Hanoi (Ha Long Bay)

From the scholarly elegance of Hanoi to the temple-strewn majesty of Angkor, this immersive four-day journey reveals two of Southeast Asia’s most compelling cultural treasures in richly atmospheric style. Wander through Vietnam’s storied capital, where ancient pagodas, lakeside legends and colonial-era grandeur create an unforgettable sense of place, then continue to Siem Reap for an extraordinary encounter with the artistic and spiritual legacy of the Khmer Empire. Thoughtfully paced and steeped in history, this overland experience pairs iconic landmarks with evocative local traditions for a journey that is as enriching as it is unforgettable.

Special notes:

-There is extensive walking on this program in Hanoi and at the temple sites, with steps at Bayon and Angkor Wat.

-Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.

-This program is not recommended for guests who have difficulty with walking or require use of mobility aids including wheelchairs, walkers and scooters.

-Please advise RSSC in advance of any dietary restrictions so they can be reviewed by the local venues. Last-minute notifications may not be able to be accommodated.

-Guests must purchase a multiple entry Vietnam Visa prior to this program

-A Cambodia visa is included in the cost

DAY 1

Disembark the ship in Halong Bay and journey along the expressway to Hanoi, Vietnam’s elegant capital, where French colonial boulevards, shaded lakes and centuries of scholarship give the city its unmistakable allure. The drive of approximately two and a half hours reveals a graceful contrast between modern Vietnam and the timeless rhythm of its historic heart.

Your first visit is to the Temple of Literature, founded in 1070 and revered as Vietnam’s first national university. Dedicated to Confucius, this serene complex unfolds through elegant courtyards, lotus ponds and timeworn pavilions, including the celebrated Khue Van Pavilion, long regarded as a symbol of Hanoi. As you wander through the atmospheric grounds, you will encounter stone stelae honoring generations of scholars and a refined architectural setting that reflects Vietnam’s enduring reverence for learning and culture.

Drive to a local restaurant for lunch and then this afternoon, continue to Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist sanctuary, dramatically set on a small island along the shimmering waters of West Lake. Originally founded in the 6th century, the pagoda is a place of stillness and devotion, where incense drifts through ancient shrines and a graceful red stupa rises above gardens of bonsai and lotus. Within its sacred precincts, Buddhist tradition mingles with deeply rooted Vietnamese spiritual beliefs, offering an illuminating glimpse into the country’s religious heritage.

Drive to President Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum for an exterior visit and photo stop, a landmark that remains one of Hanoi’s most powerful national symbols.

Continue to Hanoi’s storied Old Quarter, the atmospheric district known as the Quarter of 36 Streets, where each lane was historically devoted to a specific guild or trade. Visit Ngoc Son Temple, set on a small jade-like island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake and reached by a vivid scarlet bridge. Dedicated to the revered military hero Tran Hung Dao, the temple is steeped in symbolism and legend. Here, you will hear the tale of the Lake of the Restored Sword, one of Vietnam’s most enduring myths, while taking in the peaceful beauty of the lake framed by banyan trees and elegant colonial facades.

Next, enjoy a performance at the Water Puppet Theatre, one of northern Vietnam’s most distinctive art forms. Accompanied by live folk music, these enchanting, lacquered puppets appear to dance across the water’s surface, bringing to life village legends, scenes of rural life and centuries of storytelling tradition from the Red River Delta.

From here, drive to dinner at a local restaurant and then set out on foot to further explore the Old Quarter, where narrow streets glow with shopfront lanterns, market stalls and the energy of daily life. This evening walk offers an intimate look at Hanoi after dark, when traditional commerce, street culture and local ritual unfold in one of Asia’s most captivating historic districts.

Proceed to your hotel for check-in and a well-earned evening of relaxation.

DAY 2

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel followed by check out.

Begin the day with a visit to Hoa Lo Prison, known to many as the “Hanoi Hilton.” Built by the French at the turn of the 20th century, this stark colonial prison offers a sobering look at Vietnam’s turbulent past. Within its preserved corridors and cells, the architecture and exhibits evoke the atmosphere of a place that witnessed both anti-colonial resistance and wartime imprisonment, making it one of Hanoi’s most compelling historical sites.

Continue to the Museum of Ethnology, one of Hanoi’s most insightful cultural institutions. Through thoughtfully curated exhibits, traditional costumes, ceremonial objects and architectural reconstructions, the museum introduces the extraordinary diversity of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. It is a fascinating window into the customs, artistry and daily life of the communities that shape the country far beyond its major cities.

