Welcome to Vietnam!

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by our local guide and transferred to Halong Bay, approximately 160 km or a 2.5-hour drive away.

On the way, you will see some rural areas of the Red River Delta with plenty of chances to take photos of Vietnamese farmers working in paddy fields. Stop halfway to visit a handicraft workshop of fine clothes and embroidered paintings.

Arrive in Ha Long City at 10:00 - 10:30 AM and have free time to relax at the cruise lounge.

At noon time, check in aboard the booked junk right after the welcome drink is served. Start cruising while having lunch on board and enjoy the mighty bay view. Ha Long Bay meaning Descending Dragon Bay in Vietnamese as legend has it that it was where a holy dragon landed down from sky. The bay, famous as one of the world’s wonders and heritage sites whose formation dates back 500 million years, consists of around 2,000 karst islands and islets scattered over an area of 1,553 km2. The bay cruise will continue with up close sighting of Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island, Sail Island, a visit to Sung Sot Cave and swimming stop at Titov Beach. Relax to enjoy the bay view at sunset, have dinner after, go fishing at 09:00 PM and spend a night on board.

Note: the itinerary of the cruise in Ha Long Bay will be changed following your chosen cruise and weather.

Meals: Lunch (Local Food), Dinner (Local Food)
Accommodation: A cruise used in Ha Long

Early risers can enjoy the splendid yet tranquil view of the bay at the crack of dawn. Breathe the sea’s fresh air, feel the morning breeze and hear the sounds of birds above. Have breakfast and cruise to visit Human head shaped island and Tortoise Island. Continue to cruise into Bai Tu Long Bay to discover the adjacent bay of “The Little Dragon Bowing to His Mother” as it is named. Check out and have lunch on board while heading to shore.

Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi by the private transfer.

After your short rest, proceed to Hanoi Half Day City Tour.

Today, you visit Ho Chi Minh Complex which features the life of Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder. At the complex, visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside), the colonial Presidential Palace, the One Pillar Pagoda.

Continue your visit to Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam built in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, sages and outstanding Vietnamese scholars.

Afterwards, enjoy walking through the iconic Old Quarter. The streets of this district are bustling with scooters, bicycles, cyclos and cars zipping around pedestrians. The best way to enjoy the charming colonial architecture is to wander with your guide at a leisurely pace, and be sure to stop for a cup of Vietnamese coffee (at guest’s own account).

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch.
Accommodation: A hotel used in Hanoi.

Breakfast at hotel.
Free at leisure until you get on private airport transfer to Danang Airport for the flight to Da Nang.

Upon arrival in Da Nang, private airport transfer to your hotel for check-in. Your rooms are available from 14:00. Early check-in is subject to room availability.

The balance of the day is free at your leisure without a guide or vehicle.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight at hotel in Da Nang.

Breakfast at hotel.

Free at your leisure until you get on private transfer to Hanoi Airport for flight to Danang on VJ 515 (11:50 – 13:10)

Upon arrival in Danang Airport, private transfer to your hotel in Danang for check-in. Your rooms are available from 14:00. Early check-in is subject to room availability.

After your short rest, continue your day with an excursion to Cam Thanh village, being a fisherman at Cam Thanh water coconut village tour you will enjoy experiences from learning traditional fishing techniques and how to row unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boat, fishing and catch the crabs, coconut mussel while exploring the now tranquil coconut-palm flanked waterways of a past war.

Next, depart to Hoi An Ancient Town, a major trading center in Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Have your camera ready to capture the picturesque Japanese Covered bridges, originally designed by the Japanese community to link them with the neighboring Chinese quarters. Walk through the historic town. As the streets of the old town are very narrow, cars are not permitted in the historical center. Start with the 200-year-old Tan Ky House, a beautiful home that has been lovingly preserved over seven generations. Continue on foot to the Museum of Trade Ceramics, with fascinating pottery artefacts from all over Asia and the Middle East. Take a short walk through the historic town to the 17th century Chinese Chua Ong Pagoda – the neighborhood around it has distinctly Chinese inspired buildings and is lovely to explore at a relaxed pace.

Enjoy the exciting time to do shopping in Hoi An. You will be amazed by vintage decorating items, jewelry, artworks, and souvenirs.

Early evening, take a boat ride and float some Hoi An paper flower lanterns along the gentle water of the Hoai River. Immerse into Hoi An City by night, which is dipped into the warm honey color of hundreds of lanterns magically lit and twinkling floating lotus candlelight paper lanterns floating along the river.

