BEAUTY OF VIETNAM

DAY 01: HANOI ARRIVAL - CAPITAL OF VIETNAM

Welcome to Vietnam!Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and English - speaking guide. The driving distance is approximately 45 minutes. Your visa should be pre-arranged, or be sure that your visa-on-arrival letter is in your carry-on luggage. Please go to custom desk as your first point of entry into the country and present these documents for visa upon arrival. Fast track service can be booked in advance. Hanoi or “River-bound City” as its name literally means is Vietnam’s capital with a thousand-year-old history dating back to 1010. The city’s fascinating beauty which is characterized by unique cultural relics, ancient streets of antique houses, elegant French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and romantic lakes has made it one of the most charming cities of Asia.

Meals: N/A

Stay overnight in Hanoi

DAY 02: HANOI FULL DAY CITY TOUR

Discover Hanoi's top sites with a full day private tour. Journey through history on a full day tour with a private guide, discovering the iconic landmarks of Hanoi. Begin at Ba Dinh Square, where you will admire the imposing facade of the iconic 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 city's traditional stilt houses, showcasing a unique architectural style, allowing for ventilation and protection from flooding in the city's historic neighborhoods. Next, admire the architecture of the One-Pillar Pagoda, originally built in 1049, and known for it's distinctive 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 ambiance, adorned with embassies, trendy coffee shops, and locals engaging in morning exercises. Visit serene West Lake and the ancient Tran Quoc Pagoda. After being treated to a local lunch, you will journey to the renowned Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), once Vietnam's first university, exclusively 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 trades from the past. Finish the tour at the Thang Long Opera Theatre with a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show.

Meals: BreakfastStay

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 03: HA NOI – SAPA – CAT CAT – Y LINH HO

Morning, our guide and driver will be waiting for you at hotel lobby then transfer to Sapa through the expressway. This Vietnam’s longest expressway opens, cutting Hanoi-Lao Cai travel time in half. The time to Sapa is shortened to 4-5 hours, making your journey faster, safer and much more comfortable than by train. Check in hotel if room is available otherwise leave luggage, have breakfast and relax at hotel lobby. Your guide takes you out of Sapa through a hilly landscape visit Lao Chai - Ta Van Village to understand more about ethnic minority communicate, enjoy imposing mountain scenery, terraced fields, marvelous nature. Visit ancient sacred stones with big - small ones which have many unique images, secret sigh. See bridge which made by rattan like Muong Hoa stream. You can see the Hmong women by their looms weaving fabrics. We drive to the Silver Waterfall where a French-built hydropower station has been in service since 1920 (best in the rainy season from May to November). Take a short walk to the waterfall where a great view is offered of the surrounding mountains and the lush forests of Hoang Lien National Park. Along the way, your guide will explain about this special part of Sapa, where many tree species are grown such as plum and peach trees. Continue by car up to Heaven's Gate where you can see Fansipan Mountain, ‘the roof of Indochina’ at the height of 3143 meters above sea level.

Meals: BreakfastStay

Overnight in Sapa

DAY 04: BAC HA MARKET – BUFFALO CART & BOAT TRIP (SUNDAY) - HANOI

Rise early to visit lively Bac Ha Market with hill tribe minorities buying and selling regional goods. In the afternoon, ride a buffalo cart through traditional Tay villages and boat down the Chay River back to Hanoi.Afternoon, continued to travel by car for about one hour to Trung Do village, a settlement of the Tay ethnic minority people. Take a leisure ride on a cart pulled by a water buffalo around the village and observe hospitable villagers with their peaceful lifestyle. From the village, embark on a boat to cruise down the Chay River and enjoy sighting the magnificent mountainous landscape along the way.Disembark and refresh with a cup of tea before transferring back by car to Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Hanoi

DAY 05: HANOI – HALONG – OVERNIGHT ON BOAT – UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

Start your day with a scenic transfer from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the breathtaking Halong Bay, a journey of around 2 hours. Along the way, you will have the chance to pause and appreciate the enchanting local scenery. Upon reaching the port, embark on a thrilling speedboat transfer to your cruise. Welcome aboard! As you step on the cruise, indulge in a refreshing welcome cocktail and an informative introduction. Boarding time is set for around 12:15 PM.Arrive in Ha Long City by 11:30 AM and seamlessly check in to your booked junk as your exploration of Ha Long Bay kicks off. Legend has it that this bay, meaning Descending Dragon Bay in Vietnamese, is where a divine dragon descended from the sky. A true wonder and heritage site, the bay boasts a history that spans 500 million years, adorned with approximately 2000 karst islands and islets scattered across 1553 kilometers square. Following a delectable lunch, embark on a brief trek to a nearby summit for a panoramic view of the bay adorned with golden sails. Take a refreshing swim on a tranquil beach or take a sunbath on the sundeck. In the afternoon, visit a captivating fishing village, engaging with locals who have called the bay home for nearly three generations. Weather permitting, it is optional for an exciting kayaking adventure. Return to the cruise for a sumptuous dinner against the backdrop of a sunset over the bay. Delight in a leisurely swim in the emerald waters and try your hand at kayaking to get up close with the mesmerizing karst rock formations. The evening is perfect for chilling out with the ship’s “Enjoy the Happy Hour (buy 1 get 1) at the bar”, all while soaking in the bay’s mesmerizing sunset view. Alternatively, indulge in a relaxing massage – be sure to book directly with the Cruise Manager. Participate in a traditional cooking class with the chef, savoring the preparation of delicious Vietnamese dishes. Dinner is served with local culinary delights crafted by the talented on-board catering staff. Take in the bay’s nighttime charm from the top deck, perhaps trying your hand at squid fishing or enjoying a movie in the restaurant. Spend the night on board, embracing the magic of Halong Bay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight on cruise