After lunch at a local venue, drive to the airport and fly to Siem Reap, gateway to the ancient Khmer world. Cambodian visas will be arranged on arrival.

Collect any luggage and exit the customs lounge to meet your local tour guide. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and a chance to settle into the slower rhythm of Siem Reap, a city that balances refined hospitality with proximity to one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological landscapes.

After some time to freshen up, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by a traditional performance, an evocative introduction to Cambodia’s artistic heritage.

DAY 3

After breakfast, depart for Banteay Srei, the exquisite “Citadel of Women,” located in the Cambodian countryside beyond Siem Reap. Though smaller in scale than many Angkorian monuments, it is celebrated as one of the finest achievements of Khmer art. Carved from rose-pink sandstone, its pediments, lintels and doorframes are adorned with astonishingly delicate floral motifs and mythological scenes that appear almost lace-like in stone.

Continue to Angkor Wat, the crowning masterpiece of the Khmer Empire and the world’s largest religious monument. Built as a Hindu temple and later embraced by Buddhism, the vast sanctuary rises in a dramatic quincunx of towers symbolizing Mount Meru. Along its causeways and galleries, note the sweeping naga balustrades, soaring central towers and intricate bas-reliefs that recount epics, celestial battles and courtly processions in extraordinary detail. Your morning exploration is followed by lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, explore the Angkor Thom complex, the great fortified city of King Jayavarman VII. Enter through the monumental Southern Gate, where colossal stone figures line the causeway, then continue to Bayon, famed for its enigmatic towers carved with serene smiling faces that seem to look out in every direction. Visit the Terrace of the Elephants, once used as a royal viewing platform for ceremonies and military parades, and the nearby Terrace of the Leper King, whose layered carvings of deities and mythic beings reveal the sophistication of Khmer symbolism and courtly ritual.

Another highlight of the day is Ta Prohm, perhaps Angkor’s most atmospheric temple, where nature and architecture exist in dramatic embrace. Here, massive silk-cotton and strangler fig trees spill over galleries and courtyards, their immense roots gripping the temple stones in a scene that has become one of Cambodia’s most iconic images. Left intentionally close to the condition in which it was rediscovered, Ta Prohm evokes the romance of a lost city reclaimed by the jungle.

Drive back to your hotel for an evening at leisure with dinner on your own today.

DAY 4

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, collect any luggage and exit the customs lounge and meet your local guide at column 4 for a transfer to Hiep Phuoc port, where you will re-join the ship.

Land Program Step by Step

The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

DAY 1

8:30am Disembark the ship in Ha Long port and depart for Hanoi

11:15am Visit the Temple of Literature

12:15pm Depart for lunch at a local restaurant

12:30pm Lunch

1:30pm Drive to Tran Quoc Pagoda

1:45pm Visit inside the national pagoda

2:30pm Leave for Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum complex

2:45pm Walk outside the complex, photo stop

3:15pm Walk to the Sword Restored Lak

3:30pm Visit inside Ngoc Son Temple

4:00pm Walk to the Theater of Water Puppets and enjoy the show

5:00pm Walk around the Old Quarters

6:00pm Dinner

7:00pm Drive to your hotel

7:15pm Check in

Overnight at Daewoo Hotel or similar

DAY 2 - times subject to change based on flight details which could change up to time of departure

7:00am Breakfast at your hotel and check out

8:00am Depart for the former prison of Hoa Lo

8:30am Visit inside the prison

9:30am Drive to the Minority Ethnic Museum

9:45am Visit inside the museum

10:45am Drive to lunch venue

11:00am Lunch

12:00pm Depart for Noi Bai Airport for a flight to Siem Reap

1:00pm Check in for the flight

3:15pm Fly to Siem Reap (flight TBA and subject to change)

4:55pm Arrive in Siem Reap, Cambodia Visas are issued on the spot

Exit the customs lounge and meet your local guide

5:30pm Drive to your hotel to check in

7:00pm Depart for dinner with folk show

8:30pm Return to your hotel

Overnight at Sokha Angkor Resort or similar

DAY 3

7:00am Breakfast at the hotel

8:00am Transfer to Angkor Thom Complex

Visit the Southern Gate the Bayon complex, the Elephants Terrace and Leper King

9:30am Visit Ta Prohm Temple

12:00pm Lunch at a local restaurant

1:00pm Drive to Bantey Srei, the Women’s Citadel

3:30pm Visit Angkor Wat

5:30pm Drive back to your hotel

Evening at leisure, dinner on your own

Overnight at Sokha Angkor Resort or similar

DAY 4 - times subject to change based on flight details which could change up to time of departure

