COASTAL VIETNAM BY SEA
SINGAPORE TO HONG KONG
February 8 – 22, 2026
Overview:
This 15-day journey from Singapore to Hong Kong offers an immersive exploration of Vietnam’s history, culture, and landscapes.
The voyage begins with a stop at the Côn Đảo Islands, once notorious for their prison but now a destination for history and nature lovers. In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), two nights allow time to visit historical sites like the War Museum and Củ Chi Tunnels, experience the city’s cultural diversity, or enjoy a culinary adventure.
Continuing north, Quy Nhơn highlights Cham heritage, artisan traditions, and martial arts, while Da Nang provides access to the ancient Cham civilization and the UNESCO-listed town of Hội An. From Chan May, travelers can explore the imperial city of Hue, including its Royal Citadel, emperor’s tombs, and historic pagodas.
After a day at sea, the journey reaches Hạ Long Bay, known for its dramatic limestone formations. Options include a Hanoi city tour, a serene retreat at Yen Tu Mountain’s Buddhist monastery, or a scenic bay cruise.
The trip concludes in the vibrant city of Hong Kong, where excursions feature bustling markets, traditional herbal medicine shops, and panoramic views from Victoria Peak.
Interested in more information? To learn more about this tour operated by Ponant in Collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys, please contact Expedition Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or click here to e-mail the Expedition Easy Team.
COASTAL VIETNAM BY SEA
SINGAPORE TO HONG KONG
February 8 – 22, 2026
Day-by-day Itinerary:
Day 1 | Singapore
Embarkation 4:00PM to 5:00PM
Nicknamed the Garden City, Singapore stretches across Malaysia’s southern-most region. Experience the vibrant hustle and bustle of this city-state for yourself at the Marina Bay. No too far away is the historic centre, offering up a unique smorgasbord of neoclassical buildings and contemporary towers. Decked out in topiary, the pavements of Orchard Road are also home to countless shopping centres. The colourful markets in Chinatown and Little India are the perfect opportunity to quell hunger pangs in a hawker centre, one of the city’s traditional snack bars. Between the two districts, get a slice of history with a trip to the Raffles dock. It was here that Englishman Sir Raffles, the founder of the city, is said to have arrived one fateful day in January 1819.
Day 2 | At Sea
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Day 3 | Côn Dao Islands
To the south of Vietnam, the archipelago of the Côn Dao Islands,located in the South China Sea, is composed of sixteen rocks covered in lush vegetation. A regular stopover on the Maritime Silk Road connecting China to Europe between the 2nd and 13th centuries, the islands were mentioned by Marco Polo during his voyage from China to India in 1294. A former English and French trading post, the archipelago became a French colony in 1861 using the name Poulo Condor. A penitentiary centre was built there and used to imprison opponents of the colonial regime. During the Vietnam War, the Saigon regime and the United States locked up communist enemies there until 1975. In its idyllic natural setting, Con Dao has become a memorial site and a symbol of the fight for independence.
Day 4 & 5 | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Located near the Mekong delta, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. It is both the historic heart and economic hub. Formerly Saigon, the city is an imposing avant-guard metropolis. You can admire its famous central post office and its emblematic Reunification Palace. From 95 years of French presence, the city has kept some remarkable monuments, like the Cathédrale Notre-Dame with its neo-Gothic façade built in 19th century red brick. You’ll succumb to the magic of this hectic city, where everything is about contrast, like the very brightly-coloured district of Cholon, Saigon’s “Chinatown”.
Day 6 | Sailing Saigon River
The Saigon River originates in Phum Daung in the south-east of Cambodia and runs through Saigon before flowing into the South China Sea further south, to the north-east of the Mekong Delta. Along its shores, you will see traditional stilt houses, dwellings from the colonial period, Buddhist temples, and daring skyscrapers. This architectural eclecticism will afford you a glimpse of new and ancient Vietnamese traditions. On this cruise, you will also be able to admire the lush, tropical natural environment along this mythical river that is more than 170 kilometres (105 miles) long.
Day 7 | Nha Trang
Nha Trang, the capital of the Khanh Hoa province in Vietnam, is a coastal city with 300,000 inhabitants. Famous for its long, 7-km white sand beach along which runs Tran Phu Street, the city’s main thoroughfare, Nha Trang is a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club, an international association that includes 41 bays. The bay is the reason the city is sometimes called the “Riviera of the South China Sea”. You will have the opportunity to discover the city during a rather original experience: a tour in a rickshaw.
Day 8 | At Sea
Enjoy a seamless journey at sea with a range of onboard activities and services. Unwind at the spa, stay active in the fitness center, or relax by the pool. Take in conferences, shows, or shop at the boutique. Meet PONANT photographers or admire the open sea from the upper deck, where you might spot marine life. A perfect blend of comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.
