Vietnam Tours

Arrive Hanoi and transfer by private car to Sofitel Legend Metropole hotel and check in for 2 nights. Vietnam’s quaint capital is a city of wide tree lined boulevards, tranquil lakes and colonial villas, with a pace of life that is more sedate than other Asian cities. In the afternoon, wind down and indulge in the city's best spa followed by a Vietnamese dinner with a French touch in one of Hanoi's most charming restaurants – housed in a beautiful villa. (D)

After breakfast, depart for an insider’s tour of the capital. Start with a tour of Long Bien Bridge which was built in 1902 by Sir Gustave Eiffel and learn how this bridge helped shape Hanoi’s future.

From Long Bien, drive to the capital’s Old Quarter – a  bustling area of narrow streets and alleys and home to literally thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. It's a great place to explore with plenty of photo opportunities all around you. It is here where the soul of the city lies; a mixture of village-living and an ancient way of life amidst a modern and growing city.

Continue to the Temple of Literature. In 1076, Quoc Tu Giam - Vietnam's first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within this temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

For sunset, continue to West Lake and one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in Hanoi, Tran Quoc. The romantic Than Nhien causeway where the pagoda and temple are situated makes an excellent backdrop for photographs.  Dine tonight at one of Hanoi's best restaurants.(B,D)

After breakfast leave Hanoi for an overnight boat trip on Ha Long Bay.

On the way, journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and observe the everyday life of Vietnamese villagers as they work the rice fields, take pigs to the market on bicycles and plough the fields with their water buffaloes. Arrive in Ha Long City late morning and board a private traditional, wooden junk for the overnight journey into the Bay. En-route lunch will be served. Towards the end of the day set anchor for the night and enjoy a dinner of fresh seafood, salads, and fruits as the sun sets over the bay. (B,L,D)

On your return to Ha Long City, enjoy a wholesome brunch as your boat weaves through strange-shaped limestone rock formations. Disembark the boat and transfer to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Danang.

En route, visit Thanh Chuong Palace, the home and studio of Thanh Chuong who is one of the most celebrated painters in Vietnam today. The palace is an architectural gem showcasing a range of Vietnamese traditional cultural objects and structures. Flight to Danang and transfer to Hoi An. Check into Life Resort Hoi An for 3 nights. (B,L)

After breakfast it's time to discover Hoi An. Despite the ravages of weather and war, the centre of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday almost 200 years ago.

Lunch at one of Hoi An’s best restaurants, which serves original and creative cuisine that can only be described as a Vietnamese-Latin American-Japanese fusion. With a combination of refreshing flavours, beautiful presentations and a relaxing atmosphere this eatery has won the heart of many loyal and happy customers. 
 
This afternoon, you are free to relax with car and guide at your disposal. Browse for souvenirs in Hoi An's art galleries and silk shops, or maybe cycle to the nearby Cua Dai Beach. (B,L)

Today, spend time with a local farming family and learn about their daily lifestyle and discover the flavours of fresh Vietnamese cuisine. From the hotel ride a bicycle along shady lanes and by rice fields to Tra Que Village where you will see farmers as they work on their organic herb gardens. Join in at making tam huu, a local delicacy, before sitting down for a light, home-cooked meal including bang khoai, a speciality savoury pancake wrapped in rice paper. At the end of the afternoon return to Hoi An by vehicle. Afternoon free to explore at leisure. (B,L)

Today, enjoy a chance to hit the beach. Transfer to airport for a short flight to Vietnam's beach capital Nha Trang, which has every single activity that a sun worshipper may want. Besides the prerequisite golden stretches of land and crystal clear waters, the coast is dotted with many islands each with their own distinct character. The turquoise waters play host to a variety of marine life, and snorkeling and scuba diving are perennial favorites. Check into the exclusive and outstanding Six Senses Evason Hideaway (which can only be reached by sea) and your private pool villa for 2 nights. A private butler is assigned to every villa to tend to all your wishes. (B)

The next two days are free at leisure. True to the Six Senses Resorts & Spas philosophy, the Evason Hideaway offers a wonderfully innovative and enriching holiday experience in a sustainable environment. The impressive rock formations, coral reef and sandy beach give the sense of being luxuriously at one with nature. The architectural style reflects the traditions of Vietnam and the 53 pool villas provide generous personal space and an uncompromised standard of luxury. The resort's restaurant features the best of East meets West fusion cuisine. The Six Senses Spa, nestling among rocks beside a gently cascading stream, has an international team of therapists on hand providing signature treatments together with individual rejuvenation specialties of the region. (B)

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Depart for Nha Trang Airport after breakfast for the short flight to the dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by the locals. Take an orientation tour of the city in a classic Citroen car which will include a visit to the former Presidential Palace, the War Remnants Museum and the Old Saigon Post Office. For lunch try some traditional Saigon fare.  The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to discover Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace. Overnight at the Park Hyatt, Ho Chi Minh City  (B,L)

The Cuu Long region, which translates as 'Nine Dragons', otherwise known as the Mekong Delta is a great place to discover Vietnam.

Amazing waterways hidden amongst vibrant tropical fruit gardens, bustling floating markets that offer a cornucopia of items, and acres of emerald rice fields are what make this region so unforgettable.

After breakfast, depart for the Mekong Delta. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind as you travel through Vietnam’s picturesque countryside with its rice paddies and rural villages. Upon arrival in the Delta board the private ‘Song Xanh’, modeled after a traditional sampan. The boat’s small size allows you to discover the smaller canals and tributaries of this region. Your visit includes the home of Mr. Huyen Thuy Le, a character from the novel ‘The Lover’ by Marguerite Duras as well as Thien Hau Pagoda. Return to the boat for lunch. Continue to Can Tho stopping en-route at a Cao Dai Temple. Cao Daism is indigenous to South Vietnam and the colorful and unusual murals that cover the temple’s interior will dazzle you with their brilliance.

Before sunset, the last stop is at a splendid 19th century house where an unforgettable candlelight dinner will be served. After dinner, proceed for one hour to Can Tho where your sampan will moor for the night. Overnight aboard the Song Xanh boat. (B,L,D)

Crossing the Mekong on the way to Cai Rang Floating Market, take in traditional sights such as rice barges, wooden ship-building yards and even fruit drying along the Mekong's banks. After visiting the colourful floating market, transfer to Can Tho Airport for the flight to the island of Phu Quoc. On arrival at the islands sleepy airport, transfer to La Veranda Resort for 4 nights. Many properties in Asia claim to be 'boutique', but few fit the bill so perfectly as La Veranda. The resort features sumptuous villas, a wonderfully indulgent spa and a pristine sandy beach. The rest of your day is at leisure to kick back or enjoy the resorts facilities as you please. (B)

Situated in the Gulf of Thailand, Phu Quoc is one of Asia's least visited beach destinations.

The island's clear waters, undiscovered beaches, forested interior and charming local character make for an ideal holiday escape.

Relax and enjoy the perfectly laidback surroundings. Recommended touring options (cost not included) are diving and snorkeling trips to the outer lying reefs and visits to the islands infamous fish sauce factories and, if you desire, a trekking excursion to discover the pristine rainforests of the island’s interior. (B)

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Today is departure day. Enjoy some free time before the short flight back to Ho Chi Minh City and your onward departure from Vietnam. If time allows it is possible to transfer back into Ho Chi Minh City for last purchases, or simply relax at the airport before your onward flight. (B)