Note: the detailed program might be changeable slightly because of each program of cruise confirmed and weather situationDAY 06: HALONG – HANOI – DANANG – HOI AN

In the morning, give your body and mind a lift with a spot of Tai Chi exercise on the sundeck as the sun rises. Grab a cuppa with some tea and coffee onboard, and continue your exploration of Ha Long Bay, cruising through its 2000 islets and checking out some of its top spots. Normally, it's time to check out by 09:30. Enjoy a buffet brunch while cruising back to the shore, and hop off at 11:00 AM for your transfer back to the Hanoi capital. Once you hit Hanoi International Airport, get your check-in sorted and jump on a flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival at Da Nang International Airport, link up with our guide and driver, and make your way to the hotel in Hoi An for check-in.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Hoi An

DAY 07: FULL DAY HOI AN ANCIENT TOWN

In the morning, kick off the day with a city tour to soak up the beauty of Hoi An, a cracking World Heritage Site. Once a bustling port in Asia from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Hoi An has mellowed into a laid-back town, keeping its architecture, lifestyles, and traditions in ripper condition. Get a quick rundown on the history, style, and hues of traditional lanterns, then hit the pavement for a walking tour. Check out the town's standout sights, including the iconic 400-year-old Covered Bridge with a little temple hanging off the side, showcasing top-notch Japanese architecture. Visit the Museum of Trade Ceramics, a snazzy Vietnamesestyle wooden house from 1858 flaunting antique ceramic goodies. Swing by the 200-year-old Tan Ky House, representing an ancient Chinese merchant's digs, and the Ong Temple, built in 1653 by Chinese settlers to honor Guan Yu—an old Chinese general known for loyalty, bravery, and justice. Don't forget to pop into the local market, buzzing with colors and activities. In the arvo, jump on a boat cruise on the Thu Bon River to soak in the countryside views. Disembark at Kim Bong village, where carpentry has been a hot gig since the 16th century. Check out the old-school boatyards rocking timber as their main material. Next stop, Thanh Ha village, to witness the traditional ceramic production trade still kicking it after 500 years. Then, head back to the hotel for a ripper end to the day.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Hoi An

Note: Hoi An is famous for speed tailor-made clothes with 4 to 24hours for tourist.

DAY 08: HOIAN –DANANG – HO CHI MINH

In the morning, hop over to Da Nang airport for a breezy 1.5-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Link up with your driver for a top-notch airport transfer, cruising in style with a private vehicle and guide. The ride's a smooth 30-minute journey. Get ready for a ripper private guided tour of Ho Chi Minh City, where the architecture spills the beans on its Chinese influences and colonial history. Kick things off with the must-see historical sites, and then customize your adventure based on your interests. Take your pick between the thought-provoking War Remnants Museum, shedding light on the Vietnam War's impact, or the immersive FITO Museum, unwrapping the rich history of traditional medicine in Vietnam. Swing by the Reunification Palace, the President's former digs until the end of April 1975. Finish up with some free time to stroll around, discovering the city's hidden treasures and soaking in the charm of Saigon.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh

DAY 09: FULL DAY HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR & CU CHI TUNNELS – STORTY OF WAR

Begin the day by meeting up with your guide and traveling about 75 kilometers northwest of downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Prepare to explore the renowned Cu Chi Tunnels, which were once a major underground hideout and resistance base for the Viet Cong during the French and American wars. These hand-dug tunnels formed an intricate network of multilevel passageways that stretched all the way to the Cambodian border and totaled more than 120 kilometers. Consider this: guerrilla warfare meeting rooms, kitchens, wells, clinics, schools, depots, trenches, and emergency exits. The tunnels were deep and strong enough to withstand bombings, as well as self-contained enough to withstand sieges. Return to the city around noon for some R&R.In the afternoon, explore the city's highlights, beginning with the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, a neo-Roman cathedral built over 130 years ago by colonial French using materials entirely imported from Marseilles and stainedglass windows from Chartres. Next, stop by the Saigon Post Office, a magnificent colonial structure designed and built in the early twentieth century by the legendary French architect Gustave Eiffel. Continue to Cho Lon, the city's China Town, where you'll visit the Jade Emperor Temple (Phuoc Hai), a rare Taoist gem built in 1909 to honor the Lord of Heaven. It's filled with smoky incense and stunning carved figurines, and the front gardens are still buzzing with worshippers.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh

DAY 10: HO CHI MINH - DEPARTURE

Meet our guide & driver at the hotel lobby then transfer to Ho Chi Minh airport for flight.

Meals: Breakfast