Welcome to Vietnam!

Meet & greet: Upon arrival at airport, you will be welcomed to Vietnam by your private English-speaking guide, and then transferred to your hotel. Early check-in at your hotel is subject to availability on arrival.

Suggested evening Water Puppet show: Water Puppetry is a traditional and unique Vietnamese Art. This highly entertaining form of theatre uses the water surface as stage. Standing waist-deep in the water, the master puppeteers are hidden behind a bamboo screen. The technical virtuosity of the puppeteers is startling and the music enticing. The entire atmosphere is truly enchanting. Many of the brief episodes relate to scenes of the daily life. (The water puppet show is not included in your itinerary but can be arranged by your guide and paid for locally).

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 Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, a relic complex associated with the history of Thang Long – Dong Kinh citadel and Hanoi province starting from the pre-Thang Long period (An Nam invaded in 17th century) through Dinh – Tien Le period. thriving under the Ly, Tran, Le dynasties and Hanoi citadel under the Nguyen dynasty.This is a huge architectural work, built by the kings in many historical periods and became the most important monument in the system of Vietnamese monuments. 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 in Hanoi: This afternoon you have time at leisure to explore the Vietnamese capital independently. Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, go shopping in the Old Quarter, and sample some of Hanoi’s many culinary delights for dinner.

Highlights: Hanoi city tour with cyclo ride
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 Ha Long cruise: You will arrive in Ha Long around midday, where you will board your deluxe junk where a welcome drink awaits. After a relaxing break, enjoy a delicious seafood lunch while cruising through the magical bay, where thousands of sculpted limestone islands rise from the waters like dragons’ teeth. All activities arranged by the cruise are on a shared basis. After lunch you will explore some of Ha Long Bay’s famous caves and grottos. There will also be the opportunity for swimming on a quiet beach or sunbathing on the sundeck. In the late afternoon there will be an excursion to a local fishing village, and a water tunnel. Return to the boat in time for a pre-dinner drink as the sun is setting. Please note that the cruise itinerary is subject to alteration dependent on sailing conditions.

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

Morning’s Cruise: Enjoy an early start with Tai Chi on the sundeck, otherwise sleep in until breakfast is served. This morning, you will visit Thien Canh Son Cave – the medium size and less visited cave in Bai Tu Long Bay. After seeing these amazing rock formations return to the quay at Hon Gai in the mid-morning, whilst brunch is served on board. Disembark the junk late this morning.

Road journey from Ha Long to Ninh Binh: After disembarking, travel back by road to Ninh Binh, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Arrive in Ninh Binh, check-in your resort and relaxation.

Highlights: Disembarking and move to Ninh Binh
Breakfast
Overnight in Ninh Binh at your selected hotel

Guided tour of the Cuc Phuong National Park: After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the nearby Cuc Phuong National Park, the most important site for biodiversity in Vietnam, is an area of limestone hills covered with large tracts of primeval rainforest. The forest contains almost 2,000 species of trees and amongst them lives some amazing and rare animals including the Clouded leopard, Delacour’s Langur, Owston’s Civet, Otters and Asian Black Bears. Upon arrival, visit the Rescue Centre to see and learn how endangered species are conserved. We will also visit the Turtle Conservation Center where are kept 20 species of turtle and tortoises for rescue and conservation.

Afterwards, have lunch in a local restaurant at park headquarters. Lunch is taken at a local restaurant at park headquarters. Afterwards, enjoy an exciting trekking (about 5km) through the diverse flora and fauna and picturesque scenery of the oldest forest. If you are lucky, as you trek through the jungle, you will see a wide range of tropical plants, unusual insects and a few wild mammals. At the centre of the forest is a 1000-year-old tree which is considered to house the spirit of Cuc Phuong. After visit, head back to the entrance and drive back to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

***What to bring: Boots/sport shoes, headlights, camera, hat, insect repellent. It’s suitable for visitors to explore the park in almost time of the year, except rainy season from June to September.

Highlights: Day trip to Cuc Phuong National Park
Breakfast
Overnight in Ninh Binh at your selected hotel

Guided tour of Ninh Binh: This morning you have time to relax at the hotel to enjoy facilities or your guide at your disposal to do some trekking, cycling or explore the local area independently. With an area of nearly 3000 ha this is the largest wetland reserve of Northern Vietnam and one of its most important protected areas. Depending on your preference, you may also be able to take a boat on Van Long to visit some caves, you will take a sampan ride to Tam Coc which is called “Halong on land”, as it has the same limestone rock formations but is surrounded by paddy fields and streams rather than the sea. After the sightseeing return back your resort for freshen up before check-out. Lunch is at your own arrangement.