Day 9 | Da Nang
Mid-way between Ho Chi Minh City to the south and Hanoi to the north, Da Nang enjoys an ideal location in Vietnam. The old colonial town has skilfully navigated the transition to economic growth, becoming a wealthy tourist destination. With its five Marble Mountains, its 72-metre high Buddha and white sand beach, Da Nang will create some magical memories, made sublime by a secular culinary tradition that has nothing left to prove. It is also the gateway to the country’s treasures, including the cities of Hoi-An and Hue, which are both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Day 10 | Chan May
To the south-east of Thua Thuen-Hue province, Chan May harbour was developed around its industrial activity, but has since opened up to cruise tourism. This harbour enjoys an exceptional location on the Vietnamese coast, not far from Chan May, the doorway into the imperial city of Hue, the ancient capital of the country and listed by UNESCO as World Heritage site. Its royal citadel dating from the 19th century, inspired by the Forbidden city of Beijing, is a gem of architecture and history.
Day 11 | At Sea
Enjoy a seamless journey at sea with a range of onboard activities and services. Unwind at the spa, stay active in the fitness center, or relax by the pool. Take in conferences, shows, or shop at the boutique. Meet PONANT photographers or admire the open sea from the upper deck, where you might spot marine life. A perfect blend of comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.
Day 12 | Ha Long
Shielded by majestic karstic peaks, Halong reveals itself through a string of spectacular landscapes. Known the world over for its bay, listed with UNESCO, this city in northern Vietnam is lesser known for its heritage. That is a shame, as the authenticity and cultural richness of Halong is surprising. Boasting a unique mix of modern architecture and heritage from the dynasty of the Hung kings, the tourism capital of the Quang Ninh province promises unexpected moments in its bustling streets and breathtaking panoramas of one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
Day 13 | At Sea
Enjoy a seamless journey at sea with a range of onboard activities and services. Unwind at the spa, stay active in the fitness center, or relax by the pool. Take in conferences, shows, or shop at the boutique. Meet PONANT photographers or admire the open sea from the upper deck, where you might spot marine life. A perfect blend of comfort, relaxation, and entertainment.
Day 14 | Hong Kong
Disembarkation 7:00AM
Hong Kong, known as the “Fragrant harbour”, bordered by the South China Sea, is a heady place attracting tourists from the world over. This former British colony today combines ultramodern shopping malls and authentic markets like the Ladie’s Market or the night market on Temple Street. At first sight, you’ll be overwhelmed by the city’s architecture which, because of lack of ground space, reaches skywards, with its 1,250 skyscrapers and other towers. Believing is seeing, so if you go up to Victoria Peak, the highest point on the island, you’ll see a dizzying and unforgettable view of the bay.
*Please note: This itinerary is subject to change. In the spirit of expedition travel, plans may change slightly to take full advantage of encounters with the destination and its people, culture, and wildlife.
COASTAL VIETNAM BY SEA
SINGAPORE TO HONG KONG
February 8 – 22, 2026
Rates:
Prestige Stateroom:
Price: $18,130 – $20,030
Prestige Deck:
Price: $37,160
Privilege Suite:
Price: $40,960
Owner’s Suite:
Price: $49,600
– Rates are per person and are based on shared accommodations
– Rates are approximate until the time of booking
– Rates are quoted in USD and subject to change without prior notice
– Rates are based on availability at the time of booking
International Airfare:
Expedition Easy does not make international air reservations and international air is not included in your quote. However, please do let us know if you would like assistance with booking your international air. We would be happy to put you in touch with our airline partner, Exito Travel to assist you with your international air reservation.
Included:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Singapore to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 14-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Jacques Cartier, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Gratuities for ship crew and for guides and drivers on excursions
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Hong Kong at the end of the cruise on the day of disembarkation
General Information:
– Medical Evacuation insurance is mandatory for travel with Expedition Easy and proof of purchase is required. Expedition Easy also strongly recommends purchasing a policy that includes trip cancellation /interruption coverage.
Deposit & Payments:
A completed & signed Expedition Easy Reservation Form, along with your 25% trip deposit and full regional and/or domestic air payment (if applicable) is required at the time of booking.
Reservations:
This itinerary is subject to the availability of all services at the time of making a reservation. No space is being held at this time. Please contact Expedition Easy for the full terms and conditions that apply. We are happy to answer questions and discuss your trip.
To reserve space on a trip on the Expedition Easy website, please contact Expedition Easy by calling 1-800-617-2319 or (206) 284-2319. Click here to e-mail the Expedition Easy Team.
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February 8 - 22, 2026
Operated by Ponant in collaboration with Smithsonian Journeys
