Day 1. Hanoi [Arrival]

Arrival in Hanoi. We welcome and transfer you to hotel. Rest of the day is your leisure time to explore the city on your own.

Add on: Participate in the Hanoi Walking Street Food tour by night to experience the Vietnamese local cuisine such as Pho, Bun Cha, Banh Cuon, Unique Egg Coffee, Desserts,…

• Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2. Hanoi → Halong bay

After breakfast this morning, we leave Hanoi and transfer to the jewel in Vietnam’s scenic crown – the incredibly beautiful Halong Bay. Board a comfortable junk boat to explore the emerald waters of the bay, dotted with green islets, and enjoy lunch with a view onboard. This afternoon we visit Trinh Nu Cave, one of the finest caves in Halong Bay, covering an area of 2,000m² with a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites. There’s also the opportunity to go kayaking and enjoy a refreshing swim. Later this evening back on board, watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration held on the sundeck before settling down for a sumptuous seafood dinner.

• Overnight in Halong Bay
• B, L, D.

Day 3. Halong bay → Hanoi → Hue

Early birds can enjoy a beautiful sunrise and test their Tai Chi skills on the sundeck or enjoy a traditional massage – the perfect way to start the day. Before heading back to port this morning, we explore the beautiful Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Grotto), which is 10,000m² and consists of two major chambers. These spectacular chambers are spacious enough to hold thousands of people.

On arrival back into Hanoi mid-afternoon, we’ll explore the maze of streets in the French Quarter by cyclo (rickshaw), taking in highlights such as the Opera house and Ly Thai To Park. We then swap our wheels for a leisurely walk through the ‘36 streets of the old quarter’, named after the numerous guilds that once set up shop on a particular street, from silk tailors to traditional medicine shops. Later this evening, there’s a chance to freshen up before boarding the overnight train (4-berth sleeper cabin, basic standard) on the ‘Reunification Express’ railway line to Hue. An option to fly from Hanoi to Hue is also available.

• Overnight on the express train to Hue
• B, L.

Day 4. Hue [Arrival]

Arriving in Imperial Hue this morning, we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of the 19th-century capital. Visit the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda with its 21-meter-tall tower, and explore the walled fortress of the Imperial Purple Palace, ringed by a moat with elaborate arches and impressive ramparts, some of which lie in ruin. Later, we travel into the countryside to visit the ancient mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, one of the wonderfully ornamental Royal Tombs of the Nguyen kings. This evening there is an optional sunset cruise on the Perfume River. Travelling by longboat, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the city skyline.

• Overnight in Hue
• B, L.

Day 5: Hue → Road of the Ocean Clouds → Hoi An

Bidding farewell to Hue, we take a scenic drive along the coast via the Hai Van Pass (Road of the Ocean Clouds) to Hoi An. We stop en route for a stroll along My Khe beach, nicknamed ‘China Beach’ by the Americans during the war. The beach is famous for being in Francis Ford Coppola’s movie ‘Apocalypse Now’. We arrive in the charming, old-world trading port of Hoi An later this afternoon. A short walking tour will introduce you to the highlights of this enchanting and historical town with highlights including the Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Hall, 200-year-old Tam Ky house, former merchants’ homes, and the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge. During your stay in Hoi An, we offer a unique optional Hoi An Street Eats add-on, which explores the city’s most popular local haunts. Cruise the city the way the locals do, by vintage Vespa, and enjoy lots of tasty Vietnamese Cuisine. Book early with your reservation consultant, as numbers are limited.

• Overnight in Hoi An
• B, L.

Day 6: Rural Life in Hoi An

Today will be spent out in the countryside learning all about the rural way of life in Vietnam. We’ll reach Tra Que village by bicycle, a leisurely ride on flat roads that take us through rice paddies and farmland. The option of a taxi is available locally for those not keen on bike riding (payable locally). Once at the village, we’ll get our hands dirty learning about age-old farming practices and putting our knowledge to use by tending the fields and gardens. Lunch is a home-cooked affair with everyone mucking in. Later this afternoon, return back to Hoi An on your bikes.

• Overnight in Hoi An
• B, L.

Day 7: Hoi An → At Leisure

Today is completely free for you to enjoy Hoi An as you wish. Lose yourself in the cobbled streets lined with boutique restaurants, hip cafes, delightful craft shops, and some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors (whose services come at a nominal price). If you prefer some R&R, lounge by the hotel pool or head to the beach. Alternatively, you can opt for an excursion to the UNESCO-listed My Son sanctuary or enjoy a day trip to the popular Ba Na Hills mountain resort, where you will ride the second-longest cable car in the world and walk along the striking Golden Bridge (book and pay locally).

A departure transfer will be provided to take you to Da Nang airport in time for your onward flight.

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• B

End of tour