Baie de Cumong is seldom visited by outsiders but makes a perfect stop for an expedition vessel like ours. A fishing village sits inside the bay, where you can witness all kinds of local activity. People will be out netting fish in their round "coracle" style basket boats, larger fishing vessels will be preparing to leave in the evening and the locals will no doubt be just as interested in us as we are in them as we sail by. A little further along from the village is Bai Nam beach, a perfect place for us to take an afternoon swim and relax in the war waters of the South China Sea.

Included Expeditions
Very much a true expedition day we will set out in our Zodiacs to explore the bay, it's fishing village and it's inhabitants. Landings will be opportunistic and we will take advantage of situations on the day as they arrive. Many of the villagers have "fish pens" attached to their houses where they "grow" fish and crustaceans. The Zodiac cruise will be great for photography and interacting with the local people in the village The afternoon will be one of leisure at Bai Nam beach where we can swim, relax and explore the headland and sandy beaches.

The mighty Mekong River begins its journey right up in the Himalayas and finally enters the sea, via it's expansive delta system on the Vietnamese coast. By the time the river enters the sea, it consists of nine major branches, which gives rise to the Vietnamese name for the delta which in English translates as "the Nine Dragon River".

Can Tho sits on the largest branch of the Mekong, called the Hau River. It is the largest city on the Mekong Delta and is the furthest point that sea going vessels can get to along the Mekong due to low bridges spanning the river further along. Large traditional kilns producing local red bricks line the banks of the river just outside of Can Tho.

The Cai Rang floating markets are arguably the Deltas most famous attraction, with hundreds of vessels acting as floating market stalls selling a huge variety of locally grown produce. Other smaller boats weave amongst the larger ones selling everything from hot cups of local coffee to lottery tickets. The delta region is known as Vietnam's "Rice Basket", producing over 50% of the nations rice and ample quantities of other crops such as pineapples, pomelos and mangoes.

Included Expedition
Orion Expedition Cruises is proud to be the first foreign flagged vessel in Vietnam to be given permission to use our Zodiac fleet in the delta. This will allow us to independently visit the floating markets of Cai Rang and explore the reaches of the Delta directly from Orion II's anchorage just outside Can Tho. This unprecedented access gives us an exciting and dramatic way to get in amongst the action of the floating markets and the general hustle and bustle. There is no doubt you will feel part of all the action in our comfortable Zodiacs, weaving amongst the buyers and sellers of one of the regions finest floating markets.

Chan May, a commercial port, serves us no other purpose other than being the easiest access point to the ancient imperial city of Hue. As soon as you leave the port and head north to Hue you will experience the cliché “true” Vietnamese scene - rice paddies filled with workers in traditional bamboo conical (“coolie”) hats. Between 1802 and 1945, Hue was the imperial capital of the Nguyễn Dynasty, the most famous dynasty to rule Vietnam. The seat of the Nguyễn emperors was the Citadel, which occupies a large, walled area on the north side of the Perfume River. Inside the citadel was a forbidden city where only the emperors, concubines, and those close enough to them were granted access; the punishment for trespassing was death. Today, little of the forbidden city remains, though reconstruction efforts are in progress to maintain it as a historic tourist attraction. Hue is today a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

Included Expeditions
Today's included expedition will take you to captivating Hue, the old imperial capital and cultural treasure chest of Vietnam. Founded on the northern bank of Perfume River in the 17th century by the Nguyen Dynasty, Hue appears more like a massive open-air museum with hundreds of temples, pagodas, palaces and tombs. Departing the port, enjoy a scenic drive along the coastal road, bordering the brilliant blue East Sea. Upon arrival in Hue, drive to the remains of the Citadel, the magnificent court of the Nguyen emperors. Completed in 1832, the Royal Citadel of Hue occupies almost 1,000 acres of land, with stone ramparts standing over 20 feet high and huge Ngo Mon (Meridian) Gates. During the Vietnam War, some of the most intense fighting occurred in this region, leaving many buildings destroyed or damaged. Declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, the Citadel has undergone extensive restoration, bringing it back to its former glory. See the vast, wing-roofed Thai Hoa Palace (Supreme Harmony) and the ornate Imperial Library with its detailed ceramic sculptures decorating its roof. Visit the Forbidden Purple City, once the inner, exclusive domain of the emperors. After touring the Citadel, continue along the Perfume River to the elegant Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most beautiful architectural structures in Vietnam. With its outstanding octagonal seven-story tower and adjacent prayer hall perched at the top of a hillock overlooking the tranquil river, the pagoda represents the finest in Buddhist design and a symbol of Hue. Following a buffet lunch of traditional Vietnamese dishes at a local restaurant, proceed to the Tomb of Tu Duc, the emperor of Vietnam for more than 35 years. Hidden behind an octagonal stone wall is the monarch's sepulcher, surrounded by a pavilion and temple, and guarded by stone sculptures of elephants, horses and soldiers. We then depart mid afternoon to return to the port of Chan May.

