Welcome to 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 your names on it and will assist you with your visa handling through the immigration without standing in queue and heading straight out (Vietnam visa and stamping fees are 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 balance of the day is free at leisure for your relaxation. Early check-in at your hotel is subject to availability on arrival.

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.

Late afternoon street food tour of Hanoi: After some time at leisure in the afternoon, you will be met at your hotel by a senior member of the Hanoi Gastronomy Club and taken on a street food tour of Hanoi. Wander about the Old Quarter streets to enjoy aromas from local street food stalls. The first stop will be made at Ly Quoc Su Street to taste the pan fried “Banh Goi” which is made of mashed rice, pork, and vermicelli served with vegetables and bean sprouts. Continue to Hang Manh Street where you will have a chance to taste fantastic “Bun Cha”, a Hanoi noodle soup, which is served with fried “Nem”, or spring-rolls filled with pork or crab. After this snack, a short stroll to Hang Da market will allow you to try some assorted sweet fried fruits “O Mai”. End the trip with dinner at a well-known rustic restaurant – Cha Ca La Vong. There is only one dish – grilled fish fillets, smothered in dill and saffron-infused oil, served straight from the frying pan onto your plate. Please note that the detail of this tour is flexible and your guide may make changes to give you the best experience depending on the day. End the day with the local favorite, egg coffee, or perhaps a chilled beer or local fresh beer on street after which you will return to your hotel.

Private transfer to Hai Phong: This morning (at approximate 09.30am to 10.00am) you will be picked up from the hotel by your driver & guide. You will then drive to Hai Phong via Ha Noi- Hai Phong new highway, drive takes approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. The road is in good condition but no Rest Stops are available currently.

Overnight Lan Ha Bay 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, taking photos or relaxing on the sundeck. You will arrive in Hai Phong 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 our 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, socialize 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.

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.

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.

Home hosted Lunch at Royal family: Today, enjoy home hosted lunch in a restored royal house where you can learn from the family members how they bring the essence of the Royal ambiance and culture into their home.

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

Road journey from Hue to Hoi An: This afternoon, you will be driven south, along highway 1, to Hoi An, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Soon the highway meets the Hai Van Pass. There are some spectacular vista points and photo opportunities en-route as the Truong Son mountain range cuts across the narrow centre of the country. The mountain range has created a barrier to the cold airstreams from the north which often results in thick cloudbanks over the peaks. The pass has been a strategic military focal point during Vietnam’s turbulent history and from the top there are views of the curve of Danang Bay. Arrive in Da Nang, we 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.

Morning guided tour of My Son: Today you will visit the ruins at My Son, a half day trip with visit to the capital and religious centre of the former Champa Kingdom. Here, 40km southwest of Hoi An, in a lush green valley, are dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries. The Sanctuary there is a large complex of religious sites that comprises more than 70 architectural works. They include temples and towers that connect to each other with complicated red brick designs. The main component of the Cham architectural design is the tower, built to reflect the divinity of the king. After time to explore the ruins, you will return to Hoi An at noon time.

Afternoon at leisure: this afternoon is at leisure to explore the charming tour of Hoi and surrounding area independently or relax at the nearby beach.

Day at leisure: Today is at leisure to explore the charming tour of Hoi and surrounding area independently or relax at the nearby beach. Tours and excursions can be arranged locally, including cycle in some beautiful countryside or see your tailor for a second fitting.

Private transfer: This morning you will be met by your driver and transferred to the airport for your flight to Saigon.

Private transfer: On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city.

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.

Guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Holy See: Enjoy a morning drive through typical southern Vietnamese countryside to Cu Chi district you will experience the underground tunnels of Cu Chi which were created by Viet Cong guerrilla fighters, during the long long years of wars with America. After seeing this fascinating ‘war memorial’ drive for another hour and half towards Tay Ninh where you will visit the incredible Cao Dai Great Temple. This famous temple is a marked contrast to the Cu Chi Tunnels and has architecture that could have come straight from a Walt Disney fantasy and offers a place where all the major faiths of the world blend together in a unique religious cocktail. Lunch will be taken in a simple restaurant nearby and you will then drive back to Saigon in afternoon (arrive in Saigon at around 16:30PM, depending on traffic conditions).

Full day tour to the Mekong Delta/Cai Lay (starts at 08.00am & finish at 17.00pm): The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s ‘rice bowl’ – a fertile region of flat farmland interlaced with thousands of waterways and tributaries of the Mekong, known locally as Cuu Long, the river of Nine Dragons. The delta’s waters are interspersed with rice fields and isolated villages accessible only by boat. This morning you will be met at your hotel and head two hours southwest of Saigon and along the way notice lush rice paddies and fruit farms emerging alongside the highway. Upon arrival in Cai Lay, board a charming wooden boat to enjoy countryside scenery and river life. Stretch your legs a bit and hop on a local bicycle for a pleasant ride of about 7km on easy, level terrain along narrow, shaded village lanes. Locals will often greet you with a hello or ‘Xin Chao’ as you pedal by. Arrive at the home of a tropical fruit farmer and have a walk with him around his orchard, enjoying the opportunity to taste fresh fruits picked right from the trees. Then relax and enjoy the view from a small sampan boat as you are paddled slowly along idyllic canals. Disembark and continue your ride to a local home for a home-hosted lunch of Mekong Delta specialities. After lunch, you will be driven back to Saigon for the rest day at leisure.

Morning at leisure: Morning is at leisure in Saigon to explore independently and hunt for souvenirs until check out of your room.

Private transfer: At the appropriate time, today you will be collected from your hotel by your guide, and transferred to the airport in time for your onward flight.
**note: check out time at your hotel is at 12:00pm