VIETNAM REVERIE

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Early check-in not included. Free time at leisure. 

Hotel check-in around midday.

Afternoon city sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City, exploring the lively atmosphere of the historic Chinese quarter, where traditional trade, culture, and daily life come together. The visit includes:

• Chinatown.

• Traditional herbal medicine shops.

• Thien Hau Temple, a revered Chinese temple dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea.

• Binh Tay Market, the bustling heart of the district.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City

Depart Ho Chi Minh City for Ben Tre. Upon arrival, board a sampan for a cruise along the river, passing the four islands.

After crossing to Unicorn Island, enjoy a short walk along village paths. Observe local life, visit a beekeeping farm, taste honey tea, sample fresh tropical fruits, and enjoy traditional folk music.

Continue by tuk-tuk to visit a family-run coconut candy workshop, with a tasting on site.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, enjoy a peaceful rowing sampan ride along a palm-lined canal, admiring the tranquil countryside.

Late afternoon return to Ho Chi Minh City.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City [B, L]

Morning exploration of Ho Chi Minh City, discovering its colonial heritage and elegant boulevards, including:

• Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.

• Saigon Central Post Office.

• Photo stop at the Independence Palace.

• Stroll along former Rue Catinat (Dong Khoi Street).

• Photo stops at the Saigon Opera House and City Hall.

• Leisurely walk along the Walking Street to Bach Dang Wharf Park, with views of the Saigon River and the city skyline.

Afternoon transfer to the airport for the flight to Hue. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Hue [B]

Morning drive to Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most iconic landmarks overlooking the Perfume River.

Continue by car to visit the Minh Mang Mausoleum, a harmonious imperial tomb set amid landscaped gardens and tranquil lakes.

In the afternoon, enjoy a cyclo ride, travelling from the hotel to the Citadel via Trang Tien Bridge. Stop at the Nine Holy Cannons Gate, then walk a short distance to visit the Hue Citadel, the former seat of the Nguyen emperors and a UNESCO-listed complex of palaces, temples, and fortified walls reflecting Vietnam’s imperial past.

After the visit, take a short walk to the Luc Bo Cultural Space, a contemporary heritage venue dedicated to Hue’s traditional crafts, rituals, and cultural expressions, offering a more intimate insight into local life and traditions.

Overnight in Hue [B]

Free morning in Hue, before driving to Da Nang, with a stop at Hai Van Pass to enjoy panoramic views over Lang Co Beach.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, visit the Museum of Cham Sculpture, home to the world’s finest collection of Cham artefacts, offering insight into the ancient civilisation that once flourished in central Vietnam.

Continue to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its preserved merchant houses, lantern-lit streets, and multicultural heritage.

On arrival, enjoy a short visit to Tra Que Vegetable Village, a traditional farming village known for its organic herbs and local agricultural practices.

Hotel check-in. Free time at leisure.

Overnight in Hoi An [B]

In the morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Hoi An, exploring its timeless charm and well-preserved heritage, including visits to:

• A traditional lantern-making workshop – discovering Hoi An’s iconic craft.

• Phuc Kien Assembly Hall – reflecting the town’s Chinese trading heritage.

• Japanese Covered Bridge – the symbolic landmark of Hoi An, built in the 16th century and linking the former Japanese and Chinese quarters.

• The local market – a glimpse of everyday local life.

• Traditional old houses – showcasing Hoi An’s historic merchant architecture.

Afternoon free for independent exploration.

Overnight in Hoi An [B]

Transfer to Da Nang International Airport for the flight to Hanoi.

Upon arrival, transfer into the city for lunch.

Afternoon city sightseeing in Hanoi, including:

• Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first national university, dedicated to Confucius and centuries of scholarly tradition.

• One Pillar Pagoda – an iconic Buddhist monument symbolising purity and enlightenment.

• Hoan Kiem Lake – the symbolic heart of Hanoi, steeped in legend and local life.

Late afternoon hotel check-in

Overnight in Hanoi [B, L]

Full-day excursion to Ninh Binh, renowned for its dramatic karst landscapes and historic sites.

Morning drive to Ninh Binh, where upon arrival you board a sampan for an unforgettable excursion through Tam Cocand its three natural tunnels, enjoying spectacular scenery of rice fields and towering limestone karsts.

Disembark at the Thai Vi Temple jetty and transfer by car to Tam Coc for lunch at a local restaurant.

Visit a local embroidery workshop (seasonal).

Continue to Hoa Lu to visit the Dinh and Le Temples, dedicated to Vietnam’s early dynasties.

Transfer to the hotel for check-in and free time at leisure.

Overnight in Ninh Binh [B, L]

After breakfast, drive to Ha Long Bay and embark on an overnight cruise in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its emerald waters and dramatic limestone karsts.

Cruise through the bay, drifting past timeless landscapes as the sun sets behind the towering formations.

Lunch and dinner are served on board.

Overnight on board [B, L, D]

Enjoy a final morning immersed in the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay, cruising through the bay before enjoying brunch on board. Return to the port and disembark.

Drive back to Hanoi for cultural discoveries in the afternoon.

Upon arrival, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), offering insight into the country’s diverse ethnic cultures.

Continue with a walking tour through the 36 streets of the Old Quarter, experiencing the lively atmosphere and traditional trades that define Hanoi’s historic heart.

Overnight in Hanoi [B]

Breakfast and free time at leisure until transfer to the airport for departure.

[B]