Welcome to Hanoi/Vietnam!

Airport ARRIVAL Assistance Service (International terminal): Upon arrival inside the arrival terminal, please look for our Representative who will be holding the signboard with the group name on it and hand the visa form, passport to our Representative, who will assist you with your visa handling through the immigration without standing in queue and heading straight out. Once you have done immigrations and customs formalities, walk through exit gate and look for a tour guide displaying a welcome signboard with the group name on it. Embark the comfortable vehicle for transfer to your hotel for check-in and balance of the day is free at leisure for your relaxation.***Early check-in at your hotel is subject to availability on arrival.

Highlights: Arrival and welcome
None
Overnight in Hanoi at your selected hotel

Morning tour of Hanoi & cyclo tour of the Old Quarter: Start the tour of Hanoi with a visit to a very beautiful Museum of Ethnology to enhance your understanding of Vietnam’s diverse culture through its unique presentation of objects & dress from daily life. Following we will pass by the Soviet style Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh read out the declaration of the nation’s independence in 1945. Afterwards you will visit the ancient Temple of Literature which was built in the 11th century and was the first university established in Vietnam. End the day by enjoying a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter. The best way to explore the picturesque area of the Old Quarter is by “cyclo” (a three-wheeled bicycle taxi). Also known as the “36 Streets District”, it was once the thriving commercial centre of the city. Each of the 36 short lanes used to specialise in a particular trade represented by one of the guilds.  This is still reflected in the names of certain streets:  like Silk Street, Gold Street and Fish Street.  Among the ancient homes and attractive temples there is a multitude of tantalising souvenir shops.

Afternoon at leisure: Afternoon you have time at leisure to explore the city independently.

Highlights: Hanoi city tour with cyclo ríde
Breakfast
Overnight in Hanoi at your selected hotel

Road journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay: This morning (at approximate 08.00am to 08.30am) you will be met at your hotel by your private guide. Then You will be driven through the Red River delta to the coast and the Gulf of Tonkin, where the waters of Ha Long Bay are found, a journey of approximately 3 hours.

Overnight Lan Ha cruise: Lan Ha Bay is a tranquil part of the famous Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. This cruise runs through very less touristy’s areas in Lan Ha Bay so guests will feel very great when seeing the bay, relaxing on the sundeck. You will arrive Lan Ha around midday, where you will board your deluxe junk. Enjoy a welcome drink upon boarding while being acquainted with the facilities on board during the welcome briefing. We enjoy lunch on board in dining room offering panoramic views of the passing scenery.

We start a unique journey of exploring one of the new wonders of nature – Lan Ha Bay. Depends on itinerary of each cruise, guests will have chance to visit bright cave or trekking/cycling (electric car available) at Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island or swimming and kayaking in the private emerald water on a quiet beach or sunbathing on the sundeck.

Back on board, relax with massage and spa treatment, always available upon request. Delight in the shimmering atmosphere of thousands of stars while eating a fantastic, expertly prepared dinner on the top deck of your boat, all while floating in the center of serene Lan Ha Bay. After dinner, socialise with new friends and crew members, and join some nighttime squid fishing. Overnight onboard.

***Please note that the cruise itinerary is subject to alteration dependent on sailing conditions.

Highlights: Overnight on bay, swimming
 Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight on your selected boat in Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Cruise: This morning there is the option to wake early to enjoy sunrise. We will have another fabulous day cruising to some of Lan Ha Bay’s more secluded and untouched locations. Start the morning with a relaxing Tai Chi session on the Sundeck, followed by hot drinks and pastries, then a full breakfast in dining room. Transfer across to the day boat to enjoy a day cruising around the quieter corners of the Bay. We will explore the Dark and Bright cave, following sail to the Three Peaches Islets (Ba Trai Dao beach) where we will have time for swimming or kayaking. We enjoy lunch on board while cruising to Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island where we hop on bikes (electric car available) for an active tour along small paved roads towards a village nestled in a valley. Meet and greet local inhabitants doing their daily work, see their homes and the village school. Back on board, our chef is ready and prepared for Cooking Demonstration in restaurant or on sundeck. Ala carte Menu Dinner is served on restaurant. Our boat will sail to Tra Bau area for the night.

