The red Huc Bridge in Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam
MYSTERIOUS LANDSCAPES, HISTORIC LANDMARKS

Cruise to Hanoi (Halong Bay), Vietnam

The limestone cliffs of the Halong Bay UNESCO World Heritage site will be your first impression of northern Vietnam, but the adventure has only begun by the time you reach Hanoi. Vietnam's millennium-old capital boasts sacred sites like the Temple of Literature, where you can stroll through manicured courtyards or see ornate shrines dating back to 1070. Find natural serenity at Hoan Kiem Lake, a place of quiet reflection within the fast-paced city. Cruise to Vietnam to check out the impressive St. Joseph's Cathedral, a 19th-century Gothic Revival church that reflects the Western influence on the country's recent history.
National Language Vietnamese
Currency Accepted Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Things To Do in Hanoi (Halong Bay)

A floating fishing village and rock islands in Ha Long Bay, near Hanoi, Vietnam

Sail Into Timelessness

A floating fishing village and rock islands in Ha Long Bay, near Hanoi, Vietnam

A floating fishing village and rock islands in Ha Long Bay, near Hanoi, Vietnam

Sail Into Timelessness

Halong Bay was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, but you'll feel the imprint of the millions of years it took to form as you swerve in and out of its limestone cliffs by boat. Pose for selfies with friendly locals into the streets of Ha Long City or Cat Ba Island, or hike up to Pho Tsi Mountain for a panorama you can enjoy from dry land.

The garden and entrance gate to the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam

Trace the Millennia

The garden and entrance gate to the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam

The garden and entrance gate to the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam

Trace the Millennia

Vietnam's capital Hanoi celebrated its 1,000th birthday in 2010, and even a short time in the city allows you to see a cross section of its impressive history. The Temple of Literature hosts Vietnam's first university, while Hoa La Prison tells the moving stories of the Vietnam War. The red hue of Huc Bridge, which crosses Hoan Kiem Lake, is timeless and iconic, while the ultra-modern Hanoi Museum, fashioned as an inverted pyramid, embodies the boldness with which Vietnam has entered the 21st century.

Front view of St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi, Vietnam
Front view of St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi, Vietnam

East Meets West

Vietnam was under French authority for 60 years during the late 19th century, and vestiges of European culture remain in the city. From architectural wonders like the Gothic Revival St. Joseph's Cathedral, to the Buttercup Yellow Presidential Palace — a turn-of-the-20th-century building that once housed the Governor-General of French Indochina — Hanoi is both proudly Vietnamese and delightfully global.

Pho ga, the chicken variety of pho (pho bo), a specialty in Hanoi, Vietnam
Pho ga, the chicken variety of pho (pho bo), a specialty in Hanoi, Vietnam

Local Cuisine

It's no secret that Vietnam has legendary food, such as its pho noodle soup that's become popular around the world. While most people know pho as a beef soup (Pho bo), Hanoi specializes in the chicken variety known as Pho ga. Other popular northern Vietnamese dishes include Bun cha (fatty grilled pork with soft vermicelli noodles) and the simple fried fish on offer at legendary Hanoi eatery La Vong.

Traditional souvenir dolls sold in Hanoi, Vietnam
Traditional souvenir dolls sold in Hanoi, Vietnam

Shopping

Shopping in old Hanoi is unique because the Old Quarter of the city has several streets dedicated to individual products. Hang Bac Street specializes in silver jewelry, while Hang Gai Street sells Vietnamese silks and paintings. Hang Hanh is where you'll head if you want to buy — or drink — legendary Vietnamese coffee during your cruise vacation. This coffee is best enjoyed as ca phe sua da — iced with sweetened condensed milk.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 Vietnam is warm year-round by North American standards, but the months from January to March can be chilly, especially at night. Make sure to bring a jacket if traveling at this time.
2 Both Hanoi city and Halong Bay are each around two hours away (in opposite directions) from Hai Phong, the port where your ship will dock. Unless you have an overnight stay here, you'll likely need to choose between the two.

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