Excursion Overland experience: the pearls of vietnam tour at Ho Chi Minh

The rich and complex heritage of Vietnam reveals itself through a journey of striking contrasts, where lush landscapes meet centuries of history, culture, and tradition. This bespoke three-night overland experience offers an immersive exploration of some of the country’s most iconic and beautifully preserved sites.

In Hanoi, discover the elegance of the 11th-century Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and gain insight into the nation’s past at the historic Hoa Lo Museum. Stroll through the atmospheric Old Quarter, where narrow streets are alive with local life, and enjoy time for independent exploration and shopping. Visit the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple, set on Hoan Kiem Lake, and experience the charm of a traditional Water Puppet Theatre performance.

Continue your journey with a spectacular cruise through the UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, where dramatic limestone karsts rise from emerald waters. Explore hidden caves and savor a leisurely lunch onboard a traditional junk boat. After an overnight stay in this breathtaking setting, conclude your journey with a flight to Hong Kong to rejoin your ship - bringing to a close an unforgettable exploration of Vietnam’s cultural and natural wonders.

03MIDSGN-B Overland Experience: The Pearls of Vietnam

Duration: 4 Days/3 Nights

Departs from: Ho Chi Minh at approximately 7:30 a.m.

Re-join ship: Hong Kong at approximately 5:00 p.m.

Reserve by: At least 90 days prior to sailing

IMPORTANT NOTE

This Silver Shore Overland Experience requires advance booking through Silversea Reservations no later than 90 days prior to the sail date. Requests received after this date may be accommodated on a space-available basis. Tickets are available in limited quantities, and participation cannot be guaranteed for those guests not booking well in advance. A minimum number of participants is required to operate this programme. If this minimum number is not met, Silversea reserves the right to offer the programme at a different rate based on private arrangements, or to cancel the specific departure. Cancellation fee, unless otherwise advised, 90 - 0 days prior to the initial sailing date: 100% of the programme fare per person is due.

Payment in full is due at time of final payment. Bookings made within 120 days of sailing require full payment within seven days of booking or sooner, as specified by Silversea.

All Overland Experience fares are subject to change, and not guaranteed until payment is received in full by Silversea. All Overland Experiences are non-transferable, and non-refundable, within 90 days of sailing. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older. All Overland Experiences are owned by independent contractors, and Silversea makes no representations and assumes no responsibility for the services provided by these operators. Overland Experience may be modified by the operators at their sole discretion.

VISA INFORMATION:

Please check with your travel professional for details regarding visa requirements for Vietnam & Hong Kong. It is the responsibility of each guest to obtain all appropriate visas before cruising.

LOCAL CURRENCY:

The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong; however, Euros and US Dollars are well-accepted by most vendors; local ATMs are available in some locations visited, and credit cards are accepted in most larger shops and hotels (there is no shopping stop planned during the program).

FULL DESCRIPTION

Explore a bevy of uniquely beautiful and wonderfully preserved temples, landmarks, and localities during this bespoke, three-night overland excursion to Vietnam.

DAY ONE - Ho Chi Minh/Hanoi

After disembarking the ship in the morning, meet your guide and transfer to Ho Chi Minh Airport for check-in and your scheduled, approximately two hours and 10-minute Vietnam Airline flight to Hanoi he historic heart of Vietnam

Lunch & Transfer to your hotel for check-in

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin your introduction to the city with a light meal featuring traditional Hanoi specialties, including its famous Pho.

Arrival and evening at leisure

Following lunch, transfer to your hotel and check in to your elegant accommodation in the city. Enjoy time to relax and unwind after your journey.

In the evening, savor a welcome dinner at your hotel’s restaurant, accompanied by selected beverages.

Dinner & Overnight accommodations at the Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi

DAY TWO-  Hanoi

Following breakfast at the hotel, depart for a short drive to Ba Dinh Square, home to some of Vietnam’s most significant cultural and historical monuments.

Exploration of Hanoi’s historic landmarks

Upon arrival, enjoy a photo stop at the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before continuing with a guided stroll through the peaceful gardens behind the complex. Pass tranquil lotus ponds en route to Ho Chi Minh’s modest stilt house, a simple teak residence inspired by traditional rural architecture. Continue to the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, one of Hanoi’s most iconic and symbolic landmarks.

Temple of Literature and Vietnam’s scholarly heritage

Re-board your coach and proceed to the Temple of Literature, founded in 1076 during the Ly Dynasty. Dedicated to Confucianism, this beautifully preserved complex is home to Vietnam’s first university and stands as a powerful symbol of the nation’s long-standing commitment to education and learning.

