This morning, we pay a visit with the most outstanding sights in the very center of Saigon, taking in the colonial monuments such as the Opera House, the City Hall, the Central Post Office, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic Reunification Palace, the intriguing War Museum, the frenetic and inviting Ben Thanh Market where everything that’s commonly eaten, worn or used by the Saigonese is piled high, and souvenirs can be found in equal abundance. Sample the famed Highland coffee of Vietnam and chat-chit with our guide. In the remain of the day, relax at the hotel.

After breakfast we leave the hustle and bustle of Saigon behind and travel into the Mekong Delta, a world that lives and works on the waters. Upon arrival in My Tho, a prosperous town in the region, pay a visit to the beautiful Vinh Trang pagoda where you have a chance to see monks do morning chanting. Next, enjoy a boat trip on the Mekong River teeming with exotic sights and sounds and activities. Disembark at an insular village to see exuberant orchards and villagers producing various things from coconut, be invited to taste freshly picked seasonal tropical fruits and local wine and enjoy a folk music show by village artistes. We’ll see more of local life from the comfort of a cart ride through the village and a sampan rowed along a palm-shaded side arm of the Mekong River. Break the trip at a local restaurant and savor regional specialties such as Elephant Ear Fish, Rice Ball, Coconut Salad, etc. for lunch.

 After the pleasant break, we return to Saigon. En route, a visit to a temple of the odd Caodai Sect can be arranged at our wish. The balance of the day will be free time.

 NOTE: Saigon center to My Tho = 80 km for 1.5 hours of driving

We bid farewell to Saigon and take the flight VN 118 @ 9:00-10:30/VN 126 @ 11:45-13:15 (according to the current schedule) Danang city in Middle Vietnam. Upon arrival, we meet up with our local guide and drive along the scenic coast to the quaint town of Hoian.

 After a wonderful lunch of Central Vietnam fares, we set out on a leisurely walking tour of the ancient quarter of Hoian. Being an exceptionally well-preserved example of a South-East Asian trading port dating from the 15^th to the 19^th century, its buildings and its street plan reflect the influences, both indigenous and foreign, that have combined to produce this unique Heritage Site. We’ll visit the landmark Japanese Covered Bridge, a Sino-Vietnamese merchant house, several Chinese Assembly Halls, and Hoian Museum. Later, it’ll be time for us to further explore this special corner of Vietnam at our own pace. Browsing the endless parades of shop-house for souvenirs, having a suit or dress tailor-made within 24 hours, taking a spa treatment are just some out of numerous highly recommended things to name.

 NOTE: Danang airport - Hoian = 35 km for 45-60 minutes of driving

After breakfast, we drive about 50 km to My Son, the capital and religious center of the former Champa kingdom, and now a World Heritage Site. There in a lush green valley stands dozens of red brick towers and sanctuaries dating from between the 7th and 13th centuries. Walk through the complex and learn about history, architecture, and cultural significance of the temples. Some 20 remain out of more than 70 temples that once spread out over this beautiful valley; several are well-preserved while others are in ruins, some damaged during the recent wars. Visiting My Son, we also have a chance to watch a show of Cham musical.

Back in Hoian, we enjoy lunch and then uncover the aesthetic secrets of a specialty of the town. Displayed massively, lanterns are believed to spark luck, happiness, and prosperity, and play an important role in spiritual life of Hoian people. Take part in a workshop by a famed craftsman and have a chance to craft a foldable lantern with our own hands and creativity and take it home for souvenir. When the day draws to a close, we’ll experience the unique basket boat of Hoian on a beautiful water body dominated by coconut palms. 

After breakfast, we leave Hoian and travel overland to Hue - the former capital of Vietnam. En route, visit the sacred Marble Mountains, admire the amazing collection of Cham sculptures at Cham Museum, climb over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, unwind on the white sandy beach of Lang Co. Arriving in Hue, we check into our rooms, refresh, and relax. Round of the evening with a sample of the Royal Banquet where we’ll be treated like kings and queens.

