Day : 1
Arrive Hanoi (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Welcome to Vietnam. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and local appetisers.Welcome Reception
Day : 2
Hanoi Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
Start the day with a visit to the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument where the preserved body of 'Uncle Ho' resides. A short walk from here is Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts, a Cultural Insight, where he lived intermittently between 1958 and 1969. Continue to the Temple of Literature, the first university for the sons of Mandarins, for an overview of Hanoian culture. After lunch enjoy a walking tour through the Old Quarter to embrace the bustling local life. In the evening, see a traditional water puppet performance, a Cultural Insight. This northern Vietnamese art form beautifully illustrates scenes of rural life and natural history.Buffet Breakfast, Lunch
Day : 3
Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise
Number of Days : 1
This morning, drive through green rice paddy fields to Halong Bay to board your Authentic Accommodation, a traditional Vietnamese Junk sailing boat. Cruise among the hundreds of islets of Halong Bay, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage listed site. Mid afternoon visit Vung Vieng fishing village by rowing, boat to get a closer look into the lives of the local fishermen. Drop anchor later in the evening for a Regional Meal and a peaceful overnight stay.Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Regional Meal
Day : 4
Halong Bay – Hanoi – Hue (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Begin your day as the locals do during a morning T'ai Chi class with a Local Specialist, on the deck of the traditional Junk boat. Then explore Sung Sot grotto where stalactites hanging from the high ceiling take on numerous shapes and forms. Return to the boat to indulge in a delectable brunch as you continue cruising amongst the islands. Disembark and drive back to Hanoi, stopping at the Dong Trieu Ceramic factory, a Cultural Insight. Later enjoy early dinner; a delicious Regional Meal at Thanh Chuong Palace, an architectural gem. Continue to Hanoi Airport for your evening flight to Hue, and transfer to your hotel upon arrival.Buffet Breakfast, Regional Meal
Day : 5
Hue Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
Start from your hotel with a cyclo ride to the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage designated site. From here drive to Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue's best-preserved religious monument. Standing on the riverbank with its seven-storey tower, it is an amazing sight. Then take a local dragon boat trip along the Perfume River to the house of the former Princess Ngoc Son for a Be My Guest lunch. It is one of the great remaining garden houses of Hue and although no longer owned by royalty the current owners have maintained it largely in its original form. Chat with a family member to get a glimpse of their life in this historic house and enjoy lunch prepared by the family. This afternoon enjoy some free time or take part in an Optional Experience.Buffet Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining
Day : 6
Hue – Danang – Hoi An (3 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
This morning depart Hue and drive over the scenic Hai Van Pass stopping en-route at Red Beach where American Marines first landed in Vietnam during the war before continuing to Danang. On arrival visit the Cham museum, a Cultural Insight, to learn about the ancient Champa civilisation. Continue to the ancient town of Hoi An and your resort hotel. This afternoon join a Vietnamese cooking class including a boat trip to the schools location on the banks of the An Hoa River and learn about the traditional ways of preparing and cooking Vietnamese food. After the class take the opportunity to savour the dishes you have prepared for your own Regional Meal. The rest of the evening is yours to wander the peaceful lantern lit streets of this picturesque town.Buffet Breakfast, Regional Meal
Day : 7
Hoi An Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
This morning enjoy a walking tour around the ancient town of Hoi An. Today this ancient UNESCO World Heritage designated town boasts well-preserved buildings, pedestrianised streets, narrow lanes and a colourful market, a Cultural Insight. See the old merchants houses and the 400 year old Japanese Covered Bridge. Later visit Tra Que Organic Village for a Cultural Insight. Spend some time helping local farmers and learning about their daily working routines, before indulging in a relaxing foot massage. After lunch return to Hoi An for the rest of the day and evening at leisure.Buffet Breakfast, Regional Meal
Day : 8
Hoi An Free Time
Number of Days : 1
This morning enjoy some free time to relax at the hotel or explore Hoi An further. In the afternoon your choice of activities gives you two Cultural Insight opportunities: to join a Lantern Making Workshop or a Fishing Life Tour (subject to weather conditions) to learn about the lives of the local fishermen and have a go at casting your own fishing net.Buffet Breakfast
Day : 9
Hoi An – Danang – Ho Chi Minh City (3 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
This morning, fly to Vietnam's largest metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Upon arrival enjoy some free time to stroll around the city before lunch at KOTO restaurant; a non profit social enterprise that provides training to disadvantaged young people in the hospitality industry. Meet a senior staff member who will explain more about the work of KOTO and enjoy a meal served by some of the senior trainees who are on their internship within the training programme. Next transfer to Dong Khoi Street for the start of a walking tour. See the Opera House and the former Hotel de Ville. Wander up to the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustave Eiffel. Continue to visit the War Remnants Museum for a vivid glimpse of the war through the eyes of the locals. Conclude the day at Ben Thanh market before arriving at your centrally located riverside hotel this evening.Buffet Breakfast, Lunch
Day : 10
Mekong Delta
Number of Days : 1
Today take a day trip to My Tho situated in the Delta of the Mekong River. Transfer to a small sampan boat and discover the maze of small canals before stopping for a Regional Meal of delicious Mekong Delta specialities. Take a short walk along village roads to visit the house of a former soldier, a Local Specialist who survived fighting the Khmer Rouge. Now he and his wife live on making rice paper and have some fascinating stories to tell. Later return to Ho Chi Minh City for an evening at leisure.Buffet Breakfast, Regional Meal
Day : 11
Ho Chi Minh City Free time
Number of Days : 1
Today is a free day to enjoy Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace or to join an Optional Experience to visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels. This evening join your fellow travellers for a visit to the home of the former American Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s, Mr. Henry Cabot Lodge, a Cultural Insight followed by your Farewell Dinner. Buffet Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Day : 12
Depart Ho Chi Minh City
Number of Days : 1
This morning transfer to the airport for your onward flight.Buffet Breakfast
