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Hanoi River Cruises

About Hanoi 

Though Vietnam’s famous capital doesn’t sit on the banks of the Mekong, it’s a common starting point for the majority of cruises which explore the iconic river, as you’ll typically fly into the city and have time to explore before transferring to your vessel to start your cruise. It’s certainly no surprise that river cruise itineraries include the chance to see Hanoi. As the former capital of French Indochina, it has a fascinating cultural heritage as well as a much more ancient one, rich in eastern tradition. It’s since been the capital of North Vietnam, then unified Vietnam and boasts a wealth of historical attractions. There is of course also the opportunity to step back in time an explore one of the country’s darkest historical chapters, the Vietnam War. 

Exploring Hanoi 

The legacy of the former North Vietnam leader and Communist revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh is still very much in evidence in the city and two of Hanoi's most popular attractions have a direct link with him. His former Presidential Palace is famed not for its opulence but its relative austerity, as during his time living in the city, Ho Chi Minh chose this modest wooden house set in serene surroundings over an opulent palace. The former leader’s Mausoleum is a popular place of pilgrimage and has added gravitas, owing to the fact that it’s the place where the he read his Vietnam Manifesto back in 1945. 

The Vietnamese Museum of Ethology is a popular choice for many river cruise excursions, offering the perfect overview of the country’s history thanks to an excellent and informative collection of exhibits. Forever to be known by its savagely ironic nickname the Hanoi Hilton, Hoa Lo Prison is the place where American prisoners of war were held during the Vietnam War but also where people were imprisoned during the French Colonial era. Though most of the original prison has been demolished, the remainder was developed into a poignant reminder of the past. The Temple of Literature is home to Vietnam’s first national university and dates back to 1070. It likely has little in common with your alma mater, offering peaceful gardens and temples structures. 

Those wishing to immerse themselves completely in the city’s atmosphere and culture should head to the Old Quarter, where each bustling street is named after the goods or services it provides. It’s busy, noisy and hectic but the perfect way to get a taste of Hanoi life and of course, pick up a bargain or two. 

If tales of the country’s turbulent history or the hustle-bustle of the Old Quarter prove to be a little overwhelming, it’s good to know you can take a little respite on the banks of the Lake of the Restored Sword. It’s conveniently located in the city centre and offers an oasis of leafy calm, complete with Japanese Red Bridge and temple. 

Hanoi tips 

If you are intent on exploring temples, mausoleums or places of worship in the city, it’s important to note that there are always strict dress codes in place which mean that you’ll have to cover up bare arms and legs, so be sure to dress appropriately. For an authentic taste of Hanoi, try Xoi xeo, which is sticky rice topped with mung bean and fried onion.

Hanoi Itineraries

Phnom Penh

The Heart Of Cambodia & Vietnam With Bangkok

1 sailing date December 2023
20 Nights From Bangkok, Thailand, to Vietnam , Hanoi
Avalon Waterways logo CALL
Siem Reap

Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & The Mekong River

1 sailing date December 2023
15 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to , Saigon (Ho Chi Min City)
Avalon Waterways logo CALL
Ho Chi Minh City

Essence of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong

6 sailing dates January 2024 to April 2024
23 Nights From Depart UK, to Arrive UK
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Hanoi

Imperial Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar

1 sailing date January 2022
30 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to Myanmar , Yangon, Myanmar
APT Cruising logo CALL
Siem Reap

Vietnam & Cambodia Discovery - Hanoi to Siem Reap

6 sailing dates January 2024 to March 2024
17 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to Cambodia , Siem Reap
APT Cruising logo CALL
Ho Chi Minh City

Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong

7 sailing dates January 2024 to April 2024
19 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to , Arrive UK
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Phnom Penh

Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong

6 sailing dates January 2024 to May 2024
19 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to Cambodia , Siem Reap
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Ho Chi Minh City

Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong

1 sailing date December 2021
19 Nights From Depart UK, to Arrive UK
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Angkor Wat

Grand Indochina & Luxury Mekong

2 sailing dates March 2024 to April 2024
26 Nights From Arrive UK, to Arrive UK
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Phnom Penh

Treasures & Temples Vietnam&Cambodia to Siem Reap

1 sailing date August 2023
18 Nights From Depart UK, to Arrive UK
Emerald Cruises logo CALL
Ho Chi Minh City

Grand Tour of Vietnam & Cambodia from Hanoi

1 sailing date August 2024
22 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to , Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £5769pp
Ho Chi Minh City

Grand Indochina & Luxury Mekong

8 sailing dates February 2024 to March 2025
26 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to , Bangkok, Thailand
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £11499pp
Phnom Penh

Essence of Cambodia, Vietnam & Luxury Mekong

3 sailing dates August 2024 to November 2024
23 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to , Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £8199pp
Siem Reap

Highlights of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong

14 sailing dates January 2024 to April 2025
17 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to Cambodia , Siem Reap
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £7239pp
Angkor Wat

Essence of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong

17 sailing dates January 2024 to May 2025
21 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to Cambodia , Siem Reap
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £8169pp
Siem Reap

Grand Indochina & Luxury Mekong

5 sailing dates October 2024 to May 2025
24 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to , Bangkok, Thailand
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £9789pp
Phnom Penh

Highlights of Cambodia, Vietnam & Luxury Mekong

12 sailing dates January 2024 to March 2025
17 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to , Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £7239pp
Hanoi

Essence of Vietnam, Cambodia & Luxury Mekong

12 sailing dates January 2024 to April 2025
21 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to , Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Scenic River Cruises logo FROM £7839pp
Hanoi

Vietnam Explorer Hanoi > Ho Chi Minh City

17 sailing dates January 2024 to May 2025
11 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to , Cai Be
Scenic River Cruises logo CALL
Phnom Penh

Treasures & Temples of Vietnam, Cambodia from Siem

3 sailing dates July 2024 to September 2024
18 Nights From Hanoi, Vietnam to , Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Emerald Cruises logo FROM £4989pp

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