Afterwards, private transfer back to your hotel for relaxation.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: A hotel used in Danang.

Breakfast at hotel.
Morning, departure to Ba Na Hills, pass the sea-shore on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, one of the most beautiful roads of Da Nang City and Red Beach, where the French first landed in Da Nang.

Arrive at the Cable car station at the foot of Ba Na Mountain. Enjoy the first leg Cable car, which achieves two Guinness World records in 2009, longest non-stop cable car (5,042m) and highest non-stop cable car (1,292m). Sitting in the cabin, in mid air, looking upon the endless tree line of the forests, bring you with spectacular views of the lush jungle and fairly waterfalls along the way. Experience pristine ecological

First, step on Golden Bridge which stands 1,400m above sea level in the Ba Na hills, extends over the treetops from the edge of a leafy cliff face offering tourists uninterrupted views of the majestic landscape beneath. The gold-colored walkway is lined with purple Lobelia Chrysanthemums and extends for almost 150 metres, curving around in an elegant design. But it is the sculpted hands that give it the true wow factor. It looks like giant hands of Gods pulling a strip of gold out of the land. The Golden Bridge is the latest tourist attraction in Da Nang and has attracted hordes of guests since it opened.
Visit the Le Jardin, old wineries, remains of French Villas and Ling Ung Pagoda with 27m high Buddha status.
We then leave the Le Jardin for the second cable car station to visit the top of mountain and see the remain of old villas. Conquer the Peak of Chua Mountain at the height of 1,487m. View the whole Da Nang city under the cluster of white clouds. Leave Peak of Chua Mountain, visit the trail of Dreaming Stream, Rainbow Waterfall, Suspension Bridge, Golden Valley, and ruined Opera House.

Lunch at local restaurant (Local buffet lunch at guest’s own arrangement).

Play with wild monkeys and take photos, freely then we return to Cable car station at foot of Ba Na Mountain then transfer back to your hotel in Danang.

Remarks: Cable car ticket includes all free games in Fantasy Park: over 105 games and free Knight Game
(Chute), entrance fees for Funicular, The Golden Bridge.
Debay ancient wine cellar, Wax Museum, Coin-games, Alpine Roller Coaster are excluded.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: A hotel used in Danang.

Breakfast at hotel.
Free at leisure until you get on private airport transfer to Danang Airport for the flight to Ho Chi Minh.

Upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh city, private airport transfer to your hotel for check-in. Your rooms are available from 14:00. Early check-in is subject to room availability.

The balance of the day is free at your leisure without a guide or vehicle.

Meal: Breakfast
Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh.

Breakfast at hotel.

Morning, take a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels, 75 km Northwest of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, which were once major underground hideout and resistance base of Viet Cong forces during the two wars against the French and later on
Americans. The tunnels, entirely hand-dug, formed a highly intricate network of interlinked multilevel passageways at times stretched as far as the Cambodian border and totaling over 120km in length. Its complexity was beyond imagination containing meeting rooms, kitchens, wells, clinics, schools, depots, trenches and emergency exits all aimed for guerrilla warfare. The tunnels were deep and strong enough to withstand destructive bombings and self-contained enough to outlast prolonged sieges. Back to Ho Chi Minh City and spend time at leisure.

Afternoon, take a half-day city tour to visit the War Remnants Museum, which features an extensive
collection of exhibits including weaponry, photos and documentation on Vietnam’s wars with the French
and Americans, and the Reunification Palace the South Vietnam President’s residence and symbol of the
Southern Administration’s reign until end of April 1975.

Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: A hotel used in Ho Chi Minh City

Breakfast at hotel.
Free at your leisure until you get on private transfer to the airport for departure flight. Room is at your disposal until noon time only.

Meals: Breakfast.

Welcome to Vietnam! After you exit the aircraft, an airport representative will greet you with a signboard showing your name. Our guide and chauffeur will greet you and transfer you to the hotel for check in. Feel free to let the guide know if you need to stop along the way for currency exchange or visiting a convenience store. Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling metropolis of the South and the economic muscle of Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, it was the main base center of the US military with the largest airport in the region. Prior to that, it was under French colonial rule and was an Asian hub of sea trade. The city is based in the Mekong River Delta region – the rice basket of Southeast Asia and where many exotic fruits are cultivated. Full of history and culture, Ho Chi Minh City will certainly be an interesting visit.

