Vietnam Highlights

Our journey starts with a full-day tour of discovering the city, especially the iconic landmarks. Begin at Ba Dinh Square, where you will appreciate the imposing facade of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the revered resting site of revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh where the nation’s founder’s body is preserved (closed on Monday, Friday and through October-November). Explore the traditional stilt houses around the city, showcasing a unique architectural style, allowing for ventilation and protection from flooding in the city’s historic neighborhoods.

Afterward, visit the One-Pillar Pagoda which was built in 1049, and is famous for its lotus shape, the pagoda stands as a symbol of devotion and resilience. Venture to West Lake (Tay Ho), a tranquil oasis in contrast to the bustling city center. Delight in the serene ambience, adorn with embassies, trendy coffee shops, and locals engaging in morning exercises. Visiting the ancient Tran Quoc Pagoda, situated on a peaceful peninsula and considered one of the oldest pagodas in Hanoi. After lunch, you will journey to the renowned Temple of Literature (Van Mieu)-Vietnam’s first university, exclusive for princes and mandarins.

Then, meander through the historic Old Quarter and the enchanting surroundings of Sword Lake. Pause at the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple, perched on an island in the middle of the lake. Experience the rich cultural heritage and serene charm of Hanoi’s iconic landmarks on this unforgettable journey. Take a one-hour cycle tour of the Old Quarter of Hanoi with its ancient streets representing traditional trade from the past. Our tour finish with a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show in Thang Long Opera Theatre.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Hanoi

The day starts with a transfer from Hanoi's Old Quarter to breathtaking Halong Bay. The transfer is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. You may stop on the way to appreciate the local scenery. Upon arrival to the port, you'll take a speedboat transfer to your cruise.

Welcome aboard!

Embark on your cruise and enjoy a welcome cocktail followed by an introduction. Boarding time is at approximately 12:15 PM.

Arrive in Ha Long City at 11:30 AM and check in aboard the booked junk when your journey across Ha Long Bay starts. Ha Long Bay means Descending Dragon Bay in Vietnamese as legend has it that it was where a holly dragon landed down from the sky. The bay, famous as one of the world’s wonders and heritage sites whose formation dates back 500 million years, consists of around 2,000 karst islands and islets scattered over an area of 1,553 km2.

After lunch, take a short trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay dotted with golden sails, go swimming on a quiet beach or sunbathe on the sundeck. Later in the afternoon, you will visit an interesting fishing village with an opportunity to interact with local people who have been living in the bay for almost three generations. An optional kayaking trip is available weather permitting. Back onboard enjoy a lavish dinner and enjoy the bay view at sunset. Enjoy a nice relaxing swim in the emerald water and try your hand at kayaking here, which allows you to explore the karst rock formations up close.

Tonight is also a great night to chill out with the ship's "Enjoy the Happy Hour (buy 1 get 1) at the bar" while watching the view of the bay at sunset. Or indulge in a massage at the end of your evening if you wish -- Please book with the Cruise Manager directly. On board join in a traditional cooking class in which the chef introduces and instructs you on the preparation of Vietnamese dishes. Dinner is served with delicious local food prepared by the wonderful on-board catering staff. Enjoy the landscape of the bay at night up on the top deck. You can hands-on squid fishing at night or watch a movie in the restaurant. Spend a night on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight on cruise in Ha Long Bay

Note: the detailed program might be changeable slightly because of each program of cruise confirmed and weather situation.

In the morning, wake your body and mind up with a Tai Chi exercise on the sundeck at the break of dawn. Have some tea and coffee onboard and continue exploring Ha Long Bay sailing across its 2000 islets and visiting some of its major highlights. Then, check out at 09:30 and have a buffet brunch while cruising back to shore. Disembark at 11:00 AM to transfer to Hanoi capital.

Free at leisure until meet our guide then transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for flight to Hue City.

Upon arrival at Hue International Airport, you are transferred to town with your guide in private vehicle. The transfer from airport to hotel is approximately 20 minutes. Check-in & relax

Meals: Brunch

Stay overnight in Hue

Morning, take full-day tour of Hue City, the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945 and the last refuge of Vietnamese feudalism. The city’s beauty is contributed by a natural scenic landscape and an extensive variety of historical relics. Begin with Hue Citadel, a famous UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Site which is the fortress-like grand complex with the size of 520 ha built in the early 1800s and featuring three enclosures separated by heavy ramparts namely Kinh Thanh Hue (Civic City) as the outer, Hoang Thanh (Royal City) as the middle and Tu Cam Thanh (Forbidden City) as the inner. Continue to Khai Dinh Tomb, the burial site of Vietnam’s second-to-last king, and the most elaborate compared to other kings’ tombs. The tomb illustrates a vivid European influence in architecture although it is an Asian style.