 Breakfast, lunch and Dinner
Overnight in Hanoi at your selected hotel

Morning’s Cruise: Enjoy an early start with Tai Chi on the sundeck, otherwise sleep in until breakfast is served. This morning, you will experience kayaking to discover the lovely Tra Bau area. Back on board a hearty breakfast is served in the dining room. Pack your luggage and check out of your cabin while cruising towards the port. Disembark the junk late this morning.

Road journey from Hai Phong back to Hanoi: On arrival at the quay you will be met by your guide and transferred back to Hanoi, approximately 2 hours drive. Continue to Hanoi airport in time to catch your onward flight to Hue.

Private transfer: Your guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel.

Highlights: Tai Chi on board and fly to Hue
 Brunch
Overnight in Hue at your selected hotel

Guided tour of Hue city: This morning, stroll around the Imperial Citadel and the Forbidden Purple City nearby. Modelled on the Forbidden City in Beijing by the Nguyen emperors in the early 19th century, the city was badly damaged during the war but the imposing city walls surrounded by a large moat afford good views of Hué. The palace retains a feeling of its past scale and importance, with detailed stonework and pavilions and it is at the moment in the process of being restored to its former magnificence. Following, we will visit one of the Royal Mausoleums in Hue, the final resting places of the Nguyen Emperors, which are dotted around the hills surrounding the south bank of the Perfume River. End the day with stop by Thien Mu Pagoda, sitting on the riverbank outside the city, this octagonal seven tier stupa has long been regarded as the symbol of Hué and was founded in 1601. It is still a site of Buddhist worship and its huge bell is said to be audible from the city.

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon is time at leisure to relax at your hotel or explore Hue city and surrounding area independently.

Highlights: Hue city tour
Breakfast
Overnight in Hue at your selected hotel

Road journey from Hue to Hoi An: This afternoon, you will be driven south, along Highway 1 to Hoi An, for approximately 3 hours. Soon the highway meets the Hai Van Pass. There are some spectacular vista points that you will witness en route. Arrive in Da Nang, you will continue drive to Hoi An and check in your hotel upon arrival.

Mid afternoon Hoi An walking tour: After some time at leisure in the afternoon, you will enjoy a walking tour of the ancient town center including temples, old houses, pagodas and the Japanese-covered Bridge to introduce an insight of Hoi An architecture/ history as well as the restoration plan being implemented by UNESCO. Free on your own to explore this ancient town and the colorful market with its stalls brimming with tropical specialties. The market is a good place to buy silk, which can be made upon into fine garments, all within a day. End the day with a drink at a river café after which you will return to your hotel.

Highlights: Moving to Hoi An and walking tour
Breakfast
Overnight in Hoi An at your selected hotel

Morning shared cooking class: Meet up with a chef at the cooking school in the old town for a brief introduction and welcome drinks. Meander through the local market with your chef to witness the sights, sounds, and smells of it. This can be a chance to learn how to select fresh produce and ingredients essential for Vietnamese cuisine. We will visit the school’s herb garden before enjoying a joining hands-on cooking class. After the lesson, sit down and eat what you have created in the lovely restaurant.

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon is at leisure at your hotel to enjoy the facility of the hotel or explore Hoi An town independently, or relax at the nearby beach.

Highlights: Cooking class and explore Hoi An ancient town
Breakfast, lunch
Overnight in Hoi An at your selected hotel

Day at leisure: Today is at leisure on beach or explores the charming tour of Hoi and surrounding area independently. Further tours and excursions can be arranged locally, including cycle in some beautiful countryside, learn the art of Vietnamese cooking, see your tailor for a second fitting or a day trip out to see the famous ruins at My Son. 