Hoa Lo Prison Museum

Continue to Hoa Lo Prison, originally constructed by the French in the late 19th century. Now preserved as a museum, it offers a compelling and often sobering insight into Vietnam’s history. The site later became known as the “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War and held American prisoners of war, including Senator John McCain.

Old Quarter discovery and free time

Following lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter for a visit to the Ngoc Son Temple, beautifully situated on Hoan Kiem Lake. This picturesque setting is a focal point of local life and cultural tradition.

After your visit, enjoy free time to explore the Old Quarter at your own pace, with its lively streets, artisan shops, and bustling markets offering a glimpse into daily life in Hanoi.

Traditional performance and evening dining

In the late afternoon, proceed to the Water Puppet Theatre and enjoy a traditional performance, a unique and captivating art form deeply rooted in Vietnamese heritage.

Following the show, dine at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel.

Overnight accommodations at the Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi

DAY THREE - Hanoi/Ha Long Bay

After breakfast and check-out, drive to Ha Long Bay

After breakfast at the hotel depart depart Hanoi for a scenic drive to Ha Long Bay, one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, approximately 580 square miles (1,500 square kilometres) area means “Bay of the Descending Dragon”. It consists of about 3,000 limestone monolithic islands, rising from the ocean with their thick, jungle-like vegetation.  Several of these islands are hollow, while other appear to be floating on the water, their bases having eroded over thousands of years.  It is no wonder this was listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1994.

Upon arrival, board a traditional junk boat and begin a mesmerizing cruise through emerald waters dotted with thousands of limestone islands and dramatic rock formations. Many of these islands are topped with lush vegetation or conceal hidden caves, creating a truly magical landscape.

During your cruise, explore one of the region’s caves and enjoy a leisurely lunch onboard while taking in the stunning surroundings.

Return to Hanoi

Disembark and begin the return journey to Hanoi. Upon arrival, enjoy time to relax and freshen up before dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight accommodations at the Hotel de l'Opera Hanoi

DAY FOUR - Hanoi/ Hong Kong

After breakfast at the hotel and check-out and transfer to the airport for your approx. 2 hours flight to Hong Kong.Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the port to rejoin your ship, concluding your immersive journey through Vietnam’s cultural and natural wonders.

Please note: This Mid-Voyage Overland Experience requires an extensive amount of walking, at times over uneven, gravel, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and board/de-board the plane, and many steps at the sites visited. This tour is recommended for active guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with a fear of heights, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing (long-and-short-sleeved shirts, shorts and pants, with flat, non-slip, and closed-toe walking shoes and sneakers, and bring sun protection, sunglasses with a strap, insect repellent, a weatherproof jacket, raingear, small backpack for land visits (for cameras, bottled water, etc.), camera, plastic bag to keep your camera or photographic equipment dry, medications, binoculars, and local currency and/or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Please dress conservatively when going ashore.  Proper attire is required to enter the temples, monasteries, and pagodas; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. As a rule, women should not wear anything remotely revealing (miniskirts, shorts, capris, beachwear, and sleeveless or low-cut tops), and men should always wear shirts and trousers in public. Proper attitude is required to enter regilious sites.  Guests must carry their passports and ship's ID at all times. Local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. Coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. We thank you for your understanding. For your added safety and protection, please leave jewellery, valuables, and large amounts of cash on board the ship.  Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence, timings and itinerary may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Programme Includes:

• Three-night stay in a Deluxe Room at the Hotel de l'Opera MGallery - Hanoi
• Scheduled flights: Ho Chi Minh/Hanoi and Hanoi/Hong Kong (Economy-Class). Business-Class is available upon request at an additional charge and subject to availability, as most aircraft do not offer business seating
• Participating airlines restricts baggage allowance to one luggage with a maximum weight of approximately 44 pounds (about 20 kilograms and a maximum size of approximately 22x14x09 inches (about 56x36x23 centimetres) per person. Supplement for excess luggage is to be paid directly at the check-in counter. Passengers with more than approximately 22 pounds (about ten kilograms) of excess luggage must check-in at least two hours prior to departure. Maximum weight per item: approximately 44 pounds (about 20 kilograms)
• Three breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners, with drinks included plus one light in-flight lunch
• Water Puppet Theatre Show - Hanoi
• All sightseeing and transfers as per itinerary

Not Included:

Any meals and drinks not specified above, gratuities to drivers and tour guides, laundry, telephone calls, cancellation insurance, and other personal items.