your amazing itinerary
DAY 1 FLY to Hanoi Depart London Heathrow on a direct overnight flight to Hanoi. DAY 2 Vietnamese Food tour
On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, the Hotel de l’opera Hanoi, for the next two nights with a guaranteed early check-in, before a street food tour in the afternoon. In the Old Quarter, you’ll taste the national dish of Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup) and Banh Duc (cooked rice flour with spices), among other local delicacies.
DAY 3 explore Hanoi
This morning, you’ll enjoy a city tour of the ‘Paris of the East’. You’ll visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the fascinating One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Museum of Ethnology, before a guided cycle tour through the Old Quarter. You’ll end the day with an entertaining water puppet performance.
DAY 4 Halong BAY river cruise
You’ll travel to Halong Bay to board a traditional junk boat and enjoy lunch while cruising along the bay. You’ll be treated to a live on-board cooking demonstration by a local chef, before you anchor in the Ho Dong Tien area and enjoy dinner, then stay on board overnight. DAY 5 tai chi Demonstration
Start the day with an on-board Tai Chi demonstration before you visit Sung Sot Grotto, one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. Return to the boat for brunch before disembarking for Hanoi Airport, visiting a pottery workshop en route.
You’ll fly to Hue, where you’ll be transferred to the Hotel Saigon Morin, your home for the next two nights. DAY 6 Historic Hue
Today you’ll explore the city of Hue, starting with the Imperial Citadel, a Unesco World Heritage site. Next you’ll visit Vietnam’s iconic Thien Mu Pagoda, a seven-storey tower built in 1601, which overlooks the Perfume River. In the afternoon, you’ll see the Tu Duc Royal Tomb, the most impressive of all the royal mausoleums.
DAY 7 the marble mountains
Travel via the Marble Mountains to the ancient town of Hoi An for three nights at the La Siesta Resort & Spa. DAY 8 Discover Hoi An
This morning, take a walking tour of this Unesco World Heritage town. See the old merchant houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, the woodcarvings on the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation and the colourful market. DAY 9 Free DAY Today is free to explore Hoi An. You could borrow one of the hotel’s complimentary bicycles, join a cookery class, or head to An Bang Beach. Or why not visit one of the many tailor shops – take a favourite outfit, which can be copied and tailored to fit in just 24 hours by the local tradesmen. DAY 10 saigon
You’ll travel to Da Nang International Airport and take a direct morning flight to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) for two nights at the Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel. In the afternoon, you’ll take a tour of the city’s famous landmarks, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum. DAY 11 the Ambassador’s Dinner After breakfast, travel to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network started in 1948 to house, supply and connect the Viet Cong guerrillas. Enjoy a cocktail reception and superb dinner at the US Ambassador’s former residence. DAY 12 Farewell to Vietnam
Enjoy a final shopping trip or some sightseeing before you’re transferred to the airport for the direct overnight flight to London Heathrow. DAY 13 Flying Home
You’ll arrive back in the UK in the early morning.
What’s included
Cocktail reception, gourmet dinner and dancing at the US Ambassador’s magnificent former residence
A Vietnamese street food tour around the back streets of Hanoi’s charming Old Quarter
An overnight junk boat cruise to Halong Bay including a live on-board cooking demonstration
Direct return flights from
London Heathrow
Accommodation, including breakfast throughout
Guaranteed early check-in on 5 May Excursions and activities as listed in the itinerary
All entrance fees and travel taxes The services of an expert tour guide