Published on December 8, 2014
Travel through Vietnam by ocean or by river cruise to fully experience the country’s romantic appeal.
1.1. Sea Cruise
As a stopover in an international cruise, Vietnam delivers – their Vietnam adventure begins when travelers disembark at any one of these ports of call.
1.1.1. Hon Gai Port
Standing on a section of Bai Tu Long Bay across from the Bai Chay Bridge, the port of the city of Hon Gai is the first port of call for seagoing cruises visiting Ha Long Bay, and many luxury cruises depart from its port to visit the picturesque bay and its islands. Less crowded than the Bai Chay Tourist Wharf, Hon Gai Port offers better access to tourist activities, restaurants and hotels in the area.
1.1.2. Da Nang Port
Over a hundred years old, Da Nang Port has become Vietnam’s main seagoing trading post with Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Today, this port is the gateway to Central Vietnam, and welcomes international cruise ships looking to visit Hue, Hoi An, and the rapidly evolving beach resort scene along the Da Nang Coast. danangportvn.com
1.1.3. Sai Gon Port
Cruise ships stopping by Sai Gon Port find themselves on the 24th busiest port in the world, gateway to Southern Viet Nam’s key attractions. From here, the resort city of Vung Tau is easily accessible, as is Ho Chi Minh City. The Passenger Cruise Terminal can accommodate up to four passenger ships at a time with a maximum length of 500m. www.csg.com.vn
1.2. River Based
A simpler, more majestic Vietnam can be found along the Mekong River Delta and the country’s historic rivers further inland.
1.2.1. Cruise on Me Kong River
This river cruise is an unmissable opportunity to experience life along the Me Kong Delta – looking into delta villages and watching the area’s unique wildlife, among others. The highlight of the trip: a visit to the Cai Rang Floating Market, a gathering of a hundred boats selling agricultural products from all across the Delta. Vietnam Tourism page.
1.2.2. Cruise on Huong River
The 30km-long Perfume River (Huong River) is an indispensable part of a trip to Hue, either as a short jaunt after visiting Thien Mu Pagoda or as part of a longer, more relaxed cruise down its length. Further from the city you’ll find forests of aromatic plants lining the riverbanks – these give the waterway its name. “Dragon boats” ply the river, stopping by historical spots like Hon Chen Temple and Minh Mang Tomb. Vietnam Tourism page.
1.2.3. Cruise on Red River
The 500km-long Red River cuts across some of northern Viet Nam’s most scenic landscapes and most historic villages – and is easily accessible from Viet Nam’s capital Ha Noi. From the dock at Chuong Duong Do in Ha Noi, you can take a leisurely cruise that takes you to handicraft villages, ancient pagodas, and vistas of corn and sugarcane fields planted along the river bank.
