Scenic Vietnam

Welcome to Vietnam – upon your arrival at Noi Bai airport, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel – relax, settle in, you’re here for two nights. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show and share a welcome dinner. (D)

Today we’ll explore Hanoi — the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda and the Temple of Literature will make for a full, fascinating morning. We start our visit at the Ho Chi Minh complex, including Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum – the final resting place of Vietnam’s great father or “Uncle Ho”, President Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house – where the leader lived and worked from 1958 to 1969, and then visit the Ho Chi Minh Museum where we’ll will learn about his devotion to the nation. We continue our trip with a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest temple in Hanoi, situated in a beautiful setting along West Lake. We drive on to Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, the Temple of Literature, considered to be the first university in Vietnam. After lunch, we will select one of two options:
Option 1: Bat Trang ceramics & pottery village
(On Mondays – Wednesdays – Fridays)
Option 2: Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
(On Tuesdays – Thursdays – Saturdays & Sundays)
We’ll spend tonight in Hanoi. (B, L)

After breakfast, we’ll make a 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay, one of the world’s great natural vistas and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your boat’s crew and board a traditional junk for a magical cruise around Halong Bay and a delicious local seafood lunch amid the countless limestone islands and grottoes rising from the clear, emerald water. After lunch you’ll have an opportunity to explore the beauty of the bay with a visit to a cave, some light kayaking or a refreshing swim before getting back to the junk for a rest and dinner. In the evening, you can even join locals in a little night fishing. Tonight you’ll sleep on board. (B, L, D)

Today again you continue your exploration of Halong Bay. Start the morning with a relaxing Tai Chi session on the Sundeck followed by a cup of coffee or tea with assorted homemade pastries. After breakfast, prepare to transfer to a day boat, the Paradise Explorer, for cruising a bit off the beaten track. Relax aboard or visit Titop Island, where you can take part in array of exciting activities such as swimming or climbing to the top of the island for the stunning view. Visit Luon Cave by oared boat or kayak, a stunning natural grotto accessible only by small craft. Returning to the boat, we’ll continue cruising the bay while enjoying a Vietnamese lunch onboard. After noon, visit the entrancing Dark and Bright Cave, either by kayak or small boat, and marvel as the long, dark entrance tunnel (the “dark” cave) gives way to a sun-bright hidden grotto. Back on the big boat in time for happy hour and dinner, you can fill the rest of the evening in ways to match your energy… relax on deck, maybe a movie or even try your hand at squid fishing… you’re aboard for the night. (B, L, D)

In the morning, you’ll breakfast while floating on the sea. As you enjoy the beauty of Halong Bay you might join in some activities on boat before an early lunch and our arrival dockside in Hanoi. We’ll transfer to the airport for the short flight to Hue, our destination for the night. (B, L)

We’ll begin today with a visit to Tu Duc tomb, the most beautifully designed complex among the tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty. Within the surrounding pine forest you’ll find villages dedicated to the traditional crafts of woven hats and incense. Our tour will take in the imposing Citadel and the Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic symbol of the city. We’ll leave from the city centre for Tam Giang Lagoon and join a boat for a peaceful cruise in this incomparable setting. In the late afternoon, you’ll change to a more intimate craft and explore the Sam Chuon area of the lagoon. This is a perfect setting for photos, floating on the water and observing the local life of a fishing village – you might even try your hand at traditional net fishing techniques… Tonight, we’re back in Hue. (B, L, D)

This morning we’ll depart Hue for Hoi An, with photo stops at Lang Co Beach and the beautiful Hai Van Pass — the geographical and psychological boundary between the North and South. The peak of the pass lies perpetually shrouded in clouds. Once we’re checked in at the hotel the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. We’ll sleep tonight in Hoi An. (B, L)

This morning you’ll start into the countryside along beautiful roads twisting through rice paddies, past temples, palm forests and lush natural scenery. At the Cam Thanh Coconut Forest, we’ll join special bamboo “basket boats” on the Cua Dai river, exploring water palm forests, and learning to catch purple crabs…. At the An My Paddy Field, you’ll spot buffalo among the vast green fields– the very symbol of countryside living in Vietnam. In Tra Que Village you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink before taking part in preparing traditional rice milk and enjoying a traditional lunch with at local family. After lunch, we‘ll meet local farmers and share their experiences of farming and daily life. By the end of the visit you’ll have a real sense of the work that brings rice to the table. (B, L)

Today is yours until we head to the airport and our flight to Nha Trang, and our hotel for the night. (B)

This morning we’ll head to the islands of Cau Da Port. Tri Nguyen Aquarium on Mieu Island is our first stop, here many sea creatures important to the local economy are on display. Mun Island is the best island for snorkeling, home to colorful corals and lively fish. You’ll also see the caves in which the sea swallows nest in vast numbers. Relax, swim, or participate in water sports or other activities at Mot Island, Tranh Beach Island or on the more intimate “Mini Beach”. After a refreshing lunch, we’ll stop in at a charming fishing village before going returning to our hotel for the evening. (B, L)

Today is yours – spend your free time on the beach or further explore Nha Trang on your own. (B)

Today is free until we transfer to the airport and our flight to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Overnight in Saigon. (B)

Start the day with an unforgettable visit to the Cu Chi Tunnel complex, the incredible underground tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. Later, our city tour encompasses the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the imposing and bustling Ben Thanh market. Once again, we’ll sleep in Saigon. (B, L)

Today we’ll journey by boat along the Ben Tre River – tributary of the famed Mekong. We’ll witness the lively activities along river — fishing, commerce and ferries… a stop at a brickworks will allow an appreciation for the timeless construction methods of the area. A coconut processing workshop will reveal the husking and candy-making process – plenty of opportunities to sample the products, not to worry…. A family-run workshop will demonstrate the crafting of traditional sleep mats and you’ll have option to tour by motorbike-driven cart, tranquil villages and vegetable gardens to experience the daily life and tropical culture of the residents. In the afternoon, after a rowing-boat tour through water palm – lined creeks, we’ll make our way back to Saigon for the night. (B, D)

Today is yours to relax, trade photos or explore with new friends. We’ll get you to the airport and the journey home, with stories and memories for a lifetime. (B)