DAY 1 - HANOI ARRIVAL (D)
Welcome to HanoI! Vietnam’s capital is a city of wide, tree lined boulevards with tranquil lakes, colonial villas and a more sedate pace than other Asian cities.
Upon arrival to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport to the hotel for check in. This afternoon, wind down and relax after the flight before enjoying a welcome Vietnamese dinner in one of Hanoi's most charming restaurants housed in a beautiful villa.
Overnight at selected hotel in Hanoi.
Distance & journey time:
Noi Bai airport - Hanoi (38km): 45 minutes
DAY 2 - HANOI (B,L)
Begin Day 2 with an introduction to Hanoi and its cuisine during a walking street food tour alongside a famous local food blogger. Begin the tour with a stroll through the Old Quarter to Thanh Ha market. This busy, eclectic market is alive with the sights and sounds of Hanoi and is the essence of Vietnamese culture. Along the way try delicacies, strange food items and listen to an explanation of Vietnamese food practices. Continue through the streets of the Old Quarter to Dong Xuan market to sample some local treats such as pho tiu and bun dau.
Stroll up ‘food alley’ to see other dishes on offer before walking down to Hang Than Street to taste a special French influenced dessert. After wandering Hang Cot Street and the temporary market stalls on Phung Hung, stop at one of the Old Quarter’s busiest (yet smallest) coffee shops before transferring back to the hotel. Note: This tour can be taken in the morning or afternoon, however the morning is usually preferred. The tour may be subject to change due to weather conditions.
In the afternoon continue exploring this historic city with a visit to the Temple of Literature. Vietnam’s first university, Van Mieu was established in 1076 within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. Continue to the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, followed by the mausoleum of the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh (viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov; Order of the visit may be changed).
Enjoy the evening at leisure – our local guide can assist with dinner recommendations or reservations if required.
Overnight at Selected Hotel in Hanoi.
DAY 3 - HANOI - HALONG BAY (B,L,D)
After breakfast at the hotel, depart Hanoi for the road trip to Halong Bay. Journey through the Red River Delta, observing 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 Halong pier around midday and board the selected junk boat for the overnight journey into the Bay. Lunch will be served en route. Towards the end of the day, set anchor for the night. As the sun sets over the bay, dinner is served on board with fresh seafood, salads and fruits.
Overnight on board selected Halong Bay vessel.
Distance & journey time:
Hanoi – Halong (160km): 3.5-4 hours
DAY 4 - HALONG BAY - HANOI AIRPORT - HUE (B)
Enjoy a beautiful morning on the waters with a sunrise over the limestone formations of Halong. As the boat cruises back to Halong port, enjoy brunch on board while the myriad of limestone rock formations glide by.
Upon disembarkation, our guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport by road to Hanoi’s Noi Bai Domestic Airport.
Late that afternoon, board a scheduled domestic flight from Hanoi Airport to the Imperial City of Hue; transport will be provided to the selected accommodation.
Overnight in Hue
Distance & journey time:
Halong – Hanoi by car: 3.5 to 4 hours
DAY 5 - HUE (B,L)
Day 5 sets aside a full day exploration of Hue and its surroundings. Begin with a visit to the UNESCO-celebrated Imperial Citadel. Housing the former royal court, this “Forbidden City” reflects the pomp and ceremony of the dynasty rulers as well as the scars of many years of turmoil, both ancient and modern.
Next visit the tomb of the Emperor Minh Mang, the second Emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty. This tomb is famous for its imposing architecture and gorgeous forest setting. From the tomb, transfer by car to the Thuy Bieu countryside where a delicious lunch awaits in a beautiful pomelo garden. After a lovely meal, enjoy a brief walk through the village and countryside. Take note of the unique architecture (specific to Hue), small cottages and luxuriant gardens.
During the walk, take a break in a beautiful garden home for a fresh drink before embarking on a late afternoon cruise back to Hue. En route, stop at Thien Mu Pagoda, one of the most well-known symbols of the city of Hue. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.
Overnight at selected accommodation in Hue.
DAY 6 - HUE - DANANG/HOI AN (B)
This morning, depart Hue for the road transfer to Danang – the largest city in Central Vietnam. This day journey will run from lowlands and beaches to the mountains, stopping at several viewpoints along the way; enjoy a picnic lunch en route.
After departing Hue and passing through the wonderfully photogenic fishing village of Lang Co, the road climbs over the scenic Hai Van Pass, where fabulous views of the coastline await. From the summit, continue down to sea level along the winding steep slopes of the Son Tra Peninsula. The road to Son Tra juts out over the coast and each switch back offers a new, breathtaking view. From this vantage point, Danang, My Khe Beach, the Truong Son Mountains and even Hai Van Pass can be seen.
Also known as Monkey Mountain, Son Tra Peninsula is home to the endangered red-shanked douc. Though a rare site to see, these ‘costumed apes’ can be found in the surrounding jungle. According to experts, this rare primate is native to Indochina and can be observed in their natural habitat in the Son Traarea. The drive summits at 696 meters where panoramic views await (there will be a picnic lunch held on the way.) Descend along the other side of the mountain to see Vietnam’s biggest Buddha statue and down toward the small coves, beaches and fishing villages where the colorful wooden boats are moored along the coast. Leaving the peninsula behind, continue past Danang city and transfer onto the beachfront accommodation.
The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure to relax and enjoy the beach or the facilities at the resort.
Overnight at selected beachfront accommodation in Danang/Hoi An.
