Hanoi is a green city with its stylish French villas; it still exudes that old French charm and style. Its tree-lined boulevards, romantic lakes and French architecture allow us to step back in time to a quieter, more relaxed Vietnam. We visit the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and Ho’s simple, yet impressive house on stilts, set in beautiful gardens. Then we view the One Pillar Pagoda and the ancient Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. In the afternoon we visit the Ethnological Museum, one of the most interesting in Hanoi and then take an hour cyclo tour to discover the heart of Hanoi - the bustling Old Quarter – where the narrow streets buzz and bustle with the life of city. It is a shopper’s delight, with beautiful silks, linen, and Vietnamese artifacts. To finish off the day, we attend the performance of the famous Vietnamese water puppetry.

Overnight at Hotel in Hanoi.

This morning, we leave Hanoi for Ha Long Bay by shuttle bus from the cruise, enjoying the timeless scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and daily life of the countryside. On arrival in Ha Long, we board a beautifully appointed wooden junk. A seafood lunch will be served as we cruise among the hundreds of islets in the Bay. Our cruise takes us to Sung Sot cave to witness a splendid sunset.

Overnight on boat.

Early morning coffee and tea will be served on the sundeck followed by a Tai Chi class. We continue exploring magnificent Ha Long Bay. Change to a small motor or rowing boat to see the floating village. When we return to the junk, a sumptuous meal, combining Vietnamese and Western cuisine will be served. On leaving the cruise, we depart back to Hanoi by shuttle bus from the cruise. Transfer Hanoi airport for our flight to Danang. Upon arrival at airport, we meet our driver and transfer to Hoi An for check in.

Overnight at Hotel in Hoi An.

This morning, at 09:00 we will start our Hoi An Discovery tour. Hoi An seems to appeal to everyone. This charming town still retains a variety of heritage houses making a stroll around the streets a fabulous option. Guided tour of Hoi An sites includes the Quan Cong Temple, the Quang Dong Pagoda, The Phuoc Kien Pagoda, the Japanese Covered Bridge, the Tran Family Chapel, Sa Huynh Museum, and Phung Hung House. Walk along the bank of the lively Thu Bon River, once prosperous and famous as a trading port. Back to the hotel and free at your leisure.

Overnight at Hotel in Hoi An.

Transfer to the airport for our onward flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Upon arrival at airport, we meet our driver and transfer to Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network of approximately 200 kilometers constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. We will stop at Notre Dame Cathedral, the Old Sai Gon Post Office.

Overnight in Saigon.

In the morning, take 2hrs drive to the Mekong Delta which is known as the rice bowl of Vietnam. Upon arrival, take a boat cruise around islets and tropical orchards through the Vam Xep canal to reach a small islet, followed by a relaxing walk along shady and palm fringed trails passing by local villages where you can see their peaceful daily life. Stop en route to visit a bee farm, interact with a local family. Visit coconut workshop to understand a typical family run business in this area. Enjoy horse-drawn cart ride to visit handicraft village, a coconut candy factory, enjoy tropical fruit, traditional music and the take a rowing boat through the narrow tree-lined canals before returning to My Tho by motorized boat. Have lunch before heading back Saigon.

Overnight in Saigon.

Transfer to Saigon airport for departure to next destination. It’s time to say goodbye, we thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you to come again.