Hanoi, a city of contrasts, defies easy categorization. It's both modern and traditional, chaotic and serene, and always full of surprises. But one thing is for sure: it's a place that’s captivating, to all the senses.

Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, your private guide and driver will assist on arrival for the transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight        : Hanoi

Meal               : Nil

Today’s tour begins at 08:30. Set off on a half day guided tour of Hanoi’s highlights. A city of contrasts, defies easy categorization, it's both modern and traditional, chaotic and serene, and always full of surprises.

Start with a stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter. A maze of alleyways and hidden treasures, learn about local life in the ‘36-guilds’ as you weave through the frenetic streets on foot.

Following, chose a museum option (to be discussed on the actual day of the tour):

Option 1: Vietnam Women’s Museum.  Highly acclaimed, the museum displays highlights of Vietnam’s vast cultural diversity and the significant role women play in Vietnamese society.

Option 2: Hoa Lo Museum: Step back in time to the days of the Vietnam War at the "Hanoi Hilton." Once home to POWs, the exhibits include photographs, artifacts, and displays.

Dive right in with a visit to the Temple of Literature. In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam - Vietnam's first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite, for an incredible 800-years. 

For lunch, savor a delightful meal at Tam Vi, a Michelin-starred Vietnamese restaurant with a cozy ambiance.

Return to the hotel, rest before a much deserved spa treatment.

Overnight        : Hanoi

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel and morning free at leisure.

This afternoon get to know all about local food. Eating on the street is a typical activity in Hanoi and considered an important part of the city’s unique lifestyle.This half day experience led by a local foodie and former masterchef contestant allows insight into the traditional eating habits and tastes of Hanoians as well as local culture.

Transfer from the hotel at 1530 to a local area, then stroll along the streets to explore the different flavours of Hanoi. Make a first stop to taste pho cuon, and let the chef explain how to make a tasty fresh spring roll from steamed rice-paper and beef. Wrap, roll and dip while experiencing street food heaven.

Proceed to explore a local market and enjoy the sights, sounds and aromas from the hundreds of different meals available. Learn to identify the freshest and most typical ingredients, picked by the chef. Try banh cuon (savory pancake), made from a thin, wide sheet of rice batter filled with a mix of seasoned pork.

Continue along the streets and try the tiny plastic chairs the locals sit on to sample  nom –mixed salad of beef and papaya. Finish up with  a  taste of desserts including flan -coconut ice-cream and che -sweet soup. Then, conclude this yummy eating experience by hunting down seasonal fruits, before transferring back to the hotel.

Overnight        : Hanoi

Meal               : Breakfast | Dinner

Hanoi – Halong : 60 mins 

This morning, depart the hotel for a 40-minute transfer to Noi Bai Airport then embark on a join-in seaplane at 09:00 (10:00 in winter) for a 60-minute scenic flight to Ha Long Bay.

The perfect way to see the UNESCO World Heritage areas of Halong and Lan Ha Bay is to spend a night aboard a charming boat. The mystical scenery, where thousands of limestone islands jut out of the emerald sea, sculpted into wonderous shapes covered in lush fauna is truly breathtaking.  

Arrive at the pier around noon and proceed with check-in formalities.

After the welcome onboard and checking into the cabin, lunch will be served whilst cruising. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits or activities (depending on the boat’s set itinerary). Towards the end of the afternoon the boat will anchor for the night surrounded by karst formations.

Enjoy a sunset on the deck followed by dinner, then retiring for the evening.

Remarks: Seaplane service may be subject to change depending on weather conditions. In this case, a Limousine Deluxe car will be an option.

Overnight        : on board

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

After breakfast, either stay aboard the boat or transfer to a smaller day boat for a full day of activities including lunch: swimming, visiting villages or kayaking (depending on the boat’s set itinerary).  

Once back aboard the main boat, enjoy sunset on the deck followed by dinner, then retire for the evening.

