Visiting:
Far East
Coastal Vietnam by Sea: Singapore to Hong Kong - with Smithsonian Journeys
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture. For most of its existence, Vietnam has lived in the shadow of China or been subject to Western domination, first by the French and then by the Americans. But since the 1980s, it has emerged as a growing economy, striving to become one of the economic tigers of Southeast Asia. This 15-day voyage from Singapore to Hong Kong invites you to experience the many sides of Vietnam, from the ancient civilizations of Cham and Khmer, through Chinese influence and French colonialism, to the present day. Sailing from Singapore through the South China Sea, your first port of call after a day and a half at sea is in the Côn Đảo Islands, located about 60 miles off the southern coast of Vietnam. Once known primarily as home to the "Tiger Cells," one of the most brutal prisons in history, it is now visited for its picturesque fishing villages overlooking a sparkling sea. You may choose to focus on the island's history on a tour that includes a historical museum, the prison, and a visit to the local market, or you may explore the islands' natural beauty on a hike in the highlands. A morning of cruising brings you to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), where your ship will dock for two nights, making it possible to experience a variety of aspects of this fascinating city. Focus on the city's history, both ancient and modern, in visits to the History Museum, the War Museum, the Củ Chi Tunnels, and the Reunification Palace. Experience the city's cultural diversity in visits to temples, in a trip to Chinatown's open-air market, or in an evening performance of Vietnamese dance and song. Or enjoy sampling the regional cuisine—on a cruise of the Mekong Delta followed by lunch in a colonial villa, or in a cooking class in the Ho Chi Minh Agricultural Villages. A day of cruising along the Saigon River and then along Vietnam's southern coast brings you to Quy Nhơn. Originally a Cham settlement and later an important port during the Nguyen Dynasty, Quy Nhơn boasts a fascinating history that is reflected in its ancient ruins, traditional fishing villages, and vibrant local markets. Here, you will have a chance to witness skilled artisans and join local families in hat making, rice paper making, and traditional cake making. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the ancient Cham towers and Long Phuoc Pagoda, the epicenter of Vietnamese martial arts. Your next port of call, Da Nang, serves as an introduction to the ancient Cham civilization and to Hội An, an old trading port that blends indigenous and foreign (primarily Chinese) influences. Visit the Cham Museum and the ruins of ancient Hindu temples at My Son; travel to the countryside and experience a day of tending garden, cooking lunch, and mask-making; or visit the UNESCO Heritage Site of Hội An, perhaps enjoying a dinner ashore after sunset, when this fascinating town is lit almost entirely by lanterns. Chan May, the lovely bay just around the peninsula from Da Nang, is your gateway to the imperial capital of Hue, the seat of power of the Nguyen dynasty that ruled much of Vietnam from the early 19th century until World War II. Exploration of this UNESCO Heritage Site will tour the Royal Citadel, similar in plan to the Forbidden City in Beijing, and the magnificent tombs of the emperors on the outskirts of the city. You may also visit either the seven-tiered tower of the Heavenly Lady Pagoda overlooking the Perfume River or the garden house and temple built to honor Princess Ngọc Sơn. After a day at sea, arrive in the World Heritage site of Hạ Long Bay, a series of rocky pitons emerging from the sea, surrounded by mountains with mysterious caverns. From here, you may choose to travel to Vietnam's bustling capital of Hanoi, where a guided tour includes visits to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Hoa Lo Prison ("Hanoi Hilton"), the Ngọc Sơn Pagoda, and the Old Quarter. You may choose a day of tranquility at Yen Tu Mountain, site of a Buddhist monastery where you can practice Tai Chi, enjoy a vegetarian lunch, and join a meditation class with a monk. Or, you may decide to explore Ha Long Bay itself on a cruise aboard a local boat. Your final port of call is the amazingly vibrant city of Hong Kong, where excursions introduce you to the food markets of the city or to places you can purchase birds' nests, ginseng, and other herbal medicines. Or you may opt for a panoramic coach tour that includes views over the city from Victoria Peak.
Leaving from:
Singapore
Cruise ship:
Le Jacques Cartier
Visiting:
Singapore •
Côn Đảo •
Ho Chi Minh City •
Ho Chi Minh City •
Ponant
When searching for a luxury yacht expedition cruise, there’s one name above all else that you need to know – Ponant Cruises. Founded in 1988 by former French Merchant Navy officers, Ponant combines succulent luxury with authentic adventures on all seven continents.
From classic Mediterranean itineraries and Caribbean sailings, to bucket-list expeditions around Greenland and Antarctica, Ponant cruises proudly counteract the banality of mainstream voyages with a unique take on the concept of small-ship cruising. It’s the absolute trip of a lifetime.
184
Passengers
118
Crew
2020
Launched
9976t
Tonnage
131m
Length
18m
Width
13kts
Speed
5
Decks
EUR
Currency
Cruise Itinerary
Day 1
Singapore, Singapore
Day 2
At Sea
Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.
Day 3
Côn Đảo, Vietnam
Days 4 - 5
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Day 6
,
Day 7
Qui Nhon, Vietnam
Day 8
At Sea
Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.
Day 9
Da Nang, Vietnam
Day 10
Chan May, Vietnam
Day 11
At Sea
Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.
Day 12
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Day 13
At Sea
Relax and make the most of the myriad of facilities available on board the ship, from fantastic entertainment to delicious and diverse dining options.
Days 14 - 15
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Day 1
Singapore, Singapore
Day 2
At Sea
Day 3
Côn Đảo, Vietnam
Days 4 - 5
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Day 6
,
Day 7
Qui Nhon, Vietnam
Day 8
At Sea
Day 9
Da Nang, Vietnam
Day 10
Chan May, Vietnam
Day 11
At Sea
Day 12
Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Day 13
At Sea
Days 14 - 15
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Ship Details
Ponant
Le Jacques Cartier
In keeping with the philosophy of PONANT and the PONANT EXPLORERS, Le Jacques-Cartier combines the desire for adventure with five-star travel. A modern ship with slender, tapered lines, it is environmentally friendly and equipped with innovative technology.
Cabins
All Prices