Continuing by take a boat cruise along the Perfume River to enjoy the large view from the river and its beautiful sides. Stop along the way and land on shore to visit two outstanding historical landmarks namely the Minh Mang Tomb, where the second Emperor of the Nguyen dynasty was buried, and Thien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery that has a gorgeous view to the river from a vantage point with its origin dating back to 1601. Afterwards, transfer to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass – or Ocean Cloud Pass in Vietnamese meaning. Enjoy an impressive headland-and-bay panoramic view from the pass, which for miles hugs the mountainside along the shoreline and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Arrival Hoi An, get your hotel check-in and take a rest.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Hoi An

Today, transfer about 40 km to the West of Hoi An to visit My Son Sanctuary, another UNESCO-recognized world heritage which was once a religious centre of Cham people where royal ceremonies and burials were performed. The site now is a colony of partially ruined Hindu temples from the total of 70 constructed by Cham Kings between the 4th and the 14th Centuries in dedication to god Shiva. It is regarded as one of the foremost Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia and is often compared with other temple heritages of Southeast Asia such as Angkor in Cambodia, Ayutthaya in Thailand or Borobudur in Java.

In the afternoon, discover the charm of Hoi An which is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, is now a peaceful town of exceptionally well-preserved architecture, lifestyles and traditions. The town exemplifies a fascinating fusion of cultures between Vietnam and other cultures including China, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines. Your sightseeing will include the iconic 400-year-old Covered Bridge with a small temple attached to one side as a presentation of Japanese architecture, the Museum of Trade Ceramics - an elegant Vietnamese-style wooden house built in 1858, showcasing antique ceramic artifacts, the 200-year-old Tan Ky House typifying an ancient Chinese merchant residence, the Ong Temple which was built in 1653 by Chinese settlers worshipping Guan Yu, an ancient Chinese general whose character stands for loyalty, bravery and justice and the local market fulfilled with colors and activities.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Hoi An

Your morning is at leisure until your transfer to Da Nang airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

Upon arrival, your private driver and guide will be ready to transfer you to your accommodation, a journey that takes approximately 30 minutes.

Embark on a captivating, privately guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City, where the architectural tapestry tells the compelling tale of Chinese influences and colonial history. Begin with iconic historical sites, and tailor your experience to your interests. Choose between the poignant War Remnants Museum, which vividly illustrates the impact of the Vietnam War, or the immersive FITO Museum, which delves into the rich history of traditional medicine in Vietnam. Explore the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until the end of April 1975.

Conclude your visit with leisurely free time to wander and discover the hidden gems of Saigon, immersing yourself in the city's charm. Finally, indulge in some shopping at the French-built Ben Thanh Market, a historical landmark dating back to 1870. The market's main entrance clock tower has become an iconic symbol of the city, and within its vibrant surroundings, you can partake in the local market's lively atmosphere, filled with colors and activities.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Commence your day by meeting your guide and embarking on a transfer approximately 75 km North-west of downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Explore the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels, a significant underground hideout and resistance base utilized by Viet Cong forces during the French and American wars. These tunnels, meticulously hand-dug, comprised a highly intricate network of interlinked multilevel passageways, stretching as far as the Cambodian border and spanning over 120 km. The tunnels' complexity is astounding, housing meeting rooms, kitchens, wells, clinics, schools, depots, trenches, and emergency exits, all strategically designed for guerrilla warfare. Their depth and strength allowed them to withstand destructive bombings and remain self-contained enough to endure prolonged sieges. Return to the city around noon for a well-deserved rest.

In the afternoon, embark on a city tour, commencing with the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, a neo-Roman cathedral constructed over 130 years ago by colonial French using materials entirely imported from Marseilles, featuring stained-glass windows from Chartres. Continue to the Sai Gon Post Office, an elegant colonial building designed and built in the early 20th century by the renowned French architect Gustave Eiffel. Proceed to Cho Lon, the city's Chinatown, where you'll visit the Jade Emperor Temple (Phuoc Hai), a rare Taoist structure built in 1909 to honor the Lord of Heaven. Filled with smoky incense and adorned with intricate carved figurines, the temple remains a vibrant hub of worship, with many devotees lounging in the front garden.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Today, anticipate being picked up as you embark on a journey passing miles of expansive rice fields, traversing a lively road to reach the Mekong Delta, the world's largest delta and Vietnam's predominant rice bowl. Upon arrival in My Tho City, embark on a motorboat, meandering through intricate canals to closely observe local daily life and take in the picturesque landscape of waterways and verdant islands.

Disembark on Thoi Son Island, where you'll be treated to the enchanting melodies of Southern traditional music performed by local artists. Transition to a paddle boat for a leisurely cruise through narrow canals, visiting households engaged in traditional practices such as coconut candy and rice-wine making. Continue your journey by motorized boat to another island, where a visit to a bee farm awaits. Here, savor tea infused with fresh honey straight from the beehives, complemented by a delightful array of fresh fruits.

On the return to My Tho, make a stop to explore the Vinh Trang Pagoda, a prominent local Buddhist structure constructed in 1850. The pagoda boasts a unique architectural fusion of Vietnamese, Roman, Chinese, and Cambodian styles, featuring a highly ornate façade. Consider indulging in a delightful lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant. As the tour concludes, make your way back to Ho Chi Minh City, cherishing the memories of a day filled with cultural richness and natural beauty.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh

Meet our guide & driver at the hotel lobby then transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for flight.