Meal: None

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

After breakfast, our guide will greet you and transfer you to see some of the most significant and mysterious temples in Ho Chi Minh City. You'll start by visiting the Emperor Jade Pagoda; also known as the Tortoise pagoda. This figurine-filled place of worship is considered by many to be Ho Chi Minh City's finest. The next stop is Cho Lon: the Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City. A thickly settled district rife with tea houses and pagodas. There you'll see Phuoc An, Hoi Quan Pagoda and Quan Am Pagoda. Then you'll enjoy a cyclo tour around the city before stopping at Ben Thanh Market. Here you can find local handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs or give the local cuisine a try. Take your adventures underground today for an adventure in history you won't forget. In the afternoon, transfer with our guide to the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. Discover these amazing systems developed by the guerrillas fighting in the Vietnam War. You'll have an opportunity to see the various weapons used in the war on display. Then you'll be taken to see the innovative ways the guerrillas survived and fought back in the war. See how they built an impressive underground system as your tour guide tells of the stories and history of the Vietnam War. You'll also have an opportunity to shoot the various guns used in the war at a firing range near the tunnels (extra charges apply). Then you'll have the chance to see rice paper and coconut candy being made. After, you'll enjoy jasmine tea and a boiled cassava root snack that was a common food eaten by guerrillas during the war. You'll return back to Ho Chi Minh City.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Depart from Ho Chi Minh City to Mo Cay for visiting the floating market at Ben Tre. Board a sampan along the canals and visit the Thom Coconut Floating Market. Boats filled with coconuts and various other fruits and produce wait for customers and trade. Continue to the Ho Isles for lunch. After lunch, enjoy a walk on one of the islands to see local life with small hamlets and gardens. Visit a fruit orchard and try some fresh seasonal fruit from the Delta, such as mango, dragon fruit or jackfruit (type of fruit will depend on season). Then enjoy a traditional herbal foot bath. Continue to Tra Vinh for learning about the Khmer culture, who share language and traditions with Cambodians. Return to Ho Chi Minh City in the late afternoon.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

In the morning, you will transfer by flight to Danang. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check in. In the afternoon, transfer with our guide to Hoi An Ancient Town. This town features the 16th century Hoi An port town in its preserved state. You'll start the day visiting the Museum of Trade Ceramics. This museum houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500s to the 1,700s. Then you'll briefly visit the Chua Ong Pagoda, a temple from the 17th century which features China's influence in the region. You'll continue through the Ancient Town as the streets take on a magic of their own with old lanterns, French-style houses, intricately carved wooden doors and more. You'll take a stroll through the Old Tam Ky House to see its imperial styles meshed with French overtures. Continue on to stroll along the river and see traditional boats and locals on bicycles passing by. You'll then approach the Japanese Covered Bridge. This bridge has connected the Chinese and Japanese sides of town over the waterway for centuries. The old wooden structure has shown amazing resilience for more than 400 years. At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as old colorful lanterns light up the town. After you've finished the tour, return to the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Hoi An

Spend this full day at your own leisure. You can walk around the city and discover the local daily life, find out some interesting souvenir items, drop by at a bar to relax and have a drink or two. Alternatively, simply relax on the beautiful beaches of Danang or indulge yourself with the comfort and amenities which your resort offers.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Hoi An

Today, you will transfer by flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check in. After check in, enjoy a stroll on your own around Hoan Kiem Lake outside your hotel. Feel free to also pick up a souvenir at the night markets or at one of the many trinket shops in the alleys and small roads of this historic part of town.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