Highlights: Hoi An free day
 Breakfast
Overnight in Hoi An at your selected hotel

Morning at leisure: Morning is at leisure to explore independently and hunt for souvenirs. Afternoon, after lunch at the resort, you will check-out and transfer to Da Nang Airport for flight to Siem Reap. 

Airport ARRIVAL Assistance Service (International terminal): Upon arrival inside the arrival terminal of Siem Reap airport, please look for our Representative who will be holding the signboard with your names on it and hand the visa form, who will assist you with your visa handling through the immigration without standing in queue and heading straight out (Cambodia visa stamping fees of USD30/person is NOT included).

Once you have done immigrations and customs formalities, walk through exit gate and look for a tour guide displaying a welcome signboard with your name on it. Embark the comfortable vehicle for transfer to your hotel for check-in and spend the remainder of day at leisure.

Highlights: Fly to Siem Reap
Breakfast, lunch
Overnight in Siem Riep at your selected hotel

Full day tour of Angkor: Probably the best time to visit Angkor Wat is early in the morning, when the light is good and it is relatively quiet. Angkor Wat is visually, architecturally and artistically breathtaking. Continue your exploration with a visit to the picturesque Ta Prohm that had nearly disappeared into the jungle and remains overgrown, an oddly haunting and exotic scene. There are magnificent roots of trees, pushing between the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace, emphasizing the ‘lost city’ legend. Lunch is taken at local restaurant.

Afternoon, have a fun with tuk tuk ride to visit to Angkor Thom, it is a walled and moated royal city and was the last capital of the Angkorian Empire. After Jayavarman VII recaptured the badly damaged Angkorian capital from the Cham invaders in 1181, he began a massive building campaign across the empire, constructing Angkor Thom as his new capital city. The giant stone faces of Bayon have become one of the most recognizable images connected to classic Khmer art and architecture. There are 37 standing towers, most sporting four carved faces oriented toward the cardinal points. Further, visit to the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Leper King Terrace and Royal Place area. Have optional your choice to stop at the Pre Rup temple to catch the most popular sunset. Or optional your choice at a selected temple – will be advised our guide.

Highlights: Explore Angkor temples
Breakfast, lunch
Overnight in Siem Reap at your selected hotel

Morning tour to Conservation D’Angkor and Angkor National Museum: Morning, we visit to Conservation D’Angkor, only a kilometre from the legendary stone temples of Angkor Wat, and a short drive from your hotel, the conservation d’Angkor houses more that 6,000 pieces of priceless Khmer art. Conservation d’Angkor was originally charged with protecting all of Cambodia’s ancient Khmer artefacts and temples. Stone heads from gods and demons, carved stone Buddhas, immense Shiva lingas, and hundreds of wood statues can be found in the conservation storerooms. Only a few visitors are permitted to the Conservation d’Angkor, we are able to arrange private visits for our guests

Continue to visit Angkor National Museum which is a profound cultural landmark in Siem Reap placing in the area of 20,000 Sqm. which combined together The Museum: The world-class museum that reveals the legend of Golden Era of Khmer Kingdom, and The Museum Mall: The lifestyle landmark providing completed facilities and recreation services for both tourists and local community. During the Golden Era of Khmer Kingdom, one of the ancient civilisations of this world was being created. It is the origin of Khmer art, culture, and architecture. The Museum takes pride in revealing the royal historical path of this Golden Era of Khmer Kingdom through the state of the art multimedia technology to provide visitors a full picturesque story of the legend in an easy understanding way.

