanoi’s romantic West Lake. This evening, meet your tour director for your welcome briefing.

   
   Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2
   Hanoi – Halong Bay

   Wed, Oct 02, 2024

   This morning after breakfast, leave Hanoi and travel to Halong Bay where you will board your traditional-style junk boat. Cruise through the bays and islets enjoying the stunning scenery of this magnificent region. Enjoy the tours offered on board, learn more about the main livelihood of the locals in the area or simply choose to relax. Towards the end of the day, the boat anchors for the night in the Trinh Nu area among the karst formations where dinner will be served on board.

   Included Excursion
   A two night Halong Bay cruise

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3. Day 3
   Halong Bay

   Thu, Oct 03, 2024

   Today, continue sailing further into the region’s more untouched areas towards Lan Ha Bay. From a smaller boat, enjoy swimming on quiet beaches and kayaking in Ho Ba Ham Lake. Then visit Cua Van fishing village by rowing boat. Return to your traditional junk boat after a full day of exploration. Tonight, try squid fishing after dinner.

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4
   Halong Bay – Hanoi

   Fri, Oct 04, 2024

   Enjoy the sunrise and breakfast before beginning your cruise back through the magnificent rock formations, visiting Sung Sot Cave before arriving back at port. Bid farewell as you transfer to Hanoi. As part of EmeraldPLUS back in Hanoi, you will enjoy lunch at KOTO (Know One Teach One), a unique restaurant set up to train and educate disadvantaged children.

   After lunch, you’ll visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter also known as the ‘36 streets’. This bustling area of narrow streets and alleys is home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It is a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities. Visit Hang Be Market, also located in the Old Quarter, before enjoying a walk around Hoàn Kiem Lake located in central Hanoi. Here walk across the red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple located on the Jade Islet within the lake. Later, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique North Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of historical significance.

   EmeraldPLUS
   Lunch at KOTO Restaurant

   Included Excursion
   Visit Hanoi’s Old Quarter

   Included Excursion
   A traditional water puppet show

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
5. Day 5
   Hanoi – Hue

   Sat, Oct 05, 2024

   Begin your morning tour of Hanoi and learn about ‘Uncle Ho’, considered the father of modern Vietnam, by seeing his mausoleum from outside. Continue to Ho Chi Minh Quarter to see his humble stilt house and the small but iconic One Pillar Pagoda before moving to the nearby Temple of Literature. The Temple of Literature was Vietnam’s first university and it was established to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s past.

   Bid farewell to Hanoi and transfer to Hanoi airport to board your flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. In Hue, take a boat trip to visit Thien Mu Pagoda before checking your hotel, for the night. This evening, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, experience a royal dinner with traditional costumes.

   EmeraldPLUS
   A traditional Vietnamese royal dinner at a local restaurant

   Included Excursion
   Hanoi’s City Tour, including the Temple of Literature

   Included Excursion
   A boat tour on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
6. Day 6
   Hue – Hoi An

   Sun, Oct 06, 2024

   This morning you will visit the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Enjoy a relaxing cyclo (bicycle-style rickshaw) ride from Dai Noi ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake where the Emperors where the emperors used to go to relax. Leaving Hue for Hoi An, drive past the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co and up and over Hai Vân Pass, known as the Ocean Clouds Pass before dropping down to Danang and then Hoi An. Upon arrival in Hoi An, you will be transferred to your hotel for your included three-night stay, where you can relax for the rest of the evening.

   Included Excursion
   A visit to the Imperial Citadel

   Included Excursion
   Cyclo ride from Dai Noi ‘Old City’ to Tinh Tam Lake

   
   Meals: Breakfast
7. Day 7
   Hoi An

   Mon, Oct 07, 2024

   Today, start with our EmeraldPLUS visit to the Reaching Out Project. Reaching Out is an NGO (non-governmental organisation) established in 2000, which provides opportunities for people with disabilities to learn skills and gain meaningful employment. Visit the workshop and get a glimpse of how this NGO helps them to integrate fully with their communities and lead independent and fulfilling lives. After enjoying a local Hoi An street food themed lunch, enjoy a walking tour of Hoi An and see the old merchant’s houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge (currently undergoing renovations, views may be restricted) and the Assembly Hall of the Chinese Congregation. Tonight is yours free to wander the historical lantern lit streets and their many shops or bars.

   EmeraldPLUS
   Reaching Out Project

   Included Excursion
   A walking tour of Hoi An

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
8. Day 8
   Hoi An

   Tue, Oct 08, 2024

   Enjoy a day of leisure to explore Hoi An and its surroundings. Perhaps take the time to explore the Old Town and visit one of the many tailors Hoi An is known for, or take a cyclo (bicycle style rickshaw) to An Bang Beach. Alternatively venture out on one of our DiscoverMORE excursions. The choice is yours.

   DiscoverMORE
   Red Bridge Vietnamese cooking class (extra expense)

   DiscoverMORE
   A visit to My Son Ruins (extra expense)

   DiscoverMORE
   Hoi An Rural Life (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast
9. Day 9
   Hoi An – Siem Reap

   Wed, Oct 09, 2024

   Today, transfer to Danang airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Sous Sdei and welcome to Cambodia. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for your included three-night stay in Siem Reap. In the evening, you’ll meet your Cambodian tour director to learn more about the days ahead.

