Arrival in Hanoi. – Welcome to Vietnam!

Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, your guide will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation and vouchers and all contact information of your guide and local offices.

Vietnam is rapidly developing but holds onto the charming traditions and culture which make it such a fascinating holiday destination. History has left its mark on Vietnam by way of Chinese, French and American influences.

Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to your hotel (30 km) followed by time for leisure.

Note: Hotel check-in time is 14h00; early check-in can be arranged at additional cost.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meal(s): –

Explore the charming city of Hanoi, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes.

Start your city tour at the Thang Long Citadel. Built in the 11th century by the Ly Viet Dynasty to mark the independence of the Dai Viet and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, the Citadel was a political centre of the country for 13 consecutive centuries and served as the capital of Vietnam for eight centuries. The buildings of the Imperial Citadel and the remains at the 18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological Site reflect a unique Southeast Asian culture specific to the lower Red River Valley, incorporating influences from China in the north and the ancient Kingdom of Champa in the south. In the same compound, visit the secret underground war bunker which played an important role in the American War, especially during the 12 days and nights of the Ha Noi – Dien Bien Phu air battle of 1972.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.

Drive back to central Hanoi and go green with an exploration of the Old Quarter by electric buggy.

In the evening, see a Water Puppet Show – a fantastic art form originating in northern Vietnam, best seen in Hanoi.

Note: Most of the museums are closed on Mondays; Ho Chi Minh mausoleum is closed on Monday, Friday and in the afternoons.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meal(s): Breakfast

Start the day at Hoa Lu, the first capital of Vietnam. Visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel, most of which has since been destroyed, once covered an area of three-square kilometeres.

After a visit to Hoa Lu, depart for Tam Coc town with stops to take photographs of local villages and the stunning landscape. On arrival in Tam Coc, board a private sampan. As the boat gently slices through the water, notice the enormous limestone karsts jutting out from the green rice fields giving rise to its other name, ‘Halong on Land’.

Lunch is at a local restaurant before returning to Hanoi for the night.

Overnight in Hanoi

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Today we will drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay (160 km) and stop en-route to stretch our legs and use the restrooms at one of the charity souvenir shops.

Transfer to/from Tuan Chau Marina Port (10 km).

With hundreds of limestone karst-mountains and bizarre rock formations rising dramatically from the emerald green water, Halong Bay is one of the must-see place in Vietnam. Spend a night on the cruise boat surrounded by these stunning views. Arrive at the harbour at noon, check in and board the boat. Enjoy lunch while cruising towards the bay. The afternoon is full of activities such as visits to a cave and floating farm, relaxing o the beach or simply sunbathing on the sundeck (the programme varies depending on each boat). Get ready to take plenty of photos of the bay at sunset. Dinner will be served on the boat before enjoying a relaxing night anchored in calm waters.

No guide on board with guests. On-board English speaking guide is arranged by the junk.

Optional scenic flight (25 mins/ joined in)

The only way to truly appreciate the magnificent scenery of Ha Long Bay is by scenic flight. Admire the stunning seascapes made up of nearly 2,000 limestone islands rising from the emerald, green waters, strewn over an area of ​​nearly 2,000 square kilometres.

Taking off and landing on the water at Tuan Chau Marina, our 25-minute scenic flight showcases the highlights of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, offering a completely different perspective than from a cruise ship. From the air, the many islands appear like mountain ranges, the embodiment of ‘Ha Long’, meaning ‘descending dragon’.

Overnight on board

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Wake up and enjoy the fresh morning air in the bay. Start your day by joining a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck. Rejuvenate your body and mind with the slow movements of this ancient practise.

Breakfast (or brunch) will be served on the boat while cruising back to the port, passing the majestic peaks. Disembark from the cruise.

Note: The programme may be changed due to weather conditions, tide conditions and local authorisation.

Transfer by vehicle from Halong to Noi Bai Airport (160 km) for the flight to Hue. Lunch stop en route at a local restaurant.. On arrival in Hue, transfer by air-conditioned vehicle (15 km) to your hotel.

Flight Hanoi – Hue offered separately

Overnight in Hue

Meal(s): Breakfast or Brunch, Lunch

Hue served as the capital of Vietnam for more than 140 years. It houses ancient temples, imperial buildings and French-style edifices. It was established in the 17th century.

Starting your day by taking a boat trip to visit one of the oldest pagodas, Thien Mu Pagoda. Its iconic seven-story pagoda is regarded as the unofficial symbol of the city and the temple has often been the subject of folk rhymes about Hue.

