If you’re looking at doing the Celebrity Solstice Vietnam & Thailand cruise, this post is my full, experience‑based guide to the itinerary we sailed in January. We travelled as a family – me, Yuriy and our teenage boys – on an 11‑night route that started in Hong Kong and finished in Singapore. We also spent a few extra days in both cities before and after the cruise.
Instead of joining cruise‑organised excursions, we planned every port day ourselves – our own taxis, transport and our own little itineraries. It worked well, and it also gave us a clear picture of what each stop is actually like when you’re exploring independently – how far the port is from the city, how easy it is to get around, and what you can realistically fit into a short visit.
In this post I’ll walk through the ship briefly, then go port by port through Vietnam and Thailand with practical tips, honest impressions and the things we learned along the way.
Boarding at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal
Boarding Celebrity Solstice in Hong Kong was a smooth and well‑organised process. We sailed from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, which is easy to reach using public transport. We took the MTR and then a bus directly to the terminal. It’s straightforward, efficient and much cheaper than taxis, so if you’re comfortable navigating a metro system, this is the best option.
If you arrive early and have time before boarding, head up to the rooftop garden. Kai Tak has the largest rooftop garden of any cruise terminal, with wide open views over Victoria Harbour.
The boarding process itself was very well organised. There were plenty of staff around to direct people, answer questions and keep the flow moving. Dropping off checked baggage was quick, and from there you move through security and check‑in. One tip: keep a small hand luggage with anything you might need for the first few hours – swimwear, sunscreen, medication, chargers – because your checked bags may take a little while to reach your cabin.
Our boarding was around midday, and once we stepped onboard and dropped our hand luggage in the cabin, we headed straight to the poolside restaurant for lunch. They were serving burgers, fries and drinks, and that’s pretty much the moment the holiday feeling kicked in.
Onboard Celebrity Solstice
Cabins
We booked a balcony cabin, which worked perfectly for us as a family of four. Celebrity Solstice offers inside cabins, oceanview cabins, balcony cabins and suites. With two adults and two teenagers, having that extra bit of balcony space and fresh air made a big difference. It never felt cramped.
The boys slept on bunk beds: one fixed lower bed and a top bunk that folds away during the day. When the top bunk is tucked up, the lower bed becomes a sofa, which opens up the room and gives everyone a bit more space. Storage was good, the bathroom was compact but functional, and overall the cabin layout made it easy to stay comfortable on an 11‑night itinerary.
And of course, you don’t cruise to spend much time in your cabin anyway. Even on sea days we were out and about most of the time. So, the cabin was more of a comfortable base to come back to rather than somewhere you linger for hours.
Dining
Celebrity Solstice has several dining options, including a handful of specialty restaurants you can book for an extra charge – places like Murano, Tuscan Grille and Silk Harvest. They’re popular with people who enjoy a more formal dinner experience, but we didn’t end up using any of them. For us, the included dining was more than enough, and honestly, very good.
Oceanview Café
Most of our meals were at the Oceanview Café, the main buffet restaurant. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the variety is huge. Breakfasts had everything from cooked dishes to pastries, fruit, cereals, yoghurts and fresh omelettes made to order. Lunches and dinners always had a mix of cuisines: Asian dishes, European classics, salads, soups, curries, pasta, grilled meats, vegetarian options. Plus, plenty of lighter choices if you didn’t feel like a big meal. They often had themed sections too – different Asian dishes, Indian food, noodle stations, stir‑fries, roasts, and a rotating selection of desserts. There was always ice cream, fresh fruit and small cakes if you wanted something sweet.
The buffet never felt repetitive, and even on sea days when everyone is onboard, we always found something we liked. Soft drinks, tea and coffee are included, which suited us well. We’re not big drinkers, so we only occasionally ordered alcohol, and if the boys wanted a fancy juice or mocktail, we just paid for those separately.
There are also other included options around the ship – small cafés, poolside snacks, and places where you can grab something quick between meals. So, you never have to go far to find food. Overall, the dining setup worked perfectly for us: flexible, varied and easy, which is exactly what you want on a cruise.
