Magnificent Mekong

Fly into Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax after your flight. Your Viking Tour Director is available to help you plan your time in Hanoi so you can make the most of your visit.

After breakfast, ride through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta, with its terraced rice fields, water buffalo and lush greenery. Board a traditional wooden junk for your Ha Long Bay cruise. Enjoy lunch while learning about the bay’s features, history and ecosystem, as well as the legends that surround its various rock formations, islets, caves and grottoes. Visit Heavenly Residence Grotto and Driftwood Grotto, then disembark at Ha Long Pier and check in to your hotel. (B, L)

Awaken to the spectacular Ha Long Bay seascape, perhaps taking a walk along the shore in the early-morning mist. After breakfast, ride back to Hanoi to check in to your hotel. Other cruisetour guests will be joining you there; tomorrow, your cruisetour begins with a historic city tour of Hanoi. (B)

After your final cruisetour breakfast, check out of your hotel. Fly to Bangkok and check in to your hotel, then get settled in. The rest of your day is at leisure; tour some of the various wats (monastery temples), explore Chinatown or shop at the Phahurat Market, also known as Little India. A Viking Host is available to help you plan your time in Bangkok so you can make the most of your visit.

After breakfast, board a private boat to discover the city’s canals and the Chao Phraya River. Explore the small canals of Thon Buri—Thailand’s former capital during the reign of King Taksin—and get treated to a view of Thai daily life along the riverbanks. On your return journey, stop for a visit at Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn. Relax at your hotel this afternoon or perhaps enjoy a traditional Thai puppet theater or temple dance performance. (B)

Today, discover Bangkok’s Grand Palace. Dating back to the late 1700s, this walled complex, featuring golden pagodas and spires, has been the royal family’s main residence for more than 150 years and houses the entire administrative seat of government. Venture through Bangkok’s Chinatown to Wat Pho, known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. After, perhaps explore Bangkok’s colorful open air markets or join an optional excursion to learn about the history of Thai silk. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight. (B)