Road journey from Ninh Binh back to Hanoi: At the approximated time, travel back by road to Hanoi, a journey of approximately 2 hours. Arrive in Hanoi, be transferred to the airport in time to check in for the flight to Da Nang.

Private transfer: Upon arrival, you will be met your guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel in Hoi An for the night.

Highlights: Fly to Da Nang
Breakfast
Overnight in Hoi An at your selected hotel

Guided cycling tour to countryside of Hoi An and cooking class at Kumquat: After breakfast, around 08.00am depart the resort to Hoi An to enjoy a soft cycling tour to Hoi An’s countryside. Our ride begins by exploring the hidden passageways and winding alleyways of Hoi An, stopping to photograph the iconic Japanese bridge. Crossing first the canal bridge near the night market we continue to the new metal bike bridge connecting Hoi An proper and its southern villages. We continue riding to one of Hoi An’s most beautiful villages. Next, we pedal past rice fields and vegetable farms along small canals and waterways towards a boat building site. Next, we pedal past rice fields and head to Tra Que vegetable village, which is named after a sweet-scented herb they grow and use to spice up Hoi An specialties. Upon arrival, learn about the history and custom of this charming village. Learn the traditional gardening methods and how they cultivate the vegetables.

Arriving at Kumquat Cooking class restaurant, where we have a chance to freshen up before joining our cooking class. Working together with your chef we learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional Vietnamese utensils. After the class we sit down and a chance to savour the dishes we have prepared. Recipes from the class will be made available to you so you can recreate them at home. After lunch, take a short ride through alleyways back to ancient town. On the way back, we will visit to local shops selling handmade lanterns, leather, jewellery and textiles. Then, take a walk to local coffee in Hoi An town (near the riverbank) to try a local coffee or local fruit/ice-cream. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the charming tour of Hoi and surrounding area independently.

Highlights: Cycling tour and private cooking class
Breakfast and lunch
Overnight in Hoi An at your selected hotel

Morning guided tour to My Son Sanctuary: Considered one of the best-preserved Cham centers in Vietnam, My Son is the former capital of the ancient Cham civilisation that ruled Central Vietnam from the 2nd to the 13th century. The one-hour drive in the morning will bring you to My Son where there are 20 monuments still standing today, set in a verdant valley surrounded by hills and overlooked by massive Cat’s Tooth Mountain. Stroll around the temple complex to learn about the Cham culture, architecture and civilisation before coming back to Hoi An before noon.

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon is time at leisure to relax at your hotel or explore the charming tour of Hoi An and surrounding area independently or relax at the nearby beach.

Highlights: My Son Sanctuary
Breakfast
Overnight in Hoi An at your selected hotel

Private transfer: This morning is at leisure until check-out of the hotel. Then you will be pick up at the resort by your guide and then be transferred to the airport for the flight to Can Tho.

Private transfer: Upon arrival in Can Tho, meet with your guide and transfer to a hotel for check in. Balance of the day is at leisure.

Highlights: Fly to Can Tho
Breakfast
Overnight in Can Tho at your selected hotel

Morning visit to floating market: This morning departs by road to a nearby dock, and board a sampan boat to explore Cai Rang, the largest floating market on the Mekong. The seemingly chaotic gathering is mostly large boats wholesaling vegetables and fruit, but there are also local traders selling groceries to the larger boats. After visiting the floating market, you have the option to visit a noodle making facility and local fruit orchard or return to the hotel to rest.

Afternoon visit countryside of Can Tho: enjoy journey through the enchanting Mekong Delta and discover historic sites religious landmarks and uncover the juxtaposition of French colonial and Chinese inspired architecture. Start the getaway at Binh Thuy Ancient House and observe the harmonious combination between French colonial and Southern Vietnamese architecture. Following we will visit lush green orchards and enjoy sweet and fragrant fruits and kids will also have chance to make traditional folk cakes in Mekong. We will cruise down the Hau River to bring you to the model of rafting fish farming on the river. You will learn about many rare and typical fish on the Mekong River here.

Highlights: Floating market and countryside
Breakfast
Overnight in Can Tho at your selected hotel

Morning at leisure: This morning, you have time to relax at your resort to enjoy facilities of the resort.

Road journey from Can Tho to Saigon: At approximated time today, check out hotel and travel back by road to Saigon, a journey of approximately 2 hours and half, depending on traffic conditions. Arrive in Saigon, you will be transferred to your hotel for check in and relaxation.

