Welcome to Hanoi/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.

Hightlights: Arrival and welcome
None
SLa Siesta Premium Hang Be hotel/Deluxe room

Remark:  Some museums & Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi will be closed on Mondays and Fridays

City tour today is not included visiting inside the Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum.

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 street food tour of Hanoi: This afternoon, your guide will take you 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.

Hightlights: Hanoi city tour with cyclo ride and street food tour
Breakfast and Dinner
La Siesta Premium Hang Be hotel/Deluxe room

Private transfer to Ha Long: This morning, you will be picked up from the hotel by your driver & guide. You will then drive to Ha Long via highway, drive takes approx. 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Overnight Lan Ha Bay Cruise on Lan Ha Indochine Sails: The Indochine Sails will be new vessel cruising the Lan Ha Bay, which is a tranquil part of the famous Halong Bay in Vietnam. Indochine Sails has 43 large suites, all naturally light-flooded and with well-sized balcony. The junk has three decks. The interior design of room, spacious lounge, restaurant, bar, Terrace Deck & Jacuzzi Pool and Large Spa facilities… are well decorated with handmade cultural products from different regions of Indochina, which brings you the unique stay with Indochine Oriental style. It is designed perfectly in inspiration of Indochinese-Vietnamese style with contemporary accents. All activities arranged by the cruise are on a shared basis. This cruise runs through very less touristy’s areas in Lan Ha Bay, one of the new wonders of nature so guests will feel very great when seeing the bay, taking photos or relaxing on the sundeck. Enjoy a welcome drink upon boarding while being acquainted with the facilities on board during the welcome briefing. We enjoy international buffet lunch while cruising to Cat Ba Island. Massage service is available after lunch and throughout the cruise. Please book in advance with your Cruise Manager. Mid-afternoon, we arrive at a quiet area Lan Ha Bay. Passengers take the quick transfer by speedboat Cat Ba Island and we do short excursion to Viet Hai village where we take a stroll around the idyllic enclave and see the fabulously rustic homes of the locals. We then take our bicycles or electric car onto village paths and head into some of the lush greenery for which Cat Ba Island is known. Return to the Indochine Sails for sunset on the top deck or attend the cooking demonstration led by our Head Chef or relax with Massage and Spa treatment, always available upon request. Set Menu Dinner is served on restaurant. We arrive at a tranquil anchor spot for the night. A hidden place to reminisce on the day’s adventures and enjoy cocktails under the stars or try your luck at squid fishing onboard with help from the crew or enjoying the show of squid catching by high-tech light machine system.

Hightlights: Overnight on bay, swimming
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sharing Indochine cruise/Junior Suite cabin

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 the Dark and Bright (also known as Bat Cave) grotto is not only known for the stunning limestone structure at every turn but also for the interesting natural habitat. The best way to explore this cave is doing kayaking or bamboo sampan drive by local people through the tunnel so you will spend mostly your time relaxing and enjoy the quiet and natural place (This is the UNESCO Heritage site and also the nature reserve area of Cat Ba National Park). Return to the Indochine Cruise. Guests will have 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing. Please collect all of your belongings from the cabins and leave heavy luggage outside the cabins. Enjoy the breakfast buffet in the dining room, consisting of both Vietnamese and international dishes. Bills are settled after breakfast. We approach the harbour while we cruise, giving you the opportunity to soak up the last of the magical atmosphere of Lan Ha from the sundeck. Disembark the junk late this morning. It’s time to say goodbye to the crew and be transferred to Hanoi.

Road journey from Ha Long back to Hanoi: Travel back by road to Hanoi, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Arrive in Hanoi, be transferred to the airport in time to check in for the Vietnam Airlines flight to Hue.

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

Hightlights: Tai Chi on board and fly to Hue
Brunch
Saigon Morin Hue Hotel/Deluxe room

Morning 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.

Tea-break and visit Ben Xuan residence: Following, we will visit a special residence in Hue where you can learn from the family members how they bring the essence of the Royal ambiance and culture into their home. Ben Xuan is built in royal architectural style, located on the most beautiful site of the Perfume River, and conceptually designed as an East West cultural meeting place. Ben Xuan’s owners, Camille Huen (Artist) and Truong Dinh Ngo (retired Swiss UBS Banker), both of them native of Hue and having lived for more than forty years in Germany, France, and Switzerland, will welcome you personally for tea-break and possible interaction to learn more about Hue cultural.

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 (meaning Pass of the Ocean Clouds). 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.  Then, continue transfer to Hoi An and check in your hotel and relaxation.

Hightlights: Moving to Hoi An and walking tour
Breakfast
Vinh Hung Riverside resort/Superior room

Hightlights: Private cooking class
Breakfast & Lunch
Vinh Hung Riverside resort/Superior room

Private transfer: This morning you will be pick up at your resort by your guide and then be transferred to the airport for the flight to Saigon.

Afternoon tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels: This afternoon, your guide and driver will transfer you 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.

Explore Saigon nightlife by vintage Vespa motorbike, including all food and drinks (starts at 18.00pm & finish at 22.00pm): 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

Hightlights: Move to Saigon
Breakfast
Grand Saigon hotel/Deluxe room

Private transfer: Today 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.

Hightlights: Ends of your trip in Vietnam
Breakfast