Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi City, you will be greeted by your guide and then embarked your private vehicle for a 30–40-minute driving to your hotel in city centre.
Notes:   Surcharge for late pickup from 6:00 p.m - 7:00 a.m will be applied. • The regular check-in hotel is 15:00. Early check-in is not included and subjected to the availability. Meals: None Accommodation: At selected hotel in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi
Breakfast at your hotel.
Hanoi's Old Quarter is not only a densely populated area of the city known as ’36 Streets’ but also is the birthplace of many quintessential Vietnamese dishes that is considered one of the world's great food capitals. Boarding on a private - seated cyclo to make a journey in the old-quarter. This 30-minute ride can make your passion for an overall lifestyle of Ha Noi. Drop-off the rickshaw, follow the guide to walk deeply in the alleys. The labyrinthine alleyways are perfect for exploring with names such as Sugar Street, Tin Street, and Paper Street. This is ‘secret’ Hanoi, far from public view where a dark single file passage opens to secret Pagoda or a unique historical gem. Discover hidden water wells, ancient staircases, delight at the fascinating and innovative architecture.
A snack stop is at outdoor barbeque stalls. Sit down with the Hanoi locals and sample various meat, vegetable, and bread specialties that are flame-grilled over hot coals for extra flavor. It’s then time for dessert as you venture down a small alley to join in the local tradition of feasting on fresh fruit served in a cup and smothered with crushed iced and condensed milk.
You will be taken one of Hanoi’s best-kept secrets, a hidden café with stunning views over the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. This hard-to-find café is one of the few left in the city that still serves egg coffee, a scrumptious local delicacy that you will sample whilst admiring the hustle and bustle of the city center below. Getting back to the coach, a short transfer to Bun Cha Huong Lien which serves one of the best flavour some specialties in Ha Noi called – Bun Cha. This restaurant has been a famous spot since American President – Obama and celebrity chef – Anthony Bourdain had dinner together at this place in 2016. Enjoy the delicious Bun Cha before return to your hotel.
In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation of Hanoi, its tree-lined streets resplendent with French colonial architecture, including the exquisite, recently restored Opera House. Continue to the Temple of Literature, a serene retreat from the busy streets outside. Built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, it became Vietnam's first university.
En-route to one of the city’s many fascinating museums: choose from National Museum of Vietnamese History, Military History Museum or Fine Arts museum, depending on your personal interests.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: At selected hotel in Hanoi
Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay
Leaving Hanoi early this morning, you will be driven to Halong City, a journey time of approximately 3.5 hours. On arrival, you will transfer to a cruise for your journey on Halong Bay. Sailing through emerald waters and past rocky islets and lush islands, a delicious lunch will be served on board.
Halong Bay is blessed with numerous grottoes, hidden pools and mystical islands and this afternoon, there will be the opportunity to disembark the boat and explore the region further. Off-boat excursions are usually by ship’s tender although often there is the opportunity to discover the beautiful landscapes of the bay by bamboo rowing boat. Visits to nearby caves or sandy beaches may also be on the agenda and of course there is always the option to remain on board and take in the glorious vista from the spacious sundeck.
As night falls, the boat will drop anchor in a peaceful spot. Enjoy a refreshing drink and the view from the sundeck before sitting down to a leisurely dinner which will either be served on deck or inside the dining room depending on the vessel and local weather conditions.
Please note the itinerary is subject to change depending on the boat booked and local weather conditions.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: On board selected junk in Halong Bay
Day 4: Halong - Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An
Early risers may have the opportunity to witness sunrise over the bay. Then enjoy a light breakfast, before disembarking the boat once more for further discovery. On the return journey to port, there is the opportunity to savor the glorious scenery of Halong Bay one final time while enjoying an appetizing brunch. Arriving back into port mid-morning, you will be met and transferred back to Hanoi for flight to Danang.
Flight Vietnam Airlines VN183 / Hanoi – Danang / 17:00 – 18:20
On arrival, meet local guide and transfer to your hotel in Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: At selected hotel in Hoi An
Day 5: Hoi An
Breakfast at your hotel.
Discover Hoi An countryside on bike for a charming rural experience, observe the local farmers as they go about their daily business and learn a little about their customs and traditions at Tra Que village. The name is after the sweet-scented herb that spice up the everyday meals of the locals of Hoi An. Through hands-on activities, learn about their daily farming life and traditional organic gardening methods.