Entertainment
Evening entertainment on Celebrity Solstice was genuinely good. The shows, concerts and performances were really good, and we ended up going almost every evening. There were usually two show times: an earlier one around 5–6pm and a later one around 7–8pm. On port days we always chose the later show, and on sea days we preferred the earlier one. It became part of our routine: dinner, then a show.
Sea days were easy to fill too. There were activities running throughout the day, from live music to trivia to various workshops. You can be as busy or as relaxed as you want.
Kids’ Clubs
The ship has dedicated spaces for kids and teens, each with their own programmes and supervision. Our boys were 15 and 12 at the time, so they fell into the teen club category. They went a few times during the cruise and always enjoyed it.
The teen club is more of a relaxed hangout than a structured programme. There’s light supervision from staff, but mostly it’s a space for teens to play table tennis, video games, card games, join group activities or just chat. It’s a nice option for giving them some independence while still keeping things safe and organised.
Facilities
The pool areas were popular throughout the cruise, and on warm sea days they were definitely busy. Be prepared to share the space with a lot of other people. In the evenings, though, the atmosphere changed completely – quieter and much nicer. We went for a late swim a few times when the weather was warm.
The spa is available if you want treatments, but we didn’t use it, so I won’t pretend to review it. What we did use was the gym, mostly on sea days. It had everything you’d expect – machines, free weights, stretching areas – and we never had any issues with crowds or waiting for equipment. It was easy to pop in for a quick workout before breakfast or later in the afternoon.
There are also plenty of indoor spaces to spend time in. The library sits in an open area rather than a closed room, so you do hear some of the music and activity from nearby floors. It isn’t silent, but it’s still a pleasant change of pace if you want something calmer than the pool deck. You can also borrow a book and take it back to read in your cabin or balcony.
Around the ship you’ll find table tennis tables, a small basketball court, board games, outdoor movie theatre, and various lounges where live music plays throughout the day. The Grand Foyer is especially lively in the evenings, with musicians performing as people move between dinner, shows and other activities. There’s also a disco and dancing if you feel like a bit of fun after the evening entertainment.
Overall, the ship has a good mix of energetic spaces and more relaxed corners. Whether you want a busy pool day, a quiet hour with a book, live music, or a late‑night swim, there’s always somewhere that fits the mood.
Ha Long Bay
After a day at sea, our first stop was Ha Long Bay – and this was the only port where we stayed overnight. The ship arrived at 7am and didn’t depart until 2pm the following day, which gave us plenty of time to explore both on the water and on land.
Ha Long Bay is one of those places where you have several options. You can take a day or overnight cruise through the limestone islands, visit caves and relax on beaches. In Ha Long, you can explore the city, take a cable car to the Sun Wheel, climb Bai Tho Mountain for views over the bay, or simply wander around the waterfront parks. Because we had two days here, we decided to dedicate the first day to the classic Ha Long Bay cruise, and keep the second day relaxed.
Half-Day Ha Long Bay Cruise
We booked a half‑day Ha Long Bay cruise online in advance, departing from Tuan Chau International Marina. Since Celebrity Solstice docked at Cai Lan Port, we needed a taxi to get to Tuan Chau. I booked one online before the trip, and the company sent a confirmation and contacted me via WhatsApp. Once we left the ship and made our way to the terminal building, we met our driver right outside. The drive to Tuan Chau is short, around 20 minutes depending on traffic.
We arrived with plenty of time before our cruise, so we wandered around the marina terminal. There are lots of souvenir shops and local snacks, plus a surprising amount of “designer” items – Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and so on. It was something new and unusual for the boys, and after some enthusiastic haggling (which they enjoyed more than the actual purchase), they each bought themselves a belt: one “Louis Vuitton” and one “Hermes”.
Our Ha Long Bay cruise ran from 11:45 to 18:00, also booked online. It included lunch onboard and two stops: one at Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), and one at Ti Top Island. The cave was impressive – huge chambers, dramatic lighting, and plenty of walking paths. Ti Top Island was a nice break too, with a small beach and a viewpoint if you feel like a short climb. The lunch onboard was good, and the views throughout the day were beautiful, especially as the sun started to set on the way back.
