A Taste of Vietnam

Sample the best Vietnam has to offer. The enchanting cities of Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City provide an abundance of fascinating sights and rich history. A rickshaw ride through Hanoi's Old Quarter will satisfy your cultural cravings. Balance your city exploration with a two-night cruise on the picturesque emerald waters of Ha Long Bay.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

On arrival in Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, be met at the airport and transferred to the Grand Mercure Hanoi, only a short walk from the Old Quarter. Tonight, relish a multi-course Vietnamese Welcome Dinner.

Insider Experience – Grand Mercure Hanoi

Nestled in the lively core of Vietnam’s bustling capital, Grand Mercure Hanoi is conveniently close to the Old Quarter. This hotel provides a genuine and immersive experience, blending modern elegance with traditional Vietnamese charm. Its design is a tribute to local heritage, incorporating elements such as rice-themed patterns, vibrant pottery, handcrafted lacquerware, and impressive architecture, resulting in a truly soulful ambience.

Day 2: Hanoi

Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Hanoi, taking in the most famous historical and cultural sites. Visit Ba Dinh Square, one of the largest squares in Vietnam, and drive past the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. Then, explore charming Mural Street before continuing to the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture and the first university in Vietnam. Afterwards, two Insider Experiences await. With the afternoon and evening at leisure, perhaps enjoy one of our select experiences.

Insider Experience – Hanoi's Old Quarter by Cyclo

Weave through Hanoi’s bustling city streets like a local on a tour of the city’s Old Quarter aboard a cyclo. 

Insider Experience – Lunch at KOTO

Savour authentic flavours and feast on a soulful Vietnamese lunch at KOTO (Know One, Teach One). This restaurant was established as Vietnam's first social enterprise, dedicated to empowering at-risk and disadvantaged local youth through hospitality training.

Enhance Your Journey – Folk Art Class

Journey to one of Vietnam’s most renowned silk-weaving villages and connect with the inspiring individuals behind Vụn Art, a social enterprise managed by people with disabilities. The Vụn (meaning 'scrap') Art Cooperative was established to empower people with disabilities by offering vocational training and creating stable employment opportunities. Hear inspiring stories of the challenges faced in founding this initiative, and enjoy the chance to create your own folk painting on a tote bag to take home.

Enhance Your Journey – Street Food Tour

Discover Hanoi’s street food scene and uncover the quintessential culinary flavours of Vietnam’s capital city. Wander the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter, sampling local specialties such as savoury pork buns and fragrant phở, before concluding with a visit to one of Hanoi’s best-kept secrets – a cafe overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

Enhance Your Journey – Water Puppets and Street Food Style Dinner

Take your seat at one of the city’s traditional water puppet theatres and immerse yourself in this ancient art form – unique to northern Vietnam and once performed in villages and rice paddies. Accompanied by a traditional Vietnamese orchestra of drums, cymbals, horns, and bamboo flutes, the enchanting performance unfolds against a mesmerising soundtrack. Afterwards, savour a mouth-watering selection of Vietnamese street food at a local restaurant set in a charming colonial villa.

Enhance Your Journey – Cooking Workshop and Dinner

Immerse yourself in a vibrant local market with a seasoned chef, selecting fresh ingredients for a hands-on cooking workshop. Discover the diverse techniques and ingredients that have made Vietnamese cuisine famous for its fresh, fragrant and aromatic flavours, then savour your culinary creation for dinner.

Day 3: Hanoi, Tuan Chau, Embark Ship, Ha Long Bay

Set off early for Tuan Chau, where an Insider Experience awaits – a two-night cruise through Ha Long Bay aboard the Au Co. Enjoy an assortment of Vietnamese dishes during lunch as your boutique ship slowly glides towards the southeast of Ha Long Bay, passing Trong Mai Islet, Ngon Tay Islet and Con Coc Islet. Next, embark on an excursion to Cat Ba Island and ride a bicycle or electric cart through the peaceful Viet Hai village. Learn about local life and two of Bhaya Cruises’ social responsibility projects, then bask in the lush scenery at Bhaya Café as you join a hands-on culinary class to master bánh cuốn – delicate steamed rice rolls. Then, return to the ship and savour a delicious dinner on board. Afterwards, perhaps join a Vietnamese rice wine tasting session in the restaurant or try your hand at squid fishing on the main deck.

Insider Experience – Ha Long Bay Cruise

Discover Ha Long Bay on a two-night cruise aboard the traditionally styled Au Co. World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is one of nature's most inspiring displays, where over 1,600 lush limestone pillars rise from the emerald waters – making it an ideal playground for exciting activities and relaxation.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay

As the sun rises over the acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, rejuvenate the body and mind with a Tai Chi lesson. Delight in a hearty breakfast before kayaking through the Trinh Nu area, taking in the awe-inspiring surroundings as you navigate through rugged mountains rising from emerald waters. Return to the boat for a leisurely cruise toward Cua Van Floating Village, where you'll enjoy a special lunch. In the afternoon, you'll have the chance to explore this incredible location in the heart of Ha Long Bay by kayak or traditional rowing boat. Then, hop back on board and cruise to the anchor point, soaking up spectacular sunset views from the deck with a drink in hand. Wrap up the day with a flavourful dinner in the onboard restaurant.