Distances and journey time:
Hue to Hoi An (150km): 3hrs
DAY 7 - HOI AN (B,L)
After breakfast, it's time to discover historic Hoi An. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the center of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday. Explore the town during a private walking tour, discovering the main places of interest, and well as some of the hidden laneways and local ‘secrets’.
Hoi An is a charming, old-world trading port of narrow streets and traditional houses. In addition to its history and culture, it also boasts long stretches of clean, white-sand beach. In keeping with Hoi An’s heritage as a trading port, the town’s tiny shop houses now host a range of craft shops and artisans including some of Asia’s best bespoke tailors. Lunch is included at a local restaurant.
Enjoy the afternoon free at leisure relaxing at the luxury beachfront resort or exploring the old town independently. The guide and driver will be available at all times.
Overnight at selected beachfront accommodation in Danang/Hoi An.
Distance & journey time:
Routes can change subject to client’s interest.
DAY 8 - HOI AN (B)
Enjoy this day free at leisure to soak up the sun and enjoy the range of resort amenities.
Overnight at selected accommodation in Danang/Hoi An.
DAY 9 - HOI AN - QUY NHON (B,L)
Leaving Danang and Hoi An behind, begin a full day’s exploration along one of the most scenic stretches of coastline that Vietnam has to offer en route to Quy Nhon. The highway hugs the coast revealing typical coastal cities, fishing ports and villages, small coves and stretches of stunning empty beaches.
Stop for a picnic lunch at one of the beaches or enjoy a local lunch at one of the small eateries along the way. There will also be a chance to take a swim on one of the deserted beaches – weather permitting. Arrive in Quy Nhon mid to late afternoon and check into the comfortable beachfront resort. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Overnight at the Avani Quy Nhon.
Distance & journey time:
Hoi An – Quy Nhon (300Km): 7-8 hours
DAY 10 - QUY NHON - NHA TRANG (B,L)
Check out of the hotel this morning and continue the Coastal Odyssey traveling further south to Khanh Hoa Province. Similar to Day 9’s itinerary, the day will be ripe with amazing photo opportunities, deserted beach swims, and stunning vistas. Enjoy lunch at a local beachfront restaurant along the way. As Nha Trang draws closer, take note of the stunning Doc Let Beach, renowned for its chalk white sand, clear turquoise water and the famous salt fields at Hon Khoi.
Mid to late afternoon arrive in Nha Trang and transfer to selected resort; the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.
Overnight at selected beachfront accommodation in/near Nha Trang.
Distance & journey time:
Quy Nhon – Nha Trang (200Km): 6-7 hours
DAY 11 - NHA TRANG (B)
Today is free at leisure to relax at the sandy beach or by the pool.
Overnight at selected beachfront accommodation in/near Nha Trang.
DAY 12 - NHA TRANG - HO CHI MINH CITY (B,D)
After breakfast, depart in the morning from Nha Trang’s Cam Ranh Airport for the short morning flight to dynamic Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam’s largest and most modern city.
This afternoon, begin exploring the highlights of Vietnam’s largest city with a local guide. Begin with a visit to the former Presidential Palace and then stroll (vehicle will be available at all times) to the most well known sights of colonial Ho Chi Minh City: Old Saigon Post Office, Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), Continental Hotel, Opera House and City Hall.
This evening, soak in a truly local experience with a ‘Saigon After Dark’ Vespa tour. The tour begins at 18:00 with a pick up at the hotel before hitting the buzzing streets of Ho Chi Minh City. The first stop on the culinary exploration will be to sample some light evening snacks. Continue to a traditional quan (bia hoi) for dinner and drinks, sampling Saigon's best authentic street food. Top off the evening with a visit to a Vietnamese-style coffee shop and a visit to a local club, where the younger generation of Saigon pass the evenings. The night adventure finishes at approximately 22:00.
Overnight at selected accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City
Distance & journey time:
Nha Trang - Cam Ranh airport: Approx. 45 minutes (depending on resort)
HCMC’s airport - HCMC (12km): 30 minutes
DAY 13 - HCMC - MEKONG DELTA DAY TRIP (CAI LAY) - HCMC (B,L)
Depart the hotel at 0830 for the 02-hour drive into the Mekong Delta. On arrival, board a boat for a 30-minute cruise up a small river to the trailhead of the cycling tour. This leisurely 7km cycling trip runs along shady back roads over tiny canals, past fruit gardens and sleepy villages (instead of a bike, a xe loi, or bicycle-towed trailer, is also available.) During the trip, stop at some traditional workshops which make turmeric spring roll paper and roof thatching made from the water palms.
Mid-morning, arrive at a family-run orchard where diverse tropical fruits are grown. The owner, a former war veteran, will share stories from his life as well as lead a tour of his gardens to sample some fresh tropical fruits. Alongside the farmer’s family, jump into a small mud pond and learn how to catch fish by bare hands. The reward? A tasty grilled fish!
After bidding the host good-bye, relax while enjoying the views from a small sampan boat while paddling slowly along tropical canals.
Disembark and continue cycling to a stunning 100-year old house which is architecturally a mixture between traditional Vietnamese and European designs. Here a Vietnamese lunch will be served consisting of dishes only found in the Mekong Delta. After the meal, bid farewell to the family before returning to Saigon, arriving in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.
DAY 14 - HO CHI MINH CITY DEPARTURE (B)
Day 14 is departure day. Enjoy some free time before transferring back to the airport for the onward departure flight from Vietnam.