Magical Vietnam - 9 Days

Begin your Vietnam adventure as you arrive in Hanoi, where a private driver will greet you at the airport with a personalised sign. We'll accompany you to your centrally located accommodation, perfectly positioned for exploring the captivating Old Quarter. Spend your day at leisure, wandering the vibrant streets or unwinding at the hotel after your journey.

We will collect you from your hotel to begin our exploration of Hanoi. Arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda on Golden Fish Island, West Lake. This is Hanoi's oldest pagoda, dating back to the 6th century.

Explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you can view the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh and stroll the gardens to see the houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. We will also visit the One Pillar Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and renowned for its unique architectural design. Please dress modestly, covering shoulders to knees, when visiting the Mausoleum and other religious sites. Note that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and from 15th June to 15th August for maintenance; however, you can still photograph the exterior and explore the surrounding area.

Visit the Vietnam Ethnology Museum to learn about the diverse cultures of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups.
Special note: On Mondays, when the Ethnology Museum is closed, we will visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead.

Enjoy lunch at our restaurant, sampling authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Vegetarian options are available. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070. This site is among Northern Vietnam's most popular attractions.

Visit Hoa Lo Prison, built by the French between 1886 and 1901 during colonial rule. Known as "Maison Centrale," this site now serves as a museum offering insights into Vietnam’s struggles during the French colonial period.

In the morning, we will check out of the hotel and be collected by the Cruise team. Our journey to Halong Bay will follow the most scenic route, crossing the Red River Delta, where you'll see vast expanses of emerald green rice paddies.

On arriving at the pier, we'll board the cruise, offering stunning views of limestone formations and karst grottoes. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch on board, then relax on the sundeck as we explore the bay. The cruise will pause at a secluded spot, allowing time for kayaking or swimming, providing a closer look at the impressive grottoes.

As evening approaches, we will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by leisure time. You can choose to join onboard activities or simply unwind. We will spend the night on the waters of Halong Bay.

Note: In the event of adverse weather conditions preventing the cruise from setting sail or staying overnight at sea, the Ha Long Bay tour may be cancelled without prior notice. We will explore alternative tours or issue a refund, depending on the situation.

Start your day early to witness a breathtaking sunrise, accompanied by breakfast in the dining room. We will then visit a fascinating limestone cave, brimming with impressive stalagmites and stalactites.

After exploring, we return to the boat, check out, and enjoy brunch while cruising back to the harbour. You will then be transferred back to Hanoi to catch your flight to Hue. On arrival in Hue, your private driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation.

Hue, the cultural and political heart of the Thua Thien Hue province, was once the imperial capital of Vietnam under the Nguyen Dynasty. Its most significant architectural landmarks, now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, date from this era.

We begin our day as your guide meets you at your hotel between 8:00 and 8:30 am. Our first adventure is a boat trip along the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hue.

Next, visit the Imperial Citadel, the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty from 1802 to 1945. Explore the Royal Antiques Museum with its impressive collection of Nguyen Dynasty ornaments. Experience the local hustle and bustle at Dong Ba Market before enjoying a delicious Vietnamese lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit Khai Dinh's Tomb, notable for its unique blend of Vietnamese and European architectural styles. We then explore Minh Mang's Tomb, designed in the Confucian style. En route, you have the opportunity to visit villages known for crafting traditional conical hats and incense sticks.

You will return to your hotel between 16:00 and 17:00.

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before we embark on our journey from Hue to Hoi An in a private car. Our route takes us along the renowned Hai Van Pass, celebrated for its breathtaking mountain and sea views. Upon arriving in Hoi An, we will check in at the hotel. You will then have free time to explore the charming local area at your leisure.

Savour your final moments in Hoi An before we arrange a private transfer to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival, our driver will meet you and take you to your central accommodation. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before departing for the Mekong Delta. Meet our guide at your hotel lobby between 7:15 and 7:30 am, and travel to My Tho, situated on the banks of the Mekong River.

Upon arrival, we will board a sampan to cruise around the picturesque Dragon, Unicorn, Phoenix, and Tortoise Islands. We'll explore Unicorn Island, where we'll stroll along scenic country paths and visit local orchards. Enjoy fresh tropical fruits and a performance of folk music by local artists.

Next, we will navigate the Thoi Son canal in a hand-rowed sampan, showcasing the region's natural beauty. Visit family-run workshops and a honey-bee farm, where you can sample honey tea and coconut candies.

For lunch, we will savour traditional Vietnamese dishes. Afterwards, choose to cycle around Tan Thach village to meet local villagers and experience daily life in the Delta. If cycling isn't for you, relax in a hammock and enjoy the cool breeze.

We will return you to your accommodation afterwards.

Begin your final day in Vietnam with a nutritious breakfast. After checking out of the hotel, you'll have time to explore the local markets and pick up some souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, your private driver will transport you to the airport for your flight home.