Day 5: Ha Long Bay, Disembark Ship, Tuan Chau, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An

Begin the day with a delicious breakfast before choosing between two exciting sightseeing options. Explore the spectacular Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in Ha Long Bay. Spanning a vast 10,000 square metres, this natural wonder is adorned with thousands of shimmering stalactites and stalagmites, connected by a 500-metre paved pathway that guides you through its magical depths. Alternatively, take an excursion to Titov Island, where you can relax on a pristine beach or hike to the top of the island's mountain for panoramic views of Ha Long Bay. Afterwards, return to the boat to prepare for disembarkation before transferring to Hanoi airport. From here, you'll fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An.

Insider Experience – Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa

Rest and unwind in the tranquil surrounds of Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa.

Day 6: Hoi An

Start your day with an immersive Insider Experience. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Insider Experience – Morning Glory Cooking School

Discover the art of cooking Vietnamese cuisine with the Morning Glory Cooking School. Take a guided tour of Hoi An’s market, prepare a selection of dishes, and sample your efforts.

Day 7: Hoi An

Explore Hoi An at your leisure today, with a range of select experiences on offer. For dinner, perhaps choose one of the select experiences for a truly authentic insight into Vietnamese cuisine.

Enhance Your Journey – Guided Eco Tour

Discover the time-honoured farming and fishing traditions of Tra Que Vegetable Village, where sustainable techniques have been practised for over 300 years. Stroll through rows of organic herbs and vegetables as you learn the art of cultivation passed down through generations. Then, meet a local fisherman to learn how the region's distinctive bamboo basket boats are crafted before trying your hand at paddling one across the water.

Enhance Your Journey – Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills

Journey from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills to see the striking Golden Bridge. Ride the cable car directly to the bridge, taking in sweeping views of the coastline along the way. Perched 1,414 metres above sea level, the 150-metre walkway seemingly floats in the sky, held aloft by two colossal, stone hands rising from the mountainside.

Enhance Your Journey – Lune Theatre Show

Lune Production offers a captivating glimpse into the beauty and cultural richness of Vietnamese rural life amid rapid urbanisation. In an intimate theatre setting, the show blends acrobatics, contemporary dance, live music, and traditional bamboo circus techniques.

Enhance Your Journey – Rêu Restaurant

This vibrant venue offers beautiful views to enjoy as you dine on traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Enhance Your Journey – The Hoianian

Savour a three-course dinner showcasing a blend of contemporary Vietnamese and fusion flavours.

Day 8: Hoi An, Hue

Travel over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, offering spectacular views of Lang Co Beach, before arriving in Hue. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the former Imperial capital of Vietnam, nestled along the picturesque Perfume River. This evening, savour regional cuisine.

Day 9: Hue, Ho Chi Minh City

Explore the grand Imperial Citadel, stroll among its monuments, and listen to stories of former royal inhabitants. Afterwards, take an included flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon. A delicious dinner awaits you tonight.

Insider Experience – Two Nights at Le Méridien Saigon

Experience an unforgettable stay at the unique Le Méridien Saigon. Nestled on the banks of the Saigon River in bustling District 1, this contemporary hotel is perfectly situated just moments away from Bến Thành Market and Independence Palace.

Day 10: Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City

Visit the Cu Chi tunnels, built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were used as hiding spots during combat, and they also served as communication and supply routes, hospitals and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters. Take the opportunity to crawl through a section to understand the cramped conditions experienced by the soldiers who lived and fought here. The afternoon and evening have been left free for you to explore at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience touring and dining options.

Enhance Your Journey – Ho Chi Minh City by Foot

Explore the bustling city on this walking tour, passing the Saigon Opera House, People’s Committee Building, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Saigon Central Post Office. 

Enhance Your Journey – History of Saigon

Delve deeper into Ho Chi Minh City’s turbulent history. Start at the Reunification Palace, visit the War Remnants Museum and see the Burning Monk Memorial.

Enhance Your Journey – Shopping Tour by Coach

Seek out the city's boutiques as only a local knows and discover locally made items such as clothing, mementos and jewellery.

Enhance Your Journey – Street Food Tour by Motorbike

Embark on a thrilling motorbike tour through the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, guided by a knowledgeable local. Savour three courses of classic Vietnamese street food, beginning with a steaming bowl of traditional noodles, followed by a bánh mì, and concluding with a fried rice flour cake – served with fresh juice or a smoothie. Finish at HỢP Sky Bar, a stylish rooftop venue offering panoramic views of the city’s dazzling lights, where you’ll enjoy a drink and a snack.

Enhance Your Journey – Hoi An Sense

Indulge in the authentic specialties of Hoi An in a unique culinary setting, complete with Vietnamese music and warm hospitality.

Enhance Your Journey – Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro

Offering traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist, this bistro draws inspiration from the theme of 'propaganda', enchanting guests with its lively ambience and striking hand-painted murals.

Day 11: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Your adventure ends after breakfast. Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.