Welcome to Southeast Asia

A treasure trove of natural spectacles, ritualistic cultures and warm locals, navigate Southeast Asia’s Indochinese peninsula with Emerald Cruises, as we introduce you to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos, lifting the veil on over three millennia of proud history.

Sapa

Luang Prabang

CHINA

Hanoi Halong Bay

SOUTH CHINA SEA

THAILAND

LAOS

Siem Reap

CAMBODIA

Oudong Phnom Penh Prek’kdam

Mekong River Tan Chau

Long Khanh

An Long

Ho Chi Minh City My An HungSa Dec Ben Tre

Hoi An

Halong Bay

A mystical setting, where limestone karsts rise from the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay takes its name from the Vietnamese for ‘descending dragon’. Surrounded in legend, this ethereal body of water is believed to have an even more fascinating story behind it, having been the battleground where dragons, summoned from the heavens, successfully fought off invaders attempting entry via the sea. Sail the serene network of emerald lakes in luxury as we drop anchor in picturesque Trinh Nu and visit Sung Sot (or surprise) Cave, a majestic grotto adorned with stalactites and stalagmites illuminated in multicolor. Meet the locals of the tiny fishing village of Cua Van and kayak out to Ho Ba Ham Lake to enjoy a moment of serenity as you paddle through dark caves and observe the stunning wildlife.

Hoi An

Known for its beautifully preserved Unesco World Heritage-listed Old Town, Hoi An enjoys a wonderful mix of architectural styles, inspired by native and foreign design. Be that the emblematic 18th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, believed to have been built by the Japanese as a means of connecting the city to the Chinese Quarter, the abundance of photogenic buildings dating back to French colonialism and, of course, the old merchant’s houses.

Enjoy plenty of time to explore this eclectic city on foot, take a tour to stunning Ang Bang Beach by cyclo and, visit the Reaching Out Project, an NGO created to help improve the quality of life of the city’s locals.

Siem Reap

The gateway to the iconic Angkor Wat temples, Siem Reap is a vibrant city in the ever-changing image of modern Cambodia. The city is an exciting mix of delicious cuisine, unforgettable nightlife and temples at every turn. Where floating villages exemplify the importance of the water and traditional handicrafts showcase skills that have been being perfected for centuries.

Witness the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat during sunrise, as you walk through its grounds, marveling at the elaborate carvings at the most peaceful time of day. Tour the overgrown jungle-like temple of Ta Prohm and take your seat for the mesmerizing spectacle of high-flying acrobatics and music at the Phare, Cambodian Circus.

Included on: Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia and Treasures and Temples of Vietnam & Cambodia

Included on: Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia

Included on: Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia, Treasures and Temples of Vietnam & Cambodia and Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong

Hoi An, Vietnam

Cambodia

Great optimism and hard work are the foundations for the unparalleled spirit of the Cambodian people. Out of great adversity, this fascinating country moves with the contemporary world, while paying the utmost respect to those who lived before them. Spectacular temple ruins memorialise former empires on a scale unrivaled by most and its cosmopolitan cities blend the old with the new in epic fashion.

At the junction of the Mekong and the Tonlé Sap rivers, Cambodia’s busy capital city, Phnom Penh, will sweep you up as exotic scents and a strong sense of pride in their culture leave you in awe. Its Riverfront Park is a hub of activity, where restaurants and bars coexist with historic monuments such as the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, and early risers flock to witness the sunrise. On the city’s outskirts, the Killing Fields are a jarring reminder of one of modern history’s darkest times, now a serene complex of manicured lawns from which to learn and pay your respects.

The country's second largest city, Siem Reap, is more than just the gateway to the ruins of Angkor, it’s now a metropolis of world-class restaurants and shopping, designed to suit the keen adventurer, historian and foodie alike.

Vietnam

Bustling cities and golden sandy beaches beckon visitors to the eastern shores of Southeast Asia, but as Vietnam continues to evolve with the modern world, the local culture and ancient traditions remain a constant. In the cities, Buddhist pagodas live harmoniously beside contemporary skyscrapers, frequented not only by tourists eager to admire the craftsmanship, but by locals partaking in daily prayer.

Board a sampan to Evergreen Island and visit a local farming community who still adopt techniques dating back centuries. And visit a Lanh My A silk producing factory in Tan Chau to discover the artistry that goes into silk weaving, before seeing such wares on show at one of the many bustling markets.

In Ho Chi Minh City, a thriving metropolis perched on the banks of the Saigon River, rich history is visible through its beautiful French Colonial architecture, from Notre Dame Cathedral to its 19th-century Post Office. Likewise, in Hanoi, centuries-old architecture gives it a Parisian edge and, subsequently the nickname the ‘Paris of the East’, where its Old Quarter offers a dazzling labyrinth of hues and flavors, long inspiring writers, poets and painters.

Ho Chi Minh City