In the morning, you'll be escorted to see the Tran Quoc Pagoda. This 1,400 years old temple features ten tiers surrounded by gardens and which also hosts a bodhi tree grown from a cutting of the original Buddhist tree under which Buddha sat. Next, you'll take a stroll around the Hoan Kiem Lake where you can see the Tortoise Tower sitting on the water. Then you'll enjoy a half hour cyclo tour through the Old Quarter in Hanoi. The cyclo is a historic mode of transportation in the cities of Vietnam where a cyclist escorts you while you sit in a seat affixed to the front with a canopy over top. Next, you'll visit the One Pillar Pagoda - a pagoda situated on a pillar made of a single stone, in the middle of a lotus pond. This pagoda was built by a 9th century emperor who saw it in a dream and regarded this as divine inspiration to recreate the structure in the vision. You'll pass by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before visiting the highlight of this tour - The Temple of Literature. This ancient university was erected almost a millennium ago and has hosted many of the most prominent scholars through Vietnamese history. The site features many gardens, pools, buildings, and ancient trees where the best and brightest of Vietnam studied under the guidance of Confucius teachings. Start the afternoon with the latest craze in Hanoi: Egg Coffee at the original cafe where it began – Cafe Giang (for the less adventurous, other drink options are available). Soak up the local life of Hanoi from your seat while enjoying a pleasant chat. After your cups are dry, begin your walking tour of the Hanoi Old Quarter. Our guide will entertain you with a commentary about the history of the “36 Old Streets and Guilds”. Throughout the afternoon, you'll stop to try some excellent Vietnamese street food which may include Pho Cuon (grilled beef and fresh herbs wrapped in rice noodles), Ngo Chien (crispy sweet corn), Bun Cha (BBQ pork in fish sauce with rice noodles, fresh herbs and spring rolls), Nem Cuon (fresh spring rolls) or some other popular Vietnamese dishes. During the afternoon, you will also visit a local market to see how vendors display their produce, meat, and foodstuffs. Finish the walking tour at Hoan Kiem Lake, a calm lagoon with an old stone tower on an island in the center. Return to the hotel for leisure time.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

In the morning, our guide will meet and greet you and then transfer to the Heritage Line's welcome lounge at the Tuan Chau Marina. Then you will take a quick speedboat transfer to the luxurious floating home before starting your unique journey of exploring one of the wonders of nature – Lan Ha Bay and its main Island of Cat Ba. Enjoy your lunch which is served in the ship's a nearly 360-degree light-flooded restaurant. Their live cooking in the open kitchen is a one of a kind experience – enjoy the culinary display along with fantastic panoramic views of the passing scenery. Relax on the terrace deck or on your private balcony and soak in the enchanting aura which emanates from the surreal seascape. Enjoy some unique facilities on board. Take a plunge in the pool with infinity-like vistas or get pampered with a selection of fine treatments and massages in the spa area of the ship. As the cruise reaches the shore of a small lagoon on Cat Ba Island, you will hop on bicycles (e-cart transfers are also available) for leisure pedaling along small paved roads towards the Viet Hai Village. Little has changed in Viet Hai since the ancestors of the 80 households settled here centuries ago. Situated in a valley within the Cat Ba National Park and surrounded on all sides by thick forests and mountains, the locals are isolated from the island's other villages and towns. The only access is via sea. The community is self-sufficient, as the residents provide for themselves by cultivating vegetables and fruits in the next-door fields, growing rice of cause in the valley, and going fishing out in the bay. This is a truly unique and authentic opportunity to meet local inhabitants and experience their local daily life. You have a glimpse of local households and see how they make medicine organically from tree bark. Try various homemade liquors if you fancy. Back on board, you'll join a cooking demonstration to learn a few Vietnamese culinary secrets with the chef in the restaurant's big open kitchen (or any other alternative onboard activity).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight on cruise in Lan Ha Bay

Rise early for one of the top best sunrises in the world. Then head to the sundeck for an invigorating Tai Chi session amongst a picture-perfect backdrop of karsts, sea, and nature. Coffee, tea, and breakfast pastries await in the dining room to start the day. It is time to lift anchors and continue with the cruise to a place called “Frog Lake”, a secluded area which is perfect for your energetic morning excursion. Go for a refreshing swim in the bay or explore this captivating marine landscape via kayak. The cliffs stretch vertically out of the water and you feel a sense of freedom while paddling through this labyrinth of jade-green water, rocks, and vivid tree-topped islets. Back on board and enjoy a hearty breakfast while cruising back. Bid the crew farewell and then transfer back to Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

Today, our guide will transfer you to the airport to catch your flight back home and to bid you a fond farewell. Thank you for traveling with us!

Meals: Breakfast

After you arrive by flight, your tour guide and driver will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh. Check in hotel then enjoy a short rest at noon.