6:00am Breakfast at the hotel

7:10am Check out and transfer to the airport

8:10am Check in for a flight from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh city

10:10am Flight to Ho Chi Minh City (flight TBA and subject to change)

11:10am Pick up and transfer to Hiep Phuoc port

What to Bring:

Light and loose casual clothing as it will hot, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, camera, insect repellant.

Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)

1.Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC) - Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry a POC. Further paperwork may be required by the airline.

2.CPAP Machine NOT being used in flight – please advise RSSC at least 95 days before your cruise if you will bring a CPAP on the internal flight(s) used in this land program. Please supply the make, model and battery type.

3.CPAP Machine to be used during flight – same as above + a doctor’s note is required mentioning the need to use the machine during flight.

*Guests are required to bring with them any details from the manufacturer regarding the CPAP specifications. While most modern CPAP machines are FAA-approved for in-flight use, having a copy of your manufacturer’s FAA-approval status will help to quickly clear any confusion that may arise.

* Not providing the above details in a timely manner may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises nor our local ground operator will be responsible for.

*Some hotels do not provide distilled water. While we can certainly request this for you, we cannot guarantee that it will be available. If received in a timely manner, at least 95 days before sailing, requests will be sent on the final manifest that our ground operators and hotels receive. We highly recommend packing your own supply especially on programs that travel to more remote locations in order to avoid not having it. Please keep in mind the rule for liquids in carry-on bags. Many hotels will charge for distilled water. If there is a fee, this will be added to your hotel incidental account to be paid at check-out. Fees will vary from hotel to hotel.

Currency:

US dollars are popular and accepted everywhere

Electricity:

220 Volts. We recommend bringing a universal travel adaptor for electric devices

Luggage:

Light luggage would be most suited for this 3-night trip. Please note that the airlines allow a maximum of 1 checked suitcase (20 kg or 44lbs) and one small carry on. Any additional pieces will be paid to the airline at the guests’ expense.

Documents:

This program takes place from Vietnam to Cambodia and back to Vietnam.

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required and there should be a minimum of two blank pages inside for immigration stamps.

A visa for Cambodia is included in the cost of the program. Photos are not required.

NOTE: A multiple entry Vietnam Visa is NOT included as guests must have this in advance of arrival to Ha Long Bay.

VERY IMPORTANT

The name on your cruise booking, passport, and ANY visas, if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents. Guests are responsible to make sure that there are enough pages in their passports for any visas that are required – Minimum two pages for each visa.

Failure to have the required and correct documents ahead of time could result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program or guests may need to purchase new flight tickets at their own cost.

The above information is subject to change and serves as a guide only. We would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our guests that it is the ultimate and sole responsibility of the guest to ensure they meet the entry requirements for each destination.

If traveling internationally, the countries you are flying to and/ or connecting through may have different document requirements and as such we encourage you to visit the government and airport websites of every country you will be traveling to throughout the journey to familiarize yourself with their requirements for your nationality.

Accommodation:

Daewoo Hotel

360 Kim ma, Giang vo, Hanoi, Vietnam

Sokha Angkor Resort

#60 Road, Angkor Cultural & Tourism Complex Junction, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Hotel substitutions will only occur in the event of unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, an alternative hotel of comparable standards and ratings will be provided, and guests will be notified in advance. If no notification of changes is given prior to departure, the hotels specified in this program will remain as schedule

Program Includes:

•1 night at Daewoo Hotel or similar hotel (Deluxe room) including breakfast

•2 nights at Sokha Angkor Resort or similar hotel (Deluxe room) including breakfast

•Two lunches and two dinners with one local beer, mineral water or soft drink included

•Transfers and sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary using air-conditioned buses

•Water puppets show in Hanoi

•Bottled water on tour coaches

•English-speaking guide

•One day pass for Angkor complex

•Cambodia Visa

•Economy class flights per the itinerary (direct flights not guaranteed)

Program excludes:

•Any meals not listed above

•Gratuities to drivers and guides

•Excess or overweight luggage on the flights

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar, room service and laundry

•Vietnam Visa

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.