Private blessing ceremony: Return back town, enjoy a private blessing ceremony at an ancient pagoda. Located in the heart of Siem Reap town, Wat Damnak is one of the most beautiful pagodas in town with French colonial architecture reflecting its history and a large garden filled with statues. Bring candles and incense sticks to the pagoda and participate in a private good luck blessing ceremony, performed by local monks that reside at the temple. Sit on the mat while the monks chant blessings and sprinkle holy water on you – a traditional way which is believed pass on the good luck of the gods. Afterwards, a sacred thread will be tied around your wrist. This will protect you from any evil spirits or accidents. Following have lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon relax at your hotel or explore the town independently. This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel

Highlights: Siem Reap city tour
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight in Siem Reap at your selected hotel

The Tonle Sap (The Great Lake) is the flowing heart of Cambodia, giving love and life to this nation. The Tonle Sap has more fish than any other lakes in the world and is a home to an incredible variety of birds, including rare – and endangered – feathered life. Low water season is approximate from January to middle of September. Please be reminded that during low water our guests will embark and disembark in Kampong Cham, a town at the lower Mekong river in Cambodia.

We gather in the morning at our welcome lounge in Siem Reap. Relax with a drink as our staff collects your details for the boarding. Then, we bid farewell to the iconic sights of Angkor and travel over land south to the town of Kampong Cham where our ship awaits us. The transfer takes about 4.5 hours, snacks and water are provided during the trip. Upon arrival you check in to your well-prepared staterooms. A lunch buffet is served in the dining hall. Make yourself familiar with all facilities onboard and take some rest. In the afternoon we learn more about the education of the young Cambodian generation (NGO project). The children join us on board, always excited to show their skills in music and art. Be sure to be bathed in smiles upon your applause.

After the performance, we leave the ship by bus for an afternoon excursion. During low water season, we have the chance to see a bamboo bridge which connects the mainland with an island. Local communities re-build the bridge every year when water levels drop. We continue our land journey to the enchanting pre-Angkorian temple of Wat Hanchey (7th century). This small complex sits on a hill top on the shore with a breath-taking view over the Mekong. When returning to the ship, you can enjoy some private time until dinner is served in the dining hall. Our lounge cinema features selected classic movies (every night).

Highlights: Mekong river cruise
Breakfast, lunch
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

Every morning, our Tai Chi class on the sun deck will give you energy for the day ahead. Breakfast is served in the dining hall. The ship sails up towards the small Angkor Ban village on the Mekong River. The Angkor Ban village is famous for its unspoiled community and beautiful, traditional houses. It feels like being transported back a hundred years ago, into an era unaffected by modernity. Villagers are characterised by their unbridled warmth. Back on board a Monks’ blessing ceremony will deliver spirits and wishes for health and prosperity for all. Enjoy your lunch as we set sail downstream the Mekong.

In the afternoon a High Tea is offered and our staff is keen to show you the variety of traditional Khmer fashion. We arrive at the Island of Koh Oknha Tey. This spot in the middle of the Mekong owns its fame for manufacturing high class silk products. By tuk tuk we explore the island with its workshops and learn how silk is processed from its source, provided by little silkworms, to a final top quality product made of original Cambodian silk. After some additional cruising time, passing the confluence of the Mekong and Tonle Rivers, the boat achors near Kampong Chhnang. Have a fresh drink before dinner and marvel at the amazing marshlands of this beautiful area.

Highlights: Mekong river cruise
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

Wake up early to witness this spectacular scenery at the break of dawn. The morning Tai Chi class offers the perfect scenery today. Breakfast buffet is served in the dining hall. We are now in Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia’s “water world”, where everything is on sticks balanced on water rich soil. We take a local boat to the shore. By mini buses we head to a rural village nearby and go on a walking tour. Our guides introduce you to the village specialities – Khmer style pottery and the making of palm sugar. Before returning to the boat, we explore the floating villages and wetlands of the region.