Approximate Schedule: 10:30 am – 9:00 pm. Your Ho Chi Minh City tour begins at 10:30 AM, and the first stop is the iconic Central Post Office. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this architectural marvel reflects a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and French colonial styles. Admire the intricate detailing of the interior and perhaps send a postcard to commemorate your trip. Just a short walk away is the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral. Built in the late 19th century by French colonists, this red-brick cathedral, with its twin bell towers reaching skyward, is one of the city's most important religious and architectural landmarks. Take some time to explore its peaceful surroundings and enjoy the quiet contrast to Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant streets. Next, head to the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History, where you will delve into the city's rich past, from the prehistoric period to the last Vietnamese dynasties. The museum features impressive exhibits, including ancient artifacts, traditional costumes, and historical relics that give insight into Vietnam's culture and heritage. Afterward, make your way to the Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a grand colonial building. Here, you'll explore a vast collection of contemporary and classical Vietnamese artwork, from traditional lacquerware to modern sculpture and paintings. The museum beautifully captures Vietnam's evolving art scene. Around 2:00 PM, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Ben Thanh Market, one of the city's oldest and most bustling markets. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as you browse through colorful stalls selling everything from traditional Vietnamese clothing to fresh produce and local handicrafts. You may even wish to sample some street food or buy souvenirs. After the market, return to your hotel for some rest and relaxation. At 6:00 PM, get to the Saigon Opera House for the captivating AO Show, a must-see performance that blends traditional Vietnamese music, acrobatics, and modern dance, telling the story of rural and urban life in Vietnam. This visually stunning show is the perfect way to end your day in Ho Chi Minh City. Seating category: Ground Floor Zone A

Meal: None

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Approximate Schedule: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm. Discover the Mekong River, essential to Vietnamese life. You'll transfer to the remote My Tho.

This burgeoning capital rests in the Mekong Delta and is surrounded by beautiful countryside known as the "rice basket of Vietnam". First, you'll visit Vinh Trang Pagoda which is decorated with mosaics made from broken pottery. Overlooked by a tall white Buddha, it is set amongst lovely gardens packed with flowers, shrubs, lotus pools and tombs and ornate gates which provide entry. Next, you'll take a boat ride along the river to view the stilt houses, fruit plantations and fishing villages. After lunch, you'll visit An Khanh, a small village that specializes in fruit orchards and coconut sweets. If time permits, you can take a short cycling trip through the island. Then enjoy seasonal fruit, honey tea, and delicious coconut candies all to the sound of "Southern Vietnamese folk music", performed by locals. After the tour is finished, you'll return to Ho Chi Minh City. In the evening, enjoy your leisure time at Bui Vien Street.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Check out hotel in the morning, your guide and driver will escort you to airport for your onward flight to Da Nang. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel in Hoi An Ancient Town for check in.

Approximate Schedule: 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm. In the afternoon, you'll continue to visit Hoi An Ancient Town. This town features the 16th century Hoi An port town in its preserved state. You'll start the day visiting the Museum of Trade Ceramics. This museum houses art and pottery dating from the 1,500s to the 1,700s. After the visit, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Hoi An

In the morning, you'll transfer to the My Son Holy Land. Tucked in the mountains up winding roads with serene views, lie the 4th century My Son Holy Land ruins. The surrounding mountains are strictly forbidden from living or development. The ruins lie in a beautiful surrounding mountainous landscape. You'll enter the temples while your tour guide gives you the history and stories of the Cham and the site. At dusk, enjoy walking along the riverside as colorful lanterns light up the town. After you've finished the tour, you will return back to your hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Hoi An

Approximate Schedule: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. In the morning, you'll learn about the unique cooking style and rich heritage of Hoi An cuisine. This morning, you'll transfer to the Red Bridge Restaurant to join in a cooking class. You'll learn about the various influences of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese in the culinary traditions that have developed over centuries in Hoi An. You'll also learn about various herbs, spices, and ingredients used in Central Vietnam. Then, under the guidance of your chef, you'll prepare several dishes. After the cooking class is finished, you'll enjoy what you've prepared for lunch. After the cooking class, return to hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Hoi An