Ha Long Bay is undeniably stunning, but it’s also incredibly busy. There are boats everywhere, and the popular spots get crowded. Still, the scenery is worth it, and we enjoyed the day.
After the cruise, we took a taxi back to Cai Lan Port and returned to the ship for the night.
A Walk Around Ha Long
The next morning we kept things simple. We left the ship, wandered through the terminal, and walked into the city for a relaxed stroll. There are a few things you can visit nearby if you want to make more of the morning. The Sun Wheel – a large ferris wheel – offers great views over the bay. Bai Tho Mountain is a 30‑minute climb to the top and gives you a panoramic look over Ha Long (though access can vary depending on local restrictions). Công viên Lán Bè is a waterfront park that’s easy to reach and nice for a gentle walk.
We didn’t do anything structured; just walked, looked around, and enjoyed the slower pace after the busy day on the water. By early afternoon we were back onboard, and the ship departed at 2pm.
Another option for the Ha Long Bay stop – and I know some people from our cruise chose this – is to drive to Hanoi for a city tour. But honestly, it’s a long journey for such a short visit. The drive is around 2.5 hours each way, which means you spend most of the day in transit just to squeeze in a few hours in a very busy city. We’d actually visited Hanoi earlier on our trip, so we didn’t even consider doing it during this stop and instead focused on enjoying Ha Long Bay itself.
Da Nang / Hoi An (Chan May Port)
The cruise company calls this stop “Da Nang”, but in reality the ship docks at Chan May Port in Thua Thien Hue province – and it is far from everything. There is nothing within walking distance apart from a pop‑up souvenir market that appears purely because a cruise ship has arrived. If you want to see anything meaningful, you need a tour, a taxi, or a pre‑booked driver. There’s simply no DIY walking option here on the Celebrity Solstice Vietnam & Thailand cruise.
From Chan May you have several options for day trips. You can visit Hoi An Ancient Town, spend time in Da Nang city and its beaches, explore the Marble Mountains. Alternatively, you can head to Hue and the Imperial City. You can drive the scenic Hai Van Pass, stop at Lap An Lagoon and visit the My Son Sanctuary (the temple complex often included in tours). Or go to Ba Na Hills with its famous Golden Bridge held by giant stone hands. Every single one of these trips involves a long drive and careful timing.
Marble Mountain
We decided to book a private car with a driver for the day and focus on Hoi An, with a stop at Marble Mountain along the way. Our driver picked us up at the port at 9am, right outside the terminal. The drive is long but scenic, and we broke it up with a few short stops: Lap An Lagoon, the beautiful Hai Van Pass, My Khe Beach in Da Nang, the Marble Mountain, and finally Hoi An Ancient Town.
We spent about an hour exploring Marble Mountain. We took the lift to the top and then walked down, stopping at caves, viewpoints and small temples on the way. It’s a good mix of nature and culture, and easy enough to do even with kids.
Hoi An
Hoi An was the final destination of the day. We had around three hours there, including lunch at a local restaurant. We wandered through the Ancient Town, crossed the river, browsed shops and took many pictures of yellow houses.
To be honest, we found it too busy and overcrowded. More disappointingly, many of the historic houses were hosting shops with fake brands, with sellers shouting to catch your attention and trying to sell you things. It kind of ruined the charm of the old city.
Driving back took about 2hrs without stops, and we were back at the ship by 7:30pm, which was cutting it close because departure was at 8pm. And we weren’t the only ones pushing it. As we stood on our balcony, we saw people running back to the ship at about 8:10pm. The ship was ready to depart and clearly waiting for them. While they were sprinting and jumping onboard, everyone else on the balconies was cheering them on. As soon as they were safely on, the ship left within minutes.
Plan carefully from Chan May
With such long drives from Chan May to the cities and places of interest, your “8am to 8pm” port day shrinks quickly. Between transport, traffic and time spent at each stop, you don’t actually have that many hours on the ground. Plan carefully, book a driver or tour, and leave yourself a buffer. This is not the port to improvise or push your luck with timing.