Back on board lunch is served while the cruise continues with a languid meander along the Tonle River towards Kampong Tralach. Gliding through leafy swaths of this jungle-like landscape we reach Kampong Tralach. Cacophonous children wave enthusiastically while bringing their livestock for a bath in the meandering river. We will stop at the “Green School” which is partly supported by Heritage Line. See all this river life – which is so different than ours – by a local ox cart ride. After some additional cruising time the boat arrives at the pier of Phnom Penh. Feel free to have your first exploration by yourself after dinner. Stroll along the river promenade and watch the locals chit-chatting, selling odds and ends or have a drink in one of the numerous bars (kindly inform our crew once you are leaving the ship on your own).

Highlights: Mekong river cruise
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

Welcome to Phnom Penh – the once called Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. It is an amazing town with centuries of incredible history and culture which can still be felt at many street corners.

We start with a full sight-seeing tour right after breakfast. By bus we visit the Killing Fields at the outside of the city and afterwards the centrally located prison “S21”. Both historic sites display the sad and cruel chapter of Khmer history when the Khmer Rouge ruled the country with terror and supression. Those places have not changed much since this horrific time back in the early seventies and it can be quite heartbreaking. Alternatively, you can explore the city in the morning by your own before re-joining the group. We take lunch at a fine restaurant in town.

Our exploration of Phnom Penh continues on the fascinating cultural heritage of Phnom Penh. The golden edifice of the Royal Palace with its Silver Pagoda and the exceptional Khmer crafts at the National Museum are our afternoon highlights. The day trip ends with a “cyclo” ride back to the ship through the bustling streets of downtown Phnom Penh. Take some rest in your spacious cabin or join other fellow passengers at the bar for refreshing drinks before our captivating evening activities start. In the early evening a barbecue dinner on the sun deck commences.

The dinner is accompanied with an Apsara dance performance. You have to witness the brilliance and richness of this dance along with the soothing sounds of the traditional music. As the evening unwinds, enjoy your supper with a good glass of wine and marvel at the skyline of Phnom Penh, and the calming flow of the Tonle River.

Highlights: Mekong river cruise
 Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

After breakfast we gather at the lounge for a great lecture. The lounge is set up for a captivating lecture about Cambodian modern history, held by a professor of the Royal University of Phnom Penh. Definitely a highlight of this cruise receiving knowledge first hand as our lecturer has studied the subject extensively and personally. The whole afternoon is at your own arrangements.

From now on, even the last passenger will turn on his cruise mode and hopefully experience the therapeutic influence that this mighty river radiates. It is time for massages, relaxation on the sun bed, and private balcony kick-backs – it’s time to merge with the river. Some may like to visit the bridge as the captain always has a little story to share about “his” river. Float into a state of mild bliss. Before totally drifting away, do not forget lunchtime around noon.

A culinary class is offered in the afternoon to sharpen your knowledge and skills on the local cuisine. Before slumbering in a nap, join our High Tea with coffee and snacks if you like to. We reach the border and finally arrive in Vietnam. From here it is just a short distance to Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced border town with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community. We moor near the city with views on the riverbanks. Dinner will be served soon and you can join our evening cinema with another selected classic movie afterwards.

Highlights: Mekong river cruise
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the dining hall or in the quiet privacy of your balcony. Brace yourself for a tour around Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced town near the Cambodian border with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh and Khmer community. Once arrived on-shore we hop on “xelois” to explore Tan Chau. We slowly move around the streets to see all the workshops, houses and domiciles. Get to feel the laid- back vibes of this place. We stop at the colorful, local market near one of the town’s temples. This is the best time to interact with the vendors of this friendly town and make your own bargain experience. We board our local boats and cruise along floating houses until we finally reach a floating fish farm. This region is the source of a fish production that is sold all over the world. We get an exclusive insight in how fish farming works.

