A Taste of Vietnam

Upon your arrival in Hanoi, transfer to your hotel close to the Old Quarter. Later, get to know your local guide during an informal briefing at your hotel.

Insider Experience – Grand Mercure Hanoi

Nestled in the lively core of Vietnam’s bustling capital, Grand Mercure Hanoi is conveniently close to the Old Quarter. This hotel provides a genuine and immersive experience, blending modern elegance with traditional Vietnamese charm. Its design is a tribute to local heritage, incorporating elements such as rice-themed patterns, vibrant pottery, handcrafted lacquerware, and impressive architecture, resulting in a truly soulful ambience.

Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Hanoi, taking in the most famous historical and cultural sites. Visit Ba Dinh Square, one of the largest squares in Vietnam and drive by the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex. Nearby is the iconic One Pillar Pagoda built on a single pillar of stone in the middle of a lotus pond. Continue to the Temple of Literature, a beautiful example of Vietnamese architecture and the first university in Vietnam. Afterwards, enjoy an Insider Experience. The afternoon and evening are at leisure or perhaps 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.

Enhance Your Journey – Folk Art Class

Journey to one of Vietnam’s most renowned silk-weaving villages and connect with the inspiring individuals behind Vun Art, a social enterprise managed by people with disabilities. The Vun (meaning "scrap") Art Cooperative was established to empower people with disabilities by offering vocational training and creating stable employment opportunities. Hear inspiring stories of the challenges faced in founding this initiative, and enjoy the chance to create your own folk painting on a tote bag to take home.

Enhance Your Journey – Hanoi at Dawn

Experience the essence of Hanoi with an early morning walk to witness the culturally enriching flag-raising ceremony at Ba Dinh Square, the largest square in Vietnam. Afterwards, immerse yourself in local life by exploring a vibrant wet market, observing rituals at a small temple, and enjoying a morning cup of coffee, a beloved custom of Hanoians on their way to work.

Enhance Your Journey – Water Puppets and Street Food Style Dinner

Take your seat at one of the city's traditional water puppet theatres and immerse yourself in this ancient art form, unique to northern Vietnam, originally performed in villages and rice paddies. Enjoy the enchanting performance with a traditional Vietnamese orchestra, featuring drums, cymbals, horns, and bamboo flutes, providing the perfect background accompaniment. Afterwards, savour a mouth-watering selection of Vietnamese street foods at a local restaurant set in a charming colonial villa.

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.

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.

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.

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. Take a guided tour of Hoi An’s market, prepare a selection of dishes, and sample your efforts.

Enhance Your Journey – Mango Mango

Blending traditional Vietnamese cuisine with western fare, indulge in the perfectly located Mango Mango.

Enhance Your Journey – Rêu Restaurant

This colourful venue boasts beautiful views to enjoy while dining on traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

Enhance Your Journey – The Hoianian

Enjoy a three-course dinner with a mix of contemporary Vietnamese and fusion flavours.

Explore Hoi An at your leisure today. Perhaps enjoy a select experience option.

Enhance Your Journey – Guided Eco Tour

Discover the sustainable farming and fishing techniques at Tra Vegetable Village. Walk through rows of organic herbs and vegetables while learning about farming methods developed 300 years ago. Join a local fisherman to see how unique bamboo basket boats are made and learn how to paddle one.

Enhance Your Journey – Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hill

Travel from Da Nang to Ba Na Hills to visit the stunning Golden Bridge. Take the world's longest cable car ride directly to the bridge and enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline. Marvel at the colossal hands, symbolising God's hands lifting a strip of gold from the land. The Golden Bridge, or Cầu Vàng, stands 3,280 feet above sea level.

Enhance Your Journey – Lune Theatre Show

Lune Production Company offers a captivating glimpse into the beauty and cultural richness of Vietnamese rural life amid rapid urbanisation. The show features acrobatics, dance, visual art, and traditional bamboo cirque, all set to live music, ensuring a mesmerising experience for all.

Enhance Your Journey – My Son Ruins

Explore the rural area from Hoi An to My Son, a World Heritage site from the ancient Cham Empire. Nestled in a lush jungle, these Hindu temples, built between the 4th and 14th centuries, are dedicated to Shiva. Wander through the ruins, admire the sandstone bas-reliefs and stone pillars, and learn about the Cham Kingdom.

Travel over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, offering spectacular views of Lang Co Beach, before arriving in Hue, the former Imperial capital of Vietnam, nestled along the picturesque Perfume River. Explore the grand Imperial Citadel, stroll among its monuments, and listen to stories of former royal inhabitants. Step inside the historical Tien Mu Pagoda, an active Buddhist monastery. This evening, savour regional cuisine from Hue.

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

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.

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.

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.