Orion II’s Vietnam Explorer voyages include 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites

UNESCO World Heritage-Listed Ha Long Bay

From Ho Chi Minh to My Son, Nha Trang to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam is intoxicating. With energy and charm of equal proportions, and a regal history of passion, war and conquests to rival any European history, these 9 night Orion II voyages include not one, or two, but four UNESCO World Heritage sites – Hue, Hoi An, My Son and Ha Long Bay. Extraordinary, even by Orion standards!

Whether it is the organised chaos of cruising the Saigon River with its junks, exploring the traditional fishing village of Baie de Cu Mon, rarely seen by outsiders, or exploring Nha Trang with its Communist Party headquarters, beach brewery and $1 lobsters for lunch, a voyage with Orion promises, and delivers, the unexpected.

Vietnamese society has undergone a profound transition in the past decade and these itineraries reveal the extraordinary vitality of the cities, where dynamic new businesses and stylish resorts blend with elegant French colonial history. Explore street markets and restaurants to sample the delicacies of a cuisine renowned for its originality, delicate flavours and creativity. In the countryside, picturesque rice paddies, serene river villages and patient water buffalo contrast with the extraordinary history and relics of the Vietnam War.

Take a step back in time as you walk through the narrow streets of Hoi An and see the exquisite spiritual architecture of My Son with its World Heritage listed Hindu temples that pre-date Angkor Wat. Enjoy every step of the way to Hanoi where the medieval and modern co-exist. A city of Parisian grace and Asian pace, an architectural museum piece evolving in harmony with its history. Motorbikes by the million dart the web of streets in the Old Quarter, a furnace of commerce for almost 1000 years and the best place to check the pulse of this resurgent city.

Even Ha Long Bay is explored with fresh eyes. Seen from onboard a traditional junk, wending peacefully through the islands, the soaring limestone karsts are spectacular; venturing into limestone caves with the expedition team on Orion II’s Zodiacs adds another dimension completely. With Orion II you do both!

In both 2011 and 2012 there are three scheduled 9 night Orion II Vietnam Explorer voyages alternating between Haiphong (for Hanoi) and Ho Chi Minh City and including Nha Trang, Baie de Cu Mon/Bai Nam Beach, Da Nang (for My Son and Hoi An), Chan May (for Hue) and Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba.

Orion II Vietnam Explorer voyages

Departing 18 and 27 November and 6 December 2011 & 12, 21 and 30 March 2012
9 night fares from $7,335 per person for an Ocean Suite
Junior Suites begin from $10,170 per person
Balcony Suites are $13,230 per person
Penthouse Suites are $14,760 per person

All prices twin share

Details of Vietnam Explorer itinerary available at http://www.orionexpeditions.com/expeditions/thailand/voyage_summary

Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises can be obtained by visiting the website www.orionexpeditions.com

For reservations or to obtain a brochure of 2011 or 2012 voyages call Orion Expedition Cruises: 61-2 9033 8777 (Sydney callers) 1300 361 012 (regional and interstate) / 0800 444 462 (New Zealand) or see your travel agent.

Email: info@orionexpeditions.com