Da Nang is a major sea port on the southern coast of Vietnam and home today to over a million people. Today Da Nang is recognised as one of Vietnams premiere beach resort areas, but whilst modern Da Nang symbolises Vietnams success today the history of the area can not be overlooked either. In 1858 French troops landed under orders from Napoleon III an event which signalled the French Colonisation of the area. Under French rule the area was known as Tourane. Many years later in 1965 Da Nang was the infamous landing point for the US Marine Corps as they entered the Vietnam War. The area went on to house a major US air base and nearby "China Beach" was a popular recreation area for troops during that conflict. Da Nang, as well the city itself and China Beach, gives us access to two significant UNESCO World Heritage areas. The first being My Son. My Son is a cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Hindu temples constructed between the 4th and the 14th century A.D. by the kings of Champa. The temples are dedicated to the worship of the god Shiva as he is known under various local names, the most important of which is "Bhadresvara." Tragically most of My Son has been destroyed by war over the years but more than enough remains to show how significant this location is. The second of these significant areas is Hoi An. Hoi An was one of the orient's major trading ports in the 16th and 17th centuries. After the Thu Bon River linking Hoi An to the sea silted up ocean going ships were no longer able to sail into town and trade moved 30km up the coast to Da Nang. But in it's day Hoi An was the place to be and the place to trade your goods. This atmosphere lives on today with strong Japanese and Chinese influences in the area. There are great restaurants, cafes and the like, ands Hoi An is the centre of Vietnam's clothing manufacturing industry with many well known tailors based in the township. Orion will coordinate with a local tailor service to visit the port to assist guests with the process of acquiring these tailor made garments for which Hoi An is famous.

Included Expeditions
Approximately an hour drive away, via the undulating countryside of Central Vietnam you will arrive in a range of beautiful mountains called “My Son” in Vietnamese - the Holy land of the long lost Champa kingdom. Upon arrival you will be taken on a short drive by a local van or jeep for 5 minutes to gain access to these valued relics. Historically, this land used to be ruled by the Civilziation of Champa from the early of 7th Century until 14th Century. Being chosen as the holy land for their peoples more than 70 brick-temples were built to worship their Hindu Gods. All the temples were found by the West at the end of the 19th century by French explorers but, sadly, most of them were destroyed in 1969 by American bombing raids during the war. Today, however, visitors can still admire the exquisite spiritual architecture and appreciate their historical value for a long lost kingdom. After lunch a shuttle service will continue to Da Nang city for further exploration and to China Beach, to relax and swim if you choose.

Optional Expeditions
HOI AN BICYCLE TOUR (half day)
The short bicycle ride through the deepest countryside of the village will be one of the highlights of your time in Vietnam – this unique glimpse into the rural lives of the villagers is a sight that very few other visitors will see – and in turn you will delight the local people with your presence on their most favoured form of transportation – the humble bicycle. Finish the riding in Hoi An town.
Price to be confirmed 

HOI AN COOKING CLASS 
A great opportunity exists for you to undertake a cooking class with local chefs today. Visit the market to purchase your produce then onto the kitchen to learn of the preparation and cookery styles culminating with the consumption of the finished product! All in all a great way to learn more about Vietnamese food.
Price to be confirmed 

HOI AN VIETNAMESE DINNER PACKAGE
Just an hour drive from the ship in Da Nang to Hoi An for a set menu Vietnamese dinner at either the Nam Long or Fullmoon Town Restaurant. Both are award winning restaurants in Hoi An. Includes transfers to/from the ship and set menu Vietnamese Banquet in Hoi An.
Price to be confirmed

Nowhere in the world are there so many limestone Karsts jutting out of the sea - nearly two thousand in fact. The temperature and unique atmospherics make for brilliant sunsets and misty mornings. This is a Zodiac exploration paradise over mirror waters to the brilliantly painted Van Gia floating fishing village and deep grottoes that could stand a thousand people. The waters are jade coloured with 1000m pinnacles jutting to the sky. There are not many beaches and virtually no buildings except for the odd Buddhist pagoda. We will have to weave through many a moored teak Junk on our journey.

Included Expeditions
The day today is split between Cat Ba Island and Ha Long Bay proper. At Cat Ba Island we will use our Zodiacs to explore the area, including visiting a floating village and exploring the interesting caves and grottoes carved out of the limestone by the tides. Depending on tides we may be able to land on one of the small beaches nearby. After relocating to Ha Long Bay proper we will transfer to local 'junks" to sail around the bay and take in all the sights. Local guides will accompany us to point out the highlights as we cruise the bay in these traditional boats.

Nha Trang is well known for its extensive white sand beaches and excellent and is fast becoming a recognised destination on the international travel map. This coastal city is capital of Khánh Hòa province and is home to over 300,000 people. Seafood restaurants and cafes ring the beach side area and the food is excellent. Not far from the town the 7th century venerated towers of the Cham Ponagar Temple complex is still very much intact. The Cham people were the original Hindu inhabitants of the area of Central Vietnam, and in the centuries since have essentially become displaced and are now distributed throughout the Indochina region and their Hindu beliefs long lost in the passages of time. Orion has an exclusive beach landing site in Nha Trang, where upon arrival we will be greeted by ladies in traditional Vietnamese dress and where in between tour activities you can relax and take a drink at the bar.

