Day 1: Hanoi arrival (-/-/-)

Hanoi - Airport: 30km, ~40min drive

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will meet your guide and driver who will then escort you to the city centre. After making sure of a successful hotel check-in, they will be pleased to leave you for some time to relax after your long flight.

Meals Included: None
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City (B/L/-)

After a wholesome breakfast at the hotel, we start the day with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, named for the beloved father of modern Vietnam. This famous complex is home to Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (closed on Mondays & Fridays), Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh Museum. Following this, we head to the Temple of Literature constructed in 1070 to worship Confucius. Otherwise known as the first university of Vietnam, the site also honours the eighty-two Vietnamese doctorates that each passed a number of rigid exams in the medieval ages. Their names, birthdays and birthplaces are each engraved in headstones perched on stone tortoises. It is widely believed that touching the heads of these tortoises will bring luck. Its peaceful green compound with its neatly maintained lawns, gardens and lotus ponds make it a tranquil hideaway from the city’s bustle and heat. Next stop, lunch!-which will be served at a popular local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we visit the Museum of Ethnology dedicated to Vietnam's fifty-four officially recognised ethnic groups with both indoor and outdoor sections. While the in-house exhibition is particularly informative, the outdoor display continues in the museum’s garden with fascinating examples of traditional houses of numerous minority groups, from the Kinhs to the ethnic groups of the Central Highlands. We then enjoy a 45-minute-cyclo tour (similar to a rickshaw) to the Old Quarter where you can see streets with century-aged trees and French Colonial buildings. We then head to Ngoc Son Temple set on a tiny islet in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. Ngoc Son Temple dates back to the 13th century and the lake itself is the picturesque heart of Hanoi, frequented by tourists and locals alike.

In the evening, we will enjoy a water puppet show, illustrating the unique Vietnamese traditional art. This art is originated from rural festivals in Vietnam. The artists, men and women, stand waist-deep in the water to manipulate the puppets, making them move, talk and laugh and even dance on the surface of the water.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi - Halong Bay overnight on boat (B/L/D)

Hanoi - Halong: 180km, ~3h30min drive

After breakfast at the hotel, we commence a three and a half hour drive through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City. We stop en route for photos and coffee before arriving at our destination. We then transfer to a refurbished wooden sailing junk for a cruise through the limestone cliffs and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay. Revel in the fantastic views of this UNESCO Heritage listed site. While on board, we will be served a fresh seafood lunch followed by swimming and explore some of the limestone caves in the area. Witness the sunset onboard followed by dinner.  The captain then will anchor for the night nearby a remote island.  In the evening, there is the option for some night fishing or just sit out on the deck and relax under the stars. We promise that this is a truly unforgettable experience.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight on Junk

Day 4: Halong Bay - Hanoi - Flight to Hue (Br/-/-)

Hanoi - Hue: 770km, 1h flight

After waking up surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the bay, we have time for an early morning dip. Then it’s time for breakfast whilst you watch the sun rise over Ha Long bay. The cruise continues to move around the bay in order for us to discover more secluded areas; we then go kayaking and continue swimming around the bay. The boat will be near us at all times for those who prefer to relax on board. Around midday, we will return to the main harbour before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for the three-hour journey to Noi Bai airport for the flight to Hue. Upon arrival at Hue, our driver will meet and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Meals Included: Brunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 5: Hue Imperial City (B/L/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we set out for the exploration of Hue's famous highlights, starting with a boat trip on Perfume River to reach the picturesque Thien Mu Pagoda also known as Heavenly Lady Pagoda. One of the most poignant displays is a car belonging to a former monk, who in 1963 drove to Saigon and set himself alight to protest against the South Vietnamese regime and its treatment of Buddhists. The picture taken by Malcolm Browne is arguably most of the most seminal of the 20th century. We then disembark the boat for a visit the elaborate mausoleum of former emperor Tu Duc, which was built between 1864 and 1867 by 3000 soldiers and workers. It includes fifty monuments surrounded by a 1500m long wall. We transfer back to Hue after lunch.

In the afternoon, we visit Hue Imperial City, the last royal city of Vietnam with various beautiful structures including the Flag Tower, Ngo Mon Gate, Nine Dynastic Urns, Nine Holy Cannons, Thai Hoa Palace and Tu Cam Thanh to name a few. Built in the 19th century by the Nguyen dynasty, the city was home to the former Emperors of Vietnam from 1802 until 1945. We then do a little bit of walking and shopping in Dong Ba Market to enjoy the many specialities of Hue city.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hue

Day 6: Hue - Danang - Hoi An (B/L/-)

