DAY 1: ARRIVE HANOI
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and remainder of the day is free to get over jetlag. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at the private home of a musician couple – the husband is a flutist in the National Orchestra while the wife is a piano teacher. Enjoy the meal hosted in the cozy dining room to understand the important role meals at home play in Vietnam. Chat and share with them life experiences through their lovely family photo album. After the meal, enjoy a melodious performance of flute and piano entertained by the hosts themselves.
DAY 2: HANOI
Hanoi’s surrounding countryside is filled with captivating natural beauty and images of tranquil village life. Take this chance to explore the forgotten village of Cuu, once the North’s premier tailoring village during the French colonial period. Many traces of its illustrious past are still visible today through the ancient architecture. Stroll around the village to appreciate the old charm. Stop at a local house to engage in a casual talk with the host over a cup of tea before driving back to Hanoi. In the afternoon, visit the must-see Temple of Literature, the first University for the sons of mandarins, for an overview about Hanoian culture and ancient Vietnamese architecture. Cap off the day with a cyclo ride through the Old Quarters to enjoy local daily life.
DAY 3: HANOI
Embark on a 3.5 hour drive to Halong Bay with a quick rest stop at Hong Ngoc Center – the best place to stop and stretch your legs en route. On arrival in Halong Bay, board your deluxe junk, settle into your cabin and prepare your appetite for an enjoyable lunch on deck. Mid-afternoon you will visit the mysterious atmosphere of Tien Ong cave, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, then continue to the Cua Van fishing village, the largest community on the bay. This will allow a closer look into the lives of local fishermen before you transfer to a bamboo boat and are rowed slowly through the village with a museum and a school among floating houses. Back to the boat, a cooking class is offered with the chef if you are interested while your boat leisurely cruise be amazed or enjoy sunset cocktails and canapés on up top deck before served wonderful dinner on board tonight.
Overnight on junk (joined boat – private cabin, 2 persons per cabin) (Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 4: HANOI – HALONG BAY – DANANG - HOI AN (FLIGHT)
Wake up early and partake in a Tai Chi class which is held on the upper deck. Visit Soi Sim Island, here you can relax in azure water of Halonng Bay or enjoy over 200 steps to the up top for panoramic view of the whole bay. Back to the boat for boarding towards the shore while brunch is served. Prepare your luggage and hand your key to the reception for check out. Arrive at the jetty late morning and transfer back to Hanoi with light snack provided en route. Opt to visit a traditional pottery workshop en route. Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for the flight to Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, meet with your guide and transfer to Hoi An and check-in your resort.
DAY 5: HOI AN
Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port. Today, this World Heritage-listed ancient town boasts well-preserved buildings, pedestrianized streets and unique cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. The narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour. There is plenty to visit including the old merchant’s houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with outstanding wood carvings; and the colourful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two. Lantern, the simple yet colorful item is now an essential part of Hoi An culture. The lantern is inspired and hand-made by local artisans and is meant to bring good fortune. It is really made a comeback by an experienced artisan – Mr. Huynh Van Ba who is now in his 80’s. Engage in a casual talk to him for a brief introduction to the history, shape, and color of the lanterns as well as the stages of production. Try creating your own lantern and take it home as a souvenir.
Remainder of the afternoon is free at leisure to explore the ancient town or enjoy the modern facilities of your resort.
DAY 6: HOI AN
This morning, save your stomach for a private street food tour with other guests from different hotels. Meet with your culinary expert, Neville Dean, and visit a local market in Hoi An to enjoy the tantalizing sights, smells and flavors of local produce. Then walk through zigzagging alleys to savor real street food as the local people do. Along the way, engage in conversation with Neville to understand his passion for food and experience the local culture through the eyes of an expatriate. Gather at a local restaurant to examine and taste traditional central dishes and learn more about this fascinating region. Afternoon is free at leisure to explore the town on your own.
DAY 7: HOI AN – DANANG – SAIGON (FLIGHT)
Morning is free at leisure until transfer to the airport for onward flight. A quick orientation tour along the way to visit city landmarks including: Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office.
Later this afternoon, drive to the impressive studio of a celebrated artist in Saigon’s suburban District 2. Being inspired by the lights, shadows and colors of Vietnam, artist Helene Kling has lived in Vietnam since 1996. Wander around her studio to contemplate her stunning artworks and antiques. Watch her painting and grasp her inspiration on each piece of art. Enjoy an aperitif with her to share her passion of art. Helen also supports Operation Smile charity by painting to raise funds for children needing cleft surgery. It is the art of healing!
DAY 8: MEKONG DELTA (LEISURED BIKING OF 7KM)
Depart early in the morning from Saigon and head two hours to the southwest. Along the way notice lush rice paddies and fruit farms emerging alongside the highway, upon arrival in Cai Lay, board a charming wooden boat to enjoy countryside scenery and river life. Then stretch your legs a bit and hop on a bicycle for a short ride of about 7km (over easy, level terrain) along narrow village lanes, past fruit orchards and local cottage industries. Locals will often greet you with a hello or “xin chao” as you pedal by. Arrive at the home of a tropical fruit farmer and have a walk around his orchard. Enjoy the opportunity to taste fresh fruits. Then relax while enjoying the view from a small sampan boat as you are paddled slowly along tropical canals. Disembark and walk through this Mekong village to a local home and enjoy a home-hosted lunch of Mekong Delta specialties. After lunch, a short walk takes you back to the car and your return trip to Saigon.
DAY 9: SAIGON – CON DAO (FLIGHT)
Morning, be transferred to the airport for flight to Con Dao. Con Dao island is the least developing beach destination in Vietnam so it is ideal venue for those who are looking for something off the beaten track. Upon arrival, check in and explore the wild nature and turquoise sea around your resort.
DAY 10 -11: CON DAO
Full day is free for beach relaxation.
DAY 12: CON DAO – SAIGON (FLIGHT) CONNECT DEPARTURE FLIGHT
Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for onward flights home.
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Sample Itineraries