Back on board before lunch is served, you may like to pamper yourself with some spa treatments or take a dip into the pool on the sun deck. Our expert guides offer a presentation on the “Life on the Mekong Delta” as the ship continues to My An Hung near the Sa Dec province. Before we arrive mingle with fellow passengers and share some stories. We will set off for the My An Hung Village. In the village we receive wonderful insights into the private household of a local family. We are allowed to visit their vegetable garden and access the seasonal vegetable fields via crossing a monkey bridge. We are also invited to their house for a Vietnamese tea tasting. As the sun sets and the light bathes everything golden, we settle on a riverbank gathering with cocktails to recap the day. Back on the ship we cruise downstream the Mekong. Refresh yourself and get ready for dinner. The ship moors mid-river near Sa Dec.

Highlights: Mekong river cruise
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

In the morning we arrive the island of Binh Thanh, one of the larger islands in the vast stream of the Mekong. Some communities have settled here and make their living by growing water hyacinths. We exclusively visit one of those untouched areas. By wandering through the village we get a deep understanding of the native life. But moreover, we can follow the whole process of their traditional mat making. You can try to experience traditional handicrafts and all ear a story of this island.

Back on-board lunch is served and you have some time to leisurely spend onboard while we cruise along the Mekong. In the early afternoon we arrive in Cai Be, a charming town which is famous for its Catholic French church and their manufacturing of traditional crafts and food products. The floating market of Cai Be is getting smaller every year, since trading on the water is shifting more and more to the modern central markets. We can still see some boat to boat trading of local goods, such as fruits and agricultural products. Our guide will explain all the particulars of this long lasting trading culture. Each boat has a special marker that lets buyers know what goods they are selling. Afterwards we go on-shore to visit a workshop where we learn how rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies and rice wine is manufactured. Cai Be and its surrounding areas are covered by palm trees and hence the region is also famous for the production of coconut candies.

As the sun sets, we invites you to a farewell event. Before dinner, you can enjoy dances and music together with the crew. The ship moors at My Tho.

Highlights: Mekong river cruise
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Package 8D/7N on sharing luxurious boutique cruise ship in private cabin

Enjoy your last breakfast aboard your floating home. We will disembark the ship after breakfast and take a bus transfer from My Tho to the drop off point in Saigon. It is only around 70 kilometers on the highway. You will arrive in Saigon by mid-morning. Drop off will be at the meeting point in Saigon. Enjoy lunch restaurant at fine dining restaurant.

Afternoon guided tour of Saigon city: This afternoon visit Saigon’s historic landmark including the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France. Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, completed in 1891. A short drive away is the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American War. Continue to the War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective of the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese. Experience Saigon’s famed street coffee culture while your guide provides a brief language lesson as well as insights into daily life of a Saigonese before returning to your hotel.

Highlights: Disembarking and move to Saigon
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight in Saigon at your selected hotel

Morning tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels: After breakfast travel out of the city to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This vast network of tunnels, stretching for over 150 kilometres, was built by the Viet Cong in the battles for the South. The tunnels are a sobering insight into the dedication of the Viet Cong who virtually lived in the narrow and claustrophobic tunnels whilst the war raged. Nearby, a chilling demonstration of the traps and weapons that were used against the Americans is given. The Cu Chi tunnels have been widened in places for visitors, however they can still be dark, hot and claustrophobic inside so please bear this in mind if you do not like enclosed spaces. Then return back Saigon for lunch a local restaurant.

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon relaxes at your hotel or explore the city independently.

Farewell dinner: this evening, your family will enjoy dinner at The Deck restaurant, situated on the banks of the Saigon river, just a short 15-minute journey from the heart of Saigon City. It is also a great place to enjoy sunset and taste fantastic cocktails. Option of your choice to depart from the hotel early to enjoy the sunset before the dinner. 

Highlights: Explore Cu Chi Tunnels and special dinner
Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight in Saigon at your selected hotel

Morning at leisure: This morning is at leisure in Saigon to explore independently and hunt for souvenirs. You will have to check out of your room at noon time and then be transferred to the airport for your departure flight home. **note: check out time at your hotel is at 12:00pm

Breakfast
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