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.

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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.

 Breakfast
Overnight in Hanoi at your selected 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.

 Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Overnight on your selected boat in 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 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 Da Nang.

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

 Brunch
Overnight in Hanoi at your selected hotel

Morning private cooking class with visit Organic Farm – Tra Que Village: This morning, meet up with your chef at the cooking school in the old town for a brief introduction and a welcome drink. Travel by minivan (10 minutes) to Tra Que Organic Village, and walk through the market gardens where local farmers work their fields using the traditional methods of hundreds of years ago – no electrical machinery here. We pick fresh saw-tooth coriander and Vietnamese mint for our cooking lesson later, before trying a special herbal drink at a local home.  To the local village market and with shopping list in hand we purchase a range of local ingredients, including star anise, cardamom, sesame rice paper, water spinach and banana flower. Arriving at the cooking school, we have a chance to freshen up before beginning our class. Working together with our chef, we learn the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food from scratch. Using the freshest ingredients and traditional Vietnamese utensils (still in use today) we cook 4 famous dishes, including the national dish ‘Pho’. After the class we sit down and a chance to savour the dishes we have prepared. Leisurely cruise (25 minutes) along the Hoi An River back to central Hoi An.

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.

 Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight in Hoi An at your selected hotel

Breakfast 
Overnight in Hoi An at your selected hotel

Private transfer: This morning is at leisure at your hotel or explore independently. At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Da Nang airport in time to check in for the Vietnam Airlines flights to Cam Ranh.

Private transfer: On arrival in Cam Ranh airport, you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel in Nha Trang for check-in

Breakfast
Overnight in Nha Trang at your selected hotel

Join-in luxury day boat cruise in Nha Trang: Nha Trang is known for its fabulous sunny weather, turquoise waters and a white sandy beach stretching the entire length of the city. Depart for a day boat cruise around the Nha Trang bay for sun, sea and fun.  This morning, at 8:00 am, our driver and representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Nha Trang Port to board the Emperor Cruises Junk. On arrival at the port our Experiences Manager will welcome you with a cold drink. There will be an introduction to Nha Trang Bay, the locals, the food, the culture, the emperor, safety precautions, and the Emperor Cruises Junk. Start cruising through the spectacular landscape of Nha Trang Bay. Continue to cruise past the Tam, Mot, and Mun islands in Nha Trang Bay. Your destination is Bai Cau in Dam Bay Lagoon, near the famous diving Mun Island site where you can opt for some scuba diving. Your destination is Bai Cau in Dam Bay Lagoon, near the famous diving Mun Island site where you can opt for some scuba diving. 10h00 You arrive at our Emperor Cruises’ Secret Beach in Bai Cau where you can go snorkelling, swimming, fishing, walking and kayaking. Alternatively, just relax under the big tree, enjoying the stunning views of the Emperor Cruises’ sails against the clear blue waters of the bay. 12h00 After so much activity, you will surely be hungry. You will be served a sumptuous set lunch on board with local beers, fine wine, or premium spirits as the boat anchors near Hon Tam Island with its tranquil lagoon and fish farms. After lunch you cruise back to Nha Trang Harbor passing Vung Ngan floating village and Vinpearl Island and Tri Nguyen Aquarium, catching a glimpse of the inhabited Mieu Island. 13h30 The next destination of this afternoon is Mieu Island for a walking tour to visit the local fishing villages. Learn about the way of life away from the mainland and interact with the friendly locals while learning a little about the daily lives of the villagers. Spend a few minutes exploring the beautiful landscape by basket boat as you head over to fish farms. 15h00, you then transfer back to the mother by speedboat. Upon arrival at the port, you wil be transfered back to your hotel. Remainder of the day is free at leisure for your own exploration with shopping opportunities.

Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight in Nha Trang at your selected hotel

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

Breakfast
Overnight in Nha Trang at your selected hotel

Private transfer: This morning is at leisure until check out your hotel. This afternoon, 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.

 Breakfast
Overnight in Sai Gon 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.

Afternoon guided tour of Saigon city: This afternoon visits 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.

 Breakfast
Overnight in Sai Gon at your selected hotel

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.

Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight in Sai Gon at your selected hotel

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

Breakfast
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