***Route can change subject to client’s interest

Today’s full day discovery of Hanoi starts at 08:30.  Begin with a visit to the sixth-century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, on the shores of serene West Lake.

Next, take a short drive to visit the famed 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. 

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: The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed Mondays) is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam. The museum houses a vast collection of interactive exhibits that showcase the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam.

Continuing on foot past the Mausoleum (viewed from outside) to learn about the life and legacy of the nation’s founder. Continue to the ‘house on stilts’ where ‘Bac Ho’ resided from 1958 to 1969 (closed on Monday and Friday). Stroll around the tranquil grounds before completing the circuit at the One Pillar pagoda; built in 1049, the symbol of Hanoi is a unique representation of the city.

Mid-late afternoon, continue the exploration 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.

Overnight        : Hanoi

Meal               : Breakfast

Hanoi – Halong : 3 hour drive

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 flora is truly breathtaking.  

Following breakfast leave Hanoi at 09:00 for the 2.5hours drive to Halong City. 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 cocktail on the deck followed by dinner, then retiring for the evening.

Overnight        : on board

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

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, be met by the driver for a transfer to Noi Bai Airport for a flight to Danang.

On arrival in Danang, transfer to Hoi An, a major Asian trading port in the 17th and 18th centuries known for its architecture and former merchants’ homes, colourful communal halls, narrow lanes lined with traditional houses and the iconic Japanese Bridge.

Overnight        : Hoian

Meal               : Breakfast | Brunch

Delve into the rich history of Central Vietnam. Travel to the countryside where ancient temples are all that remain of the once-mighty Cham Empire. Then a guided walking tour explores Hoi An’s narrow streets and traditional houses whose historic tales are waiting to be discovered.

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. Take a break at a  restaurant to sample some of the town’s most famous dishes.

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 | Lunch

In Vietnam, a town's market represents not just a place of commerce, but a meeting point for catching up, gossiping and, of course, eating - it is at the pulse of all community activity.

Spend a fun and interesting half day, learning about Vietnamese food and the Hoi An way of life. Already in its 18th year, this popular cooking class is listed in many of the major guidebooks and on Trip Advisor.

Take a boat trip from "Vy's Market Restaurant" to Hoi An's colourful central market. Tour of the market with an English-speaking guide followed by an interesting and informative tour of Vy's Market Restaurant, watching live cooking demonstrations with actual involvement and many food tastings. Two-hour hands-on cooking class, lunch, recipes a Vietnamese cooking utensil to take home.

The remainder is free at leisure.

Overnight        : Hoian

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch

Danang – Ho Chi Minh: 1 hour & 20 min flight

After breakfast, transfer to airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), where your guide will meet you and take you to your chosen hotel. Your afternoon is at leisure to settle in and start to absorb the atmosphere, before our next activity.

Evening, enjoy a 1-hour performance of Lune Production, discover highly creative and artistic live shows about the culture of Vietnam. Marvel at how farming, building activities, traditional games and the lifestyle of villagers are recreated. Ancestral bamboo props, breathtaking cirque and rhythmic dance, juggling, and acrobatic movements are accompanied by distinct folk music from over 20 traditional musical instruments.

Overnight        : Ho Chi Minh

Meal               : Breakfast

Meet with a local guide and set off on a half day tour in Ho Chi Minh City. Start with a visit to the city’s most iconic building: Reunification Hall. Formerly called the Presidential Palace, images of the building were seen around the world on 30 April 1975 when tanks stormed the gates as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese. Hear the echoes of time while walking through this historic downtown site.

Then take a stroll to Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial quarter, walking past scenes of everyday life on the way. Admire the beautiful architecture of the Opera House, City Hall, the old Saigon Post Office, Hear about the glory days of French Indochina and how that era continues to influence aspects of modern Vietnamese culture. Step inside the War Remnants Museum for an insightful, yet sombre, look into Vietnam’s military history. See exhibitions displaying imagery from the French and American wars, learning more about the country’s struggle for independence.

Then step off the tourist trail for one last visit on this Ho Chi Minh City tour at a Vietnamese coffee shop, sit down and taste the coffee like locals. After this insightful visit, return to the hotel.

Overnight        : Ho Chi Minh

Meal               : Breakfast

Ho Chi Minh – Mekong delta: 2 hour drive

You board your comfortable river cruiser in Cai Be. After a refreshing welcome drink, we show you our on-board facilities and your cosy cabin. As lunch is served, the boat starts cruising. Sit back and watch the fantastic scenery and the daily life of the Mekong Delta people.

In the afternoon you can disembark for a guided leisurely stroll through a village and the surrounding fruit orchards or rice fields. Meet the friendly locals and taste the local produce and fruits.

Get back on board and enjoy a drink at the bar or relax on deck as the sun sets over the magnificent water landscape of the Mekong river. The cruise boat will anchor for the night. The day ends with a delicious on-board dinner. You stay overnight on board on your comfortable river cruiser.

Overnight        : on private sampan  

Meal               : Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Can Tho – Phu Quoc: 1 hour flight

You wake up well rested to the sound of the river and get ready for another exciting day of sightseeing in the Mekong Delta. At 6.30h the cruise vessel sets off for a sunrise cruise. Watch the locals go about their daily work drying exotic fruits and building ships on the wooden yards while enjoying an early breakfast.

After breakfast, we will board a sampan boat to Cai Rang floating market, the region’s busiest and most lively markets. Marvel at the sheer abundance of exotic fruits, vegetables and skilfully handcrafted regional products. We will pull up to the boats for talking and bargaining with the merchants. After the excursion to the market, we drive to airport for the flight heading to Phu Quoc islands.

Phu Quoc Island boasts idyllic beaches, romantic sunsets, evergreen forests, and a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal holiday destination for travellers looking to escape bustling city life. Aside from beachside activities, visitors can also explore traditional villages, expansive nature parks and Buddhist pagodas, all of which are easily accessible via motorcycle, taxi, bus…

Overnight        : Phu Quoc islands

Meal               : Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel.

Your day will be at leisure to relax on the beach and make the most of the hotel's facilities.

Overnight        : Phu Quoc islands

Meal               : Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel.

Your day will be at leisure to relax on the beach and make the most of the hotel's facilities.

Overnight        : Phu Quoc islands

Meal               : Breakfast

Breakfast at hotel.

Your day will be at leisure to relax on the beach and make the most of the hotel's facilities.

Overnight        : Phu Quoc islands

Meal               : Breakfast

Departure day.

At leisure until transfer to Airport for onward flight.

Meal               : Breakfast