Hue - Hoi An: 140km, ~2h30m drive

After breakfast at the hotel, we bid Hue farewell and continue our southbound journey to the old trading town of Hoi An via Da Nang. Along the way, we will stop at Lang Co beach for coffee and refreshments. From here we head up to the Hai Van pass, stopping at the top to take in the stunning views towards Da Nang city. Continuing on our way down the other side and into Da Nang, we will stop at the Museum of Cham Sculpture where the mix between French-colonial architecture and Cham elements are set in picturesque surroundings. Founded during the colonial French rule in 1915, this museum preserves sculpture items featuring the cultural, spiritual and ritual lives of the Cham people. Our next destination is the Marble Mountains - a cluster of five marble and limestone hills located in Ngu Hanh Son District, south of Da Nang City. All of the mountains have cave entrances and numerous tunnels and it is possible to climb to the summit of Mt. Thuy. Several Buddhist sanctuaries can also be found in the mountains, making this a popular destination. Upon our arrival in Hoi An, we assist you with check-in and the rest of the day is free for your own exploration of this remarkable town.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 7: Hoi An Ancient Town (B/L/-)

After breakfast, we take a walking tour to Hoi An Ancient Town - an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15th century. We start our day with one of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions, the Japanese Covered Bridge. The bridge was created by the Japanese living in Hoi An in the 1590s as a way to reach the Chinese quarter across the water and is a beautiful historical piece of Japanese architecture. However, no visit to Hoi An is complete without a visit to Tan Ky House - one of the many ancient houses that make up Hoi An Ancient Town. Built two centuries ago with both Japanese and Chinese influences on architecture, this house has been preserved through several generations.

We will continue our walking tour and encounter many other quintessential Hoi An houses from wealthy Chinese merchants. Another ‘must-see’ is the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall. Built in 1690, this hall is, in fact, a temple dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau. It is widely considered an outstanding work of architecture and was a uniting presence to the many cultures that influenced Hoi An.

We will visit colourful riverside markets and workshops where artisans make Hoi An's famous lanterns. Afterwards, you will get a chance to create your own lantern!

In the afternoon, we enjoy a comfortable ride down the Thu Bon River. Sailing down the river, you can experience daily life such as fishing, farming, and catching clams. We then visit Thanh Ha ceramic village to admire its intricate pottery and see old men who produce jars and exquisite vases. Getting back to the boat, we cruise down to the Cua Dai estuary for a spectacular view of the sun setting over Thu Bon River.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Hoi An

Day 8: Hoi An - Danang - Flight to Saigon (B/L/-)

Danang - Saigon: ~850km, 2h flight

After breakfast at the hotel, our driver will meet and transfer you to Danang Airport for the flight to Saigon. Upon arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, meet your new guide and driver who then escort you to the hotel for check-in. You will then have time for lunch and some well-deserved relaxation.

In the afternoon, we take a half day to visit all famous sites of this bustling city. The first destination is the now-demolished wartime American Embassy. After that, we head to the Reunification Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam until April 30, 1975 when the North Vietnamese tanks came crashing through the front gates, bringing the U.S.-Vietnam War to a dramatic end. This will be followed by some French colonial structures including the Notre Dame Cathedral. Notre Dame Cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883 where the stones used to create it were exported entirely from France. Apart from the religious meaning, the most captivating point of this Cathedral is its special neo-Romanesque style of architecture. Adjacent to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, finished in 1891. It is another fine example of French architecture and is Vietnam's largest post office. After visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the War Remnant Museum, we continue our trip to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, which is a fantastic place for bargains of all kinds. There are a number of vendors and food stalls in the market food section that offers fresh local dishes. You also can find many goods for daily use as well as a variety of eye-catching souvenirs.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Saigon

Day 9: Saigon - Tay Ninh - Cu Chi – Flight to Siem Riep (B/L/-)

Saigon - Siem Riep: 668km, 1h flight

After breakfast, you will be picked up at 8:00 am to drive through archetypical southern Vietnamese countryside before heading towards the Tay Ninh province. Upon arrival, we visit the Cao Dai Holy See temple where the followers of this religion practice a unique religious blend of all the major faiths of the world. The temple is dominated by the all-seeing eye and is an architectural wonder due to its influence from contributing religions. The daily service is impressive where worshippers wear robes of different colours denoting their function and status and kneel in blocks whilst they pray and perform complex rituals. Moving on, we have scheduled a special lunch of the local cuisines in a popular local eatery for your taste of Tay Ninh.

After lunch, we drive to the incredible Cu Chi tunnel, a 250 km underground tunnel system which was created manually by Vietnamese resistance fighters often known as Viet Cong during their long struggle for independence. Also on display are various mantraps and the remains of an American tank, as well as numerous bomb craters made by 500-pound bombs, dropped by B52 bombers. After this fascinating visit, we head to the airport for your flight to Siem Riep. Upon arrival, our driver will meet and transfer you to hotel for check-in.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 10: Siem Riep - Angkor Highlighted Temples (B/L/-)

After breakfast, we visit the ancient Khmer civilisation site of Hariharalaya, which flourished in the late 9th and early 10th centuries. These are the earliest temples in the Angkor area and are referred as the Roluos group. The three Roluos temples are Bakong Temple Mountain with wonderful carvings on the false doors and lintels, the funerary temple of Preah Ko and Lolei Temple, renowned for its exquisite carvings and inscriptions.

