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 2pm; early check-in can be arranged at an 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 delicious mix of East and West.

Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a wooden Buddhist temple dating from 1049 built in the shape of a lotus blossom and set on a single stone pillar, considered by many to be one of Vietnam’s most iconic pagodas. Continue on 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. 

The last visit this morning is the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake (‘Lake of the Returned Sword’) named after a magical sword once used by a legendary Vietnamese emperor to defeat the Chinese Ming Dynasty. On an island in the middle of the lake sits the Ngoc Son Temple accessible by the iconic Huc Bridge.

Back at the hotel, there is time to relax and have lunch (own account) before behading out in the afternoon to explore the Old Quarter with many opportunities for shopping.

The famed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’ is named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century. Explore the fascinating maze of back streets, fronted by narrow houses known as ‘tunnel’ or ‘tube houses’, built to avoid taxes based on the width of their frontage onto the street, a wonderfully eclectic glimpse into Hanoi street life.  

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

In the morning, pick up from your hotel for the cooking class.

Visit a traditional market where the guide will tell you about the main ingredients used in Vietnamese cuisine and will give an insight into local herbs and spices. You will also learn some useful Vietnamese words to barter for the necessary ingredients – which could also be useful for future shopping trips in Vietnam.

Back at the cooking class, there will be an introduction to the methods and principles of Vietnamese cuisine. The culinary guide will then demonstate the cooking methods.  It’s then your turn to whip up some Vietnamese masterpieces which you can enjoy for lunch.

The remainder of the day is free at leisure. 

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.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel (15 km) where you will spend the night. During your stay in Hoi An, you will enjoy a special retreat package with the following inclusions:

• Private pool villas with all-day breakfast
• 2 wellness treatments (total 80 mins) and 1 retreat therapy (60 mins) per person per night
• Full board plant-based meals
• Daily wellness mini bar
• Daily wellness activities (fixed schedule, advanced booking required)
• Private consultation and personal TIA wellness guide

Flight Hanoi – Danang offered separately

Overnight in Hoi An

Meal(s): Breakfast or Brunch, Lunch and Dinner

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.

The afternoon is free at leisure – shopping perhaps?

Overnight in Hoi An

Meal(s): Breakfast

All day at leisure in Hoi An to relax and enjoy the resort’s inclusive wellness programme.

Overnight in Hoi An

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, free time until the transfer from Hoi An to Danang airport (35 km) for the flight to Saigon. 

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

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel (8 km). The rest of the day is free at leisure.

Flight Danang – Saigon offered separately

Overnight in Saigon

Meal(s): Breakfast

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. Make sure you save some energy for browsing the stalls in the bustling Ben Thanh Market.

In the evening, dress up and enjoy a cocktail bar hopping tour by vintage Vespa.

Climb onto the back of the classic vespa and set off on a roving adventure to explore some of the city’s best cocktail bars. Highlights include zigzagging through the bustling backstreets and engaging in conversation with the bartenders to learn all about the Saigon cocktail bar scene.

Get ready to unleash your inner mixologist as you learn the art of cocktail crafting with local ingredients. Under the guidance of friendly bartenders, you’ll have the chance to create your own signature cocktails.

Continue to another cozy bar that embodies the essence of Vietnamese flavours. Set in a quiet street, this bar offers a unique spirit concept inspired by local traditional herbs. Let your senses be mesmerised by the rich flavours of home-brewed cocktails and snacks made from Vietnamese lotus.

Cap off this memorable excursion at Lady Triu Contemporary Vietnam Gin, The Triu Institute, which combines contemporary Vietnamese food with bespoke artisan drinks.

Notes:

• Suggested time: 19:00
• Duration: 3 hours
• One unit of cocktails will be served per person/per stop, together with snacks.
• Food allergy shoud be advised before tour. 

Overnight in Saigon

Meal(s): Breakfast

Transfer to the airport 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.

End of Service