Overnight        : on board

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Haalong – Hanoi (Noi Bai) airport :  3 hour drive

Hanoi – Danang: 1 hour & 20 min flight

Wake up to the fresh morning amidst the bay and have breakfast (brunch on some boats) while leisurely immersing in the serene setting of the spectacular rock formations. Proceed to checkout as the cruise arrives towards port.

Upon disembarkation, transferred to the Tuan Chau Marina for a scenic seaplane flight over Ha Long Bay. The flight will take 25 minutes and will give a bird's-eye view of this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, over the emerald green waters and limestone islands of Ha Long Bay, including some of the most famous islands.

Once landed, transfer to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Danang.

On arrival in Danang, transfer to Hoi An, one of Vietnam’s most picturesque towns and UNESCO-heritage listed, once a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries now draws international visitors to its streets, for both the history and the surrounding scenes. 

Overnight        : Hoian

Meal               : Breakfast | Brunch  

Familiarize yourself with their restoration work knowledge and their behind the scenes challenges in order to preserve Hoi An’s old town. Get a rare insight into the life of the local residents and how they cope with the annual flooding, urbanization and the support from the local government. After the walking tour, you will have lunch at a charming riverside restaurant before heading back to your hotel or next destination.

In the afternoon, Embark on a sensory journey through an organic herb garden, where the intoxicating aromas of plants and flowers will fill both your senses, and your knowledge of Asian herbs. Hoi An is perhaps the best place in Vietnam to learn about herbs, as the soil and weather nourish the plants giving them strong fragrance and flavor.  

This tour starts at 16:00. Upon arrival, be greeted with a welcome herbal drink, prepared with fresh herbs from the garden. As you take a sip, savor the incredible flavors.

Next, embark on a stroll through the garden to ignite the  senses. Inhale the intoxicating fragrances of peppermint, lemon basil, chocolate peppermint, Thai basil, lemongrass and other plants, some indigenous to Vietnam. 

Pause for a moment to sit in the heart of the garden, surrounded by the beauty and abundance of nature. Then, it's time for a short meditation session, guided by the experienced herbalists who care for the garden. 

After the reflective moment, soak your feet in a warm herbal foot bath, infused with salt and ginger and herbs. Feel the tension melt away as the soothing herbs and minerals work their magic. Finally, enjoy a light snack prepared with fresh herbs from the garden. This is the chance to learn more about Vietnamese herbs and their healing properties.  

As the experience comes to an end, you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated before returning to the hotel or central Hoi An.

Overnight        : Hoian

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch

Today’s tour will begin at 08:00. Spend a day immersed in the rich history of Central Vietnam.

After around 1-hour driving from central Hoi An, arrive at the cultural highlight of Central Vietnam, the temple complex at My Son (pronounced Me Sern). Granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999, the tower temples were the seat of the Champa Kingdom for most of its existence between the 4th and 13th centuries.

Wander around the crumbling ruins, hearing about the Cham culture, its rulers and their impressive reign. Take a moment to soak up the serene atmosphere and imagine what My Son was like in its heyday.

After this glimpse into Central Vietnam’s ancient history, return to Hoi An.

The afternoon will be spent walking Hoi An’s old town to learn about its illustrious past as a trading port. See the remarkably well-preserved traditional houses that have withstood hundreds of years of weather and war.

Start at the Japanese Bridge which spans a small waterway and was built more than 400 years ago to connect the Japanese community with the Chinese who lived on the other side of the water. Admire the carvings and paintings inside the bridge, learning about their symbolism and cultural significance. Continue to a Chinese communal hall, a colorful mélange of bright gates, dragon statues and elaborate rooftops. Additionally, explore smaller laneways and local neighborhoods, gaining a better appreciation of Hoi An’s endless charm. After this insightful glimpse of Hoi An,  return to the hotel or your next destination.

Overnight        : Hoian

Meal               : Breakfast

Day free at leisure.

