Vietnam Cruises

A journey on a vietnam cruise is one of the most rewarding ways to explore Southeast Asia. From the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, cruising lets you experience Vietnam’s contrasts without the hassle of constant packing and domestic flights. Unpack once, settle into life onboard and wake each morning to a new port filled with street food, history and coastal scenery.

At CruiseAway, we help Australians compare the best vietnam cruises across leading cruise lines, with itineraries that blend culture, cuisine and time to relax at sea. Whether you are travelling as a couple, with family or planning a longer Asia adventure, there is a sailing to match your style.

Cruise Lines Navigating to Vietnam

A wide range of international cruise lines include Vietnam on their Southeast Asia itineraries. Larger, resort-style ships from brands such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises offer a lively onboard atmosphere with expansive dining options and entertainment. These are ideal if you enjoy plenty of facilities and sea-day activities.

Premium and boutique lines including Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Azamara focus more on destination immersion. Expect longer port stays, enriching shore excursions and a refined onboard feel. Many itineraries combine Vietnam with Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and beyond, making it easy to turn one cruise to vietnam into a broader Asian journey.

For Australians, most departures are from Singapore or Hong Kong, with some longer repositioning voyages sailing between Australia and Asia during the spring and autumn seasons.

Ship Options for Vietnam

When planning cruising vietnam, choosing the right ship is just as important as picking the itinerary.

• Large contemporary ships – Perfect for families and groups of friends. Expect multiple restaurants, pools, theatres and organised shore tours in every port.
• Mid-size premium ships – A balanced option with fewer passengers, more personalised service and a relaxed pace.
• Small luxury vessels – Ideal for seasoned travellers who value destination depth, cultural talks and extended time ashore.

Cabin choice also shapes your experience. Inside cabins offer excellent value, while a balcony is hard to beat when sailing past limestone karsts or arriving into bustling harbours at sunrise. Our CruiseAway consultants can guide you to the best deck and cabin position for comfort, especially if you are new to Asia cruising.

Top Harbours in Vietnam

Vietnam’s ports are diverse, each offering a distinct slice of the country’s personality.

Phu My (for Ho Chi Minh City)
Gateway to the south, Phu My gives access to Ho Chi Minh City’s French colonial architecture, war history sites and thriving street food scene. Wander Ben Thanh Market, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels or sip Vietnamese iced coffee from a rooftop bar.

Da Nang (for Hoi An and Hue)
Da Nang opens the door to lantern-lit Hoi An and the imperial city of Hue. Explore ancient merchant houses, have clothing tailored in a day or discover royal tombs and pagodas along the Perfume River.

Nha Trang
Known for its long sandy beach and turquoise water, Nha Trang offers snorkelling trips, island-hopping tours and relaxed coastal dining. It is a favourite stop on many cruises to vietnam thanks to its easy-going atmosphere.

Ha Long Bay (via Cai Lan)
In the north, Ha Long Bay is a highlight of any vietnam cruise. Traditional junks glide between towering limestone formations, with caves and floating fishing villages adding to the scenery. Shore excursions often include a boat trip through the bay for up-close views.

Seasonal Offerings in Vietnam

Vietnam is a year-round destination, though the best time for most Australians to travel is between November and April. During these months, southern and central regions are typically warm and drier, making sightseeing more comfortable.

May to October brings higher humidity and occasional tropical showers, particularly in the north. The upside is fewer crowds and, at times, sharper pricing. If you are flexible with dates, this period can deliver excellent value on cruises in vietnam.

Many itineraries align with regional repositioning seasons, so you may find longer voyages linking Australia and Asia in spring and autumn.

Cost of Cruising to Vietnam

The price of a cruise vietnam holiday varies depending on cruise line, cabin type, season and length. As a guide:

• 7–10 night Southeast Asia itineraries – Generally offer the best balance of value and destination coverage.
• Longer 12–18 night voyages – Ideal for travellers wanting multiple countries in one trip.
• Luxury sailings – Higher upfront cost but often include drinks, gratuities and shore excursions.

Flights to Singapore or Hong Kong are usually required, unless selecting a longer sailing departing from Australia. At CruiseAway, we regularly secure exclusive fares and bonus offers for Australians, helping you maximise value without compromising on experience.

Alternative Regions

If you are considering Vietnam but want to compare other options, Southeast Asia offers several appealing alternatives. Thailand features golden temples and island beaches, while Singapore combines modern architecture with world-class dining. Japan and South Korea provide a different cultural flavour with seasonal sailings during cherry blossom or autumn foliage periods.

Our team can tailor recommendations based on your travel style, whether you are seeking food experiences, historical depth or relaxed beach days.

Top Vietnam Cruise

Featured Departure Option

• Cruise to Vietnam from Australia – Convenient sailings departing locally, combining sea days with unforgettable Vietnamese ports.

FAQs About Vietnam Cruises

Do I need a visa for Vietnam?

Visa requirements vary depending on nationality and length of stay. When you book with CruiseAway, our team will provide up-to-date advice tailored to your itinerary.

Are overnight stays common?

Some itineraries feature extended or overnight stays in major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, allowing more time to explore after dark.

Is Vietnam suitable for first-time cruisers to Asia?

Absolutely. Ports are well organised, shore excursions are easy to join and English-speaking guides are widely available. A cruise is one of the simplest ways to experience Vietnam for the first time.

Ready to start planning your vietnam cruises adventure? CruiseAway’s Australian cruise specialists are here to help you compare ships, secure great value fares and design a journey that captures the best of Vietnam by sea.