Highlights of Vietnam

Experience Hanoi’s cultural attractions on this day-long city tour as you stroll down the city’s beautiful tree-lined avenues walking past colonial villas, national monuments, and pretty lakes. Pay your respects to ‘Uncle Ho’ at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, as the nation’s beloved revolutionary leader is called. Afterward, drop by the exquisitely beautiful 9th century Buddhist temple, One Pillar Pagoda, built in the shape of a lotus on a single stone pillar. Stop by Vietnam’s first national university, the 11th century Temple of Literature known for its characteristic Vietnamese architecture. Later in the afternoon, gain an insight into the country’s numerous ethnic groups at the Museum of Ethnology with its display of traditional costumes and artifacts. Walk down the winding alleyways of Hanoi’s Old Quarter reveling in the vibrant atmosphere of the neighborhood. Known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’, the quarter dates back to the 13th century. End the day with a fascinating water puppet performance, unique to northern Vietnam, accompanied by a traditional live orchestra. (Full Day; Time of Day: Morning; Duration: 7 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Please note that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will be from outside as they are every Monday & Fridays .Between September until December the Mausoleum remains opened only in the morning The Museum of Ethnology is closed on Mondays)

Day One: Board your junk to discover the World Heritage site of Halong Bay with its spectacular kingdom of islands and limestone wonders on this two-day cruise.Enjoy a delectable luncheon aboard the cruise liner, as you sail deep into Halong Bay, riding past the delightful little islands of Chicken Rock, Finger and Frog Islet along the way. In the afternoon, explore the Dark and Bright Lagoon that is only accessible by row boats or kayaks. It is one of the most stunning and fascinating of caves in the Bay area. Enjoy a swim and a kayak ride before returning to the cruise to relax with refreshing beverages on the deck. Sail back to anchor overnight at Ho Dong Tien, where you can join a cook-off session with the cruise chef before enjoying a delicious dinner. You could also try squid fishing this evening, before calling it a day. Day Two: Wake up with Tai Chi sessions on the deck, and then you are off to explore one of the most beautiful highlights of the Bay – Surprise Cave. This is one of the largest and oldest cave formations in the area, with thick foliage and paved stone flags leading to the entrance. Return to a scrumptious buffet brunch aboard the cruise boat, before disembarking.

Day One: Arrive at Tuan Chau marina for your cruise to Halong Bay. Sail through some of the over 1,600 islets that make up this UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll be awed by the sight of the massive limestone formations that tower over the bay. Following lunch, head for a rejuvenating session at the onboard spa. Explore the spectacular stalagmites and stalactites at Sung Sot Cave, the biggest in Halong Bay. Prepare to enjoy the sunset on the ship’s deck with a cocktail in hand as you anchor off Coconut Tree Island for the night. Whet your appetite with a Vietnamese cooking lesson before dinner commences. Day Two: Get off to an active early in the morning with a Tai Chi session on the deck. Following breakfast, set off to discover Ti Top Island. Return to the ship for a hearty breakfast as you glide past Thien Cung and Dau Go caves and Trong Mai islet.Back onboard, enjoy brunch as you sail back to the marina for disembarkation. (2 Days/1 Night; Shared Activity; Private Transfers; Meals Included; Fitness Level: Easy; Please note that the itinerary may be subject to change without prior notice due to wind or weather conditions.)

Accompany your local expert through the narrow lanes of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hoi An, which served as a prosperous trading port from the 15th century to the 19th century. Stroll through the pedestrian-only streets of this well-preserved architectural heritage passing by various buildings, temples, merchant houses, and pagodas showcasing French, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. Walk across the 400-year-old Japanese covered bridge over the stream as your guide narrates its history. Head on to the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation for a closer look at the intricate wood carvings on the walls and beams. Explore the vibrant local market, past stalls displaying colorful wares, spices, and exotic fruits, that is particularly famous for its locally produced silk and tailors who even have a section of the market dedicated to them. (Fixed Time: Yes; Time of Day: 0900/1400; Duration: 2 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy.The Hoi An entrance ticket is valid for entry to 5 sightseeing spots in Hoi An including merchant houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, museums, pagodas and assembly halls for 24 hours. Please keep the entrance ticket with you at all times should you independently visit Hoi An later in the evening or on another day)

For the adventurous palates, visit Red Bridge cooking school – a highlight of Hoi An’s culinary scene. Meet your chef at Hai Café in the old town for an introduction and welcome drink. Then explore the central market with him, learning about the quintessential ingredients of Vietnamese cuisine. Enjoy photographic moments on the 20min cruise to the school, with glimpses of local river life. Visit the school’s herb garden and enjoy hands-on cooking class. Savor what you have created. (Best Time to Visit: All Year; Total Duration: 4- hrs; Timings: Two slots: 08:00 hrs and 11:00 hrs; only non vegetarian cuisine offered; shared activity )

Immerse yourself in the royal charm of Hue. Take a cyclo to the Imperial Citadel, within the protected Complex of Hue Monuments. Listen to historical events of this former royal court. Next door, at the Long An Palace, is the Museum of Royal Antiquities that showcases the life and style of the Nguyen Dynasty. Later, drive to the 17th century Thien Mu Pagoda, an iconic seven-storied monument perched on a hilltop overlooking the Perfume River. In the afternoon, explore the hillside Khai Dinh Royal Tomb that has Vietnamese and European influences in its architecture. Past the carved and blackened exteriors, admire the intricate ceramic mosaics inside. Continue to the Tu Duc Royal Tomb that features pleasure pavilions, lakes, an island and a palace. Finally, ascend the Vong Canh hill to enjoy the sunset over a drink. Covered in pine forests, daisies and ancient relics, it offers panoramic vistas of the Perfume River and the lush mountains beyond. (Duration: 7hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Meals Not Included; Fitness Level: Easy)

Enjoy a day out in Ho Chi Minh City, admiring its French colonial architecture and modern vibe. Accompanied by your expert insider guide, explore Saigon’s historic attractions. See the restored exteriors of the Saigon Municipal Opera House and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. Drop by the grand Saigon Central Post Office, and hopefully meet the famous Duong Van Ngo, who has been writing letters by hand for three decades. Head to the Reunification Palace, which has become a symbol of the Fall of Saigon in 1975. Make your way to the War Remnants Museum that houses war artefacts and highly graphic exhibits. It offers a Vietnamese perspective of the American War, and conflicts with France and China. Before returning to your accommodation, experience Saigon’s famed street coffee culture. Pick up a few Vietnamese phrases and gain insights into the daily life here. (Duration: 4 hrs; Time: Morning/Afternoon; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness Level: Easy; Kindly note that the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon can be seen only from the outside due to renovations)