After three days in a row packed with exploring, walking and sightseeing, we were actually happy to have a relaxing day at sea before the next stop.
Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My Port)
Just like with Da Nang, the cruise company advertises this stop as Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), but the reality is very different. The ship actually docks at Phu My, an industrial port that is nowhere near the city. Ho Chi Minh City is roughly two hours drive away, and there is absolutely nothing within walking distance from the port itself. If you want to see Saigon, you must book a tour, take a taxi, or arrange a private driver in advance. On the Celebrity Solstice Vietnam & Thailand cruise, this is one of the longest transfer days.
We booked a private driver ahead of time, just like we did for Chan May. The ship was in port from 7am to 7pm, and our driver picked us up at 8am right outside the terminal. He dropped us at the starting point of our planned walk in Ho Chi Minh City, and later picked us up at another location to take us back to the ship.
Walk in Ho Chi Minh
We began our day at the War Remnants Museum, previously known as The Museum of Chinese and American War Crimes. It’s a confronting and emotional place, with exhibits covering the Vietnam War, its impact on civilians, and the long‑term consequences of chemical warfare. We spent time walking through the galleries, taking in the photographs, stories and displays. It’s not a light museum, but it’s an important one.
From there, we walked through the city, visiting several well‑known landmarks. Such as the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, Ho Chi Minh Statue, and the Saigon Central Post Office, which is one of the most beautiful colonial buildings in the city. We also had an iced coffee and wandered along Book Street (Đường Nguyễn Văn Bình), a pedestrian street lined with bookshops and cafés. Then we continued to the Independence Palace, which is another major historical site.
We finished our walk at the Flags of Asian Nations installation and then continued along the riverfront for a relaxed stroll before meeting our driver again.
By late afternoon, we were back in the car heading towards Phu My. The drive is long, and traffic can be unpredictable, so it’s important to leave plenty of time. We arrived back at the ship well before departure, but just like in Chan May, you could see how easy it would be to cut things too close if you didn’t plan carefully.
Ho Chi Minh City is vibrant and full of history, but the long transfer from Phu My means your actual time in the city is limited. Still, with good planning and a reliable driver, it’s possible to see the main highlights in one day.
Bangkok or Pattaya (Laem Chabang Terminal)
Yet another slightly misleading advertisement from Celebrity Cruises: the itinerary says Bangkok, but the ship actually docks at Laem Chabang Cruise Terminal, which is about two hours drive from Bangkok. It’s simply too far for a relaxed day trip, and we felt that Bangkok deserves much more than a rushed few hours squeezed between long transfers. We decided that one day we’ll visit Bangkok properly, on a dedicated trip.
Instead, we chose to spend the day in Pattaya, which is only about a 30‑minute drive from Laem Chabang and much more realistic for a port day on the Celebrity Solstice Vietnam & Thailand cruise. If you haven’t booked a car or taxi in advance, Laem Chabang usually has taxis waiting outside the port, so it’s easy enough to arrange transport on the spot.
Our Day in Pattaya
We didn’t plan too much for Pattaya because the boys wanted a proper beach day – swimming, relaxing and taking a break from the busy sightseeing days we’d had earlier in the cruise. Pattaya is perfect for that. The beach is long and wide, the sea is warm, and there are plenty of food options and shops around.
Before heading to the beach, we took a taxi to the Sanctuary of Truth Museum, which is one of Pattaya’s most impressive sights. It’s a massive wooden structure built entirely by hand, carved with intricate details inspired by Thai, Khmer, Indian and Chinese mythology. It’s beautiful, unusual and absolutely worth seeing.
After spending time at the Sanctuary of Truth, we went to the Pattaya Floating Market. It turned out to be a great and unusual experience, with a mix of stalls selling souvenirs, clothes, food and all kinds of local produce. Our lunch that day was basically a collection of everything we tried there – mostly, fresh fruit, juices made on the spot, and of course ice creams, which felt essential in the hot weather.