   
   Meals: Breakfast
10. Day 10
    Siem Reap

    Thu, Oct 10, 2024

    Today, start with a visit to Angkor Thom, not a single temple such as the historic sites it neighbours, but rather one of the most remarkable royal cities of the Angkor Period and an architectural wonder. As the last capital of the Khmer Empire, it was a fortified city, home to priests, officials of the palace, military and buildings for administering the kingdom. Afterwards, visit the sacred Temple of Ta Prohm. In an incredible standoff between human creation and nature, the jungle's root systems have reclaimed this spiritual location now enshrouded in wild vegetation. The backdrop to many Hollywood scenes, the incredible Ta Prohm is both a cinematic and contemplative location. This evening as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, attend Phare, The Cambodian Circus, where a combination of acrobatics, music and dance tell a uniquely Cambodian story.

    EmeraldPLUS
    Phare Cambodian Circus performance

    Included Excursion
    Visit to Angkor Thom

    Included Excursion
    Visit to Ta Prohm Temple

    DiscoverMORE
    Evening – Sunset Drinks Gondola Boat at Bayon (extra expense)

    DiscoverMORE
    Evening - Cambodian Street Food Discovery Tour (extra expense)

    DiscoverMORE
    Dinner at Phare Circus (extra expense)

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
11. Day 11
    Siem Reap

    Fri, Oct 11, 2024

    Rise early and witness the sunrise over Angkor Wat. Afterwards walk through this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site known for its elaborate decorations and intricate carvings throughout. This afternoon is free time to visit the town and markets or try a DiscoverMORE tour, before enjoying dinner accompanied, as part of EmeraldPLUS programme, by an Apsara dance performance.

    EmeraldPLUS
    Apsara dance and dinner show

    Included Excursion
    Sunrise visit to Angkor Wat

    DiscoverMORE
    Vespa tour of Siem Reap (extra expense)

    DiscoverMORE
    A visit to Banteay Srei & Apopo Visitor Centre (extra expense)

    DiscoverMORE
    A visit to Tonlé Sap (extra expense)

    DiscoverMORE
    A culinary tour of Cambodia (extra expense)

    DiscoverMORE
    Senteurs d’Angkor Workshop (extra expense)

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
12. Day 12
    Siem Reap – Koh Khsach Krao – 7 Night Mekong Cruise

    Sat, Oct 12, 2024

    Today, leave Siem Reap and venture to the town of Koh Khsach Krao to embark your Emerald Cruises award-winning Star-Ship. En route, stop in Kampong Kdei and see the impressive Angkor Bridge, before having lunch at a local restaurant. On arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your captain and crew. Later, set sail to Phnom Penh whilst you enjoy your first dinner on board with your fellow guests.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
13. Day 13
    Oudong – Phnom Penh

    Sun, Oct 13, 2024

    Wake up in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. The city, known as the “Pearl of Asia”, was almost entirely evacuated by the Khmer Rouge in 1975. Start your day with a visit to the Oudong Monastery and Temples. Located north of Phnom Penh, Oudong was the former royal capital of Cambodia up until it moved to Phnom Penh in 1866. Important remnants on the temple site include the burial sites of Khmer kings as well as religious artefacts dating back more than a hundred years. In the main temple of the Oudong Monastery, receive a traditional Buddhist blessing from the temple’s resident monks as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme. Spend the afternoon as you please exploring our DiscoverMORE excursions or simply relaxing on board Emerald Harmony. After dinner, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, enjoy Phnom Penh by night on a remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour.

    EmeraldPLUS
    A traditional Buddhist Monk blessing

    EmeraldPLUS
    Phnom Penh by night on a remork (Tuk-Tuk) tour

    DiscoverMORE
    A silk farm tour at Koh Oknha Tei (extra expense)

    DiscoverMORE
    Craft Beer Adventure by remork (extra expense)

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
14. Day 14
    Phnom Penh

    Mon, Oct 14, 2024

    This morning, you will learn more about the Khmer Rouge and the darkest days of the country’s history. A short drive will take you to the Killing Fields at Choeung Ek. Here you will have the opportunity to walk through the fields, visit the memorial and learn about this sad historic chapter. Afterwards visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (also known as S-21). This is a former school that was converted to the main prison and torture headquarters of the Khmer Rouge.

    Back on-board Emerald Harmony, enjoy a Cambodian Street Fair lunch, before visiting the majestic Royal Palace with its French-inspired gardens, followed by a shopping trip at the Central Market located in the heart of the city. This evening, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, enjoy a cultural performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation, before setting sail to the border.

    EmeraldPLUS
    Cultural Performance by the Cambodian Student and Children’s Organisation

    Included Excursion
    Killing Fields at Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum

    Included Excursion
    A visit to the Royal Palace and Central Market

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
15. Day 15
    Cross Vietnam/Cambodia Border - Tan Chau – An Long

    Tue, Oct 15, 2024

    Cross the border then sail to Tan Chau. Relax on board this morning or join our DiscoverMORE tour of Tràm Chim National Park, home to Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary.

