Heart of Vietnam - 10 Days

On arrival at Hanoi Airport, we greet you and transfer you to your hotel for check in. You have the rest of the day at leisure. Rooms are available from 14:00.

After breakfast, we meet you in the hotel lobby for an orientation tour, including the Temple of Literature – the first university in Vietnam, where students still pray for good grades and immaculate gardens offer calm among ancient trees. We pause for lunch at a local restaurant – an ideal spot to taste authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a cosy atmosphere. In the afternoon, we visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and his former residence (closed on Mondays and Fridays), followed by the One Pillar Pagoda, designed to resemble a lotus rising from the water.

We continue to Tran Quoc Pagoda – the oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi – then Ngoc Son Temple, beautifully set on Hoan Kiem Lake and reached via a charming wooden bridge. In the late afternoon, we enjoy a water puppet show performed by talented local artists. Overnight in Hanoi.

After an early breakfast, we transfer by shared shuttle bus to Tuan Chau Port for embarkation. On arrival, we check in and enjoy welcome drinks before beginning our cruise through majestic Halong Bay – one of the seven natural wonders of the world, famed for its thousands of islands and islets. The boat continues towards Lan Ha Bay, where lunch is served on board. In the afternoon, we explore the serene Tra Bau area – you may choose to kayak.

We return to the boat to take in sweeping views of the Gulf of Tonkin, followed by a cooking demonstration showcasing traditional Vietnamese dishes. Dinner and overnight on board. Note: the round trip shuttle bus service operates on a shared basis. In the Gulf of Tonkin, this captivating seascape of limestone karst, islets, towering peaks and hidden caves offers calm and wonder; in 2011 Halong Bay was officially recognised as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

For early risers, we begin the day with an invigorating Tai Chi session on the upper deck before breakfast. After breakfast, we continue with a visit to one of the bay’s most impressive caves. As we cruise back, a late breakfast is served before disembarkation at the southern quayside.

We then transfer to Hanoi via the boat’s shuttle bus. On arrival, you have some leisure time before the transfer – without a guide – to the airport for the flight to Da Nang (flight not included, we can assist with booking this flight). Later, we transfer to Hoi An – the ancient Chinese and Japanese trading port of the 17th century – and check in. Overnight in Hoi An.

Once a bustling maritime hub along the Silk Road, Hoi An flourished as wealthy merchants built a thriving commercial centre. Its architecture blends Asian and French influences, and today the town is especially enchanting at night, when thousands of colourful lanterns cast a magical glow.

After breakfast, we set out on a guided exploration of Hoi An’s old town, with narrow streets lined by traditional houses and a historic harbour now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We pause for lunch at a local restaurant serving delicious cuisine with sweeping views of the town. In the late afternoon, we visit a lantern making shop for an introduction to this delicate, centuries old craft, then return to the hotel. Overnight in Hoi An.

After breakfast, we depart by road towards Hue – the former imperial capital. On arrival, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then transfer to your hotel for check in. You have the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Hue. Note: rooms are available from 14:00.

After breakfast, we enjoy a one hour rickshaw tour to explore Hue – the ancient capital under the Nguyen Dynasty – and the Imperial City, a vast complex of temples, pavilions, museums and galleries. We then visit the iconic seven storey Celestial Lady Pagoda, a serene landmark celebrated in poetry and song. Afterwards, we savour a traditional family lunch in Hue, served in the heart of a lush garden.

In the late afternoon, we visit the Tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, where magnificent buildings and gardens are arranged according to geomancy (Feng Shui) – the entire site feels like a vast park. We make a brief stop at a family workshop crafting traditional incense sticks and conical hats. Overnight in Hue.

After breakfast, we transfer to Hue Airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh City (flight not included, we can assist with booking this flight). On arrival, you are welcomed by a local guide and depart for Thien Hau Pagoda, noted for its graceful curving roof and two resident land turtles. Built in honour of the protective Goddess of sailors, this sacred site holds great cultural significance. We then enjoy a stroll through vibrant Binh Tay Market. We pause for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we explore the old colonial quarter – the elegant 19th century Notre Dame Cathedral with stained glass and devotional tablets; the Central Post Office, an early 20th century neoclassical gem designed by Eiffel; the contemporary Independence Palace (interior visit), framed by royal palm trees; and the grand Opera House, with intricately carved stonework, sparkling chandeliers and gleaming granite floors – concluding at bustling Ben Thanh Market. Also today, you may wish to join an optional tour of the city on a Vespa motorcycle.

We drive to Cai Be, a vibrant town in the heart of the Mekong Delta. On arrival, we board a sampan for a scenic cruise along the Mekong River. We begin at a local fruit garden for fresh seasonal fruits, then continue through winding canals with views of the lush southern countryside. We cruise onward to the bustling floating market for a window onto river based life, followed by a visit to a local handicraft workshop. The tour concludes at an old colonial house. We enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local specialities. In the afternoon, we return to Ho Chi Minh City. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

After breakfast, you have free time at leisure until we transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.