Our guide will assist with checking you out of your hotel and then transfer by vehicle for a scenic ride along the mountain coasts of Vietnam. Start by riding alongside the beaches of Danang where you'll see hundreds of traditional fishing boats scattered out along the water with beautiful mountains lining the horizon. Then you'll approach a steep and narrow ascent where you'll find the scenery surreal. Along the way, there is a stretch of road which overlooks a beautiful bay with a small fishing village, perfect for a Facebook portrait. You'll continue your climb to a summit where the clouds will meet you. In Chinese, the summit is referred to as "Where the Clouds Meet the Ocean". You'll continue onward through mountains, valleys, countryside, and shorelines where you'll find numerous breath-taking scenes. Feel free to request your driver to stop for photos along the way. As you enter Hue, you'll see many imperial signs and impressive houses and buildings which are only a deluge of what's to come. Your ventures will take you to lunch at a royal residence. These imperial styled houses near the Royal Citadel feature beautiful gardens, intricate furnishings, and detailed ornaments at every turn. Each dish highlights different aspects of Hue traditional food enjoyed by the royalty. The brilliant food presentation will be sure to leave a fond memory with you of this family-owned garden and restaurant. In the afternoon, you'll press onward to see the famed Imperial Hue Citadel – the old capital of Vietnam. This Citadel has a moat and wall perimeter 6 miles long. You'll be able to view its vast gardens and structure relics. Then you'll breach the outer perimeter of the Hue Imperial City. Inside, you'll see many of the national treasures and structures which have survived the Vietnam War. Venture further inside and you'll enter the Purple Forbidden City. This city was off limits to the commoners and only could be entered by the highest officials in Vietnamese government and royalty. Your driver will meet you on the other side of the city where you'll then be escorted to a stop at the Dong Ba Market where you can see local fruits and produce for sale.

In the evening, take a flight to Hanoi. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check in.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

Start your day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square, an important point of pilgrimage for the Vietnamese. Explore the nearby simple cottage on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during his humble beginnings as a revolutionary. Then visit the highlight of the tour includes exploring the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius. From now on, you will eat what was appealed to Anthony Bourdain, visit the sites where he was and meet the people he was impressed with. Time for your delicious lunch at the rustic restaurant where Bourdain broke bread with Barack Obama — a meal that includes bun cha, a Hanoian noodle specialty. Then, stroll down the streets and try café Trung. Vietnam is famous for its Robusta coffee, and café Trung is a charming Vietnamese version of cappuccino. Hot café Trung, with its rich taste of coffee, creamy egg yolk, and sweet condensed milk, will leave you smiling. Down time with one-hour cyclo ride around the French Quarter in the heart of Hanoi. A cyclo is a bicycle cab with a roof, pedaled by a driver who sits behind you, allowing for immersing yourself in an old atmosphere of an area that perfectly captures the timelessness and nostalgia of Vietnam. The Old Quarter consists of 36 old streets named after the kind of goods or crafts that used to be made or sold on those streets, such as Hang Dao (Silk Street), Hang Bac (Silver Street), Hang Duong (Sugar Street), and Hang Muoi (Salt Street). Disembarkation at the historic Pho Cuon restaurant by Truc Bach Lake for a quick snack. Do it as the locals do! Take your plastic seat and dip Pho Cuon into the tasty Nuoc Mam sauce and enjoy this specialty of Hanoi.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and escorted to Ha Long Bay, one of the Wonders of the Orient. Your heavenly journey across Ha Long Bay starts around noon on Tuan Chau Island at the doorstep of Vietnam's most fascinating wonder. As the vessel sets sails, you will be greeted by Paradise Crew and Cruise Manager who will aim throughout your stay at providing you with the highest standards of service for a pure pleasure and utmost comfort onboard our luxury facilities in the stunning surroundings. Discover some of the treasures disseminated across the Bay of the Descending Dragon during the afternoon: fascinating caves, pristine beaches, fantastic rock formations rising up out of emerald water. While onboard, you can take advantage at leisure of the Spa, Beauty & Massage services; surrounded by a stunning setting in motion, you will attend the chef's cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking. Defined to be one of the highlights of your Paradise stay, a highly refined, innovative and varied cuisine will be presented for Lunch and Dinner in the elegant dining-room, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and beverages from around the world.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight on cruise in Ha Long Bay

Early birds can attend a Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck at the break of dawn. Start the day enjoying some Paradise delights with a colorful buffet breakfast. Continue exploring Ha Long Bay sailing across its 2000 islets and visiting some of its major highlights. Your Paradise Cruise will come to an end on Tuan Chau Island between 10.30am and 11.00am. Return to Hanoi and re-check in. Afternoon is at your leisure. The evening will start with a Water Puppet Show performed by the world-renowned Thang Long Opera House. This performance features a talent unique to Vietnam. You'll watch as water puppets perform the folklore legends of Vietnam while live ethnic music sets the mood. After the show, you'll enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Home Moc Restaurant – a historic French colonial residence restored in between the Old Quarter and the serene West Lake. Enjoy fine Vietnamese cuisine. Once you finish your dinner, you'll transfer to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

Check out hotel in the morning, then you will be transferred to airport for your homeward flight.

Meals: Breakfast