A Taste of Vietnam

Sample the best Vietnam has to offer. The enchanting cities of Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City provide an abundance of fascinating sights and rich history. A rickshaw ride through Hanoi's Old Quarter will satisfy your cultural cravings. Balance your city exploration with a two-night cruise on Bhaya Classic upon the picturesque emerald waters of Ha Long Bay.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

On arrival in Hanoi, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Hanoi's immense lakes and splashes of greenery, where you can sit and watch the world go by, offer a respite from its busy streets. Tonight, sit down to a multicourse Vietnamese dinner in the hotel.

Insider Experience – Hat Xam

Listen to a private Hat Xam performance and engage with the artists.

Insider Experience – Movenpick Hotel

Stay at the five-star Movenpick Hotel Hanoi, located only a short stroll from the Old Quarter and near Hanoi's major highlights, bars and restaurants.

Day 2: Hanoi

Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Hanoi, taking in the most famous historical and cultural sites. Visit Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, the iconic One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture and the first university in Vietnam. Afterwards, an Insider Experience awaits.

Afterwards, an Insider Experience awaits. The afternoon and evening are at leisure or choose from one of our select experiences.

Insider Experience – Hanoi's Old Quarter by Cyclo

Weave through Hanoi’s bustling city streets like a local on a tour of the city’s Old Quarter aboard a cyclo. 

Insider Experience – Lunch at KOTO

In Hanoi, feast on a soulful Vietnamese lunch at KOTO (Know One, Teach One), Vietnam's first social enterprise, which empowers local at-risk youth through hospitality training.

Day 3: Hanoi, Tuan Chau, Embark Ship, Ha Long Bay

Start your journey early towards Tuan Chau Harbour, where you will board the Bhaya Classic, your home for the next two nights. Upon arrival, meet your crew and sail among the enchanting limestone islets. Savour a Vietnamese multi-course lunch while soaking in the breathtaking views of the bay. Explore the Tung Sau area by kayak, a serene region surrounded by cascading mountains and known for its pearl farming. As the day ends, catch the stunning sunset on board as you cruise towards your anchorage for the night. Enjoy a delightful dinner, followed by options for squid fishing, sipping cocktails, or simply relaxing in your cabin. 

Insider Experience - Ha Long Bay Cruise

See Ha Long Bay on a two-night cruise on board Bhaya Classic. World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is made up of over 1,600 limestone pillars, and is an ideal playground for exciting activities and relaxation.

Day 4: Ha Long Bay

Board rowing boats to visit the Luon Cave area, listen to the ancient folklore and enjoy close views of the magnificent limestone karsts. Visit Cua Van Floating Village in the heart of Ha Long Bay, by kayak or traditional rowing boat. Enjoy lunch on board while cruising to Trinh Nu. Spend time relaxing at the private beach or visit one of the finest sunlight caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Later, gather for a flavourful dinner.

Day 5: Ha Long Bay, Disembark Ship, Tuan Chau, Hanoi, Da Nang, Hoi An

Explore Sung Sot Cave, the 10,000-square-metre cave threaded by a 500-metre paved passageway. Also known as Surprise Cave, every twist and turn within its depths reveals something new. Return to Tuan Chau and transfer to Hanoi airport. From here you'll fly to Da Nang and transfer to Hoi An.

Insider Experience - Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa

Rest and unwind in the luxurious surrounds of the Almanity Hoi An Resort & Spa.

Day 6: Hoi An

Start your day with an immersive Insider Experience. For dinner, perhaps choose from one of the select experiences for a truly authentic insight into Vietnamese culture.

Insider Experience – Morning Glory Cooking School

Discover the art of cooking Vietnamese cuisine with the Morning Glory Cooking School. Hosted by Trinh Diem Vy, the owner of several successful restaurants in town, or one of her esteemed protegees, visit the local market and then prepare a selection of delicious signature dishes and sample your efforts at lunch.

Day 7: Hoi An

The day is yours to discover more of Hoi An at your own pace. Or perhaps choose from one of our select experience options.

Day 8: Hoi An, Hue

Journey over the Hai Van Pass, with spectacular views across Lang Co Beach, before reaching Hue, the former Imperial capital of Vietnam situated on the banks of the picturesque Perfume River. Venture to the grand Imperial Citadel, stroll through the monuments and hear stories of former royal inhabitants. Step inside the historical Tien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery before enjoying your Insider Experience. Dine tonight on regional cuisine from Hue.

Insider Experience - Paper Flower Making

Learn about the craft of paper flower making before trying your hand at making your own.

Day 9: Hue, Ho Chi Minh City

Take an included flight to Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis formerly known as Saigon. A delicious dinner awaits you tonight.

Insider Experience – Tai Chi Lesson

Join a private Tai Chi lesson and appreciate the benefits of improved strength, flexibility and balance.

Insider Experience – Two Nights at Le Méridien Saigon

Experience an unforgettable stay at the unique Le Méridien Saigon. Nestled on the banks of the Saigon River in bustling District 1, this contemporary hotel is perfectly situated just moments away from Bến Thành Market and Independence Palace.

Day 10: Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ho Chi Minh City

Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, built by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were used as hiding spots during combat, and they also served as communication and supply routes, hospitals and living quarters for numerous guerrilla fighters. Take the opportunity to crawl through a section to understand first-hand what it was like for the soldiers who lived and fought here. The afternoon and evening have been left free for you to explore at your own pace or choose from one of our select experience touring and dining options.

Enhance Your Journey – Ho Chi Minh City by Foot

Explore the bustling city on this walking tour, passing the Saigon Opera House People’s Committee building, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office. 

Enhance Your Journey – History of Saigon

Delve deeper into Ho Chi Minh City’s turbulent history. Start at the Reunification Palace, visit the War Remnants Museum and see the Burning Monk Memorial.

Enhance Your Journey – Shopping Tour by Foot

Seek out the city's boutiques as only a local knows and discover locally made and produced items such as clothing, mementos and jewellery.

Enhance Your Journey – Hoi An Sense

Indulge in authentic Hoi An delicacies, complemented by warm hospitality and rich cultural charm.

Enhance Your Journey – Le Corto

Dine on a three-course French fusion-inspired menu with a dining experience like no other.

Enhance Your Journey – Propaganda Vietnamese Bistro

Savour the delights of this Vietnamese bistro, where the walls are adorned with locally crafted propaganda posters offering food-oriented advice.

Day 11: Depart Ho Chi Minh City

Your adventure ends after breakfast. Transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for your onward flight.

Insider Experience – Morning Walking Tour

Step out on an early morning guided walk to watch the busy streets come to life and gain a deeper understanding of what drives this urban centre.