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): –

There’s no arguing – Hanoi has to be the coolest city in Vietnam. And no, we’re not just referring to the climate. This chaotic, colourful, motorbike-clogged, 1,000-year-old city is a delic ious mix of East and West. Hanoi clings on tightly to its heritage – the Temple of Literature is one of the oldest landmarks. More recent history can be seen in Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, while the man himself, lies embalmed in an austere mausoleum.

Enjoy lunch at Koto restaurant where you will hear the inspiring story of this famous organisation which helps thousands of unfortunate children around the country.

There’s picturesque lakes and parks, as well as museums and prominent colonial buildings. Let’s jump right in and experience it all. We’ll even go green and explore 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, 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 flight to Danang. Lunch stop en route at a local restaurant.

Arrival in Danang and transfer by air-conditioned vehicle (30 km) to your hotel in Hoi An.

Flight Hanoi – Danang offered separately

Overnight in Hoi An

Meal(s): Breakfast or Brunch, 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

Pick up from the hotel lobby and transfer to the dock. Take a wooden boat to Cam Thanh water coconut village to learn about the daily life of Vietnamese fishermen, their families and their community.

Back on board the boat, continue cruising on the Cua Dai River. Join local fisherman and try your hand at using a round net or cast net. Learn how to paddle a unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat. Explore the now tranquil coconut-palm flanked waterways and hear about the extreme conditions endured by soldiers of both sides during the last war.

Travel by bicycle to Tra Que Village. Take a short stroll around the vegetable garden and hear the history of the village. Then roll up your sleeves and join in activities such as preparing the land, fertilising with seaweed, raking, sowing, watering, picking vegetables and more! Enjoy a relaxing foot soak before preparing your lunch in a local restaurant in the village. In this hands-on cooking class, learn how to make tam huu spring rolls and banh xeo, a pancake typical to this region. Finally, bid farewell to your host family before riding back to your hotel. 

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.

Visit a local orphanage where you will meet and talk to the children about their lives. Any small gifts or donations are more than welcome.

Lunch 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

Depart for a 2.5hr drive to Cai Be in the province of Tien Giang in the Mekong Delta. Situated in the heart of the Mekong Delta, Cai Be is famous for its tropical fruit gardens and traditional handicrafts.

Board a charming wooden boat at Ba Rai Bridge local pier and start cruising on the Mekong River while sampling local fresh fruits. Enjoy the scenery along the river with opportunities to see and visit some local cottage industries such as a thatched roof making workshop.

At a small island, disembark from the boat for a leisure bicycle ride through narrow, shaded village roads surrounded by lush orchards. Enjoy the tranquility and peacefulness. En-route, visit local families making traditional products such as rice wine, bamboo nail files, furniture made from water hyacinth and hammocks made from banana ropes.

Meet a local family and join them for a delicious meal of Mekong Delta specialties. After lunch, take a fun ride on a local sampan through the island’s tiny canals before cruising back to Cai Be pier. Drive back to Saigon.

Notes:

• Availability: Morning
• Suggested time: 08:00
• Duration: 8-8.5 hours
• Motorbike will be an option for those who can’t cycle – guests ride as a passenger behind the driver.

Overnight in Saigon

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, free time until the transfer to the airport (10 km) for the flight to Phu Quoc.

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

On arrival, transfer to your hotel (15 km). The remainder of the day is free at leisure. No car or guide included.

Note: Hotel check-in time is 2pm; early check-in can be arranged at an additional cost.

Flight Saigon – Phu Quoc offered separately

Overnight in Phu Quoc

Meal(s): Breakfast