After breakfast we set out on a full day tour to look into the beauties of Vietnam’s former capital city. We take a dragon boat across the Perfume River, so named for the fragrance of flowers from orchards upriver, to the beautiful Thien Mu pagoda. Built on a small hill overlooking the river, this seven-story pagoda is an icon of Vietnam and a symbol of Hue. Next up, we’ll be exploring the Imperial Citadel, workplace and home of the Nguyen Emperors, a complex of palaces and temples built in the early 19th century and a recognized UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

Following a wonderful vegetarian lunch, we visit a typical garden house of Hue city, which was built according to precise rules of geomancy. Experience the serene and pleasant feelings it might bring. Continue to the grand mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc on a serene hill, which nicely reflects Vietnamese thinking about life after life. It is also an opportunity to learn about the history of Nguyen dynasty and the French colonial invasion. Later, we visit the nearby villages crafting incenses and conical hats. A wonderful photograph opportunity!

Today we bid farewell to Hue and fly VN 1540 @ 10:00 - 11:20 (according to the current schedule) to Hanoi, the age-old and elegant capital of Vietnam. Meet up with our local guide at Hanoi airport and drive to the city center. The capital of Vietnam celebrated its anniversary of 1,000 years in 2010. Historical emphasis on the arts and learning stipulates that buildings in Hanoi remain small, simple and in harmony with nature.

Following lunch, visit Tran Quoc pagoda – famous for its stunning architecture, calming ambience, and significant cultural values. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake to see the statue of Ly Thai To - the founder of Hanoi as the capital city of an independent Vietnam back in 1010, and Ngoc Son –a prominent temple sitting on an islet. Another highlight is the famed water puppet theater, a traditional art form created by farmers in the Red River Delta.

NOTE: Hanoi airport to city center = 35 km for 45-60 minutes of driving

After breakfast we set out to explore the capital of Vietnam. The city celebrated its anniversary of 1,000 years in 2010. Historical emphasis on the arts and learning stipulates that buildings in Hanoi remain small, simple and in harmony with nature. Start with the complex of memorials to Ho Chi Minh including the Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and the house of stilts. Continue to the Single Pillar Pagoda and then the Temple of Literature to get acquainted with two of the driving forces in Vietnam culture.

Afternoon, we visit the Museum of Ethnology which houses a fascinating exhibition of artefacts about the 54 ethnic groups in the country, indoor and outdoor. Venture into the frenetic & maze-like Old Quarter - a series of guild streets where the locals still trade the old way. This refined area of Hanoi provides a wonderful shopping experience and has a choice of many entertainment spots.

NOTE: We can opt to do a street food tour in the evening instead of lunch. 

Following breakfast, we travel east through the rich farm land of the Red River Delta to Halong Bay, Vietnam’s greatest natural wonder. Upon arrival, we’ll board a deluxe ship and sail into the protected are of the bay. From the comfort of the ship, we’ll spend the rest of the day exploring the incredible setting of thousand islands and islets jutting out of the emerald waters. During the cruise there will be opportunities to venture into hidden grottos and caves, often using smaller boats or possibly kayaks, visiting one of the floating villages and one or two picturesque lookout points. In the evening when the boat is anchored in the middle of the stunning lagoon, we enjoy a wonderful seafood meal and later there is opportunity of fishing with the crew. Stay overnight aboard.

NOTE: Hanoi-Halong Bay = 150 km for 03 hours of driving.

In the early morning many islands are alive with the sound of various sea birds nesting in the thick green vegetation that engulfs the limestone karsts. Early risers may wish to start the day with a Tai Chi class on the top deck as the sun rises out of the bay.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast whilst the boat slowly turns back in the direction of the mainland, weaving through more amazing rock formations that invite comparisons from fighting cocks to dragons and even further!

Disembark late morning and transfer to Hanoi airport to catch the departure flight home.