After lunch with a local family, we will continue to drive to the rural outskirts 35km from Angkor area to visit the smallest, but magnificent, Banteay Srei, built in the 10th century and dedicated to Shiva. The temple was the birthplace of Khmer classical style architecture and the bas-relief work is the best example of Khmer classical art that remains today. The pink sandstone structures bear a series of striking and beautiful sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes. Khmers say the temple must have been carved by women for the details are too fine for the hands of a man. On the way back to Siem Reap we will visit the Banteay Samre Temple adorned depicting scenes of Vishnu as well as Krishna legends.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 11: Siem Riep - Angkor Tours (B/L/-)

Early in the morning, we visit the picturesque Ta Prohm. This wonder has all but disappeared into the jungle and remains almost entirely overgrown presenting an oddly haunting scene. The magnificent roots of a tree, pulling the huge stone blocks of the temple in a sort of embrace evoke feelings that people have said they remember for years to come. We continue on and visit one of the world most renowned temples, Angkor Wat.  The temple still has Apsara carvings in Angkorian era art. We arrive back at the hotel around 9:00 am and rest until noon to avoid the heat of the day. We continue exploring the mysterious Royal city Angkor Thom & Bayon whose 54-tower temple is an awesome sight. At first glance, it seems a shapeless mass of stone, but under further scrutiny, it reveals a face, and then another and another until suddenly you are engulfed by the silent, heavy, enigmatic gazes peering at you. Further on, we visit the surroundings of the complex including the Baphou, Elephant Terraces, Lepper King Terrace and Royal Place area before we visit one more ruin in Angkor Area.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Siem Riep

Day 12: Siem Riep - Flight to Phnom Penh (B/L/-)

Siem Riep - Phnom Penh: 320km, 45min flight

After breakfast at the hotel, time is free until your driver meets and transfers you to the airport for your flight to Phnom Penh by Angkor Air. Upon arrival, you will be escorted by your local guide to the hotel.

We then enjoy the sightseeing tour of Phnom Penh starting with the National Museum, which is dedicated exclusively to Khmer art and sculpture. The majority of the exhibits are from the Angkor period from 9th to 15th century, but some date from as early as the 4th century. We continue our driving to the Mekong Islands to visit the weaving villages and view the incredible scenery of the Mekong islands. We return to Phnom Penh by local boat just in time to watch a magnificent sunset over the water.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Phnom Penh

Day 13: Phnom Penh - Flight to Vientiane (B/-/-)

Phnom Penh - Vientiane: 977km, 1h25min flight

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the private quarters of the Royal Palace which are now home to the royal family and are therefore closed to the public. At the northern area of the palace grounds is the Silver Pagoda, the most sacred temple in the country. We continue to one of the city’s lively open markets, Psar Toul Tom Pong, otherwise known as the “Russian Market”. This is largely due to the fact that anything and everything is for sale. There will be free time for you to find some lunch until you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Vientiane. Upon arrival, our driver will meet and transfer you to the hotel in the city centre for check-in.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Day 14: Vientiane (B/L/-)

After breakfast at hotel, we start to visit the major sights of the capital; including the oldest Wat Sisaket with thousands of miniature Buddha statues and the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. On the way to the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, we stop to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. From there, we visit the Central Market call ‘Morning Market’ where you can find the antique items for collection, well handmade textile and gift away item.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Vientiane

Day 15: Vientiane - Flight to Luang Prabang (B/L/-)

Vientiane - Luang Prabang: 340km, 50min flight

After breakfast at hotel, our driver will meet and transfer you to airport for your flight to Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, our guide will meet and escort you to hotel at city center for check-in. After a short rest, we stroll around to see the Street Night Market, where you can find the lovely collection and handmade textile by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. We then climb up to the top of Phousi Mount for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa as well as viewing a beautiful panorama sunset over this once royal ancient city and the Mekong River.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang

Day 16: Luang Prabang - Pak Ou – Luang Prabang (B/L/-)

After breakfast at the hotel, we enjoy a short-guided tour seeing the city’s oldest temple of impressive stupa of Wat Visoun and the shrine of Wat Aham, Wat Mai, Wat Sene and the magnificent Wat Xiengthong with its roofs sweeping low to the ground, which represent the classical architecture of Luang Prabang temple.

We then board a boat embarking upstream on the Mekong River. . Enjoy the beautiful view of the tranquil countryside as well as an interesting visit to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves, crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes. Along the way, we stop at the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine. On return, we take a short drive to Ban Phanom, well known for its hand weaving.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Luang Prabang           

Day 17: Luang Prabang - Departure (B/-/-)

After breakfast, we visit the National Museum at the former Royal Palace. This informative museum displays a lovely collection of artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. We continue our visit to the Fine Arts School and end at Central Market.  Then we head to the airport for your flight back home or to next destination.

Have a nice trip!

Meals Included: Breakfast