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Vietnam cruises 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. There’s serenity with some of the best places to visit in Vietnam, too, where 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 the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. You’ll find a dazzling choice of things to do in Vietnam on a cruise to Southeast Asia with Celebrity Cruises.
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.
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.
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 an Asian cruise through Vietnam, you could can 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.
Hoi An, a short drive south of Danang, is a beautifully preserved trading port that flourished centuries ago. Wooden merchant houses, historic assembly halls, and the covered Japanese Bridge line its narrow streets. Come evening, silk lanterns glow above the Thu Bon River, while tailors in the old quarter craft bespoke clothing within days. Local eateries serve regional favorites such as cao lau noodles, and the riverside market rewards leisurely exploration.
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, on Thailand and Vietnam cruises 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 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 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. Ocean cruises with Celebrity let you unpack once and visit several ports. Halong Bay overnight cruises stay within a single bay, savoring the otherworldly scenery, while Mekong river cruises glide through the delta. 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.
What's the best time to visit Vietnam?
The best time to visit Vietnam is usually the drier months between December and February, especially along the coast, which is great for a cruise. Halong Bay stays cool, experiencing temperatures between 55°F and 68°F and light drizzle, the mist giving the limestone towers a dreamy atmosphere. Danang remains relatively mild (close to 72°F) with occasional rain, while Nha Trang enjoys beachy weather around 80°F, though December can bring showers. Ho Chi Minh City is warm and sunny, with highs near 90°F and little rain.
What's the difference between North and South Vietnam for travelers?
The north is cooler and more traditional, featuring Hanoi's French colonial architecture and the misty limestone seascape of Halong Bay. The south is hotter, livelier, and more cosmopolitan, boasting Ho Chi Minh City's bustling street markets, poignant museums, and the famous Cu Chi Tunnels nearby, plus the green Mekong Delta.
Is Vietnam safe for tourists?
Vietnam is widely regarded as a welcoming and safe destination for tourists. Cruise guests on shore excursions travel with knowledgeable local guides, which adds reassurance. As in any busy city, keep your valuables secure while exploring crowded markets, and take care crossing streets, where scooters and motorbikes flow in a near-constant stream.
What are the must-see places in Vietnam?
Halong Bay's sheer-sided limestone towers, best explored by kayak or traditional boat, top most Vietnamese itineraries. Hoi An's lantern-lit old town, Hue's 19th-century Imperial City, Danang's Marble Mountains, and Ho Chi Minh City's Cu Chi Tunnels follow close behind. Finally, Nha Trang adds endless golden beaches for a relaxed day ashore.
Do I need a visa to cruise to Vietnam?
It depends on your nationality, length of stay, and itinerary. Some visitors need an e-visa or a visa arranged in advance, while others are typically exempt for short visits. Cruise guests should confirm the current visa requirements with the Vietnamese embassy or official government website before sailing, since rules can change without notice.
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