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.

Road journey from Hanoi to Mai Chau: Afternoon drive to Mai Chau, a journey of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes passing fields of tapioca, sugar and rice paddies. The journey includes 1-2 short stops on way for drink and photo opportunities. Arrive in Mai Chau late afternoon. Mai Chau is an idyllic valley home to many hill tribes including the Dzao, Muong and Thai.

Evening attends traditional Thai dance show: This evening, you may want to attend a traditional dance show. The Thai are well known for their folk dances in traditional costumes. Be mesmerised by the traditional dances performed by the Thai villagers. A brief explanation of each dance is given before the start which states what the dance symbolizes in their culture. Listen quietly and watch the magic. What’s more attractive than watching a folk-dance performance while taste the local rice wine. Surely, you can join and these ladies will lead your steps.

Highlights: Hanoi city and move to Mai Chau valley
Breakfast
Overnight in Mai Chau at your selected hotel

Guided trekking around Mai Chau: Today you have a guide at your disposal to do some trekking. There are many great trekking routes possible in the hills around Mai Chau and you can discuss what the right length and difficulty is for you with your guide (such as Hike to Mai Ha, Te, Khoe village), strolling through local villages and evergreen rice paddies. This nature work out will allow you to experience all that is going on in the fields as you pass by – from buffaloes ploughing to locals planting or harvesting the latest rice crop.

Afternoon guided tour of Mai Chau valley: This afternoon, you will enjoy a leisurely two hours cycling tour on local bikes through the beautiful valley of Mai Chau. Through your guide, engage in a chat with local hill tribe people to learn about their daily lives such as planting rice, herding buffalos and building traditional houses.

Highlights: Explore Mai Chau valley
Breakfast
Overnight in Mai Chau at your selected hotel

Morning at leisure or explore more Mai Chau: This morning you have time to relax at the hotel to enjoy facilities or your guide at your disposal to do some trekking or explore the local area independently. There are many great trekking routes possible in the hills around Mai Chau, or strolling through remote villages, passing local cornfields, bamboo forests, paddy fields and waterfall. You also have an opportunity to visit a local house and listen to their stories about their daily life, their customs and traditions in an ethnic village.

Road journey from Mai Chau to Hanoi: At the approximated time, travel back by road back to Hanoi, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Arrive in Hanoi, check-in your hotel and remainder of the day is at leisure. Stroll around the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, go shopping in the Old Quarter.

Highlights: Drive back to Hanoi
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 Halong 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 and Dinner
Sharing on your selected boat in Ha Long/Lan Ha Bay

Second day on Ha Long/ Lan Ha Bay: This morning, there is the option to wake early to enjoy sunrise. We will have another fabulous day cruising to some of Ha Long or 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. After breakfast, embark on an authentic short adventure, you will transition from the mother boat to a local boutique day boat for a memorable voyage. Explore the highlights of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, including swimming and kayaking, and take a leisurely stroll through charming rustic villages to admire the residents’ picturesque homes. This unique opportunity offers an immersive experience where you can temporarily step away from luxury to engage in the life of local fishermen. Venture deeper into the bay to interact with its peaceful beauty and calm, embracing a simpler and more authentic lifestyle.

Mid-afternoon, return back the mother boat, your chef is ready and prepared for Vietnamese Cooking Demonstration in restaurant or on sundeck. Enjoy a fine-dining experience in the main restaurant. Welcome the night at the bar on the top deck, or try squid fishing. The bars are open late.

Highlights: Overnight on bay, trekking, kayaking
Breakfast, Lunch, and 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 back to Hanoi: Travel back by road to Hanoi with sightseeing en route, a journey of approximately 3 hours. 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 in Hoi An for the night.

Highlights: Tai Chi on board and fly to Da Nang
Brunch
Overnight in Hoi An at your selected hotel

Morning cooking class: This morning, meet up with your chef at the cooking School in the old town for a brief introduction and a welcome drink. Meander through Hoi An’s central market with your chef to enjoy the sights, sounds and aromas. This is your chance to learn about 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.

Mid afternoon Hoi An walking tour: After some time at leisure in the afternoon, you will enjoy a walking tour of the ancient town centre 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: Cooking class and walking tour
Breakfast and Lunch
Overnight in Hoi An at your selected hotel

Train journey from Da Nang to Quy Nhon: This morning, you will be transferred to Da Nang train station in time to embark on unforgettable railway adventures through the lush landscapes and spectacular scenery of Central Vietnam aboard The Vietage by Anantara luxury railway carriages. You will be booked in a private booth with air-conditioning. The train will depart from Da Nang this morning around 8.10am and will arrive in Quy Nhon at 2.00pm. On the train you will have exclusive use of a private booth with two comfortable seats. Selected free-flow drinks and lunch are included during the journey.

Road journey from Dieu Tri Railway Station to resort: Disembarking your train at Dieu Tri Railway Station in Qui Nhon, where you will meet your driver to continue transfer to your resort. Check in your hotel and relaxation.

Highlights: Moving to Quy Nhon or Phu Yen
Breakfast
Overnight in Quy Nhon or Phu Yen at your selected hotel

Days at leisure: You will have 5 days and 4 nights at beach resort to relax on the intact beach with white sand, golden sun and turquoise water. Activities can be arranged by your hotel including a water sports, trekking, cultural visits to nearby villages and other recreational activities.

Highlights: Free day on beach
Breakfast
Overnight in Quy Nhon or Phu Yen at your selected hotel

Road journey from Phu Yen to Quy Nhon: This morning, you have last minute time to relax on the beach. You will check out of your resort at noon time and then be transferred back to Quy Nhon Airport for the flight to Saigon.

Private transfer: On arrival, you will be transferred you to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.

Highlights: Fly to Saigon
Breakfast
Overnight in Saigon at your selected hotel

Morning guided tour to Cu Chi Tunnels by roundtrip speedboat: You will be transferred to Bach Dang jetty and then board on the chartered speedboat boat to the Cu Chi tunnels. This river journey provides a glimpse of the changing faces of Vietnam – from the glittering skyscrapers and busy commercial centre to green paddy fields and pottery villages dotted along the Saigon River. The tunnel complex was initially started in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. The tunnels also served as communication routes, storage facilities for food and weapon caches as well as hospitals and living quarters for guerrilla fighters throughout the American war. A visit to the underground villages will provide a better understanding of how the tunnels were constructed, the hardship of life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese resilience during combat. Then get on back the speedboat to bring you back to Saigon.

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

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, whilst 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: Cu Chi tunnels and street food tour
Breakfast and 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

Highlights: Ends of your trip in Vietnam
Breakfast

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