Overnight        : Hoian

Meal               : Breakfast

Danang – Saigon : 1 hour & 20 min flight

Spend the morning at leisure. Transfer to Danang Airport after breakfast for the short flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still referred to as Saigon by the locals. Once known as the ‘Pearl of Indochina’, Saigon boasts an enormous architectural wealth, mirroring its colourful history. From the pagodas, museums and European architecture of the city’s recent past to the growing number of skyscrapers, Saigon is like a trip through time.

Upon arrival to Ho Chi Minh City, be met by the guide and driver and be transferred to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy the afternoon free at leisure.

Tonight’s experience starts at 17:30. Once acquainted with the driver and your motorbike, zoom past some of the city’s most popular landmarks before reaching the first stop of the evening, a vibrant rooftop bar with sweeping city views. Take some photos, and sip a refreshing drink whilst enjoying the evening breeze.

From the city height’s, back down at street level cruise through the busy streets. The first food stop, dive into local culture at one of the city’s institutions, a ‘bánh xèo’ restaurant. This savory pancake is highly favored by Vietnamese from Saigon and beyond and is a must-try for any food enthusiast. 

Once sated, ride through the city streets to the city’s main flower market and a nearby lively night market where the city’s youth gather. Sit alongside the locals and order some savory snacks if you fancy, before returning to the Vespa for more riding through the backstreets and vibrant residential areas to the next destination. 

On arrival, sample treats made from single origin, locally-produced Vietnamese chocolate that the New York Times once hailed as ‘the best you’ve never tasted’

The final stop of the evening takes you to a hidden bar. Take a sip from the bar’s signature cocktail and immerse yourself in Saigon’s vibrant atmosphere, before hopping back on the Vespa for the final ride back to the hotel.

Overnight        : Saigon

Meal               : Breakfast | Dinner

Today begins at 08:30. Meet with a local guide and start with a walking tour (depending on the season, this order might be changed) through the historic city center and CBD. See the architecturally splendid City Hall, historic Dong Khoi Street, the Continental Hotel and the Saigon Opera House.

Then step off the main road into a historic building revolutionized by the city’s youth. Here, locally owned retail stores, coffee shops and art spaces offer a glimpse into the city’s creative  generation. If time allows, sit for a coffee at one of the building’s cafe’s.

Continue on foot to the Central Post Office. Here, you can also glimpse the former CIA building, where one of the last helicopter evacuations took place in 1975.  

Stroll through lovely 30 April Park to perhaps the city’s most famous landmark - the Reunification Palace. Now preserved in a time warp, the ‘war rooms’ in the basement plus the opulent display’s are fascinating. 

Finish up the day at another historic site, the Ben Thanh Market. Still functioning as a local neighborhood market, the central location also welcomes travelers with a variety of stalls.

Having gained greater understanding of Saigon's culture and history, return to the hotel or your next destination.

In the afternoon, enjoy a rejuvenating spa treatment at the renowned L'Apothiquaire French Day Spa.

Overnight        : Ho Chi Minh  

Meal               : Breakfast

Saigon – Nhatrang: 1 hour flight

Airport – Ninh Van Bay : 70 min

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Airport for the 1-hour flight to Vietnam's beach capital Nha Trang.  

Be met at the airport and be transferred to the resort. Besides the prerequisite golden stretches of land and crystal clear waters, the coast is dotted with many islands each with their own distinct character. The turquoise waters play host to a variety of marine life, snorkeling and scuba diving activities which are perennial favourites.

Overnight        : Ninh Van Bay    

Meal               : Breakfast

Spend the day free at leisure.

Overnight        : Ninh Van Bay   

Meal               : Breakfast

Spend the day free at leisure.

Overnight        : Ninh Van Bay   

Meal               : Breakfast

Enjoy free time following breakfast before the short flight back to Saigon and the onward departure from Vietnam. If time allows it is possible to transfer back to Saigon for last purchases or simply relax at the airport before the onward flight.

Meal               : Breakfast

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