Visit the Royal Imperial City located in the heart of Hue, a vast complex built in the early 19th century and modeled after the Forbidden City of Peking. The original walls stretched for 10 km and were surrounded by a wide moat. Today, most of the buildings have been destroyed due to bombing during the Vietnam-American War, but the monuments that remain provide a fascinating glimpse into the court life of the Nguyen Dynasty.

Approach the city past the striking Flag Tower, where a giant Vietnamese flag waves proudly overhead, to the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, the main entrance to the Imperial Enclosure. Enter into an area of spacious courtyards and serene lotus ponds. Visit the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum.

Next, venture into the countryside around Hue to the Imperial Tomb of Tu Duc. Tu Duc, the longest reigning Vietnamese emperor, designed and built this elegant tomb during his lifetime, using it as a retreat for meditation, reading and theatre performances. Take some time to soak in the tranquil atmosphere, wandering among the gracefully proportioned pavilions, courtyards and lotus ponds. Visit Garden House which reflects the ancient atmosphere of the imperial city. The house has a garden filled with fruit trees including mangosteens, sapodilla plums, apricots, lychee, baccaurea, figs and grapefruits.

Overnight in Hue

Meal(s): Breakfast

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Hoi An (120 km). Twisting winding curves, sudden bends, views that take your breath away – welcome to the Hai Van Pass. We get to drive along this incredible mountain pass on the way to Danang. Lunch stop en route at a local restaurant.

Danang is home to beaches made famous by American soldiers during the Vietnam War, several quirky bridges and the wonderful Cham Museum containing the best collection of Cham sculpture. We’ll also stop at the Marble Mountains – a group of limestone and marble hills filled with caves.

Afternoon at leisure (without guide).

Overnight in Hoi An

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Pretty as a picture Hoi An! The quirky mix of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and European influences make this ancient town a photographers’ paradise. We’ll walk through the narrow winding streets of the old quarter past ochre-hued stone houses, lantern-filled shops and colourful fishing boats. One of the most iconic sights is the Japanese Covered Bridge. There are also ancient temples and merchant homes over 200 years old. In the afternoon, we’ll take a lazy cruise along the river to traditional pottery villages.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meal(s): Breakfast

Journey to My Son, the former religious centre of the Champa Kingdom, a sophisticated civilization which held sway over the region from the 4th to the 13th centuries. After a brief visit to the Visitor’s Centre for an overview of Cham history and culture, visit each ruin in turn, walking along forested paths. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, there is free time until the transfer by vehicle from Hoi An to Danang airport (30 km) for the flight to Saigon.

Note: Hotel check-out time is midday; late check-out can be arranged at an additional cost.

On arrival in Saigon, we’re going underground – deep into the Cu Chi Tunnels! These hand-dug tunnels changed the course of the Vietnam War. The well-camouflaged entrance holes lead into a network of incredibly narrow tunnels that stretch for over 200 kilometres connecting command posts, hospitals and shelters. We’ll learn about the life of the Vietcong and venture into some of the tunnels. The deadly, bamboo-spiked booby traps are another must-see. Lunch is at a local restaurant.

Flight Danang – Saigon offered separately

Overnight in Saigon

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Ever-vibrant, ever-changing – this is the buzzing city of Saigon, where sleek skyscrapers loom over incense-infused temples and motorcycles rule the roads. There’s classic European-style landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, the ornate City Hall and the art-deco Post Office. Reminders of a recent past can be seen in the Reunification Palace, famously stormed by tanks in 1975.

We’ll head out to Cholon, the historic Chinatown district to discover colonial-era gems, Chinese temples and vivacious street life. Make sure you save some energy for browsing the stalls in the bustling Ben Thanh Market.

Today’s highlights: War Remnants, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Cholon, lantern streets & medicine streets, Chinse temple, Ben Thanh Market.

Overnight in Saigon

Meal(s): Breakfast

Take a journey out of town to the Mekong Delta. Proceed to Ben Tre to take a boat trip on the Mekong River to Vam Xep Canal where local handicrafts and coconut sweets are produced.

Enjoy fresh seasonal fruits, a performance of traditional songs, and observe the local life. Take a short ride on a motor cart to a typical local house to taste some homemade honey-tea.

Proceed by sampan through the small canals to observe the daily life of local people along the riverbanks with some stops for a leisurely stroll.

Overnight in Saigon

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Transfer to the airport (10 km) by air-conditioned vehicle. Departure from Saigon.

Note: Hotel check-out time is midday; late check-out can be arranged at an additional cost.

Meals: Breakfast.