Cambodia, Vietnam & the Heart of Hanoi Cruise Tour

Known for its beautiful ornate shrines and temples and vibrant street life, Bangkok is one of the top cities in the world to visit. Your ship is docked as close to Bangkok as any ship can get. Highlights include the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, and the Floating Market. Extend your stay to include the overland Angkor Wat/Cambodia tour.

Ko Kood, Thailand's tranquil paradise island, is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush jungles, and serene atmosphere, making it the perfect location for Windstar’s Signature Beach Barbeque.

Sihanoukville serves as a gateway to Phnom Penh, offering a convenient starting point to explore Cambodia's vibrant capital, rich in history, culture, and iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the poignant Killing Fields. Sihanoukville is also a launching point to Kampot, known for its pepper plantations.

Spend the day exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels where the Viet Cong based their insurgency. Delve into Vietnamese traditions in the villages of the Mekong Delta. Or stay close to your elegant ship enjoying the city&rsquo;s French colonial flare, maybe bartering for conical hats and form-fitting <em>ao dai </em>(traditional Vietnamese tunic) at the market.

Spend the day exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels where the Viet Cong based their insurgency. Delve into Vietnamese traditions in the villages of the Mekong Delta. Or stay close to your elegant ship enjoying the city&rsquo;s French colonial flare, maybe bartering for conical hats and form-fitting <em>ao dai </em>(traditional Vietnamese tunic) at the market.

We&rsquo;ll stay here overnight to explore three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. My Son Sanctuary is Vietnam&rsquo;s most important Champa ruin dating back to the 4th century. The imperial city of Hue is the spiritual heart of Vietnam and home to Nguyen Dynasty emperors. Admire the beauty of Hue&rsquo;s bridges, canals, and lakes. And Hoi An is a tranquil 16th century trading town that has changed little over the centuries. Walk over the 400-year-old covered bridge, pausing to ponder the dog and monkey statues guarding either end.

Hue, located near the port of Chan May, is a city rich in history and culture, once the imperial capital of Vietnam. Known for its ancient citadel, royal tombs, and stunning pagodas, Hue offers a glimpse into the country&rsquo;s royal past. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed Imperial City, the serene Thien Mu Pagoda, and the elaborate tombs of past emperors, making it a fascinating destination for history and culture enthusiasts.

Cruising through Halong Bay offers a mesmerizing experience, as you glide past its emerald waters, towering limestone karsts, and lush islands, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. For a closer view of the limestone formations and to visit some of the islands, take a shore excursion on a junk boat during your stay in Halong Bay.

Halong Bay is our gateway to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam about 3.5 hours away but well worth the visit. Hanoi boasts a fascinating blend of East and West with lots of Chinese influences and French design. Highlights include the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Thirty-Six Streets District in Old Town Hanoi, and Hoa Lo Prison, known widely as the &ldquo;Hanoi Hilton.&rdquo; Explore the mystical landscape of Halong Bay by charming traditional fishing junk.

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel,&nbsp; before heading out for an invigorating Tai Chi lesson. Participate in a tai chi lesson at Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi&#39;s old quarter. Residents gather by this this centrally-located lake in the early morning to exercise. You&#39;ll have the opportunity to participate or just take in the morning energy.&nbsp;&nbsp; Next, visit the iconic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Ho Chi Minh Residence &amp; Gardens, where you&rsquo;ll learn about the life and legacy of Vietnam&rsquo;s revered leader. Please note, as a mark of respect, knees and shoulders must be covered during the visit.<br />
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Afterward, head to the Hoa Lo Prison for a poignant 30-minute lecture from a Vietnam War veteran, offering personal insights into their experience of the war. Lunch will be provided, giving you time to refuel before continuing your journey. In the afternoon, explore the historic Ngoc Son Temple and its picturesque pagoda and bridge, located on a tranquil island in Hoan Kiem Lake. A walking tour of the Old Quarter follows, where you&rsquo;ll immerse yourself in the vibrant local life, visiting markets, and taking a well-deserved break at a traditional Vietnamese coffee shop.<br />
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The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace&mdash;whether you decide to try a local delicacy or discover a charming spot for dinner, your guide will offer recommendations based on your preferences.<br />
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Conclude your day with a restful overnight stay at your hotel.<br />
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(Includes breakfast, lunch, and overnight at 5-star hotel)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before setting off for a morning Street Food Tour through Hanoi&rsquo;s vibrant Old Quarter. Explore the bustling streets and savor the unique flavors of traditional Vietnamese street food, guided by a local expert who will introduce you to the city&rsquo;s culinary delights. Next, embark on a fun and scenic Cyclo Sightseeing Tour, where you&rsquo;ll ride through the lively streets of Hanoi, taking in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere from the comfort of a traditional Vietnamese rickshaw. The afternoon is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. Whether you choose to visit more of Hanoi&rsquo;s famous attractions, indulge in some shopping, or simply unwind, you&rsquo;ll have plenty of time to enjoy the city. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a captivating Traditional Puppet Show. This unique performance, featuring water puppetry, offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam&rsquo;s cultural heritage. Afterwards, return to your hotel for an overnight stay.<br />
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(Includes breakfast, market snacks, dinner, and overnight at 5-star hotel)

It&rsquo;s the last day when you return home, so pack up your luggage, gather up your souvenirs and board a motor coach to the airport. It&rsquo;s not too early to start planning your next trip back to this magical land.<br />
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(Includes breakfast)