Vietnam cruises with Celebrity show you the many faces of this intriguing country. Ancient temples, incense heavy in the air, contrast with a backdrop of glassy skyscrapers. A constant stream of scooters and motorbikes forms a river of activity through the busy cities, where street food sizzles on roadside stalls. But there’s serenity, too. Historic palaces and ornate pagodas lie in the midst of dense tropical vegetation, while emerald rice paddies reflect the vast sky.
Join a cooking class to prepare fresh, spicy Vietnamese specialties. Take a cycling tour around the enchanting town of Hoi An. See the sheer-sided limestone towers of Halong Bay from a kayak, and delve into modern history in Ho Chi Minh City, with its poignant museums and nearby, the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. You’ll find a dazzling choice of activities and excursions on a luxury cruise to Southeast Asia with Celebrity.
Vietnam’s countryside is dotted with majestic temples displaying an ageless beauty of bygone cultures. My Son temple complex, near Danang, is one of the most impressive, dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva. Although the crumbling buildings are partly consumed by tropical greenery, a visit here gives you an insight into the wealth and sophistication of Vietnam’s Cham dynasty. Near Hue, visit the Imperial City, a complex within the walled citadel that was once the seat of Vietnam’s Nguyen rulers.
When it comes to jaw-dropping natural beauty, Vietnam has it all. Some 1,600 jungly limestone towers are scattered across an often mist-shrouded sea in Halong Bay, where tooth-like mountains are reflected in mirror-calm paddy fields. In the far south, rivers criss-cross the vast maze of the green Mekong Delta, coconut palms lining their banks. You’ll find endless golden beaches, too, especially around Danang, lapped by the warm waters of the South China Sea.
Vietnamese food is both elegant and unique, and packed with contrasts. Spicy dishes are tempered with fresh herbs and vegetables, while crispy salads are paired with refreshing soups and noodles. During your cruise, you could learn to make classic dishes like crispy spring rolls, stir-fried beef, minty chicken salad, and green papaya salad topped with fresh shrimp. Even if you prefer not to cook, don’t miss a chance to browse Vietnam’s colorful markets and dine in a local restaurant.
Hanoi (Halong Bay)
Ho Chi Minh(Phu My)
Hue/Danang (Chan May)
Nha Trang
Explore the coast of Vietnam on itineraries lasting either 12 or 13 nights. You could sail from Singapore to Tokyo, or between Singapore and Hong Kong in either direction. Ports of call include Ho Chi Minh City; Chan May, for Hue and Danang; the beach resort of Nha Trang; and Halong Bay, gateway to the capital, Hanoi, and magnificent limestone landscapes. Most cruises include an overnight in Halong Bay.
Celebrity’s luxurious ships take you along the coast of Vietnam in style. Toast to the end of a thrilling day ashore with cocktails at the al fresco Sunset Bar. Enjoy the flavors of iconic Italian dishes in Tuscan Grille, or specialty coffee and pastries from Café al Bacio. On Solstice-series ships, visit the Lawn Club on the upper deck for relaxing, sunbathing, or a game of croquet. Choose The Retreat for the ultimate in luxury, with access to an exclusive lounge and sundeck, fine dining in Luminae, exclusive to guests of The Retreat, and chic suite accommodation.
A cruise to Vietnam with Celebrity will give you an in-depth insight into this complex and fascinating country, from the buzz of cosmopolitan Ho Chi Minh City to the intricate, 19th century citadel of Hue and the French colonial architecture of Hanoi. You’ll have time to bask on the sandy beaches of Nha Trang, gaze at the otherworldly scenery of Halong Bay, and indulge in one of the most exciting cuisines in Southeast Asia.
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