Explore Saigon nightlife by vintage Vespa motorbike: This evening, you will be picked up at your hotel to enjoy a fun tour with a local guide on the back of a vintage Vespa motorbike. You will be briefed of tour program and learn more about the nightlife in Saigon. The evening kicks off with drinks at a rooftop bar, while enjoying views over the Saigon skyline! Then your expert driver will take you through the city, weaving through the buzzing thoroughfares of Saigon as well as narrow back alleys.

Sitting on the back of the Vespas, you’ll be able to soak it all in: the glittering illuminated sites, the smells of streetside food stalls, the sounds of the city and more. The tour includes stops at a mix of venues, giving you the opportunity to experience a truly local night out. We take you to two popular restaurants where you’ll sample several beloved Saigon dishes, all washed down with a cold drink. After dinner, you’ll also kick back at a Vietnamese-style cafe, enjoying live music while sipping a beer or cocktail. You then have the option of returning back to your hotel to relax, or continuing the night wraps up at a lively music bar where you can groove to the tunes alongside the hip young Vietnamese crowd. If the latter you will end the trip at around 10.00pm and your Vespa driver will bring you back the hotel for the night. All food and drinks are included- all you need to bring is your appetite and sense of adventure.

Highlights: Drive back to Saigon
Breakfast
Overnight in Saigon at your selected hotel

Morning guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels: 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.

Afternoon at leisure: This afternoon is at leisure in Saigon to explore independently and hunt for souvenirs.

Highlights: Cu Chi Tunnels
Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight in Saigon at your selected hotel

Road journey from Saigon to Nam Cat Tien: This morning, depart Saigon and travel north along Highway, a journey will take about 3 hours. Cross the Dong Nai River and enter the Cat Tien National Park, where your wildlife experience begins. Welcome drink, check in and shown to your room.

Afternoon visit to the Endangered Primate Centre: Located on a picturesque river island the Dao Tien Endangered Primate Species Centre aims to rehabilitate primates and when appropriate release pairs back into the forests of Cat Tien National Park. Founded and supported by Monkey World in Dorset, this centre is run by the Endangered Asian Species Trust (EAST), and provides a home for gibbon, duoc and loris rescued from traders and traffickers in Vietnam.

Night Safari: After dinner there will be a night drive using a spotlight to view nocturnal wildlife. That night, a jeep equipped with a spot light will take you night spotting. Typical wildlife that can be seen includes deer, civet, guar, mongoose, macaque, snakes and other small animals.

***What to bring: Boots/sport shoes, headlights, camera, hat, insect repellent. It’s suitable for visitors to explore the park in almost time of the year, except rainy season from June to October

Highlights: Move to Nam Cat Tien National Park
Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight in Nam Cat Tien at your selected hotel

Dawn forest trek in Nam Cat Tien: Early this morning takes a gentle trek through Nam Cat Tien Forest. For a more challenging excursion this morning there is the option of joining a Wild Gibbon Trek which starts before dawn to track the singing gibbons through the forest until finding a position to observe their daily rituals. After the excursion, return to the lodge in time for late breakfast (or you can ask the lodge to prepare a boxed breakfast in advance so that you can enjoy breakfast in the forest) and at leisure.

Afternoon bird watching in Nam Cat Tien: This afternoon, you will depart the lodge and head out for a birding tour with your expert guide or relax at your lodge or take bicycle to ride surrounding villages. Should you prefer a break from avian life a range of other activities could be included for this afternoon. Return to the lodge late afternoon. Dinner is at the lodge.

Highlights: Dawn forest trekking
Breakfast and Dinner
Overnight in Nam Cat Tien at your selected hotel

Road journey from Nam Cat Tien to Phan Thiet: This morning is at leisure until check-out of your resort, then you will be pick up at your resort by your guide and travel back by road to Phan Thiet, a journey of approximately 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. On arrival, check into your hotel and relaxation.

Highlights: Drive to Phan Thiet
Breakfast
Overnight in Phan Thiet at your selected hotel

Day at leisure: Free day to relax on beach. Activities can be arranged by your hotel including a water sports and other recreational activities.

Highlights: Free day on beach
Breakfast
Overnight in Phan Thiet at your selected hotel

Road journey from Phan Thiet to Saigon: This morning is at leisure until check-out of your resort, then you will be pick up at your resort by your guide and travel back by road to Saigon, a journey of approximately 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Arrive in Saigon, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight home.

Highlights: Ends of your trip in Vietnam
Breakfast