Day : 1
Arrive Hanoi (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Welcome to Vietnam. On arrival to Hanoi Airport transfer to your hotel. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your Travel Director and fellow guests.
Day : 2
Hanoi Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
Your exploration of Hanoi begins with a visit to Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, a monument built with marble and granite where the preserved body of 'Uncle Ho', one of Vietnam's great former leader's, resides. Afterwards visit Ho Chi Minh's House, a traditional stilt house where Ho lived occasionally from 1958 to 1969. Next visit 'One Pillar Pagoda' which was designed in the shape of a lotus flower. Seated on a tranquil pond this Buddhist temple is believed to have magical healing powers. Continue on to Hoa Lo Prison which was built in 1896 and is part of a vast prison complex. Built by the French to imprison Vietnamese political prisoners it is thought to have originally stood in the city centre to make an example to the Vietnamese agitators who were fighting for independence. Enjoy some free time this afternoon or choose to join an Optional Experience with a local foodie.
Day : 3
Hanoi - Halong Bay
Number of Days : 1
This morning depart for Halong Bay, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site with its breath-taking views of hundreds of islets scattered throughout the bay. It is believed that the Jade Emperor sent a dragon from heaven which sprayed thousands of pearls onto the sea to act as a fortress designed to protect Vietnam from invaders. Settle in and enjoy lunch on board your wooden junk boat while cruising amongst the 1600 islets en route to Bai Tu Long Bay. Later visit and explore the well hidden Thien Canh Son Cave with its incredible stalactites resembling natural hanging lamps. Perhaps take a swim before returning to the boat for a cooking demonstration by the Chef. Try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking before dinner and later relax and enjoy the charm of the bay at night.
Day : 4
Halong Bay - Hanoi - Danang - Hoi An (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Enjoy the sunrise and rejuvenate your mind and body with a Tai-chi session on the deck followed by a visit to visit Vung Vieng, a floating fishing village. Discover the lifestyle and culture of the local people who live on the water. Later sail back to the pier and then drive to Hanoi for your flight to Danang. On arrival transfer to Hoi An for dinner in a local restaurant and your overnight stay.
Day : 5
Hoi An Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
This morning enjoy a walking tour around the lanes of Hoi An with its many atmospheric sights. See the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialties of vibrant coloured silk, rich fragrant herbs and spices and exotic fruit and vegetables. Afternoon at leisure or choose to join an optional experience to discover more.
Day : 6
Hoi An - Danang - Nha Trang (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Today fly to the beach resort of Nha Trang, known for its year round sunny weather, turquoise water and white sandy beach. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. This evening enjoy dinner in a local restaurant with its stunning beachfront location.
Day : 7
Nha Trang Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
This morning take a leisurely cruise to Mun (Ebony) Island, so named due to the black rock formations and caves on the island. The island is home to incredible underwater coral reefs that attract tropical fish, sea turtles and other rare and beautiful marine life. Enjoy snorkeling (mask and a snorkel are provided on the boat) in the crystal clear waters of this protected maritime reserve before cruising to another island for lunch in a local restaurant. Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Day : 8
Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City (3 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon it is the country's commercial centre whilst still retaining its connections with the past. This evening enjoy dinner in a traditional local restaurant where the meals are served on mam trays.
Day : 9
Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
This morning drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a massive network of underground tunnels built in 1948 to protect the Viet Cong guerrillas from the French air and ground sweeps. On your visit gain a better understanding of the history, the hardship of life in the tunnels and the Vietnamese resilience during combat. Return to Ho Chi Minh City and take a tour around the various historical landmarks. See Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office and the former Presidential Palace. Later experience the local street coffee culture while having a brief language lesson before returning to the hotel.
Day : 10
Ho Chi Minh City Free Time
Number of Days : 1
Today spend the day at leisure or take the opportunity for further exploration of this great city at your own pace or alternatively choose to take an Optional Experience to the Mekong Delta.
Day : 11
Ho Chi Minh City - Siem Reap (3 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
This morning fly to Siem Reap, the gateway to the famous temples of Angkor. Upon arrival check-in to the hotel and later take a walk around Siem Reap Old Town. Visit the new and old markets on both sides of the river and later enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
Day : 12
Siem Reap Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
Visit Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important religious monuments in the world. Learn how the Khmer Empire prospered between the 9th and 13th centuries as you stroll through the intricately carved hallways that showcase hundreds of fine carvings. Later visit Angkor Thom which was once an entire walled city that served as the last capital of the Khmer empire. Explore the Bayon temple, the Terrace of the Elephants and the Terrace of the Leper King which houses almost perfectly preserved carvings. Return to your hotel for an afternoon and evening at leisure.
Day : 13
Siem Reap Free Time
Number of Days : 1
Enjoy a full free day to explore further or perhaps consider joining an Optional Experience.
Day : 14
Depart Siem Reap
Number of Days : 1
Transfer to the Siem Reap International Airport for your onward flight.
