Hanoi, Vietnam - Far East Cruises

Take in the scenic countryside of Halong, passing villages surrounded by bamboo fences and limestone walls, en route to the Yen Tu Buddhist Zen Monastery. At the Monastery, you will hear the history of Vietnamese’s Buddhist Zen, started in the 13th century, when the Tran Kings climbed into this primitive forest and dedicated their life to Buddhism, following their victory over the Kublaikhan troop.

Drive into the countryside of Halong and stop at a small village. Chat with the farmer at a local home, interact with the children over a cup of green tea, find out how they live and why they worship their ancestors and learn how they make and sell handicrafts from bamboo or clay, following family traditions.


This tour will operate by coach and on foot. There are approximately 30 steps to negotiate at the Zen Monastery and approximately two hours’ total walking time. The ground in the village may be rough and uneven in places. Shoes must be removed when entering the Monastery.

Sit back, relax and take in the scenery of the Red River Delta on the 3½ hour drive to Hanoi. A comfort stop will be made at the ABC Plaza where you can also browse the local handicrafts on display.

Upon arrival at Hanoi, visit the Temple of Literature. Walk through the tranquil walled courtyards and around the site of Vietnam’s first university. See the pavilion where ‘men of letters’ once recited poetry.

Indulge in a delicious luncheon at a local restaurant in Hanoi.

View the exterior of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an impressive marble and granite memorial to the ‘father’ of the country. Enjoy a walk to the simple teak building of Ho Chi Minh’s Cottage.

Visit the Ngoc Son Pagoda perched on a tiny island in the central lake and only accessible by a small footbridge. Back on board the coach you will pass Hoan Kiem Lake and hear the legend of how the island got its name, which means ‘Lake of the Restored Sword’.

Nearby is the ancient quarter. After an orientation drive through the narrow streets, time permitting, you can explore further on foot before your return journey.


This tour will operate by coach and on foot. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended as there is up two hours walking on this tour. Temperatures may be high during the day, but can turn colder, so we recommend you wear layered clothing.

One of the great natural wonders of Asia, Halong Bay is admired for its outstanding beauty. Referred to as the ‘Bay of the Descending Dragon’, it is home to more than 3,000 limestone islets, each rising from the calm water. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by human presence.

Local myths tell that when the forefathers of the land were fighting foreign invaders from the north, the gods from heaven sent a family of dragons to help defend the land. The dragons descended upon what is now Halong Bay and showered it with jewels and jade. Once they hit the sea, these treasures turned into islands that functioned as natural barriers against invaders.

In your two man kayak, you’ll paddle through some of the many caves, which lead to breathtaking lagoons and floating villages to experience this unique way of life. You’ll visit the Ba Hang (Three Cave) area, before enjoying a rest and lunch onboard a traditional junk boat.

After luncheon, continue paddling in your kayak to Luon Cave and the local fishing village before visiting the Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves.

The junk boat will then complete your adventure, gently sailing back to Halong Bay.

ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This tour will operate by junk boat and kayak. The junk boat is a motorised sailboat. Participants should be competent swimmers and physically fit. All participants must be 18 years or over and weigh more than six stone and less than 14 stone. Please take a hat, sunglasses, shoes that can get wet, a towel and plenty of non-oil sunblock.

Enter the mystical world and World Heritage Site of Halong Bay aboard a junk boat. The warm, welcoming smiles of the friendly crew will set the mood as you embark on your voyage into the Bay of the Descending Dragon. Legend says that Halong is the translated name of a family of dragons, which came to help the Vietnamese fight against the northern invaders. The dragons spat jewels and jade out of their mouths and on hitting the sea, these treasures turned to islands which acted as a natural barrier against the invaders.

The Bay is truly a natural wonder with over 3,000 islands and endless limestone grottoes. The junk will stop to disembark guests for a visit to Thien Bung Cave or Dau Go Cave. There are 100 steps to climb up to the Cave and nearly 100 steps down to the exit. Those who do take the challenge will find themselves lost in the colourful and splendid dome of the Caves. The junk will then sail from the drop-off point to pick up guests at the exit of the Caves. Those who do not wish to participate should remain on board the junk.



This tour will operate by motorised junk and on foot. There are several steps to negotiate to board the junk. The junk boats are not air-conditioned and are fitted with very basic toilet facilities. There is no PA system on board the junk. At the end of your cruise, it is important that you remain seated inside the junk and do not venture out onto the open decks during disembarkation. Guests are not permitted to sit on the open top deck during the junk cruise. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. The Cave visit is weather dependent, in wet conditions this part of the tour will be omitted and additional time will be spent cruising the Bay.