Included Expeditions
An exclusive Nha Trang village tour is included for our visit to Nha Trang. You will leave the port aboard your coach to visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, also known as Thap Ba (or the Lady of the City), a remnant of the ancient Cham civilization. The towers, built and renovated between the seventh and twelfth centuries from loose brick with neither plaster nor mortar, were used for the worship of the goddess Po Nagar. From the hillside where the towers stand you will have a spectacular view of Nha Trang Bay and its shores lined with numerous colourful fishing boats. Next you will take a motorboat cruise along the Cai River, where you will have the chance to see a fishing village, a large yard for the construction of wooden boats and coconut islands, shaded by countless palms. Your next visit will be to Vinh Ngoc Commune, situated 10 km from the centre of Nha Trang. It covers an area of over 1,500 ha with around 900 households, consisting of more than 6,000 people, many of whom are farmers. Upon arrival you will visit the central area, which was once the site of the village's paddy fields and cemetery. It is now home to the offices of the local authority, the clinic and medical station and the local market. You will then stop at a nearby typical house of a local family, where you will discover that ancestor worship plays a vital part in everyday life. After that you also have a chance to visit the rice paddy and another family who weave the rush matting commonly used throughout Vietnam. A walk down the street where there are local beer sellers, hair salons in open structures on the side of the street and past the local communist party office. This tour is an excellent insight into the culture and life of Vietnamese people. A shuttle bus will be available through out the day to visit Nha Trang town and its great main beach strip. Or simply take advantage of a private beach landing site for a cool dip or a drink at the bar there.

Optional Expeditions
NHA TRANG SNORKEL TOUR(Half Day)
From the jetty near our landing site, Cruise to Mun Island, the first marine park of Vietnam. Snorkelling and swimming to discover the marine lives. Mun Island is the best place in Vietnam for marine biodiversity with over 200 different types of corals. Head back to Mieu fishing village. Stop to photograph the abundant and pretty fishing boats moored in the shallow harbour. Boats are brightly painted in blue and red - a very colourful sight. Plenty of fish farms, colourful fishing boats and basket boats are the highlights for your pictures. Then a short ride leads to Tri Nguyen aquarium that looks like a ship wreck from a far, before returning to the ship. There is some great snorkelling opportunities and relaxing cruising during this activity.
Price: AU$85.00 per person

On the eastern edge of the Gulf of Siam, off the coast of Cambodia sits the Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc. Once a major military outpost, particularly during the Vietnamese-Cambodian war to oust Pol Pot, today the island sits peacefully awaiting major infrastructure and development plans recently announced by the central government of Vietnam. Part of these plans include the opening of an international airport (scheduled for 2015) and a port facility (scheduled for 2012).

Roughly the same size as Singapore, some within the government business and circles of Vietnam claim the island has the same potential as its not so distant neighbour, however these dreams are still a long way off as much of the island sits untouched and people live in small fishing villages scattered around the coast.

Phu Quoc is home to some fabulous coastlines and white sand beaches, the best of all being remote Sao Beach. It is our intention to anchor off Sao Beach and use it as our base for the day. In the event of adverse whether conditions we may have to relocate to the opposite and more populated side of the island.

Included Expedition
Our Zodiacs will bring us ashore today on beautiful Sao Beach. Here you can swim in the warm tropical waters of the Gulf of Siam, wander the expansive white sand beach or take our complimentary shuttle bus into the nearby fishing port where you can try a local Vietnamese coffee in one of the coffee shops, or wander down to the waterfront and check out the colourful fishing fleet.

Optional Shoreside Expeditions
PHU QUOC SNORKEL EXPEDITION
You have the opportunity to join a locally run snorkel tour boat to the outer reefs off the tip of Phu Quoc. Orion will provide you with your own quality snorkelling equipment and the locals will provide the boat and local guides. This half day experience will take you to a snorkelling location located next to several small islands offshore from Phu Quoc. Snorkelling will be from the local boat, accessing the water by a set of wooden stairs off the side of the vessel.

Price: To be confirmed

PRISONS, PEARLS and FISH SAUCE
Phu Quoc was once home to the infamous "Coconut Prison". Referred to as a reprogramming camp, the South Vietnamese Government during the Diem regime sent political prisoners to the island to "teach them the errors of their ways." As recently as the 1990's mass graves were still being discovered on the site. Today the former prison is set up as a museum and gives an interesting insight to the troubled times that shaped modern Vietnam today.

The two major industries on Phu Quoc today are pearling and fish sauce production. This tour includes a visit to a simple pearl farm, with attached show room and also to one of the many fish sauce factories on the island. This pungent, strong sauce is a staple throughout the region and Phu Quoc's variety is considered to be the best in Vietnam.

This is a simple little tour highlighting the history and modern produce of the island. Local guides will accompany the tour however interpretation is limited, whilst still providing a fascinating insight to this remote island.

Price: To be confirmed