Day 1
Arrive in Hanoi
Experience the captivating charm of Vietnam and the genuine hospitality of its people. Upon arrival, head to your hotel and later, join your Travel Director and fellow explorers for a Welcome Reception. Enjoy drinks and a selection of local appetizers, setting the stage for your enchanting journey through this mesmerizing country.
Accommodation: Melia Hanoi or similar
Day 2
Hanoi
This morning, explore the legacy of Vietnam's independence leader, starting with the grand Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Nearby, visit his stilt house, delving into the life of Vietnam's revered figure. Then, discover the Temple of Literature, Hanoi's ancient educational site. Later, experience a vibrant cycle tour through the bustling Old Quarter. Spend the evening relaxing or enjoy an optional traditional water puppetry show, depicting Vietnamese daily life.
Accommodation: Melia Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3
Hanoi- Halong Bay
Escape Hanoi's bustle for Halong Bay's calm, boarding a traditional Vietnamese Junk boat. Marvel at limestone karsts and islets during a leisurely cruise, enjoying a Vietnamese buffet lunch. Visit a pearl fishery to learn about pearl crafting. Weather allowing, explore Ti Top beach for views or relaxation. Later, join a cooking class on the Junk, witness a captivating sunset, dine, and spend a tranquil night in this UNESCO-listed haven.
Accommodation: Pelican Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Halong Bay- Hoi An
Start your day with the serene practice of T’ai Chi, a local tradition. Post-breakfast, explore Sung Sot Cave's stunning formations. Enjoy final bay views from the sundeck as you cruise to the wharf. Afterward, drive to Hanoi Airport for your flight to Danang. Arrive in Hoi An, where your evening is free to relax at your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5
Hoi An
This morning, immerse yourself in Hoi An's ancient town through a walking tour. Experience its timeless allure with narrow lanes, vibrant markets, and historic temples. Explore old merchant houses and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. Visit Thanh Dong Organic Village, aiding farmers and understanding their routines. Unwind with a soothing foot massage, then enjoy a leisurely evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 6
Hoi An
This morning offers free time to delve deeper into Hoi An or unwind at your hotel. In the afternoon, choose between crafting a vibrant lantern, believed to bring luck and happiness, or experience life as a local fisherman, weather permitting. Create a personal souvenir or try your hand at fishing—the decision is yours.
Accommodation: Hotel Royal Hoi An or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7
Hoi An- Hue
Experience Vietnamese culinary arts with a boat trip to Red Bridge Cooking School, where you'll learn and enjoy traditional cooking. After lunch, travel over Hai Van Pass to Red Beach, a significant site in American-Vietnamese war history. Visit Danang's Cham Museum, then head to Hue, Vietnam's ancient imperial capital, for the night.
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Hue or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8
Hue
Explore Hue's bustling streets via cyclo, heading to the UNESCO-listed Imperial Citadel, the Nguyen emperors' former residence. Visit Thien Mu Pagoda, a well-preserved religious site, then embark on a dragon boat cruise along the Perfume River. Enjoy a Be My Guest lunch at the former Princess Ngoc Son's house, meeting a family member. Spend the afternoon at leisure or opt for an additional experience.
Accommodation: Imperial Hotel Hue or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Be My Guest Experience
Day 9
Hue- Ho Chi Minh City
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City for leisure time and lunch at Mai Sen, where your visit aids vocational education in hospitality for those in poverty. Then, explore iconic sights on a Dong Khoi Street walking tour, seeing the Opera House and Hotel de Ville. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel-designed Post Office, followed by the War Remnants Museum for local war perspectives. End at Ben Thanh market, a historic landmark, before reaching your hotel.
Accommodation: Sofitel Saigon Plaza Ho Chi Minh City or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10
Ho Chi Minh City
Today's adventure leads to Cai Be in the Mekong Delta, starting with a visit to a well-preserved 19th-century family home. Then, board a traditional sampan boat, weaving through narrow canals to the distinctive Cai Be floating market, where vendors display goods on bamboo poles. Enjoy a home-hosted lunch featuring Mekong Delta delicacies before returning to Ho Chi Minh City for a free evening.
Accommodation: Sofitel Saigon Plaza Ho Chi Minh City or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11
Ho Chi Minh City
Explore Vietnam's past at the Cu Chi Tunnels with a Viet Cong veteran, uncovering this vast subterranean network that sheltered guerrillas and included living spaces, hospitals, and supplies. After, speedboat back to Ho Chi Minh City, enjoying free time. Later, visit the home of ex-American Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge from the 1960s, concluding with a Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation: Sofitel Saigon Plaza Ho Chi Minh City or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day 12
Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Your journey in Vietnam comes to a close, your transfer will take you to your onward flight.
Meals Included: Breakfast