In the afternoon, before heading to Central Pattaya, we made a brief stop at the Pattaya City Viewpoint to enjoy the views and take a few photos.
Finally, we headed to Pattaya Beach. We spent a few hours simply enjoying the beach. The boys rented jet skis and had a great time riding around, and then we just relaxed, swam and enjoyed the warm water. Later, we popped into a local market for some small shopping before heading back to the ship.
It was a nice, easy and relaxing day – exactly what we needed at that point in the cruise.
Ko Samui
Our next stop on the Celebrity Solstice Vietnam & Thailand cruise was Ko Samui, where the ship stayed from 9am to 6pm. This was the only tendering port of the entire itinerary, and it made a noticeable difference to timing. Getting ashore took much longer than usual, the weather was stormy and the sea was rough, so the tender ride to the shore on small boats was not the most pleasant experience. It’s worth keeping this in mind when planning your day – tendering always eats into your available time.
Drive around Ko Samui island
As with most ports on this cruise, we booked a private car with a driver in advance. Ko Samui is a beautiful island with plenty of beaches, viewpoints and temples, and a ring road that loops around the entire coastline. Because of that, we decided to spend the day driving around the island and stopping at a few places we wanted to see: Maenam Beach, Bo Phut Beach, Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), Wat Plai Laem, and Lamai Beach.
We followed our plan, starting with the temples. Big Buddha Temple is one of Ko Samui’s most iconic sights – a large golden Buddha sitting high above the water, reached by a staircase lined with colourful details. Nearby, Wat Plai Laem is another beautiful temple complex, with striking statues, bright colours and a lake surrounding the structures. Both temples are easy to visit and give a nice glimpse into local culture and architecture.
After the temples, we headed to Bo Phut Beach, where we had a good walk and then lunch near Fisherman’s Village. It’s a lively area with plenty of restaurants and cafés. We didn’t end up spending much time on the other beaches or swimming, because tendering took longer than expected and the island’s traffic was slower than we anticipated. That combination meant we only had time for short stops. Still, we were happy with the day – we drove around the island, saw all the places we planned to visit, and enjoyed a relaxed lunch by the beach.
If you decide not to go far, once you leave the tender boat at Nathon Pier in Nathon Town, it’s only about a 10–15 minute walk to the town centre. There are restaurants, shops and taxis available near the port, so you can easily spend the day nearby without arranging transport. It’s a simple option if you prefer a slower day or want to avoid long drives.
Final Day at Sea and Arrival in Singapore
Our last day at sea – sailing from Ko Samui towards Singapore – turned out to be the roughest day of the entire Celebrity Solstice Vietnam & Thailand cruise. The sea was choppy, and the ship was shaking and swaying noticeably throughout the day – it wasn’t a pleasant experience. We spent most of the day lying down in the cabin or sitting out on the balcony, catching the strong breeze, which actually helped with the nausea. It wasn’t the relaxing sea day we had hoped for, but that’s cruising – sometimes the ocean decides the schedule.
By the next morning, around 7am, we arrived in rainy and hot Singapore. Disembarkation was smooth and uneventful. We had settled our account the night before, packed everything, and had our suitcases ready to go. We left the ship around 8–8:30am and stepped into the humidity and drizzle of Singapore’s morning.
That was the end of the cruise. We spent a few more days in Singapore afterwards – but that’s a story for another post.
Final Thoughts on Our Celebrity Solstice Vietnam & Thailand Cruise
This cruise on Celebrity Solstice was a full and memorable experience – a mix of busy port days, long drives, beautiful sights, cultural stops, beach breaks and a few moments of pure relaxation. Some ports were far from the advertised cities, some days were tight on timing, and the tendering in Ko Samui and the rough final sea day reminded us that travel doesn’t always go perfectly. But overall, we saw a lot, experienced a lot, and enjoyed exploring Vietnam and Thailand in a way that felt varied and interesting.
If you plan well, book reliable drivers, and keep realistic expectations about distances and timing, this itinerary can be a great way to see several very different places in one trip. For us, it was a good balance of adventure, culture and downtime.
Read next – South Korea 7 Day Itinerary.
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