Start the day with a short biking ride to the village of Tra Que. Located on the edge of Hoi An, this small settlement is renowned for its organic gardens crammed with wonderfully fresh herbs, spices and vegetables. Then it's time to help out and assist with the preparation of the land for sowing and planting. Traditional farming implements in hand, you will help fertilise the ground using seaweed from the nearby river, then water it using twin watering cans supported on a bamboo pole across the shoulders before finally assisting with the picking and packaging process. You will be rewarded for your handwork with a revitalising herbal foot massage. Then have fun making Tam Huu, spring rolls made with local herbs and vegetables, before enjoying a scrumptious meal using locally produced ingredients and age-old family recipes. Cycle back to Hoi An ancient town.
Located 30KM south of Danang, the sublime riverside town of Hoi An is a feast for the eyes. Devoid of most forms of motorised transport, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of this ancient port is ideal for exploring on foot. Discover beautifully preserved old merchant houses, atmospheric temples and lively markets as you stroll through the back streets of this enchanting destination. You will visit the iconic 400-year-old Japanese Bridge and the busy waterfront, where colourful fishing boats bob up and down on the Thu Bon River. There will also be time to peruse the numerous boutiques and galleries that line the narrow streets and perhaps make a purchase or two. During the walk, a quick visit at the market to find out well-known local cakes in Hoi An market such as Banh It la Gai or Banh Dau Xanh.
After the visit, transferring back to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: At selected hotel in Hoi An
Day 6: Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City
Breakfast at your hotel.
Your guide will meet at hotel’s lobby and transfer you to Danang Airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh City.
Flight: Vietnam Airlines VN125 / Danang – Ho Chi Minh City / 13:35 – 15:15
On arrival in Tan Son Nhat Airport, you are greeted by your guide and then transferred in private vehicle to your hotel in city center for check-in and enjoy the remainder of day free at leisure.
Note: • The regular check-out hotel is 12:00noon. Late check-out is not included and subjected to the availability. Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: At selected hotel in Ho Chi Minh
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City
Synonymous with the Vietnam War and a testament to the determined spirit of the Vietnamese, the underground network of passages at Cu Chi is a fascinating day trip out of the city. Work on the tunnels began during the war against the French in the 1940s and over the next 25 years as the conflict with America escalated, they were improved and expanded to create an underground city of meeting areas, storerooms, living quarters and much more. The tunnels allowed the Viet Cong to control a vital area of South Vietnam and at their height, extended for more than 200KM in length and stretched from what was then Saigon to the Cambodian border. Preserved as a memorial park, two sections of this remarkable network are open to the public. Visiting the area at Ben Dinh, there is the option to go below the surface and visit sections of the tunnels first hand. The more adventurous may go deeper and your guide will be on hand to give guidance on the degree of expected difficulty. There is plenty of interest above ground as well and it is recommended to bring good footwear, sunscreen and a hat. Please note you may get a little dusty if you decide to go underground.
Return to city for lunch at a local restaurant.
The first stop on this afternoon’s itinerary is Reunification Palace. Formerly named the Presidential Palace, this important city landmark was assured its place in history on 30th April 1975, when the first North Vietnamese tanks rumbled past, signaling the Fall of Saigon and ultimately the end of the Vietnam War. Now a museum completes with period meeting areas, war rooms and a basement communication centre, after your visit, walk the short distance to Notre Dame Cathedral. At the centre of HCMC’s government district, this romantic church dates back to the late 19th century and is a popular backdrop for wedding photographs. Across the street from the cathedral is the city’s striking French colonial-era post office, whilst Hotel de Ville de Saigon, officially Ho Chi Minh City Hall, is another of the city’s most prominent buildings. The Museum of Vietnamese History is housed in yet another fine example of Sino-French architecture. Dating back to the 1920s, it contains an excellent series of exhibits dating from the Bronze Age to the Nguyen dynasty, the last ruling family of Vietnam.
The final stop today is the unforgettable Jade Emperor Pagoda. With the pungent smell of incense hanging heavy in the air and an interior packed fall of ornate carvings and fierce-looking statues, this Taoist temple is one of the most atmospheric places of worship in the city. Transfer back to your hotel after your visit or alternatively be dropped off at Ben Thanh market for personal exploration and a spot of souvenir hunting.
Notes: - Note for Cu Chi Tunnel: Maximum height is 2 feet. Maximum age is 70 years. - Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral has been under renovated since July 2017. The construction takes about two years to complete. Due to this renovation work, visitor might not visit inside the site on spot. It is sorry for this inconvenience. - Museum of Vietnamese History is closed on Mondays & 04 Feb 2019
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: At selected hotel in Ho Chi Minh
Day 7: Ho Chi Minh City Departure
Breakfast at your hotel.
Enjoy your free time at leisure until your guide meets and transfers you to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast.
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