    This afternoon, embark on a sampan to Evergreen Island for a walk through a local village to get a glimpse into the lives of the local farming community.  Reboard your sampan to travel back to Tan Chau and as part of our EmeraldPLUS, programme, visit the recently renovated Cao Dai temple. The religion of Cao Dai is a syncretic, monotheistic religion established in southern Vietnam in the city of Tây Ninh in 1926. Here, you will learn more about the mix of ideas that form the basis of this fascinating religion. Afterwards ride in a Xe Loi (local form of cyclo) from the temple back to your sampan before returning to Emerald Harmony.

    This evening as part of our EmeraldPLUS, programme, you’ll be delighted by a traditional Lion Dance performance on board.

    EmeraldPLUS
    A visit to a local Cao Dai Temple

    EmeraldPLUS
    A Lion Dance performance on board

    Included Excursion
    A visit to Evergreen Island

    Included Excursion
    Experience a Xe Loi ride, unique to the Mekong Delta

    DiscoverMORE
    A visit to Tam Nong Ramsar Bird Sanctuary in Tram Chim National Park (extra expense)

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
16. Day 16
    Gieng Island - My An Hung

    Wed, Oct 16, 2024

    On Gieng Island you can travel through the island’s villages to visit families who work in a variety of local industries including boat building of different types and creating incense sticks for temples. Also visit Vietnam’s oldest church.

    Return to Emerald Harmony by sampan and sail to My An Hung Island. Recognised as a cultural and historical destination, this small village in rural Vietnam specialises in red-hot chilli and peppers. As part of our EmeraldPLUS excursion enjoy some local folk singing during the visit, wander through coconut farms, meet the locals and learn about life in the village.

    EmeraldPLUS
    Listen to some local folk singing in My An Hung

    Included Excursion
    See the local industries in Gieng Island

    Included Excursion
    A visit to My An Hung village and its Monkey Bridge

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
17. Day 17
    Sa Dec – Cai Be

    Thu, Oct 17, 2024

    After a short ride on a sampan to Sa Dec, enjoy a walking tour around town. Stops include the home of Mr. Huynh Thuy Le, who inspired Marguerite Duras’ novel L’Amant, and enjoy a walk through the central market to peruse its varied produce.

    Return to Emerald Harmony by sampan and, after lunch on board, you’ll arrive in Cai Be. Travelling via sampan, visit a coconut candy workshop to learn how coconut candy and other local sweets are made, then visit a local French colonial heritage villa.

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
18. Day 18
    My Tho – Ho Chi Minh City

    Fri, Oct 18, 2024

    After sailing from My Tho leave the Mekong Delta and enter the Cho Gao Canal.  This canal is considered one of Vietnam's major arterial canals that connects Tien Giang Province in the Mekong Delta with Ho Chi Minh City. Today is a fascinating day watching the heavy commercial traffic navigate this important waterway which can see upwards of 1,800 vessels transit each day. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the ever-changing vistas from the pool, to enjoy a treatment in the Wellness Area (additional expense), or to read a book and chat with new friends. Cruise past mangroves, narrow canals, fish farms, busy cargo barges and local fishing boats alike. Tonight, dock in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City with views of the city lights. (Due to customs regulations, you will not be able to go ashore this evening)

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
19. Day 19
    Ho Chi Minh City Disembarkation

    Sat, Oct 19, 2024

    Drive away from Ho Chi Minh City port to Cu Chi Tunnels, watching the city skyline fade into the distance as the road winds through rice paddies, villages and scenes typical to southern Vietnam. Spend a couple of hours walking around Cu Chi’s rugged grounds with a local guide. Upon your return to Ho Chi Minh City, check into your hotel for a two-night stay with the afternoon and evening yours to enjoy at leisure or venture out on one of our DiscoverMORE excursions.

    Included Excursion
    Cu Chi Tunnels

    DiscoverMORE
    An evening Saigon Street Food walking tour (extra expense)

    DiscoverMORE
    One Night in Saigon (extra expense)

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
20. Day 20
    Ho Chi Minh City

    Sun, Oct 20, 2024

    Enjoy a guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City, starting with a visit to the city’s most iconic building, the Reunification, or Independence Palace. Formerly the South Vietnamese Presidential Palace, images of the building were seen around the world on 30 April 1975 when tanks stormed the gates as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. Then, stroll through Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way. Admire the beautiful architecture of the Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, City Hall and the old Saigon Post Office and listen to the stories about the glory days of French Indochina and how that era continues to influence aspects of modern Vietnamese culture. Tonight, enjoy your farewell dinner with your fellow guests.

    Included Excursion
    An orientation tour of Ho Chi Minh City

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
21. Day 21
    Depart Ho Chi Minh City

    Mon, Oct 21, 2024

    After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the Ho Chi Minh City airport to catch your onward or homebound flight.